The Kingmaker System-Chapter 426 - 425. Say What? (1)

In the morning, I got dressed and wore my mask after altering my appearance a tad. Remi and the maids helped dress me for this meeting, and I placed the necessary magical tools on my body—the crest of the Ryujin family, along with the communication and teleportation devices.

I was ready to go. I just hoped the King wouldn’t take too much of my time, despite this being my own request.

I skipped down the stairs and made my way to the entrance.

"Where are you headed off to so early in the morning, Master?"

I halted in my tracks and turned to see Davian standing at the top of the stairs, looking at me. He seemed like he had just woken up. His hair was tousled, and his clothes were wrinkled.

"Not to forget—on the birthday of your son," he added, and I sighed.

"I have some important work," I said as I adjusted my mask.

"What’s with your appearance? Your hair looks different," he asked as he descended the stairs.

"Can we save that for when I return? I’m in a hurry," I replied.

"Master, the carriage is ready," Kate called from the doorway, and I nodded.

"Wait, at least tell me where you’re going? Kai would be sad if he knows—"

"He knows," I said. "I told him last night."

Davian frowned slightly as he stepped in front of me.

"Isn’t it still bad? He must have been looking forward to spending the day with you."

"You think I like leaving him alone like this? I hate it too, but my current appointment can’t be cancelled. I’ll try to return as soon as I can," I said. "So, keep my child company, and make sure he doesn’t feel too sad."

Davian pursed his lips before running a hand through his hair, further messing up his bedhead.

"It has to be you, Master," he said, his voice strained.

"I understand," I murmured before glancing out toward the carriage. "I’ll be back by evening."

Davian clenched his jaw, and I placed a hand on his shoulder. "I’m sure you’re the one who understands him best, Your Highness... so, I’m leaving Kai in your care for today."

With that said, I turned and stepped out of the mansion. I entered the carriage with Remi following behind, and we made our way toward the royal palace.

"I hope your work ends sooner, Master," Remi said.

I hummed in response, leaning back while reviewing the documents in my hands.

"Originally, I had planned to arrange this meeting on a day when I could take my time and slowly wedge a rift between the King and the Golden Serpent. That way, I could use the outcome to our advantage. But I guess it really is wrong to separate a couple," I mumbled.

Remi smiled before leaning slightly forward.

"But it’s not like you’re separating a happy and loving couple, Master," he said, and I smirked.

"Not happy and loving," I corrected. "Scheming and cunning. The Devil must’ve made them for each other."

Remi chuckled, and we fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by occasional small talk. As we passed through the main town of Leiden, we saw people already up and about. Preparations for the Princes’ parade—scheduled for two days later—were underway.

"Everyone is planning on going to see the Princes, Master," Remi commented as we looked out the window.

"It’s a day off for all of you anyway, so you could go and enjoy it," I said as I watched the bustling town.

"Most of us will be back quickly though."

"Hmm?"

"I mean, Mrs. Jones instructed us to take turns. So, none of us really have the whole day off. We’ve decided to go out in groups, watch the parade, and then return to Ryujin so that the residence isn’t left unattended," he explained with a smile.

I looked down with a small smile of my own.

"Say, Remi," I said, and he looked at me.

"Yes, Master?" His warm brown eyes were radiant, and his light brown hair shifted with the carriage’s movement.

"Do you think... everyone at Ryujin is happy?" I asked.

He blinked, momentarily taken aback by the question, then smiled.

"Of course, Master."

I smiled and nodded. "I’m glad then."

After an hour or so, we arrived at the royal palace and were escorted to the King’s castle. I stepped down from the carriage, with Remi following close behind.

The chamberlain who had brought me the letter bowed respectfully and began leading us inside. Remi looked around as we walked down the elaborately decorated corridors.

"Is this to your liking?" I asked, glancing at him. Remi looked at the chamberlain, then leaned toward me slightly.

"There’s too much on display here, Master," he murmured.

"Hm, it is the King’s palace after all."

"No, I mean... according to the interior design and color palette, it feels excessive," he whispered, his eyes scanning the lavish surroundings.

I smiled. He had always had a keen eye for aesthetics—one of the reasons Enora had chosen him as her successor. I gestured for him to keep pace with me, and he gave a small nod before falling into step behind.

The chamberlain led us straight to the King’s office and knocked twice on the grand wooden doors. A voice from within invited us to enter.

Roger sat behind his large desk, appearing busy with documents. As Remi and I stepped in, we both kneeled in respect. Remi cast a brief glance my way before lowering his head.

"Greetings to the Sun of Sestia," I said clearly, and Remi echoed the same greeting.

"Rise, Marquis," Roger responded, and we both stood.

He looked older now—wearier, even—as he stood from his chair and moved toward the couch in the center of the room. He called for tea as he settled down.

