The Kingmaker System-Chapter 368 - 367. Peace Treaty (4)

The weather had cleared completely, as if the heavens themselves rejoiced in the newfound peace. The sky stretched above in an endless canvas of blue, unmarred by the storm that had loomed so ominously before. Sunlight streamed down in golden ribbons, casting a warm glow over the city below. The air smelled of freshly cut flowers and spiced treats, blending with the excited murmurs of the gathered crowd.

The market and the town center had transformed overnight. Banners of royal colors fluttered in the breeze, draped across stalls that overflowed with goods—fruit vendors boasting their ripest picks, merchants displaying embroidered fabrics shimmering under the sunlight, and bakers handing out fresh pastries to eager children. It almost seemed like a grand festival rather than a royal procession.

Excitement crackled in the air as the distant sound of drums and trumpets echoed through the streets, signaling the arrival of the royal chariots. The people, already pressed tightly together, leaned forward in anticipation. I stood among them, blending into the crowd, though my height made it easy to see past the heads of those in front of me.

The first chariot rolled in, gleaming under the sunlight, drawn by powerful white stallions adorned with golden tassels. Upon it stood King Augustine and Crown Prince Arian, both regal in their bearing. Augustine waved at his people with a composed smile, while Arian, though slightly less accustomed to public adoration, held himself with the dignity expected of a future king. The crowd erupted into cheers, showering them with fresh petals that rained down like a blessing.

Following closely behind was the second chariot, carrying the three Sestian Princes. Eric and Rune, both clad in their finest royal attire, returned the people’s enthusiasm with warm smiles and waves. They seemed at ease, basking in the acceptance of a kingdom that had once been their enemy. Davian, however, was a stark contrast. His sharp gaze swept over the crowd, unreadable, his posture rigid. He neither waved nor smiled—simply watched.

I frowned slightly, murmuring under my breath, "Just what happened to the sweet boy?"

As if hearing me despite the roaring crowd, Davian’s eyes suddenly locked onto mine. Even amidst the sea of people, he had found me. A slow, knowing smile stretched across his lips before he finally raised a hand and waved.

I let out a small sigh but raised my hand in return. This guy... even through all this chaos, he still manages to sense me.

Unlike him, Rune and Eric were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Rune’s delight was easy to understand—his marriage to his beloved hadn’t been canceled, after all. His dream was still intact, and the happiness radiating from him was unmistakable. Even Eric, who usually kept his emotions more contained, seemed relaxed, caught up in the moment.

A playful idea took root in my mind, and I decided to add to the celebration in my own way.

Flicking my wrist, I summoned the magic within me. A deep ripple pulsed through the air, and from the empty sky above, a massive dragon of water materialized. Its translucent body shimmered with light, its wings spread wide as it soared high over the procession.

Gasps filled the crowd, followed by shrieks of awe.

"What the- Is that a Dragon?!"

"Look! Look! It’s a Dragon!"

"The Holy Dragon!"

The people’s astonished cries rose into cheers, their voices echoing through the city like rolling thunder. I guided the dragon lower, letting its colossal form glide gracefully above the chariots. Droplets of water sprinkled onto those below, cool and refreshing under the midday sun. Eric and Rune chuckled as the mist kissed their skin, while Davian glanced at me, his smile widening in rare amusement.

Augustine stood frozen, eyes wide with reverence, as if witnessing a divine miracle. Arian, on the other hand, looked up at the dragon with unguarded astonishment, his lips parting slightly in wonder.

The Dragon hovered over them for a moment longer before I willed it to ascend, soaring high above the city. The people followed its movement with bated breath, watching as it rose higher and higher until it disappeared beyond the clouds, dissolving into nothingness.

"The Dragon just blessed His Majesty and the Princes!"

"The Dragon’s blessing!"

The cheers erupted once more, now even more fervent than before. Excitement swelled in waves through the streets, the people’s adoration for their rulers cemented by what they believed to be a divine omen.

I remained in the crowd, watching it all unfold with quiet satisfaction. I had done my part. Now, the people would celebrate their peace with full hearts, and the rulers would bask in their glory.

As the chariots moved further down the streets, the cheers followed them like an unstoppable tide. And above, the sky remained a brilliant, endless blue.

The last of the chariots disappeared down the street and the once-deafening cheers melted into excited chatter. The air was thick with the murmur of countless voices, each one brimming with curiosity and speculation.

"I heard the Princess of Konstantinos is going to marry one of the Princes of Sestia!"

"How beautiful! A union between two great kingdoms!"

"I heard he’s incredibly handsome!"

"Pink hair and golden eyes... he must look like an angel!"

"The Princess is no less! She’s the most beautiful girl in the kingdom!"

The excited voices of young women rose above the others, their conversation turning more animated.

"I prefer Prince Eric, though. His hair looks like it’s spun from gold!"

"Whoa, so dreamy!"

"But did you see the third Prince? He smiled in our direction! He didn’t smile at anyone else but us!"

"Who do you think he was looking at?"

