Chapter 13: Return to the Duchy

When the carriage came to a halt, Song Ze stepped out.

Before him stood an estate that exuded an air of grandeur and sophistication. Even the main gate carried a sense of antiquity and weight.

“As expected of a ducal house.” Aliel’s voice rang out, a slight frown on his face and a note of caution in his tone. “The defensive magic arrays laid around here—even a dragon would struggle to break in. For a mere residence to go this far… it’s rather odd.”

Song Ze spoke up, “Assassins are often dispatched here, after all.”

“Hmm.” Aliel nodded, inwardly thinking that Song Ze, in his obliviousness, probably couldn’t see anything amiss.

That ducal heir… no, the current Duke Idis, was not an easy opponent. Would he really be willing to leave part of his father’s inheritance to Song Ze? There might even be a threat to his life in this return.

Since he had come along, he would never let anything happen to Song Ze.

But then…

“You seem quite cheerful since a while ago,” Aliel said abruptly.

“!!” Song Ze’s heart skipped a beat.

If anyone else had said that, it would have been normal. But this was Aliel! If he didn’t handle this properly, bloodshed might follow immediately.

“It’s just… it’s just that I’m happy to be back home,” Song Ze hurriedly explained. “I feel a sense of nostalgia.”

“I see.” Aliel’s expression softened slightly.

Song Ze breathed a sigh of relief. Then, together with Aliel, he followed the servants who had come to receive them into the estate.

Along the way, all the servants bowed respectfully to Song Ze, their expressions tinged with sympathy. They whispered among themselves, barely trying to conceal their words. Song Ze could faintly make out their discussions: after the old duke’s death, would he be kicked out of the family upon his return?

After all, everyone knew that the heir and Song Ze did not get along.

But Song Ze himself wasn’t worried about that at all. He was filled with anticipation, excitement, and a little… well, a strong sense of anxiety. He longed to see Idis.

And then, he did.

The person before him… a golden-haired youth.

With his handsome features, violet eyes, aloof expression, and a demeanor that warned others to keep their distance—unmistakably, it was his childhood friend from the game, Idis!!!

Song Ze: “…”

But this was definitely, certainly, a man!! QAQ!

Without the female-disguised-as-male trope, was there not even a bit of concealment left?!

Song Ze: “So the Demon Princess must have changed gender too!!”

[Changed gender?] The system’s voice chimed in, bringing a glimmer of hope, only to dash it mercilessly. [Those targets have always been male in this world from the start.]

Song Ze: “…”

He shouldn’t have expected anything from this world. This was no place for a straight man like him!

And this Idis, who was completely unfamiliar to Song Ze, maintained an indifferent attitude, speaking coolly, “Since you’re back, don’t just stand outside.”

Even though Song Ze had played the game and knew the character’s personality, facing this person who was so aloof in front of him, he couldn’t tell that the other’s affection level was already at 80…

But if the affection wasn’t high, that would actually be a good thing for him! After all, this was a genuine man!

Song Ze breathed a sigh of relief. But just as he lifted his foot to step inside, the mark on his back suddenly burned hot. At the same time, Song Ze felt his strength drain away as if pulled out of him. His knees gave way, and he collapsed into Idis’s arms.

Silence fell around them.

“…”

“?!?!?” Song Ze was terrified, his soul nearly fleeing his body.

What the hell was wrong with this inherited mark?! Why did it act up at such a critical moment, making it seem like he was throwing himself into Idis’s arms on purpose?

Idis merely reached out and lightly brushed his cheek—so lightly it seemed accidental—then helped Song Ze stand up, asking coolly, “Are you injured?”

Song Ze felt an inexplicable fear of this brother, and explained, “It’s fine… I’m mostly recovered now…”

Though he hadn’t sustained any injury serious enough to prevent him from walking, Song Ze felt his weary soul needed rest.

Then, a force pulled him from behind, and Song Ze was yanked into an embrace.

Aliel held Song Ze, glaring at Idis with intense wariness, then said coldly, “No need to be so close, you two.”

Song Ze: “!!” Why did this suddenly feel like a love triangle, and one involving three men at that?

The butler and servants nearby changed color instantly. “How dare you be so rude to His Grace!”

“Who is this?” Idis looked coldly at the person beside Song Ze.

“I’m his—”

Aliel’s words were abruptly cut off by Song Ze. “Th-this is my classmate, Aliel. He’s the top student of the Paladin Academy… He specially escorted me back this time.”

