The Kingmaker System-Chapter 425 - 424. Birthday Gift (4)

The kids were dropped off at Eldarf after a warning and I had also dispatched two more people from my household who could take care of them so, that even if the kids were to sneak out then they wouldn’t be alone.

And just like that the new few days passed by and it was only a day before Kai’s birthday. All the preparations were done for the party and everyone seemed pretty excited for it. It was the first celebration in a while.

Though we were preparing for the full out festival and had been celebrating Kai’s birthday every years within the household with only a few number of guests but this time we could have it a bit more grandly.

I was currently in my office at Ryujin, there was some work that I had to finish within tonight so that I could enjoy tomorrow. Well, at least I had hoped for that but, I had suddenly got an urgent thing to do tomorrow.

I had send off Roan and others earlier since this work only required my signatures. I saw the dates on the reports and I couldn’t help but feel-

"Time flies..." I mumbled as I kept writing.

It had been already four years since I brought Kai to my place and he had been grown so well.

[Goddess of Wisdom says that for humans time does fly.]

"We’re both of Dragon bloodline." I corrected her.

[Defender of Divine Glory says that as long as you are in the mortal world time will fly for you as well.]

[Giver of Gifts says that in their realm time does move but it’s different compared to yours.]

"How so? Is it slow or fast?" I asked suddenly interested.

[Giver of Gifts says that in comparison with your time, their’s is slower.]

I hummed as I did the final signature and then placed a stamp over the document and then looked at the open envelope that was on my desk.

The envelope with the royal seal. It had arrived just yesterday. The King’s chamberlain had dropped by himself to hand it to me. The King’s response to my letter was a little more serious than I expected.

If I had to think then he might have thought of something possibilities of the topics that I might have in mind to seek him out myself. A couple would be related to the current happenings in the kingdoms revolving around the Princes, some matters could be related to the business and one even about Alys since he had put the responsibility of her safety to me.

"Still, why did he have to invite me tomorrow?! There’s still a couple more days for the ball he could have called me any day after tomorrow. Hell, he could have even asked me to show up at the debutante that’s been held at the royal palace but no! He’s called me right on the birthday of my child!" I groaned and ran my hand through my hair before I looked at the large wall clock in my office which showed that it was only five minutes for midnight.

I was done with my work so, I pushed myself off my chair and grabbed the box that was sitting there on a table nearby. I walked out of my office locking it securely and then made my way down the hallway.

I carried the box and walked up till Kai’s bedroom. I gave a gentle knock, but heard nothing but quiet and deep breaths from inside.

I opened the door quietly and walked in, I placed the gift box on the table and then made my way to Kai who slept peacefully.

His blue hair spilled over the velvet purple pillows and sheets thrown off his body. I chuckled as I watched him sleep so soundly.

I reached out and gently put the sheets on him.

"It’s getting colder, little Dragon." I spoke softly and then took a seat on the edge of his bed.

His lips pursed for a moment and I sighed brushing my hand over his head. Four years ago this child was like a fragile doll, severely traumatized and someone whose eyes lacked life. But now he had grown out of that. He was slowly building his strength and though I couldn’t erase his trauma but I think I had been successful in giving him the fulfilling household where he could feel safe and happy.

"Happy birthday, Kai." I spoke and his eyes flew open.

I almost chuckled as he stared at me and then he quickly sat up beaming.

"Master!"

I shook my head as I ruffled his head.

"Were you only pretending to sleep?"

"No, I was really sleeping but then I sensed you so, I thought I would try to make you believe that I really am asleep." He said and I laughed.

"I guess you succeeded this year." I said and he grinned.

He had been doing the same thing for the past four years.

"Well, I know you come at this time every year so, I couldn’t just fall asleep." He admitted shyly and I smiled.

"And... I like it that it’s you who wishes me the first."

I ruffled his hair making him giggle and I used telekinesis to get his gift and placed it in his hands.

"Your gift." I said and his eyes glowed.

"Can I open it?" He asked and I simply shrugged.

One would expect that an excited child would rip open the covers to get to his gift but Kai was patient. He would gently remove the cover and then open the box.

I saw as he picked out the deep navy blue fabric from inside, the metallic blue embroidery on it glinted under the meagre light that was in the room.

"Whoa... A coat like yours!" He almost shouted as he jumped down the bed and watched the coat in the mirror. freewebnσvel.cøm

He then put it on his shoulders and watched the insignia that was now on his back. The blue dragon’s form concealed within the Ryujin crest glinted by the moonlight. His eyes glowed with happiness as he laughed moving around watching as the coat billowed behind him.

I watched him with a smile as he danced around before he ran up to me.

"Thank you so much, Master! It’s the best gift ever!" He said holding my hands and I smiled.

"I’m glad."

My smile faltered a little after that and he touched the fabric of the coat, I reached out and adjusted it properly on his shoulders and brushed the non-existent creases.

"It’s a coat that has the qualities of being water proof and it can regulate temperature, just like mine. So, you won’t feel hot or cold. I know it wouldn’t matter since you are a Dragon but still..." I said.

"Is something the matter, Master?" Kai asked and I looked at him.

I gave him a sheepish smile as I admitted, "Well... I might not be there tomorrow."

"What?!" He shouted and I clasped my hands at my thighs.

"I had sent for the King a few days ago and he has summoned me to the royal palace tomorrow. I can’t cancel it."

His head went down and I sighed.

"I know it’s too bad but, it’ll only be for the day, I’ll be back as soon as I can." I said and he lifted his head with a smile which was obviously fake.

"I understand, Master." He said, "I’ll wait for you."

I reached out about to brush his head but I placed it on his shoulder and squeezed it lightly looking right in his eyes. The sadness and disappointment swirled in them despite him trying to hide it.

"Kai," I said and he blinked.

"Y-Yes, Master?"

"Do you remember I told you that if you don’t like something or if you want something you should say it?"

He nodded with his eyes down and I sighed, "I want you to do that as much as you could even after now."

He nodded again keeping his eyes from me and I gently pulled him into my arms making him gasp lightly as I gently patted his back.

"I’m your parent despite anything so, you could be whiny and demanding with me. I may not be able to complete all of your wishes but I would try my best to fulfill some of your wishes." I said and felt his fingers clutching at my coat.

"I’m fine, Master." He said, "You have already given me a lot... It sometimes... feels kind of wrong to have so much happiness... I still feel like if I became too greedy I might lose it."

I frowned and pulled back looking at his crestfallen face. I cupped his face in my palms.

"Look at me," I said and his eyes lifted to meet mine.

"I know just me saying that you shouldn’t think that, those thoughts won’t disappear but... I’ve been meaning to give you this life ever since I decided to take you in, Kai. So, all this happiness and love that you are getting here, isn’t going to be snatched from you. Because, it belongs to you. We all, belong to you and your belong to us. You belong here with us, Kai."

Kai’s eyes glistened and he sniffled before he buried his face into my shoulder throwing his arms around me and I brushed his back.

"It’s fine, you can give me anything, your tears, your laughter, your words, anything and in return, I’ll give you all that I have." I said and he sniffled as his body trembled.

This child might have longed for this the most. The place where he could belong without feeling like an outsider, the place which could accept him unconditionally and the love without any expectations which would belong to him and it wouldn’t be based on any particular requirement.

A place which would make him feel at ease. A place where he truly belonged. Right here.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