The moment Christoph stepped into the living room, the laughter and conversation abruptly ceased.

The sounds had already started to quiet down reflexively when the door opened, and when they realized it was Christoph who entered, all noise quickly vanished.

The living room – typically used for conversation, especially when Tarten’s relatives from outside came to visit – had a few young people gathered and chatting today. In the midst of that, Christoph entered.

Christoph usually didn’t come to this place unless necessary. Just like how he rarely visited the basement lounge in The West Wing. He didn’t like the people who usually gathered in such places, nor did he enjoy mingling with crowds.

The living room falling silent when Christoph entered wasn’t just because he rarely showed up in places like this.

The young men close to Richard didn’t have a good opinion of Christoph. Among their friends, at least a few of them had had or heard of unpleasant experiences with Christoph, at least once or twice, even if indirectly.

Christoph walked past the hostile stares directed at him with a cold expression and headed toward the room at the back of the living room.

“Hey, Richard’s in there, so why are you……!”

One of the young men began to speak sharply when he saw Christoph heading inside, but the person next to him quickly stopped him. That person knew that Christoph had been helping Richard with some work recently.

Although they didn’t like it, since it was Richard’s decision, they said no more and let Christoph open the door to the inner room.

Richard was sitting alone in the smaller room within the living room, which was still large enough to be considered a proper room. In front of him was a mess of papers.

As soon as he saw Christoph enter, Richard didn’t greet him but pushed some of the documents forward and started speaking immediately.

“Check the sections marked in red for any errors.”

After saying that without further explanation, Richard continued focusing on the papers he was reviewing without bothering to look at Christoph.

Christoph looked at him with displeasure for a moment, then sat down on the opposite chair and opened the document.

Richard had contacted Christoph that morning.

As soon as Christoph stepped out of the bathroom, he received a call from Richard, informing him that he wouldn’t be going out today and would be dealing with the backlog of work in the room within the reception area on the west side of the second floor of the main mansion on November 22nd. Then he hung up without waiting for Christoph’s response.

After all, the relationship between Richard and Christoph had always been one-sided, with Richard giving orders, but hanging up without waiting for a reply left Christoph feeling annoyed.

Christoph flipped through the documents Richard had handed him, then estimated the amount of work before glancing at Richard.

Although Richard had never been particularly friendly with him, today he seemed especially irritable. Usually, when he met Christoph in the morning, at least Richard would say hello, but today he didn’t.

“……?”

Christoph frowned at him for a moment, then sighed softly and shrugged. It wasn’t important.

Christoph began comparing the documents as Richard had requested.

In the quiet space, it was unclear how much time had passed, with only the sounds from the living room outside faintly reaching them as the young men there chatted.

Suddenly, Richard spoke without taking his eyes off the documents.

“By the way, did he like that suit?”

Christoph, focused on reviewing the papers, looked up in surprise at the unexpected question.

“What suit?”

Christoph frowned and asked back, but Richard still didn’t look up from the documents as he replied.

“The suit you bought to give to Jeong Tay. The one wrapped in that pretty ribbon.”

“……What?”

Christoph’s face darkened slightly.

Christoph stared at Richard with an expressionless face, speechless for a moment, and only then did Richard look up at him.

Richard’s face was so cold it could make one think he was angry, and he looked straight at Christoph, raising an eyebrow in surprise at Christoph’s frozen expression. As if lost in thought, Richard slightly tilted his head and gently tapped the table with the document in hand as he spoke.

“Just to give him a gift, you got so excited that you didn’t know what to do and prepared that suit…… What’s wrong? Did he not like your gift?”

A smile appeared on Richard’s cold, unfeeling face. But it wasn’t the warm smile he usually had. It was a mocking smile.

Christoph silently stared at him and slowly spoke.

“……How do you know about that?”

“Oh…… From the look on your face, it seems like you really got rejected. Such a pity—just picking out a gift made you so happy.”

“HOW DID YOU KNOW?”

Richard didn’t answer Christoph’s question but only sneered slightly. Christoph glared at him with piercing eyes and shouted in anger.

