-01-

Drrr. Drrr.

His cell phone keeps ringing by his head. Judging by the faint sunlight streaming through the blinds, it’s still too early to start the day.

Yeon-ho’s hand, swallowing sleepiness and annoyance, groped for the phone.

“Hello.”

Unlike Yeon-ho’s mumbling, a clear voice was heard.

“Are you awake?”

“…Just now.”

“What time is it, and you’re still in bed?”

The owner of the sharp voice, as if she could see him, is one of Yeon-ho’s twin sisters. Unlike the easygoing and soft Seo-hee, the second one, Seo-jin, had a heartless nature.

He couldn’t sleep anymore. Yeon-ho, staggering, fully opened his remaining eyes.

“What’s wrong.”

“You didn’t forget about tonight, did you?”

“You called just to check that?”

“Don’t forget again later and make us get criticized too.

He had no words because he didn’t have the intention to do so. Anyway, she’s a ghost. He roughly answered that he understood and was about to end the call when a strange smell suddenly brushed his nose.

No, rather than strange, it was a smell like something was being grilled…?

As his feet left the bed and headed to the living room, a head popped out from the kitchen, as if knowing he was there.

“Did you wake up?”

Yeon-ho’s brow furrowed at the face he found.

“What, you… why are you still here?”

“Hey. Is that how you greet someone in the morning? I’m just watching TV for a bit. It’s almost done.”

The skinny body, smiling cheerfully despite the nagging, turned back to the induction stove. Cheeks of smoke rose from the frying pan placed on top of it.

Where did that come from? Did he buy it on purpose?

It’s been a long time since he went grocery shopping, but the greasy smell is bacon. Bread and some other ingredients were also scattered on the table.

He was about to say something, but he gave up because it was annoying. Instead, he plopped down on the sofa as he was told. After briefly looking at the meaningless screen, he looked up at Sung-min.

“You should watch TV or something.”

He handed one plate to Yeon-ho and turned on the TV with the remote control. After briefly looking at the meaningless screen, he looked up at Sung-min.

“What’s going on. What’s all this. Weren’t you going back yesterday?”

“I was… but I forgot this.”

What came out of his rummaged pocket was a card. The joint entrance card to Yeon-ho’s own mansion.

“You could have put it in the mailbox.”

“I was going to, but since I came all the way here, I thought I’d see your face one more time. And have breakfast if possible. Oh, and you haven’t changed the front door password yet, have you?”

“How can I change it every time.”

The implication contained in the indifferent words was clear. It meant that he was too lazy to change the password every time his partner changed.

Although the relationship ended cleanly yesterday, it wasn’t something to say to someone who was his partner until yesterday. Sung-min glared slightly.

“You haven’t already set your sights on another guy, have you?”

“Why is that.”

“Don’t make a partner for a while. If you get another guy, you won’t pay as much attention to me.”

“Do you think I’m paying attention now?”

“A little bit. I’m going into a new project soon. At least until that’s over. Huh?”

Yeon-ho’s hand pushed Sung-min’s forehead, which was sticking too close, to the other side.

“Keep your distance. What you’re doing today is too much.”

“That’s too much. You were so heated up in my arms until yesterday.”

You can’t believe it with the current mood, but… that’s right. Yeon-ho was under Sung-min just a few hours ago.

With an endlessly sexy and extremely lewd face.

It was really great then…. As the thought came to mind, the lust that he thought he had taken out enough of last night slowly raised its head.

Sung-min, licking his tongue, stuck his body closer to Yeon-ho’s body once more. However, the action of skillfully trying to find his lips was stopped midway.

Because the tip of a fork was held out right in front of his nose. Sung-min, terrified, raised both hands and hurriedly pulled his face away, letting out a hollow laugh.

“Wow. You’re really cold, Director Do.”

“You should learn too. Don’t rush in anywhere, anytime, and get hurt.”

Is this advice or a warning? Sung-min scanned Yeon-ho intently.

The director of the entertainment company that Sung-min belongs to, and narrowly, the man who was his sponsor for the past few months.

Do Yeon-ho was quite famous in this industry.

His title is director, but he is actually the co-representative of ‘DO:IT’ agency, and his sexual preference is gay.

Above all, Yeon-ho had a unique atmosphere that made people tilt their heads.

At first glance, he is a handsome man without any shortcomings, but his thin lips with light pigment, oriental long eyes, and delicate nose seemed to be more suited to the expression ‘beauty’.

Especially when those languid eyes become mercilessly cold, it feels like something is stabbed deep inside and the area around his back heats up?

In other words, it’s true that he approached him for success, but the charm of Do Yeon-ho himself was also significant in forming a sponsorship relationship with him.

“What are you looking at?”

“Just. I just feel like it’s a waste. If I knew it would be like this, I should have asked you to date instead of sponsoring.”

“If you did, I wouldn’t have slept with you.”

Do Yeon-ho’s rumors also included that he sponsors and changes sex partners from time to time, but he doesn’t make lovers.

Right… rumors.

Sung-min, hesitating for a moment at what might be his last chance, opened his lips again.

“You know… I’ve been curious about something for a while, can I ask you?”

“……?”

“It’s not anything else, but I heard somewhere….”

It was when he was carefully continuing the rest of his words.

