RHFTY chapter 31

“The great master of Lancaster and the grand lord of the Duchy of Combest, Duke Delion de Combest Lancaster, will now take the stage.”

The room, previously buzzing with conversation and chatter, fell silent in an instant.

The nobles who had turned to look at the platform placed one hand on their chests and bowed respectfully until Delion appeared.

Chaeyi, following the teachings of Enoch, did the same. So did Ferdinand and Leonard; there were no exceptions here.

‘Delion…’

The cruel and cold-hearted man who tried to push the young Leonard, who had not yet manifested his powers, into a deadly situation just because he hadn’t developed them early enough…

Chaeyi always thought of Delion in that way.

That’s why it was unexpected.

The presence of a politely written invitation, personally penned by Delion, just to summon a single Beta.

Of course, one cannot judge everything about a person based solely on such impressions.

Still, the Delion that Chaeyi had imagined was not someone who possessed such delicacy.

Who is he, really?

Curiosity drew Chaeyi’s gaze to Delion, who was making his way to the platform.

It was far away, and Chaeyi did not lift his head high, so she thought it would be difficult for him to notice his gaze.

He thought so, but…

‘Ah.’

Perhaps he was wrong.

Delion, who briefly turned his head to glance around the audience, locked his piercing blue eyes directly onto Chaeyi.

As a result, their gazes met midair.

“……”

Yet, Chaeyi did not avoid his gaze and continued to look at him a little longer.

For some reason, he felt drawn to his stare.

Surely it was because his jet-black hair and vivid navy-blue eyes were a spitting image of Leonard’s.

If not for the deep and mature eyes that hinted at his age, it wouldn’t have been surprising to mistake him for Leonard.

Delion soon looked away naturally as he turned to face forward and stood still.

“The other master of the Lancaster family, the mother of the Duchy of Combest, Duchess Bennet de Combest Lancaster, and their youngest son, Lord Hallard de Lancaster, will now take the stage.”

Following him, Duchess Bennet and the youngest son, Hallard, appeared behind Delion.

Only after they all came into view did the nobles relax their postures and observe them comfortably.

Soon, Delion’s voice echoed throughout the silent hall.

“The reason I called everyone here today is to show you the face of our youngest son, who has turned nine this year, and to introduce Leonard, the third son of Lancaster, who has been officially designated as the heir.”

Chaeyi glanced over at Leonard. With eyes devoid of any affection, Leonard coldly stared up at the platform.

“So, please feel free to mingle, enjoy yourselves, and indulge to your heart’s content. That will be all.”

The waiting orchestra resumed their performance.

The nobles began to fully enjoy the social interactions, lost themselves in the music, and filled their bellies with delicious food.

Some people were eager to have a word with Leonard. However, his intimidating glare that seemed ready to kill anyone who approached kept them at bay.

“You rascal, soften your gaze.”

Chaeyi poked Leonard’s eye corner with his finger.

Though the intensity in his eyes softened a bit, his face remained just as sullen.

‘Good grief.’

Was he always this averse to people?

Well, he was never particularly sociable to begin with. As she thought about this for a moment…

“Hello, Lord Leonard.”

Chaeyi turned his head. Before he knew it, a pretty young man with a gentle and modest demeanor had shyly approached Leonard and was greeting him. And that wasn’t all.

“Leonard, greet him properly.”

Behind the young man, a woman with silver-white blonde hair, mysterious violet eyes, and elegant poise gently nudged him forward.

She was Bennet Lancaster, whom they had seen on the platform earlier.

Standing beside his were Delion and Hallard, who peeked out from behind Bennet’s legs.

Delion and Bennet also gave a brief nod of acknowledgment to Ferdinand.

‘Then…’

Chaeyi’s gaze fell on the young man, who was shyly looking at him. He was slightly shorter than him, with thin, curly blonde hair.

His eyes were as clear as an emerald lake, his skin as fair and clear as milk, and his delicate features were as cute as a doll.

With his slender frame, he looked as if he might break with a gentle touch, like a living doll.

‘How adorable. He’s like a chick.’

One thing was certain: this young man bore no resemblance to Leonard’s family, who mostly had distinct and sharp features.

If that was the case, then he probably wasn’t related by blood…

‘Could he be?’

The one Leonard was destined to meet at a banquet and fall in love with… his destined partner!

