ARRYN: Brother of the Capture Target (BL)

Chapter 6

Arryn hummed joyfully as he prepared an array of delectable dishes in the kitchen. Today marked a significant day—the day of the exam. He had a heartfelt desire to surprise his younger brother with a sumptuous feast lovingly crafted by his own hands.

Just yesterday, Kaito and Iko had relayed the head's request for Arryn to assume the role of instructor for the academy's promising rising star.

The three of them engage in a small talk, and surprisingly, the conversation flows smoothly. No further questions are asked; they simply agree to the favor he requested, and Kaito and Iko respond with silent nods of their heads.

Arryn can't help but sense that something is amiss with the two brothers. He reminisces about the past and realizes he has never seen them this quiet before. It's as if a veil of unusual silence has draped over their usual lively demeanor.

On that day, Arryn made a request to Kaito and Iko, asking them to keep their agreement about him becoming the instructor a secret for personal reasons. The brothers, being rather laid-back themselves, gladly complied with his request.

Since Arryn had yet to discover their true identities, he figured it would be easier to skip the formalities and invited them inside his house. After all, who needs all that pomp and ceremony? The brothers, equally unenthusiastic about formal introductions, happily embraced this casual approach.

They were indeed nobles, hailing from families of higher status than Arryn's. His father held the esteemed title of Duke, while their father had recently been bestowed with the grand title of Grand Duke.

Ah, the passing of the torch, or rather, the grand duke's seat. The former Grand Duke Iscal, being a cunning old fox, cleverly stepped down from his position and handed it over to his son. He probably wagered that once Uncle Loid mastered the art of governing the Duchy's affairs, the old man could kick back and retire without a care, leaving everything in the capable hands of Uncle Loid. Talk about shrewd planning!

As Arryn reminisced about the Academy under the old man's management, he let out a deep sigh, realizing that his suspicions were likely correct.

However, his mood quickly brightened as he gazed at the array of delectable dishes he had prepared. The aroma wafting from the food filled the kitchen, making his mouth water. He couldn't help but imagine his adorable younger brother's reaction when he tasted the culinary delights Arryn had lovingly crafted.

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Meanwhile, in a vast field, a multitude of extravagant carriages lined the sides, forming an impressive spectacle. Standing prominently in the center was a massive portal, its grandeur impossible to miss.

The servants of the nobles gradually began assembling chairs, tables, and umbrellas, providing much-needed shade from the scorching sun. This designated area served as a resting place for the students and their families after completing the first task inside the portal. The initial entry into the other dimension often caused instability and sickness among newcomers, which is why highly skilled hunters were assigned to supervise and assist them.

In the event that someone fainted or couldn't handle the pressure of being inside the portal, these capable hunters were ready to swiftly bring them outside for recovery. Thus, after each task, participants were given ample time to adjust and clear their minds, allowing them to regain their composure.

Even on the field, a clear hierarchy was evident, as nobles of greater status had the privilege of choosing their resting spots before others. The social order was respected, with precedence given to those of higher rank.

"Young Master, please eat some food first to prevent fainting inside the portal," the maid pleaded, her voice tinged with a touch of sadness. She looked at the young man with blue eyes and blonde hair, desperately hoping to alleviate his longing and loneliness.

But the young man remained lost in his own world, his gaze fixed on the area where the carriages were stationed. There, he yearned for the presence of his parents, whose absence echoed in the depths of his heart. He longed for their warm embrace, their reassuring words, and the familiar bond they once shared.

The servants, witnessing the young man's profound solitude, exchanged sorrowful glances among themselves. They understood the weight of his unspoken desires, and their own hearts ached in empathy. They longed for a miracle, a serendipitous moment that would bring solace to their young master's forlorn spirit.

And their prayers were answered in an instant, as an eye-catching carriage drawn by magnificent wild animals came into view. The carriage was adorned with a myriad of aromatic herbs, creating an enchanting fragrance that wafted through the air.

At the table where the esteemed Grand Duke Iscal sat with his family, adjacent to the royal family's table, a collective hush fell over the guests. All eyes turned towards the old man, who erupted in hearty laughter, his amusement contagious.

"This young one never ceases to astound me," he exclaimed, his voice filled with amusement. The others at the table exchanged puzzled glances, their curiosity piqued by the old man's enigmatic words.

In that moment, a sense of intrigue and anticipation hung in the air, as the guests eagerly awaited the unveiling of the young man who had managed to captivate the attention of the venerable Grand Duke Iscal. The atmosphere crackled with humor and a touch of mystery, as everyone wondered what surprises lay in store.

The son of one of the chief executives of their country couldn't contain his amazement as he gazed at the majestic tigers leading the enchanting carriage.

"Your Excellency, do you happen to know the young master inside the carriage?" he asked, his eyes filled with intrigue.

A mischievous smile spread across the face of the venerable Grand Duke as he turned to look at the young man seated nearby. The others at the table followed his gaze, their curiosity piqued by the mysterious figure with blonde hair.

"Why, of course I know him," the Grand Duke replied, his voice tinged with a hint of mystery. The young man squirmed in his seat, feeling the weight of everyone's attention upon him.

The chief executive's son, still puzzled, mustered the courage to seek further clarification. "Forgive me, Your Excellency, but I too am unaware of the young master's identity."

Rather than offering a direct answer, the Grand Duke's grin widened, adding to the air of suspense that now enveloped the gathering. The guests exchanged bewildered glances, their minds buzzing with speculation and eager to uncover the enigmatic persona who had captured the interest of the esteemed Grand Duke Iscal.

"Ohoho, I believe I have already unraveled the identity of the young man inside," the old lady suddenly exclaimed, turning her head towards the old man. "Eugene, you sly damn fox!"

The unexpected accusation caught them off guard, diverting their attention to the old lady seated at the head of the royal family. With her piercing eyes and an air of wisdom, she radiated an aura of intrigue.

Her lips curled into a knowing smile as she addressed the bewildered young man. "The gentleman inside the carriage is your guide, dear young man, and he happens to be your older brother," she said, her voice carrying a warmth that melted away any doubts.

Silence fell over the crowd as the revelation sank in. Whispers and murmurs erupted, spreading like wildfire through the onlookers. The significance of this revelation was not lost on them, as the magnitude of the situation resonated in their hearts.

Even the candidates who were undertaking the exam, their attention momentarily diverted from their own trials, felt their pulses quicken with anticipation. They couldn't help but wonder what mysteries lay within the Evanov family, and what secrets the eldest brother held.

"What kind of sorcery is this?" echoed the astonished voices, mingling with a mixture of awe, curiosity, and a hint of trepidation. The atmosphere crackled with excitement and intrigue, as the unfolding events promised a tale of intertwined destinies and hidden truths.

The stage was set, and the grand tapestry of the Evanov legacy began to unfurl, captivating all those caught in its enigmatic embrace.