Chimera of Batius - Chapter 15

Dexler was delighted with Ruzerolt’s change, finding it very interesting. The only one who didn’t like the situation was Hilinda.

He was quite an attractive dancer.

Dark skin, large ears, black hair, and yellow eyes. The image of him, in his red clothes that fit so well, kept lingering in her mind. Hilinda didn’t care if he was beta or omega. She just wanted to stain one night with the pleasure of being with him. Never before had there been someone she wanted and couldn’t have.

Besides, he was the first man who attracted her half-brother, Ruzerolt. She found it incredible that her brother, who seemed not to know the word “interest,” had fallen so in love with a dancer. She had an insane curiosity about him.

Both Dexler, who had brought the dancer, and herself, who desired him, and Ruzerolt, who had fallen under his spell; the Heinsley bl00d clearly had similar tastes. An ironic smile escaped her lips as she realized that fact.

Hilinda entered the east wing of the palace, where Ruzerolt’s office was located, and ran into River. Surprised, he approached.

“Miss Hilinda, what brings you here without notice?”

“I have something to discuss with him.”

She climbed the stairs leading to Ruzerolt’s office with long strides. River followed.

“Are you looking for Sir Ruzerolt?”

“Yes. I have something to confirm with Ruzer.”

She was so quick that, after exchanging only a few words, they were already in front of the office. Not even a bird hunting its prey would move so fast. Sensing the gravity of the situation, River explained.

“Sir Ruzerolt is not in his office right now.”

Hilinda came to an abrupt halt. Her eyes, fixed on River, showed the harsh character typical of northerners. A murderous look, as if she were about to strangle him, swept over him from head to toe. River swallowed hard and went rigid as a log. After crushing River with an authoritarian attitude, Hilinda returned to her usual appearance. Thinking for a moment, she pushed open the office door.

“Then there’s no need to wait. There’s no need to call my brother.”

“Yes…? Well then, why don’t you go to the lounge? I’ll prepare some tea.”

“No! I’ll wait here in the office.”

River, bewildered, couldn’t stop Hilinda and looked to the guards for help. However, the guards couldn’t challenge Hilinda either. When River hesitated, Hilinda looked at him with a sharp expression.

“What are you doing? Go and do what you have to do.”

“Yes, well, I’ll bring the tea right away.”

“It’s not necessary.”

Just as Hilinda was closing the office door, it, which was about to close completely, suddenly stopped, blocked by a hand.

“What-”

“I also have something to discuss with Sir Ruzerolt.”

The one who poked his head through the open door was Mcbencer. Hilinda opened her eyes wide and looked at him with an expression full of resentment.

“Right now? Of all moments?”

“And you, Miss Hilinda? Why do you have business with Sir Ruzerolt right now?”

Mcbencer mocked and entered, closing the door behind him.

Clang!

Despite the loud sound of the door closing, Hilinda just snorted and turned around.

“I’m sure you already know. It was Dexler”

Mcbencer shrugged and turned the document he was holding in his hand. The office, without its owner, was perfectly tidy. The piles of papers were carefully stacked, and the silk cloak hanging on the coat rack was spread without a wrinkle.

“It’s typical of him.”

Hilinda continued expressing her discontent with the situation she found herself in. Mcbencer was examining the surroundings while tapping the sofa with the rolled-up paper. Then, he felt a presence behind him. He approached the door of the room from which the sound came.

Ruzerolt’s room was empty, but he could feel a presence.

Click.

When Mcbencer opened the door abruptly, the person from whom the presence came was revealed. Hilinda’s gaze, which had been expressing her discontent, immediately focused in that direction. Cheil was there, dressed in comfortable pajamas and a white mask covering his mouth. There was a brief silence. The first to speak was Hilinda.

“Sh1t…! He’s been hiding it in this room? So Ruzer really is a man of Heinsley after all.”

Hilinda sneered and approached Cheil. The alpha scent emanating from her began to fill the room.

“Do you remember me?”

