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Chapter 10
All Yuric had left was debt. Nothing but debt.
And one single rope of hope—House Chevinel’s proposal letter.
Was life allowed to be this cruel?
Just thinking about that man made Yuric angry. In a situation like this, the proposal of all things had to arrive—from the very man he once liked. And on top of that, it reminded him of his own foolish past, secretly admiring that shameless playboy.
Yuric ran a hand irritably through his hair and continued speaking.
He had no idea that someone had stepped up behind him. Nor did he notice the nobles staring wide-eyed at him and the man standing at his back.
“If he keeps changing partners, perhaps it’s because he’s terrible in bed. Have you not heard that rumor, Countess? That the so-called Romance of the Empire is actually this small—”
As he turned to set down his champagne glass, he finally saw him.
Slightly taller than himself. Sharp golden eyes. Brilliant red hair swept back with careless elegance.
Ah.
It was him.
He should have stopped talking.
He didn’t.
“…barely poking around so no one ever feels anything—”
Caron’s brow twitched upward. His red tongue flicked across his lips before disappearing between his teeth.
Yuric blinked.
What… is this situation?
Caron stood lazily, looking down at him.
“No one has ever said they didn’t feel anything.”
“….”
“Please, finish what you were saying, Sir Yuric Windsor.”
Yuric fell silent.
Ah. Life…
All around them, nobles leaned in with open curiosity.
How would Caron Chevinel respond to such an insult?
Yuric swallowed and steadied his expression.
He had seen Caron from afar before, but never this close.
Or had he? He forced himself back to the present and lifted his gaze.
“Are you speaking from experience, Sir Windsor?”
Caron’s eyes curved into a sharp, alluring smile. Even his eye-smile was dangerously attractive.
And indecently sensual.
But it wasn’t a real smile.
Yuric unconsciously clenched his fist.
Caron leaned closer, close enough that their hair almost brushed.
“Or do you want to experience it?”
Up close, Caron’s golden eyes shone brighter.
A chill ran down Yuric’s spine. He frowned.
“Do not be rude.”
“You were rude first.”
Yuric had no answer.
His fingertips felt cold.
The Yuric Windsor… nervous?
“You roam freely, tarnishing the Empire’s dignity. I suppose that’s why such words slipped out.”
Ah. Yuric Windsor never loses.
He wanted to slap his own mouth.
Caron smiled faintly.
“Oh, I suppose such matters are beyond the imagination of a noble son of House Windsor.”
Caron’s gaze slowly traveled downward—from Yuric’s shoes up along his body.
“With all that concern for honor, you probably don’t even know how to use what you were given. Shall I teach you how to enjoy yourself?”
“No need.”
“How to move your hips so your partner collapses beneath you, for example.”
Caron’s hand suddenly wrapped around Yuric’s waist.
Yuric startled and slapped the hand away, stepping back.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“Learning comes from experience.”
Caron laughed at Yuric’s flustered expression.
“I’d be happy to teach you personally.”
Yuric’s irritation surged.
This damned playboy.
“As expected of the Empire’s so-called Romance,” Yuric said coldly, lifting his chin. “I have no interest in such vulgar pursuits.”
“Oh, how refined.”
Caron scoffed.
Yuric tried to hide his unease. Usually, when he looked down at someone with cold dignity, they shrank back.
But that didn’t work on someone who proudly embraced decadence.
And this time, Yuric had already put himself at a disadvantage.
Countess Lusterien suddenly fanned herself and laughed brightly.
“Oh my! You two handsome Alphas must be quite close!”
Close?
Yuric shot her a sharp look.
She ignored him.
“When such tall, striking men stand together, what a picture! Truly a hopeful image of the Empire’s North and South united.”
Yuric narrowed his eyes.
Was this flattery or mockery?
Then she lightly tapped Caron’s arm.
“I’ve heard the news, Sir Caron. When do you plan to make a formal proposal?”
Yuric stiffened.
That hadn’t even been decided yet.
Yes, his family desperately needed Chevinel’s wealth—but his pride was not dead yet.
“Countess, that matter—”
“Yuri, there’s no need to hide what everyone already knows! I’m sure your parents are curious as well. And Sehil too!”
She jabbed him lightly in the side and whispered,
“Stay still. If you handle this properly, Chevinel will bow further to Windsor. A man like Sir Caron deserves a proper proposal. Without one, what romance is there? You must set the tone early.”
Set the tone? To whom?
Yuric twitched slightly.
Caron had heard everything.
The countess hadn’t intended to be discreet.
Caron watched them with amusement before stepping in.
“A formal proposal… I suppose I could.”
He grabbed Yuric’s hand.
Yuric tried to yank it back, face twisting.
But before he could, Caron dropped to one knee.
Gasps echoed around them.
Countess Lusterien fanned herself rapidly, eyes shining.
“What are you doing?” Yuric demanded.
Without answering, Caron pressed his lips to the back of Yuric’s hand.
Northern pale skin—smooth and flawless.
What kind of Alpha has hands like this?
Caron glanced up, smiling.
“I should have delivered the proposal personally on one knee.”
The moment Caron’s lips touched his skin, Yuric froze.
Caron likely mistook the stiffness for disgust.
But Yuric’s heart was pounding wildly.
This was not what he expected.
“Do you treat Alphas this way as well?”
The words slipped out before he could stop them.
