The Kingmaker System-Chapter 390 - 389. Summons And Shadows (2)

Kai and I walked through the corridor toward the reception room, the soft patter of our footsteps echoing gently through the polished halls. As we neared, Enora stepped out from the side with an empty tray in her hands. She offered me a warm smile, bowing lightly.

I returned the gesture with a nod and a faint smile of my own.

Just then, Kai hesitated.

"Um..." he began softly, his voice barely above a murmur.

I paused, turning slightly to face him. "What is it?"

He fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve, eyes flicking up to mine.

"Do I also have to be with you?"

I offered him a small, reassuring smile. "Do you want to be there with me?"

Kai bit his lip, clearly caught in thought, before finally nodding. "I’ll go."

I reached over and patted his head twice, gently ruffling his hair. "Good."

With that, I turned and pushed the doors open.

Inside, the air was calm, scented faintly with Enora’s brewed tea. The reception room, adorned with velvet drapes and intricate wooden panels, was as stately as ever. Grandfather sat comfortably on the couch, a porcelain cup poised between his fingers. He looked up as we entered, sharp eyes scanning us with mild interest.

"Good noon, Grandfather," I greeted smoothly, and beside me, Kai stepped forward.

"I, Kai Ryujin, welcome Marquis Fairisles to Ryujin Mansion," he said, his voice clear and confident—an echo of formality that made a brief smile twitch at my lips.

Grandfather nodded, studying him for a beat before we took our seats across from him. He looked composed, but there was a subtle tension in the set of his shoulders, a strain behind his usually unreadable gaze.

"So, what brings you here?" I asked casually, leaning back slightly.

He set his cup down with a quiet clink. "The Golden Serpent is making her moves... but it seems like nothing is taking root."

I smiled at that, a touch amused. "Of course not. Everything has already been put in place. Even if she tries something, we’re two steps ahead."

Grandfather’s lips thinned into a thoughtful line. "There’s another thing."

I tilted my head. "And what might that be?"

He released a slow sigh, as if the weight of the information was distasteful to carry. "She’s planning to move the Peace Celebration to coincide with the debutante ball. Her plan is to shift the spotlight away from Prince Eric and onto Princess Colette, who will host the event and make her formal entry into society."

I blinked once... and then burst out laughing.

Grandfather looked baffled by my reaction, eyebrows twitching. Kai, seated beside me, flinched in surprise.

"U-Uncle?" he asked, clearly alarmed.

Still chuckling, I waved my hand dismissively, my laughter tapering off. "Oh, God... She never fails to exceed expectations—especially when it comes to foolishness."

"What do you mean?" Grandfather asked, a frown settling over his face.

"You know I’m going to do something at the ball, don’t you?"

"Yes," he said slowly, "you mentioned setting Eric against Carlos. But that’s no longer possible if the event is hijacked by the debutante. The Queen won’t allow the warriors their honor, and Colette’s introduction will dominate the scene."

I smiled again, more slyly this time, resting my elbow against the armrest and my cheek against my closed fist. "Which makes it all the more amusing."

Grandfather rubbed the bridge of his nose, clearly exhausted by my calm. "Just what are you going to do, Reina?"

I shook my head, correcting, "Reina isn’t going to do anything. The one who will drop the bomb is Ocean Ryujin."

His frown deepened. "What are you planning?"

"Something that will make the Golden Serpent and her brats run for their money," I said darkly, watching his reaction.

"Are you not going to tell me?" he asked, resigned.

"You’ll enjoy it more when you see it yourself," I replied. "Just know this—Eric won’t be overshadowed. Not for a moment. And as for Colette, who lives for the attention... I’ll ensure not a soul spares her a glance."

His eyes narrowed, and he leaned in slightly. "Are you going to announce Kai as your heir?"

Beside me, Kai stiffened like a bowstring drawn too tight.

"No," I said, brushing the idea away with a wave. "It’s not time for that yet."

But then I turned toward Kai and then back to Grandfather. "However, it is time that my heir begins learning how to manage territories and business."

Kai gulped, clearly trying to maintain composure.

"I hope you’ll spare time to teach him, Grandfather."

Marquis Fairisles nodded slowly, then turned his sharp eyes to Kai.

"How shall we arrange this? Will he stay at Fairisles Mansion? Or do I come here?"

"Neither," I said. "Kai will travel to and from the mansion daily. I’ll provide him with a teleportation device to make the commute easier."

The old man considered this before nodding. Then he looked to Kai and asked directly, "Are you ready for this?"

Kai straightened his spine, trying to summon the same composure he had shown earlier. His voice, though slightly tremulous, was determined.

"Yes, Marquis."

Marquis Fairisles studied him for a long moment and then nodded once, firm and satisfied.

"Good."

"There’s another thing," I said and Grandfather looked at me.

"What?"

"Queen summoned me and my vassals to the palace." I said and then added after a beat, "Separately."

Grandfather’s fists clenched, "Why?"

I shrugged, "I have my theories but I’ll know for sure once I meet her."

"And what about your vassals?"

"They’re smart enough to know how to handle the situation." I said and he sighed.

"Let me know what happens after you’ve met her." He said and I nodded.

