CHAPTER 171: THE DUKE’S NEXT GAME! 2

The next morning, sunlight spilt through the thin curtains of Rin’s room, warming the wooden floor and catching on the strands of his white hair. He was already awake, sitting in front of the mirror with a lazy expression. The reflection staring back at him looked calm, almost emotionless, but his mind was racing.

Today was the Duke’s game.

He didn’t know why he still bothered attending, but Lirien had insisted... and if Omegas were being auctioned again, he couldn’t stay away.

Kiro stood behind him, holding up a piece of clothing with a thoughtful frown.

"You should wear this one," he said. "You’ll look... softer."

Rin glanced at the white silk shirt in his hands and smirked. "Softer? You mean, weak?"

Kiro rolled his eyes. "Elegant."

From the side, Lia walked in, carrying a few accessories and a ribbon. Her dark hair was tied neatly into a bun. "You both argue too much," she said, her voice calm but teasing. "Let him wear what he wants, Kiro. It’s Rin, not a doll."

Rin grinned at that. "Exactly."

He stood, brushing the creases from his trousers, and looked at his reflection again. He wasn’t wearing a veil this time. It felt strange not to have to hide his face anymore. His eyes... those sharp red eyes that once drew too much attention... stared back at him, unbothered.

Lia tilted her head, studying him. "You look different when you don’t wear the veil."

"Worse or better?" Rin asked.

"Dangerous," she said with a faint smile.

He chuckled. "Good."

Kiro groaned. "You always like trouble."

"Maybe trouble likes me." Rin reached for a comb and began pulling it through his long white hair. "What do you think? Should I cut it?"

Both of them froze. Lia blinked. "Cut what?"

Kiro frowned, clearly panicking. "No! Why would you? It’s your charm!"

Rin raised a brow. "Charm? It’s heavy and it’s always getting in my face. I missed when it’s short,"

He turned back to the mirror, tugging at the ends. "I’ve wanted to cut it for a long time. The only reason I kept it was for the Golden Goose game. But since I’m done with that..."

Kiro stared like Rin had suggested burning down the brothel. "You can’t! Do you know how many people would kill for hair like yours?"

Rin smirked. "They can have it. I’m tired."

Lia giggled quietly. "At least let Kiro help. You’ll make a mess if you do it yourself."

Rin sighed in mock defeat. "Fine. But no fancy nonsense."

Kiro hurried off to fetch the scissors, muttering about how Rin was committing a "beauty crime." Rin leaned back in his chair as Lia tied a ribbon around his wrist to keep his sleeves up.

When Kiro returned, Rin told him the exact style he wanted... simple, sharp, slightly layered, the same way his hair looked when he first woke up in this world. Nothing fancy, nothing noble.

As Kiro trimmed carefully, strands of white hair fell to the floor like snow. Rin stared at them quietly, remembering how much time had passed since his arrival in this strange world.

He thought idly,

’If this world had clippers, I’d look better already. Maybe even give myself a fade.’

Kiro was too focused to notice Rin’s faint grin. Lia watched from the side, resting her chin on her hand.

When Kiro finally stepped back, Rin brushed his fingers through his hair. It was shorter now... just past his shoulders... and lighter. His reflection felt more like him.

"Well?" Rin asked.

Lia smiled softly. "You look like yourself again."

"Perfect," Rin said, standing up. "Now clothes."

That turned into another argument.

Kiro insisted on dark blue, Lia thought white would make him look innocent, and Rin wanted black. After fifteen minutes of bickering, Rin threw up his hands.

"That’s enough. I’ll wear black. Because I always do."

Kiro groaned. "You’re impossible, Rin."

"I know."

He dressed neatly, buttoning the collar himself, and looked ready for something far more serious than a game. Lia adjusted the collar and pinned a small brooch on his chest.

"Don’t burn anything this time," she said jokingly.

Rin smirked. "No promises."

.

.

By the time the carriage arrived at the Duke’s estate, the sun was high. The massive gates opened slowly, and the guards bowed low. Inside, the courtyard was alive with carriages, nobles, and the distant hum of excitement.

Rin stepped out first, the sunlight catching on his white hair and red eyes. Kiro followed, wide-eyed, holding a pouch of coins. Sasha joined them, expression unreadable as always.

They were led to the VIP balcony overlooking the arena. From here, the field stretched out like a stage, ringed with crimson banners and lined with cages that Rin didn’t want to think too much about.

Kiro’s attention went straight to the table beside them, filled with fruits, cakes, and crystal glasses of wine.

"Can I...?"

"No," Rin said immediately, scanning the table.

Kiro pouted. "Why not?"

"Because last time they were drugged," Rin replied flatly. "And I don’t want to deal with you puking or passing out once the game starts."

Kiro huffed. "But they look clean!"

Rin picked up a grape, sniffed it, then dropped it back. "Nothing smells off, but don’t touch anything yet."

"Fine..." Kiro slumped back in his chair.