"Obviously, he was looking at me! Ah, can you imagine how romantic our story would be?"

A chorus of delighted giggles followed, and I almost laughed aloud myself. I shook my head, stepping away from the crowd with Lyall by my side.

Once we were far enough from the bustling town center, I stretched my arms above my head with a content sigh. "It went pretty well."

Lyall nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Master."

I exhaled, finally allowing myself to relax. "With this, I can go back home to Father and Kai."

A small smile tugged at Lyall’s lips. "I’m sure they’ll be pleased to see you."

But his expression soon turned thoughtful. "Still, I wonder... what made Duchess Konstantinos change her mind?"

I frowned slightly. "I’ve been wondering the same thing."

Lyall hesitated before asking, "Are you still planning to punish her?"

I hummed, weighing my options. "I’ll decide when the time comes."

Just as I spoke, a strange sensation prickled at the back of my neck—a feeling too familiar to ignore. A gaze.

I turned my head sharply, my instincts guiding my eyes to a nearby rooftop. My gaze locked onto a figure standing atop a three-story building, shrouded in a deep brown cloak with the hood drawn low. Their face was hidden, but I knew they were staring directly at me. I couldn’t sense their presence at all, it was as if they didn’t have a presence at all, but their gaze itself was enough to make me feel their existence.

"Master—" Lyall’s voice was tense as he shifted into a stance, ready to leap into action.

But before either of us could move, the figure turned and disappeared over the rooftop.

Lyall sprang forward, but I caught his wrist before he could give chase.

"Let them be."

His brows furrowed. "What? But—"

"If they have business with me, they’ll come looking for me again," I said simply before continuing down the road.

Lyall lingered for a moment before sighing, falling into step beside me. Even as we walked away, I could still feel the ghost of that lingering gaze, as if it hadn’t left me just yet.

Nox hooted softly, perched on my shoulder visible once more now that the crowd had thinned. His dark feathers ruffled as I ran my fingers over them.

"Are you hungry?" I murmured.

He hooted in response, tilting his head, his round electric blue eyes gleaming in the fading sunlight.

Smiling, I made my way toward a food stall, where the rich aroma of grilled meat filled the air. The stall keeper, an older man with a weathered face, watched in mild amusement as I purchased a few skewers. Nox hopped onto my arm as I offered him finely cut pieces, his sharp beak making quick work of the meat.

"Is this owl exotic?" the man asked, his curiosity evident.

I hummed. "You could say that."

The man leaned in slightly, inspecting Nox with wide eyes. "I’ve never seen an owl with black feathers before."

Intrigued, he hesitantly reached out, perhaps intending to stroke Nox’s sleek feathers. But before his fingers could make contact, Nox flapped his wings sharply, letting out a warning hoot.

I chuckled, "Now, now, don’t touch him."

The man quickly withdrew his hand, laughing nervously.

With Nox fed, Lyall and I wandered through the market, leisurely browsing the stalls. Vendors called out, peddling their wares—fragrant spices, silk scarves, jewelry that glittered in the sunlight. The warmth of the festivities surrounded us, and I found myself relaxing.

I took a bite of a freshly grilled skewer, savoring the perfect balance of sweet and spice. Turning to Lyall, I grinned, holding out a piece. "Mm... this is so good. Here, try it!"

Lyall hesitated before leaning forward to take a bite. His eyes widened slightly in surprise before he gave a small nod. "It’s tasty," he admitted.

I laughed. "See? I have good taste."

After roaming for a while, an odd thought crossed my mind. My feet naturally carried me in the direction of the temple. I had already visited it when I first arrived in the capital, but something told me I should go once more—perhaps for the last time.

Lyall silently followed as I ascended the temple steps. The usual hum of prayers and murmuring voices was absent; most of the people were still caught up in the parade and festivities. The stillness was almost unsettling.

Inside, the vast hall was bathed in soft, golden light, filtering through stained glass windows. Rows of empty pews stretched before me, leading up to the grand altar. Statues of the Dragons lined the walls, their stone eyes watching over the sacred space. My gaze traced their intricate details as I walked forward.

Then, I noticed someone kneeling at the altar.

Draped in flowing white robes, their hood was drawn low, concealing their face. Yet, I could sense it—the overwhelming presence of divine power. The new Pope himself.

But why would he be here, praying in the open, instead of in the inner sanctum?

I didn’t disturb him. Instead, I stood a few feet away, my attention shifting to the grand statue of the Saintess and the Dragon. The craftsmanship was breathtaking, capturing both reverence and power.

A sudden movement caught my eye.

The robed figure turned, lifting his head. His body flinching as recognition flashed across his face. Up close, I could see the white silk blindfold that covered his eyes.

For a moment, he seemed speechless, his mouth slightly parted. Then, with visible effort, he staggered to his feet, slowly stepping toward me. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

His lips trembled, curving into a growing smile.

And then he spoke—words that shouldn’t have surprised me, yet somehow did.

"You... You are the Great Dragon, aren’t you?"

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