The Kingmaker System-Chapter 438 - 437. Day Of Parade (2)

Roan’s face was visibly red as we walked through the bustling festival street. Just to tease him, I held his hand, and the erratic rhythm of his pulse was more than enough to tell me what was running through his head.

"We’re bound to run into familiar faces, Roan," I said with a mischievous smile. "If they see your red face, they’ll probably assume you finally managed to get yourself a woman."

He shot me a sharp glare. "Shift back to your male form!" he hissed under his breath, clearly mortified.

I shrugged with exaggerated innocence. "Isn’t it stranger to have two men strolling around the festival together? What’s the problem with this? Aren’t I beautiful?"

Tilting my head up, I gave him a sweet smile and fluttered my eyelashes for effect. His pulse spiked again—obviously.

"Stop that!" he groaned, averting his gaze. "I’d much rather walk around with a man than an eye-catching girl like you."

"That’s rude," I chided, trying not to laugh. Then I added with a sly grin, "Besides, would you prefer I strolled around as Reina instead?"

His face drained of color in an instant. He snapped his head toward me, wide-eyed. "What did I ever do wrong, Master? Why must you torture me like this?"

I burst into laughter and patted his back comfortingly. "I’m sorry, Roan," I said, still smiling.

The vibrant noise of the festival buzzed around us—colorful stalls lined the cobbled streets, laughter echoed from every corner, and flower petals drifted lazily through the air as children ran past, their hands sticky with sweets. Amidst all the festive chaos, Roan trudged beside me with the air of a man defeated—not by battle, but by embarrassment.

We wandered more casually after that, sampling street food and admiring the various attractions that decorated the lively festival grounds. The scent of roasted spices and sweet confections filled the air, mingling with the sound of music, laughter, and merchant shouts.

I could feel the weight of countless eyes following me wherever we went—unsurprising, really. In this form, Ocean was easily considered one of the most beautiful women present. Men gawped openly, and Roan, ever the vigilant aide, glared daggers at anyone who looked a second too long.

The parade had yet to reach this part of town, so we took our time enjoying ourselves. As expected, we ran into a few familiar faces—most recognized Roan, but not me.

Their eyes, filled with confusion and jealousy, flitted between him and the elegant woman on his arm. I simply played the part of a demure young lady accompanying him, smiling politely and saying little.

No one recognized me—no one except the Eldarf kids and Enora, that is. We passed a few of the children in scattered groups, all enjoying the festivities, until we finally came across Rowan, Sylvia, and Kai.

"Mr. Roan, that’s not fair! You get to see the festival with Master!" Rowan protested, puffing his cheeks.

"Don’t you have Young Master Kai with you?" Roan replied smugly, throwing a smirk in his direction while Kai and Sylvia stared at me with wide, glittering eyes and flushed cheeks.

"Why does Master look like that?" Rowan demanded, then gasped dramatically. "Did you beg Master to turn into a woman because you were too lonely to enjoy the festival alone?!"

That earned an almost-laugh from both me and Sylvia, though I quickly disguised it behind a hand.

Roan’s face flushed, but he refused to break character. With trembling resolve, he wrapped an arm around my shoulders and grinned smugly at the boy.

"Well, he did it of his own accord," Roan said. "Are you jealous that I get to spend the day with such a beautiful girl while you’re out here all alone?"

Rowan scoffed and pointed dramatically at Kai and Sylvia. "Don’t you see? We have a girl with us. And besides, Young Master Kai is also very beautiful."

Roan just kept smirking, which made Rowan scowl harder in defeat.

Then Kai stepped forward. His eyes flicked to Roan’s arm around my shoulders. Without a word, he reached out and gently took my hand in his, causing Roan to sigh in surrender and quietly remove his arm. Kai’s fingers curled softly around mine, protective and calm.

I smiled and patted his head affectionately. "Are you three enjoying yourselves?"

"Yes, Master!" Sylvia beamed, eyes bright. I patted her shoulder, careful not to disturb the cloak covering her head.

"Be careful while you’re out. If you run into any trouble, head straight back home. Understood?" I paused before adding pointedly, "Rowan?"

"Why am I the only one you’re warning?!" Rowan shouted, indignant.

Sylvia placed a gentle but firm hand on his shoulder, smiling sweetly—dangerously so.

"Rowan, didn’t we talk about this?" she said, her voice laced with a silent threat.

Rowan visibly paled, straightened up, and cleared his throat. "Yes, of course. I won’t cause any trouble."

"Good." I nodded with a satisfied smile, then turned to Kai.

"Have fun. I’ll see you tonight."

He gave a quiet nod, still holding my hand for a moment longer before letting go.

The children soon disappeared into the bustling crowd, and Roan and I continued on our way. It was somewhat reassuring that they were staying within Oasis—most people here were aware of my tendency to pick up strays or help those in need, so if the kids mentioned my name, it might give any potential troublemakers pause.

