* * *
In the Palace of Silence’s garden, where divine flowers were in full bloom, the preparations for dinner were in full swing.
A pristine tablecloth was spread over the table, followed by an embroidered runner.
A silver candelabrum was placed in the center, accompanied by a vase of colorful, artfully arranged flowers.
It all came together to create a magnificent banquet setting.
Although the servants always took great care in ensuring Seo Woohyun’s mealtimes were pleasant, today they went above and beyond.
‘The day Erdian and Seo Woohyun dine together…!’
The attendants moved busily, checking the cushions for comfort, ensuring there were no stains, and examining the candles for blemishes before finally leaving the garden.
As quiet settled over the garden, a small head peeked out from the window connecting to the sitting room—Seo Woohyun.
‘Wow, everything looks twice as fancy just because I’m eating with Erdian. They must’ve worked hard on the decorations…’
Although Erdian frequently appeared, this was the first time they were dining together in the palace.
The effort poured into the setup made it look like an outdoor restaurant date.
‘I bet the chef is super stressed since Erdian’s such a picky eater.’
Seo Woohyun made a mental note to suggest the chef receive a bonus for the extra effort.
Just as he was thinking it was about time for Erdian to make an appearance, the man himself spoke from behind.
“Why are you spying on the garden? Found a handsome servant to fawn over?”
Speak of the devil.
Seo Woohyun turned to see Erdian standing there, his uniform somehow looking even more regal.
Thankfully, the garden was empty, sparing any servant from Erdian’s petty jealousy.
‘He really needs to stop popping up like this…’
Though he was getting used to it, the sudden appearances still startled him occasionally.
Maybe it was time to say something.
“Do you always have to show up out of nowhere without making a sound?”
“…Did I scare you?”
“Wouldn’t you be startled if someone suddenly spoke to you from behind?”
“Sorry. I can make my presence known, but it’s… a bit much.”
“What do you mean by ‘a bit much’?”
“Let me show you.”
With that, Erdian disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Seo Woohyun wasn’t surprised but instead grew apprehensive.
Knowing how gods tended to announce their arrival with grand theatrics, he could already imagine the chaos.
‘Please don’t tell me it involves splitting the sky, trumpet blasts, and thunder…’
It was when Seo Woohyun, about to stop him even now, glared sharply, trying to dissuade him.
A dazzling light suddenly poured down from above.
The unexpected gust of wind swirling indoors caused his clothes to flutter non-stop.
‘Ah, so bright…!’
As Seo Woohyun squinted and grimaced, unable to fully open his eyes, the light abruptly dimmed in an instant.
“I held back my presence because I thought the brightness might bother you. I could’ve made a grander entrance, but you’d hate that even more, wouldn’t you?”
Erdian gently whispered, stroking Seo Woohyun’s hair.
His explanation was reasonable, even thoughtful.
‘The problem is… I keep forgetting that Erdian is a god and thinking based on human standards.’
Not that Seo Woohyun could truly understand what it meant to be a god.
The very concept of “presence” for gods was far too different from that of humans.
He mumbled as he still couldn’t properly open his eyes.
“…What I meant was, maybe just make some footsteps or cough or something, you know?”
“Oh, like ordinary humans?”
“Yes…”
“Hmm. Since I’ve lived as a god much longer than as a human, I seem to have overlooked that. I’ll make footsteps or coughs in the future.”
“Thank you.”
Erdian, who had descended before Seo Woohyun, watched as the latter rubbed his eyelids, still struggling to fully open them.
As if struck by an amusing idea, Erdian narrowed his eyes playfully.
“To make sure people can tell it’s me, how about I wear a bell around my neck?”
“…Excuse me? Erdian, do you perhaps… have such preferences?”
“It’s not a preference, but if you tie it on me, I wouldn’t mind wearing it.”
“Well, I won’t do it.”
“That’s disappointing.”
“You sure have a lot to feel disappointed about. Anyway, no bells. Just cough or something appropriately when you appear. Understood?”
At Seo Woohyun’s grumbling reply, Erdian chuckled softly.
Even exchanging such frivolous banter with him brought joy.
He reached out to touch Seo Woohyun’s cheek, pleased to see the blush spreading slowly from the point where his fingers grazed his skin.
“Looks like the meal is ready.”
“Shall we go sit down first then?”
“Sounds good.”
Erdian extended his hand to escort Seo Woohyun.
