Engagement

Time passes by so quickly.

After Eugene's siblings paid him a visit, they assisted him in devising a plan. His brother Euric proposed that Timber should stay at the Rozans Household, and Casimin volunteered to take care of Timber and investigate what had occurred. Initially, Eugene was reluctant to let go, as he believed he was the only one capable of curing Timber. However, Kaizer promptly expressed his anger, dissatisfied with Eugene's inability to let go.

Kaizer emphasized, "Isn't he just a friend?"

Then he proceeded to present his reasoning, leaving Eugene speechless.

In the end, Eugene agreed to his brother on one condition: he must be notified once Timber awakened. Because he wanted to reassure Timber that Klius wouldn't be able to contact him [Timber] again.

"Don't worry, Eugene. Your brother will take care of him."

Eugene expressed his gratitude to his brother Euric.

Instead of returning by carriage, Casimin offered to open a portal connecting to the Rozans family, allowing them to discreetly transfer Timber.

The day of his engagement finally arrived.

Eugene found himself in his room, being meticulously dressed. While everyone else was filled with joy, Eugene grew increasingly restless and couldn't help but worry about the upcoming engagement. He had a feeling that something significant was about to happen, but he couldn't predict what events lay ahead.

"Young master looks splendid."

"No wonder the high highness adores you."

Eugene didn't feel happy at all. What did those remarks mean? Were they suggesting that Kaizer only liked him for his appearance? If only these people know that the little duke they mentioned had been pursuing him relentlessly for thousands of years like a mad dog.

The servants were unaware that they had offended Eugene.

They continued their conversation, filled with veiled compliments that only irritated Eugene further.

Raphael noticed the change in his young master's mood and immediately reprimanded the servants, reminding them of their place. Eugene, with an expressionless face, observed the servants through the mirror's reflection as they all bowed their heads, their faces pale, and apologized.

Eugene decided not to pursue the matter anymore.

After getting dressed, he stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his cufflinks and conversing with Raphael, who informed him that the two princes would attend the engagement banquet.

Eugene wasn't surprised by this news.

His engagement banquet served as an opportunity for the nobles to establish connections and socialize. However, he had no idea about the grand duke's intention behind inviting almost every noble to witness his engagement with Kaizer. One thing was certain, though: there was more to this gathering than just celebrating his engagement.

What were the grand duke and Kaizer planning?

A knock was heard, and Raphael promptly opened the door.

Kaizer entered, looking incredibly handsome in his black suit adorned with golden linings and jewelry. The surrounding servants gasped and admired their master.

Eugene averted his gaze.

"Honey, you look captivating today as well."

Kaizer approached Eugene and hugged his waist, whispering, "Always so enchanting. How can you be so seductive without even trying? It makes me want to hide you even more."

Eugene remained silent, focusing on fixing his brooch.

Kaizer paid no attention to Eugene's cold shoulder. After all, it was their engagement day, a joyous occasion for him. After thousands of years of pursuit, this would be his first taste of engagement, and he hoped for a swift marriage.

"Come, the banquet is about to begin."

Kaizer took hold of Eugene's hand and led him out of the room.

As they made their way, Eugene lifted the spell, causing his hair to turn silver and his eyes to shimmer gold.

Kaizer chuckled at the sight.

So beautiful.

Upon reaching the door, a knight announced their arrival before opening the double doors, revealing the grand hall. Kaizer tightly held Eugene's hand and smiled, urging him to move forward. Eugene took a deep breath and bit his lip, both of them pausing to look down at the guests who stared at them as they descended the stairs.

The nobles applauded as they watched the two charming men descend.

Second Prince Maximilian stepped forward with the crown prince and greeted them, saying, "Congratulations to the future grand duke and future grand duchess."

Crown Prince Lincoln added, "Congratulations, my lords."

Eugene's gaze lingered on Lincoln.

