Vol. 2 Chapter 5.1 - The fate flows again

On the evening of the full moon, Klopp was forced to wear the black full attire he rarely wore at Marthas nagging.

Do I really need to dress up like this?

What are you saying? If you dont wear these nice clothes on a day like today, when will you wear them? Turn around.

Klopp turned around, and Martha inspected the vest for wrinkles, grabbed the hem and pulled it down. Then she brought a suit that was in perfect condition, not a single wrinkle to be found. After b.u.t.toning all the cuffs, Martha adjusted the suits shoulder pads with a brush she had brought with her.

Keep your hair neat, and lets see. Your s.h.i.+rts too tucked in. Roll up your sleeves.

While redoing the cuffs, Martha slightly pulled the s.h.i.+rt sleeves and let them peek out of the black suit sleeves. Finally, she meticulously adjusted the tie to ensure it wasnt crooked, then put her hands on her hips and looked at her work with great satisfaction.

And the shoes are s.h.i.+ny. Its brilliant. The omegas will be dazzled.

I dont need to impress everyone, just that one persons eyes are enough.

Did you remember to bring the ring?

Klopp smiled at Martha while looking at his reflection in the full-length mirror.

He heard the sound of a carriage arriving. As he descended the stairs, Martha extended the same level of care to the perfectly maintained hat and cane.

I hope youll be accepted. Its boring for me to be alone at home.

Dont worry, next year Ill make sure youre too busy babysitting to be bored.

Klopp smiled broadly and bid farewell to Martha before boarding the carriage. Martha stood at the entrance and waved his hand.

Dont even think about coming home if you fail. I wont open the door!

That will never happen.

The carriage, carrying a young alpha who felt slightly nervous before an important event, raced toward its destination. The road, which was usually annoyingly close, seemed unusually long today. Looking at the grand mansion in the distance, Klopp took out a small box from his jacket pocket. The ring sparkled more than usual.

Normally, he was supposed to go to Westport Estate to pick up Rayfiel. However, he couldnt do that today. Last time, he had arrived a bit late and caused a commotion, so the Westport estate arranged a carriage to bring their precious omega son to the Counts estate. Klopp was slightly disappointed because he wanted to meet Rayfiel quickly, but at the same time, he was more excited. He laughed to himself while imagining how cute and lovely Rayfiel would look.

The driveway of the estate was crowded with carriages of other guests who had already arrived. Waiting for his turn, a footman approached and opened his carriage door. Neatly b.u.t.toning his jacket to keep it from wrinkling, Klopp got off the carriage and walked straight into the entrance.

The gray-haired butler, dressed more formally than usual, with impeccable posture, was politely greeting the distinguished guests arriving one after another.

Good evening, Marquis Wolflake.

Hm, Hugo. How have you been?

Thanks to you, Ive been well. You, lead Marquis Wolflake to his seat.

The tall, black-haired alpha followed the footmans guidance and headed inside. The butler who received him showed no signs of unease. As Klopp followed behind, he extended an invitation. At first, the butler nodded politely, but when he saw the recipients name written on the invitations cover, he narrowed his eyebrows and raised his head. Then, his eyes, which had always appeared cold and indifferent, widened.

Klopp Sir Band.y.k.e?!

Why? Is there something on my face?

The butler looked at Klopp as if he couldnt believe his eyes, quickly scanning him up and down. Klopp knows very well how much the butler resents his nagging and angry behavior toward Aelock. They had always maintained a certain distance between them, and there had been no explicit display of his feelings, but his behavior now was so inappropriate that Klopp didnt feel good about it.

How rude.

I apologize. I was just very, no, quite surprised compared to how you usually are.

Because Im a country b.u.mpkin who only cares about money yet I am dressed extravagantly, which makes me unbefitting of the Counts prestigious soire?

Tilting his head, Klopp glanced downward and looked at the footman. When the corners of his mouth slightly lifted, the butler seemed slightly taken aback and shook his head. Quickly composing himself, the butler smiled his usual cold smile.

