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Chapter Text

The deep blue eyes, as deep as the ocean, were now focused on the figure in front of him, a figure with neatly flowing brown hair. For the past few days, He felt constantly haunted by a scent that disturbed His sense of smell. That scent belonged to His master.

Javier Asrahan was a personal guard assigned to protect Lloyd Frontera, the son of Count Frontera. He had a rather unique complaint: the scent that emanated from his young master’s body. Although the fragrance was quite faint, Javier, known as a swordsman with sharp instincts, could easily detect it. This ability was due to his skills as an Alpha, which gave him heightened sensitivity to sensory matters.

Even though his master was an Omega, Javier Asrahan never underestimated Lloyd Frontera's abilities. However, he remembered the time when Lloyd experienced Heat—a vulnerable period for an Omega—after attending a royal banquet, prompting Javier to reconsider the strength possessed by his master.

In certain moments, Javier could not help but compare their heights. He realized that Lloyd only reached his chin, and without shoes, Lloyd's height might only be equivalent to his neck. This comparison, although not intended to belittle, often made Javier feel an urge to smell the scent of his hair.

However, when Javier openly compared their heights and teased him, it triggered Lloyd's anger. The young master, feeling insulted by the comment, could not contain his emotions. In an instant, Lloyd threw a punch at Javier, although the attack never hit its target. The punches thrown by Lloyd seemed more like expressions of frustration than an intention to harm.

Javier, who was well-trained, easily dodged every attack launched by Lloyd.

Regarding Lloyd's wedding, Count Frontera had a strong intention to find his son an Alpha or Beta, hoping that Lloyd could lead a better life. However, Lloyd always flatly rejected the idea. He preferred to pursue wealth and his personal ambitions rather than be tied down in a relationship.

One day, when it was just the two of them, Javier could not help but laugh when he expressed his opinion about his master's appearance.

"Truly, Master Lloyd, you are quite unattractive. No one would want to be with you," He said in a joking tone.

However, the joke was not well received by Lloyd. Upon hearing that statement, Lloyd's anger erupted. Feeling insulted as usual, he became furious and launched numerous punches, although Javier could easily dodge them. As a result, Lloyd decided not to speak to Javier for an entire week.

During that period, their interactions became very limited. Lloyd only gave lullaby to Javier, and their communication drastically decreased. They spoke only when necessary, like a typical guard and master. Javier felt the unsettling tension, as Lloyd's silence made the atmosphere around them awkward.

Lloyd, who usually acted petty and disrespectful, now spent more time in his room. He focused on various projects he was working on for the future, with a tendency to do whatever it took, including deceit, to achieve his goals.

The scent of Lloyd's omega pheromones sometimes lingered on Javier's body, even though they rarely spent time together. Lloyd often skipped dinner or lunch in pursuit of money and his projects.

This morning, Countess Frontera reminded Lloyd to take a walk in the garden because of the sunny weather. Finally, with a bit of persuasion, Lloyd agreed and stepped outside, followed by Javier, who kept his distance behind him.

Javier felt relieved to see Lloyd leave his room after a week of isolation.

Suddenly, Lloyd stopped in his tracks. From a distance, he saw Ppodong, Bangul, Hamang, Ggoming, and Bibeong playing under a tree. They appeared to be engrossed in their activities and were unaware of Lloyd's presence.

However, as he looked closer, Lloyd accidentally spotted Julian and Scheherazade having a picnic under a tree, right near Ppodong and his friends.

Seeing the affection between the married couple further soured Lloyd's already bad mood. He felt annoyed and uncomfortable witnessing the happiness of others, especially since he himself was single and had been overshadowed by his younger brother, who had married first.

With a very displeased expression, Lloyd dramatically sniffled and turned to leave the garden. However, Javier's voice stopped him.

"Where are you going, Master Lloyd?" Javier asked.

"Back to my room. I need to finish the blueprints to give to the Dwarf later." Lloyd replied tersely.