This was the first time they stood before each other since their past encounters. Unlike before, when Eugene had only seen him from a distance, Lincoln no longer appeared provocative. Perhaps the butterfly effect had influenced him. Eugene wondered if Lincoln had already met Chantall, considering they were both attending the academy.

After all, Eugene had deviated from the past.

Did his changes also affect the crown prince?

"Eugene."

Kaizer tightened his grip around Eugene's waist, his smile nearly faltering as he witnessed Eugene's confusion when looking at other men. Of course, Second Prince Maximilian also felt displeased and glared at his little stepbrother, who seemed to captivate people effortlessly with his feminine features. Truly, even the betrothed of the little grand duke was enthralled, let alone other men.

"I apologize," Eugene coughed. "I hope His Highness Lincoln doesn't mind."

Lincoln clenched his fist and forced a smile.

"It's fine. I'm accustomed to it."

Eugene hummed and held Kaizer's hand, attempting to calm the mad dog.

As Kaizer and Eugene received congratulations from the guests, some became intrigued by their developing relationship, while others expressed dissatisfaction, particularly upon seeing Euric and Casimin stepping forward. Rumors had circulated, and initially, they were met with disbelief. However, when the trial of the Marquis, Marchioness, and the Duke was announced, everyone was taken aback.

Now, the Marquis Household of Shradinza and the Duke Household of Del Viltaria were connected.

How much power did Eugene, with his Shradinza and Del Viltaria blood, wield?

A dualist and the future grand duchess.

Casimin couldn't help but feel amazed when he saw his younger brother with silver hair and golden eyes, traits inherited from the Del Viltaria bloodline.

"Did you change your appearance?"

Eugene smiled. "It's an enchantment. I just removed it."

Casimin's eyes welled up with tears as he looked at his twin brother's face.

On the other hand, Euric felt uneasy seeing Eugene with silver hair and golden eyes, because it made him feel like, Eugene is not his little brother at all.

"You look great," Euric choked, struggling with his words.

Eugene sighed and patted his brother's shoulder, saying, "Don't be sad, brother Euric. I'm still a Shradinza, and we are still brothers. I simply can't maintain this appearance out of respect for the duchess."

After all, his moonstone grey eyes were an exact copy of Duchess Krishna's eyes.

He feels bad for the duchess and doesn't want to keep it anymore.

Besides, everyone already knew that he was the son of Marquis Shradinza and Duke Del Viltaria. Revealing his true hair and eye color wouldn't be a big deal anymore.

"Eugene, congratulations on your engagement."

Casimin pushed Euric aside and held Eugene's hand, saying, "When you get married, your dowry will come from the Duke House, so you won't—"

"What are you saying?! My little brother's dowry will come from the Marquis House!"

Casimin snorted, "How much dowry can the Marquis House offer? I'm afraid my little brother will be wronged."

"Y-You!"

Eugene immediately intervened and said, "It doesn't matter. But Casimin, I am registered under the Shradinza family, so I cannot accept a dowry from the Duke's House."

Casimin frowned.

"It's alright. Our mother wouldn't mind. She even asked me if you would visit the Duke's House. After all, you are also a Del Viltaria. When she heard about your engagement today, she wanted to give you a gift, but she was afraid you wouldn't like it and would refuse."

Eugene frowned.

"It's enough for me to know that she accepts me."

Casimin softened, but the thought of his little sister made him tense. He had memories of Brittany and their father discussing her engagement with Eugene. It was a bit awkward now that everyone knew Eugene had Del Viltaria blood. He didn't want their family to be entangled in complications again, so he hoped that Eugene and Brittany wouldn't meet, in case his sister actually held feelings for his little brother.

"It's also fine if you don't want to visit the Duke House. My mother and I understand how much you despise our father to the point of avoiding any connections. You don't need to force yourself—I will always understand."

Eugene pursed his lips.

"Thank you, brother."

Kaizer, who had left Eugene with Euric and Casimin, returned.

He invited the brothers to have a drink while keeping Eugene at his side. Eugene silently remained with them, listening to their conversation.

