The Kingmaker System-Chapter 387 - 386. Family Dinner (1)

Since Kai hadn’t returned by six, I had no choice but to head to Eldarf myself. I teleported as close as I could—to the forest’s edge—and then continued on foot. No magical device works inside Eldarf; the security barrier woven through the ancient trees ensures the safety of its inhabitants. It’s a sacred haven, untouched by the outside world.

The scent of moss and the soft whisper of leaves welcomed me as I stepped past the perimeter. After a short walk, I emerged into a clearing where a grand manor stood at its heart—built from polished whitewood and ancient stones, a beautiful fusion of Elven grace and Dwarven sturdiness. Like always, the moment I stepped into the clearing, I felt it—the ripple of awareness.

They sensed me.

The manor’s doors burst open as Elves and Dwarves of all ages came pouring out, their faces alight with joy.

"Master!"

"Wow, he really came!"

"Master came!"

Some of the younger ones bolted across the clearing, their feet barely touching the grass. They flung themselves at me, hugging my waist and clinging to my arms. I chuckled, gently patting their heads and backs as I scanned the porch. Sure enough, I spotted Kai standing there, flanked by a few of the older kids—Asher stood beside him, watching me with a knowing smile.

"Kai, come along," I called, my voice carrying easily across the distance. "I’ve come to pick you up."

Kai gave me a sheepish smile, then glanced at the kids around him.

"That’s... a little difficult, Master," Sylvia spoke up sweetly, her eyes glinting with mischief. The ones hugging me stepped back and regrouped near Kai, as if preparing for something.

"Why?" I asked, already suspecting the answer.

Two of the teens stepped forward and grabbed Kai’s arms dramatically.

"We’re not letting you take Little Kai unless you fight us!" one of them declared, chin held high in mock seriousness.

I looked at the older Elves and Dwarves—teenagers now, but still brimming with the same wild energy they’d had as kids. Kent, who had just emerged from the manor, let out a long, tired sigh.

"I’m sorry, Master," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "They’ve become even more spirited as they’ve grown. You might have to beat some sense into them."

I eyed the group holding Kai "hostage," then glanced at Kent. He’s been raising them nearly a decade. It made sense he’d be exhausted. I should assign him a helper—he’s earned the reprieve.

With a sigh, I stepped forward and cracked my knuckles. "Fine. Have it your way."

The kids erupted in cheers.

"I’ll fight too," Asher said suddenly.

I turned to look at him. He wasn’t smiling, but there was a spark of excitement in his storm-blue eyes—the look of someone ready for a proper challenge.

"All right," I agreed, matching his energy.

The kids rushed behind the manor, their footsteps echoing with giddy anticipation. I walked at my own pace, Asher falling into step just ahead of me.

"How are things with Rose?" I asked casually.

"Good," he replied without looking back.

I smirked. "Enora was wondering when you’d be holding the marriage ceremony."

He faltered for a second, enough for me to catch up before he started walking again.

"We’re still not sure."

"About the date, or the marriage itself?" I asked, tone light but loaded.

He sighed, raking a hand through his hair before casting me a sharp glance. "I still haven’t completely forgiven you—"

"I have something for you," I cut in with a grin.

His brow lifted. "What?"

"Something I picked up from Denril. You might want to look forward to it."

He frowned. "What is it?"

I winked. "It’s a surprise."

Asher scowled deeper, clearly unamused by my teasing, but I didn’t give him a chance to press. We stepped into the massive training ground where the kids were already assembled, weapons drawn, eyes bright with anticipation.

Asher walked to join their ranks, sword in hand.

"So," I said, slipping off my cloak and handing it to Kent. "Will it be all of you against one, like always?"

"We’ve grown a lot, Master," Rowan called out, twirling his staff. "You sure you can handle us all at once?"

I rolled up my sleeves with a smirk. "Why don’t we find out if the good ol’ me is still up for it?"

Cheers broke out again.

"This match is for Young Master Kai!" Kent declared with mock drama. "Whoever wins, gets to keep him!"

I saw Kai’s expression twist in embarrassment. He met my gaze, clearly unsure, until I offered him a calm, reassuring smile. That was enough. He relaxed and gave me a nod.

The kids took their positions, forming a semi-circle. I stood alone at the center, feeling the ground beneath my feet and the pulse of the forest around us.

"All right—start!" Kent shouted.

Three charged first, disappearing from view in blurs of motion.

I sidestepped the first, blocked the second, and narrowly ducked a kick that aimed for my face. I laughed, catching the momentum of their assault like a tide and redirecting it. A slash of an axe came from the left—I pivoted and struck, sending the wielder tumbling backward.

Then the rest joined in.

Asher, too, stepped forward, his strikes precise, testing. They came at me from all sides, an exhilarating storm of motion and magic. I danced through them, my attacks swift and clean, knocking back opponents with enough force to keep them down but not harm.

Within three minutes, half the group was groaning on the ground.

Asher, Rowan, and a few others remained.

