* * *

Before Hena could clarify, the door opened, and the five expected guests entered in a line.

Henry and Hena stood as they watched the newcomers take their places.

With the Duke Timothy and Duchess standing beside him, the Lorenz family members seated themselves opposite them.

Henry’s gaze landed on Edwin, and he offered a subtle nod.

It reminded him of the imperial banquet where he and Edwin had similarly faced each other.

“Let’s formally introduce ourselves. I am Kaiser Timothy.”

“I am Verne Lorenz.”

After the Dukes and Duchesses exchanged introductions, Henry followed suit.

Though slightly nervous, he introduced himself as Henry Timothy, prompting Edwin and Hena to naturally state their own names.

Once the introductions were complete, they sat down, carefully maintaining decorum.

Yet, something felt off to Henry.

He couldn’t shake the strange, stifling atmosphere.

Even though the two Dukes were familiar with each other and their children were friendly enough, they acted with an unusual degree of formality today.

For example, they had even reintroduced themselves by name—something unnecessary given their longstanding acquaintance.

The thought unsettled Henry.

What was this strange tension?

Despite the peaceful yet restrained mood, the meal commenced.

The table overflowed with exquisite dishes, and everyone began helping themselves.

Henry, distracted at first, eventually started eating as well, focusing on his favorite dishes.

Then, he glanced at Edwin.

“What’s wrong?” Edwin asked, noticing the look.

Henry had sensed Edwin’s pheromones.

Only bonded pairs could perceive each other’s pheromones, so Hena’s confusion quickly gave way to understanding as she pieced the situation together.

At Henry’s silence, Edwin whispered something to a nearby servant, who promptly moved to Henry’s side, cutting a steak and pouring a small amount of wine into a fresh glass.

Once done, the servant stepped back, and Edwin gestured toward the prepared plate.

“Try it.”

Henry chuckled, slightly incredulous.

So Edwin had used his pheromones for this?

Still, he picked up his fork and took a bite.

As he chewed and followed it with a sip of wine, his eyes widened.

“What is this? Why does it taste so different?”

“Food always changes depending on the wine it’s paired with.”

Though Henry thought he knew the steak’s flavor well, the new wine brought out an entirely unexpected depth.

Amused, he looked at Edwin, a smile spreading naturally across his face.

“How did you figure this out?”

“When my senses sharpened after Manifesting, I noticed things like this.”

“Ah, that makes sense.”

Henry nodded in understanding.

Manifesting as an extreme alpha wasn’t just about gaining pheromones; it brought an overall sensory enhancement, akin to a butterfly emerging from its cocoon.

It was no wonder alphas and omegas often outperformed betas.

“You’re acting surprised now, but don’t I always tell you my dishes are perfect?”

Edwin’s comment reminded Henry of a past imperial banquet when the Emperor praised Edwin’s wine recommendations.

Laughing, Henry explained why he was so taken aback, sharing in the lighthearted memory.

“I thought I knew our family’s cuisine better, that’s why. But have you tried all these dishes as if you were experimenting with them?”

Henry’s innocent question made Edwin pause briefly.

Soon, a gentle smile appeared on Edwin’s lips.

“If you eat everything like that, you’ll get full and hit your limit quickly. Start by smelling the aroma first.”

“Oh…”

As Henry, who had taken a simpler approach, belatedly nodded in understanding, Edwin began selecting dishes for him personally.

Watching with curiosity, Hena also tried Edwin’s recommendations and nodded in approval.

While the three were absorbed in their meal, the two dukes and their spouses quietly observed them.

Just like before, it felt strange to see Edwin taking care of Henry.

Not only was Edwin recommending dishes to Henry, but he also got up from his seat to move closer to him.

Then, he poured wine into Henry’s glass and brought over dishes to pair with it.

Henry, far from questioning why Edwin was going to such lengths, simply ate what was served to him while enthusiastically commenting on the flavors.

Edwin, hearing Henry’s repeated exclamations of “delicious,” continued placing more food in front of him.

It was almost reminiscent of a mother bird feeding her chick.

So much so that Hena, unable to keep up with their pace, pouted in frustration.

The two servants, who had hesitated at the commotion, reluctantly gathered by Hena’s side to console her.

