How an Omega Villain Survive chapter 82

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The Empire and the Fontecia Kingdom regularly exchanged visits to strengthen ties.

This year, it was Fontecia’s turn to send a delegation to the Empire.

Kayla, representing the delegation, went to the Imperial Palace the day after his arrival to meet Henry.

A few days later, a banquet was held in Kayla’s honor.

Crown Prince William made sure Henry and Edwin were on the guest list and even emphasized the invitation, reminding them to attend since Henry had saved Kayla’s life.

For this grand event, not only the Empire’s dukes but also its most esteemed nobles were invited, showcasing the Empire’s respect for the Fontecia Kingdom.

Yet, as they say, where people gather, rumors spread.

Nobles gathered in groups, exchanging whispered theories.

“Those who possess a treasure have the right to do with it as they wish, even if it’s of no use to them,” one noble said, referring to the rumor that the heir of the Timothy family had acquired a treasure.

Another noble nodded in agreement.

“With so many traits in the Duke’s family, it’s quite possible they’ve already given it away to someone else.”

“Or perhaps they presented it to the Crown Prince.”

Everyone agreed that since Henry had no use for it as a Beta, it had likely been passed on to someone else.

Their only interest was in its properties and who might have it now.

Then, a noble who had been listening quietly interjected.

“But what if they didn’t give it to the Crown Prince?”

He spoke cautiously, watching their faces as they considered his theory, then continued.

“Who in the Timothy family would even need that treasure? If it hasn’t been used, perhaps they’re saving it for someone. And who knows? The heir might just be willing to part with it.”

“That’s a possibility we can’t ignore.”

Emboldened by the agreement, the noble went on, “Since the heir is attending the banquet, maybe we should ask about it. If he has it, he might even give it up. Who knows? It might be a treasure that could turn a recessive trait into a dominant one.”

In a world where one’s trait tier meant everything, transforming from recessive to dominant could change lives.

Greed gleamed in the eyes of the nobles, all too aware of what that might mean for them.

“Why do I have to come here with you?”

After their class together, Henry accompanied Edwin directly to the palace.

Originally, Henry planned to head straight home once class ended, with a brief stop at Duke Timothy’s estate before arriving at the palace.

However, Duke Timothy had instructed him to bring Edwin along, likely because Edwin would not have come otherwise.

As Edwin followed Henry inside, he scanned his surroundings uneasily.

Glances kept flitting in their direction, pretending to be casual, but it was clear they were watching Henry and Edwin.

It wasn’t because he was the Duke’s son—they looked at him the same way they had when it was revealed he was a “half-alpha.”

Their faces betrayed that they knew something, whispering amongst themselves.

“Aren’t you coming in?”

Seeing Edwin hesitate, Henry urged him on.

Still wary, Edwin finally resumed walking.

“It feels strange.”

“Strange how?”

At Henry’s question, Edwin shook his head. Nothing was certain yet.

Rather than make an offhand comment, he decided to observe the situation a bit longer.

Glancing around again, he noticed that the people watching him had hastily turned away.

Some cleared their throats, while others, caught off guard, awkwardly nodded at him.

This was Prince Kayla of Fontecia’s welcoming banquet, yet Edwin wasn’t mistaken in thinking that he, not Kayla, was the center of attention.

As they entered, Henry was taken aback by the size of the gathering.

While he’d expected a crowd since Crown Prince William had personally sent invitations, the vast space that hosted previous banquets was now packed.

The Prince’s influence was undeniable.

‘The Fontecia Kingdom has a long-standing alliance with us, so I suppose this was expected.’

At the head table sat his father, Duke Timothy, and Edwin’s father, Duke Lorenz.

Surveying the powerful nobles seated around them, Henry tried to deduce their motives for attending.

At least Kayla wasn’t being ostracized, so Henry thought this better than nothing as he continued into the room.

‘But has Edwin always been this handsome? Why is everyone staring?’

