Going To The Palace

Eugene teleported back into his room with Timber in his arms.

It's probably time for him to keep Timber away from the Rozans family but he can't do that easily since Timber held the surname of Rozans despite being a stepson. Unless he can have a high status that can make the emperor support him.

He then...can keep Timber.

Eugene change his clothes to nightwear and lay on the bed beside Timber.

——The next day, Eugene woke up early and stare at Timber's sleeping face before transferring his mana to the other party. The collapse of the east side of Rozans manor is made by Timber, he knew it because it was a familiar rampage aura that Timber always exudes in the past whenever he is angry and there are only two reasons now, first is the feeling of betrayal and the second is the illness of countess Minerva that drive Timber in insanity.

Knock. Knock.

Eugene stood from the bed and said, "Come in."

Raphael enter the room but froze when he saw another person on the bed so he couldn't help but look sideways at Eugene who is standing at the bedside while looking outside from the window.

"Young master this is..."

Eugene turns around: "He is Timber, while I'm at the palace you must look after him."

Raphael felt a little complicated.

"Then young master, should I bring a breakfast for him while you're taking a bath?"

Eugene was satisfied by Raphael and nodded.

When Raphael steps out Eugene enters the bathroom to get ready for the grand ceremony. He wears a white knight uniform that wraps his figure and a white shoulder cape that is designed with fox fur.

Raphael came back with a meal and help his young master dress up.

Timber who is sleeping woke up in a daze.

Eugene motioned Raphael to stop and walk toward the bed: "Awake?"

Timber look at Eugene dumbfoundedly and suddenly panics, looking around, not understanding why Eugene is in his room but suddenly realizes that he is not in his chamber because the decorations are different, not exactly his room full of doll given by his step-brother.

"E-Eugene? Am I dreaming?"

Eugene patted Timber's head and said softly: "Not a dream. I'm back to save you."

Timber look at Eugene with teary eyes.

"Huhuhu." Timber hugs Eugene's waist, resting his face on Eugene's stomach while crying. Timber feels so wronged that seeing Eugene made him feel safe and secure.

"I'm sorry, I'm late."

Raphael bows his head, not daring to watch.

Eugene calms the agitated Timber before carrying him in a princess hug which makes Raphael startle: "Young master, your clothes will wrinkle, please allow me---"

"It's fine."

Raphael steps back and watches his young master put Timber on the sofa and serve him the breakfast he brought back. It was as if his eyes are playing tricks on him that he blinks several times before finally realizing that his young master who is always being served is now serving someone, so humble that Raphael misunderstands the two person's relationship.

Is Timber his young master's lover?

After all, Timber was brought back by his young master at night and probably sleep on the same bed. With same-sex marriage being legal by law, seeing two men like this will make people naturally think that they're a couple.

Raphael breathe. He seems to witness something he shouldn't know.

Timber ate breakfast with Eugene.

"Is there no pain in your body? Your mana increases so I'm afraid it will hinder your movement for the time being."

Timber shook his head and grab Eugene's clothes saying, "My mother, Eugene I need to go back and get my mother out of the Rozans Household."

Eugene frown: "Countess Minerva wouldn't be able to get out of the Rozans unless she divorce the count which is impossible to happen. But if you wanted to visit the countess I can accompany you so that your stepbrother won't be able to get near you."

Timber tremble when he heard Eugene mention his brother Klius.

"I-Is there no other way?"

Eugene hummed.

"It's under the law so we can't do anything about it. I can get you out temporarily but I am now accountable for the crime of kidnapping."

Since he knew Timber's stepbrother wouldn't sit still. If one can't fight by force then he will fight by wit. In short, he will lose by the law and can't do anything but bring back Timber to the Rozans household so as early as he can, he must make a plan and do something to save Timber from the hands of his [Timber] lunatic stepbrother.

"Y-You, if that's the case t-then why did you take me?"

Eugene smirked, "Do I look like someone who fears the law?"

With Kaizer as his backer, he won't be imprisoned---- wait a minute. Well, how can he not think of using Kaizer's authority for Timber's freedom?

With the backing of the grand dukedom, the law is nothing.

This is...

Eugene grinned and he looks at Timber happily, "I think I can get you and your mother out of the Rozans household."

Timber: "Huh? How?"

Eugene brushed Timber's hair: "You don't need to know. I can only assure you that your stepbrother won't be able to control you. Just believe me hmm? If you can hold on for a few days, I'll make a plan after the grand ceremony."

"When will I go back to the Rozans?"

"Well, you must go back early before they could file a case."

Timber pursed his lips, "Your right, I think I should go back after this."

"No, stay here until the afternoon to regain your energy then Raphael will escort you back."

"Is that fine?"

"Don't worry, I have my measure."

——Eugene ate breakfast with Timber and after that...he bid farewell and step out of his room. Marquis Shradinza also ate his breakfast in his wife's room so both father and son only saw each other upon stepping out of the mansion.

It's a long journey to the palace and unfortunately, he and his father are in one carriage making the atmosphere dull as no conversation is being made.

Shelvinia Palace

When they arrived at the palace, Eugene follow his father inside.

There are selected nobles who will witness the grand ceremony and some high-ranking military officers are also present including the four pillar family. As always you won't be able to see a single Catharis family member. It's not new in every important occasion or event.

But people couldn't help but feel curious.

"Eugene!"

Casimin waves his hand and walks towards Eugene's direction with his father, following behind.

