While savoring a rare moment of leisure, Kyle arrived at Wharton Station. Stepping off the train, he headed straight out of the terminal and into the plaza. Amid the flow of passersby, the station and surrounding scenery unfolded before his eyes.

The station itself, modeled after Chester Cathedral in Ness but on a smaller scale, was practically a work of art. Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, its white walls radiated a serene beauty. The central plaza’s fountain and clock tower were also creations of Lezette, and many people visited Wharton solely to admire these works.

Kyle’s gaze fell beyond the fountain’s refreshing spray. Across from it stretched a broad clearing—the future site of Beckford’s second hotel. His eyes turned cold at the sight.

Since becoming independent, Kyle had returned everything to the imperial family. What he now possessed was the fruit of sharp judgment and bold investments. The Beckford Hotel was more than just a cousin’s asset; it was one of the most valuable investment opportunities available. Even in a new age where greater capital threatened to dominate, it was certain to remain a goose that laid golden eggs.

Before long, Azel came running up, waving his arm with an annoyingly delighted look on his face. Kyle raised his hand in a restrained greeting. Partnering with him would be nothing but trouble, but for now, there was no other choice.

“Thank you for coming all this way.”

“I’ll drive!”

Azel had picked up a car from the Drevan factory in Wharton. He deftly opened the rear door for Kyle, but Kyle immediately shut it again and instead climbed into the passenger seat.

“Uh, Captain, the back seat—”

“Drive.”

With a sigh, Azel started the car.

Azel Drevan was the only son of the Drevan count’s family. Their fortune had been made in construction, and with Clifton’s foresight, they shifted paths from their predecessors and laid the foundation of a new era. Today, they were earning vast profits from the automobile industry—even in the New World across the sea. Clifton had hoped his son would take over the company.

But Azel chose military service instead. His sudden declaration that he intended to enlist sent the entire household into chaos. Despite Clifton’s fierce opposition, Azel never wavered.

In the end, his father, unable to win against him, sent his son off to the nation and lived every day in constant anxiety. Two years ago, what Clifton had feared finally came true.

At the Battle of Bocatte, Azel was gravely injured and lay unconscious for three days. Kyle, who had saved and brought him back, was also badly wounded. He had barely escaped with his life, his body torn in several places and scarred by bullets.

When Azel awoke, Clifton went straight to Kyle and bent the knee. Owing his son’s life to him, he offered his loyalty as well. Though Kyle firmly refused, insisting he had only done what he must, Clifton would not take back his words.

He gave Kyle ten percent of Drevan Automobiles and presented him with a one-of-a-kind custom car built in his likeness. And now, he had even sent his son to help with land acquisition in the Drevan family’s name.

Kyle always felt he owed Clifton too much. The only way to ease that burden was simple: to return Azel safely to his father every day.

That vow held even now. The wind scattered along the river, brushing against his cheek.

“I heard His Highness the Crown Prince finally earned his license—at last!”

Azel’s voice carried a mocking tone, but Kyle kept his expression blank, eyes fixed on the scenery outside the window.

“He even asked for a car made exactly like yours.”

The way Azel spoke revealed what he was truly thinking: ‘How dare that brat ask for such a thing?’

“Doesn’t matter. Just give him what he asks for.”

Kyle’s answer was so devoid of hesitation that Azel nearly raised his voice in protest. He took a breath instead, swallowing his frustration.

“But this car was made only for you. And Drevan never produces duplicates of custom orders.”

His tone quickly shifted to something more serious.

“Then avoid trouble where you can. No need for anyone to suffer because of me.”

“All I owe is my life—what kind of trouble is that?”

“It’s just a figure of speech. Relax your face.”

Kyle glanced at him and a faint smile tugged at his lips. Judging by Azel’s sulky expression, his nagging was about to start. Naturally, Kyle shifted the subject.

“Ask Sir Clifton when he’d be available. I promised to have a meal with him.”

“Honestly, if it’s you, Captain, he’d clear his entire schedule anyway. Just tell him directly.”

Azel bobbed his head, and Kyle gave a dry laugh, shaking his head as though exasperated. Outside, the deep green of the roadside trees fluttered in the wind, filling the air with a lively sound.

