The Kingmaker System-Chapter 410 - 409. Two Can Play This Game (1)

I had to stay the night at Ryujin since Kai had cried himself to sleep, curled into my side like a kitten clinging to warmth, and I hadn’t had the heart to move him. His small hands had balled up the fabric of my shirt, like he feared I’d vanish if he let go.

The next morning, I left for Slavenreach. There were matters I had to tend to, and though things between Kai and me were patched up, his punishment remained. He was still being sent to the Fairisles tomorrow. I’d already dispatched a letter to Grandfather with the final arrangements. Everything was in motion.

Besides, Rune was coming to meet Kai today. That, in itself, was something I couldn’t overlook. Kai was familiar with my father by now—comfortable, even—but he’d never met Rune. I didn’t want him to be blindsided by my brother’s sudden appearance.

When I returned to Ryujin from Slavenreach, I half-expected Rune to already be on his way. Instead, I was met with something else—an entourage I didn’t recognize.

I had teleported directly into my chambers, and from the windows overlooking the estate grounds, I saw unfamiliar horses in the stables and knights moving across the training yard. Their armor shimmered subtly under the overcast sky, the crests on their breastplates catching the light like a warning.

I narrowed my eyes. That wasn’t Rune’s escort.

Changing quickly, I dressed in my usual house wear—a navy-blue shirt tucked into tailored black slacks, polished black boots, and my mana-stone earstud to maintain Ocean’s form. I didn’t bother tying my hair up. Let them see me unbothered.

Then I made my way toward my study, senses sharpening with every step.

Voices drifted into the hallway the closer I got.

"I didn’t expect Master to have a son," someone said, tone dripping with disbelief. frёeweɓηovel_coɱ

"I’m not Master’s biological son," Kai’s voice replied—steady, but there was a tightness behind it.

"Don’t lie to me," the first voice snapped. "Anyone with eyes can see you two are father and son."

"He’s telling the truth," Roan interjected calmly. "Young Master isn’t Master’s biological son."

"Then why does he resemble him so much?"

I opened the doors then—quietly, but not without purpose. Three heads turned simultaneously to face me.

Well, his Aura had made his presence known even before I had entered the room if not me hearing their voices. It was Prince Davian, seated far too comfortably on the couch, his back resting against the cushions like he owned the place. A tray of untouched tea and refreshments sat on the table before him. His jet-black hair gleamed under the natural light spilling in through the tall windows, and his amethyst eyes were cool and playful as they flicked toward me.

Kai lit up the moment he saw me.

"Good morning, Master," he greeted, voice soft but full of warmth.

I smiled. "Morning, Kai."

He beamed, but Davian’s gaze darted between us, suspicion still lingering.

"Are you still going to say he’s not Master’s biological son?" Davian asked, this time directing the question toward Roan.

Roan let out a quiet sigh and glanced at me, waiting for my signal.

"Well, whether or not Kai is my biological son isn’t the matter at hand," I said coolly, stepping forward. "But what are you doing here, Prince Davian?"

"He said he came to explore Oasis, Master," Kai offered helpfully, still smiling. I glanced down at him, lips twitching in amusement despite myself. Davian, meanwhile, stared at the boy for a moment longer before returning his gaze to me.

"...You did invite me," he reminded, eyes narrowing slightly.

I hummed in acknowledgment. Well, I did invite him but I didn’t think that he’d drop by so soon after returning from such a long journey.

Rune was arriving soon to meet Kai for the first time, and the last thing I needed was Davian lingering around, stirring trouble. The two of them didn’t get along, and if they crossed paths, things would undoubtedly get... tense.

"Ah, yes. But unfortunately, today’s quite busy. I won’t be able to give you a tour," I said evenly.

Davian frowned, but his attention shifted to Kai, and a playful grin tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"Then ask him to give me a tour. He must know the town just as well as you do."

Kai gave him a sheepish look. "I can’t..."

"Why not?" Davian asked.

"Because he’s not allowed to leave the mansion," I answered before Kai had to.

Davian raised an eyebrow. "Why? Are you afraid someone might kidnap your son?"

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Kai fidgeted beside me, clearly uncomfortable, so I answered calmly.

"He’s being punished for acting recklessly."

Davian tilted his head as though he were piecing together a puzzle. Then, realization dawned in his eyes.

"So he was the one who showed up in your stead yesterday," he said slowly. "And when he was floating away, it was you who dragged him back."

I exhaled a quiet sigh. "Yes."

Davian laughed, low and amused. "And you still try to tell me he’s not your son."

"Cut that out, Prince Davian," I said flatly, and he only smiled wider before turning his attention to Kai.

"I was rather shocked, you know. When you appeared out of nowhere yesterday—I thought Master might come in person. I knew it were his men when I sensed some people lurking about, and they even dragged off the frozen mages after the battle."

"Tha-That was because I heard the message by chance and Master wasn’t available." Kai said.

"I wouldn’t have come for your rescue even if I’d heard the call," I said without missing a beat.

Davian feigned a wounded expression. "How cruel, Master!"

Then, unexpectedly, he leaned forward and took Kai’s hand, pulling him gently to his side. Kai flinched, startled, as Davian wrapped his arms around his shoulders, standing just behind him.

