After finishing his conversation with the Minister of Transport, Shavri Vitaljevich was quickly approached by others seeking to engage him in discussion.

Shavri Vitaljevich knew that Chen Ci had no interest in such conversations. Since they rarely had chances to attend events like this, he didn’t want Chen Ci to waste his time mingling with these people either.

Lowering his head, Shavri Vitaljevich whispered, “Go take a walk. I’ll come find you in a bit.”

Chen Nian nodded, let go of Shavri Vitaljevich’s arm, politely saluted the Speaker who was standing before him, and then turned away, leaving the crown prince’s side.

The banquet hall was spacious, and Chen Nian quickly found a quiet corner where he could finally drop his guarded facade.

The Alpha whose gaze had met his earlier was no longer there. Chen Nian’s eyes scanned the room—not so much to find someone in particular, but more to filter for a more suitable “target.”

Even though he had left Shavri Vitaljevich’s side, as the “royal consort,” Chen Nian was still the center of attention. Every move he made was silently observed by many eyes.

Chen Nian was well accustomed to such scrutiny. Casually, he took a glass of wine from a server’s tray. The special ice cubes clinked against the glass, producing a crisp, pleasant sound.

He sipped lightly, and his eyes brightened.

Chen Nian had a well-known love for alcohol—a fact that had long ceased to be a secret in the Underground City. Any Alpha who sought him out at the nightclub would inevitably have to bring high-quality liquor to win his favor.

Chen Nian took great pride in his “work.” Without spending a penny, he got to drink fine wines, and since the bills were often under his name, he even earned a handsome commission.

It might sound a bit unscrupulous, but such arrangements always involved mutual consent. No one was truly a victim.

The wine served at a royal banquet was, of course, exceptional. Chen Nian thought to himself that attending this event was definitely the right choice. He set aside all irrelevant thoughts and started to enjoy the variety of wines and delicacies available.

However, his moment of peace didn’t last long before the first noble approached him for conversation.

The visitor was a female Alpha with platinum-blonde hair tied up neatly. She was stunningly beautiful yet carried an air of heroism. Her violet eyes, strikingly similar to Shavri Vitaljevich’s, instantly revealed her identity to Chen Nian—the second princess, Aphro.

Shavri Vitaljevich had three siblings: his twenty-one-year-old Alpha sister Aphro and his sixteen-year-old Omega sister Elena, who had recently undergone differentiation.

As a future in-law, Chen Ci had met them before, albeit not often.

“He just left you alone here?” Aphro glanced at Shavri Vitaljevich, who was in the middle of a conversation with the Speaker, and clicked her tongue in disbelief. “How carefree.”

“I’m fine on my own,” Chen Nian said with a shake of his head. “I’m already happy just to be here.”

Chen Nian swore he wasn’t trying to hint at anything—it was merely an honest statement. But to Aphro’s ears, it carried deeper implications.

As a member of the royal family, the princess knew all too well about Chen Ci’s precarious situation. With a light sigh, she said, “Next time you want to go out, just tell him. Don’t worry about bothering anyone.”

“Wouldn’t that inconvenience His Highness?” Chen Nian asked.

Aphro laughed. “He’s only busy during the day. At night, you can find him whenever you like.”

Chen Nian nodded. Since even Shavri Vitaljevich’s sister had said so, he decided he wouldn’t hold back in the coming days.

It wasn’t that he particularly wanted to stick with Shavri Vitaljevich—it was just that, without the crown prince accompanying him, he couldn’t go anywhere. Otherwise, Chen Nian would much rather explore on his own.

After a brief conversation with Chen Nian, Aphro left to find her other friends.

With the princess breaking the ice, others who had been hesitating also approached, and before long, Chen Nian found himself surrounded by chatter.

Meeting new people wasn’t a bad thing, though Chen Nian did ponder how he would summarize all of this in his journal for Chen Ci later.

As long as there was no ill intent, Chen Nian didn’t mind mingling.

Shavri Vitaljevich glanced over twice during this period. He saw Chen Nian holding a wine glass and chatting with others. The boy’s expression was characteristically composed, showing few emotions. Only when the conversation turned to something interesting did he curve his lips into a faint smile. Every reaction was measured, which only added to his reserved and slightly shy demeanor as someone making their first formal appearance.

The crown prince had initially worried that Chen Ci might struggle in social settings, but now he was relieved. He hoped Chen Ci could make more friends.

Most of those gathered around Chen Nian were Omega and quite friendly.

Even so, Shavri Vitaljevich remained cautious. Earlier, when dealing with that… what was her name again? Ah, Beryl Merritt—he had attracted enough attention to dissuade other hostile Omegas from causing trouble, at least for now.

