The First Prince Aishes had long since washed his hands of the research, arguing that it would yield no useful information. In contrast, Lenore invested heavily in this study. It was a research that he started with faith in the power of his uncle, who had been studying the Awakeners ever since they first appeared.

If through this research he could find a clue to resolve the blood-related issue that had been plaguing his family for so long, or even discover information that could serve as a weakness for the Duke of Peletta, who had been annoying everyone since his awakening, Aishes' position as the successor would be shaken in an instant.

Lenore had no doubt that he would be a far superior successor than a frail Aishes who arrogantly relied solely on being born first.

However, the research had been fruitless for over a year, and to add insult to injury, the Warden of the Eastern base, who had been supplying the Awakeners, had died. As if that wasn't enough, the entire base had disappeared without a trace. The more he thought about it, the more of a headache it was. The Warden had been a good communicator, and Lenore had taken a liking to him.

"Have you seen my father? Did... did he say anything?" Lenore asked.

Beltrail shook his head at Lenore's question.

"I saw him a little while ago, but he said there's no need to report if there's no progress."

It was a rather bad sign that the Duke, who had been interested and even provided a place when Lenore first proposed this research a year ago, said that. Lenore looked around with a forced smile.

"I see. Well, father is busy these days, so it can't be helped. I will see if I can bring more Awakeners, either Knights or Mages, for uncle."

"How did the situation with the Awakener from the Cavalry you mentioned last time turn out?" Beltrail asked, as if he suddenly remembered.

Feeling as if his sore spot had been prodded again, Lenore hid his irritation behind a forced smile and shook his head.

"Well... there seems to have been some misunderstanding. It's not like an Awakener from the Cavalry can be easily captured."

"I see. That's unfortunate."

Genuine disappointment crossed Beltrail's eyes. It was an unusual expression for someone who always maintained a gentle demeanor.

"It seems you had quite high hopes. I'm sorry for not meeting your expectations."

"Duke Peletta is one of the first Awakeners and the first confirmed second gender. I thought those handpicked by him must be special in some way. Please bring them if you ever get a chance."

Lenore knew that Kishiar La Orr was one of the early Awakeners, but he had never heard of the latter part. Watching his uncle's research over the past year, he had thought he understood the Awakeners and the second gender quite well. Unable to hide his surprise, he responded.

"Is that so? I wasn't aware that Duke Peletta had manifested a second gender."

"It was almost simultaneous with his awakening, as far as I understand. That's what the Temple of the Sun God confirmed. Well, isn't it only natural?"

Natural. Lenore instantly understood what that meant.

"I see. An Imperial family member worthy of the title of Duke... Then, what gender is the Duke of Peletta?"

"What do you think?"

Beltreil asked with a smile, clearly enjoying himself.

"I'm not sure. Didn't uncle say it's difficult to distinguish just by appearance? But I would prefer it if it were the Omega."

"Why is that?"

"Wouldn't it be nice if God granted at least the mercy of nurturing an imperial heir directly to someone who is destined not to have children? Especially considering how blessed he is."

The comment was filled with unmistakable sarcasm. And yet, hearing a remark that could get him dragged away for insulting an Imperial family member, Beltreil did nothing but smile softly, not rebuking his nephew.

"Unfortunately, he is an Alpha."

"I see. That's a shame."

Lenore replied indifferently in a voice that was not sorry at all, then turned away.

"Then, I'll take my leave now. If you need anything, please send a message through the servant at any time."

"Understood. May the Light's blessing be with you."

Emerging from the underground dungeon, Lenore began to walk toward the main mansion through the corridor. Several servants followed him politely. However, before he completely left the annex, a sound of something breaking along with a beast-like roar echoed from somewhere.

"What was that sound?"

One of the servants hurriedly ran off at the question asked by the second prince, who had stopped walking with an unpleasant expression. He returned shortly and reported the identity of the sound they had just heard.

"It's said to be that Awakener brat you ordered to be imprisoned last time. He's still not behaving, so he's still being confined, but as soon as he regains consciousness, he causes such a ruckus."

"You mean the one I had imprisoned last time... are you talking about that brat who was Revlin's escort?"

"Yes, that's right. He's reportedly screaming to see Prince Revlin again."

"It's surprising that the ignorant fool is still alive."

To be honest, Lenore had forgotten until just now that he had given such an order. However, as he heard the servant's story, the unpleasant feeling he had felt at that time came back to him.

"Prince Revlin comes every day to beg not to harm him, so we can't even flog him. We're just drugging his food to keep him quiet."

"Revlin? But why wasn't I informed?"

"I apologize! ..."

As Lenore furrowed his brow, the servants all flinched in fear and bowed deeply. For them, meeting the gaze of the second prince when he was in a bad mood meant death.

'What a bunch of idiots. They're all useless.'

Lenore looked down at the back of the servants' heads and imagined stabbing them all to death. If he did that, no one would say a word. Such things had happened plenty of times before.

But he refrained because he still remembered how Aishes had reported him to the duke when he had killed a few servants last time, and he had been reprimanded. It was not good to give more reasons in a situation where his brutality was already regarded as his weakness.

"Never mind. If Revlin had forced me not to tell, then you couldn't help it. But you must not forget that I am your master."

The servants trembled in uncertainty at Lenore's cold voice. Lenore turned his head towards the inside of the annex where the beastly screams had subsided.

"The one we've locked up Right. Starve him for a week, not even a drop of water, and if he still doesn't quiet down, send him to the dungeon. Inform my uncle he can use him however he pleases."

"Understood."

"Also, Revlin Shand Apeto is to be prohibited from approaching this annex. He disregards the dignity of the Apeto, plays with the likes of hired hands, and blatantly ignores my orders, showing no fear. If he disobeys again, bring it directly to me."

Having said that, Lenore exited the annex without a backward glance. The servants straightened their bent backs and exchanged terror-filled glances a good while after he'd disappeared.

"...That's what he said, sir. Therefore, you must never come here. If he finds out, we will all die."

"What?"

Not long after, a small shadow that tried to sneak in through the back door of the annex was stopped by a servant's hand. The figure, his face hidden by a large hat attached to his cloak, was none other than Revlin Shand Apeto, the youngest of Duke Apeto and the younger brother of Lenore Shand Apeto.

"That's nonsense. You know, Phil. If I don't go, he will truly die."

"You really can't, sir. Don't you know the temper of Second Prince?"

After a few rounds of squabble, the white hand removed the hat from his face. He was a doll-like pretty boy that attracted attention at first glance.

Seeing the golden eyes soaked with tears and anger under the disheveled red hair, the old servant who blocked Revlin sighed. But still, he couldn't let him in. For the sake of the young prince, for his own life, this was the best choice.

"I'm sorry, sir."

"Damn."

Revlin, spitting out a curse unfitting of his pretty face, cast his gaze to the ground. The thought of what could be happening underneath this ground sent shivers down his spine.

"Okay, I won't go in. Was there any other news? If Lenore was here, he surely must have had a talk with uncle."

"Nothing in particular. Ah, but"

The old servant, who followed Lenore to the dungeon, scratched his face as he racked his memory.

"The two of them were talking about Duke Peletta."

"Duke Peletta? Did they discuss the Cavalry?"

Revlin hastily raised his voice to ask.

"Yes, I believe I heard such a name. They tried to bring someone from there but failed, and they were saying it's a shame."

Revlin's expression sunk into thought for a moment before he nodded, handing the servant a gold coin.