Let's Just Fix This

Eugene sat beside the bedside, wearing a scowl as he gazed at Timber's slumbering face.

He was aware that his actions were incorrect.

The misunderstanding had the potential to harm Timber.

Despite knowing this from the start, he now felt like the most despicable person. Regret consumed him as he pondered if there existed a way to ensure Timber's safety, away from the grand dukedom.

Closing his eyes, he let out a sigh.

Meanwhile, Marquis Shradinza found himself imprisoned in the dungeon alongside the duke, awaiting their court sentences. Being with Arkiton made him feel suffocated, especially after realizing he had been under a spell for years, unaware that he had a child.

To make matters worse, he had harmed his own son.

"Aison..."

Arkiton embraced his lover, feeling distressed and relieved.

Distressed because he saw Aison traumatized by the truth, and relieved because they could finally be together without any manipulation.

"My love, you're exhausted. Why don't you rest?"

Aison remained silent, refusing to even meet Arkiton's gaze.

His heart still ached, full of pain.

The memories of that day when he learned about Arkiton's marriage, the moment he understood how his wife had drugged him to conceive, and the time when Arkiton had violated him – all those memories came rushing back when the spell was lifted, and he felt like he wanted to die.

This was not the life he had desired.

Clearly, he had envisioned a brighter future for himself.

He had convinced himself that he would be a good father and not inherit his father's cruel traits. Yet, in the end, he found himself becoming like his father, and worse, he became an abusive one. What should he do? He felt like he was losing his mind.

With three sons and one daughter, and no parents to protect them, would they be safe once the news of his exile spread? He worried endlessly.

Arkiton pressed his lips together, observing Aison's dazed state.

After a few minutes, the grand duke returned, regarding them with a contemptuous sneer."Arkiton, your blood always manages to astound me."

Confused, Arkiton glanced at his friend, wondering why Katnier was angry.

"What's happened? Has the verdict been delivered?"

Katnier snorted and replied, "Of course, the verdict has been delivered. But I heard something about your esteemed son bringing a lover into the grand dukedom, thereby humiliating my son. The news is circulating now. Do you think I'll be pleased to return here?"

Arkiton's face turned pale.

"I-It must be a misunderstanding. Eugene must be acting out of anger... Yes, he's probably seeking revenge, claiming we failed as parents—"

Katnier interrupted him sharply.

"Regardless, your son still besmirched our reputation."

Arkiton shook his head, pleading, "Katnier, please, I know Eugene. He's not that kind of person; there must be a reason. I understand you love your son and can't bear to see him wronged, but my son is truly not like that."

Aison stared at the two men, his mind still reeling from the situation.

In an instant, tears welled up in his eyes, startling both Arkiton and Katnier.

"My love!"

Arkiton rushed back to Aison's side and embraced him, casting a pleading look at Katnier.

Katnier scoffed mockingly.

"I never expected you to find yourself in such a situation, Arkiton. You look utterly pathetic now."

Arkiton paid no heed to Katnier's words.

"Katnier, my son, please take care of him for me. Even if he made a mistake, he—"

"Are you asking me to protect your son, who has tarnished my own son's reputation? Do you have any idea what others will think now that they've learned about your good son's actions?!"Aison crawled on the ground, gripping a metal bar tightly.

He gazed at Katnier through tear-filled eyes and said, "Katnier, I need to talk to Euric. This might be a misunderstanding. Let my eldest son know so he can handle his younger brother's situation."

"So, you want your busy eldest son, who's already dealing with your mess, to handle your second son's mess too? Aison, do you think Eugene is still a child unaware of the consequences of his actions? Making his brother clean up after him and save him—it's not right. And you don't even know that your eldest son is on the verge of collapsing from lack of sleep, and yet you want to burden him further?!"

Aison broke down in tears.

"E-Euric collapse?"

"I said 'almost,' but if the pressure keeps mounting, I don't think he can hold on."Arkiton grasped Aison's shoulder, offering comfort.

"If Euric can't handle it, go and inform Casimin. I'm certain he will take care of it."

Katnier gritted his teeth.

"Can't you two understand?! Now that the two of you are going into exile, your sons will be in danger of being targeted by enemies! They are tirelessly working to clean up their parents' messes and protect the houses. Why can't you grasp such a basic fact?! I know you both feel remorse for Eugene, but don't be so selfish! Your son is still not an adult, and you both know firsthand how challenging it is to manage estates and military affairs!"

Katnier took heavy breaths.

"I never expected you to be this foolish."

With a disgusted look at the two, Katnier furrowed his brow.

"Let your son deal with his own mistakes."

Arkiton and Aison watched as Katnier walked away.

Arkiton worried about his lover becoming overwhelmed, repeatedly urging him to rest. However, Aison was consumed by worry for their sons and couldn't help but feel guilty for not being there for them. He hoped that Katnier wouldn't take severe action against Eugene, despite his son's mistake of tarnishing Karsten's name and offending them.

As the grand duke exited the dungeon, he removed his gloves and loosened his tie.His expression was so cold that no one dared to speak.

"Go straight to the grand dukedom."

Katnier didn't show much concern because he knew his son could handle the situation. However, since it involved Karsten's reputation, he feared that Eugene might be targeted by the Catharis since his adoptive father despite looking like he doesn't care about his eldest son actually loves his eldest son the most and no one can offend Kaizer because of that. Now, with the issue at hand gaining momentum, Katnier harbored fears that the influential Catharis family might target Eugene for his son's sake. This thought worried him deeply.

