Define The Relationship Novel - Chapter 72

‘Lyle…’

Ash looked at Karlyle with confused eyes, then closed his mouth. He seemed to be thinking something. Karlyle waited for Ash to continue speaking for a moment, then led Ash to his seat. Opposite the two Marquises, there was a long sofa where they could sit. A brief silence fell. Arthur spoke again.

“Seeing him with my own eyes eases my anxiety. Please forgive me. I had always envisioned a good family match for Karlyle since he was young, so the sudden annulment of the engagement was quite perplexing. In such a situation, I wanted to carefully observe the person he suddenly brought, breaking off his engagement to pursue a relationship.”

Arthur spoke as if the broken engagement was due to Ash’s appearance. Marquis Gordon poured them tea and nodded as if he understood.

“I understand completely. It’s a family pact, after all. The Frost family has historically maintained an excellent bloodline, so the Marquis must have many concerns.”

“Is it as good as the Marquis’s family? Besides Philip, there’s only one Marquisate that has had generational ties with the Duke of Devonshire’s family.”

Unusual conversations were commonplace here. It was familiar to Karlyle, but it wouldn’t be to Ash. Ash was actually silent. He was just looking straight ahead with a subtly unsmiling face.

“So, since he is a young man cherished by the Marquis, I can confidently entrust my inadequate grandson to him. However, as it is merely a relationship… I’m not sure how long it will last.”

Arthur looked at Karlyle with those words. It was a gaze that rebuked Karlyle for causing such a mess for a mere relationship, not even a marriage. Karlyle quietly lowered his head at the look that seemed to deem him pathetic.

“I apologize for causing trouble.”

It was a necessary thing to say. But Karlyle also had more to say. The engagement breaking was not because of Ash. It was because Karlyle was such an inadequate person.

“However… I want to make it clear that the engagement was not broken because of Mr. Jones. As Grandfather knows, it was due to my own shortcomings…”

“I know. How on earth did you manage yourself to show such a disgraceful appearance where others could see you?”

As if on cue, Arthur sharply rebuked Karlyle. At that moment, Ash grabbed Karlyle’s hand tightly. Karlyle was surprised by the force. Was Ash also rebuking him for his pathetic state?

It was plausible. Anyone would feel that way seeing how his grandfather treated him. If only he were an Alpha like Kyle… Karlyle tried hard to shake off the surging self-reproach, then tried to straighten his back. Then he lowered his eyes and apologized again.

“…I have nothing to say. I will conduct myself better in the future.”

“You should! If you continue to act so pathetic, no one will want you.”

Suddenly, a sound of incredulous laughter rang out. Karlyle flinched and looked sideways. The owner of the laughter was Ash. Ash was looking at Arthur as if he couldn’t possibly comprehend what he had just witnessed. His eyes were chillingly hardened.

“Ah, my apologies.”

Ash said coldly, his voice completely devoid of apology. It was a voice Karlyle had never heard before. Arthur’s brow furrowed at the icy, sharp tone.

“It seems the Marquis is mistaken. Karlyle is not a pathetic person. As I said before, he is far too good for me.”

Karlyle froze. No one had ever said such words to him in front of others.

“I never imagined that someone as precious and noble as Karlyle would be treated this way by his own grandfather.”

Ash laughed, as if dumbfounded. Anger gradually appeared on Arthur’s face. Gordon was smiling as if embarrassed, but his expression wasn’t good either.

Karlyle felt an indescribable emotion amidst them. He couldn’t believe Ash was taking his side, and he was happy… At the same time, he felt as if his immaturity had made everyone uncomfortable. Ash’s intention was very grateful, but his grandfather’s words weren’t wrong.

“Aren’t you family?”

Ash asked. Arthur’s blue eyes shone intensely as he stared at Ash, then ignored him and turned his head. Instead, he subtly turned the arrow towards Gordon.

“This is unexpected.”

“I hope the Marquis will understand. When people are in love, their feelings are easily hurt by many things.”

