Calming Down

In the evening, prior to dinner, Eugene was summoned to the office by the grand duke.

Eugene anticipated the grand duke's anger but was taken aback to find him composed, instructing Eugene to take some time to converse with Kaizer. Eugene felt momentarily uneasy before accepting and apologizing to the grand duke for the trouble he had caused. He promised to find a solution that would not tarnish the reputation of the Karsten Household.

Grand Duke Karsten became intrigued.

He inquired about the nature of the situation, and Eugene proceeded to discuss the matter concerning the Rozans family, particularly Timber, who was the focal point of his protection.

"Gaining an audience with the emperor is challenging due to the ongoing court deliberations on your parents' case, despite the verdict having been delivered."

Eugene displayed disinterest.

"That is understandable since numerous nobles would object, given that Duke Viltaria and Marquis Shradinza are prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the empire,"

This was one of the reasons why he knew execution was implausible.

"They are currently under custody. It may take several days before their exile is carried out."

Following the court's announcement of the verdict, the Duke and the Marquis would be banished, forbidden to set foot in the empire again. They would perish outside the very empire they had once protected, discarded, and forgotten. Eugene believed that punishment alone was sufficient, as they would forever carry the burden of guilt and die without a proper burial. Let them endure the agony of having a family but not truly feeling it.

Eugene joined the grand duke and Kaizer for dinner.

The atmosphere in the hall was pervaded by silence.

Later, after informing Kaizer that they should discuss matters the following day, Eugene returned to his room. Kaizer agreed, acknowledging the importance of cooling their heads first to prevent further nonsensical arguments.

The next day, Timber remained unconscious.

Eugene continued to monitor Timber's condition and couldn't help but feel somber. Klius is truly deranged.

He needed to find a way to discover what Klius had implanted in Timber's body and save him. Although Timber was not in critical condition, knowing that Klius wouldn't go as far as harming Timber, Eugene still needed to find a swift method to rouse Timber from a deep slumber.

"Raphael, stay here and do not leave my room."

Raphael observed his young master departing and heaved a sigh of relief before shifting his gaze to Timber, who had been unconscious since the previous day.

Eugene proceeded to Kaizer's room.

Upon arrival, he found Kaizer seated on the couch, patiently awaiting him. Kaizer remained silent, observing Eugene as he approached and took a seat on the opposite couch. He then dismissed the servants who had guided Eugene to the room.

"Why? Aren't you pleased to wake up next to your beloved?"

Eugene furrowed his brow.

"Timber is not my lover."

Kaizer emitted a sound of surprise, still reclining on the luxurious mahogany Hampshire chaise lounge chair, and said, "Perhaps not a lover, but you care deeply for him. Eugene, if I were to ask you to choose between me and him, who would you pick? Me, who has been with you for countless years, or that person who cannot even recall your sacrifices?"

"Timber is not my lover; there is no need for comparisons."

Kaizer chuckled.

"Do you not want me to compare? By bringing him into the dukedom, weren't you essentially slapping me in the face, declaring that a lover holds greater value than I do?"

Eugene's eyelashes quivered.

"I acted impulsively because I needed to save Timber."

Kaizer: "So, by saving him, you're disregarding me?"

Eugene gritted his teeth. "I know I'm at fault. I'm here to explain. You can blame me all you want, but I don't want Timber to be the target because it's my mistake, not his."

Kaizer pursed his lips.

"If you don't want me to target him, then let's proceed with our engagement as soon as possible."

Eugene paused, looking at Kaizer in disbelief.

"What? Do you think I would allow myself to have no status? Whether Timber is a friend or not, you must become engaged to me so that everyone knows I'm more than just a marriage partner!"

It's also to ensure that a lover remains merely a lover.

"Just to clarify, you want us to get engaged just to prove that Timber is not my lover?"

"Otherwise?"

Eugene took a deep breath.

"Think about it. I'm only asking for an engagement. I won't force a marriage."

Eugene felt helpless. In the end, he could only agree and leave Kaizer, who was grinning from ear to ear.

