* * *
“Does he have to be that excited?”
“I think he’s just happy to make a friend in a similar position.”
“I heard he’s been counting down the days to the Holt family’s visit.”
From a distance, the servants whispered among themselves as they watched their master hum in excitement.
Today, the duke’s wife, dressed more elegantly than usual, looked as beautiful and pure as an angel from the old scriptures.
If God existed, He might take His fallen angel back to heaven.
Sylvian clutched Zeroth’s hand tightly as he waited for the Count’s carriage to arrive.
“Zeroth! The Count’s carriage is pulling in!”
Sylvian, brimming with anticipation, grabbed Zeroth’s arm and shook it eagerly, completely unbothered by his indifferent expression.
He was finally going to meet the main love interest!
The beautifully crafted creation that the author had made so perfect that even the main character, Zeroth, couldn’t help but fall for them?
Running away was one thing, but the sheer excitement of witnessing the original storyline unfold made it impossible to contain the emotions of a reader who had once abandoned the novel midway.
“Sylvie, behave.”
When Sylvian couldn’t stay still, Zeroth chuckled and bit his lips lightly.
Startled, Sylvian buried his face in Zeroth’s chest.
“You should maintain your dignity. You’re just the young master of a mere count’s household.”
What was so special about that brat being an Omega?
Zeroth held back his irritation and tightened his grip around Sylvian’s waist.
‘Are you trying to kill me?’
He was about to meet the person who would fall in love at first sight, and here Zeroth was, kissing him like this.
If Yuri had seen it just now, he might’ve handed out a red card on the spot.
If the person you love sees you kissing someone else, they’re bound to feel upset.
Hadn’t Sylvian died in the original story because he foolishly tormented Yuri over something similar?
Please, let things go smoothly.
His dream was to quietly observe their love story and then disappear unnoticed.
“W-We’ve arrived.”
As Sylvian tried to cool his flushed face, a massive carriage wheel came into view.
“Wow!”
The moment Yuri stepped out of the carriage, he blinked in surprise at the voice of admiration that greeted him.
Following his mother’s instructions to step out first, he had swung the carriage door open and leaped down—only to be met with the most beautiful person he had ever seen in his life.
“Hello?”
Seeing the flushed face and the shy greeting, his back straightened instinctively.
“G-Greetings! I’m Yuri Holt! A second-year student at the Paladin Academy’s Knight Division!”
Yuri’s booming introduction echoed through the entrance of the ducal mansion.
Sylvian’s eyes widened as if they were about to pop out.
That was… Yuri?
Was that really Yuri Holt?
His skin wasn’t dark, but it had a sun-kissed glow.
And his face—yes, as described in the novel, he was handsome.
Not in a delicate way, but truly a strikingly good-looking man.
Or rather, a ruggedly charming one?
With looks like that, of course he could go toe-to-toe with Zeroth, trading blows without backing down.
His appearance and build were in no way inferior to Zeroth’s.
But… was this right?
Could someone with that kind of physique really be an Omega?
Sylvian momentarily wavered at Yuri’s muscular frame, but when he saw the dazed look in Yuri’s eyes as he gazed at Zeroth, a wave of emotion surged through him.
‘As expected, Yuri is falling for Zeroth at first sight.’
If it weren’t mutual, there wouldn’t be such sparks flying between them.
Sylvian felt relieved when he saw the utterly smitten expression on Yuri’s face.
Yes, this was good. Perfect.
Finally, he could escape.
No more being toyed with and humiliated by Zeroth.
Meeting Yuri put him at ease.
If he gradually distanced himself from Zeroth, he would eventually be cast aside to the annex.
Without realizing it, Sylvian squeezed Zeroth’s arm tightly.
“My apologies for my earlier behavior. I was so happy to be welcomed by the both of you that I greeted you without proper decorum. I am Yuri Holt, the third son of Count Holt.”
Now seated in the reception room, Yuri offered a bright smile as he introduced himself properly, following Countess Holt’s formal introduction.
Yet, throughout his speech, his gaze never left Sylvian.
‘Beautiful.’
How could someone’s features be so delicate?
He had heard that Sylvian was also a male Omega, just like him, but he was utterly enchanting.
Even more so than most female Omegas—so much so that Yuri couldn’t tear his eyes away.
His fair skin was so luminous that even the fine downy hairs were visible.
Every time he spoke, his golden hair swayed gently, making it impossible to focus on anything else.
His large green eyes sparkled with curiosity.
His mother had been right.
Sylvian Graham was the most beautiful person he had ever met.
It was a good thing he had listened to her when she insisted he come see this beautiful person for himself.
“It’s alright. I’m just happy to finally meet the young master whom Countess Holt has spoken so highly of.”
Even the way he spoke was charming. Yuri exchanged a subtle glance with his mother.
‘See? Isn’t he beautiful?’
‘The best, Mother.’
“T-The young master?”
Sylvian, watching Yuri’s mesmerized expression, parted his lips hesitantly.
Was he supposed to leave them alone?
He instinctively moved away from Zeroth, but Yuri’s gaze followed him.
Wait… was he being a nuisance?
No… that wasn’t it.
Not even ten minutes had passed since meeting Yuri Holt, but Sylvian could already sense that something was off.
What… what was happening?
Yuri Holt’s eyes refused to leave him.
“In the capital, the only noble male Omegas are you and me. I’ve always wanted to meet you.”
“I see. I’ve heard a lot about you since I was young as well. I heard you were sickly… but you’re truly beautiful.”
His exposed wrists and slim waist only emphasized his delicate frame.
The duchess, too, looked frail at first glance.
How could someone like that have ended up married to the brute that was Zeroth Graham?
A wave of anger surged inside Yuri.
To be the wife of that devil!
There was no way Zeroth would treat him kindly, even at home.
‘Madam, move a little more. Do you think you’ve earned your meals?! Today’s tasks start from here to here!’
Yuri could already picture it.
He gazed at Sylvian with eyes brimming with sympathy.
“Ugh, thank you. And you’re quite impressive yourself, Yuri.”
Feeling the overwhelming pity in Yuri’s eyes, Sylvian forced himself to smile.
Right now, he desperately wanted to run away from both of them.
Why… why was the atmosphere like this?
“I was sickly when I was young too, so I understand how you must have felt.”
Yuri beamed as he openly stared at the duchess. It was as if no one else existed in the room.
“But it’s a relief to see you looking healthy now. To think you only started to recover after turning twenty… isn’t that too cruel?”
He let out a hearty laugh as he explained how he had only managed to enter the academy after his health improved past the age of twenty.
Sylvian’s breath caught.
The way Yuri laughed… he glowed.
The author’s description hadn’t been a lie.
There was no way to win against that.
Not that he had any intention of competing, but against someone who radiated like that, the gloomy and brooding Zeroth didn’t stand a chance.
If it weren’t for Zeroth, even he might have fallen for Yuri.
Why did his name have to be Yuri?
It suited him perfectly—shining and radiant.
Smooch.
* * *