Edwin, who showed endless interest in Henry, and Henry, who naturally accepted Edwin’s care, looked perfectly in sync.

The sight of them seamlessly accommodating each other gave the impression of a bonded couple, deeply attuned to one another.

The Duke Timothy exchanged a glance with Duke Lorenz.

Without a word, he conveyed that there was no need for further hesitation—it was time to unite Henry and Edwin officially.

Duke Lorenz, sharing the same sentiment, gave a slight nod and said,

“Do you have a date in mind?”

“The weather will grow colder soon, so we should pick a suitable time before that.”

Their sudden exchange of words drew Henry’s attention. In truth, everyone at the table was listening closely to the dukes’ conversation.

“To ensure everything goes smoothly, it might be wise to assign a dedicated team to handle the arrangements. What do you think?”

“In the Lorenz household, the butler has always overseen such matters. With his experience, he’ll handle it well.”

“Then we should arrange another meeting soon.”

As the two dukes continued their seamless discussion, Henry’s expression grew more perplexed.

What “date” were they talking about?

What kind of preparations?

Judging from the context, it seemed like a joint effort between the two families, but he couldn’t imagine what for.

Then Duke Lorenz suddenly shifted his attention to Henry.

“What’s your favorite season?”

“Personally, I like the days just before autumn fully sets in.”

“What color do you think suits Edwin best?”

“Pardon?”

Henry, who initially answered smoothly, faltered at the second question.

What color suits Edwin?

The sudden question left him pondering.

Edwin, who almost exclusively wore black, hadn’t prompted much thought on the matter.

After a moment, Henry hesitantly replied,

“He’s always dressed in black, so I haven’t thought much about it… but I think any color would suit Edwin.”

“Is that because Edwin’s features make anything look good?”

Duke Lorenz’s lips curved into a faint smile before quickly returning to neutrality.

“Why did I say that?”

Henry regretted his unintentional compliment of Edwin’s good looks.

Feeling self-conscious, he forced himself to nod.

“Yes, exactly. Edwin is handsome, so he looks good in anything.”

“Thank you for your answer.”

Henry glanced at Edwin to see if he’d handled the situation well.

Edwin, however, simply covered his mouth with his hand and gave no discernible reaction.

“I’m curious about Edwin’s pheromones.”

At Duke Lorenz’s remark, Henry turned back to him.

How could he describe Edwin’s pheromones?

Others could only guess at their effect based on his description, so his answer felt important.

Henry paused, recalling the first time he experienced Edwin’s pheromones.

‘How do Edwin’s pheromones feel?’

The memory of his first encounter came vividly to mind.

The overwhelming wave of sensation, combined with the shock of becoming “Henry,” was unforgettable—a heavy, almost oppressive feeling, like being pulled into unfathomable waters.

“It’s like falling into water so deep you can’t see the bottom. Heavy and vast.”

Duke Lorenz’s expression darkened at Henry’s unexpected response.

Bonded pairs were supposed to find each other’s pheromones pleasant due to their mutual connection.

But Henry’s description made it sound like Edwin’s pheromones had initially felt burdensome.

“At first, I was often startled by his pheromones. Edwin didn’t know, but they felt so heavy it was like they were crushing me.”

“That sounds just like Edwin.”

Duke Lorenz’s response was measured, his tone thoughtful.

Given Edwin’s powerful pheromones, it wasn’t surprising they weren’t delicate.

“But once I got used to them, everything changed. Now, they feel comforting, as if they envelop me and keep me safe. Even now, they give me that same feeling.”

What once felt burdensome had become so integral that Henry couldn’t imagine life without it.

The drastic shift amused him, and a gentle smile played on his lips.

While others described pheromones as fragrant, for him, Edwin’s pheromones were simply… comforting.

Duke Lorenz’s expression became unreadable.

All traces of emotion—whether displeasure or surprise—vanished entirely.

“Let’s continue the meal.”

Without further comment, the Duke raised his glass.

Feeling the abrupt end of the conversation, Henry glanced at Edwin, but Edwin, like the Duke, was silently sipping his drink.

Henry thought he saw a faint flush on Edwin’s cheeks, but it might have been his imagination.

* * *