By Zephyria 
“Just in case, I have to ask… there isn’t any impure medicine in the tea, is there?”
“Not at all. It’s just steeped dried herbs. It’s called Yuhwacho, a component also found in Novagen.”
Novagen. Hui-won recalled a familiar medicine. A drug primarily taken by latent Alphas and latent Omegas. A supplement that amplifies a faint pheromone scent to its extreme.
He knew Kwon Young-je had spent months meticulously working to secure the license agreement for Novagen. It was likely that somewhere, the contract was being finalized right now.
Even if refusing the offer wouldn’t jeopardize the contract, it would be beneficial to appease Chairman Takano for the sake of future relations.
Amidst his repeated deliberation, the silence stretched on. The man glanced at the Chairman, then subtly urged him on.
“Whether you drink it or not is entirely your choice.”
“To Executive Director Kwon Young-je…”
Hui-won’s dry lips parted several times before he painstakingly began.
“I would appreciate it if you kept this a secret.”
“Ah… that’s what’s bothering you.”
“Thirty minutes. Would that be enough?”
The man immediately relayed the message to Chairman Takano. The Chairman chuckled heartily and nodded.
Hui-won let out a long breath and downed the prepared tea in one gulp. A bitter taste coated his tongue, followed by a cool sensation spreading through his mouth. The tea’s taste could not be described as good, even by a white lie.
A persistent, slow gaze roamed Hui-won’s face. It was filled with anticipation. Faced with the crude, honest desires emanating from the old Alpha, Hui-won barely suppressed a wave of nausea.
The contract was successfully concluded without a hitch. About an hour seemed to have passed. In a cordial atmosphere, signs pointed towards a banquet commencing immediately.
Chairman Takano had not yet appeared. Kwon Young-je, who had been watching the empty seat throughout, discreetly summoned Secretary Song standing behind him.
“Go and observe Secretary Kim’s movements. Report back briefly.”
“…Secretary Kim?”
Secretary Song asked back, unable to hide his bewilderment, but no further explanation was given. No matter how sudden the request, it had to be followed as it was Executive Director Kwon’s order. Secretary Song left the room without further delay.
At that moment, Hui-won was crossing a secluded back path of the mansion, avoiding the eyes of others.
Gasp, gasp. Panting breaths escaped his lips. Unable to walk any further, he stopped, and the man who had been guiding him turned back.
“Are you alright? You seem worse than before.”
The brazen question ignited a surge of anger. Hui-won glared fiercely at the man and forced out a voice that barely emerged.
“The tea… hoo, you didn’t put any medicine in it, did you?”
“You are quite suspicious.”
“Then why am I so…”
Unable to bear it, he unbuttoned his collar. Even opening his shirt didn’t alleviate the feeling of suffocation. It was hot, burning, and his mouth felt parched as if from a drought.
“Reactions can vary from person to person. Is your heat cycle perhaps approaching?”
Hui-won clenched his fist around the fabric of his shirt. That bastard… you deliberately didn’t tell me, didn’t you? He couldn’t shake the feeling that they had been waiting for him to make a mistake.
Thirty minutes had passed since the promised time, and he was on his way to get a suppressant because he couldn’t control the overflowing pheromones. He had followed the man because he couldn’t possibly remain in that room. He was afraid of making a mistake.
Beyond bewilderment, fear arose from this unprecedented symptom. His heat cycle was indeed approaching, but he still had time, and Hui-won had never failed to control his pheromones before. That damned tea had clearly disrupted his heat cycle.
Now, his knees began to tremble. Hui-won sank down, covering his mouth. His entire body was drenched in sweat, and a sweet scent emanated from his breath. Heat was imminent. It was fortunate that the person with him was a Beta.
“Please, haah, the medicine quickly.”
“Can you walk?”
Seeing him on the verge of collapse, the man let out a long sigh. His condition worsening this much was also a rather difficult situation for the man. He forcibly helped Hui-won up, draping Hui-won’s limp arm over his shoulder.
“This won’t do. I’ll arrange a room where you can rest first.”
The man helped Hui-won to a separate residence. Fortunately, there were no signs of any ulterior motives. The place they arrived at was one of the ordinary annexes provided for guests, and it was empty, with no trace of human presence.
“Stay here. I’ll bring the suppressant to you.”
As soon as the man left, Hui-won locked the door.
