Valentin slowly spread open his shirt and lowered the wet hand to his chest. Then he began to touch the now deep pink area as if to show off. The strange and heated moans were a bonus.

“Ah…!”

The omega stared straight at his alpha with wet, flushed eyes and emitted an even stronger pheromone.

“Valentin, you really… Haa.”

Reynard, who had completely let go of his last thread of reason at that indecent sight, rushed towards Valentin’s lips. Once again, wet sounds filled the room.

It probably won’t dry up all night long.

* * *

Valentin opened his eyes when the sun was at its zenith and rubbed them with his hands. He had slept so deeply for the first time in a long while that his eyes were swollen and his vision blurry. It was probably worse because he had not only felt intense pleasure last night but had even cried from it.

Valentin felt the empty space beside him. He soon recalled Reynard kissing his cheek lightly in the morning to say goodbye before leaving for work.

[I’ll be back, Valentin.]

[Mmm…]

[Don’t open your eyes. Sleep more and rest well. I love you.]

The image of him whispering very quietly in his ear so as not to wake his pregnant husband. Valentin giggled as he recalled his alpha’s carefulness and got up.

How long had it been since he had slept this well? Both his body and mind felt refreshed beyond measure.

He stretched his arms and legs as he got up from the bed and put on an indoor robe.

“Ugh…”

Although he said he was careful, maybe it was because it had been a while. Valentin groaned, still feeling like every joint in his body was spread apart. He put his hands on his waist and carefully walked to the window. The midday sun was coming in between the curtains.

In the empty bedroom, he drew back the curtains himself and leaned on the window frame to look outside. Right before his eyes spread a green garden and low hills. It was still a somewhat unfamiliar scene as he had rarely stayed here.

The garden of Lution House had more trees than flowers, like the grand ducal palace’s garden. As it was a Baroque-style garden, he could see trees and grass lined up based on plane geometry, with angular shapes. Valentin was lost in thought as he watched the gardener’s hands further squaring off those neat trees.

More precisely, he was recalling what had happened at the grand ducal palace just before they left.

* * *

Knock knock.

The very next day after Reynard said he would be transferred to the capital. Someone knocked on the private chambers of the Grand Duke’s son and his spouse.

[Come in.]

Thinking it would be Dawson or Powell, he gave permission, but an entirely unexpected person appeared.

[Valentin Dennox.]

The person who entered calling Valentin’s full name was none other than the Grand Duke.

[Your Highness!]

As if he had never been listlessly sprawled out, Valentin jumped up from his chair. At the same time, he called out to his father-in-law loudly. That’s how unexpected the visitor was.

Seeing Valentin flustered, the Grand Duke silently raised his large hand. With just that refined gesture of showing his palm, Valentin stopped his bustling movements. The large build befitting his age, the dignity of his years, and his unique aura easily overwhelmed the other person with just a small gesture. He was indeed worthy of being the master of Dales and Reynard’s father.

‘They really look alike…’

Valentin thought anew. Despite being past middle age, he had an unshakeable physique and intimidating presence. Moreover, his features were similar.

[Ahem.]

The Grand Duke cleared his throat, as if noticing Valentin’s daze.

[Ah…]

Valentin realized he had been staring too intently and hurriedly averted his eyes. Then he looked up carefully and asked.

[What brings Your Highness the Grand Duke here…?]

[Howard.]

The Grand Duke said just one word in response to Valentin’s question.

He had said his name.

For a moment, Valentin had a dumb thought like ‘Haven’t I experienced something similar to this before?’ This truly familiar sense of déjà vu. This was a very familiar situation.

‘Like father, like son indeed!’

There must be a ghost stuck in this family that died from not being called by name! No, since it’s his family now too, is that ghost getting attached to him as well…? Valentin’s pupils shook as if there was an earthquake, but for a different reason this time.

[Such formal titles are unnecessary between us. Call me Howard.]

Valentin saw his father-in-law speak at such length for the first time. His jaw dropped in surprise before he knew it.

[If you’re not feeling unwell, would you like to walk with me?]

