* * *

Time passed, and before he knew it, the day of the royal hunting trip had arrived.

Despite his reluctance, Remy had no choice but to participate.

The trip, hosted by the royal family, was centered around the kingdom’s largest hunting competition.

Only eleven noble houses—those most favored by the crown—had been invited to attend.

The competition’s highlight? Hunting the legendary Golden Stag, said to symbolize the Frederica royal lineage.

Of course, no one had ever seen the mythical creature in real life. It was little more than a fanciful tradition, where the largest, most majestic deer caught that season was crowned the Golden Stag.

Although it was Remy’s first time attending the hunt, he wasn’t worried.

He’d memorized every detail from the original story.

“This time, I’m going to succeed. No more failures. I’ll win this and get out of this crazy world!”

Determined, Remy clenched his fists.

He couldn’t afford to fail—not when even his own name was starting to feel like a distant memory.

“Remy!”

Lost in thought, Remy flinched at the sound of his name.

He turned sharply, glaring at the cheerful figure waving at him.

It was his childhood friend—the last person he wanted to see.

With a sigh, Remy trudged toward him.

“How did you even get here?”

“How did you get here? By carriage?”

“…Just get to the point.”

“It’s been so long since we last met, and you’re starting with business? Isn’t that a bit cold?”

“Fine. Hello. Now, what’s the matter?”

Ashton couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Remy, who was as feisty as ever.

It had been a few days since he’d last visited the Wesley estate.

“The hunting tournament. You’re participating, right?”

Remy raised an eyebrow.

‘Why is he asking something so obvious? And on the morning of the departure, no less.’

“Yeah, why?”

“I thought it might be tough for you to travel that far alone.”

“It’s not tough at all.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Your body’s already weak. What if you collapse on the way?”

“That’s why I’m bringing the physician.”

“A physician isn’t enough for an Omega. You need an Alpha like me by your side.”

“What, are you the only Alpha in the world? There are plenty of others, you know.”

“When it comes to pheromone effects, nothing beats a dominant Alpha. And it just so happens I’m one of the rare few.”

“Yeah, no thanks. I’m pretty sure I won’t need your dominant Alpha pheromones.”

“You never know.”

Oh, for crying out loud.

Annoyed, Remy glared at Ashton, his expression scrunched up in irritation.

But to Ashton, it was utterly endearing, like a squirrel pouting over a stolen acorn.

Of course, Remy had no idea, falsely believing his glare would intimidate.

“Anyway, what’s your point?”

“Come with me.”

“Why would I?”

“Weren’t you listening? I didn’t think you were this slow, Remy.”

“Ugh, I don’t care. I’m not talking to you anymore, and I’m definitely not going with you.”

Convinced there was no point in prolonging the conversation, Remy turned to leave.

But Ashton stepped forward, blocking his path.

“Are we done here?”

“You should at least hear me out.”

Ashton flashed a dazzling smile.

Seeing it, Remy couldn’t suppress a shiver.

‘What the hell is this Alpha up to now?’

“Remy.”

“W-What?”

“What if something happens again, and you can’t remember? Who’ll help you then? Hmm? Don’t you think you’ll need me?”

Remy frowned slightly but wasn’t as rattled as Ashton probably hoped.

He could brush off an attack of this level.

“Thanks for your concern, but I’ll be alone in the carriage, so there’s no problem.”

Remy mentally flipped Ashton the bird as he spoke.

‘Take that, jerk.’

But of course…

“Sure, you say there’s no problem.”

The issue was that Ashton wasn’t someone to let things slide.

“But does the Countess of Wesley know?”

Remy flinched, his shoulders jerking up.

“W-What?”

“I mean, does your dear mother know her son is dealing with memory loss?”

“You… What are you—”

“Oh, it’s nothing. She just sent me a letter today.”

“To you?”

“Yeah. She said she’s worried about you being away for so long. Asked me to take good care of her precious Remy.”

“…”

“So, what should I reply? ‘Actually, ma’am, about your son…’”

“Stop. That’s enough.”

