Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are So Hot! [BL]-Chapter 181: Encounter with Caius

The plan for the day was for Theo to greet his stepmother and half-brother, and then separate them. While Theo detained his brother, Damien would present the irrefutable evidence directly to the stepmother.

The goal was to pressure her and her family into abandoning their support of the viscount and then report the viscount’s embezzlement to Theo’s father.

Damien’s role was primarily to provide additional data or explanations if Theo’s stepmother attempted to make excuses. In such a case, a retainer accompanying Theo would call for him.

Even if he wasn’t needed, Damien was expected to stand quietly as one of Theo’s retainers during the meeting with the stepmother and half-brother. He’d be summoned when necessary.

Until then, he was instructed to wait in the estate’s garden, an area that was inaccessible to general visitors.

Following Svetozar, Damien entered the garden through a discreet path, hidden from the crowded carriage area by tall hedges.

The relief was immediate. The carriage plaza had been bustling with people of various races, and while Damien went unnoticed, the Dragonewt brothers naturally attracted people attention.

Now, with fewer eyes on them, Ithnan and the others eased up and kept a little distance. Thanks to their presence earlier, Damien had been well-shielded from unwanted stares.

"Lord Damien, please wait at the gazebo ahead," Svetozar said while pointing to a small white structure.

That was his designated waiting spot. Until Theo called for him, Damien could pass the time there.

Even if estate staff approached, Svetozar was tasked with turning them away.

As Damien followed Svetozar, keeping things lighthearted, a figure emerged from the hedge near the gazebo—a man with horse-like ears and a sword at his waist.

Svetozar’s expression immediately tensed, and Ithnan and Thalatha stepped forward to shield Damien.

The man appeared just as startled as him, seemingly unaware of their presence.

"Who goes there?!" he shouted, placing his hand on his sword and raising his voice sharply.

The commotion drew others from around the gazebo. Within moments, nearly ten armed individuals surrounded them, glaring and gripping their weapons as though ready to attack.

Behind them, several women—likely estate staff—peeked out, adding to the chaotic atmosphere.

Svetozar maintained a composed yet tense demeanor, while the Dragonewt brothers stood protectively around Damien.

"Please wait!" Svetozar shouted, stepping forward. "We are retainers of Lord Theo. We mean no harm!"

Using Theo’s name, he tried to diffuse the situation. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Though they were supposed to keep their presence here discreet, the situation had already escalated, leaving him with no choice but to address it.

Damien knew he couldn’t do anything to help and decided to leave the matter to Svetozar.

"Well, what’s this? Members of my brother’s household lingering in a place like this?"

A voice came from behind the murmuring crowd. Emerging was a striking figure with short black hair, black eyes, and horse-like ears, bearing a strong resemblance to Theo.

The boy was an exceptionally handsome youth who is dressed mostly in black. His tanned skin added to his dark appearance, save for the pure white horn protruding from his forehead.

"L-Lord Caius!"

At the sight of him, Svetozar immediately knelt down and pressing his knee to the ground.

Following Svetozar’s lead, Damien also dropped to his knees, and the Dragonewt brothers followed suit.

Damien couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride in their ability to read the situation.

From the way he referred to Theo as "brother," this boy was clearly Theo’s infamous younger brother. His mischievous demeanor seemed to match the rumors.

"Forgive me for my rudeness, my lord. I did not realize it was you," Svetozar said respectfully.

"It’s fine. I, too, am here without my mother’s knowledge," the boy replied, crossing his arms with a slight nod. "So, what business do you have here?"

His posture and tone carried an air of arrogance. Unlike Theo’s composed demeanor, this boy gave off an impression of self-importance, perhaps due to the angle of his gaze or his mannerisms.

When Damien glanced at him cautiously, their eyes almost met, causing Damien to quickly avert his gaze.

"My younger brother felt unwell," Svetozar explained, sticking to the prearranged story. "So, we came outside for fresh air. We will leave immediately, so we humbly ask for your pardon."

This explanation was meant to suffice for any estate staff they encountered, but would Theo’s younger brother let it slide?

Something about his demeanor suggested he might use the connection to Theo’s household as an excuse to make trouble.

Damien could sense Svetozar’s unease, as if he were taking a gamble with his words.

"Well, is that so?" Theo’s younger brother mused, his tone skeptical. "It seems my brother has been excessively protective, assigning your friend with so many guards. You there, what is your name?"

Damien winced internally. As expected, he had caught the boy’s attention.

What now?

Behind the bodyguards, Damien found himself flanked by servants on either side, with Theo’s younger brother standing arrogantly in front of him.

"Hey, can’t you hear me? What’s your name?"

Theo’s younger brother repeatedly asked, but Damien, who had been told to avoid speaking with others as much as possible, wasn’t sure whether it was okay to answer.

It seemed like everything wasn’t going according to plan anymore, but he couldn’t bring himself to break the orders either.

"This is my younger brother, Nikolai, an apprentice knight," Svetozar replied, continuing to claim Damien as his younger brother despite the unusual circumstances.

The real Nikolai was supposed to be at Svetozar ’s homeland.

It was completely unexpected for Theo’s younger brother to be here and meeting Damien—it was a scenario that they had never anticipated. He had no idea how to handle this situation.

"Hmm, your younger brother, huh? Hey, Nikolai, lift your head."

Damien couldn’t just ignore this, so he reluctantly raised his head and looked at Theo’s younger brother.

"Hm, you’re quite young," the younger brother remarked.

"He’s still an apprentice," Svetozar responded, offering a strained excuse, though he seemed to be enjoying himself.

Damien couldn’t help but feel apologetic for his youthful appearance.