Into the Rose Garden Novel - Chapter 40

The carriage, with the setting sun behind it, looked free-spirited but stopped in front of an antique brick mansion, having passed through a meticulously designed garden. A servant, who had been waiting for the carriage to stop, brought a footrest and opened the carriage door. The young butler, whose master had recently changed, greeted Aeroc with a polite demeanor.
“Welcome, Count Teiwind.”
“Thank you. How is Viscount Derbyshire?”
“My master is always the same. Today, he is drinking heavily and smoking indiscriminately, causing loving concern among his friends.”
The Derbyshire household staff were polite but often used quite scathing humor. Yet, they held infinite respect and love for Viscount Derbyshire. They were as loyal as the servants serving the Teiwind earldom.
“Master. A lovely person has arrived.”
The young butler introduced Aeroc as he led him to the drawing-room. He was even more mischievous than the retired senior butler.
“Oh, Count Teiwind! Long time no see! Come, come in.”
Viscount Derbyshire, with a large, well-groomed white beard matching his round, robust physique, greeted him with a booming voice. At that, the guests scattered throughout the drawing-room all looked his way. Before Aeroc could even grasp who was there, Viscount Derbyshire embraced him tightly and gave him boisterous kisses on both cheeks. It was as if he were greeting a long-unseen grandson.
“I haven’t seen your face lately!”
“I apologize. Am I very late?”
“Of course you are!”
Viscount Derbyshire, still holding Aeroc, was about to launch into a scolding.
“The aperitifs have just been served.”
The young butler cut off his master’s exaggerated reaction at the opportune moment. He brought a small glass of aperitif on a shining tray and offered it. Aeroc was not particularly keen on alcohol, but he gladly accepted the glass to escape the nagging of a man who was like a godfather to him. Viscount Derbyshire finally let go of Aeroc.
“How have you been?”
“Can’t you see I’ve lost weight, distraught from not seeing you?”
He said so, but Viscount Derbyshire’s large belly showed no sign of shrinking. Knowing it was just a jest, Aeroc chuckled.
“There are other guests here.”
As if only then realizing the presence of others, Viscount Derbyshire chuckled heartily and introduced them to Aeroc. They were all familiar faces.
“Aeroc, long time no see.”
The person who smiled warmly and extended a hand was Richard Derbyshire, Viscount Derbyshire’s son and an officer. A few years older than Aeroc, he was also a childhood friend with whom he shared many memories.
“Richard! I almost didn’t recognize you! You’ve become quite handsome!”
“You too. Becoming a Count has made you look radiant.”
He was one of the few people who spoke to Aeroc without reservation. Unlike Viscount Derbyshire’s children, he had a slender and serious appearance, but his sociability was exactly like his father’s. After a warm greeting with his long-unseen friend, two beauties with dazzling golden hair approached.
“Hello, Lord Aeroc.”
“Hello, Raphiel. Aerial. I’m meeting many welcome people today.”
The two, with cheeks like peaches, were the Omega sons of Viscount Westport. They were much closer to the Derbyshire family than the Teiwind family, interacting through Derbyshire as a mediator. They said they were staying at the Derbyshire mansion while their parents traveled for their twentieth wedding anniversary.
Raphiel and Aerial, with their lovely looks and personalities, attracted the attention of many Alphas. It was quite understandable why the Westport Viscount and his wife entrusted them to trustworthy relatives while they traveled. They were charming brothers, so much so that one feared what might happen if they were left without a guardian. Indeed, even Richard, who was like a cousin to them, looked at them with gentle eyes.
An unexpected figure stepped forward. It was Marquis Wolflake, with metallic gray eyes contrasting with his black hair.
“Count Teiwind.”
“Marquis Wolflake.”
Aeroc had not expected to see him, a man with a cold and secretive personality matching his appearance, in Viscount Derbyshire’s drawing-room. After a brief greeting by name, he drank his aperitif and smoked a cigarette. Come to think of it, Richard and he were encircling the Westport brothers, who were chattering away. A strange glance passed between the Alphas, who had innocent Omegas between them, unaware of anything. Ah.
“Are there many roses blooming this year?”
Raphiel asked, his face flushed and slightly shy. Aerial, standing close beside him, wore a mischievous smile, as if he knew something.
“Of course. In a few weeks, they’ll be in full bloom.”
“Will you also hold the evening party?”
“Yes.”
“The rose garden under the moonlight must be very beautiful, mustn’t it?”
Then Raphiel murmured to himself, “I want to go,” in a not-so-small voice. Aeroc couldn’t help but burst into laughter at the cute coaxing.
“I’ll send the invitation to the Westport family first.”
“Thank you.”
Having achieved his goal, Raphiel and Aerial scurried to a corner. Aerial whispered something, and Raphiel chattered with a red face, then playfully nudged his brother. They seemed to be exchanging stories about the legend surrounding the rose garden, the pride of the Teiwind earldom.
