* * *
Sylvian took a deep breath and moved as Whisen had done, gathering the faintly drifting pheromones.
The pheromones, which had been deliberately left to float around, seemed to express their reluctance at being called back.
I guess they don’t work on that guy.
As soon as he issued the command to return, the pheromones sluggishly seeped back into Sylvian’s body, moving at a snail’s pace.
“It’s slow, but well done. Just think of it as sealing the cap.”
Whisen summoned his aura to brush off Sylvian’s pheromones that had clung to him.
The duchess, pleased with the compliment she had received, began looking outside with an uplifted expression.
I should stop messing around for today.
Though he seemed indifferent, Sylvian could clearly feel occasional glances directed at his face.
The path to becoming an irresistible Sylvian was long and treacherous.
To think he had to pretend he couldn’t even control his pheromones properly—something he had already mastered under Zeroth’s relentless training.
In fact, even in front of Zeroth, he still pretended to be inexperienced, making good use of it when necessary.
Whenever his pheromones unexpectedly burst out after a heat cycle, Zeroth would often freeze in place.
For some reason, it was as if an omega’s pheromones could paralyze an alpha.
But whenever he asked for books, all they brought him were literature or poetry collections, so his knowledge about genetics or this world was progressing at a snail’s pace.
Next time, he’d have to insist on going to the library himself.
“We’ve arrived.”
Marking Whisen as his next target, Sylvian exclaimed in excitement as he looked out the carriage window.
“Welcome, madam.”
Following behind Whisen, who had stepped out first, Sylvian was busy looking around when a familiar hand and voice made him turn his head swiftly.
“Zeroth!”
The hand he had absentmindedly extended for Whisen’s escort was now firmly held by Zeroth.
He had only said he would arrive on time, but Sylvian hadn’t expected him to be there waiting for him in advance.
With a bright smile, Sylvian threw himself into Zeroth’s arms.
“Was your journey comfortable?”
“Yes!”
A soft kiss landed on his cheek.
Holding tightly onto Zeroth’s hand, Sylvian looked around.
The imperial palace was magnificent.
The sheer size alone was incomparable to the duchy.
“Let’s greet His Highness the Crown Prince first, then explore the grounds.”
Naturally, the Duke escorted his distracted wife away as she continued admiring the scenery.
Whisen, however, did not follow them into the Crown Prince’s palace.
Instead, he remained standing, watching the Duchess’s retreating figure.
That small mouth, now chattering animatedly with the Duke, was clearly visible—brighter and more animated than when she was with him.
Whisen blinked once, and both figures disappeared from sight.
With an unreadable expression, he turned and headed toward the waiting room.
“Sylvian.”
“Yes?”
As they walked in sync, Zeroth called out to Sylvian, who couldn’t take his eyes off the Crown Prince’s palace.
“Control your pheromones.”
Sylvian flushed at Zeroth’s words.
“I know you’re in a good mood, but if you don’t, other pests might start swarming around you.”
The hushed words against his ear made Sylvian shiver as he quickly reined in his pheromones.
“You’re getting much better at this.”
Zeroth patted Sylvian’s head approvingly, like a satisfied teacher.
“That’s because you taught me well.”
Whisen, and all the other alphas, would no doubt be eager to teach him how to control his pheromones, too.
Smiling brightly at the compliment, Sylvian hid his real thoughts.
He didn’t need to seduce the Crown Prince, but the other alphas?
Those, he’d need to ensnare.
Resolutely steeling himself, Sylvian finally arrived before the Crown Prince’s reception room.
“The Duke and Duchess of Graham have arrived.”
Crown Prince Aihin, who had been comfortably resting in the reception room, lifted his head at the attendant’s announcement.
“Let them in.”
At his words, Zeroth and Sylvian, dressed formally, entered the room together in a display of intimacy.
“We greet the glorious little sun of the empire.”
“Thank you for accepting my invitation.”
“We appreciate Your Highness for granting our request.”
Their conversation exchanged pleasantries, maintaining their pride.
After bowing in greeting, the Crown Prince carefully observed the Duchess, who was attentively listening to the discussion.
Are they still not feeding him properly?
His brow furrowed at the sight of the Duchess’s still-hollow cheeks.
“Please, have a seat.”
There was nothing to be gained from opposing Zeroth Graham for too long.
Swallowing the urge to make further barbed remarks, Aihin gestured for them to sit.
“Thank you for giving me the chance to apologize for my rudeness.”
Shifting his attention, Aihin addressed the Duchess instead.
The sparkling eyes that had remained lively since entering the room made him smile.
Zeroth Graham had married someone like this?
It was an absurdly mismatched pairing.
And yet, strangely, they fit together well.
Aihin placed a teacup before the Duchess, who seemed to be saying with his entire being, “Everything is new to me.”
Sylvian glanced at Zeroth.
What’s going on?
When their eyes met, Zeroth gave him a small nod.
“In gratitude for Your Highness’s invitation, we have prepared a small gift.”
At the slight tremor in his voice, Aihin, who had been brewing tea, looked up to observe the Duchess.
The determined effort in his voice, the unwavering gaze, and the tightly clasped hands all stood out.
Oh? So he’s practicing etiquette?
The moment Zeroth had disregarded the imperial decree and forced the marriage through, information about Sylvian had reached the Emperor.
Naturally, it had also trickled down to the Crown Prince.
It was clear Zeroth had chosen a disposable pawn.
This was someone born into nobility who hadn’t even received the most basic formal education.
“A gift prepared personally by the Duchess? Now that’s something to look forward to.”
At Aihin’s response, the nervous expression softened into a bright smile.
The sight of his face instantly regaining confidence nearly made Aihin laugh.
“I hope it pleases Your Highness.”
Sylvian took out a small box from his inner pocket.
When he glanced at Zeroth, he received an approving nod.
If Zeroth said it was fine, then it must be fine.
Aihin accepted the box and carefully opened it.
“Oh, I’ve never seen such a brilliant ruby before! Ahem!”
Exaggerating his admiration, he caught sight of the Duchess smugly glancing at Zeroth, and it took all his effort to suppress his laughter.
Not because of the Duke’s sharp, icy glare directed at him.
It was etiquette.
He was merely maintaining decorum in front of the Duchess.
“Zeroth helped me choose it!”
Mocking Sylvian for saying the Crown Prince’s hair and eyes were so beautiful that day would have been too cruel.
“Ahem. This is truly… deeply… moving.”
“A rather extravagant gift, considering Your Highness’s prior rudeness,” a chilling voice murmured near his ear, reminding him to tread carefully.
“The Duchess has an excellent eye.”
“Thank you.”
Sylvian shrugged proudly at the Crown Prince’s praise and took a sip of tea.
Then, he simply sat still, quietly listening to the conversation between the two.
Aside from giving the gift, he had no idea what to talk about with the Crown Prince.
If he remained silent, at least he wouldn’t make a mistake.
“Will you be attending next month’s imperial ball?”
Sylvian’s ears perked up at the mention of a ball.
“Yes, I plan to attend with my wife.”
“The Duchess will surely be the highlight of the evening.”
“Sylvian is beautiful, after all.”
* * *
Thank you for the chap S2
Thank you for the chapter