Cheil looked at Hilinda and then at Mcbencer, who was leaning against the door with his arms crossed, looking at him with a smile of interest. His eyes, full of anticipation, sparkled with the light filtering from the room. It was the look of a spectator ready to enjoy an interesting play. Cheil narrowed his eyes.

Cheil, who before Hilinda was like a fragile animal, transformed into a venomous and colorful snake when crossing glances with Mcbencer.

So you finally came to check.

Hilinda approached Cheil. As she approached, Cheil stepped back. It seemed that he intentionally maintained the distance to lure Hilinda into the room.

Although the appearance of both was unexpected, from another perspective, Cheil had been given another chance to act; a stage where he could deliver his best performance to deceive Ruzerolt

“We meet again.”

The room, with the curtains half-closed, was lit by candles and fire, creating a reddish atmosphere. When he reached the edge of the bed, Cheil grabbed the front of his clothes and looked at Hilinda with pitiful eyes.

“Are you looking for the Sir?”

“No. Today I’m not here to see Ruzer, but you.”

At his words, Cheil moved his arm.

“Me?”

Hilinda grabbed Cheil’s wrist and pulled him toward her, bringing her nose close to Cheil’s neck and breathing deeply.

“You smell good. You’re definitely not an omega…”

When Cheil tried to take a step back, Hilinda let go. Cheil raised the wrist that had been grabbed and sniffed. As he tilted his head, his black hair slid and the front of his shirt loosened. A bandage wrapped around his open chest could be seen.

Although it was only the act of smelling his scent, his movement felt like a freshly bloomed flower petal falling. Hilinda fixed her gaze on Cheil’s eyes, which were lowered. Looking at the shadow created by his long eyelashes, she bit her lower lip. Cheil wasn’t wearing a single piece of jewelry, but seemed much more suited to the adjective “beautiful” than Hilinda. Hilinda extended the back of her hand to Cheil.

“I’ll give you the opportunity to show me your respects.”

Cheil looked down at her gloved hand and then looked back at Mcbencer. Mcbencer nodded his head as if telling him to continue.

Cheil bowed. He knelt on one knee and kissed the back of her hand. She grabbed his chin and forced him to look at her.

“Did you receive much affection from Ruzer last night?”

Cheil responded without looking away.

“Not disclosing the affairs of the previous night is a basic virtue for serving an important person.”

“You say you know what loyalty is?”

Hilinda laughed under her breath, as if she found something amusing. Her hand holding his chin loosened due to her shaking shoulders.

“Dexler found something incredible. A dancer who knows loyalty. They say that for someone like that, he’s pretty light below the waist. Isn’t that right, Mcbencer?”

She turned. Mcbencer shrugged at the unexpected question.

“I have no idea, Hilinda.”

“So?”

Hilinda turned back to Cheil. Just as she reached out to grab the fabric of Cheil’s mask, the moment came.

Zap!

Cheil grabbed her wrist. Hilinda looked at Cheil with authoritative eyes.

“Are you not going to let go?”

“Removing this has a very special meaning.”

“Take that off. You wouldn’t dare to reject me so insolently, would you?”

However, Cheil did not release Hilinda’s wrist.

I suppose it’s characteristic of northerners to use insolence as an excuse when things don’t go their way…

Cheil narrowed his eyes, as if annoyed, and looked at Mcbencer. It seemed it wasn’t just for a “check” like last time. The fact that they were in the empty office meant Ruzerolt would arrive soon. Realizing the situation, his eyes sparkled.

“Important people seem to like insolence.”

“So you’ll perform the insolent act of rejecting me?”

Cheil took her hand and stood up.

“Even if you take me, you won’t get the pleasure you desire.”

With a force that pressed down on her, Hilinda’s hand began to lower. The hand, pressed, trembled.

“I don’t obey just anyone. And even less in bed.”

Hearing such an unexpected response, Hilinda looked stunned.

“What…?”

Hilinda opened her mouth and sighed, as if she couldn’t believe what she had heard. After a moment, she burst into loud laughter.

“Do you think you can choose where you undress, being just a simple dancer? Dexler never forgives, not even the most beautiful courtesan. I thought it was a miracle that you came out alive from him, but perhaps he’s been too patient with you?”

