The Kingmaker System-Chapter 402 - 401. First Outdoor Mission (1)

"It’s done, Master," Remi said, stepping back with a proud glint in his eyes, clearly satisfied with his handiwork.

I turned to face the mirror, and the reflection staring back at me was striking—dignified and refined, yet deceptively simple. A royal blue shirt with subtly puffed sleeves peeked from beneath the folds of my signature black cloak, the fabric whispering with each movement. Black trousers tucked into polished high boots completed the ensemble, but it was the finer details that pulled everything together. A sleek black mask, etched with sapphire designs, rested in my palm, waiting.

Around my neck, the pendant-shaped teleportation device glinted under the candlelight, resting right above the communication brooch pinned discreetly to my chest. And just visible beneath my aqua blue hair, the disguise-sustaining manastone earstud shimmered faintly, resonating with mana.

Everything was in place.

"I just need to check up on Kai now," I murmured, more to myself than anyone else.

Remi and the nearby maids—Andrea among them—shared a glance before their gazes found me again. Their eyes sparkled, reflecting quiet admiration, perhaps pride.

"You’ve done excellent work," I told them, my tone sincere but composed.

Their smiles widened, touched by the praise.

With that, I left my chamber, the hem of my cloak brushing against the marble floor as I made my way next door. Kai’s room was just adjacent. I raised my hand and knocked twice.

The door creaked open a moment later, opened by Bailey. The moment her eyes landed on me, she gasped softly and hurried to the side, bowing as she let me in.

I stepped into the room, hands casually sliding into my trouser pockets as my gaze swept the scene.

Enora and Lyall stood near Kai, surrounded by maids who were making their final adjustments. Threads of chatter faded the instant I entered. Every eye turned toward me.

Kai turned at the same moment, and the sight of him made me pause for half a beat.

His dark hair—slicked back save for a few rebellious strands that fell across his forehead—framed his face perfectly. And those ruby eyes, the ones that were supposed to carry the hellish embers, lit up like twilight sun as soon as they found me.

"Master!" he beamed, practically radiating delight.

Even in the mature, composed disguise of Ace D’Arc—complete with the tailored black vest, gloves, and sharp lines of nobility—Kai’s soft-hearted nature hadn’t dulled. There was something untouched about him, something that made the illusion feel almost... endearing.

I let a small smile curve my lips. "You look all grown up and handsome, Kai."

His cheeks bloomed crimson, his bashful grin growing even wider. The maids around him exchanged amused glances, some unable to suppress their own smiles at the sight.

"You’ve all done a wonderful job," I said, nodding to the attendants who had spent the past hour perfecting Kai’s transformation. "It’s not easy making a child look like a nobleman of cold precision... though I suppose nature doesn’t bend that easily." frёewebηovel.cѳm

Soft laughter floated around the room.

I stepped forward, stopping right before Kai. We were eye to eye now. I gazed at him quietly, studying him—not just the appearance, but the spirit.

Usually, when I looked in the mirror while being in Ace’s disguise I saw the cold hearted merchant but Kai held different air. Standing here, facing him in the same disguise, I only saw Kai.

I raised a hand and gently touched the ear cuff on his right ear, the embedded ruby-hued manastone catching the light. The moment my fingers brushed it, he stiffened.

I shifted my gaze to his face.

His skin was flushed. His breath caught. And I could hear it—his heart hammering against his ribs, fast and loud like a drum that had suddenly taken control of the room’s rhythm.

Nervous.

Understandable. It was his first outdoor mission.

"I’ll go ahead," I said softly, letting my hand drop to my side. "I’ll see you at the theatre. Lyall knows the location—he’ll guide you there."

Lyall stepped forward with a calm nod. "I shall lead Mr. Ace safely to the theatre, Master."

I gave him a curt nod in return. "Then I’ll take my leave."

I turned, walking toward the door—but paused at the threshold.

Behind me, Kai was surrounded by cheerful voices and congratulatory gestures. Their smiles were genuine, and so was the pride in their eyes as they patted him lightly on the back, fixing little creases in his outfit, treating him not like a child—but like my heir.

It was his first mission, and already, they were beginning to look at him as someone to be counted on.

I allowed myself one last glance at them all.

Then I stepped out, the door clicking softly shut behind me.

I saw Asher and Sylvia standing near the carriage, waiting. As I approached, they straightened up instantly.

"Master!" they greeted in unison with a respectful bow.

"I trust you both remember the instructions?" I asked, my gaze flicking between them.

"Yes, Master," they replied in tandem.

"Then, Sir Asher, let’s move." I gestured toward the carriage as Sylvia stepped aside with a graceful nod.

"I’ll go ahead and signal the teams to get into position," she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

I gave her a brief nod. "Be careful."

She smiled, confident as always. "All right, Master."

With a shimmer of light, she vanished from sight, teleporting away.

I climbed into the carriage, followed closely by Asher, who took the seat opposite mine. I crossed my legs, resting my elbow against the window sill and my cheek against my gloved knuckles, watching the streets blur past.

"Still worried about Young Master Kai?" Asher asked, breaking the silence.