The way Seo Woohyun kept rubbing his eyes made it seem like he might trip if left alone.
The warmth of the hand they clasped was pleasant, and Seo Woohyun’s heartbeat, felt faintly through his skin, began to quicken. His pale ears were gradually tinged with red.
As they crossed the garden and sat facing each other at the prepared dining table, a cool breeze brushed past.
Attentive servants brought water and appetizers to the table.
“This is honey wine the saint specifically requested to be prepared for the occasion.”
Seo Woohyun’s eyes lit up at the sight of the golden liquid shimmering in the transparent bottle.
‘Oh, that wine was delicious. It’s perfect for a day like today.’
Seo Woohyun hadn’t had much alcohol lately due to the two times he drunkenly ranted at Erdian after drinking.
Not to mention, Erdian had given strict instructions to the butler to limit his access to alcohol, so it had rarely appeared on the dining table.
But today, that honey wine was essential.
There was something he had to say to Erdian, and he needed the courage that alcohol could provide.
He’d even gone to the study to discreetly ask the head chef to prepare it despite Erdian’s rules, his heart pounding as he made the request.
Thankfully, the chef had agreed.
“You can’t even drink that much,” Erdian remarked, resting his chin on his hand as he eyed the wine bottle with mild disapproval.
Seeing the servant gulp nervously while holding the bottle, Seo Woohyun hurried to explain.
“That’s why I asked for a smaller amount, just enough for a side drink. Normally, this comes in a much bigger bottle, but look, this one’s tiny.”
“Hmm, I see. Very well, but drink sparingly. Watching your drunken antics is amusing, but…”
Erdian trailed off, his gaze turning subtle as he looked at Seo Woohyun.
Then, in a low voice, he spoke directly into Seo Woohyun’s mind.
[…When you’re drunk, I’m not sure I can hold back.]
“…I’ll drink moderately.”
“Good. I trust you’ll handle it well. Do as you please.”
Erdian’s softened tone made the servant silently sigh in relief as he placed the bottle on the table and withdrew.
Erdian picked up the bottle, his gaze lingering on Seo Woohyun.
“Would you like to start with a glass? It’s not a bad idea to warm yourself up before eating.”
“Oh, yes.”
Seo Woohyun picked up the glass in front of him, holding it carefully with both hands as he leaned forward slightly.
Erdian chuckled at the overly formal gesture.
Anyone would think Seo Woohyun was paying his respects.
“Did you receive drinks this formally even from the high priest back in the principality?”
“…No. I just mimicked what others did.”
“Then why are you acting like this with me?”
“Well, you’re someone I should be respectful to…?”
“When have you ever been respectful? Relax.”
Erdian had never sought such a rigid hierarchy with Seo Woohyun.
If anything, the opposite.
Smiling faintly, he watched as Seo Woohyun finally loosened up.
When the shimmering wine filled his glass, the way his Adam’s apple moved was endearing beyond words.
“Shall I pour you a glass as well, Erdian?”
“You’ll pour it yourself?”
“…Yes.”
“Then I can’t refuse.”
Passing the bottle to Seo Woohyun, Erdian held out his glass.
Seo Woohyun, lips pressed together in concentration, carefully filled the glass.
After a soft clink of glasses, they took a sip and began their meal.
“Does the food suit your taste? I didn’t make it, but…”
“It’s excellent. I’ll have to reward the chef.”
“Make it something good, please. Thanks to him, I’m practically rolling around here.”
“In my opinion, you still need to gain more weight.”
“That’s because your standards are weird.”
The atmosphere grew cozier with lighthearted chatter.
The slight buzz from the alcohol, coupled with Erdian’s smile each time their eyes met, left Seo Woohyun’s heart tingling.
‘The food just arrived, so no one will come by for a while. The mood seems good… Is now the time?’
Striking while the iron was hot, Seo Woohyun fiddled with his fork before downing the honey wine in one go.
The fiery liquid burned down his throat, granting him the courage he needed.
Exhaling deeply, he looked straight at the stunning man across from him.
“Erdian.”
“Yes?”
“I have something important to say, so please listen carefully.”
Seo Woohyun’s flushed face held an unusual determination.
Erdian, sensing the weight of the moment, slowly set down his utensils and nodded.
“…Alright.”
Erdian’s Adam’s apple bobbed nervously.
The tension in the air was almost palpable.
* * *
Finally x2