Still, part of me remained restless. A parent’s instinct never fully quiets, no matter how competent the children.

"Don’t worry about those kids, Master," Roan said, as if reading my thoughts. "They’re more than capable of turning this entire kingdom upside down."

I smiled, the tension in my chest easing just a little. "I know, right?"

A short while later, the sharp blare of horns echoed through the streets. Royal knights began moving through the crowd, instructing everyone to clear the way. The chariots were arriving.

People scattered with excitement, scrambling to the edges of the street to get a better view. Roan and I joined the wave, maneuvering to a good vantage point.

The cheering began in earnest, followed by a gentle rain of flower petals as the royal procession rolled into Oasis. The chariots came into view, gleaming under the sun. The crowd surged forward instinctively, hoping to catch a proper glimpse of the Princes.

Roan tightened his grip on my hand, steadying me against the push and pull of the crowd.

"Careful," he grunted, pulling me closer and wrapping an arm securely around my shoulders.

As the chariots rolled in, two figures standing tall inside them turned sharply—eyes locking straight onto us as if drawn by an unseen thread.

Eric’s eyes widened in open surprise, while Rune looked moments away from leaping out of the chariot and storming toward us. Davian, unbothered and regal as always, rode beside them on horseback instead of taking his place in the chariot.

Eric looked stunned. Rune... well, Rune’s expression promised trouble. His fury was palpable, his gaze fixed on Roan like he was already mentally preparing the punishment for touching his sister.

Davian, in contrast, gave us an uncharacteristically warm smile and even waved—a rare, disarming gesture from someone who didn’t like this.

Still, I raised my hand and, like the rest of the crowd, scattered flower petals in their direction. Eric responded with a hesitant smile.

Rune, however, smiled in return—but it was the kind of smile that made your blood run cold. If looks could kill, Roan would have been reduced to ashes right then and there.

All three of them looked so regal and striking as they passed by, I couldn’t help but admire the sheer presence they carried. Though, it did make me wonder—why wasn’t Davian in the chariot with the others?

As the procession continued, I noticed Davian catch a soft pink rose that had been thrown toward him. A chorus of delighted screams erupted from the girls nearby. But instead of tucking it away, Davian leaned over and handed it to someone.

I instinctively leaned forward, curious.

Who was it? Was it the lady whom he has a crush on?

But no matter how much I craned my neck, I couldn’t catch a glimpse of who had received the flower.

The procession behind the Princes followed shortly after. Rows of young noblemen and knights trailed behind the royal chariots, all high on their horses and basking in the crowd’s adoration.

I spotted Rune’s close friends among them, along with several young masters from families affiliated with mine. Their polished demeanor and composed grace made them almost unrecognizable from the awkward boys I remembered. They had grown into fine young men.

A small flicker of pride lit in me—knowing that I had, in some way, contributed to their growth.

As the parade gradually moved on, the crowd began to thin, voices buzzing with excitement over the handsome Princes and noble heirs.

Still distracted by the earlier mystery, I moved through the dispersing crowd, trying to spot the person Davian had handed the rose to—but with so many people and shifting faces, I had no luck.

Eventually, Roan and I found ourselves at the quieter town square. We settled on a bench, shaded by the surrounding trees and away from the noisy festivities.

Roan let out a long, theatrical groan and stretched his legs.

"I’m so tired..."

I chuckled, brushing a stray flower petal from my shoulder.

"Let me get you something to eat." I began to stand, but he caught my hand.

"No, it’s fine. Just sit here. I don’t want the headache of someone hitting on you again."

I laughed. "Really? Did you forget I can take care of myself?"

"You did say you didn’t want to cause a scene today. You know... your brother’s big parade?" he said with an arched brow.

I sighed and sank back down beside him. "Speaking of my brother... Roan."

He looked at me. "What?"

"I’ll pray for your soul’s peace."

He blinked. "What the hell?!"

I offered him a sympathetic smile. He narrowed his eyes at me, trying to figure it out—and then realization dawned.

"Wait. You’re not seriously suggesting the your brother will come after me just because I was holding you so you wouldn’t get trampled, are you?"

I gave a noncommittal shrug.

"Seriously?!" he shouted, looking mortified.

"Now, now, don’t be dramatic. My brother isn’t going to kill you. He might just... inflict a little pain."

"A little pain?" Roan repeated, unamused.

"Maybe a little more than that," I said with a teasing smile.

Roan groaned, slumping forward. "Will I at least get a day off if your brother breaks my limbs?"

I patted his shoulder sweetly. "Of course not. I’ll fix you right up—no day off needed."

He stared at me blankly, defeated.

Just then, my brooch began to glow faintly. I glanced down and quickly held it to my ear to avoid drawing attention.

"Yes?" I murmured.

"Master?!" Rowan’s voice came through, urgent and shaky.

"What is it?"

"Ma-Master... It’s Young Master Kai—he... he was taken by someone!"

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