Chimera of Batius - Chapter 22

Cheil began his day enveloped in Ruzerolt’s affection and attention. He received a soft kiss on the forehead in lieu of a greeting, drank the hot tea served by a servant, and settled before a crackling fire.

“Would you like more tea?”

the servant asked. It was an unfamiliar face. Cheil shook his head.

“Yesterday, Mr. River came to greet me in the morning. It seems he is busy again today.”

The servant, who was arranging the tray, shifted uncomfortably.

“River has been assigned to general castle cleaning for a while. In his stead, I will be attending to you, Mr. Cheil.”

He observed Cheil with a cautious, restless gaze that betrayed his unease. He moved with quick, nimble efficiency, as if terrified of causing any displeasure.

He had finally managed to eliminate one piece.

Ruzerolt, blinded by love, had dismissed one of his most loyal servants. A wave of satisfaction spread through Cheil’s chest. It was a morning that confirmed his plans were progressing perfectly.

Cheil tilted his head as if confused and took a delicate sip of tea.

“River has been the one closest to Sir Ruzerolt for the longest time, has he not?”

“That’s correct. Although River is young, he is both skillful and cunning, which is why Sir Ruzerolt has always valued him…”

The fire tongs in the servant’s hands stilled for a moment before he resumed tending the flames.

“Your meal will be ready shortly. Please wait just a moment.”

Blue flower petals were scattered around the bed. The warm blanket and soft fire were unnecessary for Cheil, who could regulate his own temperature. Yet, accepting such superfluous attentions was a crucial part of his plan. He set his cup down on the nightstand, amidst the scattered petals.

“I wish to see Sir Ruzerolt. May we postpone breakfast?”

With these words, Cheil plucked a rose from the vase beside the bed and breathed in its scent.

What does this insignificant flower matter? Why adorn everything with such pointless delicacy?

“Then I shall inform him you wish for an audience.”

The servant set the tongs aside and wiped his hands on his apron.

As soon as Cheil gave a slight nod of permission, the servant hurried out. The scent of the rose bloomed in the air with every one of Cheil’s breaths.

Weak and useless lives.

Cheil tossed the rose into the fireplace. The flames eagerly devoured the green leaves before settling once more.

Ruzerolt was like a blue rose: an existence that, after providing a moment of pleasure, would turn to ash and vanish.

Every time Cheil saw Ruzerolt react to his words, he felt a peculiar thrill.

What words shall I use to sway him today?

Suddenly, he felt a genuine urge to see him.

***

“Lord Dexler, anyone who sees you will think you’ve come to spy.”

Mcbencer crossed his arms and shook his head. Dexler, drinking from a leather flask, was prowling the training grounds.

“What are you talking about? I’m merely taking a stroll during my workday.”

“You’re looking around far too much for a simple stroll.”

The training grounds were noisier than usual. Dexler’s searching gaze landed on a head of silver hair. Even from a distance, he recognized Ruzerolt instantly. The face framed by the light hair was smooth and unlined. His green eyes held a fixed stare that was neither wild nor clumsy, and his long lashes contributed to his composed demeanor.

“My noble brother is over there.”

Mcbencer’s gaze followed Dexler’s pointed finger.

“Hmm… judging by the atmosphere, it seems our grand plan isn’t ready yet.”

“Don’t rush things. You know Ruzerolt’s character better than anyone.”

“I know, I know. But I want to see it with my own eyes. That flushed, out-of-control face. The whiter the canvas, the more satisfying it is to paint.”

“I agree. I understand perfectly, but if we rush, we could ruin everything.”

A flicker of compassion crossed Mcbencer’s eyes as he watched Ruzerolt.

If it were simply a power struggle, he wouldn’t feel a shred of pity. However, the plan he had designed and his father had initiated would not only ruin a noble’s reputation but cause such a scandal that it would be impossible for him to ever return to society. An alpha pregnancy.

But that was to be Ruzerolt’s fate.

Whether treated as an omega or thrown into a brothel, with a face like that, he could survive by selling his body. That would be the end for someone like Ruzerolt. Only then could Dexler’s faction consolidate their power.

All of that, provided the plan succeeded…

Dexler leaned his head on Mcbencer’s shoulder.

“Look, our pawn is approaching.”

Mcbencer looked across the grounds. Cheil, wrapped in a cloak that fluttered in the wind, was drawing near. The purple cloak was embroidered with silver snowflakes, and he carried a bouquet of red flowers as he walked over the snow.

Dexler whistled. With impertinent steps, he closed the distance to Cheil.

“Look who’s here.”

Cheil raised his head and stopped.

“It’s nothing more than an insolent dancer.”

