Thanks to Yuri, Martius had become acquainted with the Holt brothers—who never missed a chance to ask, “How long are you going to leave our Yuri hanging?”
“Also, they said they really like you, Martius.”
“They looked like they wanted to kill me, though.”
How dare a lowlife like you lay hands on our precious son?
Their glares were relentless.
Ever since Sylvian’s kidnapping—after Martius visited the Holt estate once—the family seemed convinced he and Yuri were destined for marriage.
Why?!
He couldn’t understand it, but Martius frowned deeply in front of his brother.
“Brother. Don’t you think Yuri and I just… don’t match?”
“Do you dislike him?”
That wasn’t it.
But… well, whenever he was with Yuri, Martius had this sinking feeling he’d always lose.
Hadn’t he been ambushed into a kiss just days ago?
“Not exactly, but I feel like I’m being dragged around.”
“So what if you are? You like him.”
Sylvian, sipping tea, set his cup down and studied his brother.
The crease between Martius’ brows made him chuckle.
So he’s not completely indifferent.
“Love means sometimes being led, sometimes giving up things you like. Of course, you come first—but what’s the point of winning against someone you love?”
Guilt pricked at him—given he was currently scheming to outmaneuver Zeroth—but Sylvian spoke shamelessly.
As far as he knew, this was Martius’ first love.
Even if they break up, he wanted his brother to experience a proper relationship.
“Don’t worry. It’s okay to fail. If you date and break up, so what? You can always meet another omega.”
“…Who taught you that?”
“Some young ladies I befriended. They said it’s a waste to settle for just one person.”
Sylvian recalled the noblewomen he’d met at Lady Diacy’s gathering.
Many had fiancés chosen by their families—but just as many kept lovers on the side.
They’d laughed boldly, saying if things didn’t work out, they could always switch.
Since love marriages were recognized now, Martius had nothing to lose.
Sorry, Yuri.
No matter how much of a “main lead” he was, Martius mattered more to Sylvian.
He wanted his brother to learn how to love someone.
“If the Duke hears this, he’ll be shocked, so let’s keep it between us, okay?”
Unaware of his brother’s inner conflict, Martius shook his head urgently.
Sylvian laughed it off as a joke, and only then did Martius resume eating his dessert.
“So Yuri isn’t coming today?”
“Probably not. He said he’s spending time with family. He’ll be back tomorrow.”
Finally, some peace.
Before Sylvian woke up, Yuri had barged into Martius’ room daily, making every moment chaotic.
“I’ll have dinner in my room tonight.”
“But you’ll be lonely!”
“No, I need time alone.”
Though Sylvian pleaded with puppy-dog eyes, Martius couldn’t pass up this rare chance for solitude.
Besides, since waking up, his brother had dined with them every night.
The Duke and Sylvian probably needed private time for serious conversations—it was only right to step aside.
“I’ll stay until the Duke arrives.”
“You can stay late…”
At Sylvian’s sulky tone, Martius’ heart ached—but he refused firmly.
The Duke’s dagger-like stares whenever they lingered together were becoming unbearable.
‘I’ll eat comfortably in my room, maybe read for the first time in ages. Should I write to Mom and Dad?’
He’d heard they were diligently mining mana stones in the ducal territory.
Thanks to their connection, they were paid better than others.
They’d repay their debts in no time.
It was concluded that only a portion of the investment debts could be repaid, not the full amount.
If half his salary went toward repayment, it would take over a decade to clear everything.
‘In this situation, love and marriage are luxuries.’
Only one butler and one maid remained in the household.
Though he suggested they could leave, they were reluctant to abandon the family they’d served for so long.
They pleaded to stay at the estate, even if their wages were reduced.
He also discreetly declined the Duke’s offers of help—he had no desire to rely on the ducal family.
His parents’ mistakes were his responsibility now.
“This might seem sudden, but… are you happy?”
Lost in thought, Martius casually asked his brother.
Was he happy now? From marriage until now, nothing had gone as his brother wished.
“Hmm… I suppose so.”
So even if things were awkward with the Duke, he was still happy.
Watching his brother’s faintly flushed cheeks, Martius wondered where he should seek his own happiness.
‘Am I happy?’
No answer came.
He wasn’t miserable, but he couldn’t tell if he was truly happy either.
“What about you, Marty?”
“Dunno. For now, I’m just relieved you’re safe.”
“That counts as happiness too. Anything else?”
“Not really.”
At his bitter smile, Sylvian reached out and gently ruffled his hair.