[Yes, Howard. Of course.]

How could he refuse when the Grand Duke himself, his father-in-law, came and asked? Valentin nodded with a welcoming smile, finding something warm in that request.

They were already a family that saw each other’s faces too rarely for living in the same house.

As if he had visited first and asked for time like this, his efforts to speak much more than usual were noticeable.

Yes. This was the father-in-law’s own way of being affectionate. Although his face was as hard and expressionless as usual, he was trying to approach his son’s partner first. Valentin smiled brightly as he looked at the face that resembled an older Reynard.

Valentin did not refuse when the Grand Duke offered his arm for an escort. He boldly threaded his arm through the thick arm, just as he would with his husband. Then he stepped out of the room and began walking with him.

[Are we going for a walk?]

He might have been difficult for others, but they were family. And if he didn’t have to mind status, Valentin had the ultimate sociability to be friendly with people of all ages. He spoke to his father-in-law just as he would chat familiarly with passing neighborhood elders in Sorente.

[Do you want to go for a walk?]

The Grand Duke asked back in response to Valentin’s words. As if he would do so if Valentin requested a walk.

[No. Anywhere Your Highness goes is fine.]

Nodding at the clear answer, the Grand Duke opened his heavy mouth and explained briefly.

[I have something to show you.]

Was it too much to hope for a detailed explanation of where they were going? Valentin secretly giggled as he stole glances at the very taciturn Grand Duke. Until just now, he had been experiencing a slightly depressed mood alone in his room, but the visit from this completely unexpected person had breathed life into Valentin, allowing vitality to return.

Thinking that he seemed to be enjoying himself a little for the first time in a while, Valentin walked along the corridor, sticking close to the Grand Duke.

They passed through stone pillars with very high arched ceilings and stepped on floors that looked like chessboards. He felt like it was his first time coming this way. Well, this historic palace must be quite large. Valentin looked around, newly realizing that there were still many places he hadn’t been to.

The autumn wind passed through the high corridors.

[So. How are you feeling these days?]

The Grand Duke’s heavy voice echoed in the space. Hearing those words, Valentin shrank a little.

[I’m ashamed, Howard. I’m sorry I haven’t been properly fulfilling my role as the Grand Duke’s daughter-in-law.]

As Valentin bowed his head deeply, the Grand Duke patted Valentin’s elbow.

[There’s nothing to apologize for, Valentin. Resting is also your right. Besides, you’re not alone in your body.]

[There must be many people who spend their pregnancy period healthily… I’m just sorry I couldn’t do that.]

[I said don’t apologize.]

The Grand Duke shook his head with an expression that seemed like not even a needle could penetrate it.

[I think you’ve already fulfilled your duty just by entering our family as my son’s partner.]

Valentin’s heart felt heavy at those words. He didn’t expect to hear such words from someone other than his husband.

[I thought that boy would live alone for his entire life.]

As he naturally brought up Reynard’s pheromone issue, Valentin nodded blankly. He kept blinking his eyes that were about to become hot.

[You saved my son. I’m satisfied with just that.]

[I, Howard…]

At the honest words, Valentin decided to speak his true feelings sincerely as well.

[Since I’ve taken this position, I wanted to do well in everything without disappointing anyone… To engage in social activities energetically with a healthy body… To show a dignified appearance to the vassals, to lead the ladies’ gatherings well… To decorate the palace interior according to the seasons, to host wonderful Easter events… Even though it doesn’t suit my aptitude, I really wanted to do well…]

The Grand Duke listened silently as Valentin expressed his feelings in a trembling voice.

[So that Your Highness and my husband could save face… I wanted to do well like that…]

[You’re already enriching our hearts.]

The Grand Duke stopped Valentin from digging himself into a deeper hole. Valentin faintly smiled, understanding the Grand Duke’s intention in cutting off his words.

Perhaps because they were so focused on the conversation. The long corridor that seemed endless came to an end, and a large hall appeared. The Grand Duke led Valentin inside.

It was like a huge gallery.