“You’ll give me an invitation too, won’t you?”
“Richard, you’re always welcome.”
“That’s a good idea. Find a spouse quickly, even if you have to use the power of the garden, and ease your father’s worries.”
Viscount Derbyshire interjected. Richard merely shrugged without much reaction. Marquis Wolflake quietly, but with terrifying eyes, watched the Westport brothers. He was known for his piercing gaze, but it was the first time he looked at harmless Omegas that way. Which of the two could it be? In any case, it seemed best to send an invitation to the evening party to Wolflake as well.
“Master. Dinner is ready.”
The butler announced.
“One person is late.”
“Is someone else coming?”
“Someone you know.”
Seeing the old man wink, Aeroc felt somehow uneasy.
The dinner table was a gentle oval. Viscount Derbyshire, the master, occupied the head seat in the center, and Raphiel and Aerial filled the seats on either side. Aeroc sat opposite Viscount Derbyshire, with Richard and Wolflake on either side. One more seat was prepared between Raphiel and Richard. The arrangement was subtly strange, as if it were a presentation for the adult Omega children.
“Viscount Derbyshire.”
When Aeroc called out, laden with various meanings, Viscount Derbyshire shrugged as if he knew nothing. His feigned ignorance was just like his son’s.
“It’s good for young Alphas and Omegas to socialize. Everyone is of age, but they haven’t found partners, so their parents are worried sick. I don’t care what happens to Alphas, but Omegas need good spouses. The world is a harsh place, you see.”
With that, Viscount Derbyshire looked alternately at the two Omegas sitting on either side. Aerial still looked dazed, and only Raphiel’s face was flushed red, fidgeting with embarrassment. He bowed his head deeply and tore at the innocent napkin.
“So that’s why you suddenly called us. This was your intention.”
Richard blamed his father. But his tone was one of indifference. Marquis Wolflake snorted softly. It was a rather rude reaction, but Viscount Derbyshire did not comment.
“One is a reliable soldier, one is a gentle intellectual, and one is a powerful authority. Their appearances are also diverse: one with brown hair and brown eyes, one with blonde hair and blue eyes, and one with black hair and gray eyes. I’m satisfied with the variety. All three have inherited wealth and stable positions, so they won’t starve their families. It’s a pity they lack fierce ambition, though.”
Just as Aeroc was about to point out that this was not right, someone entered with hurried steps.
“That’s for our friend to handle.”
Viscount Derbyshire pointed to the person heading for the empty seat. Everyone’s gaze turned to that person.
“You’re late, Bendyke.”
“I apologize. I was delayed by urgent contact from the Imperial Palace.”
The Imperial family, for a mere gentry? It was too grand an excuse.
“From the Imperial family? Then shouldn’t you go immediately?”
“I’m scheduled to enter the palace tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry to call you away when you’re so busy.”
“Not at all. For anyone else, perhaps, but for Viscount Derbyshire’s summons, I must certainly come. This was also a prior engagement.”
Even if it was a prior engagement, Viscount Derbyshire was greatly pleased that he had refused a summons from none other than the Imperial family to attend the dinner.
“You know these people, don’t you? Marquis Wolflake, Count Teiwind, and my son, Richard.”
“I know them. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen everyone.”
Formal greetings were exchanged. But Aeroc deliberately avoided his gaze. It had only been four days since they were entangled naked in the Violet Room. Aeroc was not brazen enough to exchange greetings as if nothing had happened. While he didn’t particularly welcome being acknowledged, it was also difficult to draw a casual line. It might seem rude, but looking away was better.
His intentionally averted gaze happened to meet Wolflake’s gray eyes. A strange light flickered in those cold, ashen pupils, as if coated in ice, then disappeared. Aeroc knew he had exposed an unnecessary aspect of himself to a man who was taciturn and whose thoughts were unfathomable. All of this was Bendyke’s fault.
“You haven’t met these two before. They are the two sons of my friend, Viscount Westport.”
“Ah.”
The arrogant gentry, who shared a secret with Aeroc and had given him no special signal, froze abruptly as he was about to sit down. Shock flashed across his brazen face, which usually only held sneers and mockery.
“Ra… Raphiel?”
“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Raphiel of Westport.”
Raphiel, who had been unable to hide his embarrassment since understanding the meaning of this gathering, nevertheless greeted him like a scion of a noble family. The arrogant fellow, who disdained nobles, stood frozen like a statue, unable to utter a word.
“What’s wrong?”
“Ah, I apologize.”
Viscount Derbyshire burst into hearty laughter, seeing Bendyke hastily sit down when spoken to.
“It seems you’ve fallen for Raphiel at first sight. It’s understandable.”
“No. Absolutely not. It wouldn’t suit, and even if we forced it, it would only lead to terrible results.”
