Chapter 7

It was different from other countries, where the future successor was chosen from a young age. Nevertheless, Killian made appearances every now and then, ensuring his presence wasn’t forgotten.

However, Killian was now twenty-two. It seemed strange that he had disappeared at the prime of his life, at the age of nineteen.

Moreover, considering that the Princess appeared with the Emperor, rumors began to spread that she had been designated as the next successor—even though the imperial family had already designated a Crown Prince.

Everything is suspicious.

If she thought about it in the extreme, one could even suspect that the Crown Prince had died young, and the truth was being concealed for fear of causing chaos among the nobles.

In reality, there were some who raised such a possibility. Of course, there wasn’t anyone crazy enough to say it out loud in a place like this.

But Idina, confused by the situation, was listening closely to the whispers around her. Someone sitting next to her tapped the table with their fingertips as if trying to call her attention.

When she turned her head, she saw a man who had been sitting next to her all along. His blue eyes gleamed through the gold-plated frames of his glasses.

She had no idea who he was, but Idina knew one thing: there was a smile in his eyes.

A deep, resonant voice flowed from his mouth, passing through his throat.

“Lady, you must be an omega.”

“Yes…? Yes…”

Idina nodded in confusion at the statement that wasn’t quite a question. She then brushed her hand against her pheromone gland at the back of her neck. She brought her hand to her nose and smelled it, her expression troubled.

Her heat cycle was so close that it wouldn’t be surprising if it occurred any day now. Even though she had taken the medicine, her pheromones were still leaking out.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know. I made a mistake.”

It was inevitable, but it was still incredibly rude to emit pheromones in a public place like this. Idina gave a light apology. The other person didn’t seem to mind much, rolling his eyes beneath his mask.

“It’s okay. We’re different from betas.”

“Us…?”

Through the strange choice of words, Idina realized he was the same type as her—an Alpha. Only then did she notice the faint scent of an Alpha’s pheromones coming from him.

An Alpha family… It couldn’t possibly be Lilles.

However, there was no trace of Lilles in any aspect of the other person. The Duke of Lilles usually wore his top button undone because it made his neck feel stuffy, but the Alpha in front of her was very neatly dressed. From top to bottom, he buttoned his shirt and tied it tightly.

And although his eyes were blue like Lilles’, they were slightly darker and deeper in color.

More than anything, pheromones…

The scent definitely felt different from Lilles’s pheromones. It was a bit more seductive and intense. Most Alphas had a refreshing, soft scent, but the one coming from the Alpha in front of her was different—heavy and strong.

It was a unique scent, one that could distinguish him from other Alphas. It was quite distinctive, but not unpleasant. On the contrary, it was a pleasant scent.

For Alphas and Omegas, pheromones were a great way to communicate. It meant they could exchange good vibes without being in bed together.

Idina stared at the unidentified man behind the mask. It felt like an obvious temptation, but there was something strange about it—not the vulgar kind of flirtation she was used to.

If Lilles had found another Omega, he would have been eager to lift her skirt by now.

At that moment, the Emperor’s heavy voice rang through the room.

“…Now, everyone, be quiet.”

Even in this place, the Emperor tried to calm the people, knowing the absence of the Crown Prince had caused a commotion.

The Emperor slowly rose from where he had just sat. As if he had something prepared, he began to smoothly explain the purpose of today’s banquet, without even glancing at a piece of paper.

“My nobles, listen up. As written in the invitation, our Imperial Family would like to make an important announcement today.”

The Empress, sitting next to him, wore a somewhat relieved expression, as if something good had happened. The curiosity of the crowd, and of Idina grew.

The Emperor turned toward the seat next to him, where the Crown Prince should have been sitting, and continued speaking naturally.

“I’m sure everyone is curious right now. There’s someone who should be attending.… Everyone is worried about why Crown Prince Killian Escass isn’t present, and whether something has happened.”

It must have been an unpleasant topic for the royal family, but the Emperor readily brought up the subject of the Crown Prince.

Among those who had believed the Crown Prince was seriously ill, some fanned their mouths and covered their faces with their fans.

“However, the Crown Prince is currently healthy and is present here, so you can put your worries aside.”

The hall buzzed with chatter at the Emperor’s words. Idina glanced back at those who had been talking about the Crown Prince earlier. They, too, were now speaking amongst themselves.

But this time, it wasn’t just them. Murmurs from both the front and the back of the hall filled the air, disturbing Idina’s ears.

“He’s attending…?”

“…Finally.”