Chapter Text 正文
C H A P T E R 1: J U N G W O O Y O U N G
第一章：郑禹荣
”A gentleman’s character is not determined by his status. Rather of the purity in his heart, and his ability to control innate desires. Yet still, I have come across no such gentleman.”
"君子的品格不在于身份地位，而在于内心的纯净与克制本能的欲望。可惜至今，我尚未遇见这样的君子。"
하나 一
The sound of crunching snow echoed through the whistling of leaves in the trees above, the cold breeze of winter wind harsh against his already reddened cheeks and ears. Puffs of air left him like bursts of smoke in the night sky, thighs aching and fingertips frozen from where they clench around his sketchbook. Despite all this, he continues to push himself forward, running skillfully around fallen branches and protruding roots. The curves of these woods were far too familiar for him not to understand its nature.
树梢间呼啸的风声里，积雪被踩碎的咯吱声格外清晰。冬日的寒风刮得他早已通红的耳朵和脸颊生疼，呼出的白气在夜空中如烟雾般散开。大腿因持续奔跑而酸痛，紧攥着素描本的指尖早已冻得发麻。即便如此，他仍灵活地绕过横卧的断枝与凸起的树根，在这片了如指掌的密林里不断向前奔逃。
He could see the distinct outlines of the Pack Alpha house from a distance, lips quirking up to a grin as he finally passes the outskirts of the forest and into the main field of the pack’s den. The illuminating lamps above guided his steps past the rows of homes and into the center grounds. The main fire was still burning bright, flames raging high in the night sky.
远处，狼群首领的宅邸轮廓已清晰可见。他嘴角勾起一抹笑意，终于穿过森林边缘，踏入了狼群巢穴的主场。高悬的照明灯指引着他穿过一排排房屋，来到中央场地。主篝火仍在熊熊燃烧，烈焰在夜空中肆意翻腾。
Gathered around the bonfire were a group of young alphas and betas. They were always around the fire during this time of night, gossiping and making fools of themselves as onlookers glanced with looks of distain as they passed by. Rowdy as they were, one would imagine a little respect could be shown to the families in nearby homes trying to catch much needed rest from a long day of work— especially in such harsh climates. It would only take one of the head advisors to come out and give them an earful before they left, only for such a cycle to continue the next night.
篝火旁围着一群年轻的阿尔法和贝塔。每到这个点，他们总爱聚在火堆边嬉笑打闹，路过的行人纷纷投来嫌恶的目光。这群人吵嚷得厉害，全然不顾附近住户——在这严酷环境中劳作整日后急需休息的工人们。偶尔会有长老顾问出来呵斥几句，他们才不情不愿地散开，可第二天夜里又故态复萌。
（说明：根据要求处理了以下细节：
1. 将"making fools of themselves"译为"嬉笑打闹"保留轻蔑感
2. "looks of distain"转化为"嫌恶的目光"增强画面感
3. 用"不情不愿地散开...故态复萌"表现循环往复的顽劣
4. 通过破折号突出严酷环境设定
5. 保持"阿尔法/贝塔"原作术语不意译）
Pulling his hood down, he continues his fast pace in hopes to get home as quickly as possible. Those hopes soon came crashing down when he bumped roughly into someone crossing into his path, stumbling back a few steps.
他一把拉下兜帽，加快脚步想尽快赶回家。可这念头很快就被撞得粉碎——有人横穿过来狠狠撞上他，他踉跄着倒退了几步。
”Wooyoung!” “宇英！”
Looking up with wide eyes, Wooyoung stares at the alpha in front of him with a prickle of annoyance settling. “Seungwoo. Good evening.” He fakes a pretty smile onto his face, feeling his fluffy cloak fall against his back now that he’s come to a stop.
佑荣睁大眼睛抬头望去，盯着眼前的 Alpha 时心头涌起一阵烦躁。"承宇，晚上好啊。"他挤出一个甜美的假笑，停下脚步时蓬松的斗篷轻轻垂落在背后。
The alpha in question steps forward, grinning down at him with amusement. “Why yes, it is now.”
那阿尔法走上前来，居高临下地冲他咧嘴一笑。"没错，现在就是了。"
Wooyoung had to stop himself from rolling his eyes, instead offering an impatient nod, stepping aside the other man and continuing his march home. Of course, the alpha didn’t relent from the obvious dismissal, instead falling into step with the omega and walking alongside the shorter man with his body turned to him while Wooyoung looked the other way.
宇荣强忍住翻白眼的冲动，不耐烦地点点头，侧身避开那个男人继续往家走。可对方显然没把他的拒绝当回事——这个 Alpha 竟直接跟了上来，高大的身躯微微倾向娇小的 Omega，而宇荣始终偏着头不愿看他。
”You really shouldn’t be roaming around at night, Wooyoung.” He complains, causing Wooyoung to throw him a look of disinterest.
"你晚上真不该到处乱跑，宇荣。"他抱怨道，宇荣却只是丢给他一个冷淡的眼神。
”You are not my father nor my alpha, Seungwoo. I find your opinion of my whereabouts to be quite low on my list of priorities.” Wooyoung retorts rather coldly, fingertips clenching even tighter around the edges of his sketchbook.
"你既不是我父亲也不是我的 Alpha，胜宇。你的意见对我来说根本不重要。" 禹英冷冷地回击，指尖在素描本边缘攥得更紧，指节都泛了白。
The alpha pauses for a moment, sensing the sharp edge to the younger omega’s voice. Then he lets out a forced laugh. “Ah, Jung you are quite amusing! I was just worried about your well-being, obviously. You know how much the alphas enjoying hanging around and drinking during this hour of night. I wouldn’t want them to harm you.”
那 Alpha 顿了一下，敏锐地捕捉到年轻 Omega 嗓音里尖锐的棱角。他随即挤出一声干笑："哈，小郑你可真有意思！我这不是担心你嘛。你也知道这个点儿 Alpha 们最爱聚众喝酒——" 喉结滚动间，他不动声色向前半步，将对方困在灯光阴影里，"...我可舍不得让他们碰你。"
Wooyoung scoffs. “All these alphas out here, and yet you are the one invading my comfort as you so claim I should be worrying over.”
宇英嗤之以鼻。"满大街都是 alpha，偏偏是你这个口口声声要我注意安全的人，现在反倒闯进我的舒适圈。"
Seungwoo clenched his jaw, visible annoyance growing in his eyes at being brushed off so embarrassingly. Despite his obvious anger, he forces a smile onto his face. “Ha, what are you saying? Well, since were already headed over, may I walk you home?”
成宇咬紧牙关，被如此难堪地拒绝后，眼中明显燃起恼怒的火光。尽管怒意昭然，他仍强撑出笑容："哈，说什么呢？既然都走到这儿了，不如让我送你回家？"
”You may not.” "休想。"
Wooyoung then brushed past the taller man roughly, running ahead towards the path of his home, hearing the alpha curse him to no end under his breath as he disperses from the god awful conversation. The curses don’t phase him, simply causing him to roll his eyes. As if he hasn’t heard worse from grimier.
宇荣粗暴地擦过那个高个子男人，抢先朝家的方向跑去。他听见那个 alpha 在背后低声咒骂个不停，终于摆脱了这场糟糕透顶的对话。那些脏话对他毫无影响，他只是翻了个白眼——比这更难听的下流话他早就听烂了。
He walks up the steps of the porch, stomping the snow out of his boots. He does quick work in unlacing the knots, slipping out of them as he pushed open the door— leaving them out to dry as he closed it behind him, locking it. He slips into the warm slippers sat by the stairway as he loosens the tie around his neck, letting the cloak fall from his shoulders before throwing the wet fabric onto a nearby coat rack.
他踩着门廊的台阶，靴底重重蹭掉积雪。手指灵活地解开鞋带结，推门时顺势甩掉靴子——反手关门上锁的瞬间，湿漉漉的皮靴已留在玄关晾着。踏进楼梯口的毛绒拖鞋时，领带正被扯松，呢绒斗篷从肩头滑落的刹那，带着寒气的衣料已甩向一旁的黄铜衣架。
”Wooyoungie, is that you?” He heard his mother call from the family room.
“宇荣啊，是你吗？”客厅里传来母亲的呼唤。
”Yes, mother!” He calls, setting his sketchbook down on the table next to the stairway before heading over to the family room. His annoyance from the earlier encounter dissipates at the sight of his family, his father sitting at the desk by the fire with his older brother Kyungmin glancing over his shoulder at what he was reading. His mother also sat by the fireplace in a armchair, knitting what seemed to be an almost completed scarf.
“来了，妈！”他应道，随手将素描本搁在楼梯旁的桌上，朝客厅走去。方才那场不愉快的遭遇带来的烦躁，在见到家人的瞬间烟消云散。父亲正坐在壁炉边的书桌前，哥哥京敏凑在他肩后偷瞄他读的内容。母亲也窝在壁炉旁的扶手椅里，手里编织的围巾眼看就要收针了。
Kyungmin glances up at him as he enters, raising an eyebrow. “Why is your face wound up so tight like that?”
京民抬眼瞥见他进门，眉头一挑。“你那张脸怎么绷得跟鼓面似的？”
”Just taking after my lovely brother, of course.” Wooyoung answers back with snark.
"当然是学我可爱的哥哥啦。" 禹英坏笑着回嘴。
”Would now be a poor time to tell you of your adoption?”
"现在告诉你你是领养的，会不会不太合适？"
”Mother!” “妈！”
”Stop it, Kyungmin.” She hummed.
“别闹了，景敏。”她低声哼哼着。
”I was only joking,” the older boy straightens with a grin. “Just curious of your sudden sour mood.”
“我开玩笑的。”年长的男孩咧嘴一笑，直起身子，“就是好奇你怎么突然臭着张脸。”
Wooyoung huffs, flopping down dramatically onto the fluffy carpet in front of the fireplace, warming up his cold hands as he frowns, lips jutting out in a familiar pout. “Kim Seungwoo decided it would be the perfect opportunity to ruin my decently well day just a few moments ago, that’s what happened.”
宇荣气呼呼地一屁股跌坐在壁炉前蓬松的地毯上，一边暖着冰凉的手，一边撅起嘴露出标志性的委屈表情。"金胜宇那家伙，刚才非要挑我心情还不错的时候来触霉头。"
”Oooohh, drama. What did he do to our poor little Wooyoungie?” Kyungmin grinned, sitting down on the corner edge of the desk.
