It Begins with Isaac Chapter 7.1

Concerned for Alain’s situation, Asil was relieved to find that nothing significant had happened to him. Their room assignment remained unchanged. Asil and Alain continued to be roommates. That was all. They no longer shared warm conversations or went down to eat together as they once did. Alain didn’t treat Asil with the disgust some others showed, as if he were a repulsive insect, nor did he avoid him like a bomb about to explode. However, his attitude was unmistakably different from before. It was as if he were a subordinate dealing with a superior’s cherished mistress, his expression revealing worry about causing any misunderstanding by getting too close.

Asil wished Alain would simply ignore him. But Alain, though cautious around Asil, never treated him as invisible and remained exceedingly polite and courteous.

“Asil… I’m returning this to you.”

With both hands neatly clasped, Alain handed over the fountain pen Valery had given Asil. Engraved with Asil’s name, it was the same pen Asil had casually given to Alain as a gift some time ago.

“I don’t think I should keep this. It’s from him, isn’t it?”

Asil, all too aware of who Alain meant by “him,” couldn’t ignore the anxious look on his face or what he was worried about.

Without a word, Asil extended his hand, and the fountain pen dropped onto his palm. He carelessly stuffed it deep into a drawer and headed to his bed. Collapsing onto it, he stared blankly at the ceiling. He sensed Alain lying down on the bed next to his. A heavy, eerie atmosphere filled the dark room. The hallway, post-evening roll call, was silent. With everyone asleep, the entire dormitory was steeped in complete stillness.

“…Asil, it’s vibrating.”

Alain was the first to mention the faint buzzing sound Asil had been trying to ignore. Asil let out a scoff and tightly shut his eyes.

“Asil… It’s vibrating.”

“So what?”

“Don’t you have to go?”

“I’ll just say I was asleep and didn’t hear it.”

“You have to go.”

Alain abruptly stood and approached Asil’s bedside. Cracking his eyes open, Asil saw Alain’s face, twisted with anxiety and worry, faintly visible in the dim darkness. For a while, Asil locked eyes with him in a silent standoff until Alain, fidgeting nervously, prompted Asil to slowly rise from the bed. As his feet touched the floor and he began putting on his uniform, a sigh of relief echoed from behind him. Asil let out a dry laugh and glanced back at Alain.

“What, did he order you to make sure I show up on time?”

“…”

“I’d go even without you rushing me, so you don’t need to worry so much. I’ll make sure no trouble comes your way.”

Though he didn’t want to speak so sharply, his tone came out edged. After snapping coldly at Alain, Asil turned and left the room. The door slammed shut with a loud bang, leaving Alain standing inside, burying his face in his hands, overwhelmed with self-loathing and guilt.

Asil already looked like someone teetering on the edge of a cliff. Did Alain want to push him further? But he simply couldn’t defy Valery. Who was he, after all? Who was Valery Grekosha? Alain had never been close to him, but he had plenty of memories involving him.

Before Alain’s father fell out of the Emperor’s favor and left for the Northern Continent, his family frequently visited the Imperial Palace at the Empress’s invitation. As the Emperor’s most favored nephew, Valery was often seen there. Even among the noble royals, his striking appearance stood out, always surrounded by a crowd of admirers. People of all ranks, ages, and genders revered him. Even the Emperor’s children, his cousins, were desperate to claim him as their own.

When Alain first encountered Valery, he, too, couldn’t help but feel a vague sense of admiration. Valery was mesmerizing to behold. His refined features, tinged with languid boredom, and his wheat-colored hair, reminiscent of gold, were captivating. Unlike other boys his age, his sturdy physique seemed crafted from birth, and his low, languorous voice inspired awe in those who heard it. Staring at him felt like facing a youthful god, evoking both reverence and fear.

Before he knew it, Alain had become one of the many followers trailing Valery. Though Valery paid no attention to the fools dogging his steps, simply sharing the same space and time with him filled Alain with an indescribable sense of fulfillment. But his admiration crumbled long before he left for the Northern Continent.

“Valery, please… accept me. Please?”

Alain had witnessed it. Valery’s true nature.

“Look, Eric. I’ll say it again—I’m not interested in men’s asses. Especially not my cousin’s, with whom I share blood.”

“Please, Valery…”

“Want to suck cock? Go suck someone else’s.”

Hiding behind a palace corridor pillar, Alain overheard Valery’s conversation with the First Prince, Eric. When their eyes met unexpectedly, it didn’t take long for Alain to realize the “someone else” Valery referred to was him, his eyes glinting with amusement.

“If you’re really that desperate for cock.”

“How could you say such a thing!”

“Eric, when you act like this, how can I support you as the next Emperor? My lord, a cock-hungry whore? That’s unthinkable.”

Valery brazenly insulted the leading candidate for Crown Prince. His harsh words, delivered with a beautiful face, were so audacious that even Alain, listening from afar, paled. Spitting vile words, Valery brushed past Eric, who couldn’t bring himself to stop him and merely stared after him with a face mixed with anger and sorrow. Alain couldn’t mock Eric for failing to look away despite such treatment, for he, too, was entranced, watching Valery approach the pillar where he stood.

“You’re the Empress’s nephew, right?”

“Y-yes… yes!”

At Valery’s first direct question, Alain stammered, his face flushed with awe. Valery smiled brightly and reached out. Even back then, his hand, forged by countless training sessions, was like a weapon. His large palm gripped Alain’s head tightly, shaking it back and forth as he spoke in a low voice.

“I don’t go easy just because you’re young. Follow me around moderately, got it?”

“Y-yes…”

Tears welled in Alain’s eyes from the crushing grip on his temples and crown, but he managed to answer. Valery dusted his hand as if he’d touched a dusty antique and sauntered off. Left behind, Eric and Alain exchanged heavy glances before parting without further words. Alain’s shoulders slumped as he trudged down the corridor, a natural outcome.

With the end of his admiration, the rose-colored glasses fell away, and Alain saw Valery’s true self clearly. His elegant, languid appearance was just that—appearance. His core didn’t match his exterior. His temperament was unpredictably ferocious, he showed no hesitation in dealing with those who crossed him, and he quickly grew bored even of those who chose to stay by his side. His speech was gentle but his mouth crude, his movements flawless yet he swung his hands carelessly.

That was Valery.

“You studied abroad in Jenuka for a long time, didn’t you?”

Standing before a pile of blankets presumed to be Asil, Valery was half-dressed. Having abruptly summoned Alain to a hotel room in the capital, Valery continued speaking with the satisfied look of a beast after a feast.

“Jenuka’s acting strange. I need someone who knows its politics inside and out, and for now, you’re the only one.”

“I… suppose so?”

Though he didn’t want to, Alain’s gaze kept drifting behind Valery. A pale foot peeked out from the blankets, neatly positioned in a chillingly orderly manner. Judging by the soft breathing echoing in the room, its owner seemed to have passed out from exhaustion.

“What are you looking at?”

Alain, staring blankly at the bite marks embroidered on Asil’s ankle, flinched at the sharp question and quickly averted his eyes. Looking at Valery, he saw him scratching his eyebrow, as if pondering how to deal with Alain.

“Sorry.”

“Why do you think I’m leaving you alone?”

Alain was terrified because he didn’t know. After witnessing Asil being dragged off by Valery that day and returning to the dormitory alone, Alain realized the rumors about his roommate were true. The rumors he’d consistently denied and ignored—that Asil was giving himself to Valery. But unlike the widespread gossip, Asil didn’t seem willing. Far from it, his face was pale, trembling, taking slaps without resistance. The image of Asil’s desperate, tearful plea for help when their eyes met haunted Alain.

Though he’d only glimpsed their relationship briefly, it was enough to understand. Asil wasn’t willingly involved with Valery. Alain had pieced together their dynamic, but that didn’t mean he could do anything for Asil. Realistically, what could he do? His opponent was Valery, whom Alain knew all too well. Valery was the type to make those who overstepped their bounds learn their place, even if it meant blood on his hands. Alain liked Asil as a friend, but he wasn’t willing to risk his life for him.

The only advice Alain could offer was one word: endure. Valery never dragged relationships out. So, Asil, just hold on a little, and he’ll tire of you and let you go. Alain had planned to say this when Asil returned to the dormitory, but… things took a strange turn.