As Chen Nian chatted, he unknowingly finished the last drop of his wine. Just as he looked up to find a server, a new glass was handed to him.

The brown-haired, green-eyed Alpha who had been watching from afar had approached without him noticing. Meeting Chen Nian’s surprised amber eyes, the Alpha offered a slight smile. “Here.”

“Thank you,” Chen Nian said as he took the glass. Just then, the recently acquainted Miss Gui Zhiqi teased, “Antonio really is considerate to everyone, isn’t he?”

“It’s my honor,” the Alpha replied with a gentlemanly bow toward Chen Nian. “A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. I’m Antonio Green, but you can call me Antonio.”

Chen Nian nodded lightly. Among the Alphas who had come to introduce themselves, Antonio stood out—not for being overbearing, but for the subtle difference in his demeanor.

Most people wouldn’t have noticed, but Chen Nian, after spending so much time among Alphas, had developed a keen sense for such nuances.

And so, Chen Nian found himself chatting pleasantly with Antonio.

When Shavri Vitaljevich eventually came looking for him, Chen Nian was fully engrossed in conversation with Gui Zhiqi and Antonio. He hadn’t even noticed the crown prince standing behind him.

“Chen Ci.”

It took Chen Nian a moment to register the voice as Shavri Vitaljevich’s. He turned to look at him. The crown prince leaned in slightly and asked, “Are you getting used to this?”

“It’s fine,” Chen Nian replied honestly. “I’ve met quite a few new friends.”

Antonio joked, “You should’ve brought the prince consort out sooner so we could meet him. What’s with keeping him hidden away like a treasure?”

“I thought he didn’t like crowds,” Shavri Vitaljevich replied simply. Previously, he had asked Chen Ci multiple times if he wanted to attend such gatherings, only to be declined.

While it was true that Chen Ci disliked crowds, Chen Nian was different.

Hearing their exchange, Chen Nian blinked.

It sounded like… they got along well?

As he held the glass Antonio had handed him, Chen Nian glanced up at Shavri Vitaljevich, who seemed completely unaware of the situation. A thought crossed his mind: Bro, do you even realize your buddy is trying to steal your treasure?

Satisfied that Chen Nian was adapting well and making friends, Shavri Vitaljevich felt reassured.

After Antonio was called away by an acquaintance, Shavri Vitaljevich returned to his own duties, leaving Chen Nian with plenty of personal space.

Chen Nian and Gui Zhiqi found a quiet spot to sit and chat. Despite only just meeting, they hit it off quickly. Soon, Gui Zhiqi was spilling all sorts of gossip to him.

The noble circles were never short on scandalous tales. With some intentional prodding, Chen Nian learned quite a bit about Shavri Vitaljevich.

For instance, many Omegas, knowing full well that Shavri Vitaljevich was engaged, still flocked to him unabashedly.

The reason was simple: Chen Ci and Shavri Vitaljevich couldn’t smell each other’s pheromones.

What should have been a secret had somehow leaked, becoming common knowledge in aristocratic circles. This revelation alone was enough to doom their marriage to unhappiness.

Pheromones were too critical in Alpha-Omega relationships. Countless cases had shown that platonic love rarely endured. The ideal bond required both emotional and physical compatibility.

This gave hope to those Omegas infatuated with Shavri Vitaljevich. What did it matter if he was engaged? If they could develop a connection with him, the royal family would have no choice but to acknowledge it for the sake of reputation.

When the engagement was inevitably annulled, replacing the prince consort would be a matter of course.

Gui Zhiqi spoke cautiously, fearing that Chen Nian might take offense. But instead, the prince consort seemed thoroughly entertained, even encouraging her to share more.

“Aren’t you angry?” Gui Zhiqi asked quietly. “If my fiancé was constantly surrounded by admirers, I’d be furious.”

“His mind and eyes are his own. Wherever they wander, it’s not something I can control,” Chen Nian said with a faint smile. In the dim corner of the hall, no one noticed the subtle shift in his expression.

For a moment, the facade of Chen Ci faded, revealing a glimpse of the real Chen Nian.

Playing idly with the stem of his wine glass, he said calmly, “If someone truly has the skill to steal Shavri Vitaljevich away, then I wouldn’t have any complaints.”

“However, if someone tries to show off by dragging me into it, that’s another story.”

Gui Zhiqi was momentarily at a loss for words. After a long pause, she chuckled, “You’re… something else. People used to say the prince consort was cold and impossibly rigid. I’m never believing gossip again.”