“I suppose my market value was high enough.”

“Market value, you say.”

Hilinda, who had been scrutinizing Cheil from top to bottom, removed the hand that had trapped her. Then she extended her hand and strangled Cheil’s neck.

“Then your value will decrease based on the wounds I inflict on you.”

Hilinda began to scratch Cheil’s back with her nails, as if she wanted to tear it apart.

“Do you think I’ll feel inclined to enter your chamber if you tear me apart until my flesh falls off?”

It was a situation from which he could have easily freed himself with strength. However, Cheil didn’t do it; he simply allowed Hilinda to abuse him. It wasn’t out of respect for nobility. It was because Cheil’s sharp senses had already detected the presence of his prey. A faint forest scent, regular breathing, familiar footsteps.

He only knew one person in this castle who walked with such silent steps that made no sound when touching the floor.

Bam!

Hearing a loud noise, Hilinda turned. At the door was Ruzerolt, with a somber expression.

“Hilinda.”

“Ruzer!”

Hilinda looked at him with a radiant smile. Mcbencer also dropped his arms and straightened his posture. Ruzerolt didn’t respond as usual, neither to Mcbencer’s greeting nor to Hilinda’s call.

“You arrived earlier than expected.”

Ruzerolt approached with large strides and pushed Hilinda’s shoulder. Her body swayed. Ruzerolt pulled Cheil toward him.

“What are you doing here?”

“I came to see the dancer. I couldn’t see him well yesterday when you took him away.”

Cheil’s cheeks, which coughed, were about to turn red. Bl00d could be seen staining his back. Ruzerolt bit his lower lip.

“You know very well that it’s not right to enter like this without permission.”

Ruzerolt looked at both of them with a distrust he had never shown before.

“I just came to see the dancer.”

“To see him?”

“Yes, I’ve been dying of curiosity since the banquet.”

“Cheil is not an object…!”

For the first time, Ruzerolt raised his voice. Hilinda was the most surprised of all.

“He’s just a simple dancer, why are you so angry?”

“Your behavior is not proper. Is this how a noble should act?”

Hilinda trembled all over, consumed by rage and humiliation.

“Ruzer, are you siding with a mere dancer over me?”

“I don’t want to speak with you anymore. Get out.”

Ruzerolt rejected Hilinda with a colder tone than usual. Hilinda looked deeply offended, but pretending composure, she lifted her chin arrogantly.

“Well, I suppose there’s been a misunderstanding.”

At this excuse, Ruzerolt’s green eyes grew even colder.

“Since when are excuses called misunderstandings?”

“Ruzer… what did you just say to me?”

Mcbencer’s surprise deepened as he listened to the siblings’ conversation.

“Leave.”

Ruzerolt showed a hostility he had never displayed before, all to protect a mere dancer. Hilinda still looked bewildered.

“Ruzer!”

“Cheil, strictly speaking, is already mine. Didn’t you see it at the banquet? That’s the tradition of the North, isn’t it?”

“How can you…?”

“Even you can’t treat someone who belongs to me like that!”

Hilinda clenched her fists tightly.

“Get out of here right now.”

Mcbencer patted her shoulder. Hilinda, biting her lip, pushed Mcbencer aside and turned away. The door slammed so hard the ceiling shook. Mcbencer bowed respectfully, looking confused, then disappeared after her.

They were alone in the room, wrapped in a deathly silence, with only their breathing breaking the stillness. Ruzerolt released Cheil’s hand, which he had been holding all along

“Cheil. Are you hurt? Turn around. Hilinda…”

Before he could finish, Cheil hugged him tightly. He shook his head. Though the intruders had left, Cheil was still trembling. Ruzerolt held him.

“Calm down and look at me. I need to make sure you’re not injured.”

“Sir Ruzerolt…”

A trembling voice called Ruzerolt’s name again and again.

“It’s alright, Cheil.”

Instead of pulling away, Cheil clutched Ruzerolt’s clothes tightly. The fabric was stretched so taut it revealed the strength of his grip.

“Sir Ruzerolt… I didn’t know what to do when you weren’t here…”

“It’s okay now. I’m here.”