“What do you think?” Valery pressed.

“Well…”

Having heard rumors about what happened to Coleman and Yail, Alain opened his mouth to insist he and Asil weren’t involved in that way. But it was odd. Too odd. Valery asking such a question? Thinking calmly, he’d surely already deduced that Alain and Asil weren’t like that. Valery was acting like a blind, foolish man. No, that wasn’t the point.

Why was he asking this? What was Asil to Valery? According to rumors, Asil was just a casual fling to sate Valery’s urges. Alain partly agreed, knowing Valery wouldn’t bother with men outside the confined military academy. Recalling Valery’s words to the First Prince, Alain hesitated before answering, doubting if this was what Valery wanted to hear.

“Valery, sir. I swear there’s nothing between me and Asil. We’re just roommates. I’ll make sure this never happens again.”

Was that right? Was it? Finishing, Alain glanced up. Valery listened in silence, then, with a relaxed expression, walked toward Asil’s bed. He blatantly grabbed the pale, slender ankle and began kissing it, acting as if only he and Asil were in the room. Poor Alain, flustered, sweated profusely.

“Good. You’ve always been quick-witted.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s not Jenuka or the Empress why I’m leaving you alone.”

“…”

“Keep an eye on Asil. He’s unpredictable.”

Muttering, Valery gently stroked Asil’s barely visible hair. “Get out.” At Valery’s command, Alain bolted from the hotel room without hesitation, too rattled to offer a proper farewell. Seeing Valery’s gaze on Asil, he couldn’t stay composed.

“It’s strange, really…”

The image of Valery faintly smiling down at Asil lingered vividly. Alain stood by the door Asil had exited, then slowly climbed into his bed. He never gave Asil the advice.

He no longer felt certain that enduring would make Valery tire of Asil or let him go.

Valery was extremely busy. He was always busy, but lately, his workload was so immense it would overwhelm anyone watching. Even when he summoned Asil, he’d sit him across and focus on reading towering stacks of documents. If he was that busy, it’d be better for both if he didn’t call, but Valery insisted on seeing Asil once a day.

“If you’re busy, may I leave?”

“Stay put. I’ll be done soon.”

He glanced at Asil, muttering. Half-standing, Asil slumped back down. This had been the pattern for days. Asil fidgeted, picking at his uniform’s loose threads, toying with his nails, and when that grew tiresome, he covertly glared at Valery working.

“Fucking bastard, let me go…”

Asil muttered curses he’d never dare say aloud, viciously tearing into Valery in his mind. But after an hour of praying for Valery’s gruesome demise, his hatred ran dry. Slowly, other things caught Asil’s eye.

“His soul’s irredeemably vile, but his face is damn fine.”

Valery’s appearance was truly flawless. When the exterior and interior were so mismatched, wasn’t that the real fraud? When Valery smiled leisurely with that face, unwanted hope sprang up despite Asil’s resistance. He couldn’t stop imagining Valery praising his efforts and setting him free. But after countless betrayals, the naive optimism to revive that hope was gone.

Valery’s head, slightly bowed while reviewing documents, revealed his forehead, his dark blonde hair disheveled. Annoyed by strands falling over his brow, he repeatedly swept them back. His large hand brushed his hair, tapped the desk restlessly, and pressed the furrowed center of his brow. His thick, dark eyebrows twitched, betraying his foul mood. Each frown made a vein bulge near his temple—one of Asil’s most feared expressions. When a sigh finally escaped Valery, Asil couldn’t help flinching, though he’d done nothing wrong.

“What are you staring at?”

“…Huh?”

Caught off guard, Asil startled as Valery set down his documents. Chuckling, Valery laced his hands behind his head, stretching his neck.

“Why’re you staring?”

“I wasn’t.”

“I can feel it. That glare.”

“I didn’t…”

“No, you didn’t, sir?”

Valery mocked Asil’s words with a laugh. After stretching, he slowly stood. As he approached, Asil stiffened, watching him warily. Expecting him to sit beside him, Asil was surprised when Valery took the opposite seat. Lounging on the sofa with legs spread wide, Valery silently studied Asil.

He sometimes watched Asil like this, saying nothing, and Asil couldn’t fathom what was worth staring at. Just a big guy in a military uniform sitting stiffly, that was all.

“So, what’re you doing this summer break?”

Caught off guard, Asil hesitated. As Valery said, summer break was days away. Most cadets from across the country would return home. That had been Asil’s plan, too—to check on his siblings and family. But he doubted Valery would allow it. After the fuss over a brief outing, Asil couldn’t easily mention leaving the academy for break.

“Planning to go home?”

“…Is that allowed?”

“What else would you do here? I won’t be around.”

Valery chuckled, muttering, “I’m busy.”

“I-I’ll go, then…”

“Who said you couldn’t? Go.”

He waved dismissively, as if he’d never intended to stop him. Asil’s face lit up, and Valery continued slowly.

“Just don’t stray. Have fun with your siblings and come back here.”

He pointed downward. Whether “here” meant the dormitory or between his spread legs, Asil wasn’t sure, but he nodded eagerly.

“Just come back.”

“…Yes.”

Asil’s compliant reply brightened Valery’s mood. He beckoned Asil closer. When Asil approached, Valery grabbed his waist, pulling him close and burying his face in Asil’s flat stomach. His arms tightened around him.

“I’ll miss you while you’re gone.”

Miss fucking me, you mean. Hiding his apathy, Asil mumbled, “Oh, really?” in a flat tone.

Valery held him for a while, planting ticklish kisses before letting him go. No sex occurred that day. Asil rubbed the spot on his cheek where Valery kissed him, trudging back to the dormitory.

He saw Valery again about three weeks later, at his family’s estate.

Used to waking early for morning roll call, Asil rose before dawn that day, too. After washing and leaving his bedroom, he found Clark, the estate’s elderly butler and sole servant, standing outside his door.

“Up early again, young master.”

“Yeah. You should sleep more.”

“No need. At my age, I don’t sleep much. This time feels like afternoon to me.”

Clark led Asil to the dining room. Watching his hunched back, Asil scratched his head awkwardly. Clark was a loyal servant. A confidant of Asil’s late grandfather, he’d served his son and grandchildren devotedly even after the patriarch’s death.

When Asil left for the military academy, he’d honestly expected Clark to leave, unable to endure his father’s difficult personality. Their farewell embrace before Asil’s departure felt final to him. So, when Asil returned for break and saw Clark rush out with a warm welcome, he was stunned. Asil, who’d mediated between his father and Clark, assumed Clark would cut ties with the Richard family in his absence. He was grateful yet guilty that Clark stayed for his siblings.

Asil wanted to give Clark a large sum for a comfortable retirement, but the family lacked the funds. More importantly, Kana needed someone to rely on. With Asil at the academy, only the gray-haired Clark could care for Kana and the younger siblings while managing the estate.

“Join me for breakfast?”

Knowing Clark would decline, Asil asked out of courtesy. As expected, Clark shook his head and entered the kitchen. Soon, a simple but heartfelt meal was set before Asil. Chewing fluffy potatoes, Asil braced for Clark’s oft-repeated speech from the past few weeks.

“Young master, this butler can’t express how proud he is of your admission to the First Military Academy.”

“Mmm…”

“When I saw you walk into the estate in that uniform, I…”

Choking up at the memory, Clark pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, dabbing his eyes. Feeling the potato stick in his throat, Asil gulped water.

“How perfectly it suits you! If the late mistress saw you, she’d be overjoyed. In that uniform, you’re the epitome of a soldier…”

“Enough, enough. Thanks, Clark.”

“This butler, truly…”

Clark rambled endlessly. Every breakfast, he stood rigidly by the table, reliving their reunion.

He especially praised Asil’s military uniform, but each mention of it drove Asil mad, reminding him of Valery. The uniform Clark adored was a gift from Valery, sent via Kane just before break. It wasn’t the standard academy uniform but a ceremonial one for post-graduation banquets or social events, navy blue with gold buttons, epaulettes, and armbands. Touching its coarse surface, Asil was certain it was made with real gold. He stood dumbfounded, holding the extravagant garment.

“Valery sent it, so take it.”

