A needlessly expensive carriage, its very wheels gilded in gold, rolled along the paved road. A faint vibration traveled up through his seat, but the ride itself was no different from a modern car. Magic truly was a convenient thing. He was glad he hadn’t been dropped into a more realistic dimension.
But for Luan right now, there was a kind of mental discomfort that far outweighed any physical comfort.
Why is this guy seriously like this.
It was because of the Emperor sitting pressed right up against him. Kirian’s overprotectiveness had gone well past any reasonable limit — he’d draped his arm behind Luan’s back, apparently worried that a sudden stop might send him flying. Is this man a human seatbelt?
On top of that, the stare was far too obvious. Luan had fixed his gaze out the window to escape that suffocating attention, and as a result, his neck was beginning to ache. Watching the capital’s scenery blur past, he let his thoughts drift to Kirian.
The Emperor turns exactly twenty this year.
The memory of the wedding surfaced in his mind. It was Luanisiel’s memory. The Emperor had been young at fifteen — without the power or the backing to uncover the truth behind the former Emperor’s sudden death. On the day he’d married the son of his enemy just to protect himself, his face had been filled with fury.
The fact that in only five years he’d managed to pull himself considerably free from the Requies family’s sphere of influence — it was easy to imagine just how desperately that boy, little more than a bloodied mess, must have fought to bear the weight of the throne.
Either way, time had passed, and that little runt had grown into a young man freshly turned twenty. The most hot-blooded age, the age when the world holds no fear.
And Aiden is twenty too.
The age gap setup is truly something else. A same-age rivals-to-lovers battle romance — it seems like God actually knows what he’s doing. It really could’ve been serialized as a proper novel back in the real world. The fact that the future was sent in book form as the original work, and all that — maybe……
Anyway, to a seasoned soul who had lived through past-life memories and every hardship imaginable, watching two fresh-faced young men both just turned twenty cross paths was genuinely worth looking forward to. Being destined for each other, that moment felt exciting to anticipate. It was a short time, but somehow he seemed to have built up enough goodwill — so even if they locked eyes, it didn’t seem like anything dangerous would come of it.
The timing was a bit earlier than it originally should have been, but today was the opportunity. It was the day to pass off the Emperor’s excessive attention — which had been trained entirely on him since Aiden was yet to appear — over to Aiden. And then, he himself could quietly divorce and leave half a year later.
“What are you thinking about so hard?”
Out of nowhere. A low voice slipped into his ear. He turned his head on reflex, and there was Kirian’s face — not quite fully shed of boyishness, but with a fairly defined masculine line to it. Maybe because he’d just been thinking about age, but he looked unusually young right now. Still, the sharp jawline and arrogant eyes carried the dignity of an Emperor. That should be working as a charm point for Aiden.
“It’s nothing.”
“Nothing, he says. You didn’t answer when I called.”
“Just…… I was thinking that Your Majesty has grown up to be quite dependable.”
There was something distinctly proud in Luan’s tone, and Kirian’s brow crumpled immediately. Whether it was because of the pain or something else, he kept saying things he wouldn’t normally say, and it didn’t sit well.
“Don’t treat me like a child.”
“Pardon?”
Where exactly does this read as treating him like a child? Luan blinked slowly, and Kirian said bluntly:
“I’ve been an adult for quite some time. I’m more than capable of taking responsibility for what’s mine.”
Just a three-year age gap, and all this.
He had a feeling he understood what that look in the Empress’s eyes meant lately — that gaze he kept catching on him. It was like being looked at as a fully grown younger brother. It grated on his pride in a strange way. He was clearly a whole man, capable of holding someone precious close and protecting them — and yet the Empress still seemed to think of him as that fifteen-year-old runt. Perhaps it was because too much time had passed since they’d properly faced each other.
“Of course I know that.”
Luan answered absently, laughing inwardly. Aiden will have quite the reliable partner. A contented smile rose on his face without thinking — and Kirian turned his head away.
***
The temple plaza, having heard the news that the Emperor and Empress were making a visit, was packed with people. Despite the suddenness of the announcement, high-ranking priests had lined up in formation. So this is what power looks like. When he came alone, it was never quite like this.
