After Lucas's unexpected declaration, everything changed.
At least for Theo.
Oliver noticed it immediately.
He was not allowed to walk alone in the garden.
Not allowed to sit near the fountain.
Not allowed to talk without a guard nearby.
Oliver blinked.
…This is new.
Theo stood beside him, arms crossed. "Stay close."
"I am close," Oliver replied calmly.
Samuel whispered, "You're guarded like treasure."
Ryan giggled. "Or like a baby."
Oliver sighed.
I am five… not five months.
---
Later, Lucas approached.
"I want to talk."
Theo stepped in front of Oliver instantly. "…About what?"
Lucas replied honestly. "Marriage."
Theo: "…No."
Samuel laughed loudly. "Rejected!"
Lucas frowned. "We're just talking."
Theo replied firmly. "You're not."
Charles tried not to laugh. "Theo…"
Theo didn't move. "He's too young."
Oliver looked up.
I appreciate the protection… but this is intense.
---
Samuel stepped closer. "Let's race."
Theo immediately answered, "No running."
Samuel blinked. "Why?"
"Dangerous."
Ryan whispered, "It's grass…"
Theo ignored him.
Lucas added, "Training?"
Theo: "Supervised only."
Oliver rubbed his forehead.
My freedom has disappeared.
---
Suddenly, Samuel released a small gust of wind.
Nothing harmful.
Just playful.
Theo's eyes sharpened.
He stepped forward.
A powerful alpha aura spread slightly.
The air grew heavy.
Samuel froze.
Sebastian laughed from afar. "Relax, it's just kids."
Theo replied calmly, "…He's my son."
Charles smiled softly.
"He's worried."
Oliver looked at Theo.
He gently held his sleeve.
"It's okay."
Theo looked down.
His expression softened.
"…Still. Be careful."
Oliver nodded.
He really is overprotective.
---
A notification appeared in Oliver's vision.
Bond Strength Increased: Father — Theo
Effect: Protection Aura (Passive)
Oliver blinked.
Even my system agrees…
Samuel crossed his arms. "Your father is scary."
Lucas nodded. "Strong."
Ryan whispered, "I'm not going near him."
Oliver smiled slightly.
"He's just protective."
Theo heard that.
"…Yes."
Charles laughed. "Very protective."
Sebastian added, "Overprotective."
Theo didn't deny it.
He simply placed a hand gently on Oliver's head.
"…Stay close."
Oliver sighed internally—
But smiled anyway.
Being protected… isn't so bad.
And the small heir walked forward—
With rivalry
With friends,
And with an extremely overprotective father beside him.