“Why all of a sudden…”

“Didn’t you say you’re going home tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

Asil nodded, and Kane turned away without another word, leaving the gift in Asil’s hands. Asil vaguely sensed Valery’s intent. His worn academy uniform was embarrassing to wear before his family. Though he resented accepting Valery’s gift, he didn’t want to stubbornly wear his old uniform home and invite unnecessary worry.

Reluctantly wearing the dazzling uniform, Asil faced Clark’s relentless speeches about how well it suited him.

“It’s not me—it’s the uniform. The clothes make the man, Clark.”

Asil wanted to say it was just a gift. But he feared Clark’s probing would lead to mentioning Valery, and if his father learned of their connection, he’d lose his mind with excitement.

Ignoring Clark’s praise, Asil finished eating and escaped to the back mountain for training. Thankfully, Clark didn’t follow; climbing the hill was too much for his aged body.

Stretching at the mountain’s base for a morning workout, Asil turned at a low call. Kana, in pajamas with a shawl, stood with sleepy eyes.

“Go back to sleep. Why’re you here dressed like that?”

Though it was summer, the early morning air was chilly. Kana rubbed her shoulders, replying lightly.

“I need to talk. If not now, you’ll be training and come back late.”

Brushing her tousled bob behind her ear, Kana approached. Resembling their father with her light blonde hair, she was seventeen. Despite her youth, fatigue was etched into her face. Feeling guilty for burdening her, Asil always felt small before her. Draping his jacket over her shoulders, he asked.

“So, what’s up?”

“That money you sent…”

The money Kana meant was the gold coins from Valery.

“We had plenty left after restoring Mother’s grave.”

“Yeah. Use it for living expenses, then. Why?”

“Well…”

Kana’s face twisted in distress. She clamped her mouth shut, then sighed and spilled.

“Father spent it all.”

“…On what?”

“He said it was for castle repairs, so I gave it to him. I couldn’t hide that much money from him, and… but…”

Hesitating, Kana trailed off. Asil pressed his forehead, guessing the rest.

“He borrowed money in your name to expand farmland, but it turned out to be a scam…”

Her voice hoarse, Kana hid her reddened eyes with a fake cough. Asil looked at his near-tearful sister, swallowed a sigh, and hugged her rounded shoulders. Burying her face in his chest, Kana cried quietly before mumbling.

“I didn’t tell you because I was afraid you’d fight with Father… But a debt notice came recently. The gold coins didn’t cover it all.”

“I’ll talk to Father.”

“Sorry. You can’t even relax during break…”

“It’s fine. Why apologize? If you didn’t tell me, who would you tell? You did well.”

Kana’s persistent gloom since his return had worried Asil. Knowing she’d open up eventually, he’d waited, and now he understood. Patting her head, Asil headed back toward the estate.

He had no expectations of his father, who saw his children as props for his success. To him, Asil was a tool before a son—a meticulously crafted tool to revive the Richard family. Kana and the younger siblings were recyclable materials, endlessly consumed to polish that tool. Father didn’t send them to school or hire tutors. His wretched belief was that his children existed for the eldest son’s success, not their own happiness.

The estate’s entrance came into view. It was uncertain if Father was even there. He’d been absent at meals lately, likely scrambling to borrow money to douse the fire of Kana’s mentioned debt notice. As the estate neared, Asil pressed his racing heart. The thought of confronting Father, of raising voices in argument, made his heart pound like a seizure. Trained fear reared its head, gnawing at him. Clenching his fists, Asil quickened his pace.

“Uh…”

Entering the estate’s gate, Asil let out a dumbstruck gasp. In the garden’s center, Father was bowing repeatedly, shaking hands with a man. A poor noble who despised lowering his head, Father was insufferably arrogant. Asil had never seen him grovel like this.

“Asil, where’ve you been! Come greet our guest!”

Hearing Asil’s footsteps, Father spun around, his face alight, spitting as he spoke.

“Valery is here!”

Grinning so wide his throat was visible, Father stepped aside. A large figure in a pristine uniform emerged. Asil’s gaze traced from polished boots up long calves, thick thighs, a narrow waist, broad chest, and muscular arms. Reaching the chiseled neck and face, his dark eyes shook violently.

“Long time, Cadet Richard.”

Spotting Valery behind his father, Asil nearly fainted. For a moment, he was gripped by the delusion that he stood in the middle of the military academy. Losing his senses and instinctively stepping back, he saw Valery’s face crumple. Striding across the garden, Valery grabbed Asil’s wrist and pulled him into an embrace.

Folded into Valery’s arms, Asil locked eyes with his ecstatic father over Valery’s shoulder. Overwhelmed that his son shared such an intimate reunion with Valery, Father looked at Asil with rare pride. Even when Asil gained top admission to the academy, Father had merely nodded, asking if he was certain of first place. Betrayed by this contrast, Asil wanted to scream—did Father know what Valery had done to his son? But the arm crushing his back forced him to clamp his mouth shut.

“Where do you think you’re going? You come when called.”

“…It’s just, it’s been a while… What brings you here?”

Mumbling softly, Asil’s voice somehow reached Valery, who rubbed his face against Asil’s soft cheek and ear, delaying his reply. When Valery lingered uncharacteristically, Asil looked up from his embrace. Valery’s tilted gaze lingered on Asil’s face, his appraising look tickling Asil’s skin. Hugging him tightly once more, Valery pushed him away, then rummaged for a cigar with an urgent expression.

“Had business nearby and stopped by… Had something to say, too.”

It sounded like a lie. No, it was a lie. What could he possibly have to say that required a visit? Even if it was important, he could send someone else—why come himself? Before Asil could question him, a loud ring erupted from Valery’s pocket.

“Excuse me.”

Checking the phone’s screen, Valery headed to the drawing room Father guided him to. After a brief, theatrical farewell, he left without looking back, clearly off to take an urgent call.

While the call dragged on for two hours, Father, frantically preparing a meal, prodded Asil’s side nervously. Would Valery like it? Muttering that dozens of times, Father greeted Valery as he entered the dining room behind Clark, leaping from his seat. Not even a hunting dog wagging its tail for its master, Father acted like a loyal adjutant to a superior. Even Kane didn’t serve Valery so obsequiously.

“Valery, these are my sons. Olin, Graeme! Greet him.”

At Father’s insistence, the boys bowed timidly. Valery acknowledged them cursorily and turned to Asil.

“They don’t look much like you.”

“…I take after my mother’s side.”

Valery chuckled at Asil’s reply. Patting Graeme and Olin’s heads as if bestowing a favor, he remarked.

“Still, the curly hair’s the same.”

Over the usually tense dinner table, where heavy silence and sharp rebukes prevailed, uncharacteristically frivolous laughter rang out endlessly. Asil stared at his father, laughing with his mouth wide open, as if he were a stranger. He’d never seen Father beam with such unrestrained joy. When Asil shared his academy acceptance, Father had nodded a few times, asking only if he was certain of top rank.

“Asil serving Valery so closely! Truly an honor for our family.”

Father leaned toward Valery, practically rubbing his hands together. Even as dishes kept arriving, his gaze never left Valery. Asil shifted his eyes to Valery, engaged in conversation with Father.

Stirring potato soup with a spoon, Valery gave brief replies to Father’s words. A faint smile played on his face, clearly showing he was listening politely. That alone stunned Asil. He hadn’t expected such courtesy from Valery. Certain Valery would dismiss Father’s words and humiliate him, Asil was surprised to see him respond diligently to trivial chatter, watching him with unfamiliar eyes.

“To serve Valery with such humble food! I’m ashamed.”

Contrary to his words, the spread was lavish. Father had summoned the region’s best chef via Clark, personally overseeing the menu. Creamy potato soup, tender veal roast, and crispy-skinned salmon adorned the table. Graeme, new to such luxury, ate with his nose nearly in his plate. Olin, more mature, stole glances at Valery with starry-eyed admiration while eating.

Asil poked the salmon’s skin with his fork. It was lavish by his family’s standards. To Valery, accustomed to the finest, it likely seemed lacking. He rarely visited the decent cadet dining hall.

“Humble? This is plenty for a meal.”

Valery smiled lightly, spooning soup into his mouth. He paused, then chewed, his throat moving.

“Where’s Kana? Why’s she so late?”

