After parting ways with Dylan, the two walked down Milblue Street to return to headquarters together.
“I knew you were acting a bit moody ever since I said I was going to meet Dylan.”
“To me, the number one person to keep an eye on is Colin, and Dylan is second.”
Of course, Chester understood Ruite’s intention to tell Dylan the news of the marriage himself.
Dylan was in the capital as part of the Imperial Knights, so it was easy to meet him.
But knowing it in his head and accepting it in his heart were two different things.
That was why Chester had slipped out of headquarters for a moment, using the excuse of wanting to look at magic tools during his break.
He figured it was better to see the situation for himself than to wait anxiously.
And just as he suspected, that guy Dylan was far too close to Ruite for comfort.
“Good grief, your jealousy is something else.”
“Look who’s talking. Who was it that got jealous just because I was laughing and chatting with Senior Ciel?”
“…”
Ruite fell silent, memories of the past resurfacing.
Knowing he shut his mouth like that whenever he felt cornered, Chester looked at him endearingly.
“Still, there’s no need to be so guarded. My last name will be changing to Callaway soon anyway.”
“…I really want to kiss you right now.”
“Hold it in.”
While trying to calm his racing heart, Chester repeated the name “Ruite Callaway” countless times in his head.
Then, a thought occurred to him.
“But Ruite, you’re the only son of Count Everhart. Is it really okay for you to marry into our family?”
“Oh, that? Didn’t the Duke explain it to you separately?”
Chester shook his head.
He had a vague memory of Benger explaining things when the arranged marriage was first finalized years ago, but back then, he hated the idea of the engagement and hadn’t paid any attention.
“The Everhart family is famous for how well the relatives get along.”
“Ah, that is well-known.”
In most noble families, relationships with relatives were often strained due to succession issues or internal politics.
But the Everharts were different. Teian Everhart, the head of the house, and his relatives formed the backbone of the family, and they were incredibly close to the Count and his wife.
When the Everhart house wavered briefly before the marriage with the Callaways was decided, every single relative had lent their strength to Teian to keep the family afloat.
In any other family, the moment the head’s power weakened, relatives would have blamed him, ousted him, and tried to seize the title for themselves.
Because the family members were generally mild-mannered and loathed conflict, the house had maintained its solidarity without internal fractures.
This reputation made them one of the most respected families among the citizens of the Empire.
“My father had two younger brothers, but one passed away a long time ago due to a chronic illness. He had a son.”
“And Count Teian is adopting that son?”
“Yeah. That’s how it’ll work. Normally, I should be the one to succeed my father as the head of the house, but I’ve never been interested in that kind of thing. Titles, power… I just don’t find them interesting, and I don’t think I have the talent to lead a family anyway.”
Before Ruite had transmigrated, his head was filled only with Chester, so he had no interest in the complex, heavy role of a patriarch.
The current Ruite felt the same.
“So, my father said that if I didn’t want to, he wouldn’t force me. He told me I didn’t have to inherit the house and could just live freely doing what I want. Besides, my cousin who’s being adopted is very clever. He’s driven and will lead the family much better than I ever could.”
“…That sounds exactly like Count Teian.”
Chester’s expression darkened slightly.
Ruite didn’t need to ask to know he was thinking about Benger.
Chester had said it didn’t matter what choice Benger made or whether he accepted him, but family ties—especially with the parents who gave you life—couldn’t be ignored so easily.
“Chester.”
Ruite cupped Chester’s face with both hands and tilted it up.
“My father is your other father now.”
“…”
“And the Duke will surely change one day too. No matter how long it takes. Even if he doesn’t, you have me, so everything is fine.”
Ruite’s face filled Chester’s vision.
He truly was a person who was lovely to look at and brought peace to his heart.
“So, no more expressions like that. You’re handsome no matter what face you make, but I don’t like seeing you look like that.”
“…Yeah, I understand.”
Chester smiled, clasping Ruite’s warm hands in his own.
“Good. Now let’s go.”
Chester quickly caught up to Ruite, who was walking ahead, and grabbed his hand firmly.
“I want to walk holding hands.”
“If you insist.”
Ruite squeezed back, their fingers interlacing.
The news of the marriage between the Everhart and Callaway houses spread like wildfire through high society.
