CHAPTER 67: THE ANNOUNCEMENT

And now, everyone had gathered, and Dominic stood with Shiao Yi at his side.

The household staff cast puzzled and curious glances at Shiao Yi.

Shiao Yi, small in stature, with black hair and dark eyes, wore a plain green shirt and trousers with no decorations. Despite all the eyes on him, he stood calmly and naturally, showing no signs of nervousness.

He had probably gone through many dangerous missions. That experience showed in how he carried himself—with a calm presence and a strength that didn’t match his youthful looks.

His posture was sharp and upright, it was clearly shaped by military training, and it made him look impressive.

His face was youthful and round, and even though he was eighteen, he looked more like thirteen.

With his big eyes and small frame, his appearance leaned more toward cute than beautiful.

Dominic stood next to Shiao Yi, staring at him with quiet admiration and pride.

—This Shiao Yi was his one and only.

As Dominic gently wrapped his arm around Shiao Yi’s back and pulled him close, his chest was full of emotion. He was so happy to finally introduce Shiao Yi to everyone that it made his heart tremble.

"This is Shiao Yi," Dominic said. "He is my one and only, and the partner I will spend my life with. From now on, I want all of you to treat him the same way you treat me."

Shiao Yi looked up at Dominic in surprise, he opened his eyes wide.

A stir of confusion and shock ran through the gathered staff.

Dominic tightened his grip around Shiao Yi’s shoulders. No matter what anyone said, he had no intention of changing his mind. Shiao Yi was his partner.

If same-sex marriage had been fully accepted, Dominic would have already held the ceremony without delay.

Looking at Jude, who was clearly trying hard to hide his shock, Dominic made another announcement.

"Because of this decision, I have lost the right to be my father’s successor. So, I plan to leave this estate."

That caused an even greater wave of unrest.

Jude turned pale and then quickly put on a desperate expression.

"M-My Lord, please, at least wait until the master of the house returns. There’s no need to rush this decision. It won’t be too late to act then. All of us here will serve Lord Shiao Yi with all our hearts, I give you my word."

Jude had served the family for many years. In truth, he was closer and more trustworthy to Dominic than even his own father. Dominic didn’t want to trouble him too much—it would be childish to push further right now. So he decided to accept Jude’s words for the time being.

"All right. Then I leave it to you."

"Thank you very much. Once again, My Lord, Lord Shiao Yi—congratulations. From the bottom of my heart, I am truly happy for you both. I celebrate your union with all my sincerity."

Jude bowed his head to Shiao Yi. His words were filled with genuine happiness, and there was no trace of a lie in his tone. Dominic felt his chest grow warm at the sight. Jude had always cared for him—especially because Dominic had often been alone.

"Thank you, Jude," Dominic said.

The words slipped out naturally. In response, Jude bowed his head even lower. He might have even been on the verge of tears.

"Congratulations, Lord Dominic!"

"Congratulations!"

The other members of the household followed, offering their warm congratulations one after another. Dominic was surprised, but when he saw their joyful faces, untainted and sincere, he couldn’t help but smile.

"Wow! Lord Dominic is smiling!"

Another voice of surprise rang out, and for a short while, the hall filled with excited chatter.

"S-see? I told you, didn’t I? I said I heard Lord Dominic actually laugh out loud! I wasn’t lying!"

Dominic could hear Lambard proudly defending himself to those people nearby.

He suddenly realized how warm and kind the people around him were. Why hadn’t he ever tried to notice that before?

If it hadn’t been for Shiao Yi, he probably never would have. He would’ve gone on living without ever understanding what he had.

Once Jude sent everyone back to their duties, he returned with Eline, the head housekeeper, and came to stand in front of Shiao Yi.

"This is Eline, our head housekeeper. She oversees the detailed management of the estate," Jude said.

"I’m Eline, Madam. If you ever need anything or find yourself in any kind of trouble, please let me know right away."

Eline, now forty-three and pleasantly plump, greeted Shiao Yi politely. Her generous nature matched her large figure, and she was the one who truly ran and managed everything in the estate.

"M-Madam" Shiao Yi said, startled.

Dominic couldn’t help but grin. Madam... Shiao Yi is his Madam... Yes, those words had a wonderful ring to them. He liked the sound of it far too much.

"Lord Dominic, what should we do about the Madam’s room?" Eline asked.

Following her lead, Jude also began referring to Shiao Yi as Madam.

"Hmm. He’ll stay in my room. We’ll use the bathroom that’s already attached to it," Dominic answered.

"Understood. I’ll have it prepared right away. Shall we serve your meals in the dining room?" Jude asked.

"Madam, is there anything you dislike eating?" Eline chimed in. "If you have any favorite dishes, please don’t hesitate to tell us."

Then Jude added, "Madam, we’ll take our leave now. Please get some rest and take care of yourself."

They must’ve noticed how much Dominic was enjoying the moment. Both the butler and Eline made sure to say "madam" over and over before leaving.

Dominic gently scooped up Shiao Yi, who still looked stunned and confused by all that had happened.

"Hey! Dominic! I can walk, you know!" Shiao Yi protested.

"My dear madam," Dominic said with a smile, "let me carry you to your room."

"Not you too, Dominic!" Shiao Yi groaned.