Spotting Benya among the high-ranking priests, it really did seem like his counselor held a higher position than Luan had thought. That’ll be useful. Though the regular session drawing nearer wasn’t something he looked forward to.
“Take my hand.”
Kirian stepped down first and extended his hand to Luan. Isn’t this a bit too familiar? The thought crossed his mind, but he took the hand and descended gracefully. His legs were actually shaking so badly he was practically clinging on, but he kept his composure on the surface. His eyes moved quickly.
Aiden, where are you! Hyung is here!
And then, far behind the white wave of priests, a familiar head of auburn hair came into view. There you are. Target acquired.
“Benya.”
Luan called for Benya, and Benya approached.
“Where is my dedicated priest?”
“He’s waiting over there. Aiden, please come forward.”
At Benya’s summons, Aiden stepped forward carefully. For a moment, the air around them seemed to clear — an illusion, perhaps. He hadn’t sensed any divine power yet, but the noble atmosphere the young man carried created exactly that impression.
Auburn hair that gleamed in the sunlight. Skin so pale it was nearly translucent. And wide, clear eyes like a deer’s. Yet he didn’t come across as fragile. Like a lily just beginning to bloom — pristine and upright, with a set of broad shoulders and a tall frame that carried an unmistakably masculine quality.
Perfect. A visual ten out of ten.
Being the same age, he matched remarkably well with Kirian. Luan turned to look at Kirian with a satisfied expression. A cold-beauty Emperor with black hair and a warm-beauty priest with auburn hair. This is a winning stock. Absolutely guaranteed.
“Your Majesty, this is Aiden, my dedicated priest. Quite a capable young man. He’s also the same age as Your Majesty.”
Luan deliberately emphasized the fact that they were the same age. Aiden bowed deeply with a nervous expression.
“I am honored to stand before the Sun of the Empire.”
The last time, everything had been chaos so he hadn’t gotten a proper look — but even his voice was perfect. Clear, just past a recent voice change, yet with a firm, resonant core to it. Luan sneaked a glance at Kirian with anticipation.
So, how is it? What does it feel like to meet your destined person? Someone as pure and beautiful as this, and the same age as you — first time, right? Doesn’t your heart just drop?
But.
“…….”
Kirian’s reaction was the complete opposite of what Luan had expected. His expression went ice-cold in an instant. Arms crossed, head tilted to one side in a crooked slant, he was looking down at Aiden.
That look was nothing like the gaze of someone meeting their destined person. It was much closer to the eyes of a predator wary of an unfamiliar male encroaching on its territory.
What is this guy’s problem.
Kirian felt something twist in his gut. The reason the Empress had insisted on coming himself……
It was because of this bastard?
And a dedicated priest at that. He had caught wind of it in passing during a report at some point. The name itself had sounded vaguely familiar, but with everything that followed regarding the Empress’s health, he had completely forgotten about it. He’d vaguely assumed it was some old man or a young child — and here was a full-grown man the same age as himself.
On top of that, the appearance was irritatingly attention-grabbing. A complete opposite impression from his own. Not strong or sharp — but pale and delicate, the type that triggered protective instincts.
Don’t tell me…… that’s the Empress’s type?
A surge of emotion rose up before he could stop it. Of course it wasn’t jealousy or anything like that. He was just annoyed. While he’d been busy worrying about the Empress, the Empress had been keeping company with a guy this fresh-faced and in full bloom.
Meanwhile, Aiden too was biting the inside of his lip. His head was lowered, but he could feel the sharp, piercing gaze being drilled into the top of his skull. The arrogance unique to those who were born with everything. A gaze that looked at him as though he were an insect.
This person…… is the one who made Luan lonely.
The state of the Emperor and Empress’s relationship was notorious enough that there was no need to investigate. That the Empress, who had come from the family of an enemy, was being mistreated — even a stray dog on the street knew it.
Aiden glanced up slightly to look at Luan. He looked unusually pale today. To have married such a noble person and yet be constantly ignored — and now, after all this time, to cling right beside him and assert ownership — the attitude was repulsive. The Emperor in Aiden’s eyes……
Was young. And mean.