"Sure, Grandfather."

Grandfather left shortly after, and a comfortable quiet returned to the mansion. I wandered into the library and let myself sink into the armchair opposite Kai, who sat with a book open in his lap. He was focused, eyes scanning each line with silent discipline, though I could sense his thoughts were scattered. I let my gaze fall to the chessboard placed on the low table between us—half-finished, pieces waiting in an uneasy stalemate.

"I guess it’s time for that," I murmured absently, almost to myself.

Kai looked up immediately. "Time for what?"

I gave him a small smile and stood, brushing the folds of my coat smooth. Nox, ever attuned to my movements, flitted down from the upper shelves and perched lightly on my shoulder. His wings folded behind him like shadows.

"I’ll be back by morning," I said casually. "Have your dinner, and get some rest."

"Master!" Kai called, a note of urgency in his voice. I turned, my hand still on the doorframe.

"Are you going to Aurelius?" he asked.

I shook my head. "No. I’ve got something else to handle."

He shifted from foot to foot, visibly conflicted.

"Can I come with you?"

I paused, tilting my head. "You want to come along?"

He nodded, but not with enthusiasm but something else that I failed to understand.

"But I’m not going on some mission, Kai. Just picking something up."

Still, he didn’t say anything. His lips pressed into a thin line, and he looked away, his fingers fidgeting at the hem of his sleeve.

"You’re bored at home all day, aren’t you?" I asked gently. "Want to stretch your legs before you start lessons with Grandfather?"

"It’s not that..." he muttered, eyes downcast. "I just..."

He trailed off, then gave a half-hearted shake of his head and straightened.

"It’s fine. Have a safe journey, Master. I’ll return to my room. Good night."

I watched him silently as he gathered his books, his movements stiff with something unspoken. He walked past me without meeting my eyes.

Once he disappeared around the corner, I turned back toward the door, my expression unreadable.

The skies were still ink-blue when I reached Eldarf. I didn’t head for the manor. Instead, I soared down to the workshop hidden in the deeper part of the mountain, where a soft amber glow still shone from the windows. As I landed, the wooden door creaked open even before I could knock.

"Master!" Bonnie gasped in surprise, eyes wide.

"Hello, Bonnie," I said with a calm smile. "Mind if I come in?"

He flushed with pride and stepped aside hastily. "O-of course! Welcome!"

Inside, the heat of the forge greeted me like an old friend. Hammers were at rest, but the warmth lingered, along with the scent of oil and smelted ore. The rest of the dwarves trickled into the main hall, their expressions lighting up when they saw me. Rowan was among them, lounging near the hearth with his axe across his lap.

"Well, what are you doing here?" I asked him with a brow raised.

"Hm? Just fixing my axe." He lifted the weapon slightly. "She got chipped this last week because of my spar with Sylvia."

I chuckled. "You’re too reckless."

"Can’t help it, Master," he grinned.

Warth stepped forward. "Master, is something wrong?"

"Ah, perhaps you’re finally here to join us for dinner?" Rowan asked, hopeful.

I shook my head with a smile. "No. I have work. I won’t be staying long."

"A shame," Rowan sighed, stretching. "Guess I’ll take that as my cue to head back. Good night, Gramps. Good night, Master."

As the door closed behind him, I turned to Warth and the others. "I’m here to collect the item I asked you to forge. Back when you first came to Sestia."

Warth’s eyes widened. "You mean that?"

I nodded. "Yes. It’s time."

He bowed once. "Understood. I’ll fetch it."

As he disappeared into the back, Bonnie asked, "Master, would you like some tea?"

"No, thank you. But tell me—how is everything here? Are supplies sufficient?"

"More than enough," Yuder responded. "Thanks to your support. The forge runs steady, and we’re well-stocked."

"And the apprentices? No trouble?"

"They’re eager, if a little reckless," Erwin chuckled. "But hard-working."

"They keep breaking their weapons," Yuder added, amused, "but they’ve learned to repair them themselves. It’s a good balance."

Warth returned then, holding a long black box. My breath stilled for a moment at the sight of the golden dragon insignia engraved on the lid—ancient, regal.

I stepped forward and brushed my fingers over it.

"We reforged it in its full glory," Warth said softly, "but..."

"But?" I prompted.

"The stone is still dormant," he admitted, his tone heavy.

"It’s fine," I replied, taking the box gently from his hands.

"But Master," Yuder asked, eyes narrowing slightly, "why now? Is it truly time?"

I nodded slowly. "Yes, kind of... The future generation is ready to receive the responsibility for which I was preparing them."

They all exchanged glances, quiet understanding settling over them.

I opened the box and inspected the contents. Everything was perfect. The craftsmanship—flawless. I sealed it with a subtle flick of mana, locking it under arcane protection.

"Thank you," I said.

"Please don’t thank us, Master," Warth said quickly, stepping back.

"We were honored to forge it," Erwin echoed.

"And now," Yuder murmured, "we begin preparing for the transition."

I smiled faintly and nodded once.

"Good night, everyone."

"Good night, Master!" they chorused as I turned and stepped into the cool mountain night, the box resting against my side like a slumbering dragon.

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