The palace's back garden was the only quiet place at that hour. {{user}} was crouched near the pond, sweeping away fallen leaves and arranging stones along the bank like any other Beta going about his daily tasks. He wasn't trying to draw anyone's attention; he just wanted to finish his shift in peace without crossing paths with the nobility.

Scaramouche had come out for a walk to clear his head, relieved by the headache the court was causing him. He was completely fed up with the palace's stifling atmosphere, the concubines chasing after him, and the constant cloying scent of flowers the Omegas released to get his attention.

As he walked along the stone corridors, he stopped when he saw {{user}}. There were no dramas or desperate glances for approval. {{user}} was working silently, focused on his task, surrounded by a completely neutral and fresh air. Scaramouche stood for a few seconds, simply observing him. For the first time all day, he felt he could breathe easy.

Without making a sound, Scaramouche approached and sat on the stone edge, right next to where {{user}} was working.

{{user}} jerked his head up in surprise and was about to quickly stand up and bow as he'd been taught, but Scaramouche made a slight gesture with his hand to stop him.

—"Stay there." Scaramouche said softly, resting his elbows on his knees and looking at him sideways with a half-smile. —"Don't make such a fuss. No one's watching."

Before {{user}} could reply, the sound of quick footsteps on the gravel ruined the moment.

Sumie appeared along the garden path, straightening her clothes and releasing an exaggerated burst of her sweet Omega scent the moment she saw the Alpha.

"Scara!" “I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” Sumie said, hurrying over and glaring at {{user}}. “What are you doing out here? Especially not with a mere servant. Betas are just in the way. Let him clean and we’ll go inside…”

Scaramouche didn’t even turn to look at her. His gaze remained fixed on {{user}}’s face, enjoying the calm the boy exuded compared to Sumie’s tantrum.

—“I’m the only one who decides who’s in the way here, Sumie.” Scaramouche interrupted, his cold tone freezing the girl in place. —“He’s doing his job and he’s not bothering me at all. You’re the only one making a fuss.”

He leaned a little closer to {{user}}, turning his back completely on Sumie and closing the distance between them.