Remi stood behind me while I took a seat opposite the King.

"So, what urgent matter brings you here personally, Marquis?" he asked, getting straight to the point.

A maid entered with a tray and brewing us tea she gracefully handed us our teacups before stepping back.

"I’d like to speak in private, if possible, Your Majesty," I said, meeting his gaze.

Roger looked at me carefully, as though trying to decipher my intent. Then he sighed and gestured for everyone to leave the room.

"Remi," I called, and he leaned slightly toward me.

"Yes, Master?"

"Please step out with the chamberlain, and don’t go too far."

"Yes, Master," he replied politely. He bowed respectfully to Roger, then turned and exited the room with the others.

After a few seconds of silence, I placed the documents on the table and slid them toward the King. He eyed the papers without touching them at first, then shifted his gaze to me.

"Is this about the request I made to you four years ago?" he asked.

"No, Your Majesty. This concerns an issue that has arisen in my territory—at Slavenreach."

"At Slavenreach?" he repeated, finally reaching for the documents, not even bothering to set his teacup down.

"Yes. I’m here to formally press charges against Marquis Glines, who is responsible for the matter."

Roger’s expression darkened at that. He set his teacup aside, then began reading through the report. With each passing line, his frown deepened.

"What is the meaning of this?" he scowled.

"Exactly as it is written, Your Majesty. Marquis Glines’ illegitimate son is currently facing punishment in Slavenreach. However, as this entire scheme was clearly orchestrated to damage both my reputation and my people, I cannot sit idly by while the true perpetrator escapes unscathed."

He placed the documents down with a heavy sigh, massaging his temples.

"This is a matter involving the Esmertia family, Marquis Ryujin."

"That is precisely why I came to you directly, Your Majesty. Her Majesty would be greatly disappointed to learn that once again, someone from her collateral family has tarnished her maiden house’s name." I kept the mockery in my voice subtle—but not too subtle.

Roger seemed to catch it, but chose not to address it. "I heard you were summoned to the Pearl Palace not long ago."

"I was, but unfortunately... there was a minor dispute. Her Majesty was displeased with me."

The corners of his lips twitched in restrained amusement. "Was it regarding the succession?"

I nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."

He didn’t press further—he must have already guessed what transpired—but returned his attention to the documents.

"Why didn’t you take this directly to the Ministry of Justice?"

"I couldn’t, Your Majesty. This attack was not just political, but personal. It targeted a territory granted to me directly by His Majesty, and Her Majesty holds considerable influence over the Ministry. I feared justice might be swayed... and my people left unheard."

I let disappointment lilt softly in my voice, a calculated touch.

Roger narrowed his eyes slightly, then exhaled with a long, tired breath. "Fine. I’ll support your case—but you’ll need solid evidence."

"I’ve secured all the ledgers, and Young Master Laude himself is prepared to testify against Marquis Glines."

Roger rubbed his chin thoughtfully, humming low. "Then your case should be strong."

He looked up, his scarlet eyes locking with mine. There was a glint in them—sharp, calculating.

"I shall support you in this matter, Marquis Ocean. You’ll also receive a portion of Marquis Glines’ estate."

I offered a soft smile. "My only desire is to see justice done for those who suffered, Your Majesty."

"You don’t need to be so modest, Marquis Ryujin. After being publicly defamed and suffering loss, it’s your rightful due."

"Your Majesty is most generous. I’ll accept it, if you bestow it with such gracious words."

Of course, he wasn’t doing this out of pure generosity. He wanted something in return. Sly man.

"Don’t mention it," he chuckled—but the sharpness in his gaze intensified.

"I suppose you know the whereabouts of the person we spoke of four years ago."

Alys?

"Yes, Your Majesty," I replied evenly.

He nodded, and his smile disappeared.

"Then I have two requests for you, Marquis Ryujin."

"Your word is my command, Your Majesty," I said, bitterness coating the words I spoke to a man I barely respected.

Roger’s lips curved faintly. "You said she was in Mordino the last time."

I had lied back then—Alys had never left Sestia. I had entrusted her to Silas.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"With the kingdom’s current state, she needs to return. Apart from my sons, she too holds a rightful claim to the throne."

I blinked. Two key truths revealed themselves in his words. First, he said sons, not son. And second, he openly acknowledged Alys as a legitimate heir. That... was surprisingly honest of him.

"I understand your sentiments, Your Majesty. But considering she’s lived far from her homeland for years, her sudden reappearance may spark unrest—even bloodshed."

"I know," he murmured, clasping his hands tightly on his thighs. "That’s why I don’t want her to return alone. If possible, I want you to take responsibility for her."

"How would you have me do that, Your Majesty?"

He met my gaze directly, his eyes hard with resolve.

"I want you to marry her."

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