Aliel’s expression turned ugly instantly. Song Ze quickly grasped his hand, preventing him from doing anything rash.

“Oh?” Idis seemed indifferent to what was happening between them, only speaking in a detached tone. “In that case, arrange a room for this guest.”

“Yes.” The butler nodded immediately.

“Good.” Idis said flatly. “I’ll go attend to affairs first. You two make yourselves at home.”

The moment his words fell, Song Ze practically fled, dragging Aliel upstairs.

Meanwhile, Idis went to the study and looked over the documents on the desk.

His demeanor seemed calm, but the butler knew he couldn’t be in a good mood because of what had just happened. After all, he had been happy about Young Master Song Ze’s return, but now…

“Lord Idis…” The butler spoke only when they were alone. “That guest seems… uncommon.”

After all, Aliel was of noble birth, and the aura he exuded was immediately recognizable.

“How did someone like that end up beside Song Ze? And their relationship looks so… And I knew nothing about it before.” Idis’s eyes turned icy, with obvious killing intent. “Didn’t I say to report everything he does and everyone he meets?”

“Yes.” Cold sweat formed on the butler’s brow. “But this Aliel, before the trial, his relationship with Young Master Song Ze was definitely not close! We have no idea what happened between them during that time… Only that a beast tide appeared in the Dark Forest, and the situation is now very dangerous.”

“Investigate thoroughly.” Idis said coldly. “Someone like that cannot stay.”

… …

…

Song Ze practically fled into his room, closing the door before letting out a sigh of relief.

Just now, in front of Idis, it was as if he had met some natural predator. He completely cowered, feeling that every second in the other’s presence was painful. The atmosphere was too terrifying—he even forgot to make any snide remarks!

“No, I can’t be like this.” Song Ze recalled the game’s plot. In the game, Idis’s affection was sky-high, but actually, their relationship was still in that friends-with-potential stage. Furthermore, the protagonist always thought Idis hated him and was even sent to a monastery, so naturally they never developed.

It was only later, due to various reasons, that disharmonious incidents occurred between them, directly changing the nature of their relationship!

“That’s good… As long as I don’t force myself on Idis, that plot won’t happen! We’ll just be friends.” Thinking this, Song Ze finally relaxed.

There was no way in hell he would ever have any relationship with Idis. And judging by Idis’s cold demeanor, they probably wouldn’t even hold hands, so things were definitely safe!

But that was for later. Now, he had to deal with… the issue concerning Aliel. Aliel was inherently possessive and jealous, and after what just happened—

“What was that just now?”

Aliel’s face was cold. He directly pinned Song Ze down on the bed, his green eyes fixed on him, demanding, “What exactly is your relationship with that Idis?”

This was too dangerous!! Song Ze was sweating cold. If he answered poorly, he might be forced into another gay situation.

“It’s not like that! I have no relationship with Idis! Look how cold he is to me!”

“But when you fell, he touched your face! I saw it clearly!” Aliel said coldly, his green eyes filled with icy anger. “That shameless man!”

“That was just a coincidence!” Song Ze quickly said. Honestly, he really believed it was a coincidence… How could an ice-cold person like Idis ever touch his face!

“If it was a coincidence, then why didn’t you reveal our relationship afterward?” Aliel’s expression didn’t improve at all. Song Ze suspected he might do something irrational any moment. “Is it because you think this relationship is shameful, or… you never intended to be with me?”

How did the conversation escalate to such a dangerous point!!!

“After all, we’re only back for the funeral. Explaining too much would be too troublesome!” Song Ze’s survival instinct made him speak quickly. “And besides, it might affect you…” He grabbed Aliel’s hand. “You came to the Paladin Academy with a purpose, right? I don’t want my issues to interfere with that.”

“Song Ze…” Aliel’s attitude softened a bit.

Song Ze breathed a slight sigh of relief. He had experience successfully achieving the harem ending! He wouldn’t crash and burn like this!

Although now, he didn’t want these three men to be his harem.

Then, bracing himself, Song Ze leaned in and gave a quick peck on Aliel’s soft lips before pulling back, looking at him with azure eyes. “Aliel, trust me—mmph?! Mmm!! QAQ”

Song Ze had only intended to seal it with a kiss and be done, but Aliel immediately pressed him down on the bed and kissed him deeply.

Wasn’t Aliel originally the type to blush just from a kiss on the cheek? Why now—

Just then, a knock suddenly sounded at the door.

📚 Also on NHV Novels

You Need to Start Streaming Now!

Age GapBLBoys Love

Read Now →
Not interested