Like a new kitten, time zipped by a little too fast to be chased, and three days passed quickly.
Before Yunho knew it, he was standing next to his bed, looking at the outfits he had planned out. He looked out the window. The sky was a tempting orange, hinting at the coming evening.
Yunho sighed.
"Is this event that important? I don't think the Duke specified what it even was… 'networking event' can entail a lot."
Yunho decided he wouldn't wear anything too ornate.
"This is just to build some connections. I have to learn to interact with others in this world. I'm basically a recluse right now."
Yunho nodded at this statement, remembering the rumors that spread about him and the measures he had to take to improve his image.
Talking to other people would give him a more stable reputation. Yunho thought himself a likeable person. Even though Iris was notoriously not one, just like he changed the minds of the manor servants, he could change the minds of others.
Plus, being the plus one of the Grand Duke should help.
Hopefully.
Yunho put on the white blouse and black pants he had planned out. He was wearing a black turtleneck under the blouse and tied some black ribbon around the cuffs to balance out the look.
"I never thought that fashion would be such a big element of transmigration, but here I am…" Yunho muttered.
He wasn't opposed to taking care of his appearance; he just never really had to before.
Yunho went downstairs and lounged in a chair. He found himself lost in his thoughts and could feel his heartbeat.
He was alive.
The burden of life washed over him, and he struggled to breathe through its waves.
Little did he know that he was being watched by a maid that was currently making up fantasies of why her young master could be making such a distant expression.
The servants were already aware of their master's plans for the evening, and Yunho had told them to enjoy a break while he was gone.
Yunho chose not to take anyone with him this time. The Grand Duke would be there, and that was already enough company for comfort.
Days at the lodge were never particularly stressful, but Yunho still felt bad about never giving them some time by themselves to relax, especially Aris, Nym, and the butler, who he always brought along with him.
Ailene's eyes glimmered with mischief.
"He he he, young master, what's bothering you so? Is it lov-"
A hand swatted down on Ailene.
The young lady turned her head slowly. Staring at her was the gentle face of Marella. Ailene gulped as she was dragged away from her spying spot and promptly handed a broom.
"You looked bored, so here's something to do," Marella said before walking back to the kitchen.
Ailene frowned and huffed, shuffling while sweeping. Then, a grin broke out on her face.
"I'm the one who's going to be right though…"
—
A swift knock came from the door. Yunho was taken out of his stream of thoughts and caught sight of the butler opening the door.
Standing outside the door was the expected visitor of the evening. The Northern Grand Duke.
"Greetings. Is my plus one for the evening ready, or should I wait in the guest room?" The Duke said, one of his dark eyebrows arching up.
Yunho made his way over and stood next to Mr. Rizer, nodding at the butler to signal him to go.
"I'm ready, Your Grace," Yunho said.
Dorian's face was content when his eyes landed on the young man.
"Well then, shall we leave?" The Grand Duke replied, reaching out his hand.
Yunho nodded and took the man's gloved hand. He suddenly regretted not wearing gloves of his own as the cold fabric brushed against his palm. Yunho gritted his teeth and dealt with it as he was led to the carriage stationed nearby.
Yunho wasn't too pleased with his predicament. He felt like he was being treated like a delicate young lady. The Grand Duke suddenly redrew his hand.
"Hm?"
Yunho looked up at the Grand Duke to see the taller man gazing at him with a blank expression. Dorian looked away when he met his eyes.
"You didn't have to accept my hand if it made you uncomfortable." The Duke said.
Yunho's eyebrows furrowed in confusion before he finally realized.
Did he forget to mask his expression?!
Yunho inwardly cringed. It seemed that he was allergic to not making any mistakes when interacting with core characters like Irene or the Duke.
Yunho shook his head.
"It was just a little cold. Of course, Your Grace doesn't make me feel uncomfortable…" Yunho began to say, but he hated how fawning he sounded. The Duke wasn't a suitor; he could be a little more upfront, couldn't he?
"But, leading me by hand… isn't that typically done for ladies?"
Dorian paused at this.
"Oh, I haven't had plus ones that aren't one of my men before. So, I just defaulted to courteous behavior. My apologies." The Duke said.
