They sat, they drink tea, and exchange words as time flew.

Moulin felt extremely uncomfortable and uninterested and he did little to hide it from the two people in his company. While Callun did his best to look presentable and friendly in front of the heir of the Grand Fraunces household, he snuck occasional glances towards the silent young man.

Moulin's lips twitched when he felt Callun's gaze upon him. He continued to sip his tea elegantly while ignoring everything around him. In his heart, he wondered why Maxille even bothered to bring him here. Moulin was never interested in the tiresome lives and circumstances of other nobles. Of course, he knew Maxille already knew that about him.

Then why was he called here?

A crease appeared between Moulin's eyebrows. He placed his cup on the saucer with a clink and lifted his eyes to stare at Callun.

The man suddenly flinched when their eyes met. A blush spreads out from his cheeks to his ears and he quickly averted his gaze. Moulin secretly scoffed.

An hour passed and Maxille finally decided to end their talk when he realized Moulin's darkening expression.

When Moulin thought he could finally return to his room without disrupting his brother, Maxille suddenly proposed that Moulin should accompany Callun to the gardens.

"Brother..." Moulin furrowed his brows after he carried Keir and Snow in his arms. Annoyance pounded in his head as he tried his best to appear pitiful and innocent in front of his brother's sharp eyes. "I am feeling a bit unwell. Perhaps, I can let Alaric escort him to the gardens instead." He coldly eyed Callun at the corner of his eyes.

Snow and Keir tilted their heads as they stared at the man with expectant amethyst eyes. A growl escaped from Snow's mouth. What his deal? Why is he always staring at master?

Maxille knitted his eyebrows at Moulin's words. "Now, Moulin. I heard that both of you knew each other ever since the recruitment trials. I must have a word with father about his arrival so please accompany him until I came back. Alright?" He whispered with a smile. Eyes deepened in anticipation for the younger man's reply.

"..." Moulin slightly felt as if something was definitely odd about his brother as he patted his little brother's head. Before he left through the doors, he glanced at Moulin and Callun with uncertain eyes before turning away.

Hearing the doors closed shut, Moulin exhaled. His eyes darkened greatly and he turned his head to stare at Callun.

"..." The coldness within those striking eyes of silver could shake one's soul, specifically, Callun's soul. A hair-raising shiver made the man exhale a stuttering breath. His adam's apple bobbed as he stared at Moulin.

The youth only narrowed his eyes with contempt. 'Honestly, this guy gives me the creeps...'

Moulin tightened his embrace around Snow and Keir before he shifted his attention.

Silence enveloped the two as they made their way towards the snowy gardens of the estate. Countless eyes stared at their figures. A youth, more beautiful than moonlight, and a young man with astonishing amethyst eyes filled with adoration. It was like watching a puppy following an aloof white kitten. The female servants giggled as they hid with curious eyes.

The day lacked color. Snow blanketed every leaf, every petal, and every branch. The pallid light of the day peeked through the white clouds and a solemn ambiance overwhelmed the entire estate.

Gently, the cool wind brushed Moulin's cheek. His silvery hair graciously swayed with the breeze and the heavenly aura surrounded his figure.

Callum held his breath. His eyes lowered as he clenched his fists. After a few minutes, he finally opened his mouth, "H-How have you been?"

Moulin stopped in his steps. His eyes slightly squint as he stared ahead of him. "Alright..."

After responding, Moulin bent down to let the two little pups play on the snow-covered grass.

Snow yipped happily as he rolled around the soft powder. The little beast called upon his friend to join him in a game of chase. With soft eyes, Moulin watched the two little brats scuffle on the soft sheet of white with mischievous barks and whines.

"I see..." Callun softened his voice. He had wrecked his mind, trying to find a topic to start a harmonious conversation. He had learned from his father how a good talk would be used to his advantage in catching the other's attention. Callun swallowed as silence enveloped him as he loses himself in his thoughts.

Suddenly realizing the silence of the man behind him, Moulin turned his head. Silver eyes assessed the young man behind who was currently scrunching his face while he thought deeply. The scene made Moulin's eye twitched.

Suddenly, Callun raised his head and met Moulin's stare. His violet eyes brightened as he started, " You were incredible during our mission in Thundralln. People had named you a hero. Even the sentinels in my Guild began to spread your accomplishments. The Dragor Guild is very grateful for your help."

Moulin looked at him with raised eyebrows.

'Ah, I almost forgot that he had joined the mission too...' Moulin thought. 'Honestly... I can understand this man. Didn't he try to ambush me back in the recruitment trials? Instead of having a grudge, why did it seem like he wants to get into my pants?'

Moulin swore it wasn't just his imagination. The look in Callun's eyes proved his presumption. Moulin indifferently averted his gaze.

Truthfully, he didn't know how to respond to the emotions hidden behind those eyes.

Callun straightened his back. "I heard the news if your bravery had reached the Imperial Palace! Perhaps it wouldn't be long for the royal prince to bestow you a reward."

