Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are So Hot! [BL]-Chapter 275: Fateful Encounters and Ominous Bargains

Damien was likely the reason for Yor’s embarrassment, but if the boy was comfortable, Damien decided to let him do as he pleased.

As for Theo, he was off on a separate task, he left the estate in the morning to fetch Augusto, the son of the former Viscount Castellani.

"Still, does it really have to be today?" Lucian asked, his face lined with worry.

The situation with Augusto still had everyone feeling uncertain.

They had agreed to take him in, but Augusto was, after all, the son of a former viscount.

The biggest issue was figuring out how to approach his status and role.

On top of that, no preparations had been made to welcome him, and the decision to retrieve him so suddenly left little time to plan.

Even so...

"Well, we also need to start preparing for his return to the academy," Damien said with a wry smile toward Lucian.

Indeed, Augusto had been forced to leave the academy after his family’s fall from grace.

Now, with Damien assuming responsibility for him, Augusto would also re-enroll.

He would live with them in the dormitory, which was one of the reasons Damien wanted to bring him back quickly.

Still, Damien couldn’t help but feel concerned about how others at the academy would perceive Augusto, given the circumstances of his withdrawal.

Theo, however, had been firm, saying, "If he want to rebuild his family in the future, this is a necessary step."

Damien had never seen Theo interact much with other nobles before, but it seemed he could be quite strict when dealing with them.

"That, and since Theo himself is so insistent on rescuing him quickly, I think it’s unavoidable," Damien said.

Theo was well aware of how rushed the situation was, but he still pushed for urgency.

Apparently, Augusto was being treated quite poorly by his current caretakers.

It was clear he wanted to get him out of there as soon as possible.

Though strict, Theo’s kindness in moments like these was one of him.

"That’s true," Lucian said. "It’s a sudden situation, and we won’t be able to handle everything perfectly, but let’s do what we can."

Despite his uncertainty, Lucian’s words carried a hint of determination.

The other three nodded in agreement.

"Exactly. If we all work together, we’ll manage just fine," Damien reassured them.

Zima and Sitta also nodded along, and even Yor who is still bashfully clinging to Damien, pressed a small kiss to his cheek as if to offer encouragement.

Damien smiled.

His companions were truly wonderful.

"Alright, you’re all good kids, but let’s calm down," Damien said, trying to keep order.

As much as he appreciated their affection, he added with a laugh, "Please don’t all come at once. Form a line, okay?"

When someone suggested a kiss on the lips, Damien quickly waved it off. "Not today—Yor’s still young, and it wouldn’t be a good influence."

After breakfast, Damien walked down the main street with Lucian and Thalatha.

Since Augusto would soon be joining them, Damien decided to buy Isaac that same day.

They were heading to the slave merchant’s shop for that purpose.

Isaac had shown concern for Augusto’s well-being, and having a familiar face around might help Augusto feel more at ease.

With that in mind, Damien thought it best to visit the shop in the morning.

However, by the time they reached the bustling street, Damien realized he was holding hands with Lucian, their fingers intertwined, while linking arms with Thalatha on the other side—just like he had with Lysander and Ithnan the previous day.

"Well, it’s not like I can avoid it," Damien thought sheepishly. "Otherwise, I’d probably get swept away by the crowd... Sorry for being a bother."

Although he felt slightly embarrassed, Damien felt reassured as they navigated through the lively market stalls.

"Damien, Damien," Lucian called softly but insistently.

The market’s vibrant sights were too fascinating, and Damien couldn’t resist glancing around at all the stalls, his curiosity pulling his attention in every direction.

"Damien! Damien, listen!"

Lucian gently tugged Damien’s hand, finally breaking his trance as he stared at a stall who is selling skewers of some delicious-smelling grilled meat.

"Damien, I think someone’s calling for you," Lucian said, pointing toward a nearby stall.

Following his gaze, Damien spotted a familiar merchant smiling and waving him over.

That’s... the quirky handwriting of the accessory merchant?

Damien recognized the man as the vendor from whom he had bought the earrings for Elyon the first time he walked down this street.

He hadn’t expected to be stopped by him again, especially in such a busy place, so it took him a moment to realize who it was.

"Well, well, it’s been a while, young master! This must be fate. Why don’t you take a look around?"

Damien exchanged glances with Lucian and Thalatha, both of whom seemed equally uncertain.

"Sorry, but I’m in a bit of a hurry," Damien replied.

He wasn’t in an enormous rush, but it wasn’t the right time to indulge in leisurely detours.

"Don’t be like that. Business has been dreadful today—barely any customers. Even just looking around would help draw attention, eh?"

Though Damien had tried to politely decline, the merchant pressed on persistently.

He looked back at Lucian and Thalatha, who were both giving him bemused smiles.

"Well, if he’s this insistent..." Damien thought, resigning himself.

Twice encountering the same merchant in such a bustling crowd did feel like some kind of odd coincidence.

"Just for a quick look, alright?" Damien relented.

"Thanks a bunch, young master!" the merchant exclaimed with a grin.

Damien crouched down to inspect the wares spread out before him.

Lucian crouched alongside him, carefully examining the items as well.

However... nothing really stood out.

Damien’s eyes scanned the trinkets, but none of them caught his interest.

Lucian’s expression mirrored his, clearly unimpressed.

Meanwhile, Thalatha wasn’t even looking at the goods, his focus entirely on staying alert to their surroundings.

"Sorry, sir, but..." Damien began, preparing to apologize and leave since he hadn’t found anything worth buying.