“This is This Week’s Finder, bringing you the hottest issues of the week. I don’t think there could be anything more surprising than this week’s entertainment news. The news that actor Lee Ho-rim, who suddenly stopped his activities last year, secretly gave birth to a child last month was reported through SNS yesterday. In the meantime, Lee Ho-rim….”

A story that made his ears twitch was heard from the TV, which had been turned on without meaning. Sung-min and Yeon-ho’s eyes quickly moved to the TV. If you’re in this industry, you hear a lot of behind-the-scenes stories about pregnancy and abortion, so childbirth itself wasn’t surprising.

However, the problem was… that Lee Ho-rim, who announced the birth, was a ‘male actor’.

“Wow.”” (Wow – a Korean expression of disbelief or shock)

Sung-min, who had been listening intently to the reporter’s words, let out a short sigh and turned to Yeon-ho with wide eyes.

“Did you know, Director?”

“…Know what.”

“Lee Ho-rim is in Yeollim, right? I heard you’re close to that company’s representative?”

“Did you do a background check on me?”

“That’s the basics if you want to catch Director.”

“…….”

“Anyway, don’t change the subject, did you really not know that?”

“I don’t even know what my kids are doing, how would I know about other people’s affairs.”

“I mean.”

At this point, Yeon-ho also realized what he was trying to ask. It wasn’t a welcome topic. He pretended not to know, but it was no use.

“You really didn’t know that Lee Ho-rim is a Morpher?”

Morpher. The word he said was also flowing from the reporter’s mouth.

“Although it hasn’t been known until now, it has been revealed through this birth that Lee Ho-rim is a Morpher, that is, a dual sex activation gene. This gene, which is commonly called a beastman in the East, means that men can also get pregnant….”

He picked up the remote control and turned off the TV. However, Sung-min’s curiosity was not yet extinguished. Rather, his eyes sparkled twice as much.

Sung-min put his face right in front of Yeon-ho. He wasn’t trying to kiss him like before. It would have been better if he had tried that.

“You knew, didn’t you, Director?”

“I don’t know how I would know that.”

“Why. They say Morphers recognize each other?”

“…What?”

“I said I had something I was curious about earlier. Someone told me before. That you’re also a Morpher, Director. Is that… true?”

His guess was correct. As Yeon-ho’s face openly crumpled, Sung-min finally noticed.

“No, I’m not asking in a bad way… if it’s true, it’s something to be proud of. Morphers usually have good families and are successful people, so they are treated well in many ways.”

Although he was cheeky, he didn’t seem to have any hostility. It was more admiration than jealousy, and more pure curiosity than exploration. In the end, a sigh poured out of Yeon-ho’s mouth.

Academically, Homo mutabilis, medically, DSAG (Dual Sex Activation Gene), and the most socially used name is commonly Morphers (transformers).

Morphers, who account for about 10% of the population, looked the same as ordinary people on the outside, but were very different in terms of characteristics.

From genetic predisposition to metabolic rate, muscle fiber density, and nerve reaction speed… the biggest difference was in reproductive ability.

The fact that pregnancy is possible even between the same sex, like Lee Ho-rim.

So, back in the old days, he received both admiration and criticism. Nowadays, as Seong-min said, he is more often revered for his outstanding skills.

“Whatever the intention, you don’t ask about someone’s private life that they haven’t revealed so openly.”

“So, you’re saying he is a Morpheus?”

“……”

“Can you transform too? I heard it’s hard if your genetic disposition is low?”

“Even if I could, I have no intention of showing you, so don’t get your hopes up.”

“Why? Even if we’re over, how much affection have we built up over time? Stingy~”

“How would you feel if someone exposed all your weaknesses and stripped you bare?”

“……”

“And while we’re on the subject, the idea that Morpheus recognize each other at a glance is nonsense.”

“Really? You really don’t know each other?”

“If you don’t want to know, you don’t know.”

“You can know if you want to?”

“If the other person intentionally reveals it. But basically, pheromone suppression is a matter of etiquette.”

“Why?”

“There’s no need to make anyone uncomfortable. Natural enemies might clash.”

“Natural enemies… Wow. Ordinary people would never understand that sense, even if they died and came back.”

Even while muttering, he seemed to have satisfied some of his curiosity. Yeon-ho swallowed a bitter laugh at the childlike reaction of nodding his head and stood up from his seat.

“If you’ve said everything you wanted to say, I’ll be going.”

“I haven’t eaten this yet? I have a schedule later. If I don’t eat now, I’ll starve.”

Seong-min used the untouched plate as an excuse. He could drag him out if he wanted to, but it was too much trouble.

“Then eat quickly and go.”

Yeon-ho waved his hand dismissively and turned back towards the bedroom.

“Wait. Just a moment.”

“What is it now?”

“Actually, there’s one more thing I’m curious about. No, this is the real question. So, what is Executive Director…?”

“…What?”

“That Latin word for soul? Anima? The animal you can transform into.”

Yeon-ho’s back twitched involuntarily at the rising tone of his voice. He had been thinking that this might happen ever since he started asking about Morpheus… The prediction was not wrong this time either.

For Yeon-ho, this question was twice as uncomfortable as the previous one. Seong-min continued, his voice excited.

“A leopard? A wolf? Surely not a tiger?”

“……”

“Well. Whatever it is, it must be really cool.”

