Into The Rose Garden

Klopp couldn’t believe it. No, he didn’t want to believe it. Sometimes they might look similar, but he thought it was only natural since they have the same hair color and eye color. In fact, no matter how you looked at Rayfiel, he seemed like an omega, while the Count didn’t look like an omega at all. Aelock wasn’t overflowing with alpha traits, but he could never confuse him as not being an Alpha. It was only after hearing those words that he mentally pictured that irritating face and carefully examined Rayfiel, finding some resemblance.

But Aelock Teiwind and Rayfiel Westport were completely different people. Putting aside the difference between alpha and omega, there was nothing alike in their way of speaking, attitude, and even their scent. Klopp twisted his lips in a grimace and rested his back against the backrest.

“You don’t look alike at all.”

“Sir Klopp, you’re really strange today. Many people think that the Count and I look very similar. In fact, there have been many cases where people who don’t know us well confuse and mistake us. They either call me the Count or follow me, thinking that the Count is an omega.”

“People must be blind. You are completely different in my eyes. Even if you bring hundreds of similar people, I can tell them apart.”

Upon hearing that, Rayfiel blinked his eyes, then smiled shyly and took a sip of water. Klopp looked at him, still leaning back against the backrest, his posture a little off.

Right. I can distinguish them no matter where they are. Rayfiel and Aelock are truly worlds apart. And who the hell was that asshole who mistakenly thought the Count was an omega? Was it that guy from before? It seems like he’s been flirting with Aelock for more than just a day or two. Does he think he’s doing good when the other person is making a serious face? How ridiculous.

Klopp suddenly felt thirsty and quickly downed the remaining wine.

” Earlier, you said you had something to say.”

Rayfiel, who had been glancing at this side intently with his head raised, cautiously spoke, a little nervously. Klopp, who was just setting down the empty wine glass, instantly regained his senses.

Ah, I had a plan for today. That unhelpful Count, huh. Whether he’s present or not, he always interferes.

He rummaged inside his jacket and took out what he had carefully kept since leaving the office. It was an invitation made of high-quality handmade white paper. As Rayfiel, who had been gazing at the fingertips of the other person with sparkling eyes, seemed somewhat disappointed, he let out an “Ah” and muttered in admiration. Klopp quickly straightened his posture and handed the invitation to Rayfiel.

“Actually, I also received this invitation. I was planning to ask you to go together, but since you also received it, it takes away some of the excitement.”

“Ah, no. The evening soirée at the Rose Garden is a very romantic event. Since I wanted us to go together, it’s nice that our hearts connected. I’m glad.”

The voice of Rayfiel saying that was a little weak. His smile wasn’t as bright as he expected. Klopp knew well that he had expected something else. A platinum ring adorned with a magnificent sapphire, or an alpha to his knees holding the ring out to him.

However, Klopp had a different idea. He wasn’t in a desperate enough situation to stage such a fancy scenario in this complicated restaurant. A once-in-a-lifetime proposal needed to be romantic. Although it was a Count’s event, he had played a significant role in it, so he had enough qualifications to use it privately.

“I may not know much about aristocratic events. But I heard that the soirée held in Teiwind’s Rose Garden has a special meaning.”

“Ah.”

With that, Rayfiel’s gloomy face turned into one filled with surprise and anticipation. Seeing the completely different expression from a moment ago, Klopp couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Do you know about it?”

“Traditionally, it was the center of social gatherings, so it has many legends. One tradition that has been revived through the efforts of a previous countess is the evening soirée. There is a fairytale-like story that the love sworn in the mansion’s Rose Garden on the night of the full moon lasts forever. So, many people, especially on that day…”

Rayfiel’s ears were already completely red as he spoke. Klopp had to force himself to hold back his laughter. If he laughed now, Rayfiel’s face would turn completely red, and he might even faint.

“The soirée is happening this full moon. Would you like to go together with me?”

“Yes.”

Rayfiel nodded with a soft, crawling voice in response. He looked incredibly cute and lovely. Considering the expenses demanded by the Count, the concert that day would be incredibly luxurious and undoubtedly memorable. It would also be the perfect day to propose to his future wife who he would spend the rest of his life with.