"If it weren’t for the Young Master, we’d have been in real trouble," Davian said with a hint of genuine admiration. Roan gave him a narrowed glance, then looked at me, his expression flat but speaking volumes: See? I told you. He has a crush on you.

Ridiculous.

"Trouble aside," I said, reaching out and taking Kai’s wrist to draw him gently to my side, "you were with the other Princes and knights. You’ve all grown stronger from the war. Don’t tell me you were in danger. No one would believe that."

"But your heir believed it," Davian pointed out, lips curling.

"That’s because he’s kind. And innocent," I replied.

Davian’s smirk deepened. "Didn’t seem that way when he was fighting."

"So?" I raised an eyebrow. "Everyone in my estate knows how to fight. My heir included."

Davian’s eyes lingered on Kai a moment longer. Kai shifted closer to me, instinctively seeking cover.

"So, who’s his mother?" Davian asked.

I met Kai’s eyes, watching as they flicked up at me, searching. The truth was, we didn’t know. Kai remembered nothing of his past before the black market in Denril.

"As of now, I’m both his mother and father," I answered.

There was a flicker of something in Kai’s eyes—something soft and bright—and I saw the glisten begin to form. Davian, for once, said nothing. He just observed me for a moment, and then his smirk returned.

"You really do love children, don’t you, Master?"

I frowned. "No, I don’t."

He scoffed, unconvinced.

"Anyway," I began, shifting the topic back, "we won’t be able to give you a tour today, so—"

"I’m not leaving," Davian interrupted, tone light but firm.

I gave him a sharp look. "Then I’ll have your chambers arranged. We can—"

A knock interrupted my sentence. I turned as the door opened and Remi entered, bowing briefly.

"Good morning, Master. You have a guest," he said, voice polite. He glanced at Davian, then back to me with subtle urgency in his eyes.

Rune was here.

"All right," I said calmly, turning to Davian. "Please escort Prince Davian to the guest chambers.

Remi bowed as I took Kai’s hand and led him out with me.

"Um... Master?" Kai spoke softly, walking beside me.

"I meant to tell you this yesterday but couldn’t," I said gently. "The guest is here to meet you."

Kai blinked, visibly taken aback. "Pardon?"

"Don’t be shy around him," I said with a smile. "Just greet him with a smile and introduce yourself, all right?"

He looked nervous, so I brushed my hand over his head in a calming gesture as we descended the stairs toward the reception room.

When I opened the doors, a maid was already pouring tea for Rune. Dressed in a peach coat with a crisp white shirt and black trousers, he stood as we entered. His gaze immediately shifted to Kai, who stayed close to my side, clutching the sleeve of my shirt and trying not to retreat behind me.

"Good morning, Baron," Rune greeted politely.

"It’s Marquis now," I corrected with a small smile.

"Ah, right. I forgot," he murmured, a bit flustered.

"This is him," I said, gesturing at Kai.

The two stared at each other in silence until Rune finally stepped forward. Kai instantly stiffened beside me.

This boy... bold enough to leap into battle, yet frozen stiff when someone approached him like this.

Rune stopped in front of him, his expression unreadable, then offered a slight bow.

"It’s nice to meet you. I’m Rune Aurelius, son of Duke Aurelius."

Kai glanced up at me once before bowing his head quickly.

"I-It’s nice to meet you. My name is Kai Ryujin," he said in a quiet voice.

Rune’s brow furrowed slightly. "Kai?" He looked at me, realization dawning. "So this is the Kai you told me about when we met near the borders?"

I nodded. "Yes."

Kai looked between the two of us, visibly confused, as Rune let out a soft sigh, a faint smile forming.

"Welcome to the—"

The doors behind us burst open.

I didn’t need to turn to know who had just barged in.

Davian.

He strolled in and stopped beside Kai with his ever-present smile.

Outside, Remi stood in a panic. I waved him off with a sigh, and he reluctantly left.

"Good morning, Young Duke. I wasn’t expecting to see you here," Davian said cheerfully.

Rune’s frown deepened. "Morning, Prince Davian. But I should be the one asking that. Why are you here?"

Davian chuckled. "Well, Master invited me."

"You invited him?" Rune asked, turning to me.

"I told you I had a busy day," I reminded evenly. "Prince Davian, please return to your chambers and rest."

But Davian ignored me as this seemed more entertaining for him.

"I actually came to see if I could borrow little Kai for a while. I wanted to play with him," he said casually, placing his hand on Kai’s shoulder.

Kai stiffened. Rune’s eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, only to pause when Kai flinched again. He sighed and massaged his temples.

"Remove your hand, Prince Davian. The child is clearly uncomfortable," Rune said coldly.

Davian glanced down at Kai. "Oh? Are you uncomfortable, little Kai?"

"Don’t give him strange nicknames," Rune snapped, his voice sharpening.

Caught between two towering presences, Kai looked like he wanted to disappear.

I stepped in.

"All right, that’s enough," I said firmly, wrapping an arm protectively around Kai and pulling him close. "Both of you—stop."

Kai gratefully stuck by my side as I tried to figure out on how to deal with this situation

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