Chains

Rogers Parr had lived a life of smooth sailing. He inherited his mother's beauty—a beauty so captivating it had utterly enchanted his father. Despite numerous struggles, this stunning woman, born a peasant girl, defied her station and ascended through several social classes to marry the estate's heir.

Though this union was far from sensible, anyone who laid eyes on Rogers' mother would be captivated by her fragile yet enchanting aura. Had she not been born in a rural hamlet, she might well have married nobility. Had she chosen to be a nobleman's mistress, she could likely have secured a grand estate for her children.

Many men privately remarked that Rogers' father had struck gold by marrying such a beauty.

Of course, to the wealth-obsessed gentlemen of the older generation, this was a profoundly ill-advised marriage. Yet as the sole heir, Rogers' father had no choice but to accept this bride when his parents could not prevent it.

In her youth, Rogers' mother had endured hardship. Though beautiful and slender, with a captivating charm tinged with fragility and shyness, her appearance failed to win the favor of her two elders.

It wasn't until Rogers was born, providing a confirmed heir, that his mother gradually gained tacit recognition as the lady of the house. Consequently, she doted on him intensely. As the heir, Rogers received the finest care and most privileged conditions from infancy.

Even as a child, he was exceptionally adorable, with large eyes like green crystals, clear and pure. Whatever he desired, he only needed to act coy, and those eager to please him would deliver it to his doorstep.

Rogers Parr had never faced any setbacks—except for Mr. Allen.

Mr. Allen was much older than Rogers. As the second son of the family, he possessed a bold and generous personality, serving as the local leader among the children. Everyone spared Rogers because of his young age, indulging his cuteness and often including him in their games. But Mr. Allen had little patience for babysitting.

And Rogers was the first to witness Mr. Allen's harsh side.

To everyone else, Mr. Allen appeared a bold and daring young man. He not only maintained good relations with the village's heirs but even drank and chatted with the servants, interacting with them with remarkable ease.

At the time, everyone mocked him for having no estate inheritance, probably hoping he'd adapt to his future life sooner. Rogers was young then and thought the same. He genuinely believed Mr. Allen was a pushover. So, still a child, he arrogantly ordered Mr. Allen to take him out to play. only to be tricked into playing hide-and-seek. When he opened his eyes again, everyone had vanished in a flurry.

Leaving Rogers all alone in the garden.

That first test ended in sobs and hiccups. Throughout his life, Rogers grew increasingly defiant toward the only person who never played with him or praised his beauty—Mr. Allen. When exactly did Allen's gaze toward him shift? When did his attitude transform from teasing into gentle indulgence... Rogers never noticed. All he knew was that the sudden upheaval came after Mr. Allen's father died. His eldest brother inherited the estate, and not long after, Mr. Allen left Southden overnight. Rumor had it he sailed away directly, taking only a few trusted servants with him.

The next time he saw him was when his family faced a great calamity.

Mr. Allen remained as naturally charming as ever. No, he seemed even better than before—more gentle, more courteous, utterly refined, even compassionate toward the poor. He was almost the perfect gentleman.

All traces of their youthful past seemed to vanish like the wind. Rogers, in his clumsy way, had forgotten the boy who occasionally flashed sharp edges during their childhood days together. And... he hated Alan.

Because his sister had married in tears, saying as she left, "It's a pity Allen isn't here."

What did those words truly mean?

Young Rogers didn't understand what a smart, strong leader meant to their peers. Yet he secretly resented Allen, convinced his departure meant abandoning his sister.

This incident might have faded away, but when Alan returned—a gentler, more vulnerable Alan—Rogers found a new outlet for his resentment.

After marrying, Rogers' sister found no happiness. She bore no heir and lived in hardship. Thus, whenever Rogers saw Allen, he would go looking for trouble.

But this time, Mr. Allen had returned looking so easy to bully—without even a hint of the soft-spoken resistance he once possessed. He seemed to have turned into a piece of dough.

To Mr. Allen, it seemed he was indulging this child he'd watched grow up over the years. Seeing him full of life and energy was the only joy in his stay in Nandeng Township.

Allen had endured some unpleasant experiences. The seas were far from tranquil, and upon reaching the New World, slaughter and counter-slaughter were commonplace. The New World held not only untold riches but also served as the primary place of exile for criminals from every nation on the continent.

Those bloody affairs seemed utterly disconnected from this soft, beautiful yet fragile young gentleman of Nandeng Township. To Allen, his grandniece was on the verge of adulthood. He planned to wait two more years, find a suitable match for her through marriage, and then set sail once more.

But fate intervened. The fair-haired, blue-eyed young Mr. Lance shared only tales of his sea voyages with him. They found common ground discussing ways to aid the poor—though while young Mr. Lance radiated pure gentleness and goodwill, Mr. Allen felt a tinge of penitence mixed within his own kindness.

