The Kingmaker System-Chapter 394 - 393. Summons And Shadows (6)

By the time the meeting had concluded, Lord Snake and Lord Devil were thoroughly wasted, their cheeks flushed crimson as they giggled like schoolboys, tossing curses at the Golden Serpent and mumbling incoherently. Lord Hawke wasn’t far behind—he could barely keep his footing, swaying on the spot like a ship in stormy waters.

I exhaled slowly, folding my arms as I observed the sorry state of my vassals—three Underworld Lords, each feared and revered in their own right, now reduced to little more than drunkards at a roadside tavern. It would’ve been amusing had it not been mildly concerning.

I signaled to the attendants, who promptly appeared and moved to assist the inebriated Lords to their guest chambers.

"We’re staying the night?" Zach asked as he stumbled toward me, his eyes glazed but still twinkling with mischief.

"You can’t possibly leave in such a state, Lord Snake," I replied, arching an eyebrow and gesturing toward the other two. One attendant was practically carrying Lord Devil, who was slumped over his shoulder like a sack of grain, while another struggled to support the wobbling weight of Lord Hawke.

"I’m fine... I can still leave," Lord Hawke insisted blearily, only to double over as a loud burp escaped him. He pressed a hand to his mouth in embarrassment.

"Just rest for tonight," I said, glancing at Lord Devil—who by now had completely passed out, mouth slightly open, arms limp.

At that moment, a soft flutter of wings caught my attention. Nox swooped down gracefully and perched on my shoulder, his dark feathers gleaming faintly under the dim lights. I ran a hand gently along his back, letting his steady presence calm the absurdity of the moment.

The attendants began escorting the Lords away, but Jack—tasked with handling Zach—seemed to be having a particularly rough time. Zach was flailing, refusing to move, clearly not ready to end his night of revelry.

"Master!" he called out, dramatically reaching toward me as if he were being led to an execution.

"Yes, what now, Lord Snake?" I asked, my tone dry, arms still crossed.

"I’m scared of sleeping alone in a new place," he pouted. "Can you keep me company?"

Jack, still holding him in a firm grip, visibly grimaced. I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose.

"I could knock you out cold if that helps you sleep peacefully," I suggested without missing a beat.

"I’d love that," Zach grinned, entirely too enthusiastic about the idea.

Jack rolled his eyes. "You’d still snore like a dying boar," he muttered under his breath.

"Take him, Jack," I said, gesturing for him to drag the stubborn Lord away.

"Yes, Master," Jack responded with a sigh and resumed tugging Zach along.

But Zach wasn’t done yet. He suddenly wrenched himself free from Jack’s grasp and staggered back toward me, his eyes wide and hopeful.

"Then at least give me a good night kiss, M—Heuk!"

Before he could finish his sentence or reach me, a hand shot out and yanked him back by the collar. Zach choked slightly as he was pulled backwards and dropped to the ground with a heavy thud, clutching at his throat.

"What the—" he croaked, glaring up.

Asher stood behind him, arms crossed, a deep scowl etched into his features. His cold gaze bore into Zach as he growled, "Stay in your limits."

Jack quickly took the opportunity to grab Zach again, clearly unimpressed.

"I suppose that’s enough adventure for you tonight, Zach," I said calmly as I approached. "Go and take some rest now. Good night."

Then, without warning, I leaned in and struck the side of his neck with precise force, and Zach’s eyes rolled back as he slumped into unconsciousness in Jack’s arms.

"Should’ve done that from the very start," Jack muttered, hoisting the now-limp Lord Snake onto his back with practiced ease.

As they disappeared down the corridor, silence returned. I turned slightly to glance at Asher, who stood quietly now, still watching the hall where Zach had been taken.

"Thank you for your help," I said softly, brushing off the last of the chaos. "Good night."

I turned to leave, but his voice stopped me mid-step.

"Wait."

I paused, turning slightly to glance over my shoulder. He looked unsure, the edge in his stance replaced with hesitation. His fingers fidgeted by his sides, an unusual sight for someone as guarded as him.

"...Those letters," he said slowly, "They aren’t one of your usual tricks, right?"

I arched an eyebrow. "Why do you think I’d mess with you after so much time?"

He didn’t answer right away, just pressed his lips into a thin line.

"I happened to run into your sister when I visited Denril," I said, choosing my words carefully, not revealing everything. "She asked me to deliver the letter to you."

There was a flicker of something in his eyes—surprise, maybe even guilt.

"What about the letter from the kids?" he asked, his voice lower.

"Your nephew and niece asked me to pass it to their uncle," I replied gently. "They wanted me to tell you... they’d really like to see you."

His fists clenched at his sides, knuckles turning white. He didn’t say anything. The silence stretched.

"If you have a reply, give it to me. I’ll see to it that it reaches them," I added, watching his expression.

"I... don’t know what to say to them," he admitted finally. There was vulnerability in his voice he rarely ever let slip.

I smiled faintly. "How about asking how they’ve been? Start with their health. Then maybe ask if the weather is kind there—and mention the cold here, how you’re doing, something simple."