Cheil offered a polite bow. The guards flanking him withdrew at a gesture from Dexler. Once the sound of their heavy footsteps faded, Cheil lifted his head.

“It’s been a long time. I see the wounds on your back must have healed.”

“Yes. Thanks to Lord Dexler’s indulgence.”

“Indulgence? I’m not sure it was my indulgence at all.”

Dexler smiled ironically as he approached Cheil.

He slipped a hand inside Cheil’s cloak. His fingers brushed the knot of the waist cord. Cheil wore a tight garment of purple velvet, his body firm and without a single soft curve.

Dexler’s hand slid down to rest between Cheil’s legs. A faint smile finally escaped Cheil’s otherwise motionless lips.

“Good things come to those who wait… it seems Lord Dexler prefers tasting the grapes before the wine is ready.”

Upon hearing this, the hand caressing his crotch stilled. A brief murderous glint flashed in Dexler’s mocking eyes.

“Are you insulting me?”

Cheil shook his head as he fastened his cloak once more.

“Of course not. I was merely inquiring about your preference. And regarding the fact that you sent the company director…”

At the word “director,” Dexler burst out laughing.

“Are you sure it wasn’t you who sent someone to threaten me and Mcbencer?”

“So tell him not to rush me. Tell him that if he doesn’t want to see everything go to hell, he’d better stop sending people like this.”

“’Threaten’? I was simply communicating my position.”

Dexler gave a sarcastic laugh and seized Cheil by the waist.

“Do you need another punishment to come to your senses?”

“And if that means you don’t get what you want, what will you do? Would you mind?”

Cheil lowered his eyes and smiled.

“How insolent.”

Dexler placed a hand on Cheil’s cheek.

“If getting involved with you would ruin the plan, would it be acceptable if I punished the company director instead?”

“As you wish.”

“Hahaha.”

Dexler let out a loud, humorless laugh.

“You mean you don’t care what happens to him?”

“There are many directors who can replace him. I can simply change companies. But you, Lord Dexler, cannot.”

Cheil grabbed the wrist of the hand that held his cheek.

“Is there anyone else who knows how to impregnate an alpha?”

Cheil blinked slowly. Despite his warm tone, his words carried a clear threat.

“Are you threatening me?”

“It’s not a threat. I am merely describing the situation.”

Cheil turned the bouquet in his arms and lowered his gaze. He watched snowflakes skittering across the ground with the breeze. Would anyone realize that each one carried the scent of those who had passed by?

From Mcbencer, the smell of stale semen.

From Dexler, the smell of damp moss.

But from Ruzerolt, the scent of a fresh forest.

That same scent now reached him on the wind.

He felt the forest drawing nearer. As if offering the bouquet to it, he lifted the flowers to his chest. Then, in a low voice meant only for Dexler, he whispered:

“It’s not enough to fvck an alpha’s ass. Even if you get your hands dirty, you’re not the type who could make those arrogant hypocrites bow their heads to the ground… or are you?”

For a moment, a murderous intent flashed in Dexler’s eyes.

“Insolent…!”

Slap!

The blow whipped Cheil’s head to the side.

Slap! Slap!

Despite the repeated blows, Cheil didn’t utter a single moan. He only clutched his clothes tighter, enduring the violence.

His cheek burned. It was likely just the heat from the friction of the strikes, yet Cheil felt a strange, pervasive warmth spreading through his entire body. Was it because he sensed the forest scent approaching faster? Synchronized with the rhythm of urgent, ground-shaking footsteps, he let the flowers from his bouquet fall one by one. The blossoms were crushed under the assault and Dexler’s advance.

Yes, keep going like this. Only then will we get closer to what you desire… and to what I desire.

“Dexler!”

The scent of the forest enveloped Cheil.

Dexler’s wrist froze in midair. The hand poised to strike again trembled, trapped in Ruzerolt’s unyielding grip.

“Haha. Look who’s here.”

Dexler’s face was still contorted with rage.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Only then did Cheil raise his long fingers to cover his reddened cheek. His hand trembled. The bouquet he still held was ruined, its flowers fallen and leaves crushed.

“I asked you what the hell you think you’re doing to my Cheil.”

“Your Cheil? Ha! Not long ago, he was just a cheap whore laughing beneath me, and now you dare call him yours…?”

Bam!

Ruzerolt’s fist cut through the air, and Dexler crumpled to the ground.

“Dexler!”

Mcbencer moved to help him, but Dexler shoved him away and stood on his own.

Pfft.

Dexler spat a mouthful of bl00d onto the snow and advanced on Ruzerolt.

