# Chapter 28
As soon as they alighted from the carriage, the Duke approached with Ember. Somehow Ember’s shoulders seemed very tense.
“I’ll be going to see His Majesty with Ember, so you two go to the ballroom first.”
“Yes, understood.”
Shaki seemed pleased, and no wonder—being invited to meet His Majesty with the Duke was tantamount to being named the heir of the Ducal Family. The Duke turned away before Asher could even respond. Although the Duke’s behavior, which suggested Asher’s answer wasn’t necessary, left him feeling somewhat hurt, once out of his sight, Asher felt he could breathe again.
“Shall we go then?”
Shaki extended his arm to Asher with an affectionate expression. Knowing the gesture meant he should take it without being told, Asher gently grasped his arm and entered the ballroom.
The ballroom, filled with magnificent chandeliers, was bathed in bright light. The walls were covered in gleaming gold, and lions, symbols of the Emperor, were painted across the ceiling. Asher tightened his grip as the breathtaking interior left him in awe.
“Nervous?”
“…A little.”
Though he was actually very nervous as this was essentially his first time, Asher understated his feelings.
“I wish your memory would return soon. It’s lonely being the only one remembering our past sometimes.”
“Yes… I wish my memory would come back quickly too.”
Of course, that would never happen, but Asher smiled awkwardly and grabbed a glass from nearby. When Shaki realized the glass Asher had unconsciously taken contained alcohol, he swapped it for a juice glass.
“No alcohol.”
“I’m an adult though…”
Though he hadn’t actually intended to drink it, being forbidden made him want to try it more. But Shaki firmly pushed the wine glass aside.
“It’s best not to drink things like alcohol at places like this.”
“By that logic, even juice is dangerous?”
“That’s fine. I saw the server bring it just now.”
Shaki said with a grin. Asher conceded defeat, took a sip of juice, and placed the glass back on the table.
As time passed, the area filled with people. They were all trying to make a good impression on Shaki and Asher. After watching Shaki interact with the nobles for a while, Asher stepped back slightly. Just then, someone grabbed his hand and pulled him away.
“Found you.”
“Varhan?”
As soon as he realized it was Baron Varhan, Asher yanked his wrist free. Fortunately, they were both wearing gloves at the ball; otherwise, he would have felt Varhan’s sticky emotions, which would have been unpleasant.
“I can spot you from across the room.”
“You don’t need to recognize me next time.”
Despite Asher’s cold tone, Varhan maintained a cheerful expression. With a seductive gaze, he languidly curved his eyes and said:
“You look pretty dressed like this.”
“I didn’t dress for your benefit.”
“Your words are still harsh, but why do you still look so pretty?”
“That would be because he’s my brother.”
Shaki, who had approached without notice, interjected into Asher and Varhan’s conversation. Apparently displeased with Varhan’s behavior, he kept his expression rigid while only lifting the corners of his mouth.
“And who said you could take my brother away?”
“I’m hurt, Brother.”
“Who’s your brother? Maybe you should call Ember ‘brother’ instead?”
“You’re putting up too many walls between acquaintances.”
“Why not observe proper formalities?”
At Shaki’s words, Varhan’s lips trembled slightly. It was such a subtle movement that only careful observation would catch it, but he quickly composed himself and accepted a wine glass from a passing server.
“I’d like to have a chat with Asher, may I take him with me?”
“That’s problematic. You’re an alpha and my brother is an omega.”
“Your protective and caring nature is the same as ever. People might misunderstand, Brother.”
“You’d better watch what you say. I don’t want to get involved in troublesome matters.”
“If that’s how you feel, I have no choice. I’ll try to talk with him again when Brother Ember arrives.”
“I wonder? Will you have time for that?”
Shaki trailed off slightly and looked toward the right back door. When Asher followed his gaze, he saw Luke entering, dressed in a white suit.