“……”

“What are you, really?”

It was an expectation that was clearly visible. Yeon-ho’s eyes, which had inadvertently avoided his gaze, fell on the plate on the table.

Now that he mentioned it, there was also a fried egg served as a side dish next to the well-cooked bacon.

It was so piercing to his eyes….

Yeon-ho’s handsome yet beautiful face was mercilessly contorted.

“You don’t need to know!”

♥ ♥ ♥

The traffic congestion in Seoul during rush hour is nothing new, but today, when the road is not clearing even after the green light, it is particularly severe.

Are they doing construction somewhere again? He tapped the steering wheel and couldn’t stand it any longer, so he lowered the window. What flowed in through the gap in the door was unexpectedly loud voices.

“No, you were the one who reversed. How can you reverse on the road?”

“Oh, my god. I’m going crazy. Who’s reversing? What about you, barging in like that!”

Oh dear…. Was it a construction site or a fight?

When he leaned his head out of the open window, he saw two men stopping their cars in the middle of the road and raising their voices.

It was a common sight. Eventually, other cars started carefully swerving to avoid the problematic cars. Yeon-ho did the same.

And it was when he barely brushed past the two cars with their rear and front bumpers stuck together. Their grumbling voices poured in again through the still-open window.

“Look, look, you young punk! If you can’t drive, don’t drive a car. Are you a birdbrain?”

“What, what did you say? Who are you to talk! Are you trying to deny what you did?”

Again, a common argument and familiar idioms. But at this common and familiar exchange, Yeon-ho slammed on the brakes without realizing it.

The car behind him honked in surprise at the sudden stop! Thinking they were being scolded, the two drivers who had been arguing finally stopped talking and looked back at the line of cars. Someone took the opportunity to lower their window and add a loud voice.

“Hey, mister. Don’t block traffic and call insurance! You should know better than to act like fighting cocks.”

It was Yeon-ho again who felt a sense of satisfaction in the hand holding the steering wheel at the scolding.

A few seconds passed. The car behind him started honking repeatedly as if asking why he wasn’t going.

‘Damn it, both of them!’

Yeon-ho, who gritted his teeth at no one in particular, stepped on the accelerator with all his might.

♥ ♥ ♥

A typical wealthy neighborhood in Seoul lined with houses with gardens. Among them, the two-story red brick Western-style house located in the inner part of the neighborhood is Yeon-ho’s childhood home.

Familiar trees and flowers blooming in season…. After passing through the familiar garden and entering the familiar house, a familiar voice flew in again.

“Fifteen minutes late.”

It was none other than Seo-jin who glanced at his watch and started scolding him.

Yeon-ho had moved out of the main house after graduating from college, and Seo-hee, one of his twin sisters, had moved out after getting married, but Seo-jin, the second child, was still living at home. Well, she wasn’t home much either.

As expected, she hadn’t been there long. There was a nearly untouched drink in front of Seo-jin, who was dressed in her going-out clothes. Instead of greeting her, Yeon-ho picked up Seo-jin’s cup. He gulped down the drink without hesitation, and Seo-jin’s eyes narrowed even more.

“What. Were you thirsty?”

Thinking about the small accident(?) on the way here, he was more thirsty for curses than for water.

“Just. By the way, where’s big sister? Hasn’t she arrived yet?”

“In the master bedroom. She must have something to say to Grandma.”

“Just the two of them?”

He tilted his head, but as if she couldn’t stand it, he sensed someone inside the hallway. It was Madam Shin Yeong-ok, the siblings’ grandmother, and Seo-jin’s identical twin, Seo-hee.

The two, who looked so much alike that they could have been stamped out of a mold, could easily be distinguished by their voices.

That was because….

“Yeon-ho~! When did you get here?”

Unlike Seo-jin, she smiled brightly with welcoming words, and anyone could see that she had a pure atmosphere. It was as if the twins had divided up the necessary emotions of joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure and were born with them.

Seo-jin frowned as Seo-hee, who quickly approached, grabbed his arm.

“It’s like a reunion of separated families.”

“I didn’t see you last time~”

“I know. You’re only seeing him after two months, why are you so happy? Anyone would think he was born to your sister.”

The nagging continued, but Seo-hee was busy scanning Yeon-ho’s body.

“Are you eating properly? Your face looks rough. I know a good herbal clinic, should I get you some tonic?”

Nagging that was tiring in a different way than Seo-jin’s. Yeon-ho pushed Seo-hee away.

“How old am I to be taking tonic already? By the way, where’s your husband? Why are you alone? Didn’t he come with you?”

Seo-hee, who had a slightly disappointed expression at her younger brother’s attempt to distance himself, finally released the hand she had been holding.

“Jongsu went on a business trip. He was supposed to come back this week, but I heard the schedule changed locally.”

Once a month at the shortest. Once every three or four months at the longest. Jongsu, her brother-in-law, boasted a high attendance rate at family gatherings held under the leadership of his grandmother. Rather, it was Yeon-ho who often made excuses and didn’t attend.

‘If I had known this would happen, I would have skipped it too….’

He felt tired again at the unbalanced gender ratio, but it was impossible to think about Seo-jin, who had even called him this morning.

