The palace received another important guest.
"The Duke of the North is arriving," Theo announced.
Charles smiled. "Your old friend?"
Theo nodded. "…Yes. He's troublesome."
Oliver looked curious.
Duke of the North… sounds strong.
---
The main doors opened.
A tall alpha man entered, wearing dark northern robes. His silver-black hair moved slightly with the cold aura surrounding him. His presence was calm but powerful.
Oliver's eyes widened.
Wow… he looks cool.
The duke stopped in front of Theo.
"You haven't changed," he said calmly.
Theo replied, "You have."
Charles laughed softly. "Welcome."
The duke's gaze shifted—
And landed on Oliver.
"…So this is your son."
Oliver blinked.
The duke stepped closer.
"…Strong aura."
Oliver straightened unconsciously.
"Hello."
The duke nodded. "…Good potential."
Oliver's admiration grew.
He's calm… strong… mysterious…
---
Samuel noticed immediately.
"…Why are you staring?"
Lucas also stepped closer.
"…You like him?"
Oliver answered honestly, "He's impressive."
Samuel crossed his arms. "I'm impressive too."
Lucas added, "So am I."
Oliver sighed.
Here we go again.
---
The duke knelt slightly to Oliver's height.
"Do you train?"
"Yes."
"Good."
Samuel quickly stepped in front.
"He trains with us."
Lucas nodded. "We're his partners."
The duke looked at them calmly.
"…I see."
Samuel declared proudly, "We're also his future husbands."
Silence.
Charles almost choked.
Theo froze.
The duke raised an eyebrow slightly.
Lucas added calmly, "And future children's fathers."
Ryan whispered loudly, "They said it again…"
Elena covered her face.
---
The duke looked back at Oliver.
"…That's ambitious."
Samuel nodded. "We planned it."
Lucas confirmed. "Four to seven children."
Theo rubbed his forehead.
"…Stop."
The duke actually smiled faintly.
"…You'll need to grow strong first."
Samuel puffed his chest. "We will."
Lucas nodded seriously. "Yes."
Oliver wanted to disappear.
Why do they keep saying it in front of everyone…
---
The duke stood up.
He looked at Theo.
"…Your son attracts attention."
Theo replied quietly, "Too much."
Charles laughed softly.
Sebastian, watching from afar, grinned. "This is entertaining."
---
Oliver looked at the duke again.
He's really cool…
Samuel noticed.
"…Stop admiring him."
Lucas added, "Focus on us."
Oliver sighed.
"You're both noisy."
The duke glanced at them once more.
"…Healthy rivalry."
Theo nodded.
"…Very."
---
As the sun lowered, the Duke of the North stood quietly, observing the children.
Oliver admired him.
Samuel and Lucas stayed close—
Very close.
And the competition—
Had gained another reason.