Javier followed Lloyd's steps, but this time he walked faster and grabbed Lloyd's wrist, forcing him to turn and face him.

"But you need to rest. Countess asked you to take a walk in the garden." Javier said, trying to persuade him.

"Then why are you following me? If you don't like it, don't follow me again. I'm tired," Lloyd replied, his voice filled with dissatisfaction.

"But—" Javier tried to continue, but his words were interrupted by someone calling out to Lloyd.

"Master Lloyd!"

Chapter Text

The voice of a man interrupted the argument between Lloyd and Javier. Both of them turned their attention. Lloyd swatted Javier's hand away and focused on Sir Greg.

Javier's hand felt slightly warm, as if there was a twitch that made him uncomfortable. Why did Lloyd swat his hand away?

"What's going on?" Lloyd asked.

"There are reports that some of our guards have been kidnapped by a sorcerer at the place where Her Majesty the Queen Execute Targan!!" the guard replied firmly.

"What?!" Lloyd was shocked to hear that his guards had been kidnapped by a sorcerer again. Which sorcerer was now disrupting the construction? This was a criminal act! Such actions were hindering his ability to make money.

Lloyd stood tall, his eyes glaring at Sir Greg. "I will go there immediately. Bring the Commander of the White Cavalry along with some soldiers!" he shouted with fervor.

"Yes, Master Lloyd!" Sir Greg replied, quickly rushing away from the two of them. The atmosphere between Lloyd and Javier felt tense, as if there were an invisible wall separating them. When their eyes met, Lloyd tried to break the unsettling silence.

"Let's go, Javier. If you don't want to be my knight anymore, just tell Lord Count," he said firmly.

Javier felt his heart racing. He clenched his fists, feeling the tension coursing through him. The usual refreshing scent of oranges from Lloyd now felt more sour. Was it because of his bad mood? Or perhaps because Lloyd was still angry with him?

"Yes ... Master Lloyd," Javier finally replied, his voice slightly trembling. He tried to suppress his feelings, even though deep down, he felt confused and pressured.

It felt very strange to hear Lloyd speaking seriously to him without the usual jokes.

...

"Ah, so here’s the bastard who has stolen my money printers?" Lloyd grumbled, his face looking very ugly. Javier couldn't help but laugh at Lloyd's petty habits that never changed. There was a sense of joy within him as he watched Lloyd act as he usually did, even though he knew Lloyd was in a bad mood. However, he chose to remain silent, realizing that this was not the right time to disturb him.

As they entered a place resembling an altar of offerings, their eyes were immediately drawn to a horrifying sight. Their soldiers were bound atop a pentagram symbol, looking weak and helpless. Javier's heart trembled at the sight of his friends' condition, and he felt the tension rising around him.

When several sorcerers present there noticed Lloyd and the White Cavalry, they immediately attacked. Javier was ready to fight, but strangely, he felt nothing. In an instant, he saw Lloyd standing in front of him, blocking the magic aimed at him.

However, when his gaze returned to Lloyd, he was shocked. Lloyd had fallen, unconscious on the ground. Panic washed over Javier, and his eyes began to redden.

Javier felt as if the world around him was collapsing.

In that panic, the only thing he remembered was the spray of blood that swung from his sword, as if time had slowed down and everything happening around him became a blur.

...

The red-haired dragon, Solitas, was still working hard to create gems according to his desires. Over the past few months, his abilities had improved significantly thanks to the help of the dwarf who had become his mentor. He sighed and smiled as he looked at the sculpture made from the gem he had crafted. Although the result was still far from perfect, at least the shape of the gem this time was better than the previous ones.

However, his smile quickly faded when the door connecting the craftsman's house to the outside world shattered into pieces as someone forcefully burst in. His face turned to one of fear as the Alpha aura from Javier, the swordsman and personal guard of Lloyd, dominated the room. A sudden tightness enveloped Solitas's chest, making him feel pain.