No, not at all. Today, you are a splendid guest who adds glory to the soire. I was honestly amazed. I didnt expect to see you in such fine form. I suppose I have to pay the price for losing todays wager. You, lead Lord Bend.y.k.e to the table.

A wager?

Although Klopp asked repeatedly, the butler pretended not to hear and called for the footman who had been waiting, guiding Klopp to the rose garden where the soire was taking place. Before following the footman, Klopp looked intently at the butler and he replied, Its a private conversation between me and my master, as he approached the entrance. Since the butler was already receiving other guests, Klopp couldnt pry any further and followed the footman.

To think theyre now also betting on people. I must definitely ask and find out later.

The moment he entered the rose garden with a frowned expression, his spiteful resolve vanished.

In the center of the magnificent rose garden, where dozens, no, hundreds of lanterns seemed like sprinkling stars, there stood a grand stage where musicians would perform. Tables for dozens of guests were arranged in a stable arrangement, with almost as many footmen and maids moving between them as there were guests. But that wasnt what left Klopp speechless.

On the silk sheets covering the tables, scented candles exuding a faint fragrance were sparkling on silver candlesticks. Next to them, there laid rare flowers that were obviously not grown in the garden, blooming and flouris.h.i.+ng. The chairs, covered with silk covers that matched the table, had small flower wreaths hanging on them. Even the large number of roses hung with white silk ribbons around the surrounding flower beds and the colorful roses scattered on the floorwhat on earth was all this?

How much did this cost? You d.a.m.ned count!

He wanted to immediately find Aelock and question how much he had exceeded his limits. But he couldnt find him. When he asked the servants, they had no idea of his whereabouts. We also dont know where the Count is at the moment, Until just now, he was talking to the conductor in the music hall, but hes not there now, were the only responses he received.

He wanted to go to the butler and demanded the Counts presence right away, but it would likely cause a big commotion since he was receiving important guests, so he suppressed the urge. Hed still show up eventually. Klopp tapped his fingers on the table and gritted his teeth.

He was sitting in one of the best seats right in the front and center. It made sense since he had worked hard to quickly restore the Counts reputation, which had been wobbling in the hands of his dumb son. But deep down, he was surprised. This shouldnt be necessary.

Looking at the other tables in the same row, everyone was a marquis, count, viscount, and so on, it felt as if it was a royal New Years party or some kind of grand ceremony. Among them, Klopp was the only one without a t.i.tle. While he didnt feel intimidated, it wasnt comfortable either. He couldnt understand why he was given such a seat. Just as he was beginning to suspect that Aelock was playing him for a wager, Rayfiel appeared from the other side of the room.

Klopps mouth dropped open as soon as he saw him, and he jumped to his feet.

Dressed in a light blue suit, he was stunningly beautiful and lovely, drawing the attention of everyone around him. Feeling slightly uncomfortable with the attention, Rayfiel nervously looked around with a tense gaze and noticed his lover standing up from his seat. A smile bloomed on Rayfiels fair face as he saw him.

Hes the eldest son of Westport, isnt he?

His wife is such a beauty, and their son is equally remarkable.

Do you know who that man is?

Theyre soon to be engaged. Although he comes from a poor family, he is talented and highly antic.i.p.ated as an alpha heir. It seems that Westport, who doesnt have an alpha successor, plans to make him their son-in-law.

Oh, they make such a well-matched and cute couple.

The words were spoken so loudly, but they were barely audible to Klopp. He walked over to Rayfiel and took his hand, kissing the back of it lightly, then his cheek.

In the meantime, as Klopp returned to his seat, he felt a chilling gaze on the back of his neck. Instinctively, he glanced aside with a mix of anger and vigilance, and there he saw Marquis Wolflake, the man he had seen earlier, staring at them with eyes that shone ominously like a wolf. It felt as if he was challenging Klopp, and despite the impoliteness, Klopp didnt avert his gaze but stared back intently. Then, Wolflake turned his gaze away first.

What a strange man.

Ill be updating 2 parts at a time for Chapter 5.

Make me feel happy and supported by leaving a comment!