Yeon-ho, who had suppressed a sigh, turned to Madam Shin. He greeted her with his eyes, and she responded in kind. Instead of sitting on the sofa, she turned towards the kitchen.

“Since everyone’s here, let’s eat first.”

He had expected it since she told him to come home, but it seemed today’s menu was home-cooked food. Yeon-ho’s eyes narrowed as he thought of the lady who was in charge of the kitchen at the main house. As much as her plump figure, she was overly generous.

He wouldn’t be able to leave without taking a digestive medicine today….

Resignation was evident in his slow steps towards the kitchen.

Even though he had complained so much, he had been accustomed to the taste of Jeonju’s wife, the kitchen maid, for almost 10 years before he became independent. It was still valid.

She carefully examined the side dishes that Yeon-ho often reached for on the table full of food and asked with a smile.

“How is it? Is the pickled vegetable well fermented?”

“Yes.”

“I was thinking of Yeon-ho anyway, would you like me to pack some for you when you leave?”

Seo-hee, who had been diligently moving her mouth, pouted at the question that came out as if it were natural.

“Aunt, what about me? I like pickled vegetables too… You didn’t ask me.”

“Oh my. Of course, I have some for our Seo-hee too~”

“Then I’ll take pickled vegetables and kimchi too. Is there any marinated crab left? Jongsu likes Aunt’s marinated crab.”

“Hey. Is this a side dish shop? Why are you guys trying to clean out someone else’s house?”

He only said ‘Yes,’ but he was unfairly lumped together. He was about to say something, but Madam Shin, who had been quietly eating, picked up and put down her water glass.

Jeonju’s wife quickly read her expression. Then, muttering to herself, “I’ll have to see if there’s any kimchi left~” she slipped out of the kitchen.

The three of them also sensed the strange atmosphere. When they stopped using their chopsticks in turn, Madam Shin rinsed her mouth once and looked around at her grandchildren.

Usually, Seo-hee would be the one to ask, “What’s wrong, Grandma?” But unlike before, Seo-hee didn’t open her mouth. Yeon-ho, who had repeatedly read the suspicious atmosphere, looked back and forth between the two.

In that moment, Madam Shin opened her mouth.

“The reason I called you home today is because I have something important to tell you.”

“……?”

“There’s good news and bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?”

Seo-jin and Yeon-ho looked at each other. Seo-hee seemed to have some idea of what it was. They said they had something to talk about with just the two of them… Was it related to that?

They said the same thing as if they had planned it.

“The bad news.”

“The bad one.”

It was better to get hit first. Madam Shin let out a laugh as if she knew this would happen. A few seconds passed. She brought her hands together in front of her and moved her lips with a more solemn expression.

“Do you know Madam Kim of Mosan Paper?”

“Mosan… Is she a friend of Grandma’s?”

“Yes. I heard that Madam Kim has a great-grandchild this time.”

It was an unexpected remark. Yeon-ho was speechless, and Seo-jin frowned.

“What. Why is her having a great-grandchild bad news? Isn’t it something to celebrate?”

“Of course. You know it well. Of course, it’s something to celebrate. But… what about me?”

“Huh?”

“How long do I have to keep celebrating other people’s events? Other people’s children get married and have children on time, but you guys… I’m the only one who hasn’t seen a great-grandchild at those gatherings.”

Alas. As the complaining continued, they finally understood. Yeon-ho quickly became serious. Seo-jin’s expression was not much different.

Seo-hee was the only one who could be free from this scolding. Of course, Seo-hee was also the only one who could make excuses.

Naturally, the two turned to Seo-hee, who pretended not to know.

“Oh, who’s not getting married? There’s your sister, right?”

“That’s right. Why are you making a perfectly married woman a spinster?”

But it was a futile attempt. Madam Shin even slammed the table.

“You guys. Is Seo-hee the only one who’s married? You’re old enough to think about finding your own partners. How long are you going to waste your time like this!”

“No, who wants to do that? I told you, I’m married to my work. I’m already so busy these days. Forget about marriage, do I even have time to date? Grandma knows best.”

She was right. Even though it wasn’t as big as a large corporation, Yeon-ho’s family had been running a food company for three generations. And Seo-jin, the second child, was taking over as the successor, following in the footsteps of her grandmother, the owner of the company.

Usually, the eldest child or son inherits the family business, but Seo-hee, who had no talent as a businesswoman, and Yeon-ho, who had no interest in the family business, welcomed her choice without complaint when Madam Shin chose Seo-jin as the successor.

Still, using it like this was another matter. Yeon-ho glared at Seo-jin at the rapidly collapsing common front.

“Are you the only one who’s busy? I’m busy too?”

“That’s right. You must be busy. Flirting with the guys. Who is it this time? An actor or a singer?”

“That’s mean. Are you going to be like this?”

“Stop it. Can’t you two lower your voices? You guys always have to say ten words for every one word!”

Madam Shin raised her voice as the two’s voices grew louder. The two, grumbling, turned their heads in different directions.

But there was no point in being at odds here. Seo-jin, who had calmly thought it over, changed the mood first.

“Okay. I understand that you want to see great-grandchildren. But you shouldn’t be doing this to us. Even if you just look at the time, my sister is the first one to bear fruit, why are you doing this to the wrong person?”

“My sister is a hundred times right.”

