# Chapter 18
“Since it’s the first day, I’ve prepared various materials.”
Aria held out the documents she had brought. Although Asher already knew all the content from books, he pretended not to know and quietly read through the materials she offered.
In this world, there existed traits called alpha, omega, and beta. Betas were like ordinary people, while alphas were beings who could impregnate omegas. Omegas were beings who could bear an alpha’s child, and among alphas, there were dominant alphas, regular alphas, and recessive alphas. The same was true for omegas.
Since the dominant ones, who were not just superior but exceptional, often held high positions, they took dominant partners as spouses to continue their outstanding genes. Of course, Luke had him now, so it was temporarily an exception, but Asher skimmed through the knowledge he already had and put down the document.
“Is there anything else you’re curious about?”
“I already know all of this.”
As soon as Asher put down the document, she gently raised the corner of her red-painted lips. Her appearance, looking like someone who was happy in this moment, was utterly peaceful.
“I don’t think I have anything special to teach you. Actually, the reason His Grace assigned me to you is because he wishes for you to become pregnant as soon as possible. For that purpose, he wanted me to know and take care of even the most intimate parts of the Young Master.”
What Aria was saying now seemed somewhat suspicious to Asher. Knowing that Asher’s personality had changed after the possession, it was unlikely that the Duke would have told her to say such things to the current Asher. Rather, if she were to hide such aspects and teach what an omega should do, it might make sense. So Asher decided to test her a little.
“I’m curious about your intention in speaking so frankly to me. If my father found out, you wouldn’t escape reproach.”
“Please speak casually with me. I have no particular feelings for you, Young Master. Apart from His Grace’s orders, I want to remain someone who can help you during my time beside you.”
“Was there any special connection between us?”
“No, there wasn’t. Only, His Lordship also said he would like me to stay by your side. He was actually worried that you only socialize with alphas.”
It seemed that the Duke wanted him to act like a fox toward Luke, just as the previous Asher had done.
“There are no omegas in the household, so he wanted me to stay by your side and be your hands and feet. For that, I think I need to be honest with you first. That’s why I brought this up.”
“You must not have heard the rumors about me. What if I tell my father about this?”
“Then there’s nothing I can do. But I know you won’t tell him.”
“…”
“His Lordship instructed me to report everything about you, but if you don’t want me to, I won’t report. Even if it threatens my life.”
Asher couldn’t understand why she wanted to be on his side to such an extent. But her expression didn’t seem to be telling a lie. Seeing her straightforward gaze, Asher slightly lowered his guard and replied.
“Once a week would be good for lessons.”
“Thank you for trusting me.”
It wasn’t that he trusted her. If she was someone who needed to be kept close, he meant he would observe her a little more. After all, he needed someone to give him advice too. Asher didn’t speak those words aloud and looked down at the paper.
*
“Do you like the person I assigned to you?”
“She’s not bad. But I’d appreciate it if you would inform me in advance next time.”
At the private dinner with the Duke, Asher answered while poking at the vegetables on his plate.
“Tsk, I had to step in directly because you were acting like a fool.”
“I know what you have in mind, Father. But you don’t need to worry. What you’re concerned about won’t happen.”
As someone who knew the future, Asher could speak confidently. But the Duke, disliking his bold claims, frowned and wiped his mouth.
“A person’s heart can change at any time. His Majesty has approved your engagement to the Duke now, but no one knows how public opinion might change.”
“…”
“I think I’ve done my best as a father even though you were born recessive. Don’t you think it’s time for you to live up to those expectations?”
Dry eyes grazed Asher’s skin. True to his ambitious character, he seemed to want Asher to create a connection with the Imperial Family.
“You don’t need to win the Duke’s heart. Your job is to bear a child with the bloodlines of the Anest Family and the Imperial Family. Preferably a dominant one.”
Icy blue eyes, cold as frost, stared directly at Asher. With a gaze that seemed to accept no other bloodline, Asher felt his mouth go dry, as if he had swallowed sand. This made him clearly understand what kind of person the Duke was.
