# Chapter 22
“Well…”
Luke observed Asher with a scrutinizing gaze as he answered vaguely. Uncomfortable under the intense stare, Asher avoided eye contact and recalled what Luke had said earlier.
Though it wasn’t mentioned in the book, it seemed Asher had disliked being born an omega. That’s probably why he associated with alphas and shunned other omegas, striding around and indulging his desires as if he were an alpha himself. Perhaps under the title of being a recessive, Asher had experienced a loneliness that could never be filled.
“If you’re thinking of getting involved in something dangerous, I advise against it.”
“Pardon?”
“I’m saying that if you’re concerned about the child, I’ll handle it myself.”
He seemed to think Asher was deeply troubled because of the child. Of course, until just moments ago, Asher had considered going there to clear things out himself, but in his powerless state, he would likely only cause harm to those around him. Knowing that sometimes it was better to ask those with power for help, Asher offered a disheveled smile.
A prayer announcing the opening ceremony began at the temple. Though many had gathered, from the Emperor to the Crown Prince, Luke remained by Asher’s side watching the scene. Worried, Asher glanced at him cautiously.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“…Just because.”
At Asher’s response, Luke gave a faint smile as if finding it bland. Though he now smiled openly without hiding it, Asher felt secretly upset.
Luke Nason Blake. In fact, besides Nerfa and Roxina, he had half-siblings. One of those half-siblings had tormented Luke, who uniquely refused to be intimidated, and had even taken a bird Luke had raised and subjected it to cruel treatment. Nerfa and Roxina, who knew about this but did nothing… Thinking about how lonely and isolated Luke must have grown up made Asher’s heart ache.
“…Asher.”
“Yes?”
“What are you thinking about so intently?”
“Just lost in thought for a moment…”
As Asher trailed off, Luke stared persistently at his face. He still seemed to think Asher was worried about the child. Asher tried to convey with a steady gaze that he was truly fine.
“I need to see His Majesty briefly. Would you like to come along?”
“No. I’ll wait here.”
“…”
“But when you return, will you play with me?”
Seeing Asher’s clear lack of interest in joining him, Luke let out a small sigh. He assigned his escort to Asher and spoke gently.
“It won’t take long.”
“Yes. I’ll stay right here and not go anywhere.”
No sooner had Asher finished speaking than Luke hurried toward where the Emperor was. His steps were so quick that Asher couldn’t help but break into a broad smile.
While sitting on a bench killing time, Asher heard someone calling his name. He reflexively turned his head toward the sound.
“It is Asher after all!”
Benedict, one of the Bryson twins, waved enthusiastically at Asher with a bright smile. Seemingly embarrassed by Benedict’s commotion in the street, Lady Shine beside him hurriedly pulled his hand down.
“How have you been?”
Asher made a sour expression at the siblings who approached first. This was their second meeting since that time, but Asher had told Luke he wouldn’t meet with other alphas. Nevertheless, the two approached even more friendly than before and showed signs of feeling slighted.
“We thought you’d at least say hello. That’s harsh.”
Shine nudged him and asked with a serene expression as if nothing had happened.
“We’ve been well. I’m sure you have been too?”
Wearing a pale pink dress as delicate as floating cherry blossoms, Shine smiled beautifully. Seeing them interact without reservation regardless of his expression, Asher smiled politely and replied.
“Yes.”
“Actually, after parting like that, we were really worried. We followed Baron Varhan’s orders because we had no choice, but we never expected you to get so angry.”
“…”
“We’re sorry about conspiring with Varhan to send that message. It clearly hurt you.”
Benedict also added, “We’re really sorry,” from beside Shine. Asher smiled faintly at their belated apology.
“Thank you for apologizing.”
“…So are we friends now?”
Benedict asked in a hesitant voice while gauging Asher’s reaction. In the past, Asher would have readily agreed, but thoughts of Luke made him hesitate to answer. Yet he couldn’t coldly push them away either, so Asher bit his lip before replying.
“Yes.”
At Asher’s response, bright smiles bloomed on Shine and Benedict’s faces. He thought that perhaps if they had met in a different world without alphas and omegas, they might have been close friends.
“But why are you sitting here? Are you waiting for someone?”
“Yes. His Grace the Duke.”
“Ah…”
“Where were you two headed?”
“Us? We’re going to the Ghost House!”
At the mention of a ghost house, Asher’s smiling lips twitched as if having a spasm. Before and after the possession, if there was anything Asher feared, it was ghosts, specters, and invisible things. But the original owner of this body must have been different, as they clapped their hands together and cheerfully said:
“Come to think of it, you liked scary things too, right? Why don’t you and His Grace go as well?”
Asher laughed awkwardly at his words.
“They stamp your hand after you go through once, and only people with that stamp can enter the Rose Vines.”
“Rose Vines?”
“Yes. The Rose Vines represent Pisolt. But that’s not the end of it. There’s a treasure chest hidden there, and everyone who’s opened it says the same thing: it’s a place best visited with someone you want to be happy with.”
“…”
“So we’re going. We want each other to be happy.”
Shine looked at Benedict and smiled radiantly. That sight felt so warm that Asher couldn’t help but smile.
“Well, we should get going.”
“Yes. Hope you have a good time.”
“You too.”
The two exchanged goodbyes with Asher and disappeared holding hands. Quietly watching them go, Asher thought of Luke.
“I want Luke to be happy too…”
Though the Ghost House was scary, Asher waited for Luke’s return, wishing for his happiness. After sitting for a while, he saw Luke approaching in the distance with Nerfa. Asher quickly stood up, composed himself, and greeted them.
“I greet the small sun of the Empire, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
“Indeed.”
His voice was as cold as ice. Asher felt his vision darken as he recalled their previous encounter.
“I have company, so I’ll be going now.”
Luke, noticing Asher’s poor complexion, took his hand and spoke. Surprised by the sudden touch, Asher looked at Luke with wide eyes, but Luke only gazed quietly at the Crown Prince.
“You still don’t know how to read people.”
“I’ll manage on my own.”
Luke’s expression darkened and stiffened. He was nearly expressionless, but Nerfa disregarded this and lightly patted Luke’s shoulder. It seemed that Luke had experienced betrayal by someone in a past that Asher wasn’t aware of.
“People, you see. Even those you consider yours shouldn’t be trusted easily. Even if that person is engaged to you.”
“Whether to trust someone or not is my decision. And I’ll take responsibility for the consequences of my choice.”
“Luke.”
“Thank you for the advice, Hyung.”
Luke emphasized the word “Hyung” and flashed a grin. It was such a soulless smile, almost as if it had been crafted purely for the sake of courtesy.
“You’re always the same. Never listening to advice. Didn’t I tell you to fix that habit?”
“There are many eyes watching. Shall we discuss this separately when we meet later?”
Nerfa’s brow furrowed, displeased with Luke’s words. He then turned his head and fixed Asher with a dry stare.
“We’ll see if we can meet again next time.”
At this almost threatening statement, Asher’s long eyelids trembled finely. In response to such a pitiful, woeful trembling, Nerfa inhaled sharply and quietly left.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes. I’m fine.”
Asher slowly raised his eyelids and met Luke’s concerned gaze. Eyes as red and beautiful as roses were looking down at him tenderly.
Asher belatedly realized that Luke’s hand was still touching his fingertips. Unlike before, he slowly withdrew from the touch and caressed where Luke had made contact.
“Thank you for your concern.”
“…”
“But… may I ask you a favor?”
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