“Don’t raise your head. Not without my permission.”
“……Yes, Your Majesty.”
Kirian reacted sharply, having noticed the direction of Aiden’s gaze. The razor-edged tension unique to young males in competition exploded between them. In the face of this strange atmosphere, the surrounding priests held their breath. The Emperor was on guard against Aiden. Anyone could see that if this was handled poorly, the entire temple would be turned upside down.
Their gazes turned toward Luan. His expression was unreadable. That Empress was likely the trigger. The Emperor, it turned out, had been thinking of the Empress more than expected — and had not been neglecting him, not really.
Only Luan, watching all of this unfold, was screaming on the inside. It was a scream of delight.
Was that just now…… a scouting bout?
Seeing how unusually curt Kirian was being, Luan assumed he must have been struck speechless at meeting his destined person. And Aiden, who was usually so warm, being all stiff and awkward like this…… must be nervous because he’d fallen for him at first sight!
They’re twenty, so I get it! It’s a little hard to just show it openly! Hyung understands!
Luan smiled contentedly and broke the stiff silence.
“The atmosphere is nice.”
“……Nice?”
Kirian’s brow furrowed. Can’t he see the killing intent? This is nice to him?
But Luan smiled as he spoke. Startled by a gentle smile he had never seen before, Kirian paused. Luan pulled Aiden to his side and said:
“Seeing Aiden reminded me of Your Majesty, actually. Since they’re the same age, I thought it would be nice if the two of you spent more time together and got close.”
At that moment, the sight of Luan’s pale hand resting on Aiden’s arm made Kirian’s eyes go dark.
“Your hand.”
Kirian growled in a low voice. Luan looked bewildered.
“Pardon?”
“Move it.”
Kirian roughly grabbed Luan’s wrist and yanked him sharply toward himself. It was blatant, unambiguous territorial claiming. The surrounding priests sucked in a collective breath.
“Ugh.”
Luan stumbled and his back collided with Kirian’s firm chest. Kirian wrapped one arm around his waist. Aiden quietly bit down on his lip.
“He is my Empress.”
Childish, yet laced with menace. Aiden flinched, but he did not step back — he held Luan’s gaze from within Kirian’s hold. Those eyes carried a clear resolve: that if Luan wished it, he would be by his side at any moment. At Aiden’s response, Kirian’s brow twitched. Not backing down even in front of him — this one was no ordinary opponent.
This bastard?
He was a split second away from grabbing Aiden by the collar when Luan tapped Kirian’s arm lightly.
Good grief, Kirian. Are you clinging to me right now to get Aiden’s attention? Trying to make him jealous? That’s a sophisticated move. Kind of cute.
Luan suppressed a laugh and spoke. But there was something more pressing at hand. He was genuinely about to pass out.
“Let’s go inside first. I think I’m actually going to die.”
“Let’s go.”
At Luan’s words, Kirian made a point of wrapping his arm around Luan’s waist — practically showing off — and huffed his way into the temple. Watching it all from behind, Kael’s jaw dropped. Who is that man who looks like he’s about to die from indignation? Is that really the Emperor?
Your Grace the Empress, you must have your sense of awareness attached to the bottom of your feet!
What had just unfolded was, to anyone watching, a blatant display of male territorial aggression. The Empress had noticed absolutely none of it. Seeing the Emperor react like this — visibly guarding his territory at the sight of a good-looking priest — was the first time Kael had ever witnessed anything like it in all his time serving. Managing to collect himself, Kael attended to the dedicated priest Aiden and followed behind.
From what I’d heard, he’s supposed to be composed — but he can’t even hide his feelings! How can someone this immature be Luan’s husband? What Luan needs right now isn’t the Emperor’s power — it’s the arrangement of God itself!
Aiden quietly clenched his fist. The only one having the time of his life in the middle of all this was Luan.
This confirms it. They’re intensely aware of each other, aren’t they? Now I just need to give them time alone together, and it’s game over.
What no one — not even God — knew, was that the wheel of fate had long since slipped off its track and was grinding and screeching somewhere far off course.
