The Kingmaker System-Chapter 430 - 429. Birthday Party (2)

The large cake was brought out, and Kai blew out the candles as we all clapped and sang the birthday song. He looked a little embarrassed, but I could tell he was genuinely happy to have so many people around to celebrate with.

He cut the cake and brought the first slice to me. I took a bite, and he went on to feed the cake to everyone, one by one.

The atmosphere was lively—guests danced, laughed, and chatted freely. I found myself swamped with dance requests from nearly every lady present. By the end of it, I had danced with each of them at least once, much to the envy of most of the men.

Eric and Rune were enjoying themselves too, while my father and grandfather were deep in conversation, now joined by a few other nobles. I caught sight of Silas, cornered by Zach and Lord Devil, who were likely quizzing him about my connection to the Mage’s Tower.

What surprised me most was seeing Alys and Lady Elise talking—cordially, at that—while keeping Kai company.

Kai looked thrilled as he mingled with the adults, proudly showing off Nox, who had flown over and was now perched quietly on his arm.

"He eats the snacks I give him," I heard Kai say as he gently stroked the sleek black feathers on Nox’s back.

It was turning out to be a good party.

"I rarely enjoy any ball as much as I’ve enjoyed today’s gathering, Marquis," Lady Yvaine said with a smile as we danced.

"I’m glad to hear that," I replied, returning her smile.

"I hope you’ll invite us again," she added with a playful tilt of her head.

"Of course," I said—and then caught sight of Davian standing alone at the edge of the hall. He was watching Kai with a soft smile, his eyes warm. But then his gaze flickered to me, and after a brief pause, he turned and quietly exited into the corridor that led toward the resting rooms and balconies.

The dance ended, and once again I was approached by the ladies.

"I’m sorry, ladies," I said, raising my hands gently. "I’m a little tired now. Please allow me a moment to rest."

They pouted in mock disappointment.

"I’m sure your other partners deserve a few turns as well," I added, gesturing toward the men.

With graceful curtsies, they dispersed, leaving me a moment of quiet in the gentle afterglow of the celebration.

I turned on my heel and walked toward the corridor. I looked around for Davian, but he wasn’t in the resting rooms. Instead, I found him at the far end of the hall, on the last balcony.

I knocked twice on the closed door before poking my head out. He was leaning against the balustrade, staring out into the night.

"Do you mind if I join you, Your Highness?" I asked.

He glanced over his shoulder and smiled. "It’s your balcony."

I chuckled softly and stepped out, closing the door behind me. Walking over, I leaned forward and plopped onto the balustrade beside him, earning a side glance.

"What are you doing out here?" I asked.

"I should be the one asking that," he replied, a touch of amusement in his voice. "What are you doing out here, leaving your son’s party, Master?"

I let out a breath, tilting myself a little back as I gazed up at the inky sky speckled with stars. "I’m not exactly a people person... even when they’re my own. I just needed a bit of quiet."

"Then should I leave you alone?" he asked.

I turned to glance at him. "Are you missing your parents?"

His brows furrowed slightly. "No."

I smiled gently, reaching out to ruffle his hair.

"No need to lie. It doesn’t matter how old you are—missing your parents is natural. It’s... endearing."

He looked down, his silence saying more than words.

"Is that why you said I’d understand Kai the best?" he asked.

I withdrew my hand and looked back at the sky. "Yes. And because I know that you see reflection of your lonely childhood self in him. It’s kind of you to keep him company while I’m busy."

He let out a quiet snort, his lips curling into a wry smile. "I won’t be here forever, Master."

I sighed. "That’s fine. A human life isn’t eternal... but what one does during it can leave a lasting impact on the world."

I felt his gaze on me, studying the side of my face.

"Come to think of it, Master," he said, "you’ve never really told me anything."

"About what?"

"About you. Where you come from? How old you are? Whether you have any family? Were your parents Dragons too? Are they still alive? Are you going to take some lady as your wife or not?"

I hummed, mildly amused by his curiosity.

No one knew Ocean Ryujin’s true origins—no one but a few core individuals directly involved with who I truly was.

"I can’t exactly tell you where I came from," I said, "and I’m not as old as you think. I do have a family—my father is still alive. My mother passed away. The Dragon whose Mana Heart I carry... he left this world when I was ten. And as for taking a wife... I have no such plans."