I raised a hand and curled my fingers in a taunting gesture. "Come on. Don’t hold back now."

They charged again.

The next round was faster, fiercer—but I was faster still. One by one, they fell. Asher was the last to drop, kneeling with his sword digging into the ground for support, breathing heavy.

"And the winner is Master Ocean!" Kent declared in a deadpan voice, as if it was inevitable.

Kai darted toward me and jumped into my arms, laughing. "I knew you’d win, Master! I even told Big Brothers and Sisters not to use that technique—but they didn’t listen!"

I laughed, ruffling his hair. "You were right."

Groans and muttered complaints echoed from the fallen warriors.

"Go grab your coat," I said, slinging my cloak over one shoulder. "We’re going to your grandpa’s for dinner."

Kai’s face lit up. "All right!"

I watched as Kai dashed back inside the manor, likely to grab his coat, still bubbling with the excitement of the mock battle. I smiled faintly, then turned my gaze toward Asher, who now sat cross-legged on the training ground, his breathing heavy but steady, sword lying beside him in the grass.

He looked up as I approached, his brows lifting slightly. "What is it?"

Instead of answering immediately, I reached into the inner pocket of my vest and pulled out two slightly creased envelopes. I held them out to him, watching the flicker of curiosity and caution pass through his eyes.

"These are for you," I said softly, offering the letters.

Asher’s brows furrowed slightly as he accepted the envelopes, examining them with quiet suspicion. The seal on one of them caught his eye, and I saw a flicker of emotion surface before he quickly masked it.

"If you wish to send a reply, come to me," I added, gently patting his head twice. "I’ll take care of it."

And with that, I turned and walked back toward the manor, leaving him alone with whatever stirred in those letters.

As I stepped back inside the manor, I spotted Kai at the entrance, already bundled in his coat. He looked up at me with a grin, adjusting the lopsided collar.

"I’m ready to go, Master," he said cheerfully.

I chuckled and reached out to fix his rumpled hair. "All right. Let’s head—"

"Why are you leaving so soon, Master?" Cyrus’s voice rang out behind us, a distinct edge of disappointment in his tone.

Sylvia followed, arms crossed as she leaned against the doorway. "Yes, we were having so much fun with Little Kai. Can’t you just let him live with us instead?"

"He’s such a sweet kid," another chimed in.

"And you only ever come when he asks you to!"

"This is so unfair. You keep Little Kai all to yourself!"

The chorus of complaints made Kai fidget beside me, visibly torn between staying and going. He glanced at me, then took a deep breath and stepped forward.

"I—I’ll be back again soon, Big Brothers and Big Sisters," he said sincerely, offering them a soft smile.

But the kids still looked unconvinced.

I sighed in mock defeat, placing a hand on Kai’s shoulder. "Fine," I relented. "I’ll bring him back on the weekend."

"Really?!" they asked in unison, eyes lighting up.

"Yes, really."

The manor erupted in cheers and excited chatter, a wave of warmth trailing us as I and Kai finally turned to leave.

After a couple of minutes, we teleported to the Aurelius mansion, nearly giving poor Tobias a heart attack as we landed right in front of him on the cobbled path.

"M-Master Ocean!" he gasped, stumbling back with a hand clutching his chest.

I offered him a sheepish, apologetic smile. "I’m sorry, Tobias."

Kai bowed beside me. "I’m sorry too, Tobias."

The butler took a deep breath, straightening his posture with practiced grace, though I could still see the slight tremble in his fingers.

"Please," he said, "don’t pop up like that in front of anyone else. You’re sure to give someone a heart attack."

"I’ll be careful," I replied with a hint of amusement tugging at my lips.

"Where’s His Grace?" I asked.

"In his study," Tobias answered. "But you two should freshen up first. I’ll inform His Grace of your arrival."

I gave a nod. "All right."

With that, Kai and I headed to our respective rooms. Once I shut the door behind me, I allowed the magic to dissolve, shifting back into Reina’s form. The soft shimmer of transformation faded as I stepped towards the wardrobe. Penny entered quietly, wordlessly assisting me with a change of clothes. She brushed and braided my hair with a gentle touch, her presence always steadying.

Once I was ready, I stepped into the corridor to find Kai already waiting, dressed in clean formal wear, hair combed neatly and eyes bright with that ever-present admiration he rarely voiced out loud.

"Shall we go?" he asked, a slight blush warming his cheeks.

I smiled softly. "Sure."

Together, we walked down the familiar hallway toward the dining hall. The polished floors echoed faintly beneath our steps, the grand paintings along the walls watching in silence.

But just as we turned the corner, only a few feet from the entrance, I felt it.

A ripple in the air.

A presence I hadn’t sensed in a long time.

I paused.

Kai did too.

His breath hitched slightly, and I saw his eyes flick toward the large doors ahead.

"Looks like we have guests." I smiled.

He didn’t say more, and neither did I.

I took a few more steps forward and the grand double doors to the dining hall slowly swung open as if they were expecting us.

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