* * *
After Rex’s visit, Remy thought it was about time he went to see Oliver.
He felt guilty for neglecting him while caught up in his own affairs.
Since the weather had turned colder, he prepared blankets and winter clothes.
This, too, had been arranged in advance through Chandler.
“Will this be enough, Young Master?”
“Hmm. I think so… It should be fine for winter, right?”
“These blankets are made from the finest cotton. There shouldn’t be any issues.”
“Good. Thank you, Chandler.”
With his arms full of supplies, Remy headed toward the front door.
Just as the attendant opened it for him to leave—
Clatter.
Clatter.
A sudden noise from nearby made him pause.
His gaze instinctively followed the sound, and his expression hardened in an instant.
A carriage, so extravagant and grand that no one in the Empire could rival it, had stopped right in front of him.
‘There’s no way a royal messenger would ride in something like that… No way. Did Hayward come here himself? Seriously?’
They say even the most improbable things can happen.
Unfortunately for Remy, that exact moment had arrived.
The carriage door opened, and out stepped none other than Hayward himself.
For a split second, Remy nearly clutched the back of his neck and collapsed.
A prince visiting a mere count’s estate in person? This had to be a joke.
“Remy.”
Of all places, why did they have to run into each other right in front of his house, where escape was impossible?
Seeing Hayward greet him so casually made him want to curse the heavens.
Remy bit his lip hard before forcing himself to bow in greeting.
“…Your Highness.”
There wasn’t even a hint of guilt on Hayward’s face as he looked at Remy.
That blatant shamelessness made Remy grind his teeth.
There was no way he had forgotten what he had done to him.
And yet, his expression was so composed—no, arrogant—that anger flared up inside Remy.
“It’s been a while.”
Remy tightened his grip on the supplies in his hands and glared at Hayward with open hostility.
“Has it? I would’ve preferred if we never saw each other again.”
“That’s a bit harsh. You could at least smile for someone who came all this way.”
“I’m not generous enough to welcome Your Highness with a smile.”
His voice was cold and firm, devoid of any warmth.
And yet, for some insane reason, Hayward found even that unbearably endearing.
Like a wildcat puffing up in warning, those wary eyes were utterly charming.
Even if Remy lashed out and clawed at him, Hayward had the urge to pull him close and hold him.
“Where were you headed?”
“Nowhere important, as you can see.”
“Well, that will have to wait.”
“And why is that?”
“Because I came to see you. We need to talk.”
“Unfortunately, I have nothing to discuss with Your Highness. Even if I did, I wouldn’t want to be alone with you.”
“Well, that’s not really up to you, is it?”
“…What do you mean?”
“I came all the way to your house. That means you can’t refuse me.”
Remy let out a sharp laugh.
Whatever lofty status a king or prince had in this era, he couldn’t care less.
This was beyond arrogance.
Showing up unannounced and claiming he had no choice but to comply—what kind of nonsense was that?
“And if I refuse? What will you do, Your Highness? Throw me in prison? Seize my family’s assets? Do as you please. I have no intention of obeying you.”
At this point, Remy was past caring.
After everything Hayward had already tried to do to him, what else could possibly be worse?
He bowed curtly and turned to leave. He had barely taken a step forward—
“Hup—!”
Two royal guards suddenly appeared, blocking his path.
Their swords were drawn.
They had actually drawn their weapons.
Just to threaten an unarmed omega with his hands full.
‘What the…?’
Remy frowned in disbelief.
No matter how high a prince’s status, wasn’t this too much?
“You’re scaring him,” Hayward said, his voice sickeningly sweet.
He waved a hand, signaling the guards to step back.
Remy glared at him, but Hayward only took a step closer, resting a hand lightly on his face.
“Look at you. Your pretty face is so tense with fear. Isn’t that right?”
At Hayward’s words, the guards quickly sheathed their swords.
“Our apologies, Your Highness.”
The two guards spoke in unison.
“Remy.”
That same face.
That beautiful face that had once made his heart pound so wildly.
Hayward smiled at him.
“I dislike violence. So why don’t we go back inside? You look tired, and that load looks heavy.”
Hayward reached out, gently stroking Remy’s cheek.
His pale, slender fingers traced down his skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake.
And then—
His pheromones.
A scent designed to overwhelm omegas flooded the air.
“…Ah.”
Like a cruel joke, strength drained from Remy’s limbs, and he swayed on his feet.
Hayward caught him effortlessly, pulling him into his arms.
“Oh dear. Still not fully recovered? You’re collapsing over just this much?”
“….”
“If this is enough to make you tremble, that’s a problem. I haven’t even released a fraction of what I used in my room that night.”
“…Your Highness.”
“If you don’t want to embarrass yourself in front of everyone, I suggest you come inside before I release any more.”
That dazzling smile, paired with such chilling words, made Remy shudder involuntarily.
“Don’t worry. I won’t be rough with you like last time.”
“….”
“I came because I really have something to say today. Something important.”
Remy let out a long, exhausted sigh, as if surrendering.
Seeing this, Hayward’s lips curled into a satisfied smile.
He smoothly took the packages from Remy’s hands and extended his other hand toward him, palm up.
“….”
Remy hesitated, staring at the offered hand before reluctantly placing his own in it.
Hayward brought it to his lips, kissing the delicate fingers before leading him back toward the house.
Chandler, upon seeing Remy return, was visibly startled.
However, the sight of Hayward beside him quickly filled in the blanks.
“Your Highness,” Chandler greeted, his voice level and professional, betraying no emotion.
“As expected of you, Chandler,” Hayward mused, seemingly amused by the butler’s composure.
“I will escort you to the drawing room.”
Chandler led them there in silence, but Hayward’s gaze lingered on him, scrutinizing him with interest.
Upon arrival, Hayward gave a quiet command.
“Forget the tea.”
What he truly meant was: leave us alone.
Chandler glanced at Remy’s pale face, uneasy.
But knowing who he was dealing with, he had no choice but to obey.
As the door shut, Hayward moved without hesitation.
His lips brushed over Remy’s forehead, then his eyelids, then his cheeks, then—his lips.
Remy, feeling his body weaken again, desperately pushed him away.
“Don’t,” he whispered hoarsely. “Please, Your Highness… don’t.”
It was dangerous.
No matter how much this was his own reception room, staying this close to Hayward was dangerous.
On top of that, Hayward was openly releasing his pheromones.
Just because it was his home didn’t mean he could afford to let his guard down.
“Why? This level of skinship should be fine, no?”
“Your Highness.”
Hayward didn’t even pretend to listen to Remy’s words.
Instead, he pulled him in even tighter and pressed his lips against the nape of his neck.
A shiver ran down Remy’s spine as he felt soft, supple lips sink into his skin.
* * *
I hate Hayward so much, I just want to crush this arrogant man who blatantly ignores consent
Istg he’s annoying
I preferer him to be killed on the spot