People are drawn to light, and Mr. Allen found the company of this soft-hearted young Mr. Lance uplifting, leading him to visit quite frequently.

But to Rogers, things looked quite different.

The more Rogers observed, the more convinced he became he'd uncovered the truth. He knew why his sister had been abandoned—because Mr. Allen simply didn't care for women.

This discovery thrilled Rogers immensely. Yet the more he observed, the more perplexed he became—unnoticed details had blinded him before, but now, when he paid attention, Mr. Allen's every gesture, his tolerance and gentleness, quickly made Rogers forget his original purpose for watching.

Rogers adored how Allen gazed at him with such rapt attention, feeding his pride and satisfaction. This only made him grow more spoiled and demanding. Day after day, when he discovered that Lance was actually living in the countryside, spending every day with Allen, and even planning renovations for the estate, Rogers flew into a rage!

He was that straightforward by nature, fearing nothing under heaven. Once he knew he wouldn't let anyone steal Allen's attention, he thought of nothing else. That very night, wrapped only in a long cloak, he arrived at Allen's home.

It was a bitterly cold night, and Rogers shivered uncontrollably.

When he knocked on the window, Alan was startled. fearing something had happened to the Pals. But Rogers awkwardly asked to be carried inside. After Allen obediently brought him in, in that bedroom bathed by the bright full moon, the young Mr. Rogers slowly untied the silk ribbon at his collar. The cloak fell to the floor, and Mr. Rogers stood exposed in the moonlight, beautiful as a moon god.

Mr. Allen recoiled in shock, then rushed forward to pick up the cloak and wrap it around Rogers. He dared not look at him, instead tilting his head to let Rogers grasp it firmly. He could fetch fresh clothes for him to wear.

But Rogers reached out his pale arm, wrapping it around Allen's neck. He awkwardly drew closer, pressing his beautiful body against Allen's in clumsy, tantalizing movements...

Heaven knows those advances were clumsy, but for someone who loves you, no matter how awkward the gesture, it's enough to drive him mad for you.

Mr. Rogers finally got his wish.

He lived a life of unparalleled comfort and delight. Summers in Nandeng Township brought cool breezes. Mr. Rogers would sit in the manor, idly handling astonishingly expensive imported treasures before casually setting them aside. He adored lavish jewels, so Allen spared no effort gathering gems and pearls from every corner of the world.

Silk, an item so costly that even minor nobles treasured it, covered his bedding entirely, while cat's eye gems sparkled on his person.

He bore an elven resemblance, though his spirit diverged. While Rogers craved extravagant opulence, his heart remained as pure and innocent as an elf's. Everyone knew Allen had amassed great wealth at sea. Rumors swirled of his seaside villa, though no one truly grasped the extent of his riches. Yet he commanded vast networks of suppliers—even the Black Duke's overseas ventures had initially been brokered through him...

Yet throughout their loving relationship, Rogers never once suspected what depths lay beneath the gentle Mr. Allen, the man who commanded such wealth.

Rogers never gave it a thought.

So at that winter ball, following his family's arrangements, Rogers danced with a sweet girl he fancied. When Allen inquired about it later, he said with carefree innocence: "...Even after I marry, you can still be my lover!"

Rogers truly meant it. He was serious.

It took Allen a long time to gradually uncover the truth. He was so incredulous that he pleaded earnestly, his pleas eventually bordering on supplication. Sadly, all he received in return was Rogers's careless dismissiveness.

Rogers was certain Alan couldn't possibly leave him. A child who felt too secure was bound to be selfish. He believed Alan would forgive him in the end, would endure it all for him.

But Rogers might not have realized that Mr. Allen was indeed a gentle and graceful man—as long as you didn't cross his boundaries.

Then one night, when Rogers awoke from sleep, he felt movement beneath him. Looking down, he found himself in a carriage, fully embraced by Allen in a position of absolute possession.

Seeing him stir, Allen offered a gentle smile and whispered, "...Rest a little longer, my darling."

"W-where are we? This is..." Rogers asked in surprise, trying to sit up to look outside.

Then he suddenly heard the clinking of chains against flesh. He touched his neck and discovered a golden chain there, inlaid with green cat's eyes. Following the chain down, its end was held in the smiling hand of Allen, who murmured, "We're going to the New World... I have a large estate and land there. You'll like it."

Rogers stared dumbstruck at this utterly unfamiliar Alan. The man who had always indulged him was smiling, yet for the first time, that smile didn't give Rogers the courage to act out. Instead, a chill slowly crept over him.

Author's Note:

Thanks to my adorable little dumpling for the landmine. Feeling a sense of responsibility to my patron, I stubbornly updated despite returning late.

Somehow I think I understand the husband who dares not hit the third bar after his wife's wedding night... (serious)