“If you’re struggling, talk to me. If being alone scares you, we can sleep together.”
Then the Duke would murder you, hyung.
Swallowing his words, Martius chuckled awkwardly in his brother’s warm embrace.
It reminded him of Yuri’s arms—just as comforting.
Are all kind people this warm?
Just being held like this eased his heart.
“Don’t decide things alone. Consult me, okay?”
“Got it. And you have to tell me if you’re in trouble too, alright?”
A nagging worry made him add that.
He had a feeling his brother might soon cause a major incident.
Yuri had also eyed him warily several times, asking if his brother was afraid of the Duke.
He’d even joked about helping him divorce, earning a kick to the ribs.
“Marty. This is a secret.”
Just between us.
The glee in his brother’s eyes made Martius gulp.
What the hell happened during that kidnapping?
Sometimes, his brother seemed changed in ways he couldn’t follow.
Though they were family, the sly curve of his lips now felt ominous.
Martius gripped his hand tightly.
“I won’t let go of what’s mine.”
The whisper in his ear sent a chill down his spine.
‘Should I… run?’
For a while, he considered avoiding the ducal estate under the pretext of being busy.
At his brother’s expectant smile, Martius forced a stiff grin.
“So, fight for what you want too.”
Nod.
The sheer force of his brother’s presence made his head bob automatically.
‘It’ll… be fine, right?’
After the Duke returned, Martius fled straight to the knights’ quarters.
“Why are you here?”
At Yuri’s demanding tone, Martius crossed his arms and pondered how to explain.
He’d left for the royal palace early and hadn’t returned to the ducal estate for days.
Though his brother sent letters asking if something was wrong, he holed up in the knights’ quarters, claiming work kept him busy.
It’s too soon to go back.
“…Running away, maybe?”
“What nonsense.”
Yuri raised a brow, baffled.
“He’s mine.”
“Wh-what is?”
Flustered, Yuri checked himself over.
Martius pushed up the corner of his eye with a finger.
Yuri cursed when Martius teased that the gesture was practically his trademark.
“…You lunatic.”
“Look who’s talking. Why’d you chase me to my quarters?”
He scoffed at Yuri sprawled uninvited on his sofa.
Is he actually insane?
The audacity of lounging there, waving lazily, was absurd.
“I ran away too.”
“From the ducal estate?”
Nod.
Yuri had visited that morning—and fled.
The air there was lethal.
Of course, where Lord Sylvian was, it was warm, lovely, radiant, etc.—but step outside, and you’d hold your breath in terror.
The tension between the married couple was palpable, like a bomb about to explode.
“Poke the wrong thing there, and you’ll drop dead on the spot.”
Yuri swiped a hand near his throat. Martius gulped. Good thing I ran.
“Sigh.”
“Pretty sure Marquis Karl messed up somehow.”
Yuri muttered darkly, “How do we kill him properly?”
“He dared lay hands on Lord Sylvian.”
“He was acquitted, remember?”
Martius recalled the trial after his brother woke up.
The Marquis had looked hollow despite the crowd’s cheers.
“Lord Sylvian wouldn’t avoid the Duke for no reason. That bastard did something.”
Martius laughed at Yuri’s fuming—amused by his investment in someone else’s family.
“If this drags on, we’ll have to visit the Marquis’s estate.”
His gaze added, You’re coming.
“No. Go alone.”
How would we handle the Marquis?
The Duke’s silence likely meant he’d already settled things.
No need to stir trouble.
“And don’t act until we know—
Huh?
“Ugh!”
His heart stopped.
The abrupt severing sensation made Martius clutch his chest, gasping.
“Wh-what’s wrong?!”
Yuri bolted up, alarmed.
“I’m fine.”
Cold sweat drenched his back.
What was that?
He inhaled deeply to steady himself.
“Just a shock to my system. Really, I’m—
Yuri’s frantic hovering forced Martius to shove him back, insisting he was fine.
Badgered into resting, he reluctantly stood—
“I said I’m fine, damn i—UGH!”
Collapsing mid-step, he clawed at his chest again.
“Martius!”
Yuri caught him, hauling him onto the bed.
“I’ll—I’ll call a doctor—
“Ghk—!”
Martius writhed, face white as he tore at his left pec.
Yuri recoiled, then spun toward the door—
“HAAGHK—!”
A violent surge of pheromones erupted from Martius’s body.
Like a dam breaking, the pent-up flood gushed out.
Rut.
The long-awaited rut had hit.
“G-get out!”
Martius’s voice was strangled as he registered the changes wracking his body.
“Ah…”