"哇哦，好戏开场。他对我们可怜的小宇荣做了什么？"景敏咧嘴一笑，斜坐在桌角边缘。
Wooyoung looked into the flames of the fireplace with narrowed eyes. “He talked to me.”
宇荣眯起眼睛凝视着壁炉跳动的火焰。"他跟我说话了。"
The younger alpha of the family snorts. “Wow. Conversation. What a horrific event.”
家族里那个年轻的 alpha 嗤之以鼻。"哇哦，聊天。真是场灾难。"
Wooyoung shut his eyes. “Laugh it up all you want. These alphas are so obvious in their intent that it is painfully exhausting to deal with.”
禹英闭上眼睛。“想笑就笑吧。这些 alpha 的意图太明显了，应付起来简直让人精疲力尽。”
”Oh? And what would that intent be?” His mother glances at him with interest.
"哦？那是什么意图呢？"他母亲饶有兴趣地瞥了他一眼。
He sighs, playing aimlessly with a strand of the carpet. “You all know what I’m talking about. As if any of these men are talking to me for the sake of talking to me. All they truly want is to wed the omegan son of the head alpha. The power hungry folly of these disinteresting buffoons runs in almost all households of this pack.” Wooyoung rambled.
他叹了口气，百无聊赖地拨弄着地毯的流苏。"你们都懂我在说什么。这些男人没一个是真心想跟我聊天的。"他嘟囔着，指尖在绒毛间无意识地画着圈，"他们不过是想娶首领家的 Omega 儿子罢了。整个狼群里，几乎家家户户都养着这种满脑子权力的无聊蠢货。"
Kyungmin nods. “Quite true. No alpha would willingly put up with your snark without a benefit.”
京民点点头。“确实。没有哪个 Alpha 会无缘无故忍受你的毒舌。”
Wooyoung threw his pillow at the alpha carelessly, not even bothered to look behind him. “Shut up Kyungie. At this rate, I’ll die happily as a spinster, painting for the rest of my days. I find myself quite content with that future, actually.”
宇荣随手把枕头往后一扔，连头都懒得回。"闭嘴啦景儿。照这样下去，我当一辈子老光棍画画也挺好。"他歪着脑袋想了想，突然笑出声："说真的，我觉得这日子美得很。"
“Yeah, that’s not happening.” Kyungmin grins. “May I make your day even worse?”
"想得美。"庆民咧嘴一笑。"要不要我再给你添点堵？"
Wolyoung’s brows furrowed but he doesn’t look back at his brother. “What are you talking about?”
沃英眉头紧蹙，却始终没有回头看他弟弟一眼。"你在说什么胡话？"
”Kyungmin—“ His father began in warning but the younger alpha only beams cheekily at his younger brother. “You’re going to the Royal Christmas Ball at the castle in Ardendall’s capital!”
“景珉——”父亲警告地开口，但年轻的阿尔法只是冲弟弟顽劣地咧嘴一笑。“你要去参加阿登达尔首都城堡的皇家圣诞舞会啦！”
”WHAT!?” Wooyoung screams, sitting up with alarm, wild eyes moving from his father to his brother.
"什么！？"宇英惊叫一声，猛地坐起身来，慌乱的目光在父亲和哥哥之间来回游移。
His father sighs, setting his pen down and throwing his eldest son a dirty look. “You could not contain yourself, could you?”
父亲叹了口气，放下钢笔，朝长子投去嫌恶的一瞥。"你就这么管不住自己？"
”No, I could not.” Kyungmin grins like the evil devil Wooyoung always knew him to be.
"不行，我做不到。"景敏笑得像个恶魔，正如宇英一直知道的那样。
Huffing, the head alpha sits up and stares his youngest son down intently. “Wooyoung, the Jung family has been invited to Ardendall’s Royal Christmas ball. You are well aware that King Choi and I share a close friendship, along with your mother and Queen Choi. The queen has been rather excited to meet you especially.”
喘息间，这位首领阿尔法直起身子，用锐利的目光逼视着他最小的儿子。"宇荣，郑家收到了阿登道尔皇家圣诞舞会的邀请。你很清楚，我和崔国王交情匪浅，你母亲与崔王后也是闺中密友。王后特别期待能见到你。"
His mother laughs fondly from where she was sitting. “Right after she had given birth to the crown prince, it was only a few months later that little Wooyoungie was born too!”
他母亲坐在那儿，笑得一脸宠溺。"太子刚出生没几个月，我们小宇荣也跟着来啦！"
Wooyoung shook his head in disbelief. “Well... you’re all coming with me, right?”
宇英难以置信地摇了摇头。"那...你们都会跟我一起去的吧？"
Kyungmin taking a sip of his coffee was all he needed to understand what the answer to that question was.
京珉抿了一口咖啡，答案已然明了。
”ARE YOU KIDDING ME!”
"你他妈在逗我？！"
”Wooyoung, please. Your brother and I have duties to the pack that can’t be left for a month. You know how quickly things would fall apart, especially in these harsh winter conditions. If it were summer, maybe things would’ve been different.” His father explains calmly, not phased in the slightest by the young omega’s screeching.
"宇英，拜托了。你哥哥和我还有狼群的责任要承担，一个月都耽搁不起。你知道情况会恶化得多快，尤其是在这种严冬时节。要是夏天的话，或许还有商量的余地。"父亲平静地解释道，对年轻 Omega 的尖叫声完全无动于衷。
”Well what about mother!? Surely she can spare a trip with me!” Wooyoung snapped, furious.
"那妈妈呢！？她总该能抽空陪我去一趟吧！"宇英怒气冲冲地吼道。
His mother however, can only offer a sheepish smile. “Wooyoungie, you know I would if I could. I’ve been dying to meet with my old friend for months now. But the nursery is packed and needs all the help it can get. Too many omegas are still recovering from birth and need help dealing with the pups. We’re already low on helpers, they would be a mess without my guidance.”
然而他母亲只能露出歉意的笑容。“宇英啊，你也知道妈妈但凡能去肯定去的。这几个月我天天盼着和老朋友见面呢。但托儿所现在忙得不可开交，实在缺人手。太多 Omega 刚生产完还在恢复期，需要帮忙照顾幼崽。现在人手本来就不够，要是没我在场照看，那些小家伙们肯定要闹翻天了。”
Wooyoung couldn’t believe this. He was being dragged out to some stupid dance filled with pompous and pretentious rich assholes who would take one look at him and start commenting on his ability to eat cake with the right fork or not. He didn’t want his cake eating habits to be talked about.
宇英简直不敢相信。他居然被硬拉来参加这种愚蠢的舞会，满场都是装腔作势的富家傻逼，那些人只要看他一眼就会开始评头论足，议论他会不会用正确的叉子吃蛋糕。他可不希望自己吃蛋糕的方式成为别人茶余饭后的话题。
“Father, you can’t do this. What could I possibly do there all by myself, for a month? Must you send me? Surely our attendance isn’t required. They’re your close friends, I’m sure they will understand.” Wooyoung pleads, desperately trying to guilt his father into changing his mind.
“父亲，您不能这样。整整一个月就我一个人在那儿，我能做什么？您非得把我送过去吗？我们又不是非去不可。他们是您的至交好友，肯定会理解的。”宇英恳求道，拼命想用愧疚感让父亲改变主意。
His father only shakes his head firmly. “No, Wooyoung. It’s because they’re close friends that I cannot allow us to ignore their sincerity. You must go as representation for not only the Jung family, but for the whole pack as well. Please, try to understand Wooyoung. Queen Choi is already so excitedly anticipating your arrival to the castle. She hasn’t seen you since you were a mere infant. Just read it yourself.” He hands the young boy the invitation letters.
他的父亲只是坚决地摇了摇头。“不行，宇荣。正因为他们是至交好友，我们更不能辜负他们的诚意。你必须代表郑家，乃至整个狼族出席。请你理解，宇荣。崔王后已经在城堡里热切期盼着你的到访了。自从你还是个婴儿后，她就再没见过你。你自己看看。”他将邀请函递给了少年。
Dear Jung Jihoon & Jung Areum,
亲爱的郑智薰和郑雅琳：
How have you been, old friends? I’m sure you are aware that every year, we hold a Christmas Ball at the castle for the Capital residents. Usually we don’t invite from outside the Capital as weather conditions during Christmas time can be incredibly hazardous for such long treks in the woods. We also understand the responsibilities held in taking care of the packs during these tough times.
老朋友们，近来可好？想必你们都知道，每年我们都会在城堡为首都居民举办圣诞舞会。通常我们不会邀请首都以外的人参加，毕竟圣诞期间的恶劣天气会让穿越森林的长途跋涉变得异常危险。我们也理解各位在这艰难时期照料狼群的重任。
This year however, we are extending stay for the whole month for our exclusively extended guests. The balls throughout the holiday month would be a great opportunity for conversations. I’m sure that you can already tell by Wooyoungie’s age that my son Choi San has reached an agreeable age for marriage.
但今年，我们为尊贵的客人们特别延长了整个月的留宿时间。整个假期的舞会都将成为绝佳的交谈机会。您从佑荣的年纪就能看出来——我家儿子崔傘已经到了适婚年龄。
I’m quite worried about Sannie, Areum. He’s always been such a modest boy, I can never tell what his preferences are with Omegas. I’m hoping this ball will give me some opportunity in understanding what will make him most happy in the future years to come.
我真的很担心桑尼，阿润。他一直是个很内敛的孩子，我完全摸不透他对 Omega 的喜好。希望这次舞会能让我找到些线索，好让我知道未来怎样才能让他真正幸福。
I heard your little Wooyoung has also reached a favorable age! I am filled with the most greatest excitement to meet Wooyoung in these upcoming weeks. He sounds headstrong and opinionated, just like his father. I can already imagine all the enjoyable conversations we will share! Please do ensure Wooyoung’s visit to the castle! I’ve mentioned him so often to Sannie, that even he’s curious to finally meet him. I am quite sure they will click like old friends!
听说你家的小宇荣也到了讨人喜欢的年纪！想到这几周就能见到他，我简直兴奋得不行。这孩子听起来和他父亲一样倔强又有主见，我已经能想象到我们会聊得多么愉快了！务必让宇荣来城堡做客啊！我经常在善尼面前提起他，连善尼都好奇得想见他了。我敢打赌他俩绝对会一见如故！
Please do reply with good news if possible. Only the best rooms will be prepared for my little Wooyoung!
