Chapter 74: The General’s Return
It was a bright, genuine smile that made his already-handsome features shine even more. He looked dazzling.
Only the bright red handprint on his left cheek spoiled the picture.
...
Clack, clack, clack.
A loud unrestrained footsteps approached.
"Are you that man?"
At the sound of the deep, booming voice, Shiao Yi looked up from the chalkboard. The tone was low and gruff, similar to Dominic’, but rougher—like someone who was used to shouting.
A stern-looking middle-aged man stood there, towering over Shiao Yi with a scowl on his face. He was a large, broad-shouldered man with piercing blue eyes. He had just stepped through the open doors leading to the terrace.
The sun was setting on the horizon, and a thick cloud had moved in to block the fading light, turning the red-tinted sky darker all of a sudden. A strong gust of wind blew through, ruffling the man’s short, dark brown curls and making his gray cloak flap behind him.
He wasn’t dressed in anything overly decorated like a nobleman. Instead, he wore a simple, sharp black uniform—something more fitting for a military officer. His cold blue eyes were intense, a clear reflection of Dominic’.
Shiao Yi placed the chalk down on the board resting on the table and stood up.
Jude running in hurry and immediately bowed his head deeply to the man.
"Welcome back, my lord. I’m terribly sorry I wasn’t there to greet you."
"It’s fine. I returned unexpectedly," the man replied. "More importantly, he’s that man?"
"Yes, My Lord."
"Hello, My Lord. My name is Shiao Yi," Shiao Yi said while bowing his head respectfully in the same manner as Jude.
Gabrant Zol Beaumont snorted through his nose.
"So this is the one Dominic brought back and calling him his ’wife’? It’s turns out he just brought home a page boy. What a ridiculous misunderstanding."
Shiao Yi exchanged a glance with Jude.
"Still," Gabrant continued, "for him to bring anyone back at all is rare. He’s never shown interest in anyone before. You must be quite special."
The general reached out and placed his fingers under Shiao Yi’s chin, he leaning down to look closely at his face. Shiao Yi stared back with eyes that held no emotion.
"You have delicate body," Gabrant muttered. "Hmph. Still just a child, yet you seem composed. I suppose anyone who can handle those eyes of his must have some steel in their gut. Black eyes and black hair—quite rare. Cute face, too. How about it? Would you like to serve as my page?"
From the corner of his vision, Shiao Yi could see Jude looking pale, clearly panicked.
Just as Shiao Yi opened his mouth to respond, the sound of fast-approaching footsteps echoed across the floor.
"Father! Let go of him! Shiao is mine!"
Dominic ran in while pulling Shiao Yi away from Gabrant’s grasp and holding him tightly. His arms wrapped around Shiao Yi’s shoulders and squeezing him close—so close it became hard to breathe.
"He’s got potential," Gabrant said unbothered. "I’ll train him myself. If he has the talent, I can raise him up—maybe even make him a candidate for general one day."
"Shiao doesn’t want that. Shiao Yi—"
"I wasn’t asking you. I’m speaking to the boy."
Gabrant cut Dominic off sharply and peered back into Shiao Yi’s face, his piercing gaze searching for an answer.
"I can offer you a much better life than a mere Captain ever could. I’m the Grand General. With enough effort, you could rise faster than you ever imagined. It’s not unusual for a favored page to climb to high ranks. An offer this good doesn’t come along often, does it?"
Shiao Yi was starting to lose his breath. He hit Dominic’ arm to make him let go. Dominic looked down at him with worry in his eyes. Shiao Yi touched his throat and gave him a quick glance. Dominic flinched slightly, clearly getting the message.
What was he so anxious about? All he meant to do was to make a complain, as usual, about how Dominic didn’t know his own strength.
"I belong to Dominic," Shiao Yi said clearly. "Not even a father has the right to take away what belongs to his son. I have no interest in status or rising through ranks. I just want to stay by Dominic’ side."
Dominic’ face lit up with joy. Shiao Yi wished he’d stop worrying—it wasn’t necessary.
Gabrant’s eyes widened in disbelief. Dominic then placed a firm hand on Shiao Yi’s shoulder.
"You heard him. Please give up, Father. Shiao is my one and only. He is my partner."
Gabrant’s eyes widened even more.
"Partner? That’s a man you’re talking about! Are you out of your mind?"
Shiao Yi could see the man’s shock turning into anger, and realized this could turn bad fast. No matter how one looked at it, Dominic’ choice was bound to stir trouble.
"Well, actually—" Shiao Yi started, trying to smooth things over, but Dominic cut in before he could finish.
"Of course I mean it," Dominic said firmly. "I have no intention of marrying anyone else. Shiao Yi is practically my wife."
Shiao Yi brought a hand to his forehead, overwhelmed. But Gabrant wasn’t done. Frustration and disbelief hardened his voice.
"I can accept a page or a mistress, even if it’s a man or a whore. I’m not that narrow-minded. But you’re the heir to the Beaumont family! You think I can let you take a man as your wife? You must marry a proper woman from a proper house."
"Then don’t make me your heir," Dominic said coldly. "I have no desire to take over the Beaumont family. This is the perfect opportunity. I intend to leave this family. You have plenty of other sons to choose from. Let one of them inherit the name."
Dominic’ voice was like ice—sharp and freezing.
"I won’t allow it!" Gabrant shouted. "You are my successor, and that is final. You need to wake up before this shameful scandal spreads any further. That boy has clouded your judgment!"