There was only one possible answer. If Christoph hadn’t actually handed the box to Jeong Taeui, it could only mean that Richard had opened the box on his own.

A surge of rage suddenly welled up. The thought that Richard had tampered with the item Christoph had kept and the humiliation of knowing that the item, originally meant for Jeong Taeui, was now rendered useless infuriated Christoph to the point where his insides felt like they were being twisted.

But just as Christoph was about to stand up and confront Richard, a noisy voice suddenly softened from the reception room outside. It seemed like someone had arrived.

Christoph stepped in front of Richard, ignoring the commotion and grabbed him by the collar, his eyes filled with threatening anger.

“Who gave you permission to touch my things?”

“Your things? Wasn’t it meant to be a gift for Jeong Tay?…… Ah, that’s right. But Christoph, you’d better let go of me.”

Richard spoke with a sneer while lightly tapping Christoph’s hand, which was gripping his collar. Christoph shouted angrily.

“DON’T TOUCH ME!”

At that moment, the door opened and someone entered.

Christoph didn’t even hear the light knock and when the door suddenly swung open, he shot a murderous glare at the door. But then, all at once:

“……Christoph?”

Bianca, who had just entered, took a deep breath and whispered in disbelief as she saw Christoph tightly gripping Richard’s collar.

His mother – someone who hadn’t contacted Christoph even once since she entered Tarten’s mansion.

“……Ah……—.”

For a moment, Christoph’s mind went blank. He tried to say something, but his mouth seemed frozen, unable to form words.

Richard quietly pried Christoph’s hand off his collar while smiling gently at her.

“You’re here, Aunt Bianca.”

“Yes…… Yes, of course, you called, so I had to come……”

Bianca’s eyes widened and stiffened in shock, but when Richard spoke in a calm tone as if nothing had happened, she slowly nodded and replied. She stepped inside, closed the door then looked at Christoph with a stern expression and asked.

“Christoph, did Richard do something wrong to you?”

“…….”

Christoph didn’t answer. His face turned pale, his lips moved as if to speak, but no words came out.

When Christoph closed his mouth and lowered his head, Bianca frowned slightly and gently advised.

“I don’t know what happened, but you’re helping Richard with work right now. Everything can be resolved by talking, but violence won’t solve anything.”

“…….Sorry, Mom.”

Christoph lowered his head slightly, his lips moving to mutter an apology in a nearly inaudible voice.

Bianca continued to look at Christoph with a worried and dissatisfied expression for a moment before turning to Richard with a look of regret.

“Are you okay, Richard? It wasn’t anything serious, was it?”

Richard, who had been watching them with a troubled expression, smiled awkwardly.

“Of course, Aunt. It wasn’t Christoph’s fault. I did something to make him angry. We’re sorry for worrying you.”

“Oh, I see. Anyway, live harmoniously and don’t quarrel.”

This statement seemed unsuitable for men over thirty, but Bianca was genuinely concerned. Richard reassured her with a smile.

“Yes, Aunt.”

“Yes, that’s right. ……But…… I came because you called. I hope I’m not interrupting your work?”

As she spoke worriedly while looking around at the scattered papers on the table, Richard shook his head and began tidying up.

“Not really. I was just about to take a break anyway. You came to Tarten, but I haven’t had the chance to meet you yet. I’ve been meaning to invite you several times, but lately, I’ve been too busy to visit……. Shall we have some tea? You like milk tea, don’t you?”

Richard immediately stood up and brought the tea set from the table near the entrance. He hummed softly as he prepared the tea himself.

Bianca watched him with a smiling face before saying – “Let me do it.” – and getting up to help him.

Christoph sat quietly at the table. He sat silently on the sofa, motionless, not raising his head, his face pale.

She’s here. Since coming to Tarten, this was the first time Christoph had seen his mother – the woman who hadn’t even sent a brief greeting since arriving here. She was chatting with Richard right behind him.

Christoph knew exactly what this meant.

Richard had invited her here for no other reason.

He wanted to assert that he held a superior position over Christoph. Moreover, he wanted to mock Christoph by observing him in this situation.

