The Kingmaker System-Chapter 381 - 380. Un-Resolved (1)

The night was calm, the moonlight weaving silver threads across the palace courtyard as I perched silently on the branch of a tall tree, just a few feet away from Celestia’s room. Her silhouette was faintly visible through the delicate veil of her curtains as her maids fussed around, preparing her for bed. I watched quietly, cloaked in invisibility, waiting patiently until they finally left, leaving her alone.

Celestia sat on her bed for a moment, as if lost in thought, before slowly rising and walking toward the balcony. The doors creaked open under her touch, letting the cool midnight breeze rush in. Her long lavender hair fluttered around her like soft ribbons caught in the wind, and her gaze lifted toward the sky.

She was searching for something. No—searching for someone. Most likely me.

Her hands came together, fingers laced tightly over her chest as she closed her eyes, her voice no more than a whisper carried by the wind.

"Lord Dragon, Lord Dragon... please come. Please..."

The earnestness in her tone tugged at something deep within me. With a sigh, I let the Water Dragon’s form slowly materialize in front of her, shimmering and graceful in the moonlight.

"I’m here," I said.

Celestia’s eyes flew open, widening at the sight of the small, ethereal Dragon before her. Surprise briefly flickered across her face before it shifted into something more anxious, more uncertain.

"What is your decision?" I asked without preamble, not wanting to drag the matter further.

Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, but the expression in her eyes had changed. It was no longer clouded with doubt—it was firm. Determined.

"I have made my decision," she announced clearly.

I tilted my head slightly, arms folded across my chest as I watched her carefully. "And what is that?"

Celestia took in a deep breath and looked the Dragon straight in the eye.

"I... I would like to keep this engagement."

My brow rose, but I didn’t speak. I simply observed her—her stance, her tone, the steadiness of her gaze.

"You’re sure?" I asked again.

"Yes."

"You won’t change your decision again, will you?"

"No."

There was no hesitation in her voice, no stammering or second-guessing. Her body language spoke volumes—feet planted, back straight, her voice unwavering. This wasn’t a choice made out of pressure. It was her own.

"What brought this change?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Celestia looked down, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her soft chemise.

"I... I spoke with Prince Rune," she said softly.

That piqued my interest. My brows furrowed, but I let her continue.

"I told him about all my worries... how I feared losing touch with my mother, about living so far from home. And he—he listened. He didn’t try to brush it off or make promises he couldn’t keep. He told me he could never abandon his family, that his father and sister meant everything to him. But..." her eyes lit up with a faint spark, "he also said that he would love me just as much. That he would make sure I could talk to my mother whenever I needed to. His sister—she’s a genius, apparently. She created this device, a communication tool using mana stones. With that, I’ll be able to speak to Mother anytime. And once the Magic Gate is completed, I can visit Denril freely."

The excitement in her voice as she spoke of Rune’s assurances made me smile faintly.

"You should have had that conversation from the start," I said with a sigh, letting a playful groan escape. "You worried me so much... I think I’ve aged ten years."

She winced, looking apologetic. "I’m sorry..."

"It’s fine," I said gently. "Now that you’ve decided, I can finally sleep easy."

There was a pause, then I tilted my head, thoughtful. "But what about your mother? She didn’t seem too keen on the engagement initially. Any idea what changed her mind?"

Celestia’s expression brightened again, as though she’d been waiting for me to ask that.

"Yes! I actually asked her when I arrived at the palace," she said, excitement lacing her voice. "She said... if a man is willing to abandon the family he was raised by for a girl, then he could just as easily leave that girl for something—or someone—else. But Rune... he loved his family deeply. And she said she could tell that if he loved his family that fiercely, then he’d love me with the same devotion. That he’d stand by me, no matter what. That’s what changed her mind."

Her words were heartfelt, brimming with a newfound confidence. I could see that the weight that had burdened her for so long had finally lifted. And honestly, I felt it too.

"Well... I’m glad to hear that," I said sincerely.

She looked at the Water Dragon, smiling shyly. "I... want to thank you, Lord Dragon. If it weren’t for you, I might never have found the courage to make this decision."

I smiled, letting warmth seep into my tone. "All’s well that ends well. May your marriage be full of happiness, mutual respect, and love that grows stronger with time. And may your children carry the best of both of you."

