It has been 2 months since Cheng Ge transmigrated into Lucian's body. He finally acquainted himself with his new life. Cheng Ge would study about the country every Monday, attend informal gatherings on Tuesdays, acquaint himself with the mansion and the staff on Wednesdays, talk with his father about the mansion's affairs and bond with his siblings on Thursdays, go to shops on Fridays to know the market and economy of this world, and relax on weekends.
It was also during these two months that he discovered that Lucian's mother died 10 years ago after giving birth to his youngest omega brother. Theodore Montague, his father, is a single dad. Lucian had three siblings. They're all men. 2 betas and 1 omega. He was the only alpha among the siblings. He was also the eldest son.
Cheng Ge couldn't help but feel sympathy for his new father. Raising four children alone... Sigh. I admire you, Dad.
Because of this, Cheng Ge took his responsibilities seriously. Even if this body wasn't originally his, he swore to himself that he would take care of it 'til the end. He owes the real Lucian this second chance. Of course, he won't waste it.
Today is the day for the informal gathering. Tuesday, for him, has always been the day worth looking forward to. He's starting to get the gist of their topics. Cheng Ge wanted to know more about this world. Staying ignorant is like waiting for death. Cheng Ge refuses to die without knowing anything about this world.
Everyone also welcomed him after noticing his excellence. There was one time where they talked about the problem of trading outside of the country, and Cheng Ge proposed the idea of utilizing investments to fund the merchants' travels in exchange for a percentage of their income.
Lucian Montague, the eldest son of Duke Theodore Montague, was a man of great ideas and excellence!
Everyone in the gathering tacitly agreed with this title. Out of all these people, Eugene was the only one who remained silent about it.
After knowing that the bronze-skinned man he met at the garden was named Lucian Montague, his displeasure deepened. Despite admiring the man's greatness from afar, he just can't let go of his principle: to hate all alphas. Even himself.
Although he couldn't help but admit it, Lucian was exactly his type. Lucian was gorgeous, probably the best example of a manly alpha. He's also smart, innovative, and friendly. Not only that, he also cares so much for his father and brothers. He heard how Lucian spoils his brothers by visiting shops every week just to bring home boxes of sweets and new clothes. He was every omega's dream. A perfect husband.
'If only he wasn't an alpha.' Eugene could only cross his arms and watch Lucian talking to a beta.
Cheng Ge, on the other hand, was unconsciously building connections with the general's son. He was genuinely curious about the military system of this world, and so he asked the only military officer in the gathering, Aiden Scott. He was appointed as a lieutenant general in the military.
It was also Aiden Scott's first time attending since he was injured from their small expedition at the border and is currently taking a leave from work. He was surprised to see the famous Lucian Montague approaching him and asking him about the border.
Aiden's expression relaxed. He felt very comfortable around Lucian. Every time his eyes would meet Lucian's golden eyes, it would remind him of the times he spent in the desert for military training. Lucian's eyes were like fine golden dust, gathering together just to form such beautiful, fierce eyes.
"Lieutenant, it's good to see you here, but you should be taking a rest right now," Lucian politely addressed his injury.
Aiden glanced at his arm sling before gently shaking his head. "I had no choice. I'm actually here to talk to Marquis Fergus."
"Marquis Fergus? You mean, Marquis Eugene Fergus?" Lucian asked. Cheng Ge has heard of this young Marquis in the past two months. Although Eugene Fergus would always be low-key at every gathering, some would still mention his name in every discussion.
It was because Eugene Fergus acquired the noble title of Marquis at the age of 21 after his beta father died. Since then, the newly titled Marquis Fergus has silently done his duties without engaging with other nobles. Everyone tacitly understood that Eugene hated socialization.
Little did they know, it was because all of the nobles were alphas.
Responding to Lucian's query, Aiden gently nodded in Eugene's direction. Lucian followed the direction Aiden was nodding at, his beautiful golden eyes landing on the young man sitting on a single chair, quietly sipping his tea.
The 26-year-old alpha named Eugene was startled when he met Lucian's inquisitive gaze. His heart couldn't help but jump at the sudden eye contact. However, he managed to act calm by raising his tea more to hide his heated cheeks. As much as he wants to deny it, he has had a crush on the Duke's son ever since he noticed him during one of those gatherings.
He felt even more nervous when both the alpha and beta leisurely walked in his direction. Eugene doesn't want to assume things just yet; therefore, he continued calmly drinking his tea. The moment he placed the empty cup of tea on the table, a gentle voice penetrated his ears: "Good day, Marquis Fergus."
This time, Lucian learned his lesson. Two months of associating himself with other nobles taught him the appropriate etiquette of nobility. Although it is fine to greet others with the phrase "my lord", in this world's culture, using one's own title is actually much more polite and accepted. After all, who wouldn't want to be addressed by their own title?
Eugene looked up at Lucian, his clear, sky-blue eyes scanning the man's facial features. 'Damn, he's really my type.' He can only grit his teeth and silently pray his resolve won't crumble after seeing the gorgeous man in front of him.