"Hm..."

"Our guild Lord had also praised you for feats. You are truly admirable!"

"I see..."

Callun began to shout out praises to Moulin about his courageous heart and his incomparable power. The sound of his fawning voice made Moulin want to quickly escape to the comfortable silence of his room.

"Sir Callun, forgive me but I must take my leave," Moulin said. His pupils gleamed with hurry and the faint presence of unease. "I will have someone lead you back once you finish your walk..."

With that Moulin hastened his steps while beckoning Snow and Keir to follow him. He moved smoothly. His heels dragged across the snow. Slender footprints trailed behind him.

Within the man's vision, the sight of the youth's departing back seemed like the fading light of an abysmal cave. Fear and panic suddenly jolted inside Callun's chest and he knew that nothing mattered anymore.

With an arduous step, he breathes in and opens his mouth.

"I like you!"

His voice was so loud it seemed to echo in the air. Silence engulfed the whole area that even the sound of a falling pin could be heard within the silence. The passing servants frozed in their place as the words reached their ears. Their eyes were wide. Shock and surprise layered their faces.

Moulin had paused his steps.

He didn't turn around nor did he speak a single word. However, the air around him turned terrifyingly cold. The abrupt silence seemed like a haunting aura that terrifies even the bravest of men.

Those who waited for the third young master's response felt a chill climb up their spines. They paled and shivered as a frigid wind brushed their bodies.

Callun's heart was wildly pounding. Redness filled his cheeks when he realized his situation. However, he didn't care about the insignificant eyes around them.

Hesitantly, he raised his eyes and stared at Moulin's back. Lips pressed together as he anticipated the youth's reactions.

Finally, after a few seconds, Moulin slowly turned around making Callun's eyes brighten with mirth. "Moulin-"

"Do you know what you are saying, young master Callun?" Silver eyes coldly narrowed.

Callun's slightly cowered under that terrifying gaze. However, he welcomed it with all his heart. The fear and pleasure seemed to overwhelm his body.

"I have never been so sure in my life..."

Moulin's eye twitched. "Is that so..."

He internally groaned when he felt his head ache. He looked around them and noticed a few watchful eyes immediately lowering their gazes once those haunting silver eyes roamed the area. Moulin's eyes darkened. He wouldn't be surprised anymore if a rumor that an aristocrat had finally confessed to the third young master of the Fraunces Household.

With a frown, he lifted his gaze and faced Callun's expectant expression.

"I appreciate your courage, Sir Callun, however, you must forgive me. I cannot accept your confession..." He breathes out while revealing a gentle smile.

Although pained, Callun was persistent. "At least you must give me the chance to pursue you. You might change your mind once you begin to know me."

Moulin furrowed his brows as he took a step back. "Unfortunately, I do not want to. Please-"

"Moulin you are unlike any person I have ever seen. Your beauty and your power are beyond compare. The strength within those dazzling eyes of yours will melt even the coldest of hearts. I cannot help but be lured by your eyes." Callun began to advance slowly.

"Is there someone who already holds your heart? Is that why you are refusing me?" Callun advance with pleading eyes.

Moulin clenched his jaw as he stared at the man before him. The air around him began to become fiercer and colder. the little edges of the leaves of every plant around them began to freeze.

Silver eyes gleamed unyieldingly.

"No. And even if there is I wouldn't-"

"Don't lie to me. Your elder brother already told me that you are enamored by a beast of a man!" Callun declared.

"What?"

Silver eyes widened. The freezing gusts of wind stopped.

Moulin's fingers trembled uncontrollably. "What did you say?"

It was only a few seconds after Callun openly said those words that the man realized what he had just spouted. Realization came to him like a blow of a hammer. No, it was supposed to be a secret. I shouldn't have said it. He had given his word to Moulin's eldest brother.

Panic layered his expression.

"Answer me..." Moulin drew his brows together. There was shock in his eyes. Silver pupils trembled along with his fingertips.

However, before the youth could receive his answer, a familiar voice interrupted them.

"Moulin!"

At the corner of his eyes, Moulin caught sight of his eldest brother's figure. The tall man walked unhurriedly towards Moulin and Callun. His expression appeared calm, however, Moulin could perceive the nervousness within those steel-gray eyes.

Dread filled Moulin chest.

"Brother..." He whispered.

Maxille helplessly smiled as he glanced at Callun. With warm eyes, he reached out for Moulin.

However, the youth evaded his touch.

"Moulin?" Maxille swallowed as he withdrew his arm.

There was weightiness in Moulin's voice as he spoke. His heart pounded loudly within his chest as he slowly met Maxille's gaze. "You..." He forced out. "Did you... "

Maxille watched Moulin's expression morphed into something between panic and anxiety. Although Moulin's words were broken and evidently inconceivable, Maxille already knew what his little brother meant.

The gentleness in his eyes vanished. With a solemn gaze, Maxille spoke.

"Yes, I know everything. Emlen had told me everything..."