12

Realizing how nervous Silas looked, his father let out a long sigh. From the very beginning, he had enrolled Silas in a school where he could learn the various codes of noble etiquette. And because he was an omega, he had also placed him in classes that taught how to take on the role of a 'wife.' Even though Silas was a man, he was still an omega—and male omegas could bear children, so it was something his son needed to understand.

However, it seemed he had made a slight miscalculation. Because Silas was always studying, he rarely had friends at social events, which made his personality somewhat reserved.

"So, how are your interactions with the grand duke's son? Hah, Prince Alric. I did hear that he dislikes omegas, but as an alpha, it's impossible not to be tempted by an omega's pheromones."

Silas lowered his gaze, quickly wanting to change the subject. "Father, I actually came here to tell you something and ask for your help."

"Help? Speak, Silas."

"Prince Alric asked me to stop working with you, so could you tell him that it's impossible? Besides, it's not stated anywhere in the contract that I have to quit working."

Upon hearing that, his father's expression shifted, as if he were somewhat shocked by what he had just heard. He had indeed planned to remove Silas from his position—but not this soon. He would only dismiss Silas once he successfully conceived, because at that point, Baron Conrad would no longer have financial worries. There were many matters in which only Silas was skilled in managing the company's finances. He could hire someone else, but Baron Conrad found it difficult to trust others with something as crucial as his company's financial affairs.

And besides, hiring someone else would mean spending more money on wages.

He really should have looked for Silas's replacement earlier—there were plenty of young men from the church who would be suitable for the job, ones who might not care much about the salary amount as long as they had money to live on. But the real question was: could any of them be as competent as Silas in managing finances?

Or perhaps this was something he could use to negotiate for more from the Grand Duke? Yes, that was certainly a matter worth discussing if Prince Alric still refused to accept Silas's desire to continue working. If he could secure greater benefits from their newly established deal, then paying an accountant and an assistant to handle financial matters with extra compensation wouldn't be much of a strain on his wealth.

"Father?"

Baron Conrad gave Silas a faint smile as he tidied up a few sheets of paper still scattered on his desk. Then, as if he had finished weighing all his thoughts, he said, "Alright, I'll try to discuss it with the Grand Duke. But Silas, if the Grand Duke refuses, I won't be able to force him."

Silas let out a relieved breath. The helpless look on his face from moments ago faded, replaced by gratitude for having a father who was also a nobleman. If he had been just an "orphan" thrown into an arranged marriage like this, he wouldn't have even dared to say no.

As he was about to take his leave, Baron Conrad insisted that Silas stay for dinner and spend the night. However, the guard accompanying Silas informed him that, under Prince Alric's orders, Silas had to return to the Wittenheim mansion before sunset.

Just as Silas was about to stop in front of the mansion doors, he hesitated for a moment. The guard, noticing his pause as if he were deep in thought, asked if there was anything he could assist with. Silas then said he wanted to visit the stables and see his horse for a moment.

It was rare for Silas to go horseback riding, as his work assisting his father kept him quite busy. His father was the kind of man who refused to hire just anyone to manage his business, so much of the work still fell on Silas. Calculating expenses and income, recording revenue, auditing employees—and at times, he was the one personally meeting with investors interested in partnering with the numerous hotels and estates owned by the Steinmar family.

In an era where noble status could easily mean nothing compared to the wealth of entrepreneurs, his father refused to fall behind and lose his "honor." Many businessmen already despised the aristocratic system, and numerous groups sought to dismantle the monarchy. However, because the country's culture still highly valued noble blood, many remained loyal to the aristocracy. Openly insulting or supporting rebellion could even result in punishment.

And yet, Silas could feel it—the world would not remain under the control of nobles forever. The more educated the people became, the more they would learn to make their own decisions about what was rightfully theirs, rather than blindly upholding nobles who did little more than flaunt the wealth they had ultimately acquired from the people. Universities were producing doctors, scientists, and young inventors who were changing the way life was lived. Gone were the days when houses relied solely on oil lamps—though electricity was still limited to those who could afford it, Silas was certain that one day, it would be accessible to all.

