* * *
Isaac stood with perfect posture.
In his hand was a long oar.
Each time he rowed, the greenish surface of the lake gently rippled.
Watching the long shadows flicker across the water, Adam felt overwhelmed.
“I assumed he would be rowing.”
“You mean the boatman? It’s too cramped for three people.”
“Then give me the oar. I’ll row.”
“And why would I trust you?”
Just then, the wind came down from the hill.
Isaac let his golden hair flutter freely as he added,
“You said you’ve never even been on a boat before. Don’t talk nonsense. Just sit still.”
“Ah… alright.”
“If you’re anxious, chew on something.”
Isaac nodded toward a basket sitting in the boat.
Inside were vibrant-colored strawberry juice and raspberry pie.
Adam glanced at the untouched contents of the basket.
Clink, clink.
Even so, the boat glided forward effortlessly.
Isaac’s rowing was skillful.
Guided by the gentle waves, the boat moved smoothly.
Only then was Adam able to relax a little.
“Look down.”
Isaac said softly. Adam instinctively looked below the boat.
The sunlight danced on the rippling water, and beneath it, schools of fish darted past.
Seeing the colorful fish, Adam’s expression brightened.
“This is fun.”
“Finally enjoying yourself, are you?”
Isaac’s voice softened noticeably.
The boat continued forward, gliding under an arched bridge and nearing elegant swans.
Each time, Adam’s mouth opened in wonder.
His face, full of curiosity, shone brighter than the sunlight.
“Having fun?”
“Yes. A lot of fun.”
When Adam added the word ‘a lot’, Isaac let out an audible laugh.
The sound was more pleasant than the breeze or the water.
At least, to Adam, it was.
“You’re being too kind to me.”
“Of course I am. You said you’d give me your best, didn’t you?”
The boat was now heading toward an area shaded by willows.
The trees bent low, as if bowing to greet them.
Once they reached the shadows, Isaac finally sat down.
“Should I… massage your arms?”
“I don—”
Isaac stopped mid-sentence.
A flicker of hesitation passed over his handsome face.
But after a beat, he extended his arm.
Adam earnestly began massaging it—pressing the forearm with both hands, gently pulling at the wrist.
“Adam.”
“Yes, Lord Isaac.”
“It’s great that you’re trying hard, but I can’t even fake a compliment right now.”
At that, Adam looked up.
Isaac was biting his lower lip, trying not to laugh.
“Is it that bad?”
“Ha…”
Isaac finally let out a deflated sigh.
“You remind me of a cat.”
“A cat?”
“When they’re in a good mood, they knead people with their front paws. It’s exactly what you’re doing.”
“I was trying to use some strength…”
“It’s not about force. What matters is where you press to release tension.”
Isaac quickly took Adam’s wrist and pressed into it.
“Like this.”
“Ah—!”
The moment Isaac’s thumb dug into his skin, Adam felt the tight muscles ease, a wave of relief washing over him.
He opened his eyes wide. Isaac gave a smug nod, as if to say see?
“You really are something else, Lord Isaac.”
“Me?”
“You’re a nobleman. The highest-ranking duke in this country. I’d expect you to be used to being served, not to be so good at something like this.”
“I am used to being served. The more you’re cared for, the more you learn where your body needs it.”
Press, press.
Isaac began massaging Adam’s fingers.
“Especially on the battlefield, your body tightens up in ways you don’t even notice. You go through all kinds of hell. Each time, I had to take care of myself.”
“Ah…”
“Even without an appetite, you eat. You sleep no matter what. And you release tension, like this. Otherwise, you can’t keep a clear mind in combat.”
Adam’s gaze dropped.
The hand massaging him wore gloves.
He remembered the hands beneath them—long, thick fingers, callused and rough.
Even faint scars covered the back of those hands.
For the first time in a while, Adam felt the full weight of who Isaac was.
A young, seasoned warrior who had survived countless battlefields.
“May I try again?”
“What, hoping for a compliment this time?”
“I wouldn’t dare… I just thought I should do something, since you gave me a ride.”
“Then do something else. Come sit here beside me.”
Adam slowly got up.
Even with careful movement, the boat wobbled.
At the sudden shift, he swallowed hard.
“Uh…”
“It’s not going to tip that easily.”
Isaac added as he watched him.
“Not unless I stand up.”
“No, no. You mustn’t. Please don’t!”
“You’re good at provoking people. You’re making me want to stand just to mess with you.”
“No!”
As Isaac pretended to rise, Adam recoiled in panic.
Seeing how amusing it was, Isaac’s lips curled into a smile.
It was a beautiful smile, but Adam was too distressed to admire it.
“Eek.”
He let out a small yelp and sat beside Isaac.
It was a small movement, but cold sweat dotted his brow.
Glancing at the rippling water, Adam scooted close to Isaac’s side.
“Why is it shaking so much?”
At that moment, Isaac extended an arm and pulled Adam close by the shoulder.
Caught off guard, Adam’s face landed against his chest.
Eyes wide, he froze.
The unexpected embrace, and the subtle scent of alpha at the tip of his nose, were intoxicating.
“Calm down.”
Isaac gestured toward the basket in Adam’s hands.
“Pour me a drink, will you?”
Thump, thump, thump, thump.
Adam could hear the rapid pounding of his heart.
The moment he realized it was his own pulse, a flush spread to the rims of his ears.
Why is it beating so fast?
“Yes, of course.”
Even to his own ears, his voice betrayed a noticeable tremble.
Adam forced himself to steady his breathing.
But the redness in his ears refused to fade.
‘What’s wrong with me?’
Adam stared at his reflection in the mirror, deep in thought.
The face staring back was frowning, clearly troubled.
‘I’ve been acting strange lately.’
A voice inside him asked, ‘Strange how?’
‘I get all flustered around the Dukes. Sure, I was nervous before too, but… no. It’s different now. Definitely different.’
His face kept flushing, a strange tingling would surge through him, and his heart would race wildly—as if he were running a fever.
Adam could no longer deny it: he had fallen too deep for the two Dukes.
It wasn’t exactly surprising.
The two were men of refined taste, capable of engaging in intellectual conversation.
Even their smallest gestures—the way they walked, sat, carried themselves—radiated grace, confidence, and ease.
And despite their status, they never looked down on him.
‘They’ve always treated me kindly. And I… got carried away, not knowing my place. Ha… ha.’
Adam ran a hand through his hair, laughing at himself.
He knew better than anyone that this was just a contract.
And yet he was completely intoxicated by their warmth and kindness, unable to pull himself together.
He hated himself for it.
‘Maybe… maybe it’s not love. Yeah, Adam Ross. Maybe you were just… starved for affection. It’s not romantic feelings. Just…’
His thoughts were a jumbled mess.
It felt like he was drunk.
Adam buried his face in his hands and rubbed it briskly.
“Adam!”
Startled by Lily’s voice, Adam turned around.
* * *
Poor guy. I hope the Dukes tell him sooner than later