"Good day to the both of you, your Grace, Lieutenant Scott," Eugene greeted back as he stood up.
"Marquis Fergus, please take a seat. Let's discuss matters while sitting down," Lieutenant Aiden suggested, pulling a single chair for himself before sitting down.
Lucian smiled and sat down in the vacant chair as well. He was now facing Eugene. Aiden was sitting in between them. The round table was immediately filled with sweets and tea cups, as ordered by Aiden.
"May I know what caused such a well-known Lieutenant General to take the time to talk to me?" Eugene addressed Aiden's motive without sounding arrogant.
Lucian's eyes narrowed into slits. 'Marquis Eugene is very smart and smooth when it comes to conversations. I should learn from him,' he nodded inside his head.
Eugene discreetly glanced at the young alpha, only to meet those beautiful golden eyes again. He inwardly groaned. 'Why is it that he will always catch me looking at him?'
However, instead of avoiding Eugene's gaze, Lucian smiled brightly instead. He was fully convinced that he should be in Marquis Eugene's good graces. Such a great person should be his friend. He was keen on getting Eugene's approval.
On the other hand, the 'respected' Eugene was currently enchanted by the man's gorgeous smile. It was the same kind of smile when they first met, but something was different. The smile Lucian gave him this time was more genuine, not out of politeness but a smile that had his eyes sparkling.
Eugene's eye fell on Lucian's healthy pinkish lips and the perfect set of pearl-white teeth. And then his eyes traveled up to meet Lucian's eyes again. That golden eyes... Eugene inwardly sighed as he comfortably leaned forward. There's something about Lucian's golden eyes that makes Eugene feel warm inside.
'He is like the sun,' Eugene thought. He then returned a polite smile to Lucian.
Lucian's smile brightened a notch after seeing Eugene's response. His eyes sparkled even more, especially under the warm sunlight, like gold shining brightly in a cave. "I hope Marquis Fergus would not mind me joining this conversation," Lucian shyly stated. It was only at this point that he realized that he was not supposed to be with them.
"No, no, no. It's actually better to have you here, your Grace. Two heads are better than one. I might need your advice about this as well," assured Aiden with a wave of his left hand. He was not sipping the tea handed to him. It was quite unfortunate that his right arm was injured. He was right-handed, after all.
Eugene nodded. "I don't mind it, your Grace."
Hearing the phrase "your grace" made Eugene cringe a little. As much as he wants them to call him just by his name, he knows he is not close enough with them to do so. 'Hopefully, soon.'
He was also considering making them call him 'Ge'. Oh, how he misses China right now.
While Cheng Ge's mind reminisced about his past life, Aiden had already started introducing the problem to Eugene. "Recently, while I was stationed at the border, I noticed something wrong with the people."
Lucian's attention was finally on Aiden now. His exquisite, slightly thick eyebrows furrowed. "What's wrong with them, Lieutenant?" He asked.
"Their health has been deteriorating day by day. The longer I spent at the border, the more people died. I would always hear their cries, from one family to another. It was as if..." Aiden paused, considering what term to use to describe such phenomena.
"As if it were a curse." Aiden and Lucian stared at Eugene. The young Marquis calmly shifted in his seat and said, "It was indeed mysterious. However, isn't there a possibility of it being a virus?"
Aiden shook his head. "If it was a virus, I should have been affected by now. Even all the soldiers who were originally from the Central aren't sick. Only the people who lived for more than two years near the border are experiencing this," he answered solemnly.
"Then something must have happened two years ago?" Lucian suspected.
The young lieutenant nodded in agreement. "It is possible. However, after I visited and inquired about the recorded events two years ago from the scholars and the House of National Affairs, they found nothing at all. There were no records or reports from two years ago."
Cheng Ge couldn't help but squint his golden eyes. 'Weird.'
Eugene, on the other hand, crossed his long and toned legs. "A conspiracy?" He mused, his delicate eyebrows rising.
Lucian looked at him and nodded. That seems to be the case. After all, how is it possible that for a whole year, no one reported anything about the people's situation near the border? All local nobles are required to report to the court every year, after all.
Did someone steal the file? How come no one noticed? Who are the nobles near the border? Isn't it their responsibility?
"Unfortunately, the nobles near the border all died," Aiden revealed, as if reading their minds.
Lucian sighed in defeat. "So, they're not exempted from the 'curse' too, huh?" For him, it was just all too confusing. As much as he wants to have the spotlight and act like a smartass, his modern knowledge is not on par with problems like these.
He can only suggest ideas when it comes to entrepreneurship. He's an accountant before he died, after all. However, when it comes to politics like these, he can only observe at first. Cheng Ge had no choice but to shift his gaze to the blonde alpha.
Eugene's expression was solemn. His eyelids were almost covering his eyes, as if he would fall asleep any moment now. His slightly long bangs covered half of his face, casting a shadow on his fair skin. Lucian felt like watching an angel ponder something.
'This kind of face... Isn't it a protagonist's face?' He tutted. Cheng Ge was envious of Eugene's face. It was very elegant and gentlemanly. So angelic!