Her face went crimson. "I-I haven’t even thought that far ahead yet!"

I laughed quietly, amused by her flustered reaction. "Don’t worry, he won’t rush you. He’ll wait for you... until you’re ready."

She covered her face with her hands, clearly overwhelmed, and I let myself enjoy the light-hearted moment. After everything, it was a relief to see her like this.

"Well then, my work here is done. I’ll take my leave now," I said, preparing to dissolve the Dragon’s projection.

She looked up quickly. "You’re leaving already?"

"I must. But remember—if you ever call out to me again, I’ll come. I might be a little late, but I’ll always show up."

Her smile returned. "Then... good night, Lord Dragon."

"Good night, Celestia," I replied gently.

And with that, the Dragon took to the sky, vanishing into the night.

Celestia lingered at her balcony, watching the small Water Dragon until it vanished into the night sky. The moonlight played in her lavender hair, casting a soft halo around her silhouette as she stood there, motionless for a beat longer, before finally turning and stepping back into her room.

I let out a long breath and slumped back onto the branch I was perched on.

"Thank God." I muttered.

A low chuckle sounded above me, and a familiar voice replied, "Now that’s a rare sight— a Dragon thanking the God."

I glanced up, sighing. Of course. I’d forgotten he was nearby.

i brushed my fingers over the brooch on my cloak and the invisibility spell shimmered away. I tilted my head back, catching sight of Prince Davian sitting lazily on a higher branch, his posture relaxed, as though he were watching a late-night performance.

"What are you doing here, Prince Davian?" I asked, my tone half-exasperated.

He gave a nonchalant shrug and descended to sit beside me on the same branch, his black hair catching the faint moonlight.

"What do you think?" he said, settling in comfortably. "I noticed you were tense, and I was curious how the Young Duke’s engagement would turn out. So I thought I’d drop by."

I narrowed my eyes. "Is it your new hobby to stalk nobles and eavesdrop on their emotional dilemmas?"

Davian chuckled, not even pretending to look guilty. "Not really, but it’s entertaining."

I sighed and shook my head, a fond irritation bubbling in my chest. "I honestly wonder what happened to you on the battlefield, Prince Davian. You used to be such a sweet, innocent little boy when I left you. But now you’re like this..." I waved my hand at him as though presenting an exhibit.

He grinned with amusement. "How so?"

"Snarky, sarcastic, impulsive, and somehow even ruder than before."

"That’s rich—coming from my mentor," he quipped. "Where do you think I learned all that from?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

He smirked, but didn’t answer, just looking off in the direction Celestia had gone, as though deep in thought. I watched him for a moment longer before standing.

"It’s getting late. Since we both got our answers, we should leave. It’s not exactly proper for two men to be loitering outside a lady’s chambers while she’s asleep. Especially you, since you’ll be visible." I flashed him a smug grin as my invisible wings extended behind me.

He huffed a laugh but then his expression turned serious as he asked, "Are you really leaving tomorrow morning?"

"Yes," I confirmed, "At first light."

He was quiet for a beat, then asked, "Then... I can come visit your place once I return to Sestia, right?"

I gave a small smile. "Of course. You’re welcome anytime."

His expression softened, his usual sharpness melting away. "Then I’ll see you when I come. Master."

I nodded. "Till then, farewell, Prince Davian."

"Good night, Master."

With a final nod, I leapt from the branch, wings spreading wide and catching the cool wind. As I soared through the night, I reactivated the invisibility spell, the wind rushing past me as I flew toward Damon’s estate.

When I arrived, I quietly slipped into bed. Sleep, however, refused to greet me. I simply lay there, feeling the tension drain from my body while Nox’s gentle breathing echoed beside me, his tiny body curled peacefully on the pillow.

In the end, Rune had solved this dilemma all on his own.

[Goddess of Wisdom says your brother is mature and wise.]

[Defender of Divine Glory agrees with Goddess of Wisdom.]

[Giver of Gifts is eager to see Rune and Celestia together.]

A smile tugged at my lips.

"I’m eager too," I whispered, turning on my side to gaze out the window, waiting for the first blush of predawn light to paint the sky.

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