As befitting a man of gentle disposition and experience, Gordon skillfully soothed Arthur. However, Karlyle knew Arthur wouldn’t stop there.

“No matter what, isn’t there a limit? They say you can’t hide your origins, and indeed…”

Ash didn’t respond to the words that belittled him. But this time, Karlyle found it hard to let go. He knew his grandfather would act like this. He’d thought it was going well, but inevitably, the topic of lineage and origin came up, just as he used to disregard his father. What was so important about it?

“Grandfather.”

He was deeply hurt. Truly, deeply hurt. Ash was not someone who deserved to hear such words. He shouldn’t be treated this way just because he met Karlyle.

“I hope you won’t blame Ash for the consequences of my shortcomings.”

“Karlyle!”

Arthur cried out as if dumbfounded. His eyes were indeed bewildered.

“Have you finally lost your mind?”

Arthur could not tolerate Karlyle daring to talk back and refute him. He saw trembling hands. If Ash or Gordon hadn’t been there, it wouldn’t have been strange if he’d been slapped immediately. Karlyle had never once been impertinent enough to talk back to his grandfather in his life.

The enraged alpha’s aura filled the room. Even with age, an Alpha was still an Alpha. The air, pressing down on his entire body, was a conduit connected to Karlyle’s unpleasant memories. Yet, Karlyle clenched and unclenched his fists, steadfastly continuing his words.

“I apologize for disappointing you. But…”

Karlyle struggled to suppress his voice from trembling. The treatment he was receiving was well-deserved, but the demand he was about to make was non-negotiable. So he had to be firm.

“Please do not treat my lover that way, Grandfather. I beg you.”

His complexion turned pale. But Karlyle met Arthur’s gaze head-on, his lips sealed. Arthur’s hand twitched as if to rise. Karlyle could see that Arthur was enduring a great deal. Gordon once again calmed the explosive air, on the verge of bursting.

“It’s good to see young people these days are so assertive.”

“Did you say it’s good, Philip?”

Arthur looked like he was about to explode at those words. Perhaps he already was. But Gordon seemed completely unconcerned.

“On a day when there’s a pleasant occasion, should you really be so upset? I understand you have much to discuss with the Duke this evening… I wonder if this is alright.”

Gordon’s words had teeth. Only then did Karlyle fully grasp the deal that had passed between them. Arthur had always lamented their lack of connections in political circles. Karlyle’s engagement was also a mechanism to compensate for that.

And Gordon, it seemed, had offered to bridge the gap with the Duke of Devonshire, with whom he had a long-standing friendship. For Ash’s sake.

The tense air gradually subsided. His grandfather was an arrogant and rigid man, but also a man with clear priorities. He knew how to concede for the sake of his family and his own benefit. The redness in his face gradually faded. The pheromones that had wildly churned in the room slowly dissipated.

Ash kept his gaze fixed on Arthur, his face still cold. Arthur glared at him once more, clearly displeased, then closed his eyes. A few seconds later, Arthur opened his eyes and became quiet, just as he had been when he first greeted them.

“That makes sense.”

“I’m glad you agree.”

“With the Marquis’s goodwill, I suppose I should stop here.”

Arthur looked at Karlyle. Gaze ambiguous, Arthur opened his lips coldly.

“You may leave now.”

Then he cast his gaze upon Ash as well.

“We shall see.”

It was an ambiguous statement, unclear to whom it was directed. Only upon hearing those words did Ash smile.

“Karlyle will be looked after by me better than anyone, so you don’t need to worry. May we withdraw now?”

Ash asked for permission but didn’t wait for Arthur. Ash rose from his seat without hesitation, looked down at Karlyle, and extended a hand.

“Let’s go, Lyle.”

A gentle face whispered to him. The tension released, and Karlyle felt a dizzying sensation. He felt as if he had ruined everything, yet at the same time, seeing Ash’s face made him feel alright.