Silver hair gleaming in the light and intense red eyes. His dignified presence, evident just in his walk, immediately dominated the ballroom. After capturing everyone’s attention, he approached while gazing only at Asher, called his name with warm eyes.
“Asher.”
“Your Highness…”
As Asher blinked, unable to continue speaking, Luke gently touched his cheek with his gloved index finger.
“Did you wait long?”
“No. I just arrived not long ago.”
Although they hadn’t specifically arranged to meet Luke here, Asher answered tactfully and smiled radiantly.
“It’s been a while.”
“Indeed, it has been since that time.”
Shaki greeted Luke formally as if he’d been waiting for this moment. It was a friendly tone he hadn’t shown to Varhan.
“I’m Baron Varhan, eldest son of Count Christo.”
Perhaps wounded in his pride by Shaki’s behavior, Varhan interjected and greeted formally. However, Luke stared at him with an indifferent gaze and replied dryly.
“Is that so.”
“…”
“Then enjoy yourselves comfortably.”
It was a voice so devoid of warmth that even listeners might feel embarrassed. Varhan’s lips trembled slightly, seemingly shocked by Luke’s behavior. Apparently, he felt quite insulted by Luke’s dismissive attitude toward him, the soon-to-be-inherited baron.
“I hope you have a pleasant time then.”
Varhan offered a bright smile as if everything was fine and gave a warm greeting, but oddly, his tone seemed to imply “if you can.” Asher anxiously looked at Varhan, but Luke grasped his hand as if telling him to focus on him instead.
“With so many people around, how about we move somewhere else?”
Asher nodded at Luke’s suggestion, which seemed to hint at wanting to be alone. Afterwards, he asked Shaki for his understanding.
“Of course it’s fine. I’ll explain to Father, so enjoy your time.”
Shaki whispered just loudly enough for Asher to hear. As Shaki was whispering, Asher noticed Varhan’s face had hardened. But Asher paid no attention and moved to where Luke guided as soon as the conversation ended.
Luke took him to the top floor of a tower that only imperial personnel could enter. In this space where the view outside the castle was visible at a glance, Asher held onto the railing and looked down.
Due to the festival that had continued for several days, the town was filled with brilliant lights. From fireworks bursting across the town to the parade showing magnificent dances—just looking at it all made Asher feel as if he could hear music. Asher tucked his wind-tousled hair slightly behind his ear and gave Luke a fresh smile.
“The view is so beautiful.”
Despite the rough wind felt from the tower, Asher closed his eyes as if enjoying it. It was simply an action taken because he liked the feeling of the wind. At that moment, Luke removed his overcoat and draped it over Asher’s shoulders.
“The wind is strong.”
“I’m fine though…”
A faint blush settled on Asher’s cheeks at Luke’s consideration. Feeling inexplicably embarrassed, Asher fidgeted with the end of the coat Luke had wrapped around him and began speaking.
“I met Princess Roxina during the festival. I unintentionally heard news about Your Highness—I heard you’ve been investigating the capital day and night.”
“She shared unnecessary information.”
“Thank you. For many things…”
Though he couldn’t directly ask about the child’s whereabouts, Asher felt confident that Luke was taking good care of them. And surely, someone like him would have given orders to thoroughly investigate not just the capital but every corner of the empire for any hidden incidents.
As he gazed intently at Luke with gratitude, Luke smiled lightly.
“Since it’s the last day of the festival, it seems too wasteful to spend all our time here. I’d like to move to another location—would that be alright with you?”
“Where to?”
“You’ll see when we get there.”
Luke spoke with a confident expression, as if certain Asher would absolutely love it. Asher had no reason to refuse, so he immediately agreed with a bright smile. However, that happiness didn’t last long.
As Asher descended from the tower with Luke, Ember approached. Judging by the urgency on his face, he seemed to have been looking for Asher in a hurry. Asher looked at Ember with concerned eyes.
“May I take my brother for a moment?”
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