I turned my eyes to him. "I don’t want him to go through anything traumatic again after going through everything in Denril. That’s why I wanted him to stay protected... in a safe environment." I exhaled slowly. "But I suppose I don’t get to choose his life lessons."

Asher offered a faint smile. "Being chosen as your heir comes with a fair share of burdens. And this is just the beginning. Words alone won’t prepare him for what’s to come. He’ll need experience—real trials—if he’s to stand in your place one day."

I sighed. "Still feels too early for him..."

He chuckled quietly. "Didn’t you start recruiting allies and making plans when you were ten? Young Master Kai may be younger, but you weren’t born a Dragon. You inherited the legacy, and since then, you’ve shouldered all of this."

A teasing glint lit his eyes. "And who would’ve imagined that the fragile noble girl—rumored to be so delicate and sickly she barely left her bed—would be the very person flipping the world upside down?"

I rolled my eyes. "Stop comparing us. I’m paving this path so that he doesn’t have to take on the same risks I did. I want him to have it easier."

Asher’s expression shifted—more solemn now—as he leaned forward.

"Are you God?"

I frowned. "No."

"Then don’t act like one," he said calmly. "Young Master Kai’s wounds might not be fully healed, but he’s found his footing. Let him fight his battles. Let him carve his own path. That’s what a parent should do."

His words caught me off guard. I stared for a moment, stunned, before narrowing my eyes suspiciously.

"...You read the parenting books I left out, didn’t you?"

He looked away, coughing lightly. "I-I just happened to notice them in the library... and maybe skimmed a few Chapters."

I smirked. "So, have you also set a date for your and Rose’s wedding yet?"

A faint flush crept up his neck. "W-We’re still discussing that..."

I chuckled softly. It was heartening to see him like this—at peace, finally moving on from the bitterness he once held toward me.

"Well, whenever you decide, let me know. I’d be happy to arrange everything. I’ll even bring your family here."

At that, he visibly flinched and looked down. I reached forward, resting my hand gently on his head.

"You’ve endured so much, Asher..."

My voice lowered with warmth as I invoked the power resting within me. "I, the Scion of the Supreme Aqua Dragon, bless you—Asher Lewinstein. From this moment on, may you live a life of happiness and fulfillment... with your family."

A radiant blue glow bloomed beneath my palm, casting shimmering reflections across his blonde hair. It faded gently as I lowered my hand, watching him lift his head, fingertips brushing the spot where the blessing had landed.

"What... did you do?" he asked softly, his voice laced with wonder.

I smiled faintly. "I wronged you once. But you’ve come so far. You’ve earned a blessing strong enough to protect your joy."

His eyes shone faintly, a film of emotion clouding them, but before he could respond, the carriage came to a smooth halt.

"We’re here," I said, turning toward the window.

I opened the door and stepped down onto the stone-paved streets of Shadowcliff City, the massive theatre rising before us like a fortress of drama and secrets.

An attendant stood waiting as we arrived, bowing respectfully before guiding us to our reserved balcony seat. Asher followed behind me, his hood drawn low, his eyes scanning the surroundings with practiced vigilance.

Just for today, Kai and I had switched our attendants. Lyall, with his keen instincts and sharper reflexes, was better suited to protect Kai if things turned dire. Sylvia, on the other hand, was positioned with the team that would trap anyone coming after us.

I had informed Lord Devil of this in advance and had also apologized in case it caused any disruption. As expected, his response was characteristically dramatic:

"Now that would be quite a spectacle to watch, and I won’t afford to lose it, so please allow me to be a spectator, Master."

He’d insisted on attending but promised not to interfere—just observe. I was relieved, though a bit uneasy. I hadn’t told him that Kai would be present, and if he found out, he might bring Lord Snake and Lord Hawke along. That would only add to Kai’s anxiety, which I wanted to avoid tonight.

I took my seat, and Asher remained standing behind me, hands folded, his attention sharp. I glanced over the audience steadily gathering below. The weight of several gazes turned in my direction, discreet yet palpable. Asher shifted slightly and cleared his throat, adjusting his posture.

A few minutes later, the doors behind me opened, and Kai entered with Lyall beside him. I stood, smiling as I extended a hand toward him.

"Welcome, Mr. Ace. I hope your journey here was comfortable."

He smiled back, a little too genuinely. "Yes, it was very comfortable."

My eyebrow twitched.

I’d thoroughly briefed him about Ace—his demeanor, speech, mannerisms—and even given him the red-and-black mask to conceal the upper half of his face. Yet his innocence still bled through.

Maintaining my smile, I gently pulled him closer and leaned in to whisper near his ear.

"I believe such innocence is unbecoming of the cunning owner of the merchant guild Azurlite."

He stiffened slightly. "Ah... That... I-I..."

I tightened my grip on his shoulder, steadying him.

"Ace is one of my disguises, Kai. Remember what I told you about him—and don’t let nerves ruin your act."

Then I stepped back, smile unbroken.

"It’s been so long," I said aloud, keeping my gaze fixed on him.

He froze for a breath, but then I felt the shift—the subtle crackle of confidence replacing hesitation. His lips curled slowly into a small, sharp-edged smile.

"Yes, Master Ocean. It really has been quite long."

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