Father, fondly watching Valery eat, muttered anxiously. Had he sent Kana on an errand? He kept glancing at the dining room entrance, barely eating. Finally, he stood, glaring at Asil to properly attend their guest. Excusing himself to Valery, Father left.

With the chatter gone, silence blanketed the room. Only Graeme’s eager eating, clinking cutlery, and Olin’s awkward coughs broke the quiet.

Slowly slicing veal, Valery spoke, lifting his eyes to Asil across the table.

“You’ve put on some weight.”

Muttering like an owner inspecting a pet returned after weeks, Valery scanned Asil’s face.

“Your cheeks are chubby.”

“…My weight’s probably the same.”

It was just a brighter face from living comfortably. Training rigorously up and down the hillside daily, Asil had been busier than when he skipped roll calls due to Valery. No way he’d gained weight.

Feeling awkward, Asil rubbed his cheek and looked away. Valery chuckled, sliding a plate of diced meat toward him. Used to such gestures during meals, Asil took it, then startled, glanced at Olin. Olin, alternating looks between them, mouthed “What’s that?” at Asil, clearly suspicious of their apparent closeness.

Shaking his head subtly, Asil slid the plate to Graeme, who’d been scraping an empty dish. Graeme grinned, accepting it eagerly.

“I ate not long ago, so I’m fine.”

Muttering an excuse, Asil heard Valery hum ambiguously, lifting a wine glass. Gulping half the wine like water, he wiped his mouth with a napkin.

“I can’t eat anymore.”

“Then…”

“Let’s have a look.”

Asil didn’t need to strain to decipher the intent behind those words. Valery had been subtly nudging his foot against Asil’s under the table, suggesting an urgent need below the belt. His face draining of color, Asil racked his brain for a way to avoid the disaster of being intimate with Valery in his own home. Pretending not to notice Valery rising from his chair, Asil turned his head, muttering that he felt hungry. Quickly grabbing a knife and fork, he heard Valery’s incredulous laugh.

Asil pulled a nearby salad toward himself and shoveled it into his mouth. Like a starved beast, he stuffed vegetables in, catching Valery sitting back down in his peripheral vision.

“Shall we talk here, then?”

“Cough… hack. What? Talk about what?”

“What do you think?”

Valery propped his elbow on the table, muttering. Despite his manners-defying posture, his inherent intimidation made it impossible to find him ridiculous. Fearing crude words might spill from his mouth, Asil shook his head vigorously, setting down his utensils. As if oblivious to the young siblings seated nearby, Valery smirked, deliberately moving his lips.

“I get it! Stop it!”

“What did I do?”

“God… really…”

Asil’s head throbbed, and he shut his eyes tightly. A rare headache pulsed. He’d rejoiced at not seeing that infuriating face during summer break, yet here Valery was, for reasons Asil desperately wished to ignore. Surely he hadn’t come because he was aroused and lacked an outlet. During break, with his freedom, others wouldn’t leave him alone. Asil glared at Valery, who hadn’t taken his eyes off him. When Asil maintained the defiant expression Valery disliked, Valery chuckled, then suddenly covered his mouth, bursting into laughter.

“Why are you laughing?”

“It’s been a while, and your guts have grown… it’s cute.”

Though laced with amusement, the words sounded like a warning. Asil unconsciously relaxed his furrowed brow. Blinking with a “What did I do?” expression, he made Valery laugh harder. Asil lacked the energy to piece together his shattered pride. Resistance that wouldn’t work was pointless. Resuming his meal to the sound of Valery’s laughter, the persistent gaze and faint chuckles reignited Asil’s questions. Why had Valery come here? What did he want to say? Surely he wasn’t planning to have sex with him in this estate?

At that moment, Asil’s anxious, suspicious gaze landed on the dining room entrance, where loud voices echoed. His father, overly excited, shouted a flamboyant introduction. Behind him, Kana stumbled in, her face pale.

“Damn it…”

She wore a comically oversized dress, unfit for a simple lunch. The sleeves were layered with frills, and her garish red shoes, meant to add height, clashed. Kana, who rarely wore heels, wobbled with each step, barely balancing. Her tearful expression met Asil’s. Clearly forced into this attire by their father, she looked on the verge of crying. Asil’s mind went blank. The moment their eyes locked, a surge of rage erupted.

“Valery, sir, this is my daughter Kana, seventeen this year…”

“Father!”

Unable to hold back, Asil shouted. Rage boiled so fiercely he couldn’t recall if he’d called his father properly or replaced it with a curse.

Startled by the outburst, Father turned from Valery, his face confused, scolding Asil for causing a scene.

“What are you doing? Are you joking?”

“What’s this guy doing in front of…”

“What are you doing with Kana?”

Furious, Asil kept yelling. He saw Kana shaking her head, urging him to stop, but the disappointment and betrayal toward his father were too shocking to articulate. How could he so shamelessly betray his child? Parading a minor like an object to offer to whom?

Without thinking, Asil grabbed his father’s arm, dragging him out of the dining room. The siblings’ murmurs of unease echoed behind, but Asil had no capacity to address them. Father struggled, but Asil’s strength prevailed. Turning back, Father apologized profusely to Valery, his voice dripping with regret, sounding repulsive.

“Let go! What’s this rudeness! Valery is…”

“Valery, Valery, Valery!”

Crossing the corridor until they were alone, Asil stopped, shoving his father’s arm away, shouting the loathsome name.

“What’s so great about him that you’re doing this? Kana’s only seventeen! Did you think I wouldn’t see through your intentions?”

“If you knew, you should’ve behaved! If Kana catches Valery’s eye, we might… maybe even ally with the Grand Ducal family…”

Father’s bloodshot eyes rambled, not meeting Asil’s. His wandering gaze held a dreamy haze, envisioning a distant future. Staring at Father’s occasionally grinning mouth, Asil rubbed his face dryly. About to snap at his delusional father, Asil stopped, realizing it was futile to reason with someone ignoring reality. How could a poor rural noble family, with only an aging butler, connect with a Grand Ducal house? Pitying his father’s pathetic obsession with vain fantasies, Asil felt exhausted.

Like teaching a child addition, Asil spoke slowly.

“Father, stop with the absurd fantasies and face reality. How could we ally with the Grand Ducal family?”

“Why’s that absurd? We’re nobles!”

“Yes, nobles! A failing house, so poor we could sell our title tomorrow! So you’re trying to sell your child? Aren’t you ashamed in front of Kana? Don’t you feel sorry for her? Don’t you know the burden she carries for this family in your place?”

“You brat!”

“What about Olin and Graeme… and me? Don’t you feel sorry for me? Because of you, I’m…”

Your son endures that treatment from Valery while clinging to school. Striving to become the soldier you wanted, to revive this crumbling family! Do you know? Do you know I’m called a whore at school? That I’ve cried from being violated by a man? That the man is Valery, whom you admire so much?

Unable to voice the words buzzing in his mouth, Asil bit his lip hard. Glaring at his father with teary eyes, he shouted for him to snap out of it. A sharp pain struck his cheek. His head whipped aside, and Asil clutched his stinging face.

“How dare you speak to your father like that!”

He’d been slapped. It had been a while since Father hit him. Perhaps because Valery’s blows had toughened him, the swelling rose quickly. Asil’s fair, delicate skin bruised easily. Holding his marked cheek, he blinked slowly. Having been hit by Valery so often, he thought Father’s slap would feel trivial. It didn’t. It hurt terribly—not just his cheek, but his entire body ached. The pain seeped beneath his skin, into his heart, boiling.

“You think I’m doing this for myself? This is for our family!”

“…Yes, the family.”

Not Asil, Kana, Olin, or Graeme, but the Richard name.

Asil knew exactly what Father would do next. Sure enough, a gentle touch landed on his stinging cheek. Revolted by the familiar warmth, Asil felt nauseated. Like a loving parent cradling a child, Father caressed Asil’s cheek, murmuring plaintively.

“Asil, you’re the eldest. You should understand me… My obedient son, why are you like this today? You’re breaking my heart.”

“Please, Father…”

“What should I do, then? The estate could be gone any moment!”

Father continued, his face grim. Asil understood instantly. He hadn’t found a solution for the debt Kana mentioned that morning. Was that why he did this? Pushing Kana to the brink while she trembled alone? Asil was tormented, unable to explain that Valery was a vile, violent pervert, and that fleeing as commoners would be more honorable than sending Kana to him.

