TOPWL 42

“The prince’s banquet is… similar to those in Herut, yet also quite different.”

When Yudit’s expression darkened, Huyan quickly waved his hand and continued speaking.

“I meant that in a good way.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes. At Herut’s banquets, most of the dishes are sweet and salty. But I don’t care much for sweet things, so I can only eat a little. However, the food served at today’s banquet… I could eat to my fill without feeling burdened. It was delicious.”

At his sincere praise, Yudit’s eyes sparkled. Huyan gazed at Yudit for a moment before continuing.

“I heard some of the music was from Herut as well.”

“Yes, that’s right. Though it’s not very familiar to most here, so Adanauer music is played far more frequently.”

“It’s very good. Truly.”

Huyan looked straight at Yudit as he spoke. Yudit gave an awkward nod, unsettled by his direct tone.

“Um…”

Huyan hesitated for a long while, as if struggling with what to say, then finally opened his mouth.

“What is your relationship with that man?”

“Whom do you mean?”

“That irritatingly handsome man with black hair.”

Huyan pointed precisely at Khalid. Why was he asking that?

“If you’re referring to His Grace the Duke Khalid, there’s nothing between us. Why do you ask?”

“The man sitting beside me said you looked like a lovely couple.”

Yudit was relieved he wasn’t drinking water—had he been, he surely would have spit it out. Turning his gaze aside and drawing in a sharp breath, Yudit replied.

“H-He must be quite drunk.”

He silently wished that the fallen man wouldn’t rise again. Stealing a glance at Huyan, Yudit saw the corners of his mouth twitching. When Yudit looked at him questioningly, Huyan cleared his throat.

“Then… a fiancé, perhaps?”

“Are you asking about His Grace Khalid?”

“No, I meant you, Your Highness.”

Yudit gave a bitter smile and shook his head.

“It’s hard enough looking after myself.”

His life already hung by a thread—he had no desire to tie another life to his.

“Even so, as a royal omega, I imagine you’ve had many marriage proposals.”

“I… Wait, how did you know I was an omega?”

Just as he was about to answer, Yudit paused, flustered, and turned the question back to Huyan. Huyan blinked and looked at Yudit.

“Isn’t it obvious? I’ve known from the beginning.”

“But how…?”

Yudit didn’t emit the typical scent of an omega. In fact, his traits were so faint that most assumed he was a beta. Yet Huyan, who’d only seen him a few times, was certain. How could that be?

“I can read people’s aura. Reading one’s secondary gender is simple.”

“Can all people of Herut do that?”

Yudit asked cautiously, his tone wary. Huyan scratched his head awkwardly and shook his head.

“No, only those who’ve trained for many years. There are many sand beasts in the desert, and only those who can read aura can safely cross it.”

It was the very presence of those monsters that had prevented Adanauer from conquering the desert. Yudit had long wondered how Herut managed to survive in such a place—now he understood. It was likely due to abilities like this. Still unsure whether he should be learning such a secret, he hesitated. Then Huyan leaned in and spoke in a quiet voice.

“Please keep this between us. I mentioned it only to show that there’s no need to be so wary of me.”

“I’ll keep your secret.”

Yudit nodded, tucking his lips inward. At that, Huyan’s expression softened.

“Ah, then… was that how you noticed me in the opposite building last time?”

“That’s right.”

So that was how he’d found him. There’d been a hidden reason.

“What does it feel like—to see someone’s aura?”

“Hmm… It’s like seeing a light in the distance while standing in darkness.”

“I see…”

Yudit was fascinated, and Huyan added with a quiet chuckle,

“For reference, each person’s aura has a different color. Children tend to be white tinged with blue, the young show various colors, and the old become gray or black. Monsters typically emit a dark red aura.”

“That’s incredible… What about you, Sir Huyan? What color is your aura?”

“Wadiram says it was blue when I was young. Now, it’s a deep purple.”

“It suits you well. And mine… what color is it?”

At Yudit’s question, Huyan answered with a gentle smile.

“A bright yellow. Like a chick wandering in the dark. So bright it makes one worry.”

Does one’s aura match their hair color? Yudit glanced down at his flowing golden locks, pondering the thought. Then, casting a glance at Khalid—who was still drinking alone—he met the man’s eyes. Khalid had noticed and now turned toward him with a deep smile, beckoning him with a flick of his finger. Yudit quickly averted his eyes, as if he’d seen something he shouldn’t have. Just then, Huyan whispered in Yudit’s ear,

“Be wary of him. His aura is…”

But before he could finish, a commotion erupted at the banquet hall entrance. At first, it seemed like a drunken guest returning from the restroom—but then, two familiar figures appeared. Reginald and Hiore. Uninvited guests had arrived.

“…Excuse me a moment.”

With a hardened expression, Yudit rose from his seat. As he approached the two, Reginald spread his arms wide, smiling.

“Sorry we’re late, little brother. I was thinking about what gift to bring for your first banquet—that’s why we’re late.”

It was the first time Yudit had heard such a gentle tone. Though Reginald had been polite in public before, he had never spoken so sweetly. Saying so, Reginald handed Yudit the gift he’d been carrying. It was large, wrapped in decorative paper, and as heavy as a stone. Yudit staggered under its weight, and Reginald quickly supported the bottom.

“Oh dear, you’re not hurt, are you?”

“…I’m fine.”

Yudit answered with a composed expression. Unlike Reginald, who hid his true thoughts well, Hiore looked openly displeased. Since they had approached in such a friendly manner, Yudit couldn’t very well turn them away just because they hadn’t brought invitations.

“I waited eagerly for your arrival. Let me show you to your seats.”

At Yudit’s polite remark, Hiore’s expression soured even further. Reginald, still smiling broadly, shook his head.

“No need for that. I wouldn’t want to interrupt my dear brother. We’ll take care of ourselves.”

Then, with practiced ease, Reginald headed for a table and sat down—right beside Sonia.

Sonia greeted Reginald and Hiore with decorum. Reginald smiled warmly and placed his hand on her shoulder. For a brief moment, Yudit saw a flicker of discomfort on Sonia’s face—but it was quickly masked by a smile.

Still holding her shoulder, Reginald looked at Yudit. It was as if he were saying, Someone like you could never have her. It was absurd. Both Yudit and Sonia were omegas. While it wasn’t unheard of for two omegas to be in love, there was no way he could feel romantic desire for her. It didn’t even seem that Reginald believed they had a romantic relationship. This was just possessiveness. The way he treated Sonia as a possession hardened Yudit’s expression—and Reginald looked all the more satisfied.

“Um, shall I prepare meals for the two princes?”

A servant approached Yudit carefully and asked. Yudit gave a nod.

“Please do.”

It was about time for dessert to be served, but with the atmosphere still lively and additional guests having arrived, Yudit decided to postpone it. He mingled at other tables while keeping a close watch on Reginald and Hiore.

Though their outfits were lavish, something about them seemed off. The outer garments were ornate, but the inner layers looked like what they usually wore in the palace. It was clear to Yudit that their visit hadn’t been planned in advance. Perhaps they’d come after hearing the banquet was more successful than expected—or perhaps they had rushed over upon learning Sonia would be present. The latter seemed more likely.