"You have a Dragon’s Mana Heart?" he asked, eyes narrowing with surprise.

I hummed in affirmation.

"Does that let you use magic?"

"Yes. My Water Magic comes from it." I raised my hand, letting a small ball of water hover just above my palm, dancing in the air.

"What kind of Dragon was he?"

I paused, then answered with quiet reverence. "He was kind and generous. He stayed behind to purify the world after the war between Dragons and Demons. He protected humanity... even when they no longer deserved it. And still, he was killed—by a human."

Davian listened in silence as I added, "The same human who founded the so-called great kingdom of Sestia."

He stiffened, staring at me with wide eyes.

"What?!"

I smiled bitterly. "Yes."

He was quiet for a long moment, then asked in a low voice, "Then... are you here to destroy the kingdom?"

I let out a soft laugh. "The one who betrayed him is long gone. I’m not here for revenge. I’m here for the people of the present... and to restore my Dragon’s name. He wasn’t a monster who hunted humans—he only killed the greedy ones who came to him for his blood and scales." freeweɓnøvel~com

Davian said nothing. I could feel the quiet shift of emotions in him as I ran a hand through my hair, blood humming with barely restrained fury.

"To be honest... if I had been there back then, I would’ve wiped out every single human who dared raise a sword against him. They were ungrateful... and vile."

Davian looked down.

I sighed, pulling my emotions back under control, trying to calm the storm still simmering just beneath the surface.

"Is that why you’re going to make Eric the King?" he asked, and I hummed in response.

"Yes," I announced. "I’ve brought him up with the kind of ideals a king should have. He’s the one who can sit on the throne and not repeat the mistakes of his predecessors."

"How can you be so sure of it?"

"Because I’ve watched him closely, and I know he’s capable," I said, and Davian sighed.

He stayed quiet for a long moment, as if connecting the dots in his head, while I sat there feeling oddly comfortable in the silence.

"What about Kai?" he finally asked.

"What about him?"

"You’ve told the people around that he’s your nephew, but he’s not. And you’re even planning on making him your heir," he said. "I’m not saying he’s a bad kid, but... you love him as if he were your own son. Is that because he’s a Dragon?"

I smiled. "What if it is because of that?"

He pressed his lips together and looked down. "Then... is that other kid with you also because he’s a Dragon?"

"Yes."

I was glad he hadn’t recognized Drac.

Davian fell silent again. From the main ballroom, the distant sounds of laughter and music drifted toward us.

"You didn’t dance with anyone," I noted, breaking the quiet.

"I don’t want to dance with anyone except the girl I like," he said bluntly, making me chuckle.

"What if she wants to dance with others?" I asked, and noticed the muscle in his jaw twitch.

Wow. Even the thought of it made him angry.

"All right," I said with amusement, "but I do hope you’ll introduce us. I promise I won’t steal her away, but I’d like to be acquainted with the future Grand Duchess of the kingdom."

He glanced at me. "You know her."

My eyebrows lifted. "I do?"

He nodded.

"Who is she?"

"Haven’t you found her yet?" he asked with a smirk.

I laughed. "All right. I’ll find her myself."

He smiled and looked up at the sky.

"Besides, I’ve been wondering—if you don’t know about Kai’s origins, then how come you know his birthday?" he asked.

"I don’t," I said, turning toward him. "We decided that the day I found him would be celebrated as his birthday."

Davian smiled. "Kai is quite lucky to have a parent like you."

I smiled softly. "Every child is lucky who has parents that cherish them, Your Highness." My gaze wandered upward again before something darker passed through my mind. I added quietly, "But there are some who are unfortunate enough to have parents... and yet are never loved."

I could feel Davian’s eyes on me just before the doors behind us opened and Silas stepped out.

"I hope I’m not interrupting a serious conversation," he said blandly, making my lips twitch. Before either of us could answer, he added, "Are you planning to stay out here all night? Kai’s looking for you."

I chuckled and got down from the balustrade.

"Come, Your Highness. Let’s enjoy the party," I said as I extended my hand to Davian.

He studied me for a moment, then smiled and placed his hand in mine.

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