Yeon-ho also nodded quickly, not missing the opportunity. It was then that Seo-hee, who had been watching the three people’s dispute without getting involved, stuck out her tongue slightly.

“Sorry. That’s a bit much.”

“Much…?”

“What is it? Sister, are you a DINK? Did you and your brother-in-law decide not to have children?”

“Rather than that……”

Seo-hee trailed off at the questions that came rushing in. Then, she glanced at Madam Shin and smiled awkwardly.

“I told Grandma in advance… Jongsu has Azoospermia.”

“What……permia?”

“In simple terms, Azoospermia.”

Seo-hee clearly spoke the words that Yeon-ho could easily understand this time, towards Yeon-ho, who didn’t understand at once. Yeon-ho and Seo-jin’s movements stopped at once. Without realizing it, the two’s gazes went to Yeon-ho’s crotch.

‘So, is it… empty here??’

They had been married for four years this year. To be honest, the news of a child was a bit late. Still, the issue of children was a matter between the couple, so they would take care of it on their own. He hadn’t said a word until now….

It wasn’t easy to manage his expression. It was fortunate in some ways that Jongsu wasn’t here.

“Are you sure? Did you go to the hospital?”

“The sperm concentration has to be 20x106ml, but it’s below that. He’s not infertile, but he’s been diagnosed with infertility.”

Seo-jin, who had been just moving her mouth for a while at the added explanation, touched her forehead.

“Ha…. My brother-in-law is a seedless watermelon….”

Even if it was just a mutter, it was a high-decibel murmur. Yeon-ho reflexively looked at Seo-hee’s expression.

But sometimes, Seo-hee was worse than Seo-jin. Even at the words that could be offensive enough, she rather widened her eyes. And the words she said so confidently were…

“Hey. Seedless watermelons are much more expensive, you know? They’re easier to eat and so sweet!”

Once again, it was fortunate that her brother-in-law wasn’t here.

Maybe the business trip was an excuse and that’s why he didn’t come today?

Yeon-ho barely waved his hand over the table where silence was passing.

This was definitely bad news. It was essential to change the atmosphere if they didn’t want to get indigestion from eating.

“Then what’s left? You said there was good news too.”

If it was comparable to this, ordinary good news wouldn’t be enough. Did his expectation come true to some extent? Unlike before, Madam Shin started rummaging through her purse with a bright face.

Before long, a flat envelope was placed on the table. The gold envelope with the torn seal looked unusual at first glance.

“What is this……?”

Yeon-ho, who didn’t readily touch it, was on guard. In that moment, Madam Shin pulled her lips out even further.

“A marriage proposal.”

“……What?”

“There’s no law that people have to die, and it’s so timely. Don’t be surprised. It was sent by the Averton Family. They want to form a relationship with us.”

Yeon-ho’s eyes widened twice as much as when she mentioned Azoospermia. His grandmother was wrong.

This was even worse news.

How much time had passed when he still couldn’t put a hand on the envelope? Seo-jin was the first to come to her senses. Seo-jin grabbed the envelope as if snatching it away and took out the card inside. Then, at the end of her eyes that flowed from top to bottom, she let out a gasp.

“…It’s real?”

“Do you think I’d lie after eating a warm meal?”

“Really that Averton… So, ATG is right?”

“Oh my. Why do you keep asking after seeing it?”

“I’m asking because I saw it. Why is this family so eager to be with us?”

The voice that kept confirming was very reluctant. At this point, it was difficult for Yeon-ho to just ignore it. Although he didn’t want to, he snatched the card from Seo-jin’s shaking fingers.

The seal that was stamped at the end of a few lines of sentences scribbled in a smooth typeface as if printed pierced his eyes.

Sturdy branches surrounding it like a shield and a golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) spreading its wings proudly inside.

Why is this family so eager? Seo-jin’s words were a hundred times right. Similarly, Yeon-ho’s face was mercilessly contorted.

Madam Shin, who quickly snatched the card from his hand that was crumpled with force, clicked her tongue at her grandchildren.

“What’s with you all? We have a pedigree too! What are we lacking?”

“……Uh.”

“Lacking. By a long shot.”

“You little…!”

Madam Shin glared, but objectively, it was true. Of course, their family had built a foundation with the food business. But compared to the so-called ATG—the Averto Group—they were like a quail before a hawk.

The Averto family had been renowned as a traditional financial family since Italy was a monarchy. Even after the abolition of the aristocracy, the family maintained its social status and wealth intact.

Currently, it had grown into a multinational holding company operating in various industries, from finance and bio to tech and even media, earning it the nickname ‘the visible hand’ in European business circles.

In short, it was a name that anyone with even a slight interest in the economy couldn’t help but know.

However, there was another reason why this family was familiar.

Yeon-ho’s gaze turned to the seal imprinted on the envelope.

An Eagle…….

A burst of laughter, twisted and forced, finally escaped him.

‘Right. I knew I was having bad luck since this morning….’

─What’s your Anima, Director? It must be something really cool.

Seong-min’s chattering voice echoed in his mind, doubling his annoyance.

Yeon-ho’s Anima that Seong-min had asked about so persistently. And the very animal that people constantly talked about.

A chicken.

Yes. A chicken. Yeon-ho’s Anima was none other than a ‘chicken.’ Even though it was a bird, it was vastly different from an Eagle in terms of classification, being a bird of prey versus poultry, a predator versus food.