After a minute, the double doors upstairs opened again, and the guard announced the arrival of the grand duke and Khalil. This time, an unfamiliar name was mentioned, causing confusion and curiosity among the attendees.

Eugene reacted in the same manner.

He watched as the grand duke stepped forward, accompanied by Khalil on the left and an unfamiliar man on the right.

"His Excellency Grand Duke Karsten, His Highness Khalil, and Her Excellency Grand Duchess Keerto have arrived!"

Eugene's pupils dilated, and everyone gasped.

Kaizer leaned forward and whispered, "Love, why don't we go meet my mother?"

Eugene turned his head to look at Kaizer, his eyes wide. His hand, holding a glass of wine, trembled.

"What did you say?!"

This family is insane!

Eugene shifted his attention to the grand duchess.

The man possessed a mix of handsome and beautiful features, with long chestnut hair and hazel eyes. He appeared a bit lost as he looked around, visibly uncomfortable, like a child who had lost their way and didn't know how to find their path back.

Eugene gritted his teeth and grabbed Kaizer's collar, raising his voice in a whisper.

"Kaizer, what does this mean?!"

On his engagement day, the grand duke's runaway wife had returned.

No wonder all the nobles were invited, and even the two royal princes were present. This gathering wasn't just about announcing his engagement, but also the return of the grand duke's long-lost male wife! They had found the man, but how?! Eugene had never noticed the grand duchess's arrival in the duchy, and Kaizer hadn't mentioned a word about such a matter to him?!

"Calm down. It's a joyous occasion. The family is reunited, and you are finally engaged to me."

Kaizer caressed Eugene's cheek.

"It's a wonderful day, and we should all be happy."

Eugene let go of Kaizer and gritted his teeth.

He can't reason with a lunatic.

Kaizer held Eugene's hand and dragged him forward, saying, "Come, let me introduce you."

Khalil's eyes lit up upon seeing his brother and sister-in-law.

"Daddy, Brother is over there!"

Grand Duke Karsten looked in the direction his son pointed and saw his eldest approaching them.

The Karsten family is happy and even the Catharis member who is hiding in the dark is watching with a smile. The hall fell into silence as the nobles who become familiar with Lord Keerto finally understand the situation. They all turn to look at Baron Elsher who is looking in front with wide eyes while trembling upon seeing his long-lost son.

Grand Duke Karsten hugged his wife and whispered in a soft, low voice, "Our eldest son is here with his fiancé. Eugene is your future daughter-in-law, and our son adores him very much."

Keerto's eyelashes quivered as he hummed in response.

He couldn't remember a thing. He had been living quietly in the countryside when one day, someone claiming to be a Catharis had knocked on his door, telling him to stop playing hide and seek and return to the grand duchy where he belonged.

He had no idea what they were talking about.

When he explained that he had been in an accident and couldn't remember a thing, the person informed him that he was the grand duke's male wife who had been missing for years.

He was taken aback and refused to believe it.

However, the individuals forcibly took him along, insisting he behave.

He remained in the Catharis duchy, receiving training. Afterward, a man whom they claimed was his husband came to retrieve him. The man introduced himself as his husband, named Katnier, the sole grand duke of the empire.

He had actually married a high-status nobleman.

Keerto was persuaded to leave the Catharis duchy and return to the grand duchy of Dela Vallier. He arrived at midnight and was immediately taken to the annex palace.

Then, a seven-year-old child appeared and called him "mother."

Keerto trembled as he was embraced, surprised by the situation. He had married someone and had a child. He thought that men who could conceive were mere myths, but he didn't expect to be one of them. He felt lost and frightened by these facts, completely unaware of his own life. How had he ended up living in the countryside despite being married to a powerful man? And why couldn't he remember a single thing about his past? He wanted to know what had happened, but he didn't have the courage to ask.

"Mother, I'm glad to see you safe."

Kaizer put on a playful smile, "This is my lover and my future grand duchess."

Eugene and Keerto exchanged glances, both lowering their gazes as their eyelashes trembled.