"Baby, why are you crying?" Alan hummed a tune as he returned to the room, setting down the waxed paper bag before asking Rogers, who lay on the bed blinking back tears.
As he spoke, he deftly removed the gag stuffed into Rogers' mouth.
"I feel uncomfortable. I hate this thing..." Rogers had clearly bottled up too much frustration today. Unlike his usual feigned crying, this time he was genuinely sobbing. He tried to sit up, tugging at the chains, but could only move awkwardly and futilely. His crying intensified instantly. Sniffling, he glared at Alan resentfully, throwing a tantrum in frustration, "Why did you tie me up like this? Why did you go out alone!"
His tantrum missed the mark entirely, failing to grasp the core issue. While his inability to move freely was the most pressing concern, he fixated instead on his discomfort. Seeing him cry so pitifully, almost hiccuping, he resembled nothing so much as a wronged rabbit. Allen couldn't help but lower his voice and coax him gently, "You don't like this, then why did you climb out the window last time?"
"I don't want to stay cooped up at home!" Rogers protested angrily. "You go out alone and don't even take me with you!"
"Fine, fine, it's my fault," Alan soothed gently, then added, "But this time when I went out, I specifically brought you cake..."
"Hmph!" Rogers was still sulking. Alan undid the chain he'd fastened around him before leaving. It was wrapped in thick silk and velvet padding, so the delicate young master Rogers hadn't suffered any injuries. But the young master was hurtâhe was still sulking even after hearing about his favorite cream cake.
Ever since Alan vaguely realized something was off about himself during adolescence, he'd carried an air of confidence around everyone else. Yet with this young master Rogers, it was like dealing with a chestnutâhe wanted to savor the sweet, tender flesh inside, but kept getting pricked by the sharp spines on the outside.
Still, Alan had known Rogers' temper since childhood. He took a deep breath, refusing to let the young master distract him. Patiently, he picked up the cake to coax him, cradling it as he asked softly, "Rogers, don't you want to be with me forever and ever?"
"I... I do..." Rogers seemed poised to deliver a sharp retort, but gazing at Mr. Allen, he pouted and reluctantly admitted the truth after a long pause. Yet he immediately snapped, "But I don't want to anymore!"
This infuriated Allen, though he remembered young master Rogers had always been this wayâspoiled rotten since childhood. This time, in his rage, he had bullied the little master terribly. Rogers was practically carried all the way to Nat Royal City in tears. Once they arrived, the young master threw a tantrum, demanding to go out and play, complaining the house was stuffy. Amidst the commotion, Alan lost control several times, thoroughly tormenting the young master inside and out.
Young Master Rogers had never endured such humiliation in his life. He couldn't understand why Alan had to make such a huge fuss just because he was getting married. That day, Rogers was truly restrained for the first time, unable even to move freely. While Allen stepped out for lunch, the young masterâfacing such humiliation for the first time in his lifeâpondered deeply and wept bitterly for a long while. He made a momentous decision. Staring at Allen, he threatened viciously, "If you bully me like this again, I'll break up with you!"
Alan took a deep breath, veins nearly popping from his forehead, yet he forced himself to steady his voice. Looking at Rogers, he said hoarsely, "Rogers, don't throw a tantrum. I want to talk to you seriously."
"I'm not throwing a tantrum!" Rogers retorted smugly, glaring at Allen. "Listen, if you don't want me to break up with you, then..."
Before he could finish his demand, Rogers saw Allen's expression shift instantly. The gentle gentleman holding the cream cake to coax him vanished in an instant. The negotiation and threats Rogers had envisioned dissolved into a stammering, pitiful plea. In the end, Rogers could only sob as he clung to the one who'd bullied him, his voice breaking as he whispered: "Allen, I love you... I love you..."
Repeating these words over and over, he finally brought the enraged Allen slowly back to his senses.
Gazing at the tear-stained, yet more captivating Rogers before him, Allen embraced him and murmured affectionately, "You little liar..."
If gods truly existed, Alan thought, perhaps they were beings of twisted humor. Creating someone like Rogersâheartless yet clever and slyâmight have been their way of keeping him in check.
