Chapter 36: Eyes That Shouldn’t Meet

The doors opened, and a flood of bright light poured into view. The once noisy hall fell into a hush, all eyes turning toward them. For the first time in his life, receiving such concentrated attention, Kebel felt strangely out of place in the atmosphere of the hall.

“Don’t be nervous.”

Seeing how stiff Kebel had become, Beryl whispered softly. Just moments ago, Kebel had felt irritated with him, but now he seemed reassuringly dependable.

As Kebel gave a small nod, Beryl stepped forward. Like water parting in waves, a path opened before them, and Kebel followed at his side.

“We greet His Highness, the Crown Prince, the Empire’s little sun!”

A booming voice filled the hall. Seemingly pleased by the reaction, Beryl puffed out his chest even more, curling his lips into a confident grin. His already tight outfit stretched further, looking as though it might burst at any moment.

After a few steps, Beryl came to a stop. Upon seeing the emperor seated on an ornate golden throne, he released Kebel’s hand and stepped forward.

“I greet His Majesty, the sun of the Empire.”

He dropped to one knee, bowing his head with perfect decorum. A gentle smile spread across the emperor’s face.

“Yes, come here, my beloved son.”

Speaking in the same soft tone as the crown prince, the emperor rose and placed a hand on Beryl’s shoulder.

“Congratulations on coming of age.”

He pressed his thumb briefly to his own lips, then firmly onto Beryl’s forehead like a seal before pulling away. Only then did Beryl lift his head, returning a faint smile.

“From this moment, we begin the Ceremony of Adulthood.”

At the emperor’s declaration, Beryl turned toward the crowd. Grand music swelled, and the hall erupted with activity, some guests inviting others to dance, others clinking glasses in celebration. Finally freed from the weight of everyone’s gaze, Kebel let out a quiet sigh.

He hadn’t realized how tense he’d been until his shoulders felt stiff. Stretching slightly, he rolled his neck, when Beryl approached again.

“For your first time, you did well.”

“I didn’t do anything except walk.”

“Even that isn’t easy. Come, sit.”

Taking Kebel by the wrist, Beryl guided him to a seat. The golden chair prepared for him was lavish to the point of intimidation. Kebel hesitated, about to refuse, but his eyes widened at what he saw.

Because of the way Beryl was seated, something long and prominent pressed against the side of his trousers. Flustered by the sheer boldness of it, Kebel flushed and quickly turned his head away.

“Why are you avoiding my gaze?” Beryl asked, not missing a thing.

“I-I… I’ll go see the Duke for a moment!”

Kebel blurted out hastily, trying to flee. But before he could take a step, Beryl grabbed his wrist and pulled him down into the seat. The force left Kebel in an awkward position.

He blinked, aware of countless eyes still on them, yet unable to straighten himself under Beryl’s intense, predatory gaze.

“Your partner today is me, not the Duke, isn’t it?”

Still reeling, Kebel couldn’t respond properly. His flushed face only seemed to amuse Beryl, who smirked.

“You’re already pretty enough. You should close your mouth.”

Realizing he’d been staring, Kebel quickly shut his lips and straightened his posture, placing his hands neatly on his thighs.

A soft chuckle escaped Beryl as he handed him a glass. Inside, a purple liquid shimmered in a golden goblet, its sweet grape aroma drifting upward.

Tempted, Kebel hesitated, but shook his head.

“Now that you’re of age, have a drink.”

“I’m fine.”

“Drink. It’s tradition.”

“Since when?”

“Now.”

At that, Kebel let out a small, incredulous laugh. Beryl’s gaze was clearly filled with intent, and after a moment, Kebel accepted the glass.

‘Just one sip,’ he thought.

But the sweet liquid flowed smoothly over his tongue, better than expected. One sip turned into another, until the glass was empty. He licked his lips unconsciously.

“You handle it well for your first time.”

“It tastes better than I thought.”

“Good. I chose well.”

“…Then may I have one more?”

Looking almost pleading, Kebel held out the glass. Beryl hesitated, then relented, pouring another generous serving.

“Thank you.”

Cradling the glass with both hands, Kebel drank again, savoring it. Soon, warmth spread through his body, his muscles loosening, his mind growing pleasantly hazy.

When the second glass was empty, he frowned slightly, glancing at Beryl, but was met with a firm refusal.

“Even if you look at me like that, no.”

Clicking his tongue softly, Kebel pouted. His cheeks were already flushed from the alcohol.

“…Red hair… where is he…”

Murmuring under his breath, he leaned slightly closer.

“I’m right here. Who are you looking for?”

“…Osh.”

The name slipped out before he could stop it.

Kebel froze, turning his head slowly, only to meet Beryl’s gaze, sharp and dangerous.

“Your partner isn’t him. It’s me.”

“Y-Yes… that’s true…”

“Then shouldn’t you focus only on me?”

Uncomfortable, Kebel stood abruptly.

“I’ll go get some air.”

“Then I’ll come with you.”

“No. I’ll go alone.”

“You’ve been drinking. Surely you remember that?”

Ignoring the implication, Kebel looked away, but Beryl rose anyway.

“You should stay here.”

“If the main attraction leaves, there’s no reason for me to stay.”

“…Main attraction?”

“What do you think? This entire event was prepared for you, Kebel.”

At those words, Kebel stiffened. Then…

A flash of red hair caught his eye.

At the entrance stood Osh, alongside Count Sulleban. His presence alone seemed to draw light toward him, though his expression remained as blank as ever.

His neatly styled hair made him look more mature than ever. Watching the crowd subtly gather around him, Kebel was reminded just how striking, and popular, he was.

The white suit he wore suited him far too well.

For some reason, jealousy tightened in Kebel’s chest.

And when their eyes met.

His heart dropped.

📚 Also on NHV Novels

The Magical Girl Is Raising a Child Today, Too

ActionGender BenderMagic

Read Now →
Not interested