Married into Alpha Lord

Chapter 35

"Caden, your pickup has arrived," a man called me out.

I look towards the direction that the man is pointing, to find both Harry and Leo looking at me from the outside through the glass wall. I immediately finishing my writing of the current results and several thoughts for further experiments before handing the papers to the person beside me. Then, I tidied several things.

"What? Are you leaving so early?" said a woman who notices me picking up my stuffs. "Wait, Caden! You can't leave now! We still need to observe the changes of the compounds tomorrow," said another man approaching me. "Chill guys, I already write down some stuff that you need to look at and done afterward. You all can manage the rest on your own," I said. Several people who heard it grumbled down, expressing their dissatisfaction with me leaving so early.
"When will you come back?" This time, a woman with higher authority asked me. "I don't know, Rose. I only know that I need to go to the capital, but he hasn't told me the detail yet," I answered her. Rose gave me a skeptical look. Showing her dissatisfaction. "Tell me again why you still with him? Ugh, just break up with him and move here, Cad," Rose whined. I chuckled at her remarks. "I'll keep close contact, okay?" I assure her. She gave a light tongue click but let me go. I smile at her and send my bye to people there, before heading out and leaving the lab.

"Wow, I never thought the research and technology in Dorsenburg would be this advanced. I thought they were the most traditional country in this continent," Harry mumbled his remarks as soon as I approached him. "You should have brought me sooner, Caden," Harry said to me as we walked down the hall. "That's not for me to decide," I answered him. It used to be only Leo who picked me home whenever I visited this place. I'm a little surprised seeing Harry here.

"Caden! Wait!" a voice called me. I halt my walk and turns to see a man in a white lab coat run towards me. "Sorry, I know you need to go, but please help analyze the result. Some stuff was not as we predicted it would be, but I can't find the error," said the man, handing me some result papers. "Will do," I said, receiving that and continue to walk.

"Who was that?" Harry asked in an unnecessary whisper. "My friend," I answered. My lab colleague. "Didn't expect you to have friends," Harry mutter sarcastically. "Hey! I do have friends here," I argue. It's been months since I work with them, they obviously have become my friends. "Well... good then, I hope you can create some in the capital later," Harry said. "That's different," I said, remembering the possible schedule I'm going to face. "Yet, inevitable," Harry commented out.

The three of us ride the train towards home. It is usually filled with other researchers and scientists who are also going back, but as this is off schedule, only me get to go back. I was supposed to be in Dorsenburg for a designated join research schedule until a sudden call come, telling me to head back immediately. It's not like I don't want to go back, but it's just too sudden and I wasn't supposed to go back until next week.

"Harry, remind me again why I was called so suddenly?" I asked for my upcoming schedule. "We are going straight to the capital. The party will be held tomorrow," he said. "Wait, what? What party?" I asked. I know I was being asked because there was some stuff happening in the capital. I also know that would imply social gathering, but I was never being informed there would be a party.

"Master Darren didn't tell you? Perhaps he forgot, he's been very busy these few days handling stuff in the North while being in the capital," Harry muttered down. "You'll attend the party to celebrate the newest member of the Royal Family. Your nephew!" Harry said excitedly. I  remember hearing the news of my brother's early labor few days ago. I didn't really pay attention to it 'cause I thought it was not my business. Well, technically it wasn't... until it is.

"Aren't you excited?" he asked when I suddenly got quiet.

Well, I'm happy for him but I could not say I'm excited to meet people there. Especially the fact that I'm going to meet my brother, Caden's family, and his relatives.

It's gonna be a hell of a headache. 

We arrived at the Sealgair's residence at the capital when the sun had set. The door was opened from the outside, revealing Darren looking down at me. I look at him for a moment, before stepping out of the car. 

"You don't need to pick me here," I said to him as we walked inside. Darren didn't say anything, quietly walked beside me. "Do you want to tell me something?" I asked again as we stepped inside the house. "I miss you," he said softly, almost like a whisper but I can hear that. I stop walking then turn my body to face him. Months ago, I would never imagine Darren would say something like that. Never imagine he would sulk like a child carving for attention.

I smile, leaning forward, and give him a peck on the cheek. "Miss you too," I whisper before letting go. He looks startled for a while, before smirking then leans in to give me a kiss on the lips. Doesn't bother with the servants' presence, our lips stay close as we stood silent in front of the front door.

"Welcome, Caden!" Aria's call parted us. Darren slowly let me go, giving Aria an annoyed look and walked inside first. "Good evening, Aria," I greet her back. Aria gave me a warm hug then linking her hand around my arms, making me walk with her.

"Let's have dinner. Everyone has been waiting for you."

We enter the dining room soon after. Darren and his parents have sat down around the table. I bow, greeting them, before walking towards the chair next to Darren. "Sit beside me, Caden," Christina suddenly called me when I was just pulling out the chair. Darren didn't say anything, so I gave a simple nod before going to her side, switching seats with Aria. Going to the capital meant staying with his parents. I have prepared for these. 

As soon as I sit, the butlers and maids storm into the room with plates of food. Once it served, we started to eat.

"How is your time at Dorsenburg?" Marvin asked. I make sure to swallow the food on my mouth before answering, "It was... short." I answered, shortly. I was supposed to stay there for two whole weeks, but because of this sudden summons, it was barely five days. Besides that, I don't know what else to mention. Business as usual. Besides, I couldn't really tell them the details about the research I conduct there as it would breach the contracts.

"I heard Dorsenburg is a beautiful country," Christina now said. The stigma of that country has improved a lot, as more people are finally being able to visit it. Yet, you still need an invitation to go in so most only heard stories from those who've visited. So, it's not like everyone can freely go in and out there. There is still so much bureaucracy.

"It was okay," Darren unexpectedly gave his comment. "I wish I could be able to visit there someday," Aria said. "Hey, Cad, do you think you can bring me there?" Well, it's not like I'm the one who decides who can go and who can't. "I'll try asking," I simply said.

"I heard you are close with the Royals there," now Marvin joined. I am unsure of his claim. I did know the King and some of the members as I joined the previous discussion, but I won't consider myself close. "Their youngest princess is a prominent member of the research lab that I'm working with," I gave them the most democratic answer. As usual, not lying but not giving the whole truth. Stay safe and don't draw too much attention. Marvin just giving me a simple nodded. "Oh yeah, I just remember. My friend, the Dean of the Royal University asked to meet you to discuss your translation works," Marvin added. I was confused and surprised by the sudden request, but managed to give him a simple nod as an answer. 

Darren was right on one thing that I'm against at first. 

Publishing my translation works to the public gives me so many advantages that I never thought. On a personal level, his family's attitude towards me improved, also the Northern people. A lot. Knowing that their Lord's partner had proved himself to not be so useless. It also actually helps manage people's reaction towards me when the delegation from Dorsenburg come and include my name on the letter of agreement.

Caden's reputation among people shifted from 'a good for nothing spoiled brat' to 'an introverted hidden genius'. Many still don't like me, I get that, but they don't openly insult me anymore. At least in front, they try to act respectfully towards me.

And by that, I manage to gain a little peace for my mind.