He looked at me, eyes flickering with a complicated mix of emotion.

"You’ll know what to write after that," I continued. "They’re your family, after all."

He stared at me as if trying to see through me. "Why—"

"Why—" he began, the question halfway formed, when a glint of metal caught my eye. My instincts kicked in. Without thinking, I gripped his wrist and yanked him hard.

A dagger tore through the air between us, embedding itself into the thick carpet with a dull thunk, its hilt still trembling from the force.

Asher stumbled back, eyes wide. Before he could react, I raised my hand. A ripple of mana shimmered around my fingers, coalescing into a crescent of sharp, pressurized water. With a flick of my wrist, the slicer shot through the dim corridor like a silent scream.

A thud echoed in the distance—followed by a wet snap. The assassin’s head rolled to the side as his body crumpled, lifeless.

"Wha—What was that?" Asher gasped, staring at the dagger near his feet.

""What do you think?" I said coolly, eyes narrowing as I stepped toward the weapon. I crouched, yanking the dagger free and bringing it to my nose.

The metallic tang of the blade was tainted by something sharper... bitter.

"Poisoned," I scoffed.

He came closer, his eyes darkening. "Who would—?"

I glanced up at him, then at the narrow hallway beyond where the assassin had fallen.

"Someone who’s either very bold or very desperate," I said. "That dagger wasn’t meant for you. It was aimed directly at me."

Asher’s brows furrowed, his earlier apprehension swallowed by something colder—anger, maybe.

"Next month, after the debutante ball," I cut in, standing to my full height, "you’re to escort Duke Aurelius to Denril. Young Duke Rune will accompany you."

He looked thrown. "What?!"

"Kai and I will remain here. This is a good opportunity. Go see your family. They’ve... realized their mistake."

Asher looked at me like he wanted to protest, but I turned and walked to the window. From there, I saw movement—shadows gathering around the fallen body of the would-be assassin.

The guard team had responded quickly.

"Please forgive us, Master," one of them said as they knelt beside the corpse. "We couldn’t have known it was an infiltrator."

"Be more alert from now on," I said, voice calm but laced with steel. "There might be more coming."

The assassins straightened with grim nods, the tension etched into their stances.

"Yes, Master."

Without another word, they leapt away into the shadows, vanishing as quickly as they’d come.

I turned, meeting Asher’s lingering gaze. His eyes flicked once more to the corpse being dragged across the marble floor. His shoulders slumped.

"You should go and sleep now," I told him.

He didn’t move for a moment. The moonlight pouring in from the window caught the outline of his expression—part worry, part something softer.

"Don’t die," he murmured, almost too low to hear.

Then he walked away.

I stayed still for a heartbeat, watching his retreating figure, his shadow melting into the darkened corridor. A quiet sigh slipped past my lips as I finally turned and made my way to my quarters. The scent of blood still lingered in the halls.

On my way, I paused outside a familiar door—Kai’s. It was slightly ajar, a soft glow spilling out from within. Gently, I pushed it open and poked my head inside.

He’d fallen asleep at his desk again.

The mana stone hovered inside the glass globe, casting a mellow, bluish light that flickered over the spread of open books and scattered parchment. His pen was still loosely gripped in his fingers, and ink had smudged the side of his hand. His breathing was soft and steady, his head resting against a page mid-sentence.

I stepped inside quietly. The sight tugged at something deep inside me—an ache and a swell of pride both. He was trying so hard.

Nox hooted gently from my shoulder.

"Shh," I whispered, and the huge owl obediently flapped down to the desk, settling beside the stack of notes. His feathers ruffled as he peered curiously at the sleeping boy.

I reached out, closing the books one by one with care, careful not to wake him. Then I leaned down and slipped one arm beneath his knees, the other behind his back, lifting him up. He stirred faintly.

"There are three major ways..." he mumbled sleepily, nuzzling into my shoulder.

I chuckled under my breath. "There are three major ways to wear yourself out, and you’ve mastered all of them," I murmured.

Since his lessons with Grandfather began last week, Kai had taken everything upon himself like a soldier—discipline, magic theory, historical scriptures, physical training. And despite his age, he hadn’t once complained. But I could see it in his tired posture, his late nights at the desk, the shadows forming under his eyes.

He was overworking himself.

I carried him over to his bed and laid him down on the soft sheets. He squirmed instinctively before curling into a small bundle, his hands bunching the blanket near his chin.

I sat beside him for a moment, brushing his hair away from his forehead. His breathing steadied again, calm and peaceful.

"You already make me proud, Kai. Don’t overexert yourself." I whispered.

Nox gave another soft hoot, this one almost affectionate.

I glanced once more at the glowing mana stone before dimming it with a flick of my fingers. The room fell into a comfortable darkness, save for the silvery moonlight peeking through the curtains.

Then I stood, quietly exiting the room and closing the door behind me with a gentle click.

The stillness of the corridor greeted me once more as I made my way towards my room with the next step of my plan already set into motion.

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