Upon returning to his room, he was welcomed by Raphael, who informed him that letters had arrived from the Marquis House and the Del Viltaria House. The letters were from Casimin and his brother, Euric.

The content of the letters revolved around rumors of Eugene bringing a lover to the grand dukedom.

His brothers were concerned.

They wanted to confirm if the rumors were true.

Eugene's hand trembled, and he suddenly realized the seriousness of the situation. No wonder Kaizer demanded an engagement. The news had spread quickly, and he suspected that every aristocrat already knew about his indiscretion and was likely waiting for the grand duke's retaliation towards the Marquis Household.

Perhaps this was why Euric had mentioned his visit to the grand dukedom the following day—to see him and possibly plead on their behalf.

This was bad.

His brother was already dealing with household matters, and now Eugene had added another problem.

"Raphael, prepare my pen and paper. I need to send a reply to my brother."

Kaizer had appeared remarkably calm earlier.

He must have been aware of the situation and was waiting to see how he would handle the mess he had created. After all, Kaizer knew that his brother, Euric, and Casimin were the most important people to him in this world. Kaizer could use them as leverage to pressure him into agreeing to marriage, but so far, he had only demanded an engagement. There was likely more to it, but Eugene had no time to investigate or decipher Kaizer's true intentions.

Eugene remained in his room, writing letters.

Occasionally, he would check on Timber's condition.

During lunch, Kaizer ordered a servant to summon Eugene to dine together.

The servants looked at him with different expressions, as if they were staring at a bewitching witch with an enchanting beauty. They wondered why the young duke, who had been humiliated by his marriage partner, refused to let go and even announced that an engagement would soon take place in the castle, requiring preparations.

"No wonder His Highness can't let go."

"Hey, when the young master first arrived, the first thing I noticed was his beauty. Do you think His Highness is obsessed with his looks?"

"Isn't it obvious? Too bad beauty can't hide an ugly character."

"But it's a shame. He dared to bring a lover, which means he despises marriage and wants to break free from it, but His Highness just won't let go."

"Shh. Be quiet. Someone might hear you!"

Eugene clenched his fist and entered the dining hall, wearing an expressionless face.

"You've arrived," Kaizer said, smiling and standing up to guide Eugene to his seat.

The servants present discreetly observed the scene, exchanging knowing looks with each other, silently conveying their thoughts.

"I've instructed the chef to prepare your favorite dish. Consider it an advance celebration since you've agreed to our engagement," Kaizer mentioned.

Eugene gripped his fork and knife tightly.

"Yes, how considerate of you," Eugene replied, his tone lacking enthusiasm.

Kaizer chuckled and returned to his seat, gazing at Eugene with evident happiness while sipping his wine.

"Don't hold back. Make sure to eat well and stay healthy, as our engagement is scheduled for next week. Oh, by the way, your brother sent a letter, requesting an audience. I thought you'd miss him dearly, so I granted his request. Are you pleased?" Kaizer inquired.

Eugene furrowed his brow.

"Yes, it's appropriate since I also have matters to discuss with my brother."

Eugene glanced at Kaizer and noticed a smile on his face, but his eyes appeared devoid of emotion. It seemed that Kaizer was truly angry and had chosen to punish him in a different manner.

How childish.

"I've also invited a designer to create our engagement attire," Kaizer continued. "And since we are about to be engaged, I believe it's fitting to have a family dinner, don't you agree? Furthermore, I've paid the newspaper company to announce our engagement to the public."Eugene's pupils dilated.

He suddenly realized that Kaizer might not be in the right state of mind at the moment. How should he put it? Kaizer wore a smile from ear to ear, yet his eyes displayed a chilling glare, almost as if warning him to behave and submit, if he truly intended to make amends.

Ah.

Eugene stared back at Kaizer, his expression devoid of emotion.

"Since you have already made the arrangements, I'll leave everything in your hands," Eugene replied calmly.

Kaizer laughed.

"Why don't we spend some time together then? You know, rumors about you bringing a lover have been circulating. It would not be wise for you to keep Timber confined to your room and spend less time with others than with me. That way, the rumors may deviate from the truth. What do you think?" Kaizer proposed.