“Didn’t they also say I was hideously scarred and ugly?” Chen Nian teased with a wink. “From the moment you saw me, you should’ve known better than to believe rumors.”

The two chatted for over an hour until Gui Zhiqi was summoned by her mother to meet other Alpha families.

“Ugh, it’s always like matchmaking,” she said with a resigned shrug. “I’ll come find you later.”

With Gui Zhiqi gone, the space around Chen Nian quieted significantly.

He sipped his drink, feeling a bit bored, and began scanning the crowd for Shavri Vitaljevich.

It didn’t take long to spot him. Shavri Vitaljevich was surrounded by a group of Omegas—ten or so stunning men and women, each boasting their own unique allure.

Even Beryl Merritt, who had previously antagonized Chen Nian, was among them.

Whatever they were discussing must have been amusing, as the Omegas burst into laughter. Their lilting voices filled the air, creating a lively scene.

Chen Nian let out a soft chuckle. Well, then. If you can play around with Omegas, I should be allowed to enjoy myself too.

Standing up, he made his way toward the staircase leading to the second floor.

The upper level was much quieter, offering a reprieve from the noise. Chen Nian strolled along the corridor, relishing the solitude.

The soft, handwoven carpet muffled his footsteps, making it feel like walking on clouds. As he admired the paintings lining the walls, a gentle breeze carried the fragrance of garden blooms.

Ahead, the curved balcony beckoned, bathed in moonlight. Heavy curtains brushed against the floor.

An Alpha in a dark military uniform stood by the railing, gazing silently at the distant city skyline.

His straight posture and detached air made it seem as though he was entirely removed from the glitz and glamor of the banquet below.

Chen Nian paused in his tracks.

The man seemed to notice the faint sound of footsteps behind him. Resting one hand on the stone railing, he turned to look.

His deep blue eyes were as calm as the sea.

Caught off guard by the icy gaze, Chen Nian’s interest was immediately piqued. Not bad at all. The Alphas here really are a cut above those in the Underground City.

After a brief hesitation, Chen Nian adopted the demeanor of an innocent young man who had accidentally stumbled into someone else’s space. A touch of embarrassment colored his delicate features. “I’m sorry. Did I disturb you?”

“It’s fine,” the man replied, his voice as cold and stern as his appearance.

The Omega youth, dressed in a platinum-white formal suit, stood beneath the last lamp in the hallway. Behind him stretched the bright corridor; before him lay the dimly lit balcony.

The line between light and shadow cut softly across his face. Even the harshest night seemed gentler in his presence.

Perhaps it was the wine, but a faint blush tinted his cheeks. Up close, one might even catch the fruity aroma of the alcohol lingering on his lips.

The man’s gaze lingered briefly on Chen Nian’s face before he turned back to the view.

Chen Nian walked slowly onto the balcony, stopping three meters away from the Alpha. Quietly, he looked out at the distant, hazy horizon.

For a while, they stood side by side, enjoying the scenery in silence. The distant chatter from the banquet drifted up with the evening breeze, faint and indistinct.

Eventually, Chen Nian seemed to gather his courage. Glancing at the man beside him, he asked softly, “Do you also find the banquet too noisy?”

There was something about Chen Nian—a subtle charm that made even the coldest Alpha unable to remain indifferent when he reached out.

The man responded with a faint hum. “Events like these aren’t really my thing.”

“It’s my first time attending one, and I feel a bit out of place too,” Chen Nian admitted with a wry smile. “Thankfully, the balcony is quiet, and the view is nice.”

If anyone had witnessed this scene, their eyes would have nearly popped out of their heads.

The infamous General Gudes—renowned for his cold demeanor and young age—was actually chatting with an Omega! And not just any Omega, but the newly unveiled prince consort!

How on earth had these two ended up together?

Meanwhile, Shavri Vitaljevich finally managed to extricate himself from the circle of young nobles.

Relieved to have a moment of peace, he sighed quietly. The mingled scents of multiple Omega pheromones had overwhelmed his senses, making him rub his nose in discomfort.

Every banquet was the same: the moment he appeared idle, eligible Omegas would flock to him, each employing subtle methods to catch his attention.

Yet, despite the lively crowd, Shavri Vitaljevich had been secretly keeping an eye on Chen Nian’s movements, worried that he might feel bored or uncomfortable.

But in just a blink, Chen Nian was nowhere to be found.

The corner where he had been chatting with Gui Zhiqi was now empty.

Shavri Vitaljevich had left earlier to give Chen Ci some privacy while socializing. He had never treated Chen Ci as a possession, nor did he feel the need to monitor his every interaction.