How many days had it been since he last saw his horse? When Silas arrived at the stables and caught sight of his white horse, he immediately heard the familiar sound of its neighing, recognizing his presence. Silas smiled, refilled the water trough even though there was still some left, and offered a snack to the horse, gently stroking its head.

He wanted to talk to his horse as he often did, but it felt a little embarrassing with the guard standing not too far away. Noticing Silas's awkward expression, the guard lowered his gaze.

"Do you wish to go for a ride, Lord Silas?"

At the question, Silas shook his head. "No, I just missed my horse... It's such a relief that Al still looks so healthy—"

Silas quickly shut his mouth and resumed stroking his horse. He had let that slip out. Hopefully, the guard wouldn't think he was strange for giving his horse a name—and even more so, hopefully, he wouldn't suspect that the name came from Alric. Al. His horse was named Al.

He wasn't even sure why he had named it that. When Baron Conrad gifted him the foal for his sixteenth birthday, its healthy coat and mane, almost resembling platinum blonde, had reminded him of Alric's hair. And from then on, he naturally got into the habit of calling the horse Al.

"You must love your horse very much. If you asked Prince Alric, I'm sure he would allow you to bring it to Wittenheim."

"Hah, really? He would allow it?"

"Of course, my lord. Prince Alric is fond of horses as well, so I'm sure he would understand your feelings as a pet owner."

At the guard's words, Silas recalled how Alric often participated in horseback riding and won the racing competitions held in Lichtberg. It was true—Alric's horses were always well-fed and muscular, their coats gleaming, a clear sign of the care he devoted to them.

However, Silas didn't think their relationship was close enough for him to ask for such a favor. Bringing his horse to Wittenheim would only trouble the staff there, who were usually focused on tending to the Wittenheim family's horses.

*

The car ride was silent. Silas looked out the window as their vehicle passed through the heart of Lichtberg, where luxurious buildings and upscale restaurants lined the streets, filled with high-society socialites dressed in elegant and expensive clothing. Within minutes, the bustling scenery was replaced by a stretch of trees, signaling their approach to the exclusive Wittenheim estate.

His eyes widened when he noticed a tall building that resembled a church. Perhaps it was because he had been too preoccupied with his own thoughts, but Silas had only just realized its presence. The building was surrounded by a beautiful garden, where children laughed and played.

"Stop here for a moment," Silas instructed the guard driving the car.

"Is something the matter, my lord?"

"That building—Is it a church? I rarely come to the heart of Lichtberg, so I never really paid attention to the buildings around here."

"Ah, that?" The guard glanced at the window. "That's an orphanage. It used to be much smaller, but before Prince Alric went to his latest military duty, his highness had it renovated at his request."

"Alric requested that?" Silas was taken aback for a moment. "Ah ..., I, I didn't mean to sound doubtful—I'm just impressed."

"I was impressed too," the guard admitted. "The orphanage was in terrible condition before. But after Prince Alric visited, he began donating regularly, and now the place looks grand."

Silas kept his gaze on the multi-story building. It was massive, and right beside it stood a structure he was certain was a church. The children playing outside looked genuinely happy, their clothes fresh and new—no rips, no signs of neglect. It was clear that the caretakers truly cared for the orphans. Without realizing it, a smile formed on Silas's lips. If he had great wealth, he would have wanted to do the same for the orphanage he had once lived in.

Unfortunately, all he could manage was the small donations he made from his earnings while working for his father.

"Look at them, playing so joyfully together like that," Silas mused softly. "Isn't it a sight that warms the heart of anyone who sees it?"

The guard, seeing the gentle smile on Silas's face, quickly averted his gaze and nodded. His eyes still functioned just fine—even from the moment he first laid eyes on Baron Conrad's son entering Wittenheim, he had understood immediately why Prince Alric had chosen a male omega as his consort.