Other noble families who had been targeting the Duke’s second son to form an alliance with the Callaways were left disappointed.
Everyone was shocked to learn that the two houses had promised this union long ago, but they eventually accepted it, knowing the two families had maintained a friendly relationship for a long time.
The information that leaked into the social circles soon reached the commoners and, naturally, the Knights.
Varen, Ciel, Cedric, and the members of both the research and combat divisions weren’t so much shocked as they were nodding in agreement, feeling that it was bound to happen.
Only Vilter caused a scene upon hearing the news, crying out about how this could possibly be.
And on a bright spring day, a massive crowd gathered in front of the annex connected to the Callaway Ducal mansion.
Today, the eldest son of the Everhart family and the second son of the Callaway family were to be wed, forging a deep bond between their houses.
“Duke.”
“Count, you’ve arrived.”
Benger greeted the Count and Countess as they walked in together.
Ethan was by his side.
“It’s been a while, Ethan.”
“Yes, Count. Have you been well? I apologize for not visiting you sooner.”
Teian smiled warmly and shook his head.
“We’re about to become family; don’t worry too much about that. Ah, it seems your fiancé couldn’t make it today.”
“Yes, since he’s in another country, his schedule was difficult to coordinate. He asked me to pass on his regards.”
Ethan laughed awkwardly. Knowing that Ethan only made that expression when his fiancé was mentioned, Teian didn’t push further.
As the guests began to arrive in succession, Benger instructed Ethan to go and greet them.
Raina left for a moment to adjust her attire.
Naturally, only the Count and the Duke remained.
“The children are finally getting married.”
“Indeed. It took quite a long time. The relationship between our houses will become even more solid now.”
Benger nodded in response.
“Those are very reassuring words. Ah, I heard Chester has been quite active in the Knights lately…”
Benger faltered for a micro-second, but he quickly composed his expression before any agitation could show.
“If he decided to ignore his father’s words and live as he pleases, he should at least achieve that much. As long as he carries the name Callaway, I won’t tolerate mediocrity.”
Teian simply tilted his lips upward and said, “I’m sure Chester knows that well.”
While the two fathers were conversing, Ruite was in a private room inside the annex.
He was sitting with his arms crossed, his leg shaking nervously.
He knew that shaking your leg was said to kick away your good luck, but he couldn’t help it.
“Ruite.”
“…”
“Ruite.”
“Oh… uh?”
Ruite looked up at the sound of the voice.
Chester, dressed in a black tuxedo with his hair partially swept back, naturally sat down beside him.
“Are you nervous?”
“…I want to act tough and say no, but I am.”
Ruite habitually reached up to mess with his hair but stopped himself.
He remembered Raina’s warning to keep his appearance tidy until the ceremony began.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
He felt a persistent gaze from the side.
When he turned his head, he saw Chester smiling joyfully, his ears tinged red.
“Hmm, I’m just so happy. You look amazing in your tuxedo.”
“…Aren’t you nervous at all?”
Seeing Chester so much calmer than usual made Ruite feel a bit indignant.
But Chester thought for a moment and shook his head.
“Not at all. I’ve been imagining this moment with you for so long.”
Chester pressed a brief kiss to the back of Ruite’s hand.
It was a light touch, but Ruite’s face flushed bright red.
Seeing Ruite’s shy reaction, Chester leaned in closer.
“The ceremony is starting soon.”
“Is that a problem?”
Ruite didn’t answer.
Reading the positive affirmation in the silence, Chester gently pulled on the back of Ruite’s neck.
But just as their lips were about to touch, there was a knock at the door.
“Young Masters, it’s time to get ready.”
Kio had come in to announce the start of the ceremony.
“Ah, right. Thanks.”
Ruite quickly pushed Chester away and nodded, trying to act natural.
With a word that he would be waiting, Kio stepped back out.
Ruite and Chester slowly rose from their seats.
“I’ll finish what I started later,” Chester complained quietly.
Ruite burst into a pleasant laugh at the sight.
His nervousness vanished as if it had never been there, and his heart felt at ease.
“Chester, let’s go.”
“Yeah.”
The two smiled at each other.
The doors opened, and brilliant light poured into the hall.
Toward the shining path ahead, the two took their first steps together, side by side.