Eugene simply nodded and glance at Duke Del Viltaria with indifference, making the duke stiff. Dealing with their family mess is exhausting, Eugene could just care less about them because what is supposed to happen will happen and it's just a matter of time before the dirty secrets of the family were expose. He's sure that Del Viltaria and Shradinza will be in the limelight.

"Kaizer and Rasiel are yet to arrive, how about we sit together?"

Eugene hummed.

Casimin shouted, "Great!" before pulling Eugene away.

Duke Del Viltaria watches his sons get together and suddenly feels satisfied. He looks at his lover and tried to hold his hand in secret but Aison slaps his hands away with a confused expression saying, "Lord, I can't hold hands in public especially since I have a wife, I don't want to be on the front page of gossip. Please show respect and stop harassing me."

Duke Del Viltaria turns gloomy.

"Wife? When you spread your legs in bed, are you remembering your wife?"

Marquis Shradinza scowl: "Lord, I never cross a relationship with you."

Duke Del Viltaria flinches and suddenly realize that he sealed Aison's memory so everything he said will only just make the other party think that he's crazy.

Grand Duke Karsten soon arrived with his son in a grand manner and everyone looks at the two majestic people in awe. Since only people who participate in war can attend, Rasiel was taken by the grand duke and stood at the right side with an aura compatible with the two.

Grand Duke Karsten ignore his stinky son and patted Rasiel's head, telling him to go.

Rasiel like a dog immediately drags Kaizer in Casimin's direction.

"Hey! Meet again!"

Casimin ignore the annoying dog and greeted Kaizer.

"Kazier---no, my bad, it should be little grand duke since you are now comparable with your father."

Rasiel: "Hey why are you ignoring me?"

Kaizer smirked at Casimin, "Well, it's still wrong. It will soon be a grand duke."

Casimin looks at his friend in surprise and glances around. Seeing that no one heard it, he breathed a sigh of relief and look at Kaizer as if looking at someone crazy.

Like, why the hell you would say that when your father is still in the position? Unless you plan to fight against your father and directly get the title.

Fortunately, their conversation is not much-paid attention to by others.

Rasiel: "Hey why are you ignoring me?!"

Casimin: "Well, you shouldn't say such a thing. It would be bad if someone misunderstand."

Kaizer tilted his head and glance at Eugene who is staring with a raised eyebrow before looking back at Casimin and saying, "Who cares about public opinion? I'm just claiming what's mine and even without fighting my father would surrender everything to me."

Casimin choked and just shut his mouth.

Rasiel: "Still ignoring me?!"

Eugene patted the chair beside him and Kaizer immediately wag his tail and walk forward, sitting on the empty chair. The other dog, Rasiel had his ears down and grab the seat beside Casimin with tears in his eyes, peeking at his friend who didn't pay attention to him.

Rasiel: The obedient dog feels wronged.

Kaizer leans against Eugene and whispers, "Do you miss me?"

Eugene answers with a flat voice, "No."

Kaizer gritted his teeth and stare at the heartless little wife of his who can't even accept affection. He really wanted to drag Eugene back to the dukedom and teach the person the act of showing and receiving affection. Of course, it's possible to also keep Eugene in his bed, unable to get up from rough exercises.

He wants to do Eugene every day to make up for those years of parting with each other.

But how could Eugene not know Kazer's little thoughts?

He look at the bastard beside him and said, "Don't think about it. I'll beat you."

Kaizer slumps on his seat in a daze.

What is life without the love of his wife?

In those hundred years, he wanted to make Eugene strong so he would kill Eugene to make him devour each world's energy but now he regrets it a little bit because both their strengths are not far apart and he can't control Eugene anymore.

"Wife, do you know what kind of torture it is to endure for a hundred years?"

Eugene rolls his eyes: "If you can't keep your hands to yourself, let me chop it for you."

Kaizer tucks his hand and looks at his wife with wide eyes.

"Are you still thinking of killing me?"

Eugene looks at Kaizer with irritation, "Do you think I have time with you? Timber is my priority for now, stop being such a bothersome person."

Kaizer's eyes cool down.

"Timber? Who?"

Eugene: "My precious childhood friend."

Kaizer's eyelashes tremble as he lowered his gaze. A killing intent flashed in his eyes but soon retracted it and raised his head, looking at Eugene with a smile, saying softly: "I never knew you had a childhood friend, when will you introduce me? your husband, to him?"

Eugene glances at Kaizer coldly: "I'm letting you know to not touch my bottom line."

"What do you mean?!"

Kaizer gritted his teeth and his eyes turn red in anger.

"I'm letting you know as early as now. Timber is not someone you could move."

Casimin and Rasiel felt that something is wrong so they turn their head aside only to see Kaizer's angry expression while staring at Eugene's face.

Casimin panicked: "Hey, what happen?!"

Rasiel frown and look at his friend, "Kaizer, calm down, your mana is wavering. We are in the palace, it will disrespect the emperor."

Kaizer glance at the two and turns his head to the side and saw his father staring straight at him with a warning.

Eugene kept his sitting posture, so calm that Casimin and Rasiel wonder what can make Kaizer suddenly angry.

Of course, Kaizer can't say it so he calms himself and whispered to Eugene, "You are like that, it makes me want to meet that person. I want to see what kind of goblin can make my wife show that kind of expression?"

Eugene was dissatisfied by how Kaizer named Timber.

But thinking that he still need to use Kaizer's authority, he could only shut his mouth and fight the other party with cold violence.