The meal at the restaurant went smoothly. They finished a bottle of wine before dessert arrived. While Klopp mostly drank it, Rayfiel also drank more than usual. Today, Rayfiel seemed exceptionally happy, which made Klopp happy as well, so they both drank a little too much. So when they left the evening restaurant, instead of immediately taking a carriage, they decided to walk to sober up.

It was actually time to send Rayfiel home, but if he sent Rayfiel home at this moment, his potential father-in-law would grab him by the neck and label him as a ‘heinous criminal who touched an Omega before marriage’. Klopp didn’t want that to happen.

Some might wonder what was the connection between overdrinking and speeding, but those who have met Viscount Westport, who played a significant role in shaping Rayfiel’s pure and delicate nature, wouldn’t think so. He thought that it was better to clear one’s mind before an important event. After walking a bit and letting the smell of wine dissipate, Klopp planned to send Rayfiel off in the racing carriage he favored. The experienced coachman would deliver Rayfiel to Westport Estate precisely at the time given by Klopp.

“It’s the first time I’ve walked around so late at night. My father is very strict, so…”

“I know very well. You’ll fall if you walk backwards like that.”

Worried, Klopp reached out his hand, and Rayfiel, feeling extremely embarrassed, held onto it. He wasn’t reaching out to hold him, but rather gesturing for him to keep walking, but it didn’t matter. Klopp firmly held his hand and walked. Rayfiel leaned his head on Klopp’s arm, feeling a little dizzy. It seemed like he had drunk too much.

The streets were quite crowded with people taking late-night walks. There were couples like Klopp and Rayfiel, as well as couples with children. There were a few Alphas who seemed to be friends and a few Omegas with their chaperones. Klopp enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere as they walked. Yes, this was what a stable life felt like.

It was then. Rayfiel, who was half-hanging on Klopp with his head tilted, suddenly straightened his body and pointed in a certain direction.

“Isn’t that person over there Count Teiwind?”

“What?”

Why did that name come up again all of a sudden? Klopp looked puzzled and gazed in the direction Rayfiel pointed. The person wearing dark-colored clothes, unlike his usual light suits, and with a hooded cloak, was walking quickly towards somewhere alone. He kept turning his head around and covered the edge of the hood slightly, as if trying to hide himself. As Rayfiel had mentioned, he had a physique that seemed like Aelock.

But there was no reason for the distinguished Count to enter a dirty, dark alley at this late hour, unaccompanied and dressed in such a suspicious manner. Moreover, Aelock always carried himself with confidence, holding his head high, and not walking around in a crouched and guarded manner like someone who had committed a crime.

“Where could he be going?”

“I don’t know. Was he really the Count? He’s not the sort of man to be wandering about alone at this late hour, without a carriage or servants.”

“You’re right. Maybe I was mistaken.”

“Yeah. That road leads to a very bad place, and there’s no reason for the Count to go there.”

The place Klopp mentioned was a path leading to the notorious slums in the capital, commonly known as the ‘bottom place’. Klopp was familiar with it as he sometimes used it as a shortcut on his way home, and he had dealt with a few rabid dogs there. Hearing his words, Rayfiel tilted his head in confusion.

“I suppose so. The Count would usually be playing a musical instrument or reading at this time, if he doesn’t have a partner.”

“That’s true. Or maybe he’s thinking of ways to spend his money.”

Klopp nodded lightly in agreement.

“I wasn’t feeling well that day, so I went to bed early. Why?”

“No, I was just curious.”

“I didn’t know I had to tell you every detail of my private life. Or are you also suggesting some sort of limit when it comes to sleep?”

When he visited to discuss the arrangements for the soirée expenses a few days later, Aelock responded very irritably to his casual question. Klopp was offended that Aelock responded annoyedly over the casual question, so he didn’t say anything more. That day, Aelock’s strong perfume scent gave him a headache, so Klopp only said the bare minimum and left. Aelock didn’t even bid him a formal farewell.

Thank you to everyone for the unconditional support in the comments in every chapter! We’re now halfway through Volume 2~

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