Rin’s eyes flicked over the crowd below, half-bored, half-alert. Something about the Duke’s recent silence bothered him. The man hadn’t reached out once since the palace incident. Either he was done with Rin... or he was plotting something worse.

"Why are you frowning?" Kiro asked suddenly.

Rin blinked, then smiled. "Just thinking how boring this is."

Before Kiro could respond, a group of servants entered the balcony carrying more trays and rearranging chairs. But what caught Rin’s attention were the guards escorting them... knights bearing the royal crest.

He sighed quietly. "Of course." It’s him,"

Moments later, a familiar, commanding voice came from behind.

"Mind if I sit here?"

Rin didn’t even have to turn. "I’d rather say yes and regret it later."

Caspian stepped into view, dressed in his formal royal attire, gold-threaded and proud. He smiled lazily and sat beside Rin as if he owned the place.

Kiro froze. His body stiffened instantly, and he scrambled to his feet, bowing low. "Y-Your Highness...."

"Sit," Rin ordered calmly.

Kiro blinked, hesitating.

"I said sit, Kiro."

Kiro obeyed immediately, his hands trembling slightly. Caspian’s eyes flicked to Rin, amusement playing at his lips.

"You’re the only person in this kingdom who doesn’t kneel when I enter."

Rin tilted his head. "Should I start now?"

Caspian laughed.

"Don’t bother. I’d miss your attitude."

He leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. "I was bored watching alone. Thought I’d sit beside someone."

"Right," Rin said dryly. "You just happened to choose my seat."

Caspian smiled faintly. In truth, he had no intention of watching the game. He came for Rin... though the faint scent of Lucien still clinging to him made his mood darken.

Below, the arena gates opened, and the crowd erupted in applause. The Duke entered, dressed in silver and black, his expression calm and dignified.

Caspian nudged Rin. "Look at that. The Duke finally has a partner."

Rin turned his head... and saw her.

A woman, beautiful and poised, walked beside the Duke, her arm resting lightly on his. Her gown sparkled with jewels, and she smiled up at him like they were newly in love.

Rin stared for a moment, then gave a small, amused smile.

’So, that’s it. He really gave up on me. That’s a relief,’

Caspian caught the expression. "You look pleased."

Rin’s lips curved slightly. "Maybe I am."

"You liked both father and son then?" Caspian teased, his tone sharp but playful.

Rin turned to him, his voice calm. "I don’t know what you’re talking about. The only person I like is his son."

Caspian froze for a brief second. "His son?"

"You know who I’m talking about. It’s Lucien," Rin said simply, looking back toward the field.

The words hit Caspian harder than he expected. He forced a smirk, hiding his irritation, but his jaw tightened.

Meanwhile, Kiro kept shifting in his seat, uncomfortable under Caspian’s presence. Rin noticed and sighed.

He turned to Sasha. "Take Kiro to the Crown Prince’s VIP space. He looks like he’s going to faint soon."

Sasha blinked. "You’ll be fine here alone?"

Rin gave him a confident smile. "Do you think anyone here can touch me?"

Sasha hesitated, then nodded and stood.

"Understood,"

He led Kiro out, the boy throwing Rin one last worried glance.

As soon as they were gone, another presence entered quietly. Rin didn’t need to look to know who it was.

Lucien.

He walked in with that same calm, confident air, his black coat unbuttoned, a faint smile on his lips. Without asking, he sat in the empty seat beside Rin... Kiro’s seat.

"I didn’t think you’d come, darling," he said softly.

"I didn’t want to," Rin replied, leaning back. "But I heard your father was selling Omegas again."

Lucien’s smile faded slightly. "So you’re here to save them."

"Someone has to."

Lucien watched him for a moment, then smiled again. "Then let me buy them for you."

Before Rin could answer, Caspian spoke up, voice edged with a smirk.

"He doesn’t need you for that. I bought them last time; I’ll buy them again."

Lucien’s eyes flicked toward him, his calm smile not reaching his eyes. "Oh? Then I’ll outbid you this time."

Caspian chuckled darkly. "Try me."

The tension was instant... two powerful men glaring at each other over Rin, who sat quietly in the middle, sipping his wine like he was watching a play.

Rin hid his amusement behind the glass.

’And here we go again.’

Lucien leaned slightly toward Rin. "You could just tell us which one of us you prefer, and we’ll stop fighting."

Rin smirked, eyes half-lidded. "Why ruin the fun?"

Caspian’s brow twitched. "You really enjoy this, don’t you?"

"I do," Rin said honestly.

Both men went silent, glaring at each other while Rin stared ahead, pretending to watch the arena. Inside, he was already calculating. He could afford to buy the Omegas himself, but why waste his money when the two most powerful men in the empire were willing to throw theirs away for him?

He crossed one leg over the other, calm and graceful.

’After all,’ he thought with a lazy smile, ’These are the male leads. They’ll do anything for their precious female lead.’

Below, the crowd cheered as the auction began.

But above, the real game had already started.