Javier was panting, as if he had just run a long distance and arrived there in an instant. He quickly approached Solitas and, without hesitation, grabbed his collar. Javier's Alpha aura intensified, completely overpowering Solitas.

Solitas felt an immense pressure from that aura, as if he were trapped in an unavoidable storm. In his heart, he tried to remain calm, but the fear and deep respect he had for Javier made it difficult for him to move.

"Can you heal the Dragon's curse?" Javier asked coldly, though there was a hint of hope in his tone. However, Solitas immediately shook his head vigorously. As an ordinary dragon, without the powers of a dragon king or elder dragon, he knew he did not have the ability to do so. Javier fell silent for a moment, loosening his grip before tightening it again around Solitas's collar.

"Then do you know where I can cure the Dragon's curse?" Javier continued, his voice firm.

Solitas looked confused. "Who is afflicted by that strange curse?" he asked. He didn't understand who Javier wanted to heal. After all, who could be cursed with such a deadly affliction? Surely, the god of misfortune favored him, as only the most unfortunate people fell victim to that curse.

"Answer my question, or I will cut off your head!" Javier threatened, his voice growing louder.

"Damn, what is this?! Why are you threatening me now?!" Solitas exclaimed, half-shouting, clearly unhappy with the sudden shift to such a tense situation.

Realizing that Solitas was not providing the answer he wanted, Javier drew his sword and pointed it directly at Solitas's neck.

"Yes, I'm threatening you," Javier stated firmly, his eyes piercing. "So, do you really choose not to tell me where I can remove the Dragon's curse? Or would you rather lose your head?"

Solitas couldn't hold back his tears. He felt sad and confused, wondering what sin he had committed to get involved with these crazy people from Frontera. "O-okay! Keep that sword away from me!" he stammered, his voice trembling with fear. For a moment, Javier froze, looking at him seriously before finally sheathing his sword.

Once the sword was no longer a threat, Solitas collapsed, his legs feeling weak like jelly. "Damn, what was that?" he thought, feeling intimidated by the terrifying Javier.

"The father of the dragon king—" Solitas began to speak, but his voice was faint.

"What?" Javier asked, not hearing clearly.

"The father of the dragon king, I mean Lord Tynarus knows how to heal it. Even the dragon king cannot heal the dragon's curse because it is so rare for someone to be afflicted by it," Solitas explained. He recalled that in his lifetime, he had never seen anyone cursed in that way. He had only heard of it and thought that those afflicted were the most unfortunate people.

Javier fell silent, contemplating whether he should seek Tynarus's help again. However, remembering that Lloyd had previously deceived Tynarus made him feel uneasy. Nevertheless, he ultimately decided to go.

Before leaving, Javier dragged Solitas along with him. "Why are you dragging me?!" Solitas shouted, trying to hold himself back right at the exit.

"Why are you taking that dragon, Knight?" the dwarf's voice suddenly rang out, halting Javier's steps.

However, Javier ignored the dwarf. He looked at him and said, "I will borrow this dragon. Lord Lloyd needs assistance."

Solitas hoped the dwarf would be kind and refuse Javier's request. Unfortunately, the dwarf nodded and waved his hand, signaling for Javier to go ahead.

Realizing that Solitas would not let go of the door, Javier forcibly pulled Solitas until the entrance was damaged. "Hey, damn knight! Don't forget to fix the door later!" the old dwarf shouted at Javier, frustrated with the unfavorable situation.

...

"Greetings to the father of the Great Dragon King," Javier and Solitas said in unison, paying their respects to the figure lying before them. The dragon, who had been sleeping, awoke at the sound of their sincere greeting.

"What brings you to call—wait, aren't you a friend of Lloyd Frontera?" the dragon's voice halted, replaced by a question directed at Javier.

Javier nodded respectfully and conveyed the purpose of his visit. "The father of the great dragon, do you have an antidote for the dragon's curse?"