Silas von Steinmar—who was now part of the Wittenheim family—possessed an undeniable beauty, despite being a man. His violet eyes gleamed like polished gemstones, his small, plump lips a soft shade of red, and his slender frame complemented his flawless, pale skin, untouched by scars. Even men who claimed to have no interest in other men would likely find themselves drawn to him.

Clearing his throat, the guard felt a pang of guilt—almost as if he had betrayed Prince Alric just by allowing himself to admire that sweet smile for more than two seconds. Or perhaps, it was a privilege to witness it.

"Shall we continue our journey?"

"Ah, yes. Ah... I just realized, I don't know your name."

The guard pressed the pedal, and the car smoothly resumed its journey. "My name is Robert, sir."

Robert—the guard—looked young, possibly around the same age as Silas. Leaning back against the seat, Silas tried to recall all the names he needed to remember now that he would be living in Wittenheim. From Karen, the maid who worked for Alric, to the gardener and several other servants who frequently tended to the house. He also needed to familiarize himself with the vast layout of Wittenheim's grounds, ensuring he wouldn't get lost. Like it or not, Wittenheim would be his home for a long time.

As the road grew more familiar, the grand mansion of Wittenheim appeared in the distance. However, what caught Silas's attention was a familiar figure standing by the gate—tall, with striking hair that was impossible to mistake. It was Prince Alric. But why was he here?

Robert seemed just as surprised. He brought the car to a stop at the gate and lowered the window. Silas did the same.

However, Alric ignored Robert's questioning gaze and instead told Silas to step out of the car. Silas complied immediately. Then, Alric dismissed Robert, instructing him to leave first.

"What are you doing here, Alric?" Silas asked.

Alric swiftly placed his hands on Silas's shoulders, his gaze scanning him as if checking for any sign of injury.

"Why did you take so long to return?" His voice carried a clear note of irritation.

Silas didn't understand his reaction. The sun had yet to set, the sky was still bright—this wasn't even close to nightfall.

"What do you mean? it's clearly still afternoon."

"Did that old man give you something strange?"

"Old man?"

Hah—Alric suddenly seemed to realize how odd his own words sounded. He pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. "I don't know how to—... fuck."

Hearing him curse, Silas flinched slightly, his mind scrambling to figure out what he had done wrong.

"No, don't make that face. I'm not angry."

"Old man...?" Silas's lips quivered slightly as he lowered his gaze. "Are you talking about my father?"

".... That's not what I'm—"

"I know you don't particularly like my family. And yes, our arrangement is rather... ridiculous, with my father gaining far more from it than you do. But he holds no ill intentions toward your family."

At the sight of Silas's pale expression, Alric panicked. He quickly shook his head. "That's not what I meant, Silas. I just... I was worried about you."

Even to himself, the excuse sounded absurd. But instead of saying more, he released Silas' shoulders and swept aside the strands of hair that had fallen over Silas' forehead.

"Look at me, Silas. I'm sorry."

The cold sharpness in his blue eyes softened. Silas nodded, but Alric's question still lingered in his mind—Did that old man give you something strange? That was the kind of question one asked when they were still skeptical of someone's presence.

Of course, Silas understood the concern. There was no way Alric could fully trust someone from another family after only a few days. He tried to be understanding. If their roles were reversed, he too would be wary of someone he didn't fully know suddenly becoming part of his household. And given Baron Conrad's less-than-stellar reputation, Alric had even more reason to be cautious.

He shouldn't have been offended. If anything, he should be the one apologizing.

"Forgive me, Your Highness. I understand. My answer is that my father didn't give me anything 'strange'. You can check for yourself."

Silas took a step back, subtly gesturing his willingness to let Alric search him. But Alric only clicked his tongue in irritation. "Forget it."

Then, without another word, he grabbed Silas' wrist and pulled him forward. Silas barely had time to register what was happening before his feet instinctively followed.