TOPWL 34

“The physician said that, at this level, I might as well be a Beta.”

“What about heat?”

“Pardon?”

“Have you ever gone into heat?”

What Khalid meant by “heat” was the heat cycle—a period of estrus that Omegas experienced at regular intervals. During heat, an Omega’s chances of conception increased, and their pheromones grew more intense, luring Alphas. Since an Omega’s scent could attract Alphas regardless of blood relation, those without partners typically took suppressants to control it.

But this had nothing to do with Yudit.

He had never once experienced a heat cycle in his entire life.

“It comes… occasionally.”

But Yudit did not tell the truth.

Not going into heat meant that his traits were weak—practically infertile. And in a battle for the throne, revealing that he couldn’t produce an heir would be a fatal weakness.

“I see.”

Fortunately, Khalid didn’t seem interested enough to dig deeper.

“Let me know when your next heat comes. I’m curious about your scent.”

“If I survive, I’d be happy to.”

Khalid spoke utter nonsense with a perfectly straight face.

Unless one wanted to conceive, allowing an Alpha near during heat was nothing short of insanity.

Yudit, expression unwavering, responded with a remark laced with meaning.

Khalid grinned at him.

“Best of luck.”

Time passed quickly.

Today was the day of the foreign envoys’ arrival—and the evening of Reginald’s banquet.

Yudit had gone out early in the morning to see the envoys. He hadn’t expected any of the other princes to be there, but surprisingly, Hiore was present.

Luckily, Hiore hadn’t noticed him yet.

Yudit had dressed in plain clothes and positioned himself discreetly in a corner, keeping his presence as minimal as possible.

In the distance, the envoys, mounted on camels, crossed the garden. The exotic sight naturally drew the attention of onlookers.

The riders halted in front of the welcoming party.

“Thank you for making the journey to this distant land.”

“I, too, am grateful for your hospitality.”

One by one, the envoys dismounted.

Two stablehands stepped forward to lead the camels to the stables, but the animals were more unruly than expected.

One bared its teeth as if ready to bite, while another spat a glob of green saliva directly onto a stablehand’s chest.

“Ugh…!”

The stablehand grimaced in disgust.

An envoy, now dismounted, addressed him.

“We will handle the camels ourselves. Please, just guide us.”

”…Understood.”

The stablehand turned and led the way to the stables.

Yudit observed everything closely from his position.

There were seven envoys in total.

The second person in line was their leader.

Though their face and body were concealed beneath gray cloth and loose garments, making it difficult to discern their gender or traits, their posture and movements made it clear that they were the one in charge.

Yudit studied the group, one by one.

What kind of food would they enjoy?

Would they prefer cool dishes? Or perhaps they could handle hot ones just fine?

Would they like sweets? Spicy food?

As he pondered, Yudit suddenly became aware of a gaze fixed on him.

Slowly, he turned his head.

The tallest envoy in the group was staring directly at him.

Yudit swiftly averted his eyes, feigning nonchalance.

Perhaps scrutinizing them so openly had left a bad impression.

Fortunately, the intense stare soon withdrew.

“We will escort you to your lodgings.”

One of the welcoming officials began leading the envoys toward the detached palace.

Yudit wanted to watch a little longer, but following them any further would likely arouse suspicion.

He blended into the crowd, then quietly made his way back to his palace.

Upon returning to his room, Yudit opened his notebook and began writing down everything he had observed—their attire, builds, heights, even the impressions they gave off.

It had been worth going in person.

The more he thought about them, the clearer the image of the banquet became in his mind.

“Your Highness, those people have arrived,” his nanny announced, stepping inside.

“The envoys from Herut?”

“Yes. Have you seen them?”

“No.”

“They came riding on some strange animals.”

“You mean camels? They’re desert creatures.”

“Ahh. There really isn’t anything you don’t know, Your Highness. Oh, by the way—will you be attending the banquet tonight?”

Tonight’s banquet hosted by Reginald. Attendance among the princes was optional.

Yudit nodded.

“I’ll go.”

“Then I’ll help you get ready. Hmm, what should you wear?”

His nanny opened the wardrobe, scanning its contents.

Yudit, having lost many of his finer garments in the fire, subtly watched her reaction.

“Your Highness, how about this?”

She held up a beige shirt, trousers, and a matching vest—the very clothes the Duke had given him on the day of the fire.

”…That won’t do.”

There was a high chance the Duke would also attend the banquet tonight. What would he think if Yudit showed up wearing borrowed clothes? His nanny let out a regretful sigh.

“I’ll just wear the usual.”

“Are you really going to wear the same thing for four days in a row?”

“I can’t help it.”

“Why are we so poor?”

The nanny sighed deeply. Yudit gave a wry smile and accepted the clothes she had offered.

On the way to Reginald’s banquet hall, Yudit wiped his palms on the side of his trousers. Perhaps due to the nervousness, his palms were damp.

From the far end of the quiet corridor, the sound of music trickled through. It was traditional royal music. Soon, Yudit stopped in front of the door. The guard glanced at him.

“Do you have an invitation?”

“I believe the royal family doesn’t need an invitation to attend official palace events.”

At Yudit’s words, the soldiers exchanged awkward glances. They knew this as well, but they couldn’t just let him in.

“Sorry, but you can’t enter without an invitation.”

“Quietly… is it not allowed even just to watch?”

“I’m sorry.”

After a few exchanges, Yudit finally gave up on entering. He turned and began walking away. The sound of laughter from the gathering inside reached his ears.

Before descending the stairs, Yudit paused and glanced back at the banquet hall. The door had just opened, giving a brief glimpse of the inside. Though he couldn’t make out much of the decorations, he could see people laughing and dancing.

Without a word, Yudit quickly left the area as though escaping.

He arrived at the garden and sank down onto a wooden bench. Everything felt like it was slipping away through his fingers. His body felt drained of energy.

As he leaned back on the bench and gazed at the sky, he heard footsteps approaching.

“I see.”

At the familiar voice, Yudit quickly got up from the bench and hid in the nearby bushes.

The person walking past was Hiore, Reginald’s younger brother. It wasn’t surprising that he was invited, but what was unexpected was his company. Azil and Aisa were walking beside Hiore.

Azil said something to Hiore, causing Hiore to laugh and ruffle Azil’s hair. Despite knowing it wasn’t meant to be anything more than friendly, Yudit couldn’t help but feel a pang in his chest.

Yudit watched their retreating figures for a long time before he found himself unable to gather the strength to rise.

He sat down fully in the bushes.

Should I just go back now?

Embracing his knees, Yudit stared at the banquet hall’s window. Most of the windows were covered with curtains, so he couldn’t see inside, but at least he could tell the curtains were white.

Well, at least I’ve learned one thing since coming here—the curtain color. And I heard what kind of music they’re using.

Yudit stared at the window for a while before slowly getting up. A few minutes later, someone pulled the curtains back and opened the window. It seemed to be for ventilation.

Yudit stood on his tiptoes and peered inside, but the angle wasn’t quite right, and he couldn’t see clearly.

If it’s the same floor, maybe just a little higher than here, I could see it.

Feeling disappointed, Yudit hopped lightly, and by chance, his eyes fell on the building across from the banquet hall. It wasn’t far from the hall. In fact, the windows were facing the same direction as the banquet hall.

His heart began to race.

After making sure no one was around, Yudit started running toward the opposite building.