Hmm. That seems highly likely.

‘What a perfect match they are.’

They made such a visually appealing couple. Chaeyi was moved.

This boy, who seemed to have grown up receiving plenty of love, had a pure and good-natured aura, and he seemed like someone who could get along well with Leonard.

That was what she thought, but…

‘Hmm.’

From Leonard’s calm silence, he had a feeling it wouldn’t be that easy.

As the young man hesitated, fiddling with his fingers because Leonard had lowered his gaze without any reaction, he continued speaking.

“Ah. My name is Bennex de Coneller. My father is Duke Clankers, and I am twenty-three years old. Also, I am a dominant Omega. Nice meeting you.”

Still, silence.

Delion rubbed his temples as if he were tired, and Bennet, as if he had somewhat expected this, sighed softly and lowered his eyes.

It was obvious that the atmosphere was growing tense, but Leonard refused to acknowledge his greeting.

Because of this, Bennex, worried that he might have done something wrong, began to fidget nervously.

His emotions were written all over his face.

‘Although I don’t want to get involved in the Lancaster family’s affairs….’

Feeling pity for him, Chaeyi, who had been watching intently, couldn’t hold back and nudged Leonard’s side.

Leonard’s eyes flicked toward Chaeyi.

For that brief moment, Leonard’s gaze softened into something gentler.

“What are you doing? Aren’t you going to greet him?”

Chaeyi, his eyes narrowed, scolded him in a rapid, low voice.

Leonard, his lips twisting in displeasure, couldn’t help but yield under Chaeyi’s sharp glare.

Ferdinand, listening beside them, struggled to contain his laughter despite the seriousness of the situation.

But their silent clash didn’t last long.

Leonard wasn’t someone who could withstand Chaeyi’s increasingly fierce glare for long.

“…I am Leonard Lancaster.”

In the end, having lost the battle of wills, Leonard extended his hand to Bennex.

Bennex, his eyes widening slightly in surprise, took Leonard’s hand with a bright, blooming smile.

“Yes! I look forward to be acquainted with you!”

It was truly a heartwarming sight.

“Well done.”

Satisfied, Chaeyi whispered softly as she patted Leonard’s back.

Finally, Leonard relaxed his sullen expression and softly turned to look at Chaeyi.

And…

Delion and Bennet, who had been observing closely, were quite astonished, though they didn’t show it outwardly.

They were surprised that someone could bend Leonard’s will.

They were also surprised that Leonard could make such an expression.

“Let’s get along well with Leo from now on.”

“Oh, could you be the Beta…?”

“Ah, do you know me?”

“I told you, you’re famous… ouch!”

“Don’t touch Chaeyi.”

When Chaeyi initiated a conversation with Bennex, Ferdinand and Leonard intervened, disrupting their conversation.

Watching this unfold, Delion, who had been silent for a while, finally spoke.

“Shall we sit down and have a meal?”

He then added,

“If you don’t mind, please join us.”

He looked directly at Chaeyi.

“…If it’s not too much trouble, I’ll join you.”

“Alright. Come along.”

As Delion began to move, Bennet and Hallard followed.

Bennex and Ferdinand were next, and after exchanging a glance with Chaeyi, Leonard slowly started walking as well.

Honestly, Chaeyi was taken aback.

He never expected him to propose having a meal together.

He was much more normal than he thought and understood what consideration meant.

It felt like his long-held prejudices were slowly breaking down.

“…….”

However, the more that happened, the more uncomfortable she felt in a corner of his heart.

He could hold a fork with a Beta commoner he didn’t know at all, yet he so readily cast aside his own young kin.

Did he really have to be that harsh to Leo?

He wanted to ask Delion that.

‘Not here, though.’

Chaeyi let out a quiet sigh and was following Leonard when it happened.

Seeing his expression, Bennex slowed his steps and hesitantly approached him.

“Miste… Your Grace? Are you feeling unwell?”

He seemed genuinely worried. He was truly a kind-hearted person.

Chaeyi smiled faintly and tried to reassure him not to worry. Or at least, he was about to.

Ping!

A sharp noise rang out from behind his in less than a second.

Sensing something unknown slicing through the air toward them, Chaeyi—

Thud.

Without turning around, he extended his hand and swiftly caught whatever was about to embed itself in Bennex’s back.