Chapter 4

The morning arrived faster than Lysander expected.

A soft light entered through the large windows of his room when he slowly opened his eyes.

For a moment, his mind was blank.

But as soon as he saw the high ceiling decorated with golden moldings, he remembered everything.

He had died.

And now he was living inside the novel.

He slowly sat up in the enormous bed.

"Good morning, my lord."

A maid bowed her head upon seeing him wake.

"Breakfast will be served shortly in the main hall."

Lysander nodded.

"Thanks."

The maids began to help him dress in simpler clothing than the day before, though it was still elegant.

While they arranged his hair, Lysander was thinking.

"Today begins life in the Aetherion household..."

In the original novel, the first breakfast after the wedding had been a disaster.

The real Lysander had argued with a noble guest who implied that his marriage was a burden for the duke.

The rumors about his character had worsened from that moment on.

And Kael...

Had lost even more patience with him.

Lysander sighed softly.

"This time I won't repeat that mistake."

When he arrived at the dining hall, the place was already prepared.

A long table covered with silver tableware and delicate porcelain occupied the center of the room.

Some noble guests from the wedding were still at the mansion.

Among them, one of the men Lysander recognized immediately.

Lord Carthen.

In the original novel, he was one of the nobles who most enjoyed spreading rumors about him.

And of course...

The man was already watching him with a barely concealed smile.

Kael Aetherion was already seated at the table.

His posture was as straight as always, with his calm and impenetrable expression.

When Lysander entered, several eyes turned toward him.

Some curious.

Others clearly critical.

Lysander walked to his seat calmly and sat down.

The silence lasted only a few seconds.

Then, Lord Carthen spoke with an elegant smile.

"I must admit, yesterday's wedding was impressive."

His eyes slid toward Lysander.

"Although I imagine adapting to life in the Aetherion household won't be easy for someone accustomed to... so many luxuries."

The comment was subtle.

But the meaning was clear.

A disguised insult.

In the original story, Lysander had reacted with immediate anger.

He'd raised his voice.

He'd demanded respect.

But this time...

Lysander simply picked up his teacup.

He took a small sip.

And then responded calmly.

"The Aetherion household is impressive. I'll do my best to adapt."

Lord Carthen's smile froze for a second.

That wasn't the response he'd expected.

Some nobles exchanged discreet glances.

Lysander continued eating breakfast in tranquility.

As if the comment hadn't affected him at all.

On the other side of the table, Kael Aetherion watched in silence.

His eyes rested on Lysander for a moment.

He remembered the rumors about him perfectly.

Proud.

Spoiled.

Temperamental.

But the omega sitting across from him wasn't behaving like that description.

When another provocative comment came from Lord Carthen's mouth, Lysander simply responded politely again.

Without pride.

Without argument.

Only calm.

Kael set his cup down on the table.

A small sound broke through the murmur of conversation.

His eyes turned toward the noble.

"Lord Carthen."

The duke's voice was calm.

But firm.

The man straightened up immediately.

"Yes, Duke Aetherion?"

Kael regarded him with a cold expression.

"My guests should feel comfortable in this house."

The message was clear.

Lord Carthen lowered his gaze quickly.

"Of course, my duke."

Silence returned to the table.

Lysander raised his eyes slightly.

He didn't expect Kael to intervene.

But the duke had already returned to his breakfast as if nothing had happened.

Even so...

Something had changed.

Kael cast one last glance toward Lysander.

Just for an instant.

A brief look.

Analytical.

As if he were reconsidering something he'd believed to be certain.

Lysander noticed it.

And for the first time since he'd woken up in this world, he felt a small hope.

Maybe...

Just maybe...

The fate of this story really could change.

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