“So proud of your nobility. In the end, you take a cheap dancer to your bed and become just as vulgar, don’t you?”

For the first time, Ruzerolt—who normally avoided confronting Dexler—let his emotions erupt.

“Do not insult Cheil again.”

Dexler let out a broken laugh.

“This isn’t like you, Ruze. Why protect him so fiercely? That common dancer everyone has used.”

This time, Ruzerolt seized Dexler by the collar. Mcbencer tried to intervene, his voice desperate.

“Please, both of you, calm down!”

But Ruzerolt showed no sign of backing down.

“Do not speak of him so lightly! He is my lover now.”

“Lover…?”

A loud, mocking laugh echoed around them.

“Lover…! Hahaha!”

Dexler’s laughter intensified at Ruzerolt’s sincere confession.

Ruzerolt tightened his grip on Dexler’s collar. Then, Cheil’s finger touched his sleeve.

“Sir Ruzerolt…”

Seeing Cheil’s wide, tear-filled eyes, Ruzerolt bit back his anger, biting his lip instead. Finally, he shoved Dexler away with a hard thrust. Mcbencer caught Dexler to keep him from falling.

“I warn you for the last time: Cheil is my lover, and I will protect him. If you ever treat him like this again, I will not be so lenient.”

Ruzerolt turned away, swallowing his rage. But after a single step, a sneer followed him.

“Ruzerolt. Are you playing at lovers with that? I’ll wager my reputation he’ll abandon you soon enough.”

Ruzerolt looked back at Dexler. In his now-calm eyes, the depth of a forest remained.

“Then I will wager my reputation that I will stay with Cheil. Forever.”

Ruzerolt approached Cheil.

“Cheil, look at me. Are you alright?”

“Sir Ruzerolt…”

Cheil’s voice was low, his body trembling. His gaze fell upon the crushed bouquet and the flattened red petals.

“I wanted so much to give these to you…”

Tears finally spilled over and traced paths down his cheeks. Ruzerolt took the bouquet, his hand enveloping Cheil’s. He brought the damaged flowers to his face and inhaled their scent. A gentle smile softened his features.

“They smell wonderful. Thank you.”

Cheil’s mask fluttered in the cold wind. Ruzerolt carefully pulled up the fabric that had slipped and then wrapped his own cloak securely around Cheil’s shoulders.

“It’s cold. Let me take you to your room.”

Leaning into Ruzerolt, Cheil walked with him along the snow-covered path. Red flower petals fell and were crushed beneath their feet. With each step, Cheil pressed himself more closely against Ruzerolt’s side.

***

Ruzerolt had never been so consumed by anger, nor had he ever argued with Dexler so fiercely. The rage flooding through him was so intense he felt his heart might burst; the sheer force of it left him profoundly shaken. And yet, because it was for Cheil, a gentle warmth spread beneath the tumult, seeping through his entire body.

Cheil, who had been walking beside him, had fallen a step behind. Ruzerolt, realizing it a moment too late, stopped.

“Are you hurt?”

Cheil shook his head. Yet, the furrow in his brow betrayed his discomfort. Noticing how Cheil favored one side, Ruzerolt quickly knelt. Cheil leaned over and placed a hand on his shoulder for balance.

“Sir Ruzerolt…! Your clothes will get dirty.”

“Stay still.”

A careful hand gently examined Cheil’s ankle. It was slightly swollen. The injury was clearly sustained while shielding himself from Dexler’s blows. The anger that had just begun to settle flared anew.

How dare he…!

“I’m fine. It’s nothing…”

But as Ruzerolt stood, he swept Cheil effortlessly into his arms.

“You are not fine.”

Ruzerolt spoke in a tone as if chewing each word, holding Cheil securely against his chest.

“You are not fine, Cheil. Do not say that you are.”

“…”

Cheil rested his hands on his own stomach, toying absently with his fingers.

His lover had been harmed by his own younger brother within the very lands he was sworn to govern.

“…I am not fine.”

The shredded bouquet tucked in Ruzerolt’s pocket trembled, a fragile echo of his turmoil.

“I am sorry, Cheil. For allowing this to happen.”

He needed a solid foundation—a position of power so unassailable that no one, not even Dexler, could ever look down on his lover. For the first time, Ruzerolt felt a pure, visceral craving for power. Not out of duty or guilt, but of sheer necessity.

Cheil wrapped his arms more tightly around Ruzerolt’s neck.

“It’s cold. Let’s go inside.”

Ruzerolt’s hair brushed against Cheil’s ear as he nodded. Their two sets of footprints merged into one as they approached the guesthouse, vanishing at its door. Behind them, red flower petals fell one by one, marking the path they had taken.