*********
It was no secret among the inner circle of nobility that taking younger paramours was a common occurrence. It had become an unspoken norm, a quiet indulgence tolerated so long as discretion was maintained.
Harrison knew this well.
He had seen it himself—observed how some nobles would keep younger companions at their side while maintaining appearances within society. It was distasteful, yes, but it was something that existed within the rules that they themselves had twisted to accommodate such behavior.
However—
There were lines that should never be crossed.
And what had happened here…
Was beyond unacceptable.
No matter how normalized such indulgences were, there was one truth Harrison could not deny—
No one had the right to lay their hands on a member of their own household.
Ezekiel might not share the same maternal blood as them, but within the eyes of the Empire, that fact did not matter.
He was still a Chevalier.
The third young master of the household.
A rightful member of the family name.
Harrison's jaw clenched as he forced his thoughts away from the woman, he could no longer bring himself to acknowledge as his mother. The very idea of looking at her filled him with unease.
Instead, his gaze shifted.
Toward the corner.
Where the youngest sat.
Curled into himself.
Trying to disappear.
"…."
For a fleeting moment, silence lingered.
Then—
"I'll be taking Ezekiel out of here," Harrison stated firmly. "Pack his belongings and prepare another room. Guards, tear this place down."
His voice carried authority—calm, decisive.
The servants moved to obey.
But before they could act—
"N-NO!"
The sudden cry cut through the air.
"P-please! N-not this room!"
Everyone froze.
Even Harrison.
All eyes turned toward the youngest.
Ezekiel's hands trembled as he clutched the floor, his voice breaking from desperation.
Harrison hesitated for a fraction of a second before approaching him slowly. He lowered himself, kneeling so that they were on the same level, careful not to startle him further.
"Why…?" Harrison asked, his tone far gentler than before. "Why don't you want this place torn down?"
He faltered.
His words lacked certainty.
He wasn't used to this.
Comforting others—
Handling something so fragile—
This was never his strength.
Normally, Felicity would be the one to step in for such situations. She was far better at soothing others.
But now—
She couldn't.
Not when her resemblance would only make things worse.
Ezekiel didn't look up.
His head remained bowed as his voice came out in barely audible fragments.
"T-this was… m-mother's room… I… don't want to leave…"
The words were broken.
Unclear.
Yet—
Everyone understood.
The realization spread silently through the room.
Of course.
How could they forget?
This room—
These quarters—
Once belonged to Lady Aryna Asterrix.
His mother.
Though she was never formally recognized within the noble hierarchy, she had lived here as the Marquis' unofficial second wife. Her presence within the house had always been distant—both physically and socially.
Her quarters were located at the far northern wing of the estate—separated from the main residence, tucked away from the eyes of the household.
A place granted to her—
Yet never truly hers.
Despite being given certain privileges, her status as a commoner ensured that she was never fully accepted.
Few servants were assigned to her.
Few acknowledged her presence.
And now—
This place was all that remained of her.
Silence settled, heavy and unmoving.
"Don't worry," a calm voice broke through.
Altron.
"For now, you'll move to another room to rest and recover. We'll take care of everything else here."
His tone remained steady—firm, yet not unkind.
"These quarters will undergo temporary renovation. Harrison will take you somewhere safe."
Harrison did not turn around.
He didn't need to.
A faint smile touched his lips.
At least…
He could rely on his elder brother in moments like this.
As for the Marchioness—
She had already been removed from the scene.
Most likely confined under guard.
Harrison felt no concern for her fate.
Whatever consequences awaited—
She deserved every single one.
Their father had also left shortly after, following behind the guards who took her away. Whether it was to handle the situation or simply to distance himself from the disgrace—
None of them knew.
What remained—
Was the aftermath.
Gradually, Ezekiel's trembling eased, his breathing stabilizing just enough.
Without another word, Harrison carefully lifted him, ensuring his movements were gentle.
Then—
They left the scene.
Leaving behind the room.
The memories.
The damage.
The other two siblings followed soon after.
No one spoke.
But they all knew—
This incident would not remain hidden.
Not for long.
After all—
The walls of noble households always had ears.
[END OF FLASHBACK]
...….
........
.........
[PRESENT]
LOCATION: STELLARUS EMPIRE ROYAL PALACE
CRUX CITY, CENTRAL REGION OF STELLARUS EMPIRE
GARDEN OF THE STARRY HEAVEN
"Just how long are we supposed to stay in this damn place…?" Harrison muttered under his breath, his voice low enough that only his siblings could hear.
His patience—rarely tested—was beginning to fray.
Which, in itself, was unusual.
"Keep your voice down," Felicity snapped quietly, though her tone remained controlled. "The Crown Prince's intentions are still unclear. But it wouldn't be surprising if he plans to take advantage of this situation."
Her expression remained composed, but her eyes betrayed a sharp alertness.
Harrison merely pouted in response, clearly uninterested in her reasoning.
"Both of you, that's enough," Altron cut in calmly, though his voice carried authority. "Don't draw unnecessary attention. We'll handle this quickly and leave before the Crown Prince notices us."
The three of them maintained perfect composure outwardly as they walked further into the garden.
To any observer—
They appeared flawless.
Dignified.
Untouched.
Yet beneath that façade—
Their thoughts were anything but calm.
This banquet was not one they could refuse.
Unlike invitations from noble houses, which could be declined without consequence—
A royal summons was different.
This gathering was hosted by the Crown Prince himself.
And attendance—
Was not optional.
Still—
None of them wished to be here.
Their household had more urgent matters to address.
The incident.
The scandal.
The damage already spreading throughout noble society.
It was only a matter of time before the rumors intensified.
And judging by the looks and whispers lingering among the guests—
It already had.
Some nobles glanced their way with concealed amusement.
Others with curiosity.
Some, with disdain.
But none dared approach.
None dared confront them directly.
The Chevalier name still held weight.
As the Guardian Household of the Empire, their authority extended beyond their Marquis title.
In truth—
They stood at a level rivaling that of a Grand Duke.
Even the royal family treated them with measured consideration.
And that alone—
Was enough to keep others at a distance.
But whispers did not need courage.
They thrived in silence.
Behind backs.
Beyond reach.
And despite everything—
Those whispers continued.
***********