“Someone from the temple will come tomorrow. Of course, I’ve invited them discreetly due to your memory issue, but at that time, they will also check your physical condition.”
“…”
“So make an effort to bring good news as soon as possible.”
As if he had finished what he wanted to say, the Duke rose from his seat. As if Asher were merely a seed to continue the bloodline between the ducal family and the Imperial Family, he left with an expressionless face.
As soon as the meal ended, Asher went to the bathroom attached to his room and vomited all the food he had eaten. Like a routine ceremony, he invariably visited the bathroom on days when he had meals with the Duke.
“Haa…”
After throwing up, he felt all the strength leave his body. Feeling a suffocating pressure on his chest, Asher finished washing his face lightly and walked to the Sky Garden in the back yard of the ducal residence.
A crescent moon rose over the pitch-black sky that had deepened with the night. Unlike his gloomy mood, Asher let out a faint laugh at the bright moon.
“Why should I feel sad about that…”
It was all anticipated anyway. Nevertheless, the fact that he felt sad was perhaps because there was a small expectation in a corner of his heart that he might get along well with them. He had thought it would seep in like clothes getting wet in a drizzle… Feeling more upset than expected, he lightly kicked a stone in front of his feet.
Since his possession, Asher had tried his best to adapt to life here. He pretended to be fine, to be brave, but he felt his limits approaching little by little. With his depressed mood, Asher went to the gazebo made as a resting place and sat down.
At first, he thought his goal was to adapt to this place. But now, it seemed he needed to worry about his own welfare. He couldn’t just leave recklessly, so it seemed he needed to find his position while gradually securing his assets.
“What are you thinking about so deeply? You didn’t even notice someone coming.”
Startled by the sudden voice, Asher turned to his side in surprise. Judging by his attire, Shaki seemed to have come straight here after finishing his training.
“Brother?”
“I heard you had dinner alone with Father?”
“Yes. What brings you here? You haven’t even eaten dinner.”
“How could I eat when I’m worried about you? I went to your room but you weren’t there, and somehow I thought you might be here, so I came. Looking at your expression, I’m glad I did.”
Asher made an awkward expression and smiled. Seeing him forcing a bright smile, Shaki handed him a small bottle he was holding.
“What’s this?”
“Digestive medicine.”
“…”
“You always get indigestion when you dine alone with Father. Did you think I wouldn’t know?”
Asher felt a stinging in his eyes at Shaki’s unexpected consideration. Feeling like tears might suddenly pour out, he stared at the bottle he offered for a moment. Then, smiling brightly like a fool, he picked up the bottle.
“…Thank you, brother.”
At his smile, as bright as flowers in full bloom in spring, Shaki was momentarily motionless. In the silence that seeped in like the wind, Asher slightly moved to the side and asked.
“Want to sit down for a bit?”
“…Sure.”
Shaki sat in the spot Asher had slightly moved aside for him. Asher looked at Shaki and hesitantly parted his lips carefully.
“…Brother.”
“What is it?”
“What do you think it would have been like if I wasn’t your brother?”
“What kind of question is that? You, not being my brother? That’s a terrible thought.”
“I suppose so.”
What answer was he hoping for? Asher let out a hollow laugh at the question that was practically already answered.
“I don’t know why you’re asking such a question, but you’ll be my brother until the day you die. I’ve never once thought of you as a stranger.”
“…Yes.”
“You’ve changed a lot from how you used to be, and I worry about you often. Times like this, when you’re suffering alone, I genuinely worry as your family.”
“…”
“So I sometimes think, the old you wouldn’t have worried about a thing, but the current you makes me want to take care of you and concern myself with you.”
He continued speaking calmly while keeping his gaze fixed straight ahead.
“They say people mature when they’re sick. Looking at you these days, that saying fits perfectly.”
“…”
“But Asher, you have me by your side, and your family, right? So stop pretending to be brave and fine on your own. I know better than anyone how tender-hearted you are.”
Like soothing a child, he ruffled Asher’s hair with his large hand. Seeing Shaki behaving in a friendly manner with his characteristic kindness, Asher smiled warmly.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