“Then, Asil, you tell him. Yes! Valery came all this way, so he must care for you like a brother. That’ll do, right? You talk to him!”

Before Asil could ask what to say, Father whispered eagerly.

“Two chests of gold.”

“Two chests… that’s…”

Stunned by the astronomical debt, Asil’s jaw dropped. Two chests could buy a luxurious capital mansion. How much farmland expansion justified such a sum in this rural backwater?

Yet Asil couldn’t refuse. He knew it was the only solution. To protect his siblings, the old estate, the tiny domain, and Father’s bloated pride, the answer lay with him. As Father said, Asil was the only one who could meet Valery alone and possibly secure the gold. He’d received it before, hadn’t he? Though not directly requested, Valery had sent gold after reading Kana’s letter.

It wasn’t impossible. Two chests were trivial to Valery. But Asil feared what he’d have to give in return. Guessing what Valery might demand, a tidal wave of dread engulfed him. He might demand something far worse than before. A distant memory surfaced—Valery’s excited voice during sex, saying if fingers fit, a fist would, too, as he probed Asil’s rear…

“Asil, I’m counting on you.”

Father gripped Asil’s hand tightly, stroking it carefully. The desperate grasp hurt. Asil closed his eyes, tilting his head back.

Father’s greed had crushed him countless times, but today, his limbs felt heavier. It was as if endless snow piled on his head, weighing him down.

After wandering the back mountain to clear his head, Asil returned to the estate before midnight. Asking Clark, who’d waited up, about Valery’s whereabouts, he learned Valery had been given the grandest room. Wanting to delay seeing him, Asil resolved to visit early the next morning. Dragging his heavy legs after hours of running, he opened his bedroom door.

“You’re late.”

A cold rebuke from inside made Asil flinch, his eyes darting to the source. Valery, leaning against the windowsill, held a glass, staring silently. The bottle on the sill was a 22-year-old wine Father bought for his wedding, far more precious than the lunch wine. Father must have offered it to appease Valery after Asil’s abrupt exit. Asil, who’d never tasted it, watched Valery gulp it like cheap juice. His rough drinking signaled a foul mood.

“A guest is here, and you leave like that. What time is it that you’re only now back?”

“…Father must have taken good care of you.”

“You’re the one who should take care of me, Asil.”

Valery drained his glass, setting it down with a clink. His souring expression made Asil clasp his hands politely, unable to hide his tension. He was the one who needed to make a difficult request. He couldn’t keep acting stiffly. Glancing at his sweat-soaked shirt, Asil approached Valery.

Valery watched, then squinted, clicking his tongue. Standing abruptly, he strode toward Asil. A large hand shot out, cupping Asil’s cheek firmly.

“What’s this?”

“…Oh.”

“Leave you alone for a moment…”

Trailing off, Valery turned Asil’s head, inspecting for more injuries. Confirming only the right cheek was marked, he gently traced the blue bruise spreading from the handprint.

“Should I ask who did it?”

“…It’s fine. It doesn’t hurt.”

Asil mumbled, pushing Valery’s hand away. The hand seemed to retreat, only to grip Asil’s nape tightly. Valery devoured Asil’s lips in one bite.

Licking broadly, Valery bit Asil’s plump lower lip, tangling their tongues. Despite the ferocious kiss, his hand on Asil’s cheek remained gentle. Saliva dripped from their wide-open mouths, sliding down Asil’s chin. Valery’s tongue, chasing the sticky fluid, licked Asil’s drenched jaw, then probed his mouth, tickling the palate relentlessly.

“Hn, mm…”

“Mm… ugh… hup!”

Feeling his breath choke, Asil pounded Valery’s broad chest. Reluctantly stirring Asil’s mouth with his tongue, Valery slowly pulled back. As Asil gasped, unable to steady his breathing, Valery kept stroking the bruised cheek.

“At first, I was annoyed.”

“Hoo… hah… what?”

“Now I’m getting angry.”

“…Uh…”

“What should I do, Asil?”

“What do you…”

“I can’t just kill your father recklessly… What should I do? I could kill him if you want. But your face doesn’t look like you want that, so I’m asking.”

“…”

“Should I kill him?”

Biting Asil’s glistening lips, Valery planted a light kiss on his forehead. The act felt too tender for such a horrific question. Though impossible, fearing Valery might actually kill his father, Asil shook his head, blurting an obvious lie.

“It wasn’t Father!”

“Then who did it?”

“…I just fell.”

Even as a poor noble, Asil was the sole heir in the domain. Only his father had the status to strike him here. Knowing this, Valery pondered whether to indulge Asil’s lie, then sighed, brushing back his hair.

“Fall again, and you’re in trouble.”

“Yes.”

“Fine. Come here.”

Lately, Valery had slapped Asil’s cheeks the most. But with minimal tact, Asil leaned into the hand pulling his shoulder instead of pointing out the contradiction. Expecting to be led to the bed, Asil was surprised when Valery sat him in a chair by the window. Leaning loosely against the sill, Valery pulled a cigar from his military coat and lit it.

Staring between Valery’s spread legs, Asil wondered if it was a silent cue to act. Kneeling slowly between Valery’s thighs, he hesitated. As Valery lit the cigar, uninterested in Asil’s movements, and Asil pondered when to ask for the gold, their mouths opened simultaneously.

“I have something important to say… What are you doing?”

“Sir Valery, I have a request… Huh?”

Reaching for Valery’s belt, Asil looked up as a firm hand pushed his forehead.

“What are you doing?”

“I… have a request…”

“Then say it. Why kneel recklessly?”

Valery frowned, scolding Asil. His stern gaze, as if warning against acting cheaply, rebuked him. Asil felt wronged. Anger surged. Hadn’t Valery called him a whore, treating him like a prostitute? Now he expected Asil to make a dignified request like a proper soldier? Would he help without a price if Asil acted so?

“…You called me a whore.”

“What?”

“You said I was an object. A thing like me has to kneel cheaply to get anything, right? Suck your cock to be heard, right?”

Asil sneered, yanking Valery’s belt harder. Brushing off the resisting hand, he unbuckled and pulled down the pants. The thick bulge in Valery’s underwear radiated heat. Scolding Asil for kneeling recklessly, Valery’s brazen arousal was shamelessly honest. Lowering the underwear, Asil didn’t stop mocking.

“How should I suck? All the way down my throat?”

“…Ha.”

With a short sigh, Valery grabbed Asil’s head, tossing him aside. Kneeling, Asil lost balance, sprawling on the floor.

“Is this guy insane?”

Humiliated on the floor, Asil glared defiantly at Valery. Meeting his venomous stare, Valery let out a hollow laugh. Already maddened by Asil’s slapped cheek, now he glared murderously. Valery’s mood soured further. He wasn’t in a good enough mood to find Asil’s misdirected rage cute. Waiting hours for Asil, Valery had been steeped in growing anxiety and displeasure. The mood, briefly soothed by kissing Asil’s soft lips, plummeted again.

“You’re acting up because you haven’t been hit lately.”

Muttering, Valery hesitated, seeing Asil’s bruised cheek. Knowing Asil’s dramatics, one hit would spark a sobbing tantrum. Imagining Asil crying breathlessly gave Valery a headache. Fine, damaging what’s mine is my loss, not anyone else’s. Rarely merciful, Valery warned, “Behave,” but the half-crazed Asil didn’t register it.

“I’ve served you for free all this time.”

“Stop it.”

“I want my overdue payment, damn it!”

Asil had intended to placate Valery politely, but that resolve vanished. Who made him like this, yet dared to look like he was reforming a cheap whore? Asil wasn’t someone who knelt easily or sold himself for favors. The current Asil was Valery’s cursed masterpiece.

Asil clamped his mouth shut, seething, after spitting curses. Valery stood, glancing at the ceiling. To quell his rising anger, he tilted his head back, breathing deeply, then pressed his temple, glaring at Asil. Failing to suppress his fury, his eyes reddened, his cold stare chilling.

“Payment… Fine, how much?”

“Two chests of gold.”

At the gritted reply, Valery scoffed, rolling up his sleeves.

“My exclusive hole is worth so little?”