It had always been this way.

Richard didn’t like Bianca. He even hated her.

Still, like with everyone else, he treated Bianca kindly, but it became more apparent when Christoph was present.

He often glanced at Christoph while having a lively conversation with his mother, who adored Richard – the one destined to inherit Tarten – more than her own son. His narrow, cold eyes would accompany a mocking smile.

And during those moments, Christoph would often wonder.

Why does he get to have this while I don’t?

That’s all he thought when he looked at them. Just like now.

“But do you two usually work together here? Is this where you often work?”

Not long after, Bianca brought the tea tray with the teapot and cups, poured tea into everyone’s cups and suddenly looked around before asking Richard. As she asked whether they worked together, she glanced at Christoph for a moment.

Richard smiled and shook his head.

“We hardly ever come here. I usually work alone in my room, but today, since Aunt Bianca is here for tea, I invited Christoph over. Besides, Christoph has been helping me a lot recently and it’s been a huge help.”

“Oh, I see. I’m glad to know that he’s been able to assist you.”

Bianca said happily as if she was pleased that her own son was able to help Richard.

“It looks like there’s a lot of work to do. Just looking at all these documents tells me that.”

“Oh, it’s not usually this much, but as you know, the decision day for the succession is approaching, so things have been busy lately. It’s like we’re going through a final test as succession candidates to see who can handle the most work in the shortest time.”

Richard joked and laughed and Bianca laughed along but also looked serious.

“There’s no one else but you who could inherit Tarten. The one who will succeed and continue to lead this family after him is only you, Richard.”

“Haha, thank you for saying that, Aunt. But everyone else is also quite talented.”

Richard shrugged and spoke modestly. At that moment, Bianca shook her head more firmly.

“No, no one else is more talented than you. I’ve known that since you were very young. It’s only you, no one else.”

Seeing Bianca speak in such a solemn tone made Richard smile shyly.

“I’ve only gotten this far because of the help I’ve received from others.”

“That’s not true, Richard. It’s all because you’re skilled—Alright, but if there’s anything I can do to help you, I’ll do everything I can. For you, I’ll do anything. Just tell me and I’ll do whatever you want, my dear Richard.”

Richard smiled at her kind words. Richard, with a gentle smile on his face, looked at her for a moment before slowly turning his face towards Christoph. He remained silent, his face growing paler and he did not say a word.

“Thank you, Aunt Bianca. But Christoph has already helped me more than enough. More than enough…… Including your part as well.”

The moment Richard finished speaking in his gentle voice, Christoph’s shoulders trembled slightly. Richard was always watching as his face grew paler.

“Maybe it’s because Christoph resembles you, Aunt, that being with him makes me feel reassured as if you’re helping me.”

Richard added with a tender voice, surprising Bianca, whose eyes widened. A clear joy blossomed on her face like a flower.

“Richard……! My dear Richard. I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear you say that.”

Bianca’s voice trembled slightly as she slowly shook her head, whispering with genuine emotion. Then, she suddenly looked at Christoph.

Feeling her gaze, Christoph stiffened slightly and slowly raised his eyes to look at her. When their eyes met, Bianca smiled after a moment of silence.

Since entering this room, or even since arriving at Tarten, this was the first time she had looked directly at Christoph and smiled. Perhaps it was the first time since long before she left Tarten.

“Christoph, I was worried, but it seems you’ve been helping Richard well. Thank you. Please continue to assist Richard.”

She spoke to Christoph as if Richard were her son and Christoph was his friend.

“Richard is very smart, so if you follow what he says, you won’t go wrong. Listen to him. Alright?”

Despite her gentle and caring words, Christoph didn’t respond. Perhaps he couldn’t respond.

He only lowered his gaze to the table, his lips moving but no sound coming out.

Shortly after, seeing Christoph not responding, Bianca gradually lost the smile from her face and tilted her head in puzzlement, leaning slightly towards him.

Christoph stiffened and shrank slightly as she approached. She asked again.

“Do you understand what I’m saying, Christoph?”

