The fact that there is an epidemic has already left the capital of Roveaven in dust. The commoners, who were the most affected by the mysterious disease, were desperate for a cure. The nobles, taken by fear of being infected, closed their gates to the commoners and monopolized the doctors with absurd prices that a commoner would never be able to pay.
The Imperial Palace was divided between nobles who pressed the Emperor to resolve the issue and those who insisted on building a wall to isolate the sick commoners. Cadec attended the assemblies feeling his heart beat fast with anger and frustration for seeing so many people blind by power. All raised their voices and covered their ears refusing to abandon their ideals.
"Silence" Rehael ordered with maximum authority, silencing the nobles immediately "What do we know about this disease?"
"The plebeians who were consulted said that they began to show symptoms soon after receiving the blessing of the Temple. According to the analysis presented by the acting High Priest, the water in the well is contaminated."
"This can only be a direct attack! They are threatening the throne using their own people" cried a noble "Clearly they must want something, I bet they already have the antidote."
"The High Priest himself is bedridden because of this disease. Several priests were also affected" Cadec said as he crossed his arms "If you want to point fingers, at least bring irrefutable evidence and arguments that make some sense."
The tension increased in the meeting room. An epidemic was going on and affecting the people. With chaos setting in, it would be a matter of time before the relationship between the people and the temple was drastically broken. This would bring nothing good for the Imperial Palace, which also benefits from it thanks to the Eighth Prince.
"I heard that the Grand Duke is conducting an investigation on his own" The Emperor commented, looking at Cadec.
"That's right. He moved his personal guard to carry out the investigations, and sent me a letter saying he will soon bring the results. But it seems that the Eighth Prince was also infected and is bedridden as well."
The emperor sighed heavily, rubbing his fingers on his forehead. The prince sympathized with his suffering, after all he was also worried. Eugene also wrote it, warning that Magnus had been absent at the Grimwood Mansion to conduct investigations personally since Lucian's illness. Eugene was in charge of the duties of the Grand Duchy in his absence.
Although he missed his omega, the prince was relieved that Eugene was busy with something. After all, he had to fulfill his duties himself, and it would be dangerous if Eugene got involved.
"Very well, we will send a research team to assist the Grand Duke. Send doctors to the temple to assist in the treatment of commoners. Let's find out how this contagion occurred to prevent the worsening of the disease."
The meeting went on, pressing absolutely everyone for the problems that are occurring. It was long hours of discussions and nerves to the skin, sucking every drop of energy. But Cadec was accustomed to that intensity.
In addition, it was the perfect time to observe the nobles whose names were on that list that Magnus handed him. They were low-ranking nobles, who used to be quiet during assemblies, precisely because they did not have the support of nobility in higher status or had no interest in politics. Some were absent from these meetings.
But it was interesting to note that during votes and times when their opinions were needed, they always hid behind some noblemen of greater renown.
"Did you say that they supported Count Manson's decision to give preference to the investigation of the disease rather than taking care of the rebels? Well, as far as I know are not their vassals" Jesse commented "However, they often meet in public places."
Cadec was right to consult with Jesse Shang. The Grimwood's middle brother worked in the imperial office, and was always well informed about the movements of the nobles. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the nobles feared Jesse Shang, since he always discovered something when the Emperor asked.
As expected of a Grimwood.
"In public places? Are they careless or just doing it on purpose under the guise of being friendly?"
"Both" Jesse agreed head calmly, still with that gloomy aura "They are careless on purpose, which would be justifiable enough to deal with more secret matters."
"Count Manson is one of the centrists... but why would they talk when they were against the temple during today's assembly?"
"The Count may call himself neutral, but the Baron and the Marquis are supporters of the First Princess."
Cadec crossed his arms, already wondering what would lead that conversation. Handing the document to Jesse, the prince lowered his voice to be secretive.
"Magnus handed me this document. I have already copied some names, and I intend to take care of some right now. But I would appreciate if you could help me find something about the others."
Jesse took the envelope and agreed to the head.
"As ordered, Your Highness."
Cadec nodded, and when he turned to leave, Jesse held his shoulder. Looking at him over his shoulder, Cadec shuddered slightly as he came across Jesse's intense and deep gaze.
"Your Highness, why does the smell of Eugene still pervade you?"
The question was direct, as expected. But that does not mean he was prepared to answer that question.
"Your brother's smell?"
"For some time now the servants have been talking about Your Highness being surrounded by the smell of an omega. And it bothers me that the smell in question is my younger brother."
"I..."
"Your Highness!"