Tossing aside the half-removed underwear, Valery, aroused by lust or anger, stroked his rigid cock, making it glisten. Shaking his wet shaft, he nodded toward Asil. At the signal to crawl between his legs, Asil, snorting angrily, buried his face in Valery’s thick thighs.

“I’ll give you five chests.”

“…That’s not necessary.”

“It’s my choice to value you highly. In return…”

“…”

“Don’t complain, no matter what I do.”

With that, Valery hooked his fingers around Asil’s lips, pulling them wide. Shoving his cock into the distorted mouth, he struck Asil’s throat, lodging deep without pulling back. Asil’s airway blocked, he squirmed, but Valery pulled his lips harder, thrusting his hips to drive deeper. Valery’s relentless advance made Asil’s throat bulge and contort. Desperate to breathe, Asil clung to Valery’s thighs, tears streaming.

Watching Asil’s reddened face, teary eyes, and fading gaze, Valery laughed loudly.

“You’ve got to earn your pay, Asil.”

“Hn… cough! Gk, sob!”

Valery slowly withdrew. His thick, dark cock, slick with saliva, emerged slowly. The veined shaft quivered at the tip upon hitting the air. As Asil gasped, Valery pressed the tip to his lips again.

“Open your mouth.”

“No, hah… wait, just… hup!”

“Open wide.”

Before Asil could catch his breath, the cock plunged back, not blocking his esophagus but sliding in and out, fully enjoying his mouth. As Asil teetered on unconsciousness, Valery lightly tapped his cheek.

Rubbing the tip against Asil’s tongue and thrusting deep into his throat felt thrillingly brutal. Forcing into the tight passage, the trembling esophageal muscles clenched, immensely satisfying. Valery gripped Asil’s shaking head, greedily indulging. The saliva-soaked mouth was drenched. Pressing under the tongue made Asil’s jaw quake. Asil whimpered faintly, shaking his head. Unsparing, Valery kneaded Asil’s earlobe, roughly shaking his small head.

Valery excelled at taming things to his will—weapons, hunting dogs, or wild stallions. Once, tasked with a ferocious black horse the First Prince couldn’t handle, Valery subdued it instantly. Calming its thrashing by gripping its neck, the exhausted horse soon stood docile. Stroking its mane and loosening his hold, it nuzzled his hand subserviently.

He tamed everything this way, people included. Intimidation and a few strikes made them bow. Facing survival, creatures instinctively submitted to the absolute power holding their lifeline.

“Hrk… gk!”

Asil was the first to frustrate Valery so. Even now, choking and clinging to his thighs, he didn’t push away. His stubborn, wriggling form, red-eyed and enduring, made Valery’s heightened pleasure plummet as he gripped Asil’s cheeks firmly.

“Damn stubbornness.”

Crying from one hit yet spreading his legs, Asil acted unaffected the next day. From the start, he was like this. Expected to break in days under schoolwide targeting, it took over a week to bring him to his knees. Then he vowed to expose those who broke him. Recently, despite Coleman Saranda spreading vile rumors, Asil never begged for help. One plea could’ve ended it, yet he dragged it out for some grand conviction. Truly remarkable.

Asil’s thoughts were clear. With graduation nearing, he’d endure a few months. His small head’s calculations were so transparent, Valery often stifled laughter.

Each time Asil stood firm, Valery pondered how to teach him his place. A stubborn soul needed to know its master to stay loyal. Deciding to keep him long-term, Valery had to teach him how to ask for wants and speak desires, even if tedious. Asil needed to learn to bend for an easier life.

Whether he whined or not, harsh punishment would curb his arrogance. Sparing a rebellious Asil now was unnecessary. Yet…

“He’s begging to die.”

Despite Asil’s relentless defiance, Valery pulled out, unable to strike his bruised cheek. Coughing violently, Asil spat thick saliva onto the carpet. Clutching his throat, he glared at Valery with teary eyes.

“I can do it!”

“Do what, you idiot?”

“Suck your cock! You haven’t come yet, right? Finish in my throat or on my tongue… ugh!”

Screaming or ranting, Asil stopped as Valery grabbed his hair, dragging him to the bed.

“Begging to be hit… I’ll oblige.”

“Do as you please. I’ll earn my pay, Instructor.”

Though instinctively scared, Asil’s pride refused to beg for mercy now. Defiantly answering, Valery stripped him quickly. Naked, Asil sprawled awkwardly over Valery’s thighs.

“Asil, you must enjoy being hit.”

“…Ugh!”

“You’re desperate for it.”

“Ahh!”

Each low, menacing word was punctuated by a strike on Asil’s buttocks. Unlike his muscular body, his soft, white rear jiggled with the slightest press. As rough blows landed on delicate skin, the round flesh trembled. Stroking the reddening skin, Valery swung again, the slap echoing. Asil groaned, stifling pain, and the large hand caressed his rear once more.

“If it hurts, beg me to stop.”

“…It doesn’t, hn!”

Anticipating Asil’s reply, Valery struck again without waiting. His hand, massive enough to make a large gun look small, was beyond merely big. It relentlessly battered Asil’s tenderest flesh. Despite mental resolve, Asil’s moans grew animalistic, losing reason. Rubbing his sweat-soaked hair on the sheets, he tensed his thighs and waist with each strike.

“Hn…! Ah!”

A slap hit Asil’s thigh with a brutal sound. Something wet was wiped across it.

“You’re bleeding.”

“Hn…”

Casually noting Asil’s state, Valery rubbed his bloodied palm between Asil’s buttocks, probing the dry hole threateningly.

“Since it’s already a mess, shall I just fuck you?”

“That’s…”

Having gritted his teeth through the spanking, Asil’s mouth gaped at the absurd threat. Imagining Valery’s brutal cock tearing into his unprepared hole drained his face of color. Even a finger’s touch was excruciating—let alone Valery’s monstrous size. Though not choking on it, Asil struggled to speak.

“Hm?”

Valery kneaded the torn flesh, spreading it wide. The tight hole quivered with tension. Toying with the barely finger-sized opening, he rubbed his thumb persistently. A sharp slap followed.

“Hrk!”

Valery struck the anus hard. Lightning-like pain seared the delicate spot. Unlike hitting flesh, the agony made Asil’s lower body jerk, his hand frantically covering the area. Valery clicked his tongue, brushing Asil’s hand away.

“Hold your cheeks and spread them.”

“It… hurts…”

“Speak politely if you have something to say.”

Begging as Valery wanted wasn’t hard. Asil had pleaded countless times during their encounters—when Valery pounded his stretched hole or marked his body with kisses. He’d begged so often that a nudge from Valery could trigger an automatic plea, even in sleep.

But not today. After resolving to beg Valery, pushed by his father, what had he thought? Wandering the mountain until his shirt was soaked, he chewed on the reality he couldn’t change. Buried in despair, he sat by his mother’s grave, soothing his roiling emotions. Otherwise, he’d flee to an unknown place, abandoning Valery, his father, and the wretched family.

If Valery had remained the revered superior Asil admired, what then? Had the “great Valery” visited his shabby estate during break, Asil might’ve served him more devotedly than his father. Even needing to ask for gold, he wouldn’t have knelt to service him but relied on the aid offered to a favored subordinate, ending with gratitude. Not beaten until his rear bled or humiliated with insults… Imagining accepting Valery’s selfless affection and pledging eternal loyalty, Asil bit his lip.

Today, he refused to say what Valery wanted. He steeled himself, even if it meant his rear tearing. Spreading his cheeks as ordered, Valery struck the dry hole repeatedly. Beyond pain, the stinging made Asil’s waist writhe. As he bounced, Valery frowned, pressing his back firmly.

“Want your hole to bleed, too?”

“Hn… hup! Hn, ugh…”

Valery rubbed the swollen anus slowly. Asil whimpered, wiggling his toes each time the stinging entrance was touched. Valery noticed Asil, face buried in the sheets, biting the blanket to stifle moans. Probing deep, Valery never looked away, but Asil kept his face down, thrashing in pain.

Valery saw familiarity in Asil. Like a foolish prisoner enduring torture, believing it would soon end, Asil overlapped with that image. Groaning and biting the blanket as Valery probed his dry hole, Asil resembled a convict. Valery clicked his tongue, shaking his head. He wanted to bed a submissive Asil who knew his place, not sadistically beat him to sate base urges.

