By Zephyria 
It would have been fine if the conversation had ended there, but the Marquis did not stop.
“Then that means you and that demi-human like each other, but you haven’t been able to confess yet. Is that right? What is the reason? There shouldn’t be anyone who would turn down someone like you—the sole heir to a ducal house and diligent to boot. Whenever the noble ladies gather, they always talk about you. The older women want you as a son-in-law, and the younger ones are busy competing to see who will win your heart. Seeing you hesitate and lack courage like this, that child must be quite a handful as well, isn’t he?”
Cassian was speechless at the sudden barrage of words, merely gaping. However, regardless of his reaction, the Marquis continued to chatter away.
“Is it perhaps a family issue? If that child’s family is somewhat lacking, tell me. I have a distant relative’s viscountcy with no children. Or surely, you aren’t saying the relationship between the families is poor? Just tell me; I might be able to mediate. If it’s not that, then…”
He looked as if he had been possessed by a god. Seeing the usually dignified and composed Marquis pouring out words with such sparkling eyes, Cassian felt flustered, yet somehow understood.
After all, the lives of nobles were predictable. They attended gatherings full of formality, saying things they didn’t mean to flatter one another, boasting about how wealthy and satisfying their lives were, killing time by observing birds around their estates, or, if not that, spending their days from morning till night intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, rambling nonsense—in other words, every day was exactly the same.
For a man who had lived his entire life that way, encountering such an exciting event in his old age was something he naturally could not let pass.
“Instead of this, why don’t you bring that child here? I’ll find out exactly how they feel. Goodness, you’re just shy, aren’t you? I know all about it, so there’s no need to be embarrassed. I had my youth too, so I understand. Those are the best times.”
The Marquis laughed boisterously and made an unconventional proposal. Of course, if that were actually the case, it would have meant gaining an incomparably great ally, but…
It was nonsense.
Cassian let out a deep sigh inwardly. He wanted to preserve this rare event for the elderly Marquis if possible, but unfortunately, as the party involved, it was impossible for Cassian. Still, unable to offend the Marquis’s mood, he gave the most ambiguous answer possible.
“I appreciate your kindness, but as you know, I am older than that child, so I wish to be as cautious as possible. Above all, that child’s will is what matters most. I believe you, Marquis, would understand.”
At the deliberately added remark, the Marquis paused and stroked his beard with a serious expression. To have an event finally occur only to have to watch from the sidelines—could there be a more regrettable situation?
However, since Cassian’s words were not wrong, he had no choice but to nod despite his reluctance.
“I see. Of course I understand, naturally.”
“Thank you, Marquis.”
Cassian thought the conversation was over with this, but as expected, the Marquis was not an easy opponent.
“However.”
He leaned his upper body over the table and gazed at Cassian with narrowed eyes. Wondering what he was about to say, a tense Cassian heard the Marquis add in a low voice.
“If any trouble arises between the two of you, be sure to ask me for help. Do you understand? I will gladly do everything in my power for you both, so make sure you do.”
At the repeated request, Cassian had no choice but to nod.
“Yes, I understand. I will certainly do so.”
Though he answered thus, his inner thoughts were completely different. Since it was something that would never happen anyway, he could say whatever the man wanted to hear. Just as Cassian expected, the Marquis seemed pleased with the answer and nodded with a satisfied face.
“Right, then that’s enough. You may leave now.”
“Yes, thank you.”
At the words he had been longing for, Cassian bowed politely and attempted to leave the drawing room. The moment he opened the door, his eyes met those of a man standing in the hallway. As he paused for a moment, the Marquis called out from behind.
“Edward, see the guest to the entrance.”
“Yes, Grandfather,” Edward replied immediately. It seemed the words the Marquis had said to his grandson earlier weren’t just lip service. Bowing to the Marquis once more, Cassian began walking down the hallway following the grandson.
“Ahem.”
It wasn’t long before Edward cleared his throat as if he had something to say. The way he stole glances at Cassian turned that suspicion into certainty, but he didn’t open his mouth for a while, continuing only to peek at Cassian. Eventually, unable to wait any longer, Cassian spoke first.
“What do you want to say? Just say it, stop trying to read my mood.”
“Uh, yeah. Right, that is…”
Stuttering for a moment as if flustered, Edward scratched the back of his head and began to speak hesitantly.
“Uh, look. About the bad things I said about you at the party… I’m sorry.”
The words had come out with difficulty, but Cassian’s reaction was indifferent.
“You already apologized for that. More importantly, what is it you want to say?”
Edward flinched at the cold atmosphere and checked Cassian’s expression again. What on earth was he trying to say? Just as Cassian was starting to get annoyed, Edward finally spoke.
“Uh, well… actually, it’s been quite a long time since you’ve had a girlfriend. So we thought… maybe you were having some… difficulties in that area.”
“Are you calling me impotent?”
At the blunt question, Edward was startled and didn’t know what to do, but soon nodded honestly.
“Uh, um… well, yes.”
Up to that point, Cassian didn’t think much of it. It was true that it had been a long time since he’d dated, and it was also true that he had absolutely no interest in such things.
However, the next words were enough to offend Cassian’s sensibilities.
“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you liked men. Uh, well… I don’t have any prejudices about that.”
…What kind of bullshit is this?
As Cassian looked down at him with a scowl, Edward, misinterpreting the reaction, said something even more infuriating.
“That guy is quite cute, so it’s understandable that you’d fall for him. Ah, sorry. It probably feels bad when I talk like this, right? I understand, I’d feel the same. According to Grandfather, it’s almost a miracle that you don’t keep that child hidden away…”
He was so appalled he was speechless. Cassian, who could easily imagine the Marquis spinning delusions about their relationship to his son and grandson, let out a remark without realizing it.
“Cute? That guy?”
That crazy capybara?
He barely managed to swallow the last part, but Edward answered honestly with a bright face.
“Yeah. I think he’ll become incredibly pretty as he grows. Ah, though he’s pretty now, of course. O-of course, I have no other intentions. He’s your loved one, so I’d never, ever have any ulterior motives…”
“Edward.”
Edward, who had been shaking his head and hands frantically, froze at the chilling voice calling his name. Cassian’s face as he looked down at Edward was frozen colder than ever. Is he doubting my sincerity? Edward thought anxiously. Of course he is. Anyone would be offended if someone called the person they love ‘cute’ or ‘pretty.’ Oh no, I’m screwed.
Just as he turned pale, Cassian spoke.
“Don’t be fooled. That guy is a poisoned marshmallow.”
Having said that, he turned around and strode away. Bewildered by the sudden remark, Edward blinked in confusion before belatedly running after him and asking urgently.
“W-wait, Cassian! Hold on, what does that mean? Cass—no, Count Herringer…!”
Edward called out desperately as he ran, but far from stopping, Cassian quickened his pace. Then, right in front of Edward’s nose, Cassian climbed into his carriage and left the premises.
“A poisoned marshmallow…? What on earth does that mean?”
Left behind, Edward could only tilt his head, panting for breath.