When her voice took on a slightly stern tone, she once again confirmed with Christoph, who remained silent for a long time, before finally answering in a barely audible voice: “Yes, Mother.”

After hearing his response, Bianca nodded in satisfaction. Then she smiled brightly with an expression of softness that Christoph had never seen before.

Richard, standing nearby, quietly observed Christoph, who still had his head bowed, his eyes looking down with a pale expression, no different from when he saw Bianca out of the room. Meanwhile, Richard maintained his usual calm smile.

After finishing the tea, it seemed like Bianca wanted to stay a little longer, but when Richard smiled sadly and mentioned that there was too much work to do, she stood up immediately.

“――So be careful not to harm your health and work hard. Take good care of yourself, especially during such a critical time…… Whenever you have time, come visit me. Or you can call me and I’ll be happy to come anytime.”

She spoke to Richard with a voice full of concern and love then once again reminded Christoph to help Richard before leaving.

Neither of them spoke until she stepped out of the reception room and completely disappeared.

Richard was the first to break the silence.

He slowly stood up and approached Christoph from behind. Christoph stood stiffly by the door, his eyes downcast, looking at the floor with a pale expression. Richard moved closer and whispered in his ear.

“This is the first time you’ve met her since she arrived at Tarten, right?”

“……”

“She’s contacted me several times, inviting me for tea. I thought of you, so I invited you to join…… How was it? How did it feel to sit and chat with your beloved mother after such a long time?”

Christoph didn’t answer.

He remained silent, standing away from the sofa, keeping the same posture he had when he saw Bianca out, his head lowered, looking away.

“Yeah, Christoph. It’s wonderful to have a reunion after such a long time, isn’t it?”

Richard whispered in a tone as gentle as possible (almost taunting). Then, slowly, he placed his lips on Christoph’s earlobe. His lips gently brushed against the earlobe and carefully slid down to the back of his neck.

This gentle and soft action was entirely different from the cold demeanor before Bianca entered the room.

As if soothing a child after being cruelly tormented, comforting and consoling.

Richard placed his lips on Christoph’s skin as gently as a feather. His lips lingered on Christoph’s skin, becoming more intense bit by bit.

Trembling…… Trembling.

Christoph’s body trembled slightly and his face twisted every time Richard’s lips glided over his skin, but he remained motionless as if hypnotized.

Until a certain moment.

“……Don’t touch me.”

Christoph whispered.

A weak and dreamy voice as if lost in a dream. But Richard definitely heard it.

Richard paused for a moment but then continued to kiss Christoph’s shoulders, slowly moving down to his underarms and elbows.

It was a careful and soft kiss. His warm lips were gentle as if they were comforting.

But at that moment.

“DO NOT TOUCH ME……!”

Christoph violently pushed him away. He shook his arm so forcefully that Richard had to step back and then he turned to face him.

Christoph’s clear blue eyes seemed frozen and pale like crystal. They were so dry that it seemed no tears could fall. Instead, only a blazing blue flame burned inside those eyes. A flame of hatred poured out instead of tears.

“I HATE YOU, RICHARD TARTEN……. I HATE YOU! I CANNOT BEAR YOUR EXISTENCE IN THIS WORLD!! WHY, WHY DOES SOMEONE LIKE YOU……!!”

Venomous words, like poison, poured from his pale lips.

With every spiteful word, Richard’s expression slowly faded. He didn’t blink as he absorbed Christoph’s hatred until his face became completely emotionless.

Richard stared at Christoph, who was panting, unable to finish his sentence due to his emotions. His face hardened, devoid of any expression. It was a cold, empty face, completely different from the gentle one when he kissed Christoph’s skin.

“Even my existence in this world is unbearable for you? Do you hate me that much……?”

Richard whispered as if talking to himself.

“THERE’S NO ONE I HATE MORE THAN YOU. THERE’S NOTHING IN THIS WORLD HORRIBLE THAN YOU!”

Christoph shouted, almost as if in a scream.

His eyes, full of hatred, glared at Richard. It seemed as if his reason had been shaken, causing his eyes to tremble slightly.

