As promised, Conrad settled into the sprawling castle, taking up residence with Qise and Serin. The castle's servants, with bright smile es and eager expressions, warmly welcomed their new master.
During the lively general assembly, they introduced themselves, their voices blending into a cheerful chorus.
"Master Conrad, please allow us to take care of your luggage," they offered, their eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
The Omega servants, slightly blushing at the prospect, stepped forward, but Conrad politely declined their assistance.
He had a strong aversion to having others' pheromones mingling with his belongings, and he preferred to keep his things untouched.
After a moment of cordial exchanges, the head butler stepped forward to help.
Meanwhile, Qise, already aware of Conrad's arrival, felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders as he quickly canceled some of his plans. His secretary looked on in surprise, yet understanding dawned on his face. He sighed softly, realizing how challenging it must be to juggle work while caring for a young child.
"Should I reschedule your appointments for the same time?" he inquired, his tone sympathetic.
Qise paused, lost in thought.
As Qise recalled Conrad's face, he could see the subtle shift in his expression—the way his eyes seemed to deepen with thought and how the corners of his ears flushed with a faint shade of red. "There's no need for concern. From now on, keep my midday free. Schedule all meetings for the morning and afternoon, and please avoid accepting any dinner meetings, as I'll be leaving the office by five," he instructed firmly.
"Is Young Master Serin unwell?" Secretary Ren asked, a hint of surprise evident in his voice.
"No, the little one is perfectly healthy," came the reply, dispelling the worry that had begun to form.
"Oh—" was all Secretary Ren could manage, still processing the news.
Secretary Ren's smile widened as he recalled the whispers circulating in their affluent social circles. Since their boss had never bothered to clarify the rumors, the assumption lingered that they were true. The suggestion alone filled the team with a sense of joy; after all, their boss's partner was none other than the leading figure in the nation's medical advancements, a member of the esteemed family that had played a pivotal role in enhancing humanity's health and longevity.
"Don't worry, boss! I'll take care of everything!" Ren declared, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Qise arched an eyebrow, intrigued yet puzzled by the source of Ren's newfound excitement.
By the time the clock showed four zero five post meridiem, Qise gathered his things and left the office.
Before heading home, he decided to make a special stop at a charming patisserie, its scent of freshly baked goods wafting through the air. He picked out an assortment of treats, carefully choosing pastries and confections that he hoped would delight both his host and Conrad.
With the delightful treats in hand, he drove directly to the kindergarten, the sun beginning to dip low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets. He arrived just in time for the class dismissal.
At precisely four thirty five the kindergarten gates swung open, releasing a wave of eager children. Among them, Serin darted forward, his small face lighting up as he spotted a familiar car parked just beyond the entrance. After exchanging cheerful goodbyes with his friends, he eagerly made his way.
"Qise!" he called out, his voice brimming with excitement.
"Alright, alright, don't run!" Qise warned, crouching down with open arms to catch the little boy barreling toward him.
Serin flung himself into Qise's embrace, clinging tightly for a brief moment before tilting his head up. "Hey! Where's Dad?"
Qise rose to his feet, shifting the boy onto one arm as he opened the car door with the other. "Dad's already at home. You'll see him once we get back," he explained, setting Serin down in the car seat. He carefully buckled the seatbelt, ensuring it was snug, then closed the door with a soft click before walking around to the driver's seat.
As they began the drive, Serin's delighted voice rang out from the back seat.
"Wow! It's cake!"
Qise caught his host's wide-eyed excitement in the rearview mirror. "Save it to share with your dad later," he reminded with a small smile.
"Okay!" Serin agreed enthusiastically, bouncing in his seat but keeping his hands away from the box.
The car hummed smoothly as Qise navigated the familiar roads.
Upon reaching the outskirts of Seinara Forest, the castle's automated security system activated. Motion sensors swept the area, alerting staff of their arrival. Guards diligently checked the road ahead to ensure it was clear of wandering animals before signaling the all-clear to the estate.
Inside the castle, Steward Yul received the notification and moved swiftly to prepare. He alerted the servants, each one hurrying to their assigned stations.
Hearing the news, Conrad descended the grand staircase to wait in the living room.
When the car finally rolled to a stop in the courtyard, a butler stepped forward and opened the door for them.
Serin hopped out eagerly but paused to turn back, pointing at the box perched on the seat. "The cake! I'll carry it!"
The butler leaned in, carefully retrieving the box, and handed it to the little master. "Here you go, but hold it steady, young master," he advised.
"I'll hold it, I'll hold it," Serin assured, his small hands gripping the box tightly.
With careful steps, Serin made his way toward the castle, his excitement shining through his beaming smile. The lined-up servants greeted him warmly, their hands pressed to their chests in respect.
"Be careful, young master," they reminded, their fond smiles mirroring the boy's joy.
Serin nodded earnestly, clutching the box as though it held the most precious treasure in the world.
As Serin felt the weight of everyone's eyes on him, he straightened his small frame, determined to walk confidently. Still, a flicker of nervousness danced in his chest—his grip on the cake box was firm, yet the thought of dropping it lingered at the back of his mind.