Had punishment ever lasted this long? Whether weak or dramatic, Asil usually softened after a few hits. Today, he stubbornly persisted. Valery began losing interest in the futile beating. Persisting with ineffective methods was foolish. Pulling his finger from the hole, Valery grabbed Asil’s nape, yanking him up. The pale, tear-streaked face trembled from clenching his jaw. Asil’s defiant gaze, drained of strength, wavered wearily.

“Not exactly a repentant face.”

“Ugh…”

Propping up Asil’s limp body, Valery strode to the door.

“Stand straight.”

Positioning Asil in front, Valery stood behind. Lifting Asil’s limp arms to the door, Valery overlapped his hand, kneading the bruised rear like dough.

“Ah, it hurts…”

Lightly slapping Asil’s stinging cheek, Valery spat on his palm. Probing the wet hand between Asil’s cheeks, Asil, dazedly gripping the door, turned in alarm.

“What, why are you…”

“Hold properly and maintain your stance.”

“No, not here—on the bed…”

Asil whimpered, shaking his head. Valery felt the trembling hand beneath his but, ignoring Asil’s plea, slid a finger into the hole. The saliva-slicked finger rubbed the tense inner walls carelessly.

“Instructor…!”

Calling Valery in a near-scream, Asil whispered, fearing the sound might leak outside. Terrified of sex in this position, the probing finger moved cunningly, teasing sensitive spots. Asil bit his lip, stifling ragged breaths.

Valery clearly intended to penetrate. Unbelievable. The door faced the corridor, and a short turn led to his siblings’ rooms and Father’s study. Even on a bed, Asil struggled to muffle moans—here, with no blanket to bite, it was impossible. Biting his hand, Asil endured the stretching sensation. Breathing deeply with closed eyes, he finally spoke as the thick finger dug into his core.

“S-sorry… ah, hn! Sorry, Instructor. I was wrong. I’ll stop… please? To the bed, ugh, let’s go… hn!”

“To the bed?”

“Yes, yes! Hnngh!”

Valery, who had been stroking the sticky inner walls while spreading the tight entrance, withdrew his finger. His long-erect cock was dripping with clear fluid, clamoring to plunge inside. Rubbing the precum-soaked tip slowly against the hole, Valery pressed his hips forward, slowly penetrating.

“You’re late.”

“Ah, ugh…!”

The large cock tore into the stinging, freshly spanked entrance, thrusting deep in one go. The tip pressed hard against Asil’s core, then scraped the walls as it withdrew.

“Still so tight.”

Valery looked down at the hole barely clinging to his tip, then spat a stream of saliva onto his shaft. Spreading the saliva over his cock until it glistened, he slammed back into the hole with a thud.

“Haa!”

“Now it’s… mm.”

“Ah, ah, no, don’t…! Instruc- ahh! Instructor… hng!”

Moans spilled out uncontrollably. One hand was trapped in Valery’s large grip, unable to break free, and with his free hand pushing against Valery’s abdomen occupying his rear, Asil’s mouth couldn’t stifle the cries. As Valery’s hips pounded, scraping inside, Asil staggered, lifting onto his toes. His now-erect cock swayed in the air. Valery reached forward, stroking Asil’s shaft from tip to base, masturbating him.

As his rear was penetrated and his front squeezed, Asil’s moans grew louder. The whimpering, pleasure-soaked sounds were far more pleasant than the pained groans he’d suppressed. Valery rubbed Asil’s tip harshly with his thumb. Simultaneously, he pulled his cock out long and slow, then rammed it back into Asil’s depths at high speed. The textured inner walls spasmed, gripping Valery’s cock tightly.

Forcing through the walls clamping his cock, Valery thrust relentlessly, the wet slaps echoing. The hole, yielding with a squelch, loosened under the brutal pace. Thinking how the easily surrendering hole resembled its owner, Valery sucked Asil’s earlobe, chuckling.

“Your hole’s all loose again…”

“Ahn, ah, ah, haa!”

“And your cock’s about to flood.”

As Valery said, Asil’s cock, red and twitching, looked ready to burst. The moment Valery cruelly scraped the open urethra with his nail, Asil let out a high-pitched moan. Throwing his head back, he rubbed his nape against Valery’s chest.

“Ha, haa, ugh, no… ah!”

Toes whitening as he stood on tiptoes, Asil thrust his hips forward, eyes shut tight. His cock spasmed, spurting thin semen. Shuddering from the blinding pleasure, Asil slapped Valery’s stomach, struggling to push him away. Even as he gasped, unable to breathe properly from the climax, Valery kept thrusting. The sound of his balls slapping Asil’s rear was embarrassingly loud.

The large, hard tip, like a small fist, scraped the hot, sticky insides, hammering the core. When it pounded in a frenzy, it felt like a bony fist stirring Asil’s guts. As it battered his insides, threatening to pierce his peritoneum, Asil sobbed, clutching his cock with both hands.

Something was broken. Otherwise, how could he…

“Look at that water.”

…gush clear fluid like this while his insides were pummeled?

“Hic, ah. Sob…! Ugh! Uh… aaaah!”

Asil stomped his feet, trembling violently. His hips shook wildly. Valery grabbed Asil’s narrow pelvis, pinning it to prevent movement. Stepping back a few paces with his cock still inside, Asil’s back arched deeply, his lower body stretching into a pliable position to take the thrusts.

Thud, thud, thud!

Spreading the blood-crusted cheeks wide, Valery stared at the foolishly gaping hole, pounding it mercilessly. Asil’s hands, once gripping the door, had long fallen. His trembling arms barely supported him, fingers grazing the floor. Each thrust sent fluid from Asil’s cock splattering everywhere. The endless stream even splashed a few drops onto his cheeks.

“Haa… ah, ahn…”

Drool dripped from his gaping, panting mouth. Asil stared blankly at the puddle on the floor, unable to believe so much fluid came from his cock. Not urine, but odorless proof of arousal, it soaked his toes.

As if intent on tearing Asil’s insides apart, Valery didn’t stop the savage thrusts, the brutal sounds filling the room. The smacks of their thighs colliding could’ve been mistaken for violence.

“Ugh…”

“Stop, please… ah…!”

Nearing climax, Valery shook Asil’s hips back and forth, thrusting relentlessly. Squelch, slap, thud, thud! Ahh, hn, ugh, ha… Various sounds swirled in the room. Perhaps that’s why Asil only heard the knock after Valery paused, lifted his limp body, and covered his mouth.

“Asil? Are you asleep?”

Father knocked, calling from outside.

“Asleep, huh? I heard something… Let’s talk. Open the door.”

Pale with fear, Asil’s eyes darted to the door’s handle. Thankfully, it was locked. As he stayed silent, Father stopped knocking and rattled the handle. The old door shook, revealing glimpses of the dark corridor. Seeing Father’s silhouette through the gap, Asil instinctively gripped Valery’s hand tightly. Trembling, he looked up, expecting Valery to be watching the door, but those bronze eyes were fixed on him.

A faint smile crept into Valery’s eyes. He thrust hard, the brutal sound echoing. The only difference was Asil’s moans, now muffled under Valery’s palm.

“Asil? What’s that noise?”

“Richard is currently being disciplined by this instructor.”

“…Valery, sir! My apologies. Has my son been rude?”

“A recruit made a mistake… I’m punishing him, so you’d best leave.”

Valery’s tone shifted to condescension, but Father, preoccupied with Asil’s error, didn’t notice.

“Yes, of course! Please take care of my lacking son.”

Hurrying as if chased, Father retreated. Asil, listening to the quiet outside, heard the faint sound of Father’s study door closing. Collapsing against Valery, his trembling legs unable to stand, Valery embraced him, thrusting a few more times before climaxing.

“Your father asked me to take care of you…”

“Hn…”

“As an instructor, I tend to heed parents’ requests.”

The low voice in his ear, the hot semen filling him, the large hand pressing his stomach, the broad arm supporting his back… All Valery. Asil closed his eyes tightly, feeling the still-erect cock slowly probing his hole.

“Please take care of my lacking son.”

Father’s words clung to his ears. Until the sex ended, Asil was gripped by mild panic, terrified Father might barge in, see this, and praise him for serving Valery well. Fearing an impossible scenario, Asil didn’t even register Valery’s whispers or kisses.