He hugged him as if trying to crush him.

Cheil had always endured the darkness alone.

How much fear must he have felt, how much despair, to cling to me like this?

His unease was expressed through his body, and it hit Ruzerolt hard.

Anger rose in his heart.

“If Hilinda hurt you, tell me. Do you have any other pain? Take your time.”

Cheil, instead of answering, buried his face in Ruzerolt’s shoulder. Compared to him, his shoulders and body seemed so fragile.

“I knew Hilinda was capricious, but I never thought she’d go this far. It’s all my fault.”

Cheil shook his head. His silky black hair tickled Ruzerolt’s neck.

“Sir Ruzerolt, you’re not to blame for anything…”

His low voice denied Ruzerolt’s guilt.

He waited until Cheil calmed. Once he was sure the fear had faded, he let go.

“Wait here. I’ll fetch the doctor.”

But Cheil grabbed his arm urgently before he could turn.

“I just… I just want to be alone with you a little longer, Sir. I think that would be enough… I’m scared to be alone…”

The veins on his hand and forearm stood out as he gripped the fabric. For Cheil, Ruzerolt’s clothes were his only lifeline. Looking away in shame, Cheil spoke softly.

“Could you… hold me a little longer? I think I’ll feel better if you do…”

In his pleading hands, there was no confidence. Even knowing he might be rejected, he clung to the clothes as if he had no one else. Seeing the fabric wrinkled by his grip, Ruzerolt felt pity.

He was so fragile. Ruzerolt felt ashamed for having judged him so shallowly. He felt sad and sorry for Cheil, who had no one else to turn to. Guilt and affection mingled in his heart.

He wanted to hold him.

He just wanted to hold him.

Ruzerolt turned and embraced Cheil tightly. But he didn’t dare touch his bandaged back, so he simply stroked his head.

“I should’ve done something to stop others from coming. I’m sorry, Cheil.”

At those words, Cheil hugged Ruzerolt’s waist tightly.

“No, you’re the one protecting me. As long as I’m by your side, I’m fine. If you’re just with me… nothing hurts.”

Cheil moved even closer to him. Ruzerolt didn’t resist and gave himself completely to him. He invited him to embrace him, hold him tight, and caress him as much as he wanted. Meanwhile, Cheil’s anxiety gradually calmed down. However, his cheek, resting on Ruzerolt’s shoulder, was still warm.

“As long as I’m with you, everything will be fine…”

From the window, through the snowfall, the guest house could be seen. Inhaling the lavender scent coming from his arms, Ruzerolt sank into deep thought.

Even if it was only for one season, he could no longer keep watching Cheil from afar.

It seemed that he was the only one who could protect him from the cold winter.

***

Late at night, the door to his office opened without warning. Reym stood between the door that the guards had opened, with an expression of astonishment.

“Captain.”

Ruzerolt gestured for him to be quiet. Reym approached the desk cautiously.

“At this hour, calling me suddenly. What happened?”

Ruzerolt handed him some documents and said in a low voice.

“Is everything ready for departure?”

“Yes. There’s no problem.”

Today was the third day of the birthday celebration. After tonight, Ruzerolt would have to leave for the final exploration.

“And the information about the Kims?”

“I’ve sent messengers to Meldine and to the capital. I’ve requested all the data about the bears that inhabit the south, but it’s unlikely that the news will arrive before the city gates close.”

“I thought so.”

Ruzerolt put down the documents and crossed his arms.

“Do you perhaps want to change the exploration itinerary?”

“No. The exploration will proceed without changes.”

“Then, why…?”

“I’m moving today. To the pavilion. I’ve already told Nesiem. So go to the pavilion in the morning instead of here. And exclude Hein from this exploration.”

“Did something happen to Hein?”

“No. I have something for him.”

The external exploration was a process that, no matter how fast, took several days. In other words, it meant that Cheil would be alone while he was away. He would be left with Dexler, Hilinda, and even the knights and soldiers who desired him. If he left Cheil alone, he couldn’t guarantee what might happen.