But all his apprehension melted away when he caught sight of a familiar figure seated on the Victorian couch and a wave of excitement surged through him, erasing his earlier hesitance.
"Dad, Dad, look! It's cake!" Serin called out, his voice ringing with pride and enthusiasm.
Lifting the box high above his head as if presenting a prized treasure, Serin dashed forward. However, in his eagerness, his tiny feet faltered, and he stumbled, his balance tipping dangerously.
"Ah! Little master!" the servants gasped in unison, their alarm evident as they rushed forward.
The polished marble floor, sleek and bare, posed a real threat—one fall could easily bruise his delicate skin.
But before disaster could strike, Conrad, ever alert, had already noticed the child's hasty approach. Initially rising with the intention of greeting Qise, his instincts took over the moment he saw Serin wobble.
With the swift precision of an alpha, Conrad closed the distance in just a few long strides. His strong arms reached out just in time, steadying the boy and securing the precious cake box in the same fluid motion.
Serin clung to his father's arm, his wide eyes sparkling with relief and excitement. "Dad, look! It's cake!" he repeated, his voice bright and triumphant.
Conrad's sharp features softened, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he ruffled Serin's hair. "You should know better than to run like that," he chided softly, his voice warm despite the reprimand.
Serin pouted slightly but held up the cake box proudly. "But I wanted to show it to you! Daddy bought it!" he declared, his pride undiminished.
The room settled into a quiet hum of relief, the servants exchanging smiles as they stepped back, watching the heartwarming exchange between their little master and Master Conrad.
Qise stood outside, attentively listening to the security team's brief report. The conversation was calm and routine until a sudden chorus of screams echoed from inside the house. Though he instinctively felt it was unlikely to be anything serious, a wave of tension gripped him, and his brow furrowed in concern. Without hesitation, he dismissed the security team with a curt nod and swiftly made his way indoors.
The moment he stepped into the house, his ears caught the sound of Serin's delighted voice ringing through the air.
"What happened?" Qise asked as he entered the room, his voice tinged with worry while his gaze swept over the scene.
Conrad, who had been focused on Serin, immediately shifted his attention to Qise. His sharp eyes softened as he strode toward him, his movements unhurried yet purposeful.
Reaching out, Conrad gently took the briefcase from Qise's hand, his touch firm but careful.
"Welcome back," Conrad said, his tone warm and laced with quiet affection. "Are you tired?"
The sudden gentleness in Conrad's voice caught Qise off guard, and he blinked, his composure faltering for just a moment. A faint blush crept across his cheeks, but he quickly averted his gaze, trying to mask his reaction.
Meanwhile, Serin remained blissfully unaware of the shift in atmosphere between the adults. His entire focus was on the cake. With careful hands, he opened the box, his small face lighting up with anticipation as he asked a nearby servant for a plate.
As Qise fell into step beside Conrad, he couldn't help but steal a glance at the man's face—handsome and commanding, yet softened by a rare warmth that seemed reserved for moments like this. A small smile tugged at Qise's lips, though a deeper blush betrayed his emotions.
"You're here," Qise said, his voice soft and slightly hesitant. "How is it? Are you comfortable?"
Conrad slowed his steps, tilting his head slightly to catch Qise's gaze. His reply was quiet, but the depth in his tone was unmistakable. "It's comfortable enough," he said, a faint smile playing on his lips. "But without you, it feels incomplete."
Qise's breath hitched, his heartbeat quickening at the unexpected response. He turned his head away, feigning nonchalance, but the flush on his cheeks betrayed his true feelings.
"Y-You…" Qise stammered.
Before he could react further, Serin came bounding toward them, his small hands tugging eagerly at Conrad's sleeve. "Dad, try this!" he said, his excitement bubbling over as he held up a piece of cake.
Qise was left standing in place, feeling a complicated mix of embarrassment and mild frustration. The atmosphere had been perfect—intimate and just shy of something he couldn't quite put into words—but his host, as always, had impeccable timing when it came to disrupting such moments.
With a resigned sigh, Qise followed them to the couch, intending to sit beside Conrad. But before he could settle in, Serin shoved him toward the middle, his little hands insistent.
Qise couldn't help but pout, feeling momentarily out of place.
He glanced at the two, his gaze softening despite himself. This was his host's world, after all, crafted for his happiness and tranquility. As a system, Qise's role was to ensure his host's wishes were fulfilled, no matter how unconventional they might seem. If his host asked him to marry Conrad just to create a perfect family dynamic, Qise would do so without hesitation. After all, this was Serin's retirement world, and everything revolved around making it as ideal as possible.
"Dad, is it delicious?" Serin asked, looking up at Conrad with wide, expectant eyes.
Conrad took a deliberate bite, his expression softening as he nodded. "It's delicious."
Qise, observing the tender moment, couldn't resist chiming in with a playful grin. "Isn't it because I bought it?" he teased, his voice carrying a note of pride.