That's why he became angry at his friend.

He believed that it was due to their blood connection that Eugene turned out that way.Why?

It was just one problem after another.

The carriage arrived at the grand estate, and the announcement of the grand duke's arrival added further pressure, as it was possible that the grand duke already knew what had happened and returned swiftly.

"Where is Kaizer?"

The head butler trembled nervously.

"His Highness is in the office."

Grand Duke Karsten hummed and proceeded directly upstairs.

Kaizer lay on the ground, his arms shielding his eyes. The surroundings were in disarray, with objects scattered around. Broken tables and chairs cluttered the floor, and papers were strewn everywhere. The sight was disapproved by the grand duke as he entered the office.

His son was in such a messy state.

Eugene's actions had a significant impact on Kaizer.

It was no longer a mere obsession; perhaps his son's affection for Eugene exceeded what he had shown for Keerto back then.

"Kaizer."

Grand Duke Karsten stood before Kaizer, looking down at the floor."Get up, or you'll catch a cold."

Kaizer lowered his arms and looked at his father with red eyes."Why have you returned?"

"Why can't I? When I heard that my son had been wronged, it was only natural for me to come back. Now, get up and tell me what happened. We need to resolve this before your grandfather finds out."

Kaizer remained on the ground and said, "Dad, I want to marry Eugene. Let us get engaged soon."

"Now you know how to call me 'Dad'?"

Grand Duke Karsten didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Get up, and let's have a conversation."

Kaizer gave his father an irritated look before mustering the strength to rise and move to the nearest couch, slouching lazily.

"Who did Eugene bring?"

"I don't know. His name is Timber from Rozans."

Grand Duke Karsten paused. "Timber Rozans?" Wasn't he the one Eugene doted on during the selection? But aren't they friends?

"Are you sure their relationship is just that?"

"Eugene cares deeply for him. Isn't that reason enough?"

Grand Duke Karsten furrowed his brow. "As far as I know, Timber Rozans and Eugene are merely friends."

Kaizer froze. "Friends?"

"Yes. You might not know this because Khalil is the one controlling your body, but if you ask Khalil, they were just friends before, and Eugene also fought in the war for five years. I doubt their relationship could progress so quickly."

Kaizer didn't know how to react.

"But if they are just friends, why didn't Eugene explain?"

Grand Duke Karsten looked at his son with understanding and asked, "Did you let him explain?"Kaizer stared at his father in disbelief.

Of course, he didn't let Eugene explain; he had already reached a conclusion on his own. Moreover, he didn't know much about Timber and Eugene's relationship, but seeing how Eugene treated Timber made him think that Timber was Eugene's lover, especially considering Eugene had cheated on him before.

"So, you didn't let him explain, and you went into a rage?"

Grand Duke Karsten interpreted his son's silence as confirmation.

"I believe you two lack communication."

Kaizer gritted his teeth. "He doesn't even want to talk to me, and whenever we spend time together, we always end up arguing! How can we communicate if we still feel distant from each other even when we're together?"

Grand Duke Karsten massaged his forehead.

"Did he mention any fears about marriage?"

"I told him I wouldn't force him to have a child. I also assured him that I would wait and change myself to be more suitable for him, but he always doubts me! I know it's my fault that he feels that way, but what can I do? I just want him so badly!"

Eugene heard about the grand duke's arrival when Raphael entered his room in a panic.Raphael informed him that the grand duke was currently in the office, speaking to Kaizer, and it likely involved Eugene bringing a lover to the grand dukedom. Although not particularly worried for himself, Eugene was concerned for Timber. Even though Timber was innocent, his actions had put Timber in danger. Eugene also wanted to speak with the grand duke to explain why he had done what he did. For now, he needed to fix the mess he had created before Klius intervened.

"Young master, what should we do if the grand duke becomes angry?"

"His Excellency is not an unreasonable person."

"But young master, you should know how much the grand duke dotes on his highness. A little thing that displeases the little duke will disappear the other day. There have even been noble families brought to ruin for accidentally injuring the little duke."

Eugene frowned.

Of course, he was aware. He knew about the rumors surrounding the grand duke's protectiveness over Kaizer. However, he didn't care much because he was confident that Kaizer was falling deeply in love with him and wouldn't let anyone harm him. He even believed that if the grand duke became angry, Kaizer would be there to protect him.

But it was all too much, and he couldn't help feeling guilty about using Kaizer as a shield. He knew that Kaizer said he loved him, but he wasn't entirely confident that it was the kind of love he had always wished for.

"Timber is still unconscious. If the grand duke summons me, you stay by his side. Don't open the door for anyone."

Raphael gulped nervously.

"Young master, are you really planning to keep young master Timber here?"

Actually, Raphael was surprised when Eugene told him that Timber wasn't really his lover but just a friend, and it was a misunderstanding on the part of the little Duke. But if it was just a misunderstanding, why didn't Eugene bother to explain his side?

"It's just temporary, Raphael."

"I understand. Please leave it to me."

Eugene breathed a sigh of relief and thanked Raphael.

Now he was simply waiting for the grand duke's summons so that he could express himself. It would be ideal if the grand duke knew about his plan to avoid further misunderstandings. After that, he would explain to Kaizer that he had only intended to keep Timber in a safe place temporarily while he dealt with Klius Rozans.