Into the Rose Garden Novel - Chapter 13.2 All Again

Some individuals, without an ounce of pride, wished to sell themselves as stud horses to noble families with only Omega children, but Kloff was not such a base person. At least, he wished to maintain his dignity as an individual and carve out his own life. What he sought today was not a decadent, vulgar relationship based on bodies and pheromones, but rather an association with an individual who would recognize his expertise. He was quite confident.

The patronage event, which encompassed the vast rose garden and lasted about three days, felt more like a grand banquet than a tea party. It was only called a tea party because only tea and pastries were served, without alcohol. The splendid flower garden, which seemed to have a legend of a king who sold his country to build it for his beloved queen, was already filled with young people dressed up to the nines even before the main tea party began. They strutted about, spreading their wings like peacocks in heat.

He had arrived a bit early himself, but he couldn’t help but be surprised by the faces of the many people already gathered. First, he was shocked by the shameless strutting of arrogant Alphas with their heads held high. Second, he was appalled by the pheromones emitted by Omegas who, far from being repulsed by such individuals, cast coy glances and curved their lips. Third, as soon as he entered what could be called the center of the rose garden, he was surprised by the hostile stares of Alphas and the intensely thick, interested gazes of Omegas, all directed at him simultaneously.

Goosebumps erupted all over his body. This was clearly supposed to be a social gathering, but it was a marriage market! Damn it!

He didn’t even get a chance to look around for the elderly gentlemen and ladies of means with whom he could discuss investment and law. Before he could even be served a cup of tea, a group of Omegas, led by a stately middle-aged Omega whose face clearly read “mother representative” or “matchmaker representative,” was charging towards him. There was no choice but to turn and flee immediately. Otherwise, he felt a fear that he would be stripped naked on the spot and mated by all those Omegas, one after another.

First, he had to get as far away as possible without looking back. He heard the shouts of Omegas looking for him from all directions, like hounds chasing a fox. They were even persistent. He dodged and weaved through the tall trees, several times his height. Only when the sounds of pursuit had completely vanished, a good distance away, did Kloff wipe the sweat from his brow.

He had completely miscalculated. His professor had said there would be many opportunities, but he had mistaken that for diversity in conversational topics. He felt foolish for having dressed up and steeled himself. His expectations had already hit rock bottom, and he had no desire to return to the rose garden. It seemed better to go back to his room and catch up on the sleep he’d lost due to the fierce nightmare. And tomorrow, he would have to leave this place immediately and look elsewhere. Kloff clicked his tongue and headed towards the mansion, which was visible nearby.

The mansion was clearly visible nearby. But why was the garden so complicated that it seemed to get further away the closer he got?

His already low mood sank further, turning into irritation. If a cool breeze hadn’t come to cool his temper, he would have snapped all these damned trees right then and there.

There was no point in getting angry when he couldn’t find his way; it was only his loss. If there were people passing by, he could ask for directions, but perhaps everyone was swarming in the rose garden, as not even an ant could be seen in this relatively close area. Since things were this way, it might be better to take a walk along the cedar path visible over there and reconsider the situation.

As he walked among the towering trees that soared high into the sky, his irritation slowly began to subside. Was he tired of the city’s complexity? The huge trees reminded him of his hometown, nestled in a dense northern cedar forest. He had barely visited it since coming to study abroad. He took a deep breath, exhaling all his remaining frustration. Still, there was nothing to smile about, so he continued walking with a serious expression. Then, someone appeared from the other side.

Slightly shorter than him, with delicate features, he appeared to be an Alpha, but somehow he had a strangely sensual aura. With a refined and elegant gait and a handsome appearance, he suited his looks well. He then spotted Kloff and stopped abruptly, looking very surprised. Even from a considerable distance, Kloff could discern the trembling of his deep blue eyes.

What was it? There was no one else around.

He couldn’t understand why the man was so startled, as if he had seen a ghost. Just then, a gentle breeze stirred his hair, poking his eyes, and he frowned, brushing his hair back.

When he faced the man again, his expression had changed. The surprise from a moment ago had vanished, replaced by the faint smile characteristic of a noble. He was clearly an upper-class individual born and raised in the city. He walked with an elegant, light step, as if carried by the wind, and kindly began to give directions without being asked, “The rose garden is that way.” His words were a bit arrogant and rude, but they suited him so naturally that Kloff couldn’t even object.

Had he recognized him by his attire? Even though he was fleeing the rose garden, he somehow couldn’t refuse. Kloff gave a small bow and followed him.

The man walked with his head held high, neither slow nor fast. He wasn’t particularly tall, but he held his shoulders straight, so he didn’t look small at all. Occasionally, light filtering through the cedars struck his bright blonde hair, making it dazzling. His expensive suit, perfectly tailored to his body, also suited him as if he had been born wearing it.

His gaze involuntarily fixed on the man’s back, which flowed with graceful, almost captivating lines. And also on his slender waist. As his gaze reached there, Kloff realized what he was thinking and frowned, looking away. These were not thoughts one should have about someone they had just met, especially another Alpha.

As he walked along the path, following the man without the usual polite small talk of unfamiliar acquaintances, he felt a strange sensation. He had definitely never seen this person before. Even quickly reviewing his short life, there had been no reason to encounter such a refined urban noble. But why did he seem familiar?

As they reached the rose garden along a path he hadn’t even known existed, the man stood at an ambiguous angle, neither fully turned nor not, and glanced up at Kloff. It seemed he meant that since they had come this far, Kloff should find his way from here. He was getting a bit annoyed by the man’s rude behavior, ignoring him without a word since earlier. But since he was receiving help, he couldn’t complain. Instead, he wanted to introduce himself. He was curious about how great this person was to treat others as if they didn’t exist.

“I am Kloff Bendyke.”

When he extended his hand for a handshake, the man finally looked directly up at Kloff. He wore a slightly awkward, blank expression, but then a smooth smile spread across his face again. And he extended a hand as white as his face, taking Kloff’s.

“Aeroc Teiwind.”

Ah. He had somehow expected it. Not that he knew he was the Count, but that such a distinguished name would emerge.

“Thank you for guiding me.”

As an invited guest, he expressed his gratitude. The Count, whom he had expected to coldly reject him, befitting the arrogance he had just shown, surprisingly smiled genuinely.

Suddenly, his chest tightened. Seeing that bright, not faint, smile, he felt a deeply distressing sensation. At the same time, the strange feeling he had experienced right after the nightmare enveloped his body. He frowned and stared intently at the Count who was looking at him. Suddenly, that smile made him angry, and he wanted to choke him.

What was this? Why was he feeling this way? Was it jealousy? No. It didn’t feel like it. Something like dissatisfaction and irritation was about to explode. He wanted to do something to the man standing before him, but he couldn’t precisely distinguish what he wanted to do. It was an inexplicable urge.

Before the handshake lingered into an awkward silence, both men cleared their throats slightly and released their hands. Kloff took a deliberate deep breath and steeled his resolve. He couldn’t flee while the Count, who had guided him here, was staring intently.