The Kingmaker System-Chapter 455 - 454. Liar (4)

I walked toward my father, who had been speaking with Lyall and Asher.

As soon as they saw me approaching, both Lyall and Asher straightened up and bowed in unison.

"My Lady," they greeted respectfully.

Father turned to me with a warm smile. "Reina, did you come to see us off?"

"Yes," I replied with a gentle smile of my own, "and also to give you this."

From the folds of my sleeve, I pulled out a pastel pink handkerchief, its edges embroidered with delicate purple roses. In one corner, the initials S. A. had been stitched in silver thread.

"These are initials for Serene and Arthur." I spoke pointing at the initials.

Father stared at it for a long moment, his eyes softening as silence passed between us. Then, slowly, his gaze grew misty.

"I thought of how much you love roses," I said as I stepped closer, gently placing a hand on his arm. "So I embroidered them for you."

He blinked quickly, trying to dispel the emotion pooling in his eyes. "You... embroidered it yourself?" he asked, his voice thick.

"Yes," I nodded, smiling up at him. "And if you cry now, I’ll feel bad."

"I’m not crying," he sniffled, shaking his head, even as his voice betrayed him. "I’m just... so touched by your thoughtfulness, Reina. How did I get blessed with such a beautiful and clever daughter?"

He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close into a warm embrace. I chuckled softly, sinking into the comforting hold.

"I guess I got that side from you," I whispered, and he laughed, still holding me tightly as if he didn’t want to let go.

After a few seconds, he stepped back and looked at me more seriously.

"Reina, you’re going to be home alone," he said, voice low with concern, "so don’t do anything reckless. And if someone angers you,"—he leaned in, lowering his voice to a whisper—"just get rid of them in secret like always."

He made it sound like I went around disposing of people casually. Well... he wasn’t entirely wrong. It was almost becoming a normal thing to hear him encourage subtle eliminations of nuisances.

"All right," I replied with a composed smile, and he patted my head affectionately.

"And if you feel lonely here," he added, "invite Kai to live with you for a while."

I nodded. "Sure."

"And don’t stay out late at night. Don’t overwork yourself either." He was piling up instructions like a father seeing off his daughter for the first time.

"I understand, Father," I said patiently.

"And don’t skip meals. Take care of your health."

"I got it," I said with a soft sigh.

He looked at me with those glistening, sentimental eyes. "Usually it’s you who’s always traveling away from home... but now, I’m the one leaving. And Rune too. I feel like we’re leaving you behind."

I smiled gently. "Don’t worry. It won’t be for long anyway."

"Promise me you’ll take care of yourself," he said, holding out his hand.

I took his hand in both of mine and nodded. "I will, Father. But you need to promise me too—take care of yourself and Big Brother. If anything dangerous comes up, let Lyall and Sir Asher handle it. They’re more than capable."

He nodded, placing a warm hand against my cheek. "Don’t get into any trouble while we’re gone, all right?"

I resisted the urge to glance sideways—considering that familiar aura still lingered faintly nearby, I may have already broken that one.

"I’ll try," I said honestly.

He chuckled and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.

"It’s impossible for Reina to stay out of trouble though," Rune said as he approached and casually wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

"What exactly do you mean, Brother?" I asked, pouting up at him.

He smiled, clearly enjoying himself. "Don