* * *

The knights standing next to Lowell were just as shocked.

It was unimaginable that the Grand Duke, could sustain a serious injury.

“There’s no need to worry. We don’t yet know the extent of the injury, and aren’t those loose-lipped rumors anyway?”

The words were meant to reassure Lowell, but they seemed ineffective.

His trembling hands betrayed his fear, and his expressionless face only made it more evident that he was in shock.

If even the knights showed signs of unease, it would only worsen Lowell’s state.

“But the fact that priests were dispatched is true, isn’t it?”

Lowell’s earlier playful demeanor had vanished.

Now, he murmured anxiously. He knew he was overreacting, but he couldn’t calm himself.

His hands trembled uncontrollably.

“I should wait until I understand the situation. They know I’m here, so if it were something serious, they would have contacted me by now….”

Despite his rational efforts, the image of Felix, bloodied and battered, kept haunting him.

“Lord Lowell.”

Tia, standing nearby, spoke in a firm tone.

“Priests are always summoned after battles with monsters. If a subjugation lasts for an extended period, it’s common for them to accompany the forces. The presence of priests doesn’t necessarily mean anything has happened to His Grace.”

Tia’s calm explanation helped Lowell slowly regain his breath.

“…Thank you for the clarification.”

Though his shaking voice steadied slightly, his body remained tense with unease.

“Let’s head back to your room. It would be better to eat once you’ve calmed down.”

At Tia’s nod, the other knights moved to support Lowell.

He tried to wave them off but quickly realized his legs lacked strength and allowed himself to be guided.

Ignoring the dark visions in his mind was all he could manage.

“The subjugation seems to have ended, so we should receive word soon. If it’s nothing serious, His Grace will return shortly,” Phil added cautiously.

Lowell couldn’t bring himself to respond.

His condition was clearly dire, and pretending otherwise was beyond him.

As the sun set, a crimson moon rose in its place.

After what felt like an eternity, Lowell stood by the window, restless.

One of the knights brought him a chair, but he kept sitting and standing, unable to remain still for more than ten seconds at a time.

“This kind of worry isn’t good for the baby….”

He felt guilty.

It had been only a short time since he promised to care for the child within him, yet he was failing already.

Despite his resolve, his body’s trembling grew worse.

“Why am I so anxious and afraid?”

His nails scratched his palms as if trying to dispel his overwhelming fear.

“Would you like a blanket?”

Noticing Lowell’s trembling, Phil wondered if he was cold and brought him a blanket.

Lowell draped it over himself without taking his eyes off the window.

The knights, realizing there was nothing they could say to ease Lowell’s anxiety, fell silent.

Time dragged on until, finally, a group of figures appeared, breaking through the darkness.

Lowell jumped to his feet and rushed to the door.

The knights, instead of stopping him, followed close by to support him.

When they reached the entrance, the face Lowell had waited for all day finally appeared.

“Felix!”

Forgetting formalities, Lowell called his name.

Seeing Lowell stumbling toward him, Felix’s eyes widened in surprise.

He quickly dismounted and caught him, ensuring he wouldn’t fall.

“How could you come out in this cold without proper clothing?”

Felix started to scold him but fell silent when he noticed how much Lowell was trembling in his arms.

“Why are you shaking like this? Are you that cold?”

His voice softened, but Lowell only shook his head, burying himself further into Felix’s embrace.

Satisfied but concerned, Felix gently pulled him back.

“Why are you crying?”

It was only then that Lowell realized tears were streaming down his face.

Fear, which had taken over his entire body, now spilled out in drops that fell to the ground.

“They said you were hurt. I was so scared…”

Lowell couldn’t finish his sentence as his emotions overwhelmed him.

Felix clicked his tongue and lifted his arm, previously hidden by his cloak.

“It’s just a scratch. I received simple treatment, and it’s nothing to worry about. Whoever told you must have exaggerated.”

The wound on Felix’s arm had already started to heal, leaving only faint traces.

Anyone could see it would leave no scar within days.

Lowell traced the fading mark with his fingers.

“You promised me you wouldn’t get hurt.”

The words slipped out, more a complaint than reproach.

Instead of rebuking him, Felix released soothing pheromones to calm Lowell.

“A monster came too close to the village. It was going to attack a child, so I acted on instinct. That’s how it happened.”

Felix’s gaze dropped to Lowell’s belly.

It was clear why he had reacted so impulsively—he’d been thinking of their child.

“Still, I broke my promise. For that, I apologize.”

Felix unfastened his cloak and wrapped it around Lowell.

Though it had fit him perfectly, it was large enough to cover Lowell entirely.

Holding him securely, Felix strode into the lodging house.

“Y-Your Grace?”

The innkeeper stammered, recognizing him.

“We’ll be staying quietly for the night. Just carry on as usual.”

Felix’s tone left no room for argument.

“Y-Yes, of course!”

Though nearly impossible, the innkeeper could only comply and hope for the best.

Felix ignored the stares as he entered Lowell’s room.

“Have you calmed down now?”

Seated gently on the bed, Lowell nodded.

Seeing that Felix wasn’t injured beyond his arm brought relief, followed by a wave of embarrassment.

“I’m sorry for showing you such a disgraceful side of me. It’s my first time experiencing one of your battles, and I think I overreacted.”

Lowell cringed at how irrational he’d been.

“It’s fine.”

Felix sat back against the bed and pulled Lowell into his lap.

He massaged Lowell’s limbs while pressing his nose to the nape of his neck, savoring even the faintest pheromones.

“I was worried too.”

After a long pause, Felix admitted it.

Having left his mate in an unfamiliar place, the thought of something happening to Lowell had eaten away at him.

He had rushed the subjugation to return quickly.

“I stayed in the inn the entire time,” Lowell replied.

“Did you eat?”

Felix’s tone was careful, as if checking off a list.

“A little.”

Lowell answered honestly, avoiding the temptation to lie.

Felix glanced at Tia for confirmation.

“He was eating when he heard of your injury, which startled him greatly. It would be best if he finished his meal now.”

“Agreed.”

Felix resisted the urge to click his tongue in displeasure.

Lowell looked somewhat dispirited, and Felix didn’t want to make it worse.

“We’ll have a light meal in a little while.”

“Yes.”

In Felix’s arms, Lowell gradually regained his composure.

Once the storm cloud that had settled in his heart finally dissipated, a delayed sense of embarrassment washed over him.

“I am the lord of this land. While I can’t promise to stay out of battles, I swear to return unharmed. In return, Lowell, I want you to swear that you’ll do everything to keep yourself safe.”

Felix’s voice was firm.

Even if he placed Lowell in the safest location, it was clear he would still worry.

Worry, after all, was another name for affection.

Lowell had a sudden realization.

‘Why do Felix’s actions remind me of my late parents?’

The reason was clear.

He was afraid of losing someone precious again.

Put differently, Felix had already become someone precious to Lowell.

‘What do I do now?’

* * *