* * *

“Fer! Look at this. Ben says he’s on his way here. He’s been unwell for a while, but it seems like he’s better now. He left as soon as he got my letter, so we should be able to see him today.”

The day after receiving Bennex’s letter, Chaeyi shared the news with Ferdinand during their early afternoon meeting.

However, Ferdinand, who was sitting with his chin propped up, only cast a sidelong glance at the letter.

He looked distinctly displeased, like someone nursing a bruised ego.

“Yeah. That’s good to hear.”

Chaeyi thought he might know why Ferdinand was acting this way.

With a sigh, Chaeyi straightened his posture.

“You don’t look like you’re happy about it.”

“Hmph.”

“Are you still sulking because I didn’t tell you in advance about my… thing with Leo?”

“Oh, for—”

Ferdinand’s face scrunched like a crumpled sheet of paper, his irritation plain.

A few days ago, he’d visited the Lancaster estate only to have Leonard casually announce, “Chaeyi and I have agreed to bond.”

Ever since then, Ferdinand had been in this mood.

‘I didn’t tell him because it felt too personal… but was it really that upsetting?’

In truth, Ferdinand’s feelings for Chaeyi were still unresolved, and the news had left him reeling.

But Chaeyi, unaware of this inner turmoil, assumed Ferdinand was merely grumbling out of hurt pride.

“Chaeyi!”

A familiar, cheerful voice called out, making Chaeyi look up with a bright smile.

Bennex, guided by the steward, was walking toward them.

Overjoyed, Chaeyi stood to greet him, practically skipping toward his friend.

“You’re here! You got here so quickly!”

“Yes! I missed you! Have you been well?”

“Me? I’ve been the same as always.”

Chaeyi gestured for Bennex to sit, his eyes shining.

Bennex handed his luggage to the steward before taking a seat, where Enoch promptly poured him a cup of tea.

Meanwhile, Ferdinand and Bennex exchanged awkward glances, saying nothing as though they were mere acquaintances.

“I got your letter yesterday. What on earth were you doing to end up in such a state?”

“Oh, well… it’s a little embarrassing….”

Bennex blushed and lowered his gaze, flustered by the question.

“I’ve been frail since birth, so holding a sword or training was out of the question. But seeing how strong you are, Chaeyi, made me want to be like you. I pushed myself too hard and ended up bedridden. When I get sick, it tends to last a while… just like this time.”

“Ah, so that’s what happened.”

To think that overexerting himself a little could lead to such severe illness—he really is delicate.

‘Is this what my friend meant by ‘fragile uke’?’ Chaeyi thought, recalling how Bennex had once been described as a ‘delicate omega.’

Now, seeing it play out in reality, Chaeyi felt a twinge of sympathy.

“How can I become strong like you, Chaeyi?”

“Hmm.”

While Chaeyi pondered the question, Bennex gazed at him with eyes soft as melted chocolate.

Though Chaeyi didn’t notice the meaning behind the look, Bennex remained steadfast in his quiet adoration.

From the sidelines, Ferdinand watched the two.

Even knowing that Bennex’s feelings were unrequited, Ferdinand silently sipped his tea, his mood unreadable.

Whether out of malice or mere mischief, he had no intention of warning Bennex about the shift in Chaeyi and Leonard’s relationship.

Breaking the silence, Chaeyi finally spoke.

“Ben, do you go on walks every day?”

“I walk in the yard every morning, without fail.”

“Other than that?”

“Not really. Sometimes I secretly practice with a sword….”

Chaeyi nodded, understanding the issue.

Bennex’s lack of foundation meant his body couldn’t handle his ambitions.

His first step would be closing that gap.

“Everyone starts with the basics. Even knights don’t pick up a sword and master it immediately—it takes effort. You should begin by building stamina and strength. Try extending your walks gradually or incorporating brisk walking. But don’t overdo it. Consistency is key.”

“Were you always strong, Chaeyi?”

“Of course not. I was scrawny once, too.”

In this life, and in the one before it.

Even Ferdinand, now intrigued, glanced at Chaeyi.

It made sense, after all.

Alphas didn’t become strong the moment they manifested, let alone a beta like Chaeyi.

The strength he displayed now must have been the result of relentless effort—an effort so routine to him that he hardly noticed anymore.

“If I work hard…”

Murmuring to himself, Bennex looked up at Chaeyi with newfound determination.

To him, Chaeyi wasn’t just a source of inspiration but also someone he cherished deeply.

Someday, Bennex hoped to grow strong enough to protect Chaeyi, rather than being the one always protected.

“You’re amazing, Chaeyi.”

Unaware of Bennex’s hidden feelings, Chaeyi simply smiled.

“You’re amazing too, Ben.”

Watching the two, Enoch sighed inwardly.

‘What do we do with him?’

Even considering the unusual circumstances with Leonard, Chaeyi was utterly oblivious when it came to romance.

There was no way he’d noticed Bennex’s feelings.

If left unchecked, Bennex would only end up hurting himself.

But when would be the right time to address it?

Before Enoch could dwell further, Bennex spoke up.

“Um… Chaeyi, would you like to go out with me? Anywhere’s fine. I’d just like to walk and talk with you. Plus, it’d be good exercise, wouldn’t it? What do you think?”

Both Ferdinand and Enoch instantly saw through the transparent ploy.

‘He must be eager to move now that he’s better,’ thought Chaeyi, entirely missing the subtext.

“Sure! How about we go to Blentz Square?”

It had been a while since Chaeyi last visited the square, and the idea suddenly appealed to him.

Turning to Enoch for approval, he received a measured response: “I’ll accompany you, but I’ll inform Lord Leonard first, just in case.” With that, Enoch left to make the arrangements.

In the silence that followed, Ferdinand abruptly declared:

“I’m coming too.”

Ferdinand spoke up abruptly.

Bennex pouted with a sulky expression, but Chaeyi had no reason to object.

If they were going out, the more the merrier—it would make things livelier and more fun.

Besides, Ferdinand knew the streets of Blenz Square well, making him the perfect guide.

Not long after, Enoch returned and informed Chaeyi, “Master Leonard wishes you a safe journey.”

With that, Chaeyi, Bennex, Ferdinand, and Enoch, along with the rest of their group, finished their preparations and left the mansion.

“Wow! Look at that, Chaeyi!”

Bennex, who had reached the square, spotted a group of minstrel performers and excitedly called Chaeyi over.

Chaeyi, in high spirits from their rare outing, followed with a gentle smile, looking every bit like a father taking his young son on an outing.

Of course, neither of them realized the resemblance.

“By the way, Ben, did you eat before we left?”

“Oh, I did… but my mouth feels a bit lonely.”

Distracted by the performance, Bennex responded to Chaeyi’s question with a slight smacking of his lips.

Ferdinand, who had been watching, glanced around briefly before pointing to a cluster of food stalls.

“Go grab something quick to eat.”

“Good idea.”

“Chaeyi, I’ll hold our spot here,” Enoch offered as Chaeyi, Bennex, and Ferdinand rose from the bench.

With the square so crowded, someone needed to stay behind, and Enoch volunteered.

“Thanks, Enoch. Do you want anything?”

“I’m fine, thank you.”

“Got it. We’ll be back soon.”

Chaeyi led Bennex and Ferdinand toward the food stalls.

The warm and sweet smells wafting through the air stirred their appetites despite not being particularly hungry.

As Chaeyi looked around casually, he turned to Bennex.

“Ben, what do you want to eat?”

“Well…”

Before Bennex could finish, his eyes widened as though he’d discovered something unexpected.

Following his gaze, Chaeyi turned to see the same thing—a nearby ice cream shop.

* * *