Bendyke was excessively serious about the casual jokes adults often made. At that, Raphiel, who had done nothing wrong, bowed his head deeply as if he had committed a sin. Already overwhelmed with embarrassment, he looked on the verge of tears. Was it necessary to rebuke such an innocent and young boy so harshly? Even Viscount Derbyshire couldn’t laugh this time, merely opening his mouth.
“Is that so? Then that’s fortunate for me.”
Aeroc couldn’t hold back and interjected.
“I believe I can easily outcompete him in terms of wealth, status, or even character, but a rival is a rival, after all. It’s better to have no foolish competitors.”
Raphiel glanced at Aeroc with eyes that looked about to shed tears. A faint smile briefly touched his melancholic expression. Conversely, the arrogant and shameless opponent’s eyes blazed with dark fire. Aeroc smiled sweetly at the man, who was now cloaked in another layer of arrogance. At that, the large man twitched his body as if he would grab Aeroc by the collar at any moment. Raw disgust and unbridled hatred passed between the two in the air.
“Who would dare to be a rival to His Excellency Count Teiwind? No one would dare to interfere with someone who stops at nothing when displeased.”
“I don’t know what rumors you’ve heard about me, but at least with you, I do feel like making you disappear without a trace… so I won’t deny it.”
Aeroc retorted. A north wind swept across the dinner table. Viscount Derbyshire, who should have been leading the atmosphere, observed the two with interest. He seemed quite bored. Raphiel’s flushed face was now completely pale. Aerial cringed in fear. Just as Richard clicked his tongue and was about to speak, an unexpected person intervened first.
“It’s the first time the Count has shown interest in someone. I’m a little surprised.”
The one who broke the icy atmosphere was Wolflake. He slowly swirled a half-full glass of wine and added.
“This dining room is too small for two great figures to duel over a beauty. Besides, what’s important is not the opinion of the two of them, but the person concerned. That innocent beauty looks as if he’s received a murder threat rather than a courtship.”
“I’m surprised myself. An innocent beauty. Who would believe that expression came from none other than Marquis Wolflake’s lips?”
“It seems the rival is over there, not me.”
Bendyke added to Aeroc’s words. Now sparks flew between the three. Raphiel looked at Viscount Derbyshire as if he would faint at any moment. The savior was not him, but the other Derbyshire.
“How about we eat first and then continue this lovers’ quarrel? I’m hungry.”
With that, Richard signaled the waiting servants to bring out the dinner. A beautifully colored soup was followed by a delicious fish dish garnished with fragrant fruit. As the food arrived, the intangible battle that had raged across the table subsided.
“It must be nice to be popular. Thanks to these great people getting heated, a mere soldier like me doesn’t even have the courage to speak.”
The one who eased the atmosphere, which was on the verge of stiffening, was Richard, a competent officer renowned for his bravery throughout the empire. He spoke to Raphiel, who was sitting next to him, in a teasing manner. It was a joke intended to lighten the mood, but Aeroc thought it was inappropriate. As expected, Raphiel, who had just managed to calm himself and take a spoonful of soup, finally shed tears.
“I apologize.”
He rose from his seat and left.
“Brother.”
Aerial instinctively stood up to follow. Before chasing after Raphiel, he glared at Richard with a very harsh look. Viscount Derbyshire also gave his son a stern expression.
“What did I do?”
Richard spread his hands, looking wronged. Viscount Derbyshire shook his head in disapproval.
“I’ll go. Among those present, I’m somewhat accustomed to comforting delicate hearts.”
Aeroc said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. At that, Bendyke glared at Aeroc, holding a knife and fork. It seemed he was about to cause bloodshed.
“I doubt that, Your Excellency, a great noble who has never shed a single tear in his life.”
“Better than a cold-blooded miser who only cares about money.”
Aeroc had no idea why he was the target of such hatred and criticism from that man. How could a rational and moral intellectual understand the mind of a madman?
“Both of you, stop. I’ll go.”
While they were engrossed in an unnecessary power struggle, Wolflake made his move first. He frowned slightly and glared at Aeroc and Bendyke for a moment. Then he disappeared in the direction Raphiel and Aerial had gone.
“Hmm, it seems the victor is Linus after all.”
Richard said, “Father,” in a blaming tone at Viscount Derbyshire’s remark. At that, Viscount Derbyshire shrugged, looking wronged.
“What did I do?”
The dinner table was a ruin after a storm. Regardless, the Derbyshire butler brought in the main course.
“The steak is truly a work of art.”
Richard, truly hungry, immersed himself in eating. Aeroc, meanwhile, glared at Bendyke, contemplating how to kill the man. Bendyke also cut his thick, steaming steak savagely, as if it were Aeroc’s neck.
“What an interesting dinner. I’ll have a lot to say when old man Westport returns.”
The only one enjoying this situation was the meddling old man.