What was infuriating was that Alan knew Rogers' words stemmed from his innate, charming ability to read people... Alan kissed Rogers over and over as he fell asleep with two tears hanging from his eyes. He smiled bitterly and whispered, "It's my fault..."
He couldn't resist the temptation, knowing full well this guy had always been like thisâarrogantly stirring trouble, then slipping away first when others took him seriously. From childhood to adulthood, he'd maintained that mischievous, sly nature, yet stubbornly refused to let anyone dislike him. The most selfish little master.
The adults of Nandeng Township watched this elfin child grow up, inevitably showering him with extra affection. The other children mostly indulged this peer who was not only beautiful but also adept at charming and winning favors... after all, he was prettier than any girl.
This upbringing shaped the young master's character.
Make him a lover? Fight others for his beloved? When Alan first heard this proposal, he nearly laughed in anger at Rogers.
But... Alan sighed. He slowly undid the chain linking to the collar, massaging the limbs of the sleeping Rogers, who still pouted as if sulking, murmuring softly, "...I should have given you time."
Yes, Rogers wasn't him. He had grown up in the countryside of Nandeng. After puberty began, the precocious Alan had vaguely realized he seemed different from most people.
He knew all about the aristocrats and gentlemen seeking lovers, the whole "no boundaries" thing. But Allen's situation was different from everyone else's. He was utterly, completely incapable of feeling anything for girls.
Of course, this troubled him deeply. It was the root of his yearning for the sea and the New World. No one understood why the son of a gentleman from the inland village of Nandeng would dream of venturing into the mysterious, unpredictable ocean, or of seeking out another continent.
Yet the very existence of the Temple was the demon that haunted Alan most in his youth.
He hadn't always been this resolute. In the beginning, he too had endured years of nightmares where the Sanctuary would burn him alive. To Allen, Rogers was the moonlight of his youth and the only constant in adulthood... the one love that never wavered in his heart.
Yet Rogers was entirely different from him. Rogers seemed the same to everyone... Had Allen not been certain that Rogers treated him differently from others, he might never have endured this period.
The problem was, Rogers' mindset mirrored the gentlemen of Nandong Township too closely. He seemed to believe that being with Allen and then marrying someone else was perfectly normal. Even now, he still felt Allen was making a mountain out of a molehill.
Given Allen's situation at the time, the best course of action would have been to make a clean breakâto end things with Rogers proactively and then pursue marriage himself. Rogers could marry someone else, but with his selfish, childish personality, he'd never tolerate Allen having a marriage partner of his own.
Yet Alan still couldn't bring himself to do it.
Love breeds worry; love breeds fear.
Being with Rogers, Alan dared not try any games of push-and-pullâthis little devil clearly had him completely wrapped around his finger, which is why he dared to act so brazenly, testing Alan's limits time and again.
Alan sighed. He looked at Rogers, then slowly dressed and walked out the door.
He walked very fast.
His destination was the Duke's residence.
When he arrived, the butler was waiting outside and led him straight to the Duke's study.
Tang Feiliu had already left for the Imperial Medical College. Alexander's project was just getting started and urgently needed help training a batch of nurses, as well as conducting interviews with doctors applying for positions alongside Dr. Charlemagne.
Thus, Tang Feiliu remained unaware that after he had left, Mr. Allenâwhom he had hosted at lunchâhad returned to the residence and even held lengthy discussions with Edward.
Following their private talks, the two entered the palace that very night to present themselves before Her Majesty the Empress. Upon exiting, Allen received a scroll bearing a new handwritten secret order, while Edward immediately organized personnel. Messengers and knights departed that same night, bound for Black Swan City.
By the time Tang Feiliu found a moment to step away, he had finally established the initial framework for the Imperial Hospital and begun applying to establish a medical research laboratory. He had even tentatively broached the topic of bacteria with Charlemagne, sharing his vision for penicillin... leaving Charlemagne in a trance-like state for over a month. Then, suddenly, Edward informed him: "...Allen is heading overseas. This time, he may not return for quite some time."