Just hearing that voice, the heart of Cadec accelerated. Quickly he turned, and it was as if there were a bright and ethereal atmosphere behind the young lord Grimwood. The bite on his neck began to tingle along with his heartbeat. He felt his ear get warm and he finally relaxed.
Eugene approached smiling, hugging a paste. Innocent and beautiful as an angel. Cadec sighed heavily being unable to take his eyes off him. And certainly that made young Eugene happy.
"What are you doing here, Gene?" Jesse asked.
"Mag asked me to deliver some documents for His Majesty. He has been busy and also started working in the room where Lucian is... So, I don't think he will be leaving the Mansion anytime soon."
"Haa... Magnus should be careful. I deliver the document to the Emperor. So avoid getting out, you may end up being contaminated."
Eugene just smiled sweetly as he handed the envelope to Jesse. Thanks to his sudden arrival, the previous matter was forgotten and Jesse retired to return to his work. Finally free of suspicion, for now, Cadec relaxed his shoulders and peeped in singing his omega.
Your omega.
How strange it was to think that.
"I missed you" Eugene whispered, blushing slightly as he wiggled his fingers "I left my balcony door open last night, but you didn't come to see me."
Eugene's hair was more wavy compared to Magnus and Jesse. He probably inherited the traits of his late mother, who was known to be a beautiful and delicate woman. Cadec's muddy fingers rose to touch a piece of Eugene's hair, increasing the flushing of his cheeks.
"I said I'd be more busy since I'm in charge of the warehouses. And I don't want to put you in danger."
"I know that, I don't blame you. I also know how tired you are..." Eugene raised his rosy eyes to Cadec, seeming to unravel every secret of the alpha "I know you're stressed about it, but I can't help but be worried."
"It's very generous of you."
Eugene's thin, slender fingers rose up and gently stroked Cadec's face. His touch was gentle and subtle, but considered to the point of making the alpha comfortable. Cadec saw himself rubbing his cheek against the omega palm, melting to your touch.
That's what he needed.
Your tiredness would not beat the hot touch of Eugene.
The young omega opened a sweet smile, watching the alpha drop his guard and wriggle in his hand. Cadec even held his hand, continuing to rub his face and kiss his palm. Such an act seemed so intimate and romantic that the omega began to release its pheromones without noticing.
"You're letting your smell out, Gene."
The hoarse voice of Cadec caused chills in Eugene, who took a step forward and hugged him tightly without being able to resist. Cadec, in turn, hugged him back, wrapping his fingers in his hair and stroking them gently. The smell of the omega was getting stronger and permeated his body.
Sliding his fingers down the back of Eugene's neck, Cadec watched Eugene's skin creep up and the smell intensify for the third time. Eugene raised his rosy eyes to the prince, and both were immersed in their own world. Cadec did not resist the atmosphere among them, and raised the young omega's chin to kiss his lips sweetly.
Just for not visiting his omega last night, Cadec missed it. They had agreed to see each other every night, the alpha always appeared on his balcony and slept in the arms of the omega, which brought him some peace for his tormented days. But last night he could not go since he had a lot of work to locate the warehouses and put together a plan.
But now all that mattered was that omega.
In that sweet and delicate kiss, Cadec felt Eugene melt in his arms. The more Cadec hugged him, the more he could feel gasps escaping from his lips. When the air was missing and the kiss was interrupted, Cadec gently stroked Eugene's face.
"I will raid the warehouses and capture everyone involved" whispered the alpha, with a hoarse and seductive voice to make Eugene blush even more "So wait for me. Stay safe and wait for my return.
Eugene took a step back and pulled out a small pocket knife. Just the fact of carrying a pocket knife was surprising, but Cadec widened his eyes when he observed the omega cut a piece of his hair and put it inside the locket that he had on his neck.
The omega kept the lock of hair in the pendant and removed it from his neck, so that he could attach it to Cadec. Eugene stayed on his toes to reach Cadec, but closeness was something they both wanted.
"I will always be with you, Cadec. So come back safely. Directly to me, all right?"
Cadec felt his neck getting hot, especially at the points where Eugene wrapped his fingers to hold the pendant.
"All right, it's a promise."
Bowing, Cadec kissed the hand of Eugene with delicacy and devotion. He was certain that he would hunt down absolutely everyone involved in this smuggling scheme, and thus make the Imperial Palace and the Capital a safe place for his omega.
He will bring victory to Eugene, and show him as his eternal companion. That young omega would be the future Emperor of Roveaven, ruling the Empire at his side.
Cadec would do it at all costs.