He didn’t want to think anymore. Karlyle took Ash’s hand without hesitation. A warm sensation spread. The gentle warmth permeated his chilled insides, and Karlyle felt an unparalleled sense of relief. It was the same feeling he’d had that morning when he received Ash’s text message. The feeling of not being alone, of being supported by something.

What was this called?

A word seemed to tease Karlyle’s tongue, almost there, then gone. Karlyle took Ash’s hand and rose from the sofa. Before they left the reception room, Arthur muttered again, as if his indignation had finally burst.

“Insolent…”

Gordon stood up and could be seen calming him.

“Haha, Arthur. How about we see it as youthful spirit? If you don’t mind, I’ll talk some sense into him.”

Arthur, seemingly exasperated, simply drank his tea in response. Gordon smiled affably and walked towards them. Ash let out a cold laugh and then left the room first. Gordon followed Karlyle out of the room.

“Mr. Karlyle.”

Closing the door, Gordon called out to him softly. Karlyle, at a loss, immediately bowed his head to Gordon. Ash held him from behind.

“I’m sorry.”

“Lyle, don’t. I should be the one apologizing.”

Ash said that, holding Karlyle immediately. Gordon waved his hand as if unconcerned.

“Why apologize? The Marquis was rude.”

“But…”

“Generally, nobles who wish to abolish the fox hunting ban don’t deviate much from that personality. People raised that way are hard to change.”

Gordon said that, then looked at Ash. Ash sighed and rubbed his face, then bowed to Gordon.

“I’m sorry, and thank you.”

“I don’t know why you’re like this too. I should be the one thanking you. You finally found me.”

“I ruined it. Lyle, I’m sorry. I should have endured…”

Ash reached out a hand. The fingers touching his cheek were subtly trembling.

“Seeing how he treated Lyle, I was so… so angry.”

Seeing his eyes contort as if in pain, Karlyle felt something overwhelming. Someone was getting angry on his behalf. The word he’d tried to recall before leaving the room gradually became clearer.

“Haha, it’s time for an old man to retreat. Oh, Karlyle.”

Gordon spoke slyly, calling Karlyle. Karlyle, as if enchanted, looked at Ash’s hand, then came to his senses and replied to Gordon.

“Yes, Marquis.”

“I told you in the past, didn’t I? To grant me one favor later.”

Indeed he had. Gordon had said that to Karlyle in exchange for not taking payment for the painting.

“I remember.”

“It seems the time has come for you to grant my favor.”

Gordon’s eyes curved gently. It was a kind smile, one Karlyle thought resembled Ash’s.

“I will grant anything.”

“That’s fortunate.”

Gordon extended his hand. Karlyle hesitated, then took Gordon’s hand, which was offered for a handshake. The man’s surprisingly firm hand gently clasped and released Karlyle’s.

“I hope you and the child of the person I loved most will be happy for a long time. That is my request.”

‘Because it’s a trace of a very brave and lovely person.’

Karlyle was momentarily choked by the words imbued with poignant longing. Someone’s words about emotions being contagious came to mind. Ash’s hand wrapped around Karlyle’s shoulder. Gordon smiled, looking at them. Gordon’s hand, which had been shaking hands, slowly released.

“Then, Ash. I’ll see you later.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Yes. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Natalie, so if you’re okay with it, it would be good to see her together.”

“I will.”

Ash, looking calmer than before, smiled at Gordon. Gordon smiled casually and then re-entered the room where Arthur was. The sound of the door closing was heard. Ash’s hand, gripping Karlyle’s shoulder, rubbed him for a long time.

“Shall we go back, Lyle?”

“…I’d like to.”

“We should buy some wine on the way.”

‘Yeah. That sounds good.’ Ash muttered to himself, then let out a deep sigh. After that, he hugged Karlyle tightly. Burying his face in Karlyle’s neck, Karlyle chuckled softly. A wave of relief washed over him. Karlyle could finally define the emotion he was feeling.

To rely on someone.