His weakened body slid down the wall. He buried his face in his hands, only letting out ragged breaths. His head felt like it was cooking from the unbearable heat. Even clenching his teeth, he couldn’t contain the pheromones that escaped.
He had made a foolish choice. He didn’t know how he would face Executive Director Kwon. He desperately tried to hold onto his fading consciousness, praying he would recover before then…
Dishes for the guests, to celebrate the contract’s conclusion, were continuously brought in. The once stark room was instantly transformed into something like a high-end restaurant.
Amidst the laughter and conversation, only Kwon Young-je remained silent. Secretary Song had still not returned, and Chairman Takano was also absent. Frustrated by his inability to leave, the sliding door, covered with translucent paper, opened smoothly.
As Chairman Takano made his entrance precisely on time, everyone present rose in unison. His son stepped forward first, escorting the Chairman to the head seat.
[You seem to be in good spirits.]
[Ah, it’s been a while since something so enjoyable happened. Everyone, please sit, or the floor might collapse.]
The Chairman looked around the room and laughed heartily. His joke further enlivened the banquet. Kwon Young-je composed his expression, but his nerves remained acutely on edge.
“A banquet wouldn’t be complete without drinks,” the Chairman said, bringing out a rare liquor. He even showed his sincerity by pouring for each person individually.
As guests took precedence, the first glass went to Kwon Young-je. Chairman Takano, who had approached closely, looked at Kwon Young-je with a satisfied gaze and tilted the bottle.
Drip, drip. A deep, rich aroma flowed from the pouring sake. The scent was indescribably potent, but piercing through the strong smell of alcohol, the familiar fragrant olive scent wafted to Kwon Young-je’s nose.
[Your discernment is truly remarkable. You have a good secretary.]
“……”
Kwon Young-je received the drink but stared at Chairman Takano without a word. All eyes gradually focused on the man standing there blankly.
Just as everyone was bewildered by the peculiar confrontation with the Chairman, Kwon Young-je downed the drink in one go. Bang. As the glass hit the table, the onlookers flinched.
“I’m not feeling well, so I’ll take my leave. Please see to the conclusion here.”
Before Executive Director Kwon could be stopped, he stormed out. The Apex staff who had accompanied him exchanged nervous glances, unsure what to do. Far from feeling unwell, he looked like he was about to go and confront someone.
Still, they had received instructions, so they couldn’t leave the table. It was entirely up to the remaining people to salvage the disrupted banquet atmosphere.
He headed straight for the room where Kim Hui-won was staying. Secretary Song stood at the door, wringing his hands. As soon as he saw Kwon Young-je, Secretary Song’s face turned pale. He was surprised to realize the Executive Director had stormed out of the banquet.
“Uh, Executive Director.”
“Where is Secretary Kim?”
“Well… I’ve searched the rooms, but he’s nowhere to be found. He’s not answering his phone either.”
Kwon Young-je flung open the sliding door. The room was clean, with no sign of disarray. Only the person had vanished, leaving behind Kim Hui-won’s potent pheromone scent.
At the concentrated pheromone, Kwon Young-je froze for a moment, unable to move. He covered his jaw and glared fiercely.
This level was just before estrus. Considering Kim Hui-won’s usual behavior, if something had happened to him, he would likely have acted to resolve it himself.
Kwon Young-je tried calling him directly. The call connected, but only the ringing tone continued for a long time. Secretary Kim always answered his calls immediately, no matter what. As the monotonous ringing persisted, his anxiety grew with each passing moment.
He ran a hand through his hair roughly, letting his disheveled bangs fall onto his forehead. Kwon Young-je chewed on his lip and spat out a low curse.
“Find him, immediately.”
The frightened Secretary Song flinched and ran out. Kwon Young-je turned in the opposite direction. His strides, uncharacteristically fast and hurried, carried him away.
He literally turned the mansion upside down. Kwon Young-je, regardless of whether people were present, barged into room after room, searching for Kim Hui-won.
As time passed, his neat shirt became creased, and the back of his neck was soaked with sweat. Even so, he didn’t let go of his phone. While trying to make a call that wouldn’t be answered, his steps suddenly halted.
A sweet scent, carried by the breeze, was incredibly familiar. Like golden blossoms that might be in full bloom somewhere, the scent of fragrant olive.
Using that scent as a guide, he turned his steps. The aroma grew stronger with each step he took. He found a secluded annex hidden in a corner and, without even taking off his shoes, strode in wearing his dress shoes. Kwon Young-je was certain Kim Hui-won would be here.