The Boundaries of Possession - Chapter 3
“Congratulations, Duke.”
Andreas didn’t forget to express his displeasure to those approaching him with talk of the throne. If he didn’t, they would surely become a nuisance later.
Those who hesitated awkwardly before pretending familiarity were the lesser evil. In such cases, he could steer the conversation toward them instead and use the time to assess them.
He began to classify the nobles into two categories but quickly stopped. None of them would ever think of him as anything more than the man who would become emperor and benefit them.
They were disgusting creatures, much like the rats in the slums. Whether they were fluttering their fans laced with pheromones or gesturing from a distance under the guise of seduction, to him, they were all the same.
Bold or cautious, they were still nothing but pathetic insects. He could swear that neither type was something he would ever want.
Among these maggot-like people, a single woman’s appearance stood out in an absurd way. Despite her slender frame, the aura she exuded was undeniable. Everyone leaned in close, focusing on his conversation with her.
“Duke Eperthier.”
Her gaze was confident, knowing he couldn’t refuse her. Her eyes, reminiscent of the early afternoon sky, sparkled with determination. Her golden hair, like spun silk, gently swayed, causing him to narrow his gaze slightly.
“I am Elysia Brillen of the Brillen Viscountcy.”
Elysia Brillen.
An omega who had revived a household that was on the brink of collapse.
She was a well-known figure. Even before she had approached, he had noticed the crude gazes being cast her way.
“What’s an omega doing stirring things up like that?”
“No wonder she’s so vulgar.”
Omegas generally did not appear in high society. Unless it was their debutante season or they were part of the hosting family for a ball, they rarely showed their faces.
For omegas, this was only natural. No matter how they presented themselves, they would inevitably become targets for alphas, and even betas often looked down on them. In short, omegas were considered the lowest among those with traits.
If they were born into noble families, they were considered somewhat lucky. After all, it wasn’t hard to find destitute and miserable omegas wandering the back alleys of the capital because of their traits.
And Elysia Brillen was—
“……”
Andreas’s gaze slowly swept over her. Like most omegas, her soft features, slender figure, and delicate air clearly marked her as an omega for all to see.
Everyone around them seemed to be watching her as if she were nothing more than entertainment. But why was this woman acting like a deer that had willingly entered a lion’s den?
Moreover, she had already confessed to him once before.
‘I distinctly remember rejecting her back then.’
Elysia attended every ball and banquet she was invited to. The gossipers claimed she had a strange hobby of seeking attention.
Andreas had to swallow his discomfort each time he saw her appear wherever he went. He didn’t care how much shame Elysia might feel from what he said to her.
If she were an alpha, it might have been a different story, but as an omega, she was of no use to him. Most of all, what he wanted now was to leave these nobles behind and return to his residence as soon as possible.
For the moment, Andreas waited for Elysia to speak first. But she said nothing more. With no conversation happening, the nobles who had been whispering among themselves gradually fell silent and began watching him and Elysia.
Andreas considered speaking first but gave up. She was clearly someone who knew how to take control of the situation, so he had to wait. Surely, she had a plan. What would she say this time? As he tried to anticipate her next move, Elysia spoke.
“I would like you to date me, Your Grace.”
Elysia dropped a massive bombshell. Or rather, she gently handed it to him with a soft smile, placing it directly into his hands.
Andreas, momentarily stunned, blurted out a response.
“What did you just say?”
Laughter erupted from various corners of the room. Had an omega just confessed first? And to the man destined to inherit the throne, no less. But Elysia didn’t yield to the situation and dropped her second bombshell.
“I would like to date you—with marriage in mind.”