Remy grabbed Ashton’s wrist in a panic, cutting him off mid-sentence.

“Which carriage are we taking? Yours? That’ll be more convenient, right?”

“Probably.”

Remy, unwilling to risk his freedom being ruined by a letter, had no choice but to comply.

Ashton, fully aware of this, had played his cards perfectly.

“You’re good at keeping secrets, right?”

“Well, as much as my lips are heavy.”

“Cut the crap.”

“You don’t know? An Alpha’s word carries weight proportional to their belongings.”

“That sounds made up.”

“Caught me.”

Not wanting to engage any further, Remy stormed toward the carriage waiting outside.

It was a luxurious one, marked with the symbol of the Harlend family—a lion rearing on its hind legs.

“Send a proper reply to my mother. Politely.”

“Of course. Didn’t you see how serious I was last time?”

“Stop spouting nonsense.”

“That’s harsh.”

Though Ashton’s teasing was infuriating, Remy had no choice but to climb into the carriage with him.

He couldn’t risk Ashton running his mouth.

Sitting next to him, however, filled Remy with dread.

‘I’m going to lose my mind. It’s going to take forever to get to the hunting grounds, and I’m stuck with him? Just kill me now.’

Being confined with a flirtatious, capable, and occasionally kind Alpha for hours on end was torture enough.

Add in those intoxicating pheromones, and it was unbearable.

He could already imagine Ashton flooding the space with his tempting scent.

“Remy.”

As Remy spiraled into despair, Ashton’s voice pulled him back to reality.

“What?”

Peeking out of the carriage window, Remy saw a figure standing in the sunlight—Haywards, with his silver hair glinting under the warm rays.

Haywards looked nothing short of stunning.

But in Remy’s mind, only one thought floated:

‘I’m screwed.’

“I heard you’ve been struggling with post-manifestation aftereffects, but you seem better today.”

Startled, Remy scrambled out of the carriage to bow.

No matter how much he wanted to avoid Haywards, basic courtesy was non-negotiable.

“It’s an honor to see you, Your Highness.”

As Remy greeted him, Ashton did the same.

But Haywards didn’t even glance at Ashton, his gaze locked solely on Remy.

“I was surprised to hear you’d be participating in the hunting tournament. Feeling better now?”

“Yes, thanks to your concern.”

“Concern? I haven’t seen you since the summer estate at Aylesford.”

His words carried a thinly veiled sting, sharp enough to make Remy wince.

“I planned to visit once I recovered, but the hunting tournament came up, so I thought I’d greet you there.”

“You sent your participation letter ages ago. It’s a bit disappointing, don’t you think?”

Remy pressed his lips together, unable to come up with a response.

“And yet… why are you traveling in the Harlend family’s carriage?”

As Haywards asked the question, he glanced disapprovingly at the carriage bearing the Harlan family crest.

Almost instinctively, Remy’s gaze followed his to the same carriage.

“It seems Ashton was worried about my frail health. He came to suggest we travel together.”

Remy shared a significantly watered-down version of the truth.

There was no need to mention his mother, the letter, or the veiled threats involved.

“Oh, is that so?”

Contrary to Remy’s expectations, Haywards didn’t seem particularly annoyed.

In fact, the sly smile tugging at his lips made him appear… pleased?

No, suspiciously pleased might be more accurate.

“But you know,” he continued.

“…?”

“Wouldn’t it be better to travel in a larger, more spacious carriage? You get motion sickness just being carried; surely you should ride in something bigger.”

Before Remy could fully process Haywards’ intention or react with dismay, a carriage more luxurious than anything imaginable in the empire rolled to a stop before them.

Its white and gold accents weren’t just beautiful—they were practically art.

The flag proudly displaying the golden stag emblem radiated sheer majesty.

Sigh.

Taking in the sight of the stunningly ornate carriage, Remy let out a deep internal sigh.

‘These guys… They’re all the same, aren’t they?’

“Don’t you agree, Remy?”

“Excuse me, Your Highness.”

Before Haywards could press further, Ashton interjected.

* * *