Eugene picked up his drink and nodded.

"As you wish. I'll spend time with you, but Timber cannot leave my room."

Kaizer's smile vanished, and he forcefully slammed the utensils he had been holding onto the table. His dark, intense eyes bore into Eugene with anger.

The startled servants quickly bowed their heads.

Eugene pursed his lips.

He had already made an agreement with the grand duke; he couldn't provoke Kaizer any further. Letting out a sigh, he suggested, "Timber will stay in my room, but I will sleep in yours as a compromise."

Kaizer, who had been furious, suddenly calmed down.

His eyes lit up at Eugene's words, and he immediately stood up from his seat, laughing as he embraced Eugene from behind, resting his head on Eugene's neck and inhaling his scent, which helped ease Kaizer's tense nerves.

"Really? You'll sleep with me?" Kaizer asked, filled with excitement.

Eugene hummed in response.

This lunatic bastard, what change? Kaizer, who has been a lunatic for thousands of years, won't heal with instant therapy. There is no such thing as transformation, only a reduction of his madness.

In a difficult situation, Eugene had no choice but to appease Kaizer.

After dinner, he checked on Timber's condition once again before leaving his room to spend time with Kaizer. They were currently on a horse ride, racing against each other. With Eugene by his side, Kaizer seemed to calm down. The two stuck together, leaving the servants clueless about what was happening.

It had all become too complicated.

The horses came to a stop, and Eugene wiped his sweat.

Kaizer dismounted and walked toward Eugene, raising his arms to help him down. Eugene stretched his arms and allowed Kaizer to assist him.

But then Kaizer carried Eugene and showed no intention of putting him down.

"What are you doing?" Eugene asked.

Kaizer chuckled. "Of course, I'm carrying you."

"Put me down."

"No."

Kaizer locked Eugene in his arms and walked toward a spread blanket on the lawn, part of the garden, surrounded by various flowers. The place had been prepared by the servants, and the food served was freshly baked. Even the tea was brewed at the perfect temperature. Eugene was satisfied with the food but dissatisfied with Kaizer's clinginess.

"How is it?" Kaizer asked.

"Good. Relaxing," Eugene replied, humming as he grabbed some cookies.

He sat on Kaizer's lap and ate, while Kaizer busily watched Eugene, occasionally feeding him.

Eugene felt helpless.

Kaizer's hands touched his waist and legs, massaging them while leaning on his neck and sniffing him like a dog. He wanted to hit Kaizer, but he was too tired to deal with him, so he allowed the clingy behavior for the time being, with the intention of putting a stop to it later.

"Your brother will visit tomorrow. One will become a Marquis, and the other is a Duke. What do you think?" Kaizer asked.

"They deserve it," Eugene replied.

Kaizer grinned. "I'm glad you're not an heir. That way, I can marry you without any issues."

"My marriage is now in my brother's hands."

Kaizer raised an eyebrow. "But our marriage is a decree from the emperor. Your brother can't refuse without offending the emperor."

"I didn't mean that."

"Then what do you mean?"

"If you want this marriage to go smoothly, please my brothers. You know my importance to them. My brother Euric fought against the royal family to save me from execution, and my brother Casimin sacrificed his life force to turn back time for me. Do you understand now? If I am displeased with this marriage, despite the emperor's involvement, it will be rendered invalid once my brothers intervene. So you need to behave yourself."

Kaizer seemed to be lost in deep thought.

"You're right. Your brothers pose quite a threat to me."

"Kaizer, I already told you before, we will get married and try to make this life work. So I hope there won't be any misunderstandings between us. Let's learn to communicate effectively to avoid further complications."

"I agree. We need to have a serious conversation about this."

"Let's settle for that."

"How about in bed?"

Eugene froze and glared at Kaizer before slapping him.

"I told you to refrain from using your lower desires and start using your brain. Haven't you had enough? We've been entangled physically for thousands of years! Control yourself! I swear, if you turn into a beast again, I'll make sure your thing below won't be able to get up again.