“It’s a bit… sudden.”

“… I know.”

I know. I know I’m making a hasty decision and that this isn’t something I would normally do. But I couldn’t leave Cheil here just like that.

“May I ask why?”

“I need someone to take care of the pavilion while I’m not here.”

Rather, he needed someone to take care of Cheil in his place. Reym knew perfectly well what he meant. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but didn’t ask any questions.

“… Alright. Then, instead of Hein, I’ll include Mark in the exploration.”

“Yes. Let Hein know.”

“Captain. May I tell you something?”

Ruzerolt nodded his head as if giving permission.

“You once said that nothing would change.”

“…”

“As long as that promise remains valid, I’ll always trust and follow the captain.”

“… I’ll keep that in mind.”

Both Ruzerolt and Reym felt that something was changing. They had the feeling that a small inexplicable change was causing a great storm.

There was something strange happening in the Heinsley winter.

***

Not even a day had passed since he had moved to the pavilion when Ruzerolt had to leave the castle, leaving Cheil behind. In the quiet dawn, the neighing of horses could be heard from outside. Cheil, lying in bed, paid attention to the noises coming from outside. A moment later, a fresh forest scent reached the second floor where Cheil was. It was Ruzerolt’s scent.

Both alphas and omegas emit a pheromone scent. However, since the amount is very small, people can’t perceive it. But Cheil was different. Thanks to his superior innate characteristics, he could detect even the faintest scents. He could even read the other’s emotions through pheromones. That’s why Cheil was sure. Ruzerolt was changing.

At first, Ruzerolt’s scent, which had only shown caution, began to reveal anxiety and fear over time. However, he kept contacting him constantly. And then, at some point, Ruzerolt began to emit a strong scent only when he was by his side. It was proof that he felt deeper feelings for him than before. When he realized that, he began to feel compassion and pity for Ruzerolt.

Click.

The door opened carefully. Although he heard the sound of the door, Cheil made no gesture. He simply closed his eyes and stayed still, waiting for Ruzerolt to approach. When he, who hesitated at the door, came closer, his shadow fell. An outstretched hand rhythmically checked Cheil’s chest.

“…Cheil, I’ll be back soon.”

Ruzerolt placed his hand on Cheil’s forehead.

Cric, cric.

The armor scraped. Ruzerolt did not wake Cheil. He simply stroked his hair.

After saying goodbye like a thief, he left the room. He heard the footsteps going down the stairs, the sound of the door opening, and then the crunch of snow. All of Ruzerolt’s movements were clear to Cheil’s ears.

As soon as Ruzerolt crossed over, Hein’s voice was heard.

“Am I really staying here?”

His tone was one of disbelief. Reym replied with reproach.

“I already told you.”

“I can’t believe it. I’ve never stayed behind on an expedition before. Captain, did I do something wrong?”

“It’s just that there’s no one else the captain can trust to stay here.”

“I just want him to tell me one thing. Am I supposed to watch this pavilion or that dancer?”

At those words, Ruzerolt did not respond. A horse neighed, and then Reym’s voice calmed the animal. After a long silence, Ruzerolt continued speaking:

“I need someone who can blend in with the castle folk but at the same time not be swayed by the soldiers or others. You’re the highest-ranking person who can do both.”

“So that means I’m supposed to watch that dancer.”

Frrrr.

The horse snorted again, exhaling forcefully. The sound of knights mounting was heard.

“I’ll try to be back in two days.”

“…Understood. Leave it to me.”

The sound of hooves striking the snow was heard. After the reins tightened and the three horses galloped off, Cheil got out of bed. He parted the curtains with his fingertips. He saw Hein scratching his head as he watched the knights ride away.

“What exactly is going on?”

After blinking several times, he turned toward the window where Cheil was. Cheil closed the slit he had made with his fingers.

“Hmm… two days.”

He needed a chance to solidify his relationship with Ruzerolt. An incident that could help the compassion Ruzerolt felt take one step further.

He heard Hein sneeze. Cheil rubbed his chin and looked at the curtain-covered window.

I suppose I should assign you at least one useful role too, shouldn’t I?