Henry, too, felt the prying eyes Edwin had noticed earlier.

It was obvious, even to someone as oblivious as Henry, that many people were watching them.

Assuming Edwin was the reason, Henry sighed with pity.

Some among them probably still looked down on Edwin as a “half-alpha.”

They didn’t understand—though explaining it was impossible, it was disheartening all the same.

“Why are they looking at you like that?”

Henry realized he’d been gazing at Edwin with a sympathetic expression, and Edwin, releasing an irritated pheromone, shot him a glare, signaling him to look away.

“As if you’d appreciate it if I worried about you,” Henry muttered, clicking his tongue at Edwin’s disgruntled reaction.

Now that they were here, he’d deliver the gift he’d prepared for Kayla and find a seat.

Kayla spotted him and eagerly waved him over.

“It’s wonderful to see you here. This is a small gift to welcome you, Your Highness.”

“Your Highness? Just call me Kayla, as always,” Kayla corrected, accepting the gift. He preferred his name over the distant title.

With a quick look around, Henry nodded, showing that addressing him by name wasn’t a problem.

Kayla beamed, carefully cradling the gift. “Thank you for the warm welcome.”

“It’s only natural,” Henry replied casually, but Kayla couldn’t hide his delight.

He gently caressed the box in his hand, then looked at Henry as if wanting to say something.

He’d been waiting for Henry all day, with something he had to say.

“Henry.”

As Henry looked at him curiously, Kayla hesitated. It seemed difficult to express, and his lips barely parted.

Henry nearly urged him to speak but stopped.

Kayla would say it when ready, even if it took a little time, and he had no other pressing matters after delivering the gift.

“I waited today, just for you, Henry.”

“For me?”

Henry eyed Kayla suspiciously.

His tone suggested it wasn’t a simple friendly gesture.

Kayla nodded slightly, glancing over at Crown Prince William nearby.

While discussing his travels with William earlier, he’d realized there was something he absolutely needed to tell Henry.

As Henry continued talking with Kayla, Edwin, still surveying the atmosphere, clenched his fist.

Something felt off, but he couldn’t pinpoint what.

Then, his gaze met that of Crown Prince William, who mouthed a few words to him.

William’s words, “treasure, Henry, beta,” helped Edwin deduce the source of the strange tension he’d felt all along.

Many here seemed to believe that Henry had taken some kind of treasure.

Though he couldn’t tell how such rumors had started, Edwin’s priority was to ensure Henry’s safety.

Gently but firmly, he tried to usher Henry out of the room.

However, unaware of the danger, Henry stood his ground.

“Just a minute.”

Henry wanted to hear what Kayla had to say first.

Edwin tightened his grip on Henry’s arm, unwilling to relent.

“It’s not too late to listen later,” he insisted, directing a warning glance at Kayla.

He now understood that the source of the strange atmosphere was a rumor that Henry had taken some “treasure,” and he suspected someone might confront him about it.

Just then, Kayla interrupted, pulling Henry’s attention back to him.

“Henry, I heard it from His Highness, the Crown Prince.”

Edwin’s protective gaze hardened, but Kayla feigned innocence, focusing solely on Henry.

“Prince, someone else is waiting for you,” Edwin said to Kayla with a thinly veiled warning to stop speaking.

He was subtly cautioning him to watch his words in front of others.

If Kayla outright accused Henry of taking something, Edwin feared for Henry’s safety in the room filled with rumors.

So, Edwin dragged Henry along, who, not knowing the full story, resisted.

“What’s the matter with you?”

“Henry, we need to leave.”

“Did something happen? Is that it?”

Henry finally sensed that something was off with Edwin’s expression and asked what was happening.

Edwin opened his mouth to explain but stopped himself—it was better to leave first.

However, Kayla wouldn’t let them go so easily.

“Henry.”

Kayla gripped Henry’s other arm, causing him to frown.

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