"…"

Upon hearing the question, the father of the Dragon King fell silent for a moment. He did not overreact, merely glancing at Solitas, wondering if the swordsman intended to heal himself.

Feeling that the father of the Dragon King had misunderstood, Javier quickly clarified, "No, it's not him who is cursed. It's Lord Lloyd himself."

The father of the Dragon King was taken aback to hear that it was Lloyd who was afflicted by the curse. "How can that be? The Dragon's curse will not take effect if the person has no doubts."

"What?" Javier repeated, ensuring he had heard correctly.

"Essentially, the Dragon's curse will only cause itchy skin due to the growth of some dragon scales. However, if it is severe, or worse if he is unconscious, it is likely that he has doubts," the dragon explained.

"Ah, it's like if he is confused about whether to stay in the Kingdom of Magentano or the Eastern Kingdom. It's something like that, but he might have other doubts," Solitas interjected, trying to explain to Javier what the father of the Dragon King meant.

Javier, standing next to Solitas, had never shown such a demeanor before. Usually, he was calm and appeared to have no problems. But this time, a worried expression adorned his face, making Solitas think that Javier was contemplating many things.

Javier was a loyal knight. He would do anything to help Lord Lloyd as soon as possible, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. Everyone knew that Javier had special feelings for his lord.

It was impossible for an Alpha who was always with an Omega not to have feelings for the Omega. In this case, Javier, the Alpha, could not ignore his feelings for Lloyd, even though Lloyd himself, with his obnoxious nature, seemed oblivious to it. Lloyd's mind seemed to be filled only with money and ambition, blinding him to the feelings of those around him.

Solitas, witnessing all of this, silently vowed that if Lloyd ever realized his feelings for Javier, he would become a vegetarian and only eat cherry tomatoes for an entire month. The thought made him smile, even though the situation around him was not supportive.

The father of the Dragon King continued to observe Javier's unreadable expression. Nevertheless, he knew very well that Javier had special feelings for Lord Lloyd. The last time he had asked whether the Queen was married to Lloyd, the atmosphere around them had instantly changed. This made the father of the Dragon King think that the two shared a special relationship, although he later learned that Lloyd had lied when the Dragon King informed him of that. Still, the father of the Dragon King was not angry. At least he could see that Javier cared for Lloyd.

"Is… there really no cure for my lord?" Javier asked Tynarus, his voice filled with hope. Tynarus paused for a moment, looking at Javier's hopeful expression.

Tynarus shook his head, responding to Javier's question in a heavy tone. In the end, Javier's eyes became hollow, as if there were no life within them. A sense of despair enveloped him, and he felt as if all his hopes had shattered into pieces.

Finally, Javier took his leave with Solitas following closely behind. The atmosphere between them felt heavy, and Solitas sensed the deep sadness emanating from Lloyd knight.

Tynarus sighed, feeling reluctant to deal with human affairs. However, seeing someone with a sincere heart like Javier pleading with such hope made him feel a pang of compassion.

...

Javier entered Lloyd's room and was met with a sight that made his heart ache. Lloyd's body was covered in numerous dragon scales, and he had been lying unconscious for several days. Javier's hands trembled as he looked at his lord's dire condition. At the edge of the bed, Countess Marbella sat in a wooden chair, where Lloyd sometimes sat to work on his projects, gazing at him with a sorrowful expression. Her eyes were swollen from crying too much, and the pain in Javier's heart deepened as he remembered how Lloyd had protected him from the sorcerers' attacks.

If only he hadn't let his emotions get the better of him at that moment, he might have been able to force one of the sorcerers to heal Lloyd. However, his emotions exploded, and in the end, he killed them all without leaving a single one alive. Regret enveloped his thoughts, and he felt as if all of this was his fault.

As Javier entered the room, Countess Marbella immediately stood up. "Javier?! Have you found a cure for Lloyd?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.