But now, after searching for a while without success, Shavri Vitaljevich frowned.

Aphro suddenly appeared at his side, as if out of nowhere. “What’s wrong? You look worried.”

“Have you seen Chen Ci?” he asked.

“Hmm… now that you mention it, I haven’t,” Aphro replied thoughtfully. Then she suggested, “Why don’t you check upstairs?”

Shavri Vitaljevich nodded and made his way to the second floor.

Compared to the bustling main hall, the upper floor was much quieter—just the kind of place Chen Ci would prefer.

As he walked down the corridor, nearing the balcony, he suddenly heard voices not far away.

“Yes, having friends is important. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be wandering around on my own right now.”

Shavri Vitaljevich paused, momentarily failing to recognize Chen Ci’s voice.

When he saw Chen Nian’s face and heard him speak, he usually found it difficult to notice any changes in tone, even if they were subtle.

But now, hearing only his voice, the difference was stark—his usual cold indifference replaced by a softness, a liveliness, and even a hint of coquettishness at the end of his sentences.

Before Shavri Vitaljevich could fully process his surprise, another low, steady voice cut in, leaving him even more stunned.

“Sometimes solitude can be quite a pleasant pastime.”

General Gudes? Why is he talking to Chen Ci?

Shavri Vitaljevich was thoroughly bewildered.

General Gudes was a household name across the kingdom—not just for his young rise to prominence but also for another striking reason.

As a top-tier Alpha with exceptional mental strength, Gudes was famously uninterested in relationships. Even after his parents had painstakingly screened genetically compatible Omega candidates, he had flatly refused, never even meeting them. His commitment to bachelorhood was unwavering.

But that wasn’t what truly unsettled Shavri Vitaljevich. What bothered him was the fact that Gudes had once served under Chen Wei, the late marshal.

“Solitude, huh? If you have something to keep you interested, spending time alone can indeed be quite nice,” Chen Nian replied lightly, laughing softly. “But I’m afraid it could eventually turn into loneliness.”

Shavri Vitaljevich thought back and realized that Chen Ci had never spoken to him like this.

Unable to hold back any longer, he stepped onto the balcony. The sound of his footsteps caught the attention of the two, who turned to look at him.

“Chen Ci.”

Hearing his name, Chen Nian was momentarily surprised.

He hadn’t expected Shavri Vitaljevich to come looking for him—especially not when the crown prince had been surrounded by a crowd of Omegas just minutes ago.

Caught in the act of chatting with a stranger Alpha, Chen Nian wasn’t flustered at all. Instead, he spoke openly, “Are you done?”

“I was going to look for you, but you seemed busy, so I came up here for some air,” he said nonchalantly.

Chen Nian’s tone was calm, but Shavri Vitaljevich could clearly hear the undercurrent of displeasure.

The young man didn’t dare complain directly, but his subdued demeanor made his grievances subtly known.

“My apologies,” Shavri Vitaljevich said, genuinely contrite. “I’ll stay with you from now on.”

Extending his hand toward Chen Nian, Shavri Vitaljevich watched as the young man’s amber eyes flickered with unreadable emotion. Instead of taking the hand, Chen Nian reached out to lightly grip the edge of his sleeve, standing obediently by his side.

The strange unease that had been gnawing at Shavri Vitaljevich eased slightly. Glancing at the third person present, he respectfully addressed him. “General Gudes.”

“Your Highness.”

General Gudes’s gaze lingered on Chen Nian as he processed the crown prince’s earlier words. His typically impassive expression softened ever so slightly as he took in the young man’s appearance.

“This is the late Marshal Chen Wei’s…?”

“Yes,” Shavri Vitaljevich confirmed, taking the opportunity to introduce the two. “General Gudes once served under Marshal Chen Wei.”

So, there’s that connection.

Chen Nian’s interest was piqued. He had guessed that the Alpha before him held a significant status but hadn’t expected him to have ties to his late father, whom he had never met.

Calculating the timeline, Chen Wei had died shortly after he and Chen Ci were born. Now, a former subordinate of his father was standing before him.

By this point, General Gudes was at least forty years old. Given advancements in medical technology since the colony’s establishment, humans now enjoyed prolonged youth, with adulthood beginning at eighteen and old age not setting in until around ninety.

So, General Gudes was likely in his prime. If he’d married young, his children could very well be Chen Nian’s age.

Smiling faintly, Chen Nian said, “General, I didn’t know your identity earlier. Please forgive any offense.”

“It’s nothing, Your Highness,” General Gudes replied, his tone unwavering. “You don’t need to stand on ceremony. I will always remember the marshal’s kindness.”