Tang Feiliu froze in shock. "What? Why so suddenly... Could it be because of Rogers?"
"He's taking Rogers with him," Edward replied, his gaze flickering as he looked at Tang Feiliu.
Tang Feiliu narrowed his eyes at Edward. "Are you hiding something from me?"
...Edward remained silent for a moment before replying, "Nothing. I was just wondering... would you like the New World?"
"The New Continent?" Tang Feiliu pondered for a moment, then his face lit up with delight. "How could I not like it!"
Who doesn't love America if they love superhero movies? That's ridiculous!
Compared to a place like the Nat Empireâperennially cold and rigidly governedâTang Feiliu preferred that land, likely still wild and desolate at this moment, probably teeming with exiles and rife with violence... The thought made him quickly add, "But it must be chaotic over there now. I wouldn't dare go."
"If you like it... it won't be chaotic anymore." Edward murmured softly, sounding utterly relieved.
"That's suspicious. What exactly are you guys doing?" Tang Feiliu grew even more bewildered by Edward's cryptic remark, staring at him curiously, wanting to press further.
"I'll explain that later. For now, think about what you think they might need on their journey to the New Continent." Edward actually suggested Tang Feiliu give Alan a farewell gift, which only heightened the suspicion.
But Tang Feiliu knew Edward wouldn't hide anything from him. He decided to take the task seriously, following Edward's lead in his thoughts: "The New Continent... I should bring something practical... Medicinal herbs and soap. I can't think of anything else..."
Watching the man before him list plans in scattered fragments, Edward recalled Alanâs haggard expression and the words spoken during his plea for an audience. Suddenly, he felt profoundly fortunateâhe dared not imagine what might have transpired had he encountered a spoiled, selfish Tang Feiliu instead.
"What is it?" Tang Feiliu was scribbling down quantities in crooked Arabic numerals while chatting with Edward when the latter suddenly leaned down and hugged him, almost like a child seeking comfort.
"Nothing," Edward murmured softly, lifting Tang Feiliu onto his lap so they sat facing each other.
The position made Tang Feiliu feel slightly awkward. He chuckled, "âŠI'm buying gifts for Mr. Allen. How did that become being nice to you?"
Edward huffed in annoyance, but seeing Tang Feiliu's smile, he knew the other was teasing him on purpose. He didn't get angry. Instead, he pulled open a drawer and took out something that rattled noisily. Then Tang Feiliu felt a sudden chill on his neck...
Tang Feiliu looked down, seeing only a dazzling flash of gold. He asked Edward blankly, "What is this?"
Edward gasped, gazing at him with adoration. "I'll show you."
With that, Edward swept Tang Feiliu into his arms with one arm, settling him securely. Tang Feiliu then noticed the other hand clutching a slender gold chain and instantly felt a wave of embarrassment wash over himâ
Edward carried Tang Feiliu all the way to the reception room outside the study. There, in the reflection of the glass, Tang Feiliu glimpsed his own imageâvaguely. He saw himself staring wide-eyed. Around his neck was something resembling a collar, studded with sapphires. The clasp was fastened to a chain. The gemstone collar complemented his hair color and complexion, robbing him of some of his sanctity while adding a touch of soft, alluring charm. He appeared harmless and vulnerable, like an angel confined.
"What is this?" Tang Feiliu wondered. This was undoubtedly the Duke's preference, but where on earth had he found the inspiration for this act?!
"These were blueprints Allen gave me..." Edward clearly didn't wish to elaborate further. He tugged the other end of the chain, forcing Tang Feiliu to lower his head and kiss him.
Tang Feiliu rolled his eyes, furrowing his brow as he looked pitifully at Edward. His exaggerated acting brought tears to his eyes as he whimpered, "My lord demon, wh-what are you going to do to me..."
Tang Feiliu's acting was utterly unconvincing, but luckily his looks saved him. Though the tears were clearly forced to stifle laughter, he appeared genuinely on the verge of weepingâpure and innocent. Yet the collar around his neck made him look all the more tempting to torment... Edward lowered his head and kissed Tang Feiliu, who was still trying to play tricks...