The family’s food company also originated as a poultry farm. Although it had changed its name to KL Foods, it was still much more famous as Gyelim, a chicken processing company, to the people of Korea.

Yeon-ho and ‘chicken’ were inseparable, both genetically and environmentally. And this fact was disgustingly unwelcome to Yeon-ho.

Hawk, pheasant, peacock… owl, eagle owl. Even a parrotbill or sparrow. Out of all the birds, why a chicken!

Morpheus accounted for about 10% of the population. Among them, birds were not numerous. Nevertheless, Morpheus who took birds as their true form were particularly proud of their genes.

How can we be the same as those who crawl on the ground on all fours? We are beings who rule the sky!

There was even self-praise that often came up when Morpheus who were birds gathered. But chickens were an exception.

A bird that cannot fly….

A species that had lived on the ground much longer than it had soared in the sky.

In short, the chicken was the outcast of the bird world.

In this situation, an Eagle was like someone making fun of him. And a Golden Eagle, known as the King of Eagles? What was so lacking that they wanted a chicken?

“Did you hear something bad happened to that family?”

“Huh?”

“Like they can’t find a match in their own country. Or they need to get rid of some deficient guy.”

“What’s he saying?”

“It doesn’t make sense otherwise. I could understand if they were nearby. But why a marriage proposal from so far away?”

“Tsk tsk. What does distance matter to a bird? They can fly millions of kilometers if they need to.”

Millions of kilometers, my foot. We can’t even fly 1 km!

He closed his mouth, as the words were too bitter to say himself. Seo-jin, who had regained his composure in the meantime, spoke instead.

“So… who is it? Who are they looking for a marriage partner for?”

Madam Shin cleared her throat for a moment. Yeon-ho and Seo-jin tensed up, wondering if there was really someone lacking, given her delaying tactic. However, the grandmother’s words, which flowed out pleasantly, were completely different from what they had expected.

“Marteo Averto. The third son of that family.”

“…The third son? They had a third son?”

“He doesn’t seem to show his face much in public. But even though he’s the third son, he’s practically the eldest. He was born much later, but the third son’s mother is the legal wife.”

“You mean his older brothers have different mothers?”

“Such things are common.”

Morpheus, who have a strong instinct for reproduction, tend to be less constrained by morals or sexuality than ordinary people. Especially in a family like that, there would be plenty of women who would want to have a relationship with the legal wife or concubine.

Among the two who had been lost in thought, Seo-jin chose his words again.

“Still, if he’s the third son… he’ll be far from inheriting the family.”

“Of course. Why else would they put in a marriage proposal to our family?”

Yeon-ho also spoke sharply without realizing it. But even with the reasonable inference, Madam Shin burst into laughter this time.

Then, in a moment, like a gambler pushing all his chips into the pot, she slammed the marriage proposal she was holding back in front of them.

“You’re wrong. The third son might inherit the succession.”

“……What?”

“Although there are two older brothers, a successor hasn’t been decided yet. I’ve been looking into it, and it seems the third son is being considered as a strong candidate these days. I think that’s why they’re rushing the marriage.”

“You think that’s why…?”

“What’s one of the most important requirements for a successor? It’s reproductive ability. Whether an Eagle is born into the Eagle family or not. Whether they can leave behind strong genes or not.”

Ah…… A groan escaped Yeon-ho’s lips.

The birth of a Morpheus.

It was obvious, but if the same species mated, there was a high probability that the offspring would have the same Anima as the parents. However, among the less numerous birds, it was not easy to find the same species.

Especially in old families, the same species were already related by blood, either as in-laws or relatives. Consanguineous marriage was a problem that had to be taken into account in many ways.

Moreover, if he had belatedly entered the succession structure, the good marriage prospects would have already been taken by his older brothers, or at least discussed with them.

‘I wondered why such a great marriage proposal had rolled all the way here….’

This was a perfect example of settling for second best.

“This doesn’t necessarily mean they want to form a relationship with us, does it…? Aren’t we just one of the candidates? They’re just trying to fill the numbers by saying chickens are a symbol of fertility or something.”

“What does it matter? What’s important is that the opportunity has come.”

Instead of denying it, Madam Shin brazenly affirmed it. It was more than understandable that she wanted to see her great-grandchildren and that Averto’s third son needed a marriage partner. The timing was right.

You shouldn’t count your chicks before they hatch…. How many families had that marriage proposal been sent to?

Yeon-ho shook his head, feeling disgusted, and leaned back against the chair. Then, he opened his mouth to Seo-jin teasingly.

“Congratulations. You might be able to change your fate, Sister.”

Seo-jin, who had been silent for a while, finally met his gaze. Yeon-ho even shrugged his shoulders mockingly, as if to show off.

“If the third son really takes over, as Grandma says. Being the CEO of Gyelim is good, but how does it compare to being the mistress of that house? They say it’s an opportunity, so you should take it. You’re capable enough, Sister.”

Honestly, he didn’t really want to be in-laws with an Eagle, but if things went well, he would gain fame and fortune. Seo-jin, who had a strong competitive spirit, might not refuse.

However, Seo-jin didn’t react much to the words that were half-serious and half-joking. Instead, he poked at a part that he hadn’t even thought of.