Since she owned such fine lands, the Empress must have been satisfied with selling them at six times their value. Of course, when she learned that it was for the site of the Beckford New Hotel, her reaction might not be the same. After checking the contract, Kyle slipped it into the inside pocket of his jacket along with his fountain pen.

Not long after, the two men arrived at a restaurant terrace overlooking the Aile River. It was a romantic spot, where the scent of acacia drifting through the city lights tickled their noses. Clearly, it was not the sort of place two men usually came together, and Kyle frowned at the thought.

Judging by the steaks on every table, Azel hadn’t been wrong when he said this was a famous steakhouse.

“I really didn’t want to come here with you, Captain, but I thought you should know.” 

His true intention was obvious—it was a reconnaissance trip to find a good date spot for his superior. Azel, sitting across from Kyle, narrowed his eyes as he spoke.

“If you want, we can still go somewhere else.”

Kyle pushed back his chair and rose, but Azel quickly jumped up in alarm to stop him.

“Hey, calm down, sir. I’m only doing this for you. Can I eat something expensive, at least?” At Azel’s brazen attitude, Kyle shot him a glare before sitting back down.

“Eat whatever you want.”

“I’m certain Lady Maude Hablein will love this place, too. You should come back with her.”

Azel kept chattering, but Kyle only half-listened, his eyes fixed on the menu. Crossing his long legs, he flipped the pages with elegant composure—he was the sort of man whose presence was striking, even to another man.

Azel stared at him for a long moment before speaking.

“No matter how I look at it, you look much better in person, Captain. That picture must’ve come out all wrong.”

“Picture?”

Kyle raised his head at the word, taking a sip of water as he looked at Azel.

“You didn’t know?”

“……”

“You and Lady Maude Hablein are going to be on the front page of tomorrow’s Paper.”

Kyle’s face darkened instantly. He set down his cup and burst into a fit of coughing, his face flushing red. It seemed the water had caught in his throat from shock.

“Are you all right?!”

Azel leapt to his feet and looked around frantically. Not spotting a waiter, he seemed ready to dash downstairs for help, but Kyle waved him off with a hand, struggling to steady his breathing before wiping his mouth with a napkin.

“I’m fine. Sit down.”

“I’m sorry, sir. I thought you already knew…”

Azel slumped back into his chair, his voice trailing off. The base had been quieter than usual thanks to the holiday season, but it wasn’t as if there had been no eyes on them. They had both expected a little scandal. The problem was that things had moved much faster than Azel had imagined.

Kyle let out a heavy sigh. The Paper was the most popular—and scandalous—tabloid in Berren. With its tantalizing mix of sensational stories and a curious air of credibility, it had never lost its top sales spot. When it came to exclusives and stories about private lives, no other publication could compete with its influence.

“The issue is officially next week’s, but… some copies seem to have already been circulated. The two of you only show a bit of your side profiles, though…” 

Azel pressed his thumb and forefinger close together to indicate “just a little,” earning a scowl from Kyle.

“Enough. Drop it.”

“Yes, sir.”

At his superior’s icy tone and expression, Azel shrank back, lowering his hand. He pretended to focus on the menu, though in truth he was busy stealing glances at Kyle from behind it.

Finally, as if steeling his resolve, Azel lowered the menu.

“The truth is, the world simply hasn’t heard much about you until now, Captain.”

“That’s what I liked about it.”

Kyle’s voice was languid as he rubbed at his eyes, sounding weary.

“From now on, no matter how much effort the Empress puts in, it won’t be like before.”

Though his words were solemn, Azel’s face was alight with a smile, his eyes fixed on Kyle. He knew all too well how hard the Empress had worked to isolate Kyle, the legitimate son of her predecessor, until it seemed as though he had been erased from the world altogether.

But now? Well, Azel dreamed of a different life for Kyle—one that Maude Hablein would create for him. His shining eyes brimmed with expectation.

Kyle’s answer was a faint smile.

‘A year, maybe two… until the gossip dies down completely. That should be enough time to regain my freedom.’

So Kyle thought to himself.

Along the Aile River, bathed in golden light, a cool summer breeze blew gently past.