Fallen General's Omega (BL)
Chapter 138: Duke Remiro

Chapter 138: Duke Remiro

I gaze into his eyes, and it’s striking how they mirror those I love so deeply yet feel so distinctly different at the same time. Just two days ago, our tranquil marriage was disrupted by a letter from Celia’s son, thrusting us into a whirlwind of emotions. We had a long conversation about it, one filled with regret and reflection. Celia was just a child when she had him, and though she left him with his father, I can’t help but feel partly responsible for the situation, because I’m the reason she left him behind in a way.

We decided to travel here first thing in the morning, setting aside our comforts to confront the past. Now, sitting across from Thorne, I can’t shake the suspicion that he may have ulterior motives. Perhaps he intends to extort Celia for money or manipulate her in some way. I’m here to put a stop to any potential schemes because I cannot allow my beloved Celia to fall for tricks that could jeopardize everything we’ve built together.

As I listen to him speak, there’s a part of me that wants to believe him, that wants to trust his intentions.

It seems like Thorne is sincere, but doubt lingers at the back of my mind, whispering caution. This is a delicate situation, and I can’t afford to be reckless.

"Give me time to think about it," I say firmly, the weight of responsibility heavy on my shoulders. I can’t allow anyone to act in my name without proper consideration. The chaos that could ensue is too dangerous.

He pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration, mirroring an action I’ve seen Celia perform countless times. It’s a reminder of their shared blood, their connection—a bond that could easily complicate things further.

"I’m sure your investigation on me will yield results soon," he replies, his tone strained yet respectful.

With a stiff nod, he stands up and leaves the room, the door clicking shut behind him. As I stand there, the tension in the air begins to dissipate, but uncertainty still coils within me. I take a moment to gather my thoughts, running a hand through my hair as I contemplate the implications of Thorne’s request.

*

I glance over at Celia’s sleeping form, peaceful and untroubled, unaware of the storm of revelations that I’ve just uncovered in the documents my information network provided. I had expected perhaps a desperate son looking to extort his mother or a man in need of funding, but Thorne Alden is far more than I anticipated.

The reports detail a man shaped by the battlefield—strong, hardened, and equipped with supernatural abilities that make him a force in his own right. He’s amassed enormous wealth through his business ventures, backed by his private army. He doesn’t need me for anything other than the permit, not money, not power. His reach, in truth, rivals that of noble houses, his influence extending far beyond what most men could accomplish in a lifetime.

As I sift through the intelligence, another disturbing realization surfaces. Both Aspen and Narcio have been locked in internal strife for two years, and Bodin, as it turns out, is dealing with a spreading plague. If that disease is contagious and we remain ignorant, we may risk bringing it into our own lands. This is serious—far more than an isolated issue—and it must be addressed in court. We need to halt all trade with Bodin until we have solid information. Early containment could mean the difference between safety and disaster.

Yet, beyond that, this information opens up strategic opportunities. Thorne’s reputation is ruthless; he’s a man unafraid to sever ties with his own blood if they prove a hindrance. That kind of strength...it’s something I respect. I see the potential here—if we can win him over, Vitra could gain a formidable ally. Having Thorne on our side could extend our influence over Aspen and Narcio without draining our resources or manpower. A man like him is an asset too valuable to let slip.

A bitter smirk crosses my face as I read further. Whoever took his omega... they’re either incredibly foolish or extraordinarily brave. Thorne’s wrath is not to be underestimated, and I suspect they’ve ignited a fire they will regret.

***

I wait patiently, knowing Duke Remiro will come around to my side. The information he’s "discovered" is nothing but pieces I intentionally allowed Leona to scatter, whispers and breadcrumbs I knew would lead him here. True to plan, a knock sounds at my door just as dawn breaks.

I open it to find the duke himself standing there, straight-backed and stern. Without a word, I step aside, gesturing for him to enter. He walks in, and I close the door quietly behind him.

"Clearly, I was prejudiced," he admits, breaking the silence. "I judged you too early."

I say nothing, just meeting his gaze evenly.

After a brief pause, he extends his hand, holding a ring that bears his seal. It’s the kind of ring usually reserved for heirs or trusted confidants—a mark of authority and access. He hands it over without further words, the weight of the gesture heavy between us.

"This will grant you my seal," he says. "Use it as needed."

I nod, slipping the ring onto my finger.

"Thank you," I say simply, glancing down at the seal now glinting on my hand.

He studies me a moment longer, an odd expression crossing his face before he speaks again. "You love him, don’t you?"

At that, my heart stirs, and a rare warmth spreads through me. Just the thought of Noelle fills me with a sense of purpose I can barely put into words.

"I do," I reply, a small, genuine smile tugging at my lips.

Duke Remiro watches me closely, an eyebrow raised in surprise. "That’s the first spark of real emotion I’ve seen from you," he says, his tone almost curious. "Fascinating."

Duke Remiro clears his throat, fixing me with a steady gaze. "You see, my help is not without conditions. I have two." He raises a finger to emphasize his words, his voice level but carrying an underlying weight. "Firstly, you’ll need to come spend time with us once a month. Like it or not, seeing as how you’re my beloved Celia’s son, that makes you my son, too. And you have twin siblings who should know their brother. Consider it... for Celia’s peace of mind."

I can read between the lines. This isn’t about Celia’s peace of mind; this man is crafty. He’s trying to pull me closer, to anchor me to his family. But that doesn’t concern me. If it keeps things simple and moving forward, I’ll play along.

"Fine," I agree, keeping my tone neutral.

His gaze sharpens slightly, but he nods, seemingly satisfied. "And as for the second condition..." He pauses, letting his words linger in the air, a calculated delay. "I’ll inform you in due time. For now, go ahead and find your omega."