“So, who is it that they want? Are you sure it’s me who received the marriage proposal?”

“Then who else would it be but Big Sister?”

Yeon-ho said something absurd. But Seo-jin twisted his lips at those words, and even Madam Shin wore a strange smile.

“You little rascal. You’re perceptive after all.”

The atmosphere was strange. Yeon-ho straightened his back, which had been leaning against the chair.

“What are you talking about… What perception?”

“You idiot. They said they wanted to form a relationship with our family. They didn’t specifically pick me, did they?”

“…Then?”

“Besides me, who else in our family isn’t married? Grandma said it earlier. ‘Aren’t ‘you guys’ looking for a partner?’ …Don’t you understand what that means even now?”

The form was a question, but the gaze that leisurely scanned his body from top to bottom was spot on. He really hated this expression, but goosebumps rose on his arms.

Yeon-ho, who understood the meaning of the words later than his body, finally lifted his butt in horror.

“What are you saying! Marteo is a man. I’m a man too?”

“But we’re Morpheus. If what they want is a marriage partner who can give birth, then you’re no exception.”

He turned to his grandmother in a panic at the cold words. Madam Shin was nodding.

“Yes. The proposal didn’t specifically say it had to be a woman. If they didn’t specifically name Seo-jin, then it means anyone is fine, right?”

“Grandma!”

“Besides, you’re gay, aren’t you? You wouldn’t be opposed to same-sex marriage, and it’s not like you can’t have children. What’s the problem that you’re making such a fuss about?”

Another earthquake struck Yeon-ho’s pupils at the calm words.

In the distant past, same-sex marriage was taboo because it was an unproductive relationship that could not produce children. However, the existence of Morpheus made that reason meaningless.

Although the probability was much lower, with the help of drugs, children could be born even between same-sex Morpheus and ordinary people, and even more so between Morpheus.

Sometimes, Morpheus families even wanted male-male unions because they thought the male body was stronger.

Still, that was that, and this was this.

Why was he happy when Seo-jin was said to inherit the company?

Yeon-ho hated complicated things and being tied down to something. He didn’t need anything more than he already had, so why would he step into the institution of marriage?

Moreover, a marriage to have children. He hated marriage, but childbirth and childcare were even worse.

“Stop talking nonsense! Even if we’re Morpheus, my sister, who is a woman, is a better picture than me. What are you going to do with a hemp cloth. Isn’t that right, Big Sister?”

“Huh?”

Seo-hee, who had been sitting there like a bump on a log, shrugged her shoulders at the arrow that suddenly came back to her. Then, she didn’t know what to do with the gazes that poured out in both directions, and she stretched her lips vaguely.

“That’s true, but…… when you think about it, it’s not necessarily like that….”

“What?”

“Well… you said they didn’t specifically pick Seo-jin, right? Then, as Grandma said, gender doesn’t matter…… Seo-jin is in charge of the company right now, and if she really gets married, it’ll be physically difficult, right? Besides, what if the marriage falls through? Considering these and other risks, I think it might be better for you than Seo-jin…….”

Twins are twins. She always treated Yeon-ho softly, but she betrayed him at the crucial moment!

No. Does that mean it’s okay for men if the marriage falls through? How can she only take care of her other half?

Yeon-ho’s cheeks trembled as he lost his words. On the other hand, Madam Shin seemed to agree with Seo-hee’s words.

“Well, now that I hear it, it makes sense? Yeon-ho, Seo-jin is our family’s pillar anyway. It wouldn’t be right to pull out the pillar for the sake of my great-grandchildren.”

“Grandma!”

“Congratulations. I’ll gladly give up the opportunity to become the mistress of that house. The company is my own, so wouldn’t it be greedy to covet even this opportunity?”

It was said that if a hen crows, the family will be ruined, but that saying, which had become nonsense in modern times, was especially impossible for the Do family.

In this family, if a hen crows, the rooster had to shut up. Besides, was it just one crowing? There were three!

Yeon-ho, who had received a bushel for a word, kept moving his mouth and pounding his chest. At that moment, Seo-hee opened her mouth.

“By the way, how old is the third son of that family?”

“Huh? Let me see. In our age…… he’s either twenty-four or twenty-five this year.”

Seo-jin, Seo-hee, and even Yeon-ho, who was dying of shock, stopped moving. Then, a groan that sounded like it had been squeezed out of the twins’ mouths.

“Wow… regardless of gender, Yeon-ho is the right one to deal with this. If he’s twenty-four, how many years apart are we?”

“No, Grandma should have said that first! Who are you trying to stick a greenhorn to? Isn’t he a complete chick?”

“Huh? Is he only a chick to you guys? He’s eight years younger than me! His wings haven’t even dried yet!”

“Still, it doesn’t go over two digits, does it? That’s right. The kid you were sponsoring before. How old was he? Twenty-two or twenty-one?”

Seo-jin, who didn’t care and even made a fuss, was speechless. There was no room for rebuttal.

Because he was just twenty, not even twenty-one….

The front was dark. The back was dark. Yeon-ho, who was holding his head, dropped his shoulders down like a chicken that had been caught by an Eagle.

♥ ♥ ♥

“…Are you okay?”

Seo-hee, who had come out to see him off alone in front of the gate, glanced at him and spoke carefully.