Suddenly, Richard laughed. At that moment, his expressionless face suddenly took on a strange expression. The gentle and soft face characteristic of him. And in a light voice, he whispered.

“Is that so? That’s good then. I also hate you terribly. We hate each other. Isn’t that wonderful?”

Christoph didn’t respond.

Richard slowly walked closer. He sat down on the chair, leaning back comfortably. Then he turned to face Christoph, who was standing a short distance away, staring at him. With his usual smile.

And then, at some point, he spoke quietly.

“Take off your clothes, Christoph.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Christoph’s eyes sharpened like a blade. Richard didn’t miss the moment Christoph glanced towards the door.

A room connected behind the reception area.

Outside the reception room, a few people were sitting and talking. Laughter echoed occasionally through the door as if they were discussing something pleasant.

When sound enters from outside, sound from inside will also leak out.

The only thing separating them was a thin door.

“――Are you crazy, Richard?”

“Not at all. I’m perfectly sane. As sane as I can be.”

Richard gently wiggled his fingers. His cold eyes and faint smile were unchanged from his usual demeanor.

Christoph stood still for a long moment, staring at him.

“It’s not just me who has to endure humiliation.”

“Ah…… thank you for your concern. Now, take them off.”

“……—.”

Christoph gritted his teeth. A pale anger flickered on his face.

At some point, Christoph roughly began to undress.

From his jacket, vest, tie to even his shirt, he removed them without hesitation and threw them onto the floor. Then he took off his pants and underwear.

Christoph clenched his teeth, flinging his clothes away without pausing for a second. Soon, he stood completely naked in front of Richard.

“Is this enough, you madman?”

In front of Christoph, who was gritting his teeth, Richard appreciatively rested his chin on his arm, which was placed on the armrest of the chair and slowly gazed at him from head to toe, inch by inch as if savoring a scene.

“Get on that table and lie face down.”

Richard motioned towards the large table with an indifferent tone.

Christoph hesitated and stood still for a moment, staring at the large round table that would require 3-4 men to move.

“……This pervert…… what’s the point of doing this……?”

“Ah, someone who isn’t a pervert wouldn’t understand. The pleasure of watching someone trembling in tears, swaying their hips…… Especially when that person is someone you despise.”

Richard spoke lightly as if preparing to enjoy a cheerful movie. Then he lowered his voice and spoke decisively.

“If you understand, hurry up to get on there and kneel down, lie face down.”

Christoph glared at Richard with eyes full of resentment for a few seconds. Then suddenly, he turned his face away and climbed onto the round table. He lay face down on the table, surrendering himself in anger.

Richard slowly stood up and approached Christoph. He picked up Christoph’s tie lying nearby. After gently stroking the soft tie, he quickly tied Christoph’s wrists before he could react.

“?! What are you doing!”

“Shh…… If you scream, everyone outside will hear you.”

“……!!”

At Richard’s silent warning, Christoph’s face quickly turned pale.

Meanwhile, Richard tied the other end of the tie to the thick leg of the round table to secure it.

Christoph frowned, a flicker of anxiety and unease appearing on his face. He tried to pull his wrist, but the table didn’t budge and the tie showed no signs of tearing.

“Richard…… what the hell are you doing? Let me go……!”

Richard bent down close to Christoph’s ear, whispering softly.

“If I don’t do this, you’ll definitely resist in every way.”

“What……?!”

When Christoph asked in surprise, Richard suddenly laughed. His smile was gentle but cold as a snake. Then suddenly, he turned towards the door and raised his voice.

“Ahim! Are you there?”

“……—!!”

Although he didn’t shout, Richard’s voice was loud enough to be heard outside the reception room.

Immediately, Christoph’s face turned deathly pale. He looked at Richard in disbelief.

Richard calmly spoke to the person outside.

“Who’s out there right now?”

“Uh…… it’s Fritz, Sven and Wolf…… Tim just stepped out for a moment, but he’ll be back soon. What’s the matter?”

The voice responded from outside, accompanied by the sound of someone approaching the door.