It was meant to be a lighthearted remark, but Conrad's steady gaze and serious reply caught Qise completely off guard. "That's right," Conrad said, his tone unwavering. "Everything you buy will always be the best."
Qise blinked, his breath hitching slightly as the weight of Conrad's words sank in. He turned his head away, his cheeks once again tinged with an unmistakable blush. This wasn't the response he'd expected, and it left him momentarily at a loss for words.
"Don't kiss!" Serin exclaimed, looking at the two adults beside him with wide, earnest eyes.
"Teacher said that adult stuff shouldn't be shown to children!"
Conrad and Qise froze for a moment, their gazes locking briefly before turning to Serin, puzzled by his sudden outburst.
"Baby," Conrad began, his voice gentle but curious, "why do you think we would kiss?"
Serin puffed out his cheeks, the picture of childlike indignation. "I heard the teachers talking! They said their husbands love to tease them and then ask for a kiss after. They said men are all lustful creatures be—"
Before Serin could finish, Qise, his face tinged with alarm, grabbed a piece of cake and quickly popped it into the child's mouth.
"What are you even learning these days?" Qise asked, his voice slightly strained as he tried to compose himself.
Serin blinked up at him, wide-eyed, and chewed slowly. Once he swallowed, he said innocently, "I heard Alphas are lustful creatures th—"
This time, Qise didn't wait. He snatched another piece of cake and shoved it into Serin's mouth with precision, his expression an amusing mix of exasperation and panic.
"!" Serin stared at Qise, confused.
Why was his system so insistent on feeding him cake when he could perfectly manage on his own? Besides, wasn't it rude to interrupt someone while they were talking?
Qise, clearing his throat and avoiding Conrad's amused gaze, abruptly stood up. "I-I'll go upstairs to change clothes," he mumbled before hurrying off.
Serin hummed nonchalantly, his attention already shifting as he turned toward his father. "Dad, you know what my classmate was boasting about today?"
Conrad raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "What did they say?"
"She said her father made her mother scream every night, and after a week, her parents told her she'd have a younger brother! She keeps showing off about it," Serin explained, his tone both serious and a little envious.
Conrad's face betrayed no emotion, but Qise, halfway up the stairs, stiffened.
"So, Dad," Serin continued, looking at his father with utmost sincerity, "when will you make Daddy scream every nig—"
The sound of a misstep on the stairs broke through the room as Qise stumbled, his face crimson with mortification. Meanwhile, Conrad moved swiftly, placing a firm hand over Serin's mouth to halt the rest of his sentence.
"Butler Yul!" Qise called out, his voice loud and panicked, cutting through the tension.
The butler, who had been busy in the kitchen, quickly appeared in the hall.
"Call Serin's teacher and connect the landline to my office," Qise instructed, his tone clipped, though his embarrassment was evident. Without another word, he rushed upstairs, refusing to meet Conrad's eyes. His ears burned, and if he could dig a hole and hide in it, he absolutely would.
Serin, however, was unbothered. He smirked mischievously, reaching for another slice of cake to savor. Who told his system to be so easily flustered?
Though Qise was, by nature, a technological creation, he had become something far more—a being with a soul and independent thoughts. Serin didn't entirely understand why, but he found himself wanting Qise to experience life as a human, to truly live beyond the confines of his original programming.
And so, he'd carefully orchestrated things. He nudged Qise toward forming a family, using Conrad as the cornerstone. Who could have guessed it would be this easy?
After all, his system had a weakness for handsome men with commanding presences, and Conrad fit the mold perfectly. A dominant aura and undeniable charisma made him the ideal partner to help Qise fully embrace humanity. All Serin had to do was set the stage, and the rest fell into place with surprising ease.
Conrad gently patted the child's head, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he watched Serin devour the cake blissfully.
He leaned back on the couch, amused by the sight of the little one enjoying the treat with such enthusiasm. The scene was a stark contrast to the dreary, monotonous life he had once imagined for himself—one that his brother had often warned him about. But now, everything had changed. A surprising twist had entered his life, bringing with it an unexpected joy.
For Conrad, Qise and Serin were more than just a part of his world; they felt like gifts the universe had bestowed upon him. It was as though, after all the chaos and struggle he had faced, the world was offering him this moment of peace and contentment—his reward for restoring balance to a world once teetering on the edge of turmoil.
Conrad's eyes darkened, a simmering desire brewing within him as he lowered his head as the child turned around to feed him, unaware of the intensity of the emotions stirring in Conrad's chest.
In that moment, Conrad's resolve solidified.
Qise's fate was sealed—he was meant to marry him, to be with him, and to help build this family.
Nothing would stand in the way of that future.
Both Serin and Conrad sat side by side, each lost in their own thoughts. Though neither showed it on their faces, both were quietly absorbed in their own musings about Qise. The silence between them spoke volumes, a shared connection, even if unspoken.
As the servants passed by, they couldn't help but sigh. The sight of the two figures, with their stoic, expressionless faces, was striking. There was a perfect resemblance between them—so much like a biological father and son.