Of course, he wasn’t okay. He hadn’t even finished his meal, but his stomach felt more bloated than usual.

Yeon-ho chewed his teeth as he ruthlessly pushed away the hand that was reaching for his back.

“Traitor.”

“Hey…….”

“How could you side with Do Seo-jin there. Am I not even your younger brother?”

Compared to Seo-jin, who was merciless even to her youngest brother, Seo-hee always took a step back when Yeon-ho acted like this.

I’m sorry. It’s my fault. But with a stony face, she couldn’t bring herself to say the words of apology this time.

Right. She’s still on her twin’s side, right? The loyalty of a womb mate is amazing!

Yeon-ho, who was angry, turned his feet to his beloved car parked under the fence. At that time, a low voice cut through his ears.

“…I’m sorry. I was sorry, so I did that.”

It was the apology he had wanted, but it didn’t seem like it was for him. When he turned around, Seo-hee, who was crumpling the hem of her skirt, asked with a bitter smile.

“I was sorry to Seo-jin, so I did that.”

“…….”

“You know, I’m only the eldest daughter in name, and I haven’t done anything as the eldest daughter. The company’s work, taking care of Grandma… When Mom and Dad passed away… Seo-jin took care of everything.”

The voice that uttered the last words trembled a little more. Yeon-ho, who finally realized it, hurriedly narrowed the steps he had turned to Seo-hee.

“What is it. Why are you suddenly saying that?”

“…It’s the truth. When Mom and Dad left like that and even Grandma lost her mind, Seo-jin took care of me and you.”

Yeon-ho’s mouth, which was about to retort, closed into a straight line. His gaze naturally turned to the house that was lit up beyond the fence.

A place where Yeon-ho, Seo-hee, Seo-jin, and Grandma used to live together.

But before that, there were two more people. His three siblings’ mom and dad.

They passed away when Yeon-ho was eight years old.

The cause of death was a fall. An accident in which his father was caught up while trying to hold on to his mother, who was about to fall from a broken railing.

It was an unfortunate and tragic death. But for some, that tragedy didn’t seem to be a big deal.

‘They’re supposed to be birds, but they died from a fall.’

‘What good would it have been to spread their wings.’

They might have said it out of pity, but… Yeon-ho still remembered the words that were whispered at the funeral.

Yeon-ho, who had even thought of unnecessary things, now took his eyes off the house where only the two of them were left. Seo-hee, who seemed to be thinking the same thing, moved her lips with a bitter tone.

“Actually, I was thinking of moving into this house when I got married to Jongsu. But… Seo-jin told me not to. She said she was uncomfortable. She said she couldn’t stand seeing a newly married couple rubbing salt in the wounds of someone who wasn’t married.”

It was like something Do Seo-jin would say, but Seo-jin’s thoughts seemed to be different.

“She probably did it for me… and she probably considered Jongsu too. It’s the same with the company’s work. She’s always running around alone. If I had more ability, our company wouldn’t have to be handled by Seo-jin alone.”

“…….”

“You know. Sometimes I think. Maybe there’s something else Seo-jin wants to do besides the company’s work? But I can’t leave Grandma alone, and I’m not good enough, so I wonder if she’s just holding back… When I think like that, I feel so sorry and shameless….”

Finally, Seo-hee’s head fell down, and Yeon-ho roughly ruffled his hair.

“Why is that because of you? What about me? I’m the same as you, leaving the company to my sister?”

“You’re… the youngest.”

“Are you saying that I’ve been lazing around on my own with that excuse?”

“…….”

“Besides, who is Do Seo-jin? If she really didn’t want to do it, she wouldn’t have done it somehow. Look at her just now. She slipped out of the marriage talk all by herself. Does that look like she’s holding back because of me?”

“That’s a different case.”

“It’s the same. Stop feeling guilty for no reason. Didn’t you hear what Grandma said earlier? The kids from other families get married when the time comes, but the problem is with our family. When it comes to filial piety, you’ve done the most.”

Seo-hee smiled faintly for the first time at the awkward consolation, but it was short-lived.

“What’s the point? It looks like I won’t be able to show you the great-grandchildren you want so much.”

Yeon-ho’s face hardened again, despite her efforts. His tongue clicked in his mouth. He had forgotten about it because the marriage story was so absurd… Come to think of it, that was the first bad news.

Of course, Yeon-ho thought that it was okay to not have children as long as the couple was good, but Seo-hee’s sense of debt seemed to be a little different.

As expected, Seo-hee turned the conversation back to the beginning.

“How can I tell Seo-jin to do that on top of everything else in this situation. Getting married and having children… At least I want her to be free to do these things. Without any burden.”

“Then I can have the burden?”

“You’re not going to have the burden anyway. You’re going to forget everything when you go back, right?”

“…….”

“Still, if you feel wronged, think of it as the price you pay. What did you say a moment ago? That I was lazing around without a care? There’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world. This much of a burden is a bargain, really.”

Huh? Seriously, sometimes Do Seo-hee is worse than Do Seo-jin!

He’d been fooled by her seemingly delicate face, but her true nature hadn’t gone anywhere. So, this was what she really wanted to say.

Those nagging hens!

“Okay, just go in already!”

Yeon-ho, bursting out, finally turned on his heel and strode away.