TOPWL 19

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I was so hungry, but I feel better now that the food is outside.”

“I’m sorry. When this house was built, bustles were not in fashion.”

Certainly! Here’s a rephrased version of the paragraph:

The conversation, which could have been seen as inappropriate in the context of noble discussions, was simply two people being honest with each other. Yudit appreciated the authenticity of their relationship.

Sonia, having finished her champagne in one go, took the tray of champagne from the servant and placed it on the table. She then handed one glass to each of them.

“This champagne is really delicious.”

A glass of champagne was placed in front of Yudit. The light pink champagne bubbled up inside the glass. Sonia raised her glass and brought it in front of Yudit, suggesting a toast. Selena, aware that this might be rude, glanced at Yudit. Yudit, accepting the toast, raised his glass. Selena and Lyett naturally followed suit, clinking their glasses, creating a clear ringing sound.

“Lyett, when will your husband return?”

“He should be back sometime this week or next. Why?”

“Why? I’m just curious what he will bring back this time.”

“Probably spices. There might be some fabric or drinks as well.”

Selena and Lyett seemed to be quite close. As Selena spoke openly, she seemed to realize that Yudit was watching and explained to him.

“Liet’s husband is a famous merchant. He left six months ago by ship, but he’ll be back soon.”

“I hope he returns safely.”

“He will. A pigeon from the ship came with a message not long ago.” As Yudit listened with interest, Selena excitedly shared more about Lyett’s husband.

“They’ve been childhood friends. When Lyett’s husband fell in love with her, he pursued her relentlessly. Lyett told him she wouldn’t marry anyone without money, and rejected him outright. He was so shocked that he left, but years later, he came back incredibly wealthy. Turns out, he went straight to a ship after she rejected his proposal, to make money!”

“So, did you accept his proposal?”

“No, she rejected him. I didn’t want to walk into the wedding hall with a groom whose face was sunburned.”

“Then he stayed at home for a year. Eventually, they married two years later.”

“Stop talking,” Lyett scolded Selena, but she seemed happy to share the story. It seemed like Lyett enjoyed telling this tale. What is love, after all? This cute and sweet story felt strangely unrealistic to Yudit.

As Yudit turned his gaze elsewhere, he met Sonia’s eyes. She looked at him intently, then gave a subtle smile. Her curved eyes and dimples were very charming. Yudit could understand why Reginald was so captivated by her. At that moment, Yudit heard some whispers from behind.

“It looks like after Prince Reginald, now it’s Prince Yudit?”

“Didn’t they say Prince Yudit is an Omega?”

“I guess any prince will do. How vulgar.”

“Look at how they’re stacking the food and eating. What noble would eat like that? It’s something commoners do.”

The comments were harsh. Hearing this, Lyett and Selena’s expressions visibly stiffened. Sonia, the subject of the gossip, smiled even more broadly. She raised her head and spoke to the gossipers.

“You must be really hungry. I can see you getting annoyed by every little thing other people do.”

“…..”

The young ladies, who had been chatting excitedly just moments ago, were now unable to respond to Sonia’s words. Sonia, who had silenced them, then said calmly:

“The food is over there now. Go ahead and eat. I recommend the sandwiches and champagne.”

Sonia finished her words smoothly, then drank all the remaining champagne. She had a lot of nerve.

“Do you know what Lyett’s husband brought back last time? Pepper!” Sonia smoothly moved past the conflict, and Selena and Lyett pretended nothing had happened, continuing their conversation. The talk was enjoyable. It was easy to talk to them because there were no hidden meanings. It had been a long time since Yudit had been in such a cheerful setting.

As they continued talking, the food and drinks were nearly gone. Yudit stood up to get more food. While walking to get it, he spotted Khalid chatting with some Omegas.

Although Khalid had said he brought Yudit as a partner because he was afraid of Omegas, he looked very relaxed and happy, surrounded by them. Whatever the case, Yudit asked a servant to get him some drinks and was about to return to his seat when someone placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I found you.”

Yudit, his eyes wide, turned to see Khalid, who smiled warmly and locked eyes with him.

“Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you.”

Yudit’s gaze grew sharper. The place he had been sitting was not far from the hall, but it was not impossible to find. Yudit was about to speak but stopped as he felt the eyes of the people around them. Several Omegas were looking at him with jealousy and envy.

“Let’s talk for a moment.”

Khalid, perhaps sensing he had something to explain, quickly pulled Yudit along and headed toward the terrace.

As soon as they entered the terrace, Khalid closed the curtains and leaned against the terrace railing, letting out a sigh. From a distance, Yudit hadn’t noticed, but now he could see how exhausted Khalid looked. Without thinking, Yudit offered him a sandwich.

“Would you like some?”

Khalid accepted it without hesitation and popped it into his mouth in one bite. Perhaps it tasted okay, as the frown on his forehead slightly relaxed.

“It’s fine.”

“You look tired.”

“I am tired. Honestly, I’d prefer the battlefield. Omegas are really unbearable.” Despite that, he seemed to have enjoyed himself. Yudit thought this as he noticed the lipstick mark near the first button of Khalid’s shirt. Khalid, realizing Yudit’s gaze had dropped, pulled his shirt forward to check the lipstick mark.

“When did this happen… sigh.”

Khalid tried to rub off the lipstick mark, but when it didn’t come off, he sighed and ran his hand through his hair. The wrinkles on his forehead, which had softened after eating the sandwich, deepened again.

“Why don’t you just get married?”

In fact, there was hardly a better groom than Khalid. His looks were great, but more importantly, he was an extremely dominant Alpha, a Duke, and held a position in the royal family. He had a high status and didn’t have to live under the strict rules of the royal family, making him an ideal match. Given all that, it was no surprise that Omegas were eager to pursue him, especially since he hadn’t married yet.

“Are you going to do it?”

What nonsense. When Yudit frowned unknowingly, Khalid burst into laughter.

“If you hate it that much, it’ll hurt my feelings.”

He said it as if it didn’t bother him at all. Yudit, who had been quietly observing Khalid, responded.

“You dislike lies, but it seems the ones coming out of your mouth are fine.”

He had gotten so angry the last time Yudit told a small lie, but apparently, the lies Khalid told himself were perfectly acceptable.

“It’s fine. I already know how horrible of a person I am. But listening to other people’s lies along with mine is really tiring.”

It was an excuse. Yudit, holding the sandwich plate, retorted coldly.

“Also, I am the Omega that His Grace the Duke dislikes.”

Khalid widened his eyes, then showed a bewildered expression.

“I see. You’re also an Omega.”

Khalid looked at Yudit with a curious expression. Yudit felt uneasy. He subtly shifted his weight to step back if necessary, but Khalid suddenly moved closer and grabbed Yudit’s wrist.

“But why don’t I smell anything?”

Khalid’s nose and lips touched Yudit’s wrist. Yudit froze, caught off guard by the sudden contact. Seizing the moment, Khalid buried his face in Yudit’s neck.

“There’s no scent at all. Even there scent from a Beta’s perfume is stronger.”

“…Please, step back.”

Realizing Yudit was flustered, Khalid grinned mischievously, raised both hands, and took a step back.