Chapter 37
“I… I always thought Mari died because of you, Young Master.”
“…….”
“But Sorta…?”
Jan groaned, clutching his face and rubbing it. But in an instant, he pulled out the sword hidden in his clothes and stabbed the knight waiting nearby, then choked Asher. It all happened in the blink of an eye while Asher was caught off guard.
“Even so, it doesn’t change the fact that you tormented her!”
Jan’s eyes reddened as he pushed Asher toward the window. The force cracked the glass, and the flashing lightning illuminated Asher’s face before vanishing.
“If you don’t want to regret this… let go.”
Asher gasped for breath and struck Jan’s stomach. The force with which Jan had choked him left Asher wheezing as he stumbled back.
“You’re right—it doesn’t change that I tormented her. But do you think Mari would be happy if you did this? If you’re thinking of the family left behind, you shouldn’t do this.”
“……I don’t know. Whether Mari would truly be happy.”
Jan picked up the sword he had used to stab the knight and lunged at Asher. Asher dodged the blade in an instant, then grabbed Jan’s wrist and pinned him down.
“Please… snap out of it, Jan!”
“……Hngh.”
“I’m sorry for tormenting Mari… I wanted to tell you this if we ever met. But you can’t just give up on life. You still have family to take care of.”
If Asher had been a second slower, it could have been dangerous. He rubbed his sore throat and wrenched the sword from Jan’s grip, throwing it to the floor.
“Are you alright, Young Master?!”
Toms, who had returned, rushed to Asher’s side and restrained Jan. Asher, still coughing, covered his mouth with the back of his hand and spoke to Toms.
“I’ll leave the rest to you.”
“Yes.”
Asher approached his personal physician, who had been waiting in the next room. The doctor examined him, his face creased with worry.
“Your condition has worsened significantly.”
“The antidote will arrive soon.”
Asher, looking exhausted, lay down on the bed. He hoped Toms would bring the antidote quickly. Just as he closed his eyes, Toms hurried back into the room.
“I’ve brought the antidote. The poison is from a plant called malanicho.”
“……Malanicho?”
The doctor’s expression darkened at Toms’ words. Just hearing the name suggested how dangerous the plant was. Asher drank the antidote Toms handed him and gestured for the doctor to explain.
“Malanicho is a deadly poison to Alphas and Omegas. If the lethal dose is exceeded, it can be fatal… but…”
“But?”
“There’s a side effect where pheromones occasionally lose their scent. Since you’re a fervent Omega, the likelihood of this side effect is higher than usual… You might lose your pheromone scent entirely.”
The doctor’s words made Asher’s blue eyes tremble slightly. But he soon nodded indifferently. “Is that so?”
Losing his pheromone scent—it was a tragic fate for an Omega, but Asher didn’t care. He had planned to live as a Beta once he left this place anyway. Maybe losing his scent would be better.
“Keep this a secret from my father.”
The doctor’s face twisted in discomfort. Asher, as if expecting this, handed the doctor a prepared sum of money.
“I’m not asking you to keep this secret forever. Just pretend you don’t know for a year. I’ll make sure you suffer no consequences.”
The doctor’s eyes widened as he checked the money Toms had handed him. It was enough to live comfortably for a lifetime. He carefully pocketed the money and stood up.
“Thank you. Please call me anytime if you feel unwell.”
“Yes.”
Asher let out a long breath he had been holding as Toms left with the doctor.
“At least I’m glad I had this money…”
Rubbing his chilled throat, Asher recalled the past few days. While searching for the contract he had made with Baron Varhan, he had discovered an old storeroom. Hidden behind old books, the space seemed like a secret vault Asher had prepared before his regression. He struggled to find the key, eventually locating it buried under a flower bed. As expected, inside were numerous documents and an enormous amount of gold and treasures.
Nobles often stashed wealth separately, and this was more than enough to escape and live comfortably. Asher left half as it was and exchanged the other half for checks at the bank. He used part of the money for the doctor and hid the rest inside a book.
“Now, all I need is to memorize the terrain…”
Asher emptied a nearby glass of water and closed his eyes tightly.
***
Two days later, Asher was supposed to meet Luke, but instead, he went directly to the Blade Ducal Residence. Luke would surely dig into this matter, and Asher knew he couldn’t quietly cover up the Duke’s involvement.
“I’m sorry for dropping by so suddenly.”
“If it’s you, you’re welcome anytime. No need to apologize.”
It was their first meeting since that incident, and Asher couldn’t bring himself to meet Luke’s eyes. No matter how much heat he was in, the fact that they had kissed remained unchanged. Asher bit his lip, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
“I ordered Earl Grey tea. Is that alright?”
“I’m fine.”
Asher still stared at Luke’s fingertips as he answered. Luke, slightly displeased by Asher’s avoidance, hid his emotions and asked, “How are you feeling?”
“……I’m truly sorry about that day. I’ll make sure nothing like that happens again.”
“Hmm. I didn’t think it was bad.”
Luke’s lips curved softly as he looked at the steaming tea the servant had just brought in. The warm, almost ticklish smile made Asher’s face flush even redder as he slowly parted his lips.
“Actually, I came to ask you for a favor.”
“What is it?”
“About what happened in the capital that day.”
“I’d prefer you not get involved.”
The way he drew a clear line made it seem he already suspected the Duke’s involvement.
“It seems His Highness already suspects. That my father is involved.”
Asher deliberately emphasized the word father as he looked at Luke. Luke stared back, as if seeing right through him.
“I thought His Highness already knew. That’s why I came…”
“I didn’t mention it because I didn’t want you to worry. The circumstances aren’t clear yet.”
“I don’t want any more victims. Besides, I’m already involved in this.”
Luke’s brow furrowed slightly at Asher’s words. But Asher clenched his fist on his thigh and looked up at Luke, unwilling to back down.
“If there’s anything you need, I’ll help in any way I can. I’ll gather as much information as possible…”
“Asher.”
“Yes?”
“I’d prefer you stay out of this.”
Despite Asher’s earnestness, Luke’s voice was firm as he drew a line, setting down his teacup. Asher knew Luke was worried about him, but he couldn’t hide his disappointment.
“I understand.”
Asher took a step back, though he had no intention of giving up. He would pretend to comply, then provide Luke with whatever information he could gather. He didn’t want Luke to be in danger either. But Luke seemed to have already read his mind.
“Do you remember the promise I made to you?”
“……What promise?”
“The one about uprooting it completely.”
Only then did Asher recall Luke’s words from the capital.
—It’s appalling that such things still happen in the Empire. After the festival, I’ll investigate thoroughly and uproot it completely.
Asher nodded, remembering. Luke smiled approvingly and continued.
“This is my promise to you.”
As if telling Asher not to interfere further, Luke set down his teacup. Asher silently gripped his own cup, watching as Luke stood up.
“But…”
Luke, who had been whispering softly, approached Asher. Startled, Asher’s eyes widened, but Luke maintained a composed expression as he closed the distance between them.
“Y-Your Highness…?”
Asher blinked rapidly, laughing awkwardly. Just as he thought Luke might kiss him again and closed his eyes, Luke’s cool voice reached his ear.
“This scarf is out of place… Don’t you think something’s odd about it?”
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