"But…" The Duke started again, remembering the conversation he heard between the maids.
"Aren't I just acting according to your servants' expectations?"
Yunho was confused.
The Grand Duke shook his head and laughed, "Nevermind."
The two entered the carriage, and the coachman began to drive.
—
Ailene had abandoned her broom duty and pressed her ear to the door as her young master walked with the Duke. She giggled to herself and strained her ears as they walked further away.
Suddenly, there was a tap on her shoulder.
"I think you dropped this."
Ailene slowly turned her head, and lo and behold, Marella was standing there, holding the broom she had left behind.
"Eek!"
—
Yunho watched the landscape go by as he looked out the window. It should've been an enjoyable activity, but a certain individual was burning a hole in the side of his head with their eyes.
Yunho turned to the front again and made eye contact with the Duke, who was sitting in front of him. He was leaning against the side of the carriage as he sat and had his hand rested on his chin. And Dorian's ruby-red eyes were set on him.
"..."
The energy in the carriage felt awkward. Yunho scratched the back of his neck, mulling over what to say next.
"Do you have something to tell me, Your Grace?"
Dorian's fingers tapped his chin, and he looked to the side.
"Even at Irene's celebration ball, I overheard many people complimenting your looks… you're quite popular for being…handsome?" The Northern Grand Duke said, hesitating on the last word.
Yunho was surprised at that news. This body definitely wasn't unattractive, but he'd always thought that Iris was relatively unpopular because of his personality. But, since Yunho had done a little damage control, some ladies liked his mystique.
But…
That was it?! That's why this man had been stabbing Yunho with his eyes.
A corner of Yunho's lip twitched.
Was he supposed to say thank you? It didn't even sound like the Duke was making a statement. His tone sounded more like a question than a compliment.
"Is that a question for me? Because I wouldn't really know much about that. I'm not interested in courting right now." Yunho replied.
Dorian hummed and paused.
"No, I just feel like 'handsome' isn't the right word."
"..."
Yunho stayed silent.
Was he being called ugly?
He was still speechless when the coachman announced that they had arrived. Yunho raised one of his eyebrows.
"Wow, that was very quick, wasn't it?" He remarked, remembering the length of his other travels.
"This carriage was gifted to me by the emperor. It's enchanted by mana stones, so it goes quicker than a regular one." The Grand Duke said, getting up from his seat.
Yunho's eyes widened. Mana stones were incredibly expensive in this world, meaning this carriage was most likely one of the best. And, one of the most expensive.
"There really is a gap between the rich and the ultra-rich…" Yunho thought and inwardly sighed.
The Grand Duke exited the carriage and turned around, offering his hand to Yunho. Yunho's face slightly scrunched up again despite him trying to mask it.
Dorian's eyes grew into half-moons as he caught the expression on his face.
"The steps are larger than you may think. I just don't want my plus one to trip." The Duke said.
Yunho inwardly sighed and took the other man's hand. He wasn't a stranger to being helped in this way. The butler made it his duty to attend to his young master, but there seemed to be a difference between the old, loyal Mr. Rizer and the elusive Northern Grand Duke.
Dorian lifted him out of the carriage, and Yunho found his footing on the cobblestone path. Ahead of them was a beautiful courtyard with a large and bustling white manor in the middle. Guests were shuffling in as servants guided carriages and people to their respective destinations, checking the list of invitees and chatting with each ride's coachman.
Yunho turned to look at the Northern Grand Duke and lightly bowed his head.
"So, Your Grace, shall we go?"
A smile perched on his lips as a polite measure.
The Northern Grand Duke paused and didn't say anything for a moment. The depths of his red eyes were like still water, deep and beckoning.
Yunho's smile faltered. Did he say something wrong? But before he could say anything else. The Northern Grand Duke replied.
"Yes, we shall."
And continued forward, not waiting for Yunho.
—
The Northern Grand Duke knew that Iris de Evastine was a suspicious person and a liar, whether on purpose or not, but in that moment, with a smile on his lips and the starlight kissing his face, Dorian could finally place the right word:
Beautiful.
—
End of Chapter 27