Javier shook his head, and Countess Marbella's face fell in sadness. She murmured, "So, it really is impossible to see my son again." With heavy steps, Countess Marbella left Lloyd's room, leaving her sorrow behind in the space already thick with despair.

Later, Scheherazade also sought the help of King Samarkhan to find a healing remedy. Count Across even searched for doctors from everywhere for Lloyd. Queen Alicia held a contest, promising that anyone who could heal Lloyd and his family would be elevated to the most respected nobility by the Queen. Many nobles came to try to heal Lloyd, but the results were futile when they saw the dragon curse, which reportedly had no cure.

Javier chose to sit in the chair right next to Lloyd. He looked at Lloyd's increasingly gaunt face, lying peacefully with soft breaths. If this were the usual Lloyd, he would be sleeping while snoring like a buffalo. Remembering that made Javier smile, considering how truly odd Lloyd was.

However, that smile was soon replaced by confusion. What did the father of the Dragon King mean when he spoke to him earlier? Did he want to imply that Lloyd—ah, he meant Kim Suho—was returning to his original world? Was there something weighing on his mind? Or was all of this a result of his earlier teasing?

Javier remained silent for several minutes, contemplating all these possibilities, until he finally heard a knock at the door. He got up and walked toward the door. Upon opening it, he was surprised to see Tynarus standing there, with a pale Solitas behind him.

"Why are you—" Javier began to ask, but Tynarus cut him off.

"Let me see his condition," Tynarus interrupted firmly. Javier nodded slowly, and as Tynarus observed Lloyd's severe condition, with many dragon scales covering his body, he frowned.

"... Is he heartbroken or something?" Tynarus asked, looking at Javier seriously.

"No. Master Lloyd doesn't have a lover," Javier replied, his voice firm despite the doubt in his heart.

"Then is it a family issue?" Tynarus asked again, trying to dig deeper.

"Masted Lloyd has no issues with his parents," Javier answered, feeling increasingly uncomfortable with the conversation.

Silence fell. The room felt heavy with the silence enveloping them. No one opened the conversation again until Solitas suddenly spoke up.

"If he doesn't have a lover, couldn't he be heartbroken due to insults or marriage problems? Honestly, if someone insulted me for being ugly and no one wanted me because I was deemed unworthy of having a lover, I would doubt my place in this world," Solitas expressed, his voice filled with emotion.

He imagined if the person he liked insulted his handsome face. "Where would I want my handsome face to be placed? I would rather live a long life of sleep so I wouldn't have to see my face again, fearing it would become a thought every day," he continued, a sad tone enveloping his words.

"Has anyone done that to him?" Tynarus asked, and Javier stiffly nodded, feeling the weight on his chest grow heavier.

"You don't even understand your own feelings," Tynarus said, staring sharply at Javier.

"...?" Javier was confused by Tynarus's meaning.

Tynarus then handed a vial of potion to Javier and said, "Give him the liquid in that bottle, one spoonful every day—"

Suddenly, Lloyd groaned, and Solitas panicked, worried that Lloyd would order Javier to attack him again like before. In a state of panic, he grabbed the vial that Tynarus had given to Javier and poured a full bottle into Lloyd.

Both were startled when Solitas poured a full bottle of the dark green liquid into Lloyd. At that moment, Tynarus continued his sentence, "—Because if he consumes it all at once, it will cause side effects."

Hearing that, Javier immediately drew his sword from its sheath and pointed the sharp blade at Solitas. "You—how dare you—"

Before Javier could finish his sentence, a thick cloud of smoke erupted, obscuring his vision. He coughed, surprised to hear Lloyd's voice joining in the coughing.

"Damn, what is this smoke—cough! Cough!" Lloyd's voice sounded faint behind the smoke.

However, Lloyd's figure was not fully visible. The hazy shadows and dim light made it impossible for Javier to determine what was happening. His heart raced, and a mix of curiosity and fear enveloped his mind.

As the smoke finally cleared, the first sight Javier saw was...

"... Lord Lloyd?"