CHAPTER 62: CHAPTER 62: THE BALL(6)

Duke Icarus of Winchester approached, his navy and silver mask hiding his expression, but his tone dripped with mockery. "I see the rumors were true."

His gaze raked over Min-jae, lingering in ways that made admiration sound like an insult. "A man in a dress. How... elegant. Aldoria’s has always loved its spectacles."

The guests nearby laughed uncomfortably, waiting to see how things would play out. Min-jae didn’t flinch. His voice was soft, factual. "It’s just fabric, Duke Icarus. It hangs better when one isn’t insecure."

The laughter that followed was delighted.

Icarus blinked, caught off guard. Meical’s eyes warmed, though he didn’t smile. Icarus recovered, bitterness tightening his lips. "So bold. Tell me, Kaizar, does pretending to be a wife make you feel..."

Meical interrupted, his voice low but weighted. "Icarus, you’re speaking to my spouse. Address him with respect."

Icarus scoffed, like he has heard the most ridiculous thing. "Spouse? A man playing dress-up for your amusement? Is this your fetish?"

-_-

Min-jae turned, meeting Icarus’s gaze. "If wearing clothes makes me less of a man, what does mocking strangers make you?"

Someone near them let out a quiet, undignified snort. A noblewoman lowered her fan, her eyes bright.

Meical stepped forward, his tone mild but clear. "Kaizar speaks truth. If anyone here finds fault, they can take it up with me." The ballroom understood: no one challenged Meical Vukasin unscathed.

Icarus’s pride buckled, and he muttered, "Enjoy your evening," stepping aside.

Min-jae hissed, what a way to ruin the evening.

"He was way too annoying. Like a hair in my butthole that refused to leave.."

-_-

Meical lips twitched, he had almost forgotten Kaizar said the strangest of things.

Before they’d taken ten steps, another group intercepted them. Three wealthy merchants, men Meical had dealt with in trade and land matters, approached with opulent robes, hideous masks, and loud, wine-tinged laughter. "Lord Vukasin!" one boomed, clapping his hands.

"Heard about your... unique spouse choice! Went for something exotic, did you?"

Another leaned forward, ogling Min-jae carelessly. "No wonder you keep him close, look at that face. Pretty enough to make a priest sin."

The third laughed. "Does he talk, or is he just there to decorate your estate?"

Min-jae didn’t react, but Meical’s silence was stormy. He stepped forward, measured and calm. The merchants froze under his piercing gaze.

"Look at him like that again.." Meical said, his voice carrying, "and you won’t leave this hall with your eyes. It’s not a threat, I’m just saying the truth."

Their smiles collapsed, faces blanched. One swallowed hard. "Ah, Lord Vukasin... we were only praising.."

Meical cut him off. "Praise him like you would your own daughters, or not at all."

The merchants stuttered "O-of course, Lord Vukasin. We meant no disrespect."

Meical’s gaze lingered, cold and sharp. "See that you don’t."

Meical didn’t wait. He continued walking, Min-jae steady beside him. As they left, one merchant muttered under his breath.

"Thinks he’s above us just because he’s got a noble title..."

Meical stopped, turned. His voice dropped to a whisper, but the merchants heard it clearly. "You speak of things you don’t understand. Be grateful I didn’t make you understand them."

The merchants paled further, bowing hastily as Meical turned away, his arm guiding Min-jae through the crowd.

Min-jae sighed, he hoped not to run into anymore weirdos.

But the universe wasn’t ready to grant him that wish.

From the crowd, a man with a slim frame and rich auburn hair tied loosely behind his neck stepped through the murmuring crowd.

His mask was simple, dark ivory trimmed in gold and the smile that curved his mouth was soft, familiar, and genuinely warm.

"It’s been a while Vahid. After our last squabble. You’ve chosen not to respond to my letters. I’m quite sadden, you even got married and I wasn’t invited.."

Min-jae paused, there was only one person who called Kaizar, Vahid and that person was Jahan Abdel-shafi.

The kindest man, Kaizar had ever met.

He bowed slightly, this man was the crown prince in his homeland. He couldn’t ruin his relationship with Jahan, he was a powerful ally.

"Of course not Jahan. The wedding was impromptu you see and the distance between Aldoria and Shafi isn’t small. I’m sure you must be tired right now from your travels.."

Jahan nodded, Kaizar was right, because of his alliance with the king he couldn’t refuse his invitation, plus he wanted to see Kaizar.

Marriage huh...

Jahan turned to Meical and bowed once. Stretching his hand for a shake.

"You must be the governor of the south, Meical Vukasin. I am Jahan Abdel-shafi, a friend of Kaizar’s."

Meical smiled as he stretched his hand to received Jahan’s.

"Pleasure to meet you. Crown prince of Abdel-shafi.."

Jahan smiled, it seems everywhere he went he couldn’t escape from that title.

"Being called Jahan is just fine.." he clapped his hands together as he turned to Min-jae.

"Vahid. I’m sure you must have not read my letters. So I’ll say what I wrote in the letter here. The new breed of horses are all grown, they’re exotic enough to suit the class of paying customers. If you’re interested I could give you all ten of them at a reasonable price. I have must to say so it’s best you read my letters.."

Min-jae nodded, he guessed he’d really have to focus on his lands in the North soon.

"Very well. I shall read your letters and give a reply soonest.."

Jahan smiled and nodded, he gave Meical a nod as well. "Do enjoy your evening, I shall take my leave.."

Min-jae bowed as the music slowed to a stop.

"You seem to have a great relationship with the Prince.."

-_-

Meical said it so casually yet it sounded bitter.

"We’re nothing more than trade partners.."

Min-jae said, at least he was sure Kaizar never crossed the line.

"Only trade partners? Then what squabble caused you to ignore his letters??"

-_-

Min-jae hissed, he really disliked it when people doubted him, especially when he was saying the truth.

"Meical, my life before we got married is none of your business, but I’ll say this once. You’ve taken all my firsts: my first kiss, my virginity, you’re the first man I’ve shared a bed with. So when I say something, don’t doubt me."

-_-

Meical sighed, he wasn’t trying to doubt Kaizar, he was just jealous.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it that way.."