After a few more polite exchanges between Shavri Vitaljevich and General Gudes, Chen Nian remained quietly by the crown prince’s side. The lively conversation he’d shared with the general on the balcony felt like a distant memory.

Noticing Shavri Vitaljevich’s gaze, Chen Nian tilted his head slightly, blinking in innocent confusion.

Everything seemed normal—so why did it leave Shavri Vitaljevich with an inexplicable sense of discomfort?

Unable to figure it out, he softly suggested, “Let’s head back down.”

“Alright.”

After bidding farewell to General Gudes, Shavri Vitaljevich and Chen Nian returned to the main hall, leaving the general to enjoy his solitude.

Walking through the corridor, Shavri Vitaljevich spoke up. “You should’ve come to find me directly.”

“I didn’t want to disturb you,” Chen Nian replied.

Shavri Vitaljevich shook his head. “You can call for me anytime. I wouldn’t consider it an inconvenience.”

Perfect, Chen Nian thought. Let’s see if you still think that way in the coming days.

After a brief pause, Shavri Vitaljevich added, “Not everyone here is someone I want to associate with.”

Chen Nian knew exactly what he was referring to, and it almost made him laugh.

For someone constantly surrounded by Omegas flaunting their charms, Shavri Vitaljevich’s attempt to avoid suspicion was almost comical. What on earth is this crown prince thinking?

Instead of addressing his comment directly, Chen Nian asked, “Can you smell their pheromones?”

“What?”

“Even though I’ve been stuck in the White Tower, I know that the fact we can’t detect each other’s pheromones has long been an open secret,” Chen Nian said casually. “It’s only natural for people to have their own opinions.”

But I could smell yours—last night.

That faint tuberose fragrance, so captivating, had lingered twice in Chen Nian’s senses the night before. Shavri Vitaljevich planned to investigate further before telling Chen Ci, given that their anosmia toward each other had persisted for two years.

While it was true that many people around him harbored intentions, Shavri Vitaljevich had no interest in any of them. His only real passion was gaming.

Struggling to find the right words, Shavri Vitaljevich fell silent for a moment before finally saying, “I’ve never done anything to wrong you.”

Chen Nian didn’t respond, though he found the statement rather amusing. The exchange had all the hallmarks of a clichéd soap opera—perfectly suited for a primetime drama.

As they re-entered the banquet hall, all eyes were once again on them.

The Omegas who had previously surrounded Shavri Vitaljevich also took notice, their expressions varying wildly.

To be fair, the prince consort’s appearance was indeed unrivaled. Even the famously stunning Miss Hillkin, whose beauty was said to rival that of virtual idols, paled in comparison.

Who started the rumor about him being disfigured and ugly, anyway?

Someone muttered, “So what if he has a pretty face? Without pheromone compatibility, he’s not even fit to be His Highness’s lover.”

Several others murmured in agreement before one of them set down their wine glass and walked toward the performance stage.

The first crisp note of music filled the air, drawing Chen Nian’s attention to the source.

A young man in a light blue suit sat beneath the crystal chandelier, his slender fingers dancing across the piano keys. The melody flowed effortlessly, light and enchanting.

Though Chen Nian wasn’t well-versed in music, he found the performance enjoyable.

“Lu Heng’s playing is as captivating as ever.”

“Of course. He’s been studying under Master Tang Yiping since childhood. I heard he’s even planning a concert in the Underground City soon.”

“In the Underground City?”

“Yeah, he wants to bring music to more people.”

“He’s truly exceptional. He might even reach the master’s level one day.”

Initially, Chen Nian didn’t think it had anything to do with him. He casually picked up another glass of wine, enjoying the free performance.

But as the final note faded, Lu Heng stood gracefully, bowing amidst the applause, and walked directly toward Chen Nian.

Lu Heng smiled warmly, his words polite but pointed. “I’ve heard the prince consort is skilled with many instruments. Now that we’ve finally met, would you do me the honor of some guidance?”

Oh?

Chen Nian raised an eyebrow slightly. The arrogance in Lu Heng’s eyes was impossible to miss. It was clear he believed that no matter how skilled the prince consort might be, he couldn’t possibly compare to someone who had been trained by a master since childhood.

The so-called request for “guidance” was a thinly veiled challenge—a chance to show off, with an audience no less.

Trying to use me to level up your reputation, huh?

Chen Nian smiled faintly, his eyes glinting with a trace of apology as he replied, “I’m afraid I’ll have to decline.”

“My music is for Shavri Vitaljevich alone.”