In the early morning, as the dim dawn sky cleared, Yoheim, lord of the Richard family, paced the small garden, unable to hide his anxiety. It had been an hour since Asil’s room went dark. Yoheim had visited just past midnight, meaning Asil had been disciplined by Valery for roughly five or six hours. What mistake could’ve angered Valery, who had smiled generously despite the humble meal? The sound of blows seeping through the door’s gap still rang vividly. The smacks of flesh had left Yoheim stunned. He couldn’t sleep until he heard the full story from Asil.

Asil, who trained diligently around the estate each morning, would soon emerge. Surely a future soldier wouldn’t skip training over a few hits from a superior. Yoheim lingered in the garden, alternating glances between the entrance and Asil’s second-floor window. As the morning sun rose, brightening the surroundings, the estate’s front door swung open. Valery, in military uniform, strolled out leisurely. Holding a phone in one hand and a cigar in the other, he spotted Yoheim and slightly furrowed his brow.

Yoheim, bleary from a sleepless night, scanned Valery’s figure. It was still unbelievable that Valery Grekosha had spent a night in his estate!

“Valery, sir, not sleeping more?”

Yoheim, hindered by frail health and failed ambitions, was blinded by the power he never attained. In the Tarian Empire, power belonged to families producing elite soldiers, and Valery stood at its pinnacle. More revered than the emperor by millions of aspiring youths, he now stood before Yoheim. That such a man noticed his son left Yoheim too awestruck to stay still. Approaching Valery, his legs wobbled like a newborn calf’s.

He’d seen potential in young Asil’s training, but to connect with such a figure right after entering the academy? Yoheim marveled at his son’s sociability. Valery, a war hero and sole heir to the Grand Ducal family controlling the empire’s military, could ensure Asil’s bright future if he earned his favor. Unsure of Asil’s mistake last night, Yoheim quickly spoke to take responsibility.

“Valery, sir, I apologize for my son’s mistake. I’ll discipline Asil sharply…”

“The gold has been discussed with Asil.”

Valery glanced down at Yoheim, putting the cigar to his lips. As he searched for a light, Yoheim swiftly pulled matches from his pocket, striking one.

“Thank you! I’ll repay this debt someday.”

Overwhelmed, Yoheim didn’t notice Valery’s condescending tone. Valery lit his cigar on the offered flame, inhaling deeply. Exhaling slowly into Yoheim’s face, he caused Yoheim to cough. Without pausing his smoking, Valery studied the gaunt, middle-aged man.

Sleepless, Yoheim’s sunken eyes bore no resemblance to Asil. Perhaps their pale skin was similar, but unlike Asil’s smooth, soft face, Yoheim’s rough, unshaven skin was off-putting.

It wasn’t just appearance. From his features to his trembling fingers and fidgeting legs, Yoheim was steeped in excessive greed.

Though Valery disapproved, Asil possessed an unbreakable pride. His enduring self-respect, resilient will, duty to revive the family, and independence frustrated Valery, but he now understood: stripping those traits would leave Asil incomplete.

Last night confirmed it. He and Asil would repeat this cycle endlessly. No matter how harshly beaten or intimidated, Asil would only feign submission to escape the moment, soon scheming to break free again.

Physical punishment was futile. Valery tossed the shortened cigar, placing a hand on Yoheim’s shoulder.

This was Asil’s only weakness…

“Baron Richard, contact me directly if you need anything.”

“Valery, sir… How can you be so generous!”

There was no choice, despite his distaste.

“One request, though…”

“Yes! Name it!”

“Stop laying hands on Asil.”

Valery’s large hand hovered over Yoheim’s cheek. The threatening gesture made Yoheim’s face twitch.

“I like his face.”

“…Oh.”

“And I don’t like others touching it.”

Understand? At Valery’s question, Yoheim’s lips moved silently. Even to obtuse Yoheim, the words sounded suspicious. Was his interpretation correct, and if so, how should he respond?

Hesitating, Yoheim avoided Valery’s eyes. An evasive man, he always left Asil to bear the consequences.

“Seems you get it.”

Muttering languidly, Valery passed Yoheim, heading for the gate. Pushing open the rusted iron gate, he found a parked car. Cain, in the driver’s seat with the window down, spotted Valery and hurried out. Valery squeezed into the backseat Cain opened.

“We’re leaving.”

Valery glanced back at the receding estate. Yoheim bowed toward the car at the gate. Snorting, Valery unbuttoned his constricting shirt.

“Strange, isn’t it?”

“Sir?”

“That a man like that produced Asil…”

Cain chuckled, glancing at Valery through the rearview mirror. Valery, arm on the window, didn’t look pleased or displeased. His tapping on the sill suggested possible irritation. Turning smoothly at a fork, Cain recalled a conversation from two days ago.

“How long to Maron from here?”

Intelligence reported Jenuka Kingdom spies hiding in Mailyn, in the northwest. Cain, Valery, and key academy figures were marching with Mailyn officers to capture them. Wiping blood from his hands, Valery abruptly asked, staring at Cain for an answer. Thinking he misheard, Cain paused but, facing Valery’s intense gaze, replied quickly.

“By car, it’s quick. Two hours.”

“I see.”

A Mailyn officer, overhearing, asked if reports came from Maron. Cain hoped that was Valery’s intent, not his suspected reason. He’d rather extend the mission… Damn it. But before dawn the next day, Valery summoned Cain to drive to Maron for the flimsy reason of warning Asil about Mailyn’s unrest.

Was this a joke? A phone call or letter would suffice! Why tell Asil classified information? Why visit at all?

Cain had a mountain of complaints but, like a discreet aide, nodded silently. Valery, aware of his actions’ flaws, offered no further excuses or conversation. Driving through the dark to Maron, Cain wished his superior would be honest with Asil.

Valery’s unconscious impulses brought unimaginable harm to Asil. Each wound Asil bore weighed on Cain’s conscience. He felt faint guilt, unable to take responsibility for his words.

Only half a year until Valery graduates. Don’t rebel and hurt yourself—just endure six months. He’s not one to fixate long… You get me, right?

If he could go back, Cain would gag himself for saying that. He’d confess to Asil, who trusted him and endured: Valery has no intention of letting you go. He plans to stay an instructor post-graduation. I’m sorry, I was wrong. Asil Richard, you’ll keep…

“Return tomorrow morning.”

At the Richard estate, Valery, impatient, flung open the car door without waiting for Cain. Parking behind the outer wall, Cain peered into the garden. Valery, speaking with Baron Richard, rushed to Asil upon spotting him, tightly embracing his waist.

“He’s something else…”

Unable to speak before Valery, Cain muttered irreverent thoughts alone. Praying Valery’s words matched his actions, he got into the car. Driving back to Mailyn, they discussed the day’s tasks. Cain wanted to tease Valery for leaving to warn Asil about Mailyn’s unrest amid their busy schedule but valued his safety, restraining his tongue.

“…Ahem, what did Recruit Richard say?”

Now, too, Cain bit his itching lips, speaking to lighten the heavy mood. He could guess Asil’s response but hoped mentioning him would lift Valery’s spirits.

“No time to talk.”

“…I see.”

No time in a whole day? Cain’s head throbbed. Piecing together Valery’s grim expression and Asil’s absence, he realized they’d clashed again. No day was peaceful.

“Just in case, you tell him.”

“Yes…”

Drained, Cain’s reply went unheard as Valery leaned back, arms crossed, eyes closed. He recalled Asil, passed out that morning. He’d applied salve to his swollen rear, but scars would linger. Asil would wince in pain sitting for a while. Valery felt reluctant, unable to witness it.

“Asil, Asil…”

Musing idly, Valery’s own panting voice echoed, laced with fervor. Pressing his furrowed brow, trying not to recall his pleasure-driven words from hours ago, he kicked Cain’s seat.

“Play the radio. Loud.”

“Understood.”

Quick-handed, Cain tuned the portable radio. Soon, a military opera blared, a woman’s anguished voice screaming a confession.

“Ahhh! I love you, I love you, I love you!”

Despite obeying, Cain’s back was kicked twice more for no reason. Hearing Valery curse under his breath, Cain hurriedly changed the channel. A dull voice summarizing the empire’s weekly events played, ensuring an undisturbed drive to Mailyn.