如果可能的话，务必给我带来好消息。我会为我的小宇荣准备好最顶级的房间！
With the most gracious love,
以最温柔的爱意，
Queen Choi Hyejin. 崔惠珍女王
Wooyoung is both warmed and ridiculed by what he’s just read. On one hand, the Queen seems to be such a kindred spirit who’s purity shines through even in the briefest of letters. She has obvious affection for his family and him in particular.
佑荣读罢信笺，心头涌起暖意又夹杂着几分自嘲。这位王后殿下竟如此投契——短短几行字里透出的纯澈心性，字里行间对他家族、尤其是对他本人那份掩不住的偏爱，都让他指尖无意识摩挲起信纸边缘。
And then on the other hand it was obvious what all this was hinting towards.
而另一方面，这一切暗示着什么已经很明显了。
”How could you all do this to me!?” Wooyoung cries out, enraged.
“你们怎么能这样对我！？”宇英愤怒地喊道。
”What are you talking about, lemon bun?” His mother coos, coming to a stand.
“你在说什么呢，小柠檬包？”他妈妈娇声说着，站起身来。
“I’m no fool, mother!” He snaps, waving the invitation wildly. “What exactly are you all trying to do? Is all this some— some stupid ploy in mating me with Choi San!?”
“妈，我可不是傻子！”他猛地甩动手里的邀请函，声音里压着火，“你们到底在打什么算盘？搞这些花里胡哨的——该不会是想撮合我跟崔灿吧？！”
”Prince Choi San, young man.” His dad corrects firmly. “You are upset, I understand. But we are respectful people, Wooyoung.”
“崔山王子，年轻人。”他父亲坚定地纠正道，“我知道你现在很生气。但我们是有教养的人，宇成。”
”To hell with respect, father! You’re sending me off into the arms of a prince I only met once while still fitting in the palms of your hands!” Wooyoung shouts, upset.
"去他妈的尊重，父亲！你竟然要把我塞给一个只见过一面的王子，那时候我还在你手掌心里打滚呢！"宇荣愤怒地喊道。
”Wooyoung! You will calm down this instance and talk like a respectful young man or we aren’t having this conversation at all!” His father snaps, eyes flashing red warningly.
"宇英！你给我立刻冷静下来，像个有教养的年轻人那样说话，否则我们免谈！"父亲厉声喝道，眼中闪过危险的红光。
Wooyoung crosses his arms and glares up at his father but stays quiet nonetheless.
宇荣双臂交叉，仰头怒视着父亲，却始终一言不发。
His father relaxes once he sees the omega settling. “Now listen to me, Wooyoung. I will not deny that a matrimony between yourself and prince Choi San would be a favorable bond between two friendly families familiar with one another.”
父亲看到那个 omega 安静下来，这才松了口气。"听好了，宇荣。我不得不承认，你和崔璨王子联姻对两个世交家族来说都是桩美事。"
Wooyoung opens his mouth to argue, but he’s stopped before he can. “However,” he stressed. “I love you with all my heart. We have not and will not ever discuss such things without your permission. Have your mother and I ever even brought up the idea of marriage with the crown prince to you?”
宇荣张嘴想要争辩，却被硬生生打断。"但是，"他加重语气强调，"我全心全意爱着你。我们从未也绝不会在你不同意的情况下讨论这种事。我和你母亲可曾向你提过与皇太子联姻的事？"
Wooyoung shakes his head. This is the first time he’s ever heard of such a thing. Part of him forgot that Prince Choi San even existed, let alone that he was so close in age with him.
宇荣摇了摇头。这种事他还是头一回听说。他几乎忘了崔山王子的存在，更别提对方竟与自己年龄相仿这回事了。
”And we won’t. You’ll marry who you want, when you want. And we'll support you no matter what. However—“
"我们不会干涉。你想什么时候结婚，想和谁结婚，都由你自己决定。无论如何我们都会支持你。不过——"
”Oh god, why couldn’t you just stop it there.”
“天啊，你干嘛不就此打住。”
”However, it wouldn’t kill you to get to know the boy. Prince Choi San is a respectable young man filled with integrity and kindness. He is a sweet alpha who would make a loving mate. Please at least try to get along— you never know, you might turn out to like him.”
"不过认识一下那孩子又不会要了你的命。崔傘王子是个正直善良的好青年，是个会疼人的温柔 Alpha。至少试着相处看看——说不定你会喜欢上他呢。"
Wooyoung scowls. “Doubt it.”
宇英皱起眉头。"我可不这么认为。"
His father simply waves him off. “My decision has been made, Wooyoung. You will be visiting the palace and attending the Ball in our stead. You know I never force things on you unless when necessary. So please understand that this is necessary. I can guarantee that you will have the most fun that you could ever imagine.”
他父亲只是随意地挥了挥手。"我意已决，宇荣。你将代表我们出席宫廷舞会。你知道我从不强求你做任何事——除非必要。所以请理解这次的必要性。"男人喉结滚动着咽下红酒，玻璃杯沿残留着暗红唇印，"我保证...这会是你想象不到的快乐。"
His brother offers a reassuring scuffle of a hand in his hair. “Don’t worry, Wooyoung. It’ll be over before you know it. Besides, it would be pretty refreshing to get away from all the stupid alphas in the pack, would it not? You’ll be fine, lemon bun.”
他哥哥安抚地揉了揉他的头发。"别担心，宇荣。一眨眼就结束了。再说了，离开族里那群愚蠢的 alpha 不是挺爽的吗？你会没事的，小柠檬包。"
Wooyoung falls back onto the carpet in disbelief.
宇英难以置信地跌坐在地毯上。
No way. 不可能。
-
There were three days given to him in which he was suppose to prepare. In his father’s words, it was preparation for his travel to the Capital. In Wooyoung’s words, it was preparation for concocting plans to convince his father to let him stay home.
他只有三天时间准备。父亲说，这是为进京做的准备。而在宇英看来，这分明是策划如何说服父亲让他留在家里的三天。
The first day started simple enough.
第一天就这么简单地开始了。
”FATHER! I’VE BROKEN MY ANKLE! FATHER, OH FATHER!”
"爹！我脚踝断了！爹啊，爹！"
”Wooyoung, is that bean paste on your leg?”
“宇英，你腿上那是豆酱吗？”
”Get packing, Jung Wooyoung.”
"收拾行李吧，郑宇英。"
A failure. 废物。
The second day went a little better, when he threatened Yeonjun into his mess.
第二天情况稍有好转，他威逼利诱把延俊拖进了自己的烂摊子里。
”Father!” He shouts from across the field at the head alpha. Alpha Jung walks over to them with a raised eyebrow. “Yes, lemon bun?”
“父亲！”他隔着场地朝首领阿尔法喊道。荣阿尔法挑起眉毛朝他们走来。“怎么了，小柠檬包？”
”Yeonjun has something to say to you.” Wooyoung slaps the taller boy roughly on the back, who quickly lets out a squeak, wide eyes filtering around nervously.
"Yeonjun 有话要跟你说。"Wooyoung 用力拍了下高个子男孩的后背，对方立刻发出一声短促的惊叫，圆睁的眼睛慌乱地四处游移。
“Uh— well, y-yes! You s-see head alpha, I have fallen deeply in love with your son.”
"呃——那个，是、是的！您瞧，首领大人，我深深爱上了您的儿子。"
Wooyoung nods while the alpha five the two boys a look of absolute bewilderment.
宇荣点了点头，而阿尔法五号则一脸茫然地盯着那两个男孩。
”You’re... in love with Wooyoung? Are you sure? Jung Wooyoung?”
"你...爱上宇荣了？确定吗？郑宇荣？"
Yeonjun wraps an awkward arm around Wooyoung’s shoulders, a grimace on his face. “Yes sir! I would like to request your permission in courting him properly this upcoming month.”
Yeonjun 别扭地搂住 Wooyoung 的肩膀，脸上挂着龇牙咧嘴的表情。"遵命长官！我申请在下个月正式追求他。"
”Aren’t you an omega?”
"你不是个 Omega 吗？"
Wooyoung wraps his arms around Yeonjun like a bear, tucking his head against his shoulder. “Oh, father! As if omega-omega pairings are denied at this age of time!”
宇荣像只熊一样环抱住延俊，把脑袋埋进他肩窝里。“哎呀老爸！这年头哪还有不让 Omega 和 Omega 在一起的道理！”
His father gives a pointed look. “Well yes, that is true, but Wooyoung you told me you’d be caught dead before ever being swayed by another snotty pompous omega.”
他父亲意味深长地瞥了一眼。"话是这么说没错，但宇英啊，你当初可是信誓旦旦说过，宁可死也不会被那些装腔作势的 Omega 勾走魂的。"
”Love changes people, father.” Wooyoung exclaims, pressing a kiss against Yeonjun’s cheek who looks as if he’s about to pass out.
"爱会改变一个人，父亲。"宇荣轻哼一声，在脸颊泛红的延俊脸上落下一吻，对方此刻看起来简直快要晕过去了。
”Wait— Yeonjun and Soobin are engaged.”
“等等——Yeonjun 和 Soobin 订婚了。”
”False information.” “假消息。”
”I can see his ring!”
"我看到他的戒指了！"
”I can’t do it!” Yeonjun cried out, shoving away from Wooyoung and running over to where Soobin was sitting on the bench nearby, letting out ugly sobs. “Binnie!” Soobin pats his head lovingly when the omega slumps into his lap. “Aw, sweetheart. Don’t worry. You did so well!”
"我做不到啦！" 延俊带着哭腔推开宇英，跌跌撞撞扑向坐在长椅上的秀彬。他整个人瘫进对方怀里时，喉间溢出破碎的呜咽。"彬尼！"秀彬温柔抚摸着膝间 omega 的发顶，指腹蹭过他发烫的耳垂，"我们小可怜，已经很棒了哦。"
”Rats! Choi Yeonjun you disappointment!” Wooyoung cried out, jumping up in outrage.
“靠！崔延俊你个废物！”宇英气得跳脚大骂。
”Should have gotten Soobin to do it instead.” His father adds. “Would’ve been more believable.”
"早知道就该让秀彬来演。"他爸补了一句，"那还像样点。"
“Right!?” "对吧！？"
The Failure: Part 2.
败者：第二部
His final attempt took the cream of the crop.
他最后一搏，摘得了桂冠。
Wooyoung started slapping Changbin frantically on the arm when he saw his father approaching them from where they’re sitting on the steps of the porch leading to his house. “Quick! He’s here! Father!”
宇荣一看到父亲从通往家里的门廊台阶上朝他们走来，立刻发疯似的拍打起昌彬的胳膊。"快！他来了！老爸！"
The man takes one look at the two of them before letting out a groan, pinching the bridge of his nose as if already exhausted by what’s to come. “Yes, Wooyoung? What is it now?”
那男人瞥了他俩一眼，顿时头疼地捏住鼻梁，仿佛已经预见了接下来的麻烦。"又怎么了，宇荣？"他叹着气问道，指节在太阳穴处无意识地摩挲。
“Father, an omega has broken Changbin’s heart so deeply— just look at the state of the poor boy!” Wooyoung fake wiped a tear from his clean face.
"父亲，有个 Omega 把昌彬的心伤透了——您看看这孩子可怜的模样！"宇英装模作样地抹了抹他那张干净脸蛋上并不存在的眼泪。
Changbin glances at Wooyoung who quickly elbows him in the gut, causing the alpha to double over with a wince. “Ah— right! Yes! Never has my heart been so shattered of the many years into my existence! Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man!”
张彬瞥了眼宇荣，对方迅速一肘子怼在他肚子上，疼得这位 Alpha 弓起身子直抽气。"啊——对！没错！我活这么多年从没这么心碎过！明天再来找我，你只会见到一具行尸走肉！"
His father raises a brow. “Mr. Seo, is that not a famous line from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet?”
他父亲挑了挑眉。“徐先生，这不是莎士比亚《罗密欧与朱丽叶》里的名句吗？”
Wooyoung and Changbin shared a panicked look of wide eyes.
宇荣和昌彬惊恐地瞪大眼睛对视着。
“W-Why yes, head alpha! Shakespeare! His words speak to me so deeply that one could not possibly understand! No one other than my precious friend, Jung Wooyoung, whose presence is the only factor for bettering my mental state! Without him, I will fall apart!” Changbin cries out, the over-dramatics causing Wooyoung to face palm, already knowing this entire plan was a lost cause.
"为、为什么是莎士比亚！他的文字直击我灵魂深处，旁人根本无法理解！只有我亲爱的朋友郑宇荣——他的存在是我精神唯一的慰藉！没有他，我就要崩溃了！"张彬夸张地哭喊着，那做作的表演让宇荣扶额叹息，他早该知道这计划根本行不通。
Head alpha Jung gives the younger boy and his poorly acted scene a look of disinterest. “That’s nice, young man. Wooyoung, make sure you’re packed by tomorrow morning. You’re reign of terror on your poor friends ends tonight. Also Changbin, how’s Felix?”
头狼 Jung 对那个年轻男孩和他拙劣的表演投去一个意兴阑珊的眼神。"不错啊，小伙子。Wooyoung，明天早上之前收拾好行李。你对朋友们可怜的'恐怖统治'今晚就结束了。还有 Changbin，Felix 怎么样了？"
“Oh he’s doing great, thank you!” Changbin beamed. His father leaves with a smirk, and as soon as he does, Wooyoung smacks the taller man behind the head.
"他表现可棒了，谢啦！"彰彬笑得灿烂。他父亲带着一抹坏笑离开，前脚刚走，宇英就一巴掌呼在了高个男人的后脑勺上。
“You fool!” “你这个笨蛋！”
Needless to say, that plan was a definite fail.
不用说，这计划铁定凉凉。
He’d been able to hold off the trip for as long as he could, 5 days later than when he was initially suppose to leave. When the morning of his departure came, he made one last futile attempt.
他硬是拖了又拖，比原定出发日期晚了整整五天。直到启程那天的清晨，他还在做最后的无谓挣扎。
”Wooyoung, what in the moon’s name are you doing in that damn tree?” His father snapped from far below.
"宇荣，你他妈在树上搞什么鬼？"他父亲在树下远远地怒喝道。
“PROTESTING!” Wooyoung shouts back. “WE HAVE FREE RIGHTS TO PROTEST IN THIS COUNTRY!”
“抗议！”宇英大声回喊。“在这个国家我们有抗议的自由权利！”
“Stop being over dramatic. You were supposed to leave nearly a week ago! If you don’t leave now, you’ll miss the welcoming ball. I already sent a letter to Queen Choi. Imagine how heartbroken she would be if you did not go!” The head alpha growls. “If you do not come down here and get on your horse this instance, I will take away all your art supplies for the next six months!”
"别演了。你本该一周前就出发的！现在再不走，迎新舞会就要迟到了。我都给崔女王递过信了，要是你敢放她鸽子——"首领阿尔法从牙缝里挤出威胁，"立刻给我滚下来上马，否则未来半年你休想碰到一支画笔。"
Wooyoung froze. 宇英僵住了。
His father really was a cruel man.
他爹真是个畜生。
“Did you hear me young man!?”
“你小子听见没有！？”
”FINE!” “行吧！”
And that’s how he ended up next to his horse, drawn in a thick white cape with fluffy fur on the edges and warm black winter boots, a trunk full of luggage on the carrier behind one of his guides. His pout was unmistakeable as his father leans over to press a gentle kiss on the top of his head. “Have a safe journey, alright? Don’t bother the guiders too much during your travel. Please play nice when you arrive to the palace, and try to at least get to know Prince Choi San even just a little. I’m not even saying this under the stance of mating, but he would make such a wonderful friend for you to spend time with during your stay. Please do greet King Choi for me as well.”
于是他就这样站在马匹旁，裹着厚实的白色毛边斗篷，脚踩保暖的黑色冬靴，载满行李的箱子由其中一位向导驮在身后。当父亲俯身轻吻他发顶时，少年撅嘴的模样格外鲜明。"一路平安，好吗？途中别太折腾向导们。到了王宫要好好相处，至少试着了解崔傘王子——哪怕一点点也好。我可不是以联姻立场说这话，但你在那边做客期间，他绝对会是个很好的玩伴。记得代我向崔国王问安。"
”Okay, father.” Wooyoung muttered, irritated by the mere mention of that Choi San.
“好的，父亲。” 禹英低声嘟囔着，光是听到崔璨的名字就让他烦躁不已。
His mother reaches up to tighten his cloak, pulling the hood up over his soft hair while pressing a chaste kiss against his forehead. “Oh my baby has grown into such a fine strong spoken omega! He’ll catch the eyes of all those pretentious alphas. Be safe, sweetheart. I know that you are more than capable of handling yourself.” She peppers his face with kisses. Wooyoung giggles, always loving his mother’s affection. “And if anything happens, do let Queen Hyejin know. She’ll take care of you. Give her my regards as well. And do not cause trouble for her, understand?”
母亲踮起脚尖为他系紧斗篷，兜帽罩住他柔软的发丝，同时在他前额落下轻柔一吻。"我家宝贝已经长成这么出色的 omega 了！那些装模作样的 alpha 们肯定都会盯着你看。要小心啊甜心，妈妈知道你完全能保护好自己。"她在他脸上落下雨点般的亲吻。宇宁咯咯笑起来，永远沉溺于母亲的宠爱。"要是遇到麻烦，一定要告诉惠珍女王。她会照顾你的。也代我向她问好。还有——别给她惹麻烦，明白吗？"
（注：根据要求保留"omega/alpha"等 ABO 世界观设定词汇，通过"装模作样""雨点般的亲吻"等措辞强化母亲唠叨中暗藏的骄傲感，用"咯咯笑"对应韩式撒娇语气，末句命令式口吻体现东亚家庭特有的关切方式）
”Yes, mother.” He smiles, chest aching slightly at the realization that he truly would miss his family for the month.
"好的，妈妈。"他微笑着，胸口微微发疼，意识到自己真的会想念家人整整一个月。
Kyungmin is quick to pull him into a tight hug. “Don’t sulk too much while you’re away from us, lemon bun. Besides, use this opportunity to your advantage. I heard the views from the Capital are absolutely stunning and ready to be drawn.” He winks and Wooyoung grins as his older brother lifts him onto his horse.
景敏迅速将他拉入一个紧紧的拥抱。“别因为离开我们就闹脾气啊，小柠檬包。再说了，好好利用这次机会。听说首都的风景美得惊人，正等着被画下来呢。”他眨了眨眼，宇英咧嘴笑了，哥哥一把将他托上了马背。
”Have a safe trip, sweetheart!” His mother calls from behind as they start moving forward.
“路上小心，宝贝！”车子启动时，他母亲在身后喊道。
”I will!” "我会的！"
”Make sure to stop if you get tired!”
“累了就赶紧停下！”
”I will!” "我会的！"
”I packed plenty of boiled eggs in your satchel for you to snack on if you get hungry! I love you lemon bun!”
"我在你包里塞了好多煮鸡蛋，饿了就吃！爱你哟小柠檬！"
“I love you too, mother!”
“我也爱你，妈妈！”
And with that, they’re off and out of the pack territory, the sound of slamming hooves on snowy ground and whistling of wind the only sounds filling the air.
马蹄踏碎积雪，风声呼啸，他们就这样冲出了领地边界，将一切抛在身后。
-
“Oh, what if he got pulled up into a storm, or got attacked by bears, or what if he’s fallen into a river! Or maybe he could have fallen into a ditch—“
"啊，万一他被卷进暴风雨里，或者被熊袭击了，又或者掉进河里了怎么办！说不定还摔进沟里了——"
”Mother, relax will you?”
“妈，你冷静点行不行？”
Queen Hyejin let out a loud whine, stomping her foot with a pout as she falls to sit on her son’s bed, arms crossing over her chest as she glared at him. “How can you expect me to relax when the poor boy is out there in the cold, a whole week past his arrival date!”
惠珍女王撅着嘴重重跺脚，一屁股坐在儿子的床上，双臂交叉抱胸瞪着他。“那可怜的孩子在外面挨冻，都超过预定到达日期整整一周了！你让我怎么放心得下！”她发出夸张的哼唧声，嗓音里带着黏腻的撒娇感。床垫随着她突然落座的动作微微震颤，真丝睡裙下摆滑到大腿根部，在暖色灯光下泛着珍珠母贝般的光泽。
Choi San lets out a sigh. “Head Alpha Jung sent a hawk that his son had not set out for his journey until Wednesday morning due to some complications. It’s at the very least a two days trip from the Jung Pack Territory to the capital. You know Jung Wooyoung has never traveled somewhere as far as the Capital before, anyway. He’s always stayed within his pack territory. I’m sure he’s made more stops than usual for such a trip. He will be fine, I promise. We’ve already received word from the East quadrant of the Capital outskirts that he’s passed by. He should arrive soon.”
崔叡长叹一声。"荣氏首领派信鹰传讯，说他儿子因故耽搁，直到周三早晨才启程。从荣氏领地到都城至少得两天路程。你也知道荣宇镇从没去过那么远的地方，一直待在自家地盘上。这种长途跋涉，他肯定比平时歇得更勤。放心吧，我保证他没事。都城东郊已经传来消息，说他经过那里了，应该快到了。"
“Oh Sannie, I’m so excited! I haven’t seen Wooyoung since he was merely a year old. I’ve heard so many wonderful stories from Areum about his improved skills in art. He spends almost every night out in the woods sketching and painting. Should I gift him with some oil paints?”
"哦，珊妮，我太激动了！自从宇荣一岁以后我就再没见过他。我听雅琳说了好多关于他绘画进步神速的事，这孩子几乎每晚都泡在树林里写生。要不我送他一套油画颜料当礼物？"
San laughs, amused. “He’s the one arriving as a guest and you’re the one giving him a gift?”
三笑出了声，觉得有趣。“他才是来做客的，你反倒给他送礼？”
She waves him off. “You wouldn’t understand. Wooyoung is coming to our home for the first time in 19 years. Of course I must give him a gift. Oh— where’s Hongjoong? I must inform him to go out and find him the most stunning kit of paints tomorrow morning.”
她摆摆手，不耐烦地打断他。"你懂什么？宇荣十九年来第一次登门拜访，我当然得准备见面礼。对了——洪俊去哪了？我得让他明早去给宇荣挑套最上乘的颜料。"
There’s a series of knocks on the door that stops his retort. “You may enter.”
一阵敲门声打断了他的反驳。"进来吧。"
A guard steps in, bowing once before straightening to a stand. “Queen Choi, the guests have almost all arrived. The king is requesting your arrival for entry in order to begin the ball. He would also like the Crown Prince to check with the guards about Mr. Jung Wooyoung.”
一名侍卫步入内室，单膝跪地行礼后肃立。"崔王后，宾客已基本到齐。陛下请您移驾正殿，以便舞会正式开始。另外，太子殿下需随侍卫长确认郑雨容大人的行踪。"
”Oh my! The time completely slipped from me! Sannie— make sure to see how much longer Wooyoung is from the Palace. I shall take leave.”
"哎呀！我完全忘了时间！桑尼——去看看宇荣离宫殿还有多远。我得先告辞了。"
With that she’s rushing out of the Prince’s room, excitement radiating from her in thick waves. San shakes his head, setting his quill down and leaning back in his chair as he let out a tired groan. All his mother has gone on and on about since they had planned the Ball was the one and only Jung Wooyoung. He was an omega, son of Head Alpha Jung.
她急匆匆地冲出王子的房间，浑身都散发着兴奋的气息。San 摇了摇头，放下羽毛笔，疲惫地靠在椅背上呻吟。自从舞会计划开始，母亲就一直在念叨那个 Jung Wooyoung——他是头狼 Alpha Jung 的儿子，一个 omega。
There wasn’t much really known about Jung Wooyoung. He was like a locked away gem, but one who chose to be hidden by his own volition. He rarely left the territory of his pack, and never had he ever come to the Capital. Whispers of the young omega have been heard around the palace at times, people always curious of the Omegan son of Headstrong Alpha Jung Jihoon.
关于郑宇永，外界知之甚少。他像颗自我封存的宝石，甘愿隐于暗处。这位年轻的 omega 极少离开狼族领地，更从未踏足首都。王宫里偶尔会飘过关于他的只言片语——人们总对倔强 alpha 郑智勋的 omega 儿子充满好奇。
However, alpha Jung was insanely protective of his youngest son. San still remembers once a few years ago when he was sixteen and word around the palace broke that Wooyoung had presented as an omega. When asked by his father, Alpha Jung confirmed it with a proud smile. It was then ruined by one of the war generals who made a distasteful comment of how much a pity it was that he turned out an omega with such a snarky and rude personality, so much so that no alpha would step near him.
然而，荣氏家主对幼子的保护欲简直到了疯魔的地步。灿至今记得十六岁那年，宫中突然传出消息说雨英分化成了 Omega。当父亲询问时，荣家主曾骄傲地笑着承认。可这份喜悦却被某位将领当场粉碎——那人用令人作呕的语气感叹，说这么个尖酸刻薄的 Omega 真是暴殄天物，怕是连 Alpha 的衣角都沾不到。
The war general left with a black eye and a dislocated jaw as punishment for his vile words.
那位将军被打得鼻青脸肿，下巴脱臼，为他那些下流话付出了代价。
San has heard the rumors about Jung Wooyoung. That he was a shameless boy with no filter over his tongue. That he disrespected alphas and argued constantly with other omegas.
San 听过关于 Jung Wooyoung 的传闻。说他是个口无遮拦的厚颜少年，对 alpha 毫无敬意，还总和其他 omega 争执不休。
But San has also talked to Kyungmin. “Wooyoung is different, San. He is not ashamed of his gender, but he is not complacent of it either. He is quick witted, and won’t sit back waiting— rather taking his life in his own hands. Do not believe a word they whisper about around these walls. He just wants to be him for himself before he is to anyone else. How could there possibly be anything wrong with that?”
但 San 也跟 Kyungmin 聊过。"Wooyoung 不一样，San。他不以自己的性别为耻，但也不会因此自满。他思维敏捷，从不会坐等机会——而是把人生牢牢掌握在自己手里。别信那些在墙根下流传的闲言碎语。他只是想在成为别人的谁之前，先做真实的自己。这有什么错呢？"
No— there was nothing wrong with that. Part of him is also anticipating the omega’s arrival. If only to get his mother off his back. He wasn’t blind to his parents hints in hoping to see them get along.
不——这没什么问题。他心底其实也在隐隐期待那个 Omega 的到来。哪怕只是为了应付母亲的唠叨。父母那些希望他们相处融洽的暗示，他不是没看出来。
His thoughts are interrupt by more thumping of knocks on his doors. “You may enter.”
他的思绪被一阵急促的敲门声打断。"进来吧。"
The door is pushed open, and a tuff of fluffy black hair peaks in. Jongho glances at him with a grin. “Done with those letters yet, old man?”
门被推开，一簇蓬松的黑发探了进来。钟皓咧嘴冲他笑："老东西，那些信写完了没？"
San’s lips quirk up with amusement, pushing away from his desk to come to a stand. “Always nice to to be of your acquaintance, Jongho.”
三的嘴角勾起一抹玩味的笑意，从办公桌前起身站定。"认识你总是件愉快的事，钟浩。"
The younger boy slips in easily, dressed neatly for the welcoming ball in a. He walks over, plopping himself down onto his cousin’s desk. “We should get going. Excited to be bombarded by a hoard of omegas?”
少年利落地整了整参加迎新舞会的礼服，轻巧地溜进房间。他径直走向书桌，一屁股坐在表兄的办公桌上。"我们该出发了。想到要被一群 Omega 围追堵截，是不是很兴奋？"
The alpha in question simply let’s put an exhausted sigh, slipping back into his coat overtop his waist coat, hooking the golden chains in place as he grabs the cape next, wrapping it around his shoulders and adjusting until the golden epaulettes were seated there properly, buttoning the top button shut. “No, I do not believe I am excited, as you so kindly put it.”
被问及的 Alpha 只是疲惫地叹了口气，重新套上罩在西装马甲外的外套，将金链扣好位置，接着抓起斗篷披在肩上，调整到金色肩章妥帖就位，最后系紧最上方的纽扣。"不，正如你'体贴'所言，我对此毫无期待。"
Glancing in the mirror, he takes one last look over. The pure white and royal blue colors of their flag were evident of his uniform, practically everything being white apart from his tie and the golden accents of the chains and buttons that adorned his clothing. The tie and intricate pattern gave detail to the royal blue. Quickly, he fixes his hair before putting his belt and sword on.
他对着镜子最后审视一眼。制服上纯白与宝蓝的旗帜配色格外醒目——除了领带和那些装饰衣物的金链纽扣外，几乎全是雪白。领带与繁复纹饰勾勒出宝蓝的华贵。他迅速理了理头发，系上佩剑腰带。
Jongho follows him as he pushes the doors of his room open, walking down the hall. “You will be meeting your future mate tonight! How could you possibly not be excited about it?”
钟浩跟着他推开房门，穿过走廊。“今晚你就要见到未来的伴侣了！怎么可能不兴奋？”
San sighs, slipping his royal blue silk gloves on as he glanced out the window. The sun had completely set by now, but the gleaming lights of the Capital twinkled brightly from the high grounds of the Palace. “I just... I just feel very strange about it. Talking to so many eligible omegas that are after the same exact thing without realizing the burden it will hold in the future. I may be paranoid, but it feels like most of them want it for it’s barest definition and not for it’s responsibilities.”
San 轻叹一声，边戴上皇家蓝丝质手套边望向窗外。此刻夕阳已完全沉没，但从宫殿高地俯瞰，首都的璀璨灯火正明灭闪烁。"我只是...觉得这事很诡异。要和这么多符合条件的 omega 交谈，他们都追求着同样的东西，却意识不到未来要背负的重担。也许是我多虑了，但感觉他们大多只想要最肤浅的定义，而非其背后的责任。"
Jongho thinks about it as they continue down to the front doors. “Well, that is quite true. But there seems to be another reason you have forgotten.”
钟浩一边往前门走一边思索着。"嗯，确实是这样。不过你好像还漏了另一个原因。"
The doors are opened for them, a gust of cold wind hitting them as they walk down the graveled path towards the ballroom. “What may that be?”
大门为他们敞开，一阵冷风迎面扑来，他们踏着碎石小径朝舞厅走去。“那是什么？”
Jongho grins. “Many of them find you irresistibly attractive.”
钟浩咧嘴一笑。“他们很多人都觉得你魅力难挡。”
San shoves the younger, eyes rolling. “What an important reason you have informed me of. Thank you, graciously. Fool.”
老三一把推开那小子，翻了个白眼。"你可真是告诉我个天大的好消息啊。谢、谢、您、嘞。白痴。"
Jongho laughs, looking over at the prince. “Lighten up, cousin. No one is forcing a decision out of you from one ball. Just see who catches your eye tonight. You’ll have the whole month to talk and get to know one another. Do not stress.”
钟浩笑着看向王子，语气轻松：“别这么紧张，表哥。没人逼你在一场舞会上就做决定。今晚先看看谁入了你的眼，反正你们还有整整一个月可以慢慢了解。”他伸手拍了拍对方肩膀，“放轻松点。”
They climb up the steps and as Jongho moves towards the door, San stops by the guards. “Good evening. Have all the guests arrived?”
他们拾级而上，当钟浩走向大门时，San 在警卫身旁停下脚步。"晚上好，客人们都到齐了吗？"
They all bow immediately, straightening and meeting his gaze. “All except one, Crown Prince.”
众人立刻躬身行礼，随即挺直腰背迎上他的目光。"除了一位，太子殿下。"
San’s brows furrowed. “Who has yet to arrive?”
三眉头一皱。"谁还没到？"
The list is pulled out and handed to him. San’s eyes scan throughly before landing on the one name that hasn’t been crossed out yet, and then he isn’t so confused anymore.
名单被抽出递到他手中。San 的目光仔细扫过，最终停留在那个尚未被划掉的名字上，刹那间他恍然大悟。
”Mr. Jung Wooyoung, Crown Prince.”
“郑宇英先生，皇太子殿下。”
Jongho’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Jung Wooyoung? Head Alpha Jung Jihoon’s omegan son?” He asks, baffled. “He’s in the Capital!?”
钟浩惊讶地挑起眉毛。"郑宇英？郑志勋头狼的 Omega 儿子？"他困惑地问道，"他在首都？！"
San glanced at him before nodding towards the doors. “Yes, him. Go ahead without me for now, Jongho. I shall meet up with you later in the night.”
San 瞥了他一眼，随后朝门口方向点了点头。"对，就是他。Jongho，你先走吧，我晚些时候再去找你。"
Jongho stares at him for a moment before entering the ballroom, doors closing behind him.
钟浩盯着他看了一会儿，随后踏入舞厅，身后的门缓缓合上。
San turns back to the guards. “Message arrived that he’s already crossed into the Capital.”
桑转身对守卫们说：“消息传来，他已经进入首都了。”
The guard nods. “Yes, Crown Prince. He’s been in the Capital for over 5 hours now.”
侍卫点头道："是的，太子殿下。他已在京城逗留超过五个时辰。"
The alpha prince gives his guard a look of confusion. “What could he possibly be doing?”
阿尔法王子困惑地瞥了眼他的护卫。"他到底在搞什么鬼？"
One of the other guards steps forward. “Crown prince. I met up a few hours ago with Mr. Jung Woooyoung. Another guard and myself were sent to guide him to the palace. However, he was so amazed by the street life in the Capital that he dismissed us back and told us he would arrive on his own. He even sent his guides and luggage with us. We tried telling him that the royal family were waiting but he wanted to explore the Capital. Please forgive me, Crown Prince! I should have dragged him here by his horse!”
另一名侍卫上前一步。"殿下。几小时前我曾与郑宇荣先生会面。我和另一名侍卫奉命护送他入宫。但这位先生被京城的市井繁华迷住了眼，竟打发我们先行回来，还说要独自前来。连随从和行李都让我们先带回来了。我们再三禀告说王室正在等候，他却执意要游览京城。请殿下恕罪！属下就该把他捆在马背上拖来！"
[注：根据要求处理了以下细节]
1. 保留原文的宫廷礼仪感与侍卫请罪的惶恐语气
2. "amazed by the street life"译为"被市井繁华迷住了眼"，增强画面感
3. "dismissed us back"译为"打发我们先行回来"，体现上位者随意态度
4. 末句采用"捆在马背上拖来"的夸张表达，既符合古代语境又带出侍卫的焦急
5. 统一人名译为"郑宇荣"（根据常见韩文名音译规则）
6. 通过"竟""执意"等词暗藏说话者对郑宇荣行为的不满
San stares dumbly for a moment. “Um, it’s alright. It’s his first time at the Capital, so it is understandable that he finds it quite fascinating. Was he at least enjoying himself?”
桑愣了一会儿，呆呆地答道："呃，没关系。他第一次来首都，觉得新鲜很正常。他玩得开心吗？"
”Yes, Crown Prince. He reminded me of a little puppy seeing snow for the first time—“ The guard begins with a grin before getting elbowed by the other next to him, smile dropping as he fell into a bow. “Forgive me!”
"遵命，太子殿下。他当时那模样活像只初次见到雪的小狗崽——"侍卫刚咧嘴笑着开口，就被身旁同僚一肘子捅在肋下，笑容瞬间凝固，慌忙俯身行礼。"属下失言！"
San giggles. “How adorable. I am most excited for his arrival. Next time, I shall take him to town myself. Do let him know when he arrives.”
三咯咯笑起来。“真可爱。我已经迫不及待想见他了。下次我要亲自带他去镇上。等他到了记得告诉我。”
”Yes, Crown Prince!” “遵命，太子殿下！”
San moved to leave before pausing. “And please send someone back out to watch over him until he is ready to come to the Palace. It would put my heart at ease that he is at least under protected watch.”
三迈步欲离又驻足。"还请派人回去照看他，直到他准备进宫为止。至少知道他有人守护，我也能安心些。"
”Of course, Crown Prince!”
遵命，太子殿下！
San nods. “Back as you were, gentlemen. Do stay warm.”
三点头示意。"诸位请继续值守，注意保暖。"
”Thank you, Crown Prince!”
“谢了，太子爷！”
With that, San finally enters the ballroom.
就这样，San 终于步入了舞厅。
-
When Wooyoung finally arrives, he’s exhausted. Of course, it’s merely an exhaustion in a fulfilling way. His brother wasn’t lying when he said that the views of the Capital were stunning. He could only imagine what they looked like from the top of the castle, his excitement barely contained.
当 Wooyoung 终于抵达时，他已精疲力竭。当然，这是一种充实的疲惫。他哥哥说首都的景色令人惊叹，这话一点不假。光是想象从城堡顶端俯瞰的景致，他就几乎按捺不住内心的激动。
The Palace is stunning. Far more so then presented in the paintings. Wooyoung curses himself for not coming here before. The walls of stone were covered in thick green vines that were blanketed over by heavy white snow, the rows upon rows of gorgeously tinted glass windows running long on the sides.
宫殿美得令人窒息，远比画作中呈现的更为震撼。禹英懊恼地捶了下掌心，恨自己没早点来。石墙上爬满浓绿的藤蔓，皑皑白雪像绒毯般覆压其上，两侧延展的彩绘玻璃窗连绵不绝，在雪光中折射出瑰丽的虹晕。
To the right, a beautiful garden catches his gaze and he turns towards it in amazement until he hears shouts from the front, causing him to look ahead.
右侧，一座美丽的花园吸引了他的目光。他惊讶地转身望去，直到前方传来喊叫声，才让他猛然回头。
”Mr. Jung Wooyoung!” The familiar guard exclaims, running over with relief. Wooyoung blinks at him. “Hello again.”
"郑宇荣先生！"熟悉的警卫惊呼一声，如释重负地跑过来。宇荣冲他眨了眨眼。"又见面了。"
The guard gives him a pointed stare. “Mr. Wooyoung, sir. The ball has been going on for nearly 2 hours now—“
守卫意味深长地盯着他。"禹英先生，舞会已经持续将近两小时了——"
Wooyoung claps his hand together with a wide grin. “Perfect! I was already quite tired from the travel and the day of walking around town. I think it would be better for me—“
宇荣双手一拍，笑得灿烂。"太棒了！我本来就被旅途和今天在城里转悠搞得够累了。我觉得我还是——"
”Apologies, Mr. Jung. The Crown Prince wanted me to tell you that he has been excitedly awaiting your arrival. He would like to take you into town himself, sometime soon. He was quite worried for your safety and sent one of the guards out to get you. Did you meet up with him?”
"抱歉，郑先生。皇太子殿下让我转告您，他一直热切期盼着您的到来。他想亲自带您进城逛逛，就这几天。殿下很担心您的安危，特地派了名侍卫去接应。您见到他了吗？"
（注：译文采用现代中文口语风格，保留原文的正式与关切语气。"热切期盼"对应"excitedly awaiting"，"特地"强化了"quite worried"的意味。对话结尾的问句处理为自然的中文询问句式，符合中文对话习惯。）
Wooyoung’s entire mood drops drastically. “Wait— you’re telling me that Prince Choi San is the one who sent grumpy pants over there after me?” He snaps, pointing to the stone faced soldier guiding the horses away to the stable.
Wooyoung 的情绪瞬间跌到谷底。"等等——你是说，那个臭脸家伙是 Choi San 王子派来抓我的？"他猛地指向那个正冷着脸把马牵去马厩的士兵，声音里带着刺。
The Guard blinks. “Well yes, but he only did so beca—“
守卫眨了眨眼。“呃，确实，但他这么做只是因为——”
”Of course he did.” Wooyoung hisses to himself quietly.
“他当然会这么干。”宇英低声嘟囔着，语气里带着几分咬牙切齿。
They’ve never met, and still this prince conceited has already taken control of his freedom. This is why he is so sick of alphas. None of them knew when to mind their own business. Wooyoung knows now that he needs to avoid this pompous prick of a prince at all times while he’s here. He doesn’t know how much the Queen has pushed her son into thoughts of a matrimony between them, but there’s no way he would let it happen.
他们素未谋面，这位傲慢的王子却已经掌控了他的自由。这就是为什么他如此厌恶 alpha——没一个懂得什么叫适可而止。禹英现在彻底明白了，在这座宫殿里必须时刻避开那个自命不凡的混蛋王子。虽然不清楚王后给儿子灌输了多少联姻念头，但他绝不允许这种事发生。
（注：根据要求——
1.保留原文对 alpha 群体的厌恶情绪及"pompous prick"的尖锐措辞
2."matrimony"译为更具宫廷感的"联姻"而非普通婚姻
3.通过"自命不凡的混蛋""适可而止"等措辞强化性张力中的对抗感
4.采用"素未谋面""灌输了...念头"等符合古风现代混搭的表达）
“Come here.” He grabs the guard’s arm, dragging him over to the doors. When they open, the orchestra’s music which was once diluted hits them with full force. Wooyoung pulls his hood up over his hair and crouches, dragging the poor guard with him across the balcony of the ballroom and peeking a look below at the dance floor that is filled with guests. “Which rich babbling buffoon down there is Choi San?”
"过来。"他一把拽住警卫的手臂，硬生生将人拖到门前。门开的瞬间，原本隐约的管弦乐声如潮水般倾泻而来。禹英将兜帽拉至发际，弓着身子拽住那个倒霉警卫横穿舞厅露台，偷眼向下张望——宾客如织的舞池里，"哪个满嘴流油的蠢货是崔灿？"
The guard gives him a look fo complete disbelief before turning below. He only takes a moment to scan around before he points to a particular man. “There. The one in the white cape with golden epaulettes. That’s Crown Prince Choi San.”
守卫一脸难以置信地瞪着他，随即转身向下张望。只扫视片刻，便指向某个特定身影。"那儿。披着白色斗篷、肩戴金穗的那位。就是崔傩太子。"
Wooyoung follows the finger that land on the man walking over to the throne of what he assumes to be King and Queen Choi. The man in question has just bowed to a young omega, heading over to his parents.
禹英的目光追随着那根手指，落在正走向王座的男人身上——他猜测那应该是崔国王与王后的宝座。那个男人刚刚向一位年轻的 Omega 鞠了一躬，此刻正朝他的父母走去。
When he turns, Wooyoung finally gets a full view of the man and he can’t help the way his breath hitches. Tuffs of fluffy dark brown hair haloed by a golden crown adorned with rubies falls neatly over the edges of his honeyed skin. It sweeps more towards the right, a bit of forehead peaking through where the hair is parted, growing a little past his ears. His smile is unmistakable— framed by plump pink lips and cheeks indenting into crescents of the most adorable dimples Wooyoung has ever seen. Coffee colored eyes twinkled under the lights of the lamps lit across the room.
他转身的瞬间，Wooyoung 终于看清了全貌，呼吸不受控制地一滞。深棕色的蓬松发丝在红宝石金冠下泛着柔光，垂落在蜜糖色肌肤边缘。发梢向右偏分，露出些许额头，耳际的发尾微微翘起。那抹笑容极具辨识度——饱满的樱唇衬着凹陷的脸颊，挤出 Wooyoung 此生见过最可爱的月牙形酒窝。咖啡色眼眸在满室灯火中流转着细碎星光。
”Our prince is rather handsome, is he not?” The guard breaks him from his dumb staring, voice a little too smug for the Omega’s liking.
"咱们王子殿下可真是俊俏，对吧？"守卫的话打断了他呆愣的凝视，那语气里的得意劲儿让这个 Omega 莫名不爽。
Wooyoung scowls, turning to the guard before nodding. “Yup. Super handsome. Just proves that he is indeed an asshole. All the pretty boys are.”
宇英皱着眉头，转身对警卫点头道：“没错，帅炸了。正好证明他就是个混蛋。长得好看的男人都这德行。”
The guard sputters unintelligible words of disbelief and outrage but Wooyoung simply crawls away, a couple nearby throwing him a strange look as he goes by towards the door. The poor guard has no choice but to follow him. “Will you show me to my room, please? And also let that prince know that I do not feel well enough for travel back to town anytime soon.”
守卫结结巴巴地吐出些不可置信的愤怒话语，但禹英只是爬着离开。经过一对路人时，对方投来怪异的目光，而他径直朝门口挪去。可怜的守卫别无选择，只能跟上他。"能带我去房间吗？顺便告诉那位王子，我身体不适，近期恐怕没法启程回城。"
Wooyoung throws a final glance at the prince who is now walking towards the doors out of the room, before leaving through the top doors himself.
宇英最后瞥了一眼正朝门口走去的王子，随后自己也从上方的大门离开了。
”I need to figure out a way to get him off my back.”
"得想个办法甩掉这家伙。"
Wooyoung follows the guard across the hall to the guest wing of the palace. The interior was just as stunning as the exterior was, if not more. Gold lace patterns run across all the walls, illuminating the hallways beautifully in the dim flame of the lamps on them. Portraits of the Royal Family are seen across practically all the walls they pass, and the omega can’t help how his eyes linger on the ones with Choi San a bit longer than the others, gaze filled with disdain.
宇荣跟着守卫穿过大厅，来到王宫的宾客区。内部装潢比外观更为惊艳，金丝花纹在墙面上蔓延，在壁灯幽暗的火光中勾勒出华美的走廊轮廓。几乎每面经过的墙上都悬挂着王室成员的肖像画，这位 Omega 的目光总会在印着崔傘的画作上多停留几秒，眼底翻涌着毫不掩饰的轻蔑。
There was no denying that the future king of Ardendall was absolutely gorgeous. He was definitely the most attractive alpha Wooyoung has laid eyes on. But Wooyoung wasn’t anywhere near dumb enough to fall for such pointless things. Beautiful as he is on the outside is he equally as prejudiced on the inside.
不可否认，阿尔登达尔未来的国王确实俊美非凡。这绝对是禹英迄今为止见过最具魅力的 Alpha。但他还不至于蠢到被这种肤浅的东西迷惑——这副完美皮囊下藏着的，是同等分量的傲慢与偏见。
The sad reality of the situation was that Choi San was simply no different from any of the other alphas from Wooyoung’s pack. Always thinking that they have rights over where an omega goes, who they go with, and how long they’re out for. There was no other explanation for randomly sending out a guard after he’d already dismissed the first two sent out by the alpha.
可悲的现实是，崔灿和禹英皓族群里的其他 Alpha 没什么两样。他们总以为有权决定 Omega 该去哪儿、和谁同行、外出多久。明明已经赶走了 Alpha 派来的两个保镖，却又莫名其妙冒出第三个——除了变态的控制欲，根本找不到其他解释。
Sometimes Wooyoung really does wonder if he’d meet an alpha who wasn’t a complete meathead and wasn’t already called for by a different omega. They seemed far too rare to come across these days.
有时候佑荣真的会想，自己能不能遇到一个不那么肌肉脑、又没被其他 Omega 标记的 Alpha。这年头这种稀有品种简直像中彩票一样难找。
”Here we are, Mr. Jung.” The guard’s voice snaps him out of his thoughts.
"到了，郑先生。"警卫的声音将他从思绪中拽了出来。
Wooyoung looks up as the guard pushes the doors open. His room was all the way at the end of the hall, and it was huge. He steps inside, looking around with amazement.
宇英抬头看着守卫推开大门。他的房间在走廊尽头，宽敞得惊人。他走进去，环顾四周，眼中满是惊叹。
A huge bed sits against the wall from the entryway. In the middle of the room is a small table with a tray already brimmed with snacks and a jug of water. On the left of the room is a walk in closet that’s already full of his unpacked clothes. There’s also a full length mirror and changing divider next to the bed on the right. In different corners of the room, chairs sit on the royal blue carpeted floor. The ceiling was covered with that same golden lace design.
一张大床紧贴着入口处的墙面摆放。房间中央的小桌上，托盘里早已堆满零食和一大壶水。左侧是步入式衣帽间，里面塞满了他尚未整理的衣物。床铺右侧则立着落地镜和更衣屏风。铺着皇家蓝地毯的地板上，几把座椅散落在房间不同角落。天花板上同样装饰着繁复的金色蕾丝花纹。
”Is it to your liking?” The guard asks, and Wooyoung offers him a beaming smile. “Yes! Thank you, sir. You have been so kind.”
"还合您口味吗？"守卫问道，禹英朝他露出灿烂的笑容。"太棒了！谢谢您，长官。您真是太贴心了。"
”Only doing my duties, sir.” The Guard smiles back. “Well then. You must be tired. I’ll leave you for the night. Someone will bring you breakfast in the morning and explain the day’s events for you. Good night, sir.” He bows.
"只是尽我职责而已，先生。"守卫微笑着回应。"那么，您一定累了。我就不打扰您休息了。明早会有人送早餐来，并向您说明当天的安排。晚安，先生。"他欠身行礼。
”Thank you. Good night to you as well.”
“谢谢，也祝你晚安。”
With that, Wooyoung is finally left alone.
就这样，宇英终于独自一人了。
He contemplates entering the bath to get rid of the grime and dirt from his travel, when he catches sight of the garden outside once more. Biting his lip, he approaches the window.
他正琢磨着泡个澡洗去旅途的尘垢，目光却再次被窗外庭院吸引。轻咬下唇，他缓步走向窗边。
Opening it, he clambers over and glances below. At worst, a fall at this height could sprain his ankle. Taking the chance, he swings his legs across and grips a snowy vine, bending out and stepping onto the vines with a huff of a breath, slowly starting his descend down to the ground below. He’s so focused on his step, that he almost doesn’t hear when someone calls out to him.
他推开窗户，翻身跨出窗外，低头瞥了眼下方。这个高度摔下去顶多扭伤脚踝。他抓住一根覆雪的藤蔓，深吸一口气，双腿悬空荡出，靴底稳稳踩上缠绕的藤条。正当他全神贯注向下攀爬时，突然听见有人喊他名字——那声音几乎被呼啸的风声淹没。
“And may I ask what exactly you are doing, kind sir?”
“这位先生，您到底在做什么呢？”
The voice causes Wooyoung to freeze, and of course it’s after the sound of it reaches him that he realizes the scent of milk chocolate and sea salt enveloping his senses, causing a weight of dread to settle within him. Slowly, he looks down to meet glittering brown eyes shining with wariness and curiosity back up at him.
这声音让禹英瞬间僵住，当然是在声波抵达耳膜后，他才意识到那股牛奶巧克力与海盐交织的气息已包裹住他的感官，恐惧的重量在体内沉淀。他缓缓低头，对上一双闪烁着警惕与好奇的亮褐色眼眸。
An awkward silence fills the space between them.
两人之间的空气凝固了，尴尬在无声蔓延。
“I understand that this may look rather suspicious.” Wooyoung began, laughing nervously as he tightens his grip around the thick vine.
"我知道这看起来挺可疑的。"宇荣紧张地笑了笑，手指不自觉地绞紧了那根粗壮的藤蔓。
Prince Choi San simply quirks an eyebrow up, head tilting as he observed the panicking Omega.
崔三王子只是微微挑起眉毛，歪着头观察那个惊慌失措的 Omega。
“Quite.” “确实。”
”I can explain!” 我可以解释！
San wasn’t really sure how he ended up in such a situation. All he wanted was a break from the stuffy ballroom and the headaches of omegas filling the space around him every second he got alone too long. Instead of relaxing, all he gets is seeing a strange young omega climbing down the sides of the palace while muttering curses under his breath.
San 实在想不通自己怎么会陷入这种境地。他不过是想逃离那个令人窒息的舞厅，躲开那些每当他独处稍久就会围上来的 Omega 们带来的烦扰。可非但没能放松，反倒撞见一个陌生的年轻 Omega 正沿着宫殿外墙攀爬而下，嘴里还不住地低声咒骂着。
”I’m sure you can,” San drawls out, watching the man closely for anything odd in his movement. “How about you get down first?” He asks instead, more worried of the omega falling than whatever crazy explanation he was about to receive for this.
"我信你能行，"三拖长了音调，紧盯着那人的一举一动，生怕捕捉到任何异常。"要不你先下来？"他转而提议，比起即将听到的疯狂解释，他更担心这个 Omega 会摔下来。
It’s like a switch has gone off, and those words caused the omega’s panic to switch to absolute annoyance. He throws a dirty look at San who’s only bewildered by the sudden switch in moods, before he turns back and continues his descent.
仿佛某个开关被突然按下，那些话让 Omega 的恐慌瞬间转化为纯粹的恼怒。他朝 San 甩去一个嫌恶的眼神——对方还因这突如其来的情绪转变而一脸茫然——随后转身继续往下走。
Hesitantly, San steps forward. “Would you like some help?”
三犹豫着向前迈了一步。"需要帮忙吗？"
”Absolutely not.” Woooyoung practically snarls, throwing another furious look at him while the Prince can only watch him helplessly. “I can do it perfectly fine myself, thank you very much.”
"想都别想。"禹英几乎是咬牙切齿地挤出这句话，又恶狠狠地瞪了他一眼。王子只能手足无措地看着他。"我自己能搞定，用不着你操心。"
Its almost comical how as soon as those words leave the omega’s mouth, his foot slips. Letting out a small yelp almost like a puppy whose tail got stepped on, he fails around before San is running forward, arm wrapping around a thin waist and the other going under his knees to pull him close into the alpha’s chest.
那 Omega 话音刚落，脚底就滑稽地打滑了。他像被踩到尾巴的小狗般惊叫一声，手忙脚乱地挣扎着——而 San 已经箭步上前，一手扣住他纤细的腰肢，另一手抄过膝弯，将人整个捞进 Alpha 滚烫的胸膛里。
Only then does Wooyoung look up, fluffy white hood falling from his head and San meets a pair of wide brown eyes staring up at him. A scent of sweet lemon candies and raspberries fills his senses and his breath hitches. The omega in his arms is absolutely breathtaking. He looks tiny in his huge white cloak, black hair slightly long and framing his cheeks just barely past the top of his ears, parted in the middle. Long and thick dark lashes frame his doll like eyes, an adorable little mole under his left eye and another more tempting one hidden on the bottom lip of a lush pink mouth.
这时，Wooyoung 才抬起头，蓬松的白色兜帽从头顶滑落。San 对上了一双圆睁的棕色眼眸，甜腻的柠檬糖与树莓香气瞬间侵占了他的感官，呼吸随之一滞。怀里的 Omega 美得令人窒息——巨大白色斗篷衬得他格外娇小，中分的黑发略长，发尾刚过耳尖，浓密纤长的睫毛下是洋娃娃般的眼睛，左眼下方缀着颗可爱的小痣，而更诱人的那颗则藏在饱满粉唇的下唇处。
San is so mesmerized by his beauty that he almost misses the way that the Omega starts kicking around frantically like a child in his arms, obviously struggling to get out of his grip.
三被他那惊人的美貌迷得神魂颠倒，差点没注意到怀里的 Omega 突然像受惊的幼兽般疯狂踢蹬。那具温软身躯在他臂弯里剧烈扭动，衣料摩擦间传来急促的喘息声，分明是拼了命想挣脱他的禁锢。
“How dare you!” Wooyoung snapped, glaring slits into the other man. San blinks, bewildered. “Unhand me right now before I give you a reason to!”
“你竟敢！”宇英眯起眼睛狠狠瞪着对方，声音从牙缝里挤出来。山愣怔地眨了眨眼，满脸困惑。“立刻放开我，否则别怪我不客气！”
The prince is at a loss for words, grip slightly loosening around the back of the smaller omega’s knees. “I... I caught you?”
王子一时语塞，手指在娇小 omega 的膝弯处微微松了松力道。"我...我接住你了？"
“An opportunist who takes his moment when he sees one.” Wooyoung snorts, pushing against the strong chest with his hands even though the attempt is futile.
“见缝就钻的投机分子。”宇英哼了一声，双手抵住那结实的胸膛徒劳地推搡着。
“You would have fell!”
“你差点就摔了！”
“Then I would have fell. You’ve been given no permission to put your hands on me regardless of if I’m falling or dying, let alone a couple of feet from the ground that would have done no damage at all. Drop me now.”
"那我摔就摔了。不管我是要跌倒还是快死了，你都没资格碰我——更何况这高度连皮都蹭不破。现在松手。"
（注：采用短句切割原文冗长结构，"摔就摔了"强化人物倔强感，"连皮都蹭不破"用生活化比喻替代直译，结尾"松手"比"放下"更具对抗性，整体保留原文冷硬语气与肢体冲突的性张力）
San scoffs in disbelief. “I assure you, as prince of the very castle you are currently scaling, I would not take advantage of such a situation. Regardless of your awful attitude, I shall not drop you, sir. I am a gentleman.”
三嗤之以鼻地冷笑。"我以这座你正在攀爬的城堡王子的名义保证，绝不会趁人之危。尽管你这人态度恶劣，我也不会松手，先生。我可是个绅士。"
Wooyoung shoves enough for San to gently lower him back onto his feet. Scowling, he brushes the snow off his cloak. “A gentleman’s character is not determined by his status. Rather of the purity in his heart, and his ability to control innate desires. Yet still, I have come across no such gentleman.”
宇荣用力一推，让散不得不轻轻将他放回地面。他皱着眉头拍打斗篷上的积雪，冷哼道："君子之风岂在身份高低？分明是看心性澄澈，能否克制本性欲望。可惜啊——"指尖掸落最后一片雪花，"我至今没遇见过这等人物。"
（注：采用武侠文风混合现代语感，通过"冷哼/指尖掸雪"等动作强化倨傲神态，用"心性澄澈/本性欲望"形成文白对比，破折号配合停顿制造讥诮节奏，末句暗藏情欲语境下的双关暗示）
The alpha in front of him seems dumbfounded as Wooyoung picks up his fallen satchel, shoving the scattered items back inside. “And how are you so sure I am not of pure heart?” San counters, enraptured by such a bold omega.
眼前的 Alpha 似乎愣住了，看着雨琦弯腰捡起掉落的挎包，把散落的物品胡乱塞回去。"你怎么就确定我不够纯情？"灿低声反问，被这个大胆的 Omega 撩得心头燥热。他喉结微动，目光扫过对方因弯腰动作绷紧的腰线，衣料摩擦间隐约透出肌肤的温度。
Wooyoung sighs, straightening to give San a sharp look, eyes shinning underneath the gleam of moonlight as wind wisps through the strands of his hair and ruffles through his clothes. “My prince. This is your palace, your ball, and your guests. Tell me, how many eligible omegas in there have you gawked at in wonder for who would make your perfect life partner, merely by the style of their hair or the jewels pinned upon their clothing? How many have you danced with, simply staring at unabashedly with no words spoken more than a plain greeting or compliment? As if that could constitute for anything in deciding the ruling omega of this kingdom?”
禹英直起身子，月光下他的眼眸闪着锐利的光，夜风拂乱他额前碎发，衣袂翻飞间带着几分凌厉。"我的殿下。这是您的宫殿，您的舞会，您的宾客。"他喉结轻动，嗓音裹着夜风里的凉意，"告诉我，您今晚用目光丈量了多少位适婚 Omega 的发饰与珠宝？又和多少人跳着沉默的舞，除了客套的赞美外吝啬半个字——仿佛这样就能选出王国的统治者？"
Choi San can do nothing more than stare dumbly, eyes wide with shock and wonder. His lips part, wanting to deny the accusations. It wasn’t like he was making an immediate decision from a first glance the way that the omega was implying. “I— I was doing no such thing, sir. You have misjudged me greatly—“ he began, genuinely upset someone could think of him so shameless, but Wooyoung cuts him off.
崔傘只能呆呆地瞪大眼睛，震惊与困惑交织在眼底。他张了张嘴想要否认那些指控——才不像那个 Omega 暗示的那样，仅凭第一眼就草率做决定。"我、我才没有那样，先生您完全误会了——"他真心实意地感到委屈，居然被人想得如此不堪，可话未说完就被禹英打断。
“Don’t misunderstand. I am not accusing you of anything, my prince. You are simply doing so as would have been done by any other typical alpha in your stead. By the gossiping inside, it isn’t like the other omegas aren’t eating up your attention and thriving from it. I am simply stating that there is no gentleman such as the one we are discussing.” Wooyoung brushes past the frozen alpha, walking down towards the garden.
“别误会，殿下，我并非在指责您什么。您只是做了任何一个普通 Alpha 都会做的事。照里面的闲言碎语来看，其他 Omega 不也正享受着您的关注，乐在其中么？” 禹英轻笑着从僵住的 Alpha 身侧擦过，指尖似有若无地划过对方紧绷的袖口，“我只是说——这世上根本不存在我们正在讨论的那种绅士。” 他走向花园的步伐带着衣料摩挲的沙沙声，后颈腺体在月光下泛着莹润的光。
San turns towards him, the omega’s citrus sweet scent making his head fuzzy and warm. “And what constitutes such a gentleman in your eyes?”
三转身面向他，那 Omega 身上柑橘般甜美的气息让他头脑发昏、浑身燥热。"那么在你眼里，怎样才算真正的绅士呢？"
Wooyoung stops. For a moment, silence wraps around them like the cold winds passing by. Then the omega turns to him with twinkling eyes, lips quirking up into a wide mischievous grin. “One who doesn’t need to ask.”
宇荣停下脚步。寒风掠过，短暂的寂静笼罩着两人。随后那个 Omega 转过身来，眼中闪着狡黠的光，嘴角勾起一抹顽劣的坏笑："明知故问的人。"
And right at that moment, San knew he was irrevocably gone.
就在那一刻，三明白自己彻底沦陷了。
The omega bows his head. “Goodbye, my prince.” Then he turns into the grassy maze, disappearing from sight. San falls against the wall behind him, knees weak. He leans his head back, looking up at the glittering stars and blinding moon as he let out a laugh of adoration and disbelief at how he suddenly wanted to run over and give the nameless omega who he knew absolutely nothing about, everything the world had to offer.
欧米伽低下头。“再见了，我的王子。”随即转身隐入青草迷宫中，消失在视线之外。桑倚靠着身后的墙壁，双膝发软。他仰起头，凝望璀璨星辰与刺目明月，突然迸发出一声混合着爱慕与难以置信的轻笑——他竟迫切想奔向那个连名字都不知道的欧米伽，恨不得将世间万物都捧到对方面前。
He’s so screwed. 他完蛋了。