OPDPS 97

The idea that Omegas make good mothers was a classic prejudice.

Since Omegas were predisposed to certain traits, they were statistically more likely to give birth to children with similar predispositions. From that, an absurd line of logic had formed: Omegas give birth to Alphas, Alphas become heroes—therefore, Omegas must be good mothers!

“Being an Omega is merely a biological sex characteristic. Gender and personal temperament are separate matters. If you could first define what you mean by a ‘good mother,’ I think I’d be able to explain more accurately.”

Aeryl spoke calmly, though he couldn’t help feeling tense now that Lady Merel had brought it up. He never hid the fact that he was an Omega, but being called out by her made him wary. Unsure of her intentions, he deliberately kept his response neutral.

“I didn’t say it to be taught something, doctor. Sorel, go on ahead.”

Lady Merel’s tone turned subtly irritated as she urged Sorel toward the table. Sorel hesitated, glancing at Aeryl.

Reading the uncertainty in the boy’s eyes, Aeryl offered a gentle smile and gave him a light push on the back. No matter what the lady had to say next, it probably wouldn’t be pleasant for a child to hear.

“You have to come soon,” Sorel said before heading to the table. The space grew lively with the arrival of its main guest, while silence settled between Aeryl and Lady Merel.

She was the first to speak.

“I was very surprised to hear you were an Omega. You didn’t seem like one.”

“I’m not sure how I came across to you, but I’d be glad if it was in a positive light.”

“Well, of course. I do see you in a good light.”

“It’s an honor.”

Aeryl bowed his head slightly in gratitude, though he didn’t take her words at face value. And she likely didn’t expect him to, either.

“Omegas are usually, well… more unstable, aren’t they? Always tense, always looking for someone to lean on. The ones I’ve known were like that.”

“People are different. So you’ve met an Omega before?”

“Yes, a few times in the past. A delicate sort of person.”

“I see. I’m curious, since you speak of them so respectfully.”

“That person was… oh dear. His Grace forbade me from mentioning them. I’ve overstepped.”

What does that have to do with the Grand Duke? Aeryl blinked at her, and Lady Merel looked awkward.

“Don’t tell me you know nothing? So he hasn’t told you.”

Though her tone was sympathetic, it almost sounded like she was mocking him for not knowing.

“There’s a reason he hasn’t, I’m sure.”

Aeryl spoke as if it were no big deal, but he felt irritation bubble up inside. She’d baited him on purpose.

‘I know the Grand Duke better than you do.’

“Well, it’s not exactly a happy story.”

Lady Merel turned toward the table and waved at Sorel with a smile. Aeryl quickly mimicked her, and Sorel puffed up with pride. Surrounded by unfamiliar peers, he felt more confident with two adults on his side.

“How could anyone be that adorable?” Lady Merel murmured. For the first time, Aeryl nodded in agreement with her.

“In that sense, I’m grateful to you, doctor. You helped Sorel—and reminded me of something I’d forgotten. That Sorel matters more to me than anything else.”

“You flatter me.”

Aeryl was flustered. He hadn’t expected to hear thanks from Lady Merel.

“I mean it. Everything I’ve done has been to protect Sorel, but somewhere along the way, I got so caught up in it that I stopped taking proper care of him.”

“I see…”

“You don’t seem convinced. Understandable—you must’ve heard plenty about me.”

“It’s not that. I’m just surprised to be receiving any gratitude at all.”

“This sort of thing should be clear. If you need anything, speak up. I’ll see you’re properly provided for. That way, I can focus on the fight ahead.”

“Fight…? Are you referring to something involving His Grace?”

“Yes.”

Lady Merel answered firmly. Aeryl thought back to a question that had long nagged at him.

“Do you truly intend to make Sorel the next Grand Duke?”

“Yes. Because that’s the only way to protect him.”

Her blind conviction left Aeryl puzzled. She spoke as if the Grand Duke were a threat to Sorel.

“Do you believe His Grace would harm Young Master Sorel?”

“……”

Lady Merel pressed her lips together, offering no reply. Instead, she met Aeryl’s eyes—and in them, he saw genuine fear. Aeryl was more confused than ever.

“Why?”

“……”

After a dry swallow, she finally answered.

“Because the one who was originally meant to be Grand Duke… was Sorel.”

Again with that. Lady Merel’s claim was absurd. The current Grand Duke was the legitimate heir, born from a formal union with the previous Duchess. His position had never been in question.

“As far as I know, His Grace was always the heir to the previous Grand Duke. When he died suddenly, wasn’t it only natural that the heir inherit everything?”