Feeling the heated gaze from the person in front of him, Eugene subconsciously looked back, only to see Lucian's serious face and golden eyes staring at him. He couldn't help but gulp, a sheen of sweat covering his smooth skin. It felt like the Duke's son was checking him out. His face heated up at that thought. 'Shameless!' he grumbled inside his head. He was not sure whether the shameless one was Lucian or him.
Noticing that the young Marquis' face was turning slightly red, Lucian misinterpreted it as a cause of the sun's heat. He gently stood up from his seat and handed him a clean, unused handkerchief. "Marquis Fergus, you're sweating so much. How about we go somewhere else? Perhaps a shady place?" He offered.
Eugene accepted the soft handkerchief with an expressionless facade. Deep inside, his heart was beating like crazy. One more move from Lucian, and his 'I hate alphas' principle would be thrown out the window. As much as he wants to show his dislike for alphas, he just can't decline Lucian's kind advances. He even used the fragrant handkerchief to wipe his sweat.
'I wonder if his Grace, Lucian Montague, smells like this as well?' An unrestrained thought escaped his mind, subtly sniffing the handkerchief like a dog. Eugene couldn't help but close his eyes. It smells so good. Like a calm morning breeze in a forest. Like the smell of nature.
Despite Eugene trying to hide such actions from the others, Lucian actually managed to catch all these subtle movements. He smiled in satisfaction. 'I'll recommend him my perfume the next time we meet. I think we're getting closer.'
Aiden can only watch the whole scene with a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes. Despite being a beta, he had heard of cases of alphas being attracted to other alphas as well. He can only helplessly sigh. It's like watching two kids try to hide their feelings, shyly moving forward and then backwards. Like lovesick teenagers.
His 35-year-old bachelor ass can only imagine love. He's starting to feel left out now.
Thus, he urged the two to follow him. Eugene immediately stood up and walked after the lieutenant general. Lucian did the same. This way, they were now walking shoulder to shoulder.
Eugene could feel their shoulders brushing past each other from time to time. He also discovered that both of them had the same height and body shape. Broad shoulders, snatched waists, slightly perky butts, and even those slender and toned, long legs.
However, their personalities showed through their walks. Eugene was walking at a steady pace, as if all of his steps were done with precise calculation. Elegant. Like a cat on a runway.
On the other hand, the oblivious Lucian was walking at an unhurried pace, although his steps were slightly bigger than those of the older man. His body would also move along with his steps. He was like a big bad wolf, walking leisurely in a park, looking for his next prey. Domineering, but at the same time, calm.
Anyone who sees them would unconsciously think that they're a good couple. A power couple at that.
However, some people really frown upon the idea of an alpha going out with another alpha.
Eugene looked at his steps, subconsciously matching the older man's pace. "I have heard of your name many times these past few months, your Grace. It seems impossible for me to actually walk with you like this," he started the conversation with praise.
The 'I hate alphas' principle was now officially thrown out of the window. He just can't hate such a wonderful man just because he's an alpha, right? Eugene convinced himself, trying to calm down his excited heart.
"I hope it's not a bad thing, Marquis Fergus." Lucian chuckled.
A small smile crept up on Eugene's face. "Of course not. They were all praising you. I'm also a fan of your ideas," he confessed his admiration, his voice clear and unwavering.
"Ah..." Cheng Ge felt stumped. He was speechless. It was only after he felt Eugene's shoulder accidentally bump into him that he finally returned to his senses. "... Thank you, Marquis Fergus."
'Fuck, I feel like a maiden suddenly being told that I am beautiful. My face feels so hot.' Cheng Ge had the urge to just cup his face right now and bury it on a pillow. He felt shy all over.
Eugene found the embarrassed alpha quite cute. A soft laugh escaped his thin, soft lips. "I am only stating the truth. Your Grace needs not to be shy about it."
Lucian's bronze skin was now a shade redder. "Yes" was all Cheng Ge could say.
Eugene can't help but stare at the alpha beside him. 'He's so much different than any other alpha. Despite his physique, he's just like an ordinary person. Not territorial or domineering at all. Can he even kill a fly?' Eugene can't help but doubt Lucian's gender.
Lucian was now calm. He finally gained full control of his emotions. He cleared his throat and spoke, "In all honesty, I am also Marquis Fergus' fan. I've read all of your works."
It was not known to all, but Eugene is actually an author. Lucian accidentally found out about it after exploring their mansion's library. Eugene was not stingy enough to hide his name. Although he was not famous for writing novels, his works were still published. It was probably because all of his books are in the dark genre.
"You read mystery stuff, your Grace?" Eugene mused. It was rare to see someone, especially a noble, reading such works.
Lucian huffed, his chest puffing out like an arrogant bird. "Only those who don't read it miss out on the fun."
Cheng Ge is a really big fan of mystery novels. If only he could be a detective, he would. He even watched lots and lots of mystery anime! He's a self-proclaimed son of Sherlock Holmes.
Eugene's sky blue eyes softened, taking in the image of the man's proud, gorgeous face. He gently nodded. "Indeed."