* * *
“Like me.”
“Some people would call someone like you foolish.”
There was a spark in Chester’s violet eyes, like he was wondering how Adam would respond.
“As long as the two Dukes don’t think poorly of me, that’s all that matters… I don’t care what others say. Except for Emily.”
He meant it. Adam didn’t care about others’ opinions.
If he had, he wouldn’t have come to this castle in the first place.
‘If only Emily’s illness could be cured, I would’ve done anything.’
“Every time we talk, I’m surprised. That you can speak so calmly like this… It must be because of your sister, right?”
Chester added this softly, almost to himself.
“To love someone that much… it’s always fascinating.”
“I always consider it a blessing.”
“A blessing?”
“Just thinking about her gives me strength. It gives me the courage to face adversity. If I had lived alone without her… I’m sure I would’ve crumbled in loneliness.”
Chester made no effort to hide his interest.
“Even though she’s the reason you had to sell your body?”
“Of course.”
Talking about her made Adam miss Emily terribly.
His nose stung, and he cleared his throat unnecessarily.
Chester, watching him quietly, softened.
His violet eyes turned gentle.
“I was going to tease you a little for only hanging around my brother… but now I don’t feel like it anymore.”
“Huh? Tease me?”
Adam widened his eyes.
“Only hanging around Isaac? I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Of course you don’t.”
Chester replied as if he wasn’t surprised.
Adam grew more confused.
‘When did I ever “hang around” Duke Isaac?’
All he ever did was take dance lessons with a tense posture, worrying every moment that he might step on Isaac’s feet.
No one could call that “playing around.”
“My brother really cherishes you, you know that?”
“Ah… yes.”
“You don’t seem too thrilled about it. Was the dance lesson that bad?”
Startled, Adam shook his head quickly.
Oddly, instead of scolding him, Chester burst into hearty laughter.
His clear, ringing laughter filled the entire room.
“Ahahaha!”
Then he gestured for the others in the room to leave.
The people waiting quietly in the corners quickly exited, leaving only Chester and Adam.
“Now.”
Chester’s gaze returned to the bracelet.
It sparkled brilliantly with every tiny movement.
Perhaps he liked the iridescent color; he looked quite pleased.
“Why don’t you show me? Your dancing skills, I mean.”
“Dancing…?”
“Yes. Like I said earlier, I’m quite the dancer myself. I’ll let you know what parts you need to improve.”
With that, Chester stepped back.
He placed his hand on his chest in the manner of someone giving a formal bow before a dance.
He clearly hadn’t been joking.
‘I’m doomed.’
To keep showing off his weakest skill—just the thought made Adam pale.
His face tensed up with nervous gloom.
Chester bit his lip to stifle the laughter that threatened to burst out again.
Meanwhile, outside the room, the servants exchanged glances.
Careful not to let the master inside overhear, they whispered among themselves.
“My goodness. Lord Chester really treasures him.”
“It’s not just Lord Chester, is it? Lord Isaac personally teaches him to dance.”
“He’s so handsome. And he has such a gentle personality. Of course the two Dukes would be drawn to him.”
Their whispers were full of admiration for Adam.
The castle staff had always liked Adam, who was polite and composed.
And the fact that he was devoted to his sick younger sister only drew more sympathy.
Of course, not everyone was fond of Adam.
“He’s an Omega.”
The one who poured cold water over the mood was a young servant named Colin.
He muttered in a surly voice.
“What does it matter if he’s handsome or kind? A bit of pheromone scent and anyone would fall for it. Even the Dukes are probably just enchanted by that scent.”
As he spoke, Colin looked Lily up and down.
Adam Ross, loved just for being an Omega.
And Lily, a maid who received expensive dresses just for serving him.
It made him sick.
‘He sold his body—he should be scorned, not treated like he’s something special.’
“Colin, how can you say such a thing?”
Lily immediately snapped at him.
She couldn’t tolerate anyone mocking or belittling Adam.
“Those words insult the Dukes themselves. How dare you mock the person they chose?”
“You little—”
Colin started to retort, but abruptly swallowed his words.
The butler, Harry, stood nearby with an unreadable expression, silently watching.
The other servants quickly straightened up and greeted him.
“Lord Chester is… still inside, sir.”
“Yes, we were told to wait here,” someone said quickly.
“I see. I’ll wait as well.”
Harry gave a slight nod, then turned his eyes to Colin.
“Colin.”
Colin bowed deeper, breaking out in a cold sweat.
‘How much did he hear?’
“Are you asking to be whipped? Or would you prefer another punishment?”
“N-no, sir.”
“You know why I’m saying this. As punishment, you’ll clean the stables alone. I’ll check myself to see if it’s done properly.”
Cleaning the stable alone?
Just thinking about it made his head spin.
But if he dared to open his mouth one more time, the punishment would only get worse.
Clenching his molars, Colin bowed his head.
“Damn it!”
Lily watched as his face flushed with rage.
Her heart shrank with anxiety, but she kept her expression neutral.
‘Why is he like this? Adam is such a kind person. Why say such nonsense to someone so good?’
Maybe it was just some pointless inferiority complex.
Lily turned away, thinking how mean-spirited Colin was.
Colin stared at the floor, clenching his fists.
His jagged nails dug into his skin.
The nobles who saw the garden of Carlisle Castle were left speechless, as if their souls had been snatched away.
The garden itself was a symbol of majestic power.
It stretched all the way to the vanishing point of the horizon, adorned with artificial caves, coral structures, and sculptures shaped like rocks that added a flamboyant touch.
“To think nature can be reshaped to this extent… Truly, the Dukes of Carlisle are extraordinary.”
“If they’re not careful, they might offend His Majesty. Flaunting their power like this—it’s even more extravagant than the last ball.”
“Oh, come now. Considering the accomplishments of the dukes, His Majesty will surely be lenient.”
The nobles whispered in small clusters.
One of them looked around the space where a play would soon be held and murmured,
“There’s nothing His Majesty has denied them. He even accepted their wish not to marry.”
“Not marry, huh… ha ha ha.”
A middle-aged man let out a hearty laugh and whispered to a noblewoman,
“You’ve heard the story, haven’t you? About them taking in an omega to bear an heir. And it’s said… the omega is a man.”
The noblewoman opened her fan and covered her mouth.
“A man? This is the first I’ve heard. But I suppose… there is a theory that male omegas give birth to healthier children. And both dukes are alphas, correct? There’s an old saying that children born between alphas and omegas are exceptionally gifted.”
“They say the chances of giving birth to another alpha are high.”
“Of course, none of this is medically proven, I believe.”
The nobles’ eyes gleamed.
“I heard that omega is attending the ball.”
“Really? Then I must have a look. If he’s serving the dukes at night, he must be… quite the beauty.”
Their voices were full of curiosity and anticipation.
It was only natural—the nobles were deeply interested in this omega.
After all, he was the next most powerful statement the Carlisle brothers were making, right after their grand garden.
How breathtaking must he be?
Did he possess beauty dazzling enough to blind onlookers?
Would he rival the most renowned noble daughters in appearance?
Or perhaps he exuded a sultry, seductive charm?
* * *