“Yes. And yet, that natural order was defied.”

“Excuse me?”

“My husband made a final decision just days before departing for the Great Purge. He declared that he would strip Hiello Asirion of his right to inherit. He named Sorel as the new successor.”

“That’s… the first I’ve heard of it.”

“It was three days before he left for the Great Purge, so the announcement was delayed until afterward.”

Because the late Grand Duke died during the Great Purge, the announcement was never made, and thus Hiello Asirion, who had been the official heir, became Grand Duke. In other words, the Grand Duke had seized power while ignoring the late Grand Duke’s final wishes. It was a serious matter that undermined his legitimacy.

Aeryl quickly glanced around. Thankfully, no one was nearby.

“Aren’t you curious about the reason?”

“…This sounds like something I shouldn’t be hearing.”

“That’s exactly why you must hear it.”

It was one night, three days before the Great Purge. Madam Merel had gotten up after hearing a loud noise outside. When she followed the sound, she found the late Grand Duke and Hiello.

For some reason, the two were having an argument. At the end of it, the late Grand Duke declared he was stripping Hiello of his right to inherit.

After that, Hiello was confined to his room. Until word of the late Grand Duke’s death came, he didn’t take a single step outside.

“I didn’t understand what was going on at the time. Neither my husband nor Hiello said anything. But the attendant who was always by my husband’s side disappeared from that day on.”

When she investigated, she found out the attendant’s family had held a funeral after receiving compensation. The morning after the night of that fight.

“That’s when I understood what had happened.”

“…No way.”

“If he truly did nothing wrong, why stay silent? If he were innocent, he couldn’t have.”

“That’s…”

Aeryl was deeply troubled. Was what the madam said true? Or was this all a fabrication to serve her own ends?

Either way, it was a problem. If true, the Grand Duke was a usurper. If false, it meant the madam had been driven into such desperation.

“Why are you telling me all this?”

“I already told you. Everything I do is to protect Sorel. I just hoped you would understand my desperation. A usurper has no reason to keep the rightful heir alive.”

“That may be, but…”

“Please help us. If you can’t bring yourself to help me, at least help Sorel. If you do, I know that child can be safe.”

Lady Merel held out her hand. It wasn’t an invitation for an escort—it was a recruitment offer. Aeryl slowly took her hand. Victory flickered in the madam’s eyes—but shattered the moment Aeryl spoke.

“I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do. I’ll be leaving soon.”

“Leaving?”

Lady Merel’s eyes widened in shock.

“Yes. Due to some circumstances, I’m only staying for the winter. Once it’s over, I’ll be going far away.”

His resolve to leave after winter remained unchanged. Life in the Grand Duke’s castle was enjoyable, and he’d met many kind people—but he was still hiding his identity. Settling down here would be dangerous.

‘Even though the Grand Duke weighs on my mind… it’ll be fine. Once I’ve completed his treatment, I’ll be able to leave with a lighter heart.’

Aeryl forcefully cut off the lingering attachment that rose within him. Meanwhile, Lady Merel remained in disbelief. Was this really such a shocking revelation?

“You’re not… planning to stay here, with the Grand Duke?”

“No, I’m not. That’s why I can’t help you. I’m sorry.”

“…I see.”

“Then, if you’ll excuse me.”

Aeryl bowed to Lady Merel and turned toward Sorel and the children. The tea time had already ended, and the children were running around and playing. Despite his heavy heart, he decided to play with them a little—Sorel would be disappointed if he left right away.

Madam Merel did not try to stop him. She hadn’t finished saying what she originally intended, but that didn’t matter anymore.

‘He’s leaving… That means he has no intention of marrying.’

Yesterday, Lady Merel had received word from Rynello that they were collecting “praise stories” about Aeryl. It was part of an orchestrated effort to spread positive rumors and build up Aeryl’s reputation. From her perspective, there could be only one reason Rynello was involved in managing the reputation of the Grand Duke’s lover:

Marriage between Aeryl and the Grand Duke.

Though Aeryl’s status was inferior to the Grand Duke’s, as a noble-born omega, he was a rare and valuable match. Few would oppose it.

To Lady Merel, it was a thunderbolt out of a clear sky. If a new Grand Duchess appeared and even had a child, all the forces currently supporting her would flock to the Grand Duke’s side. With their base of support gone, she and Sorel would be exiled—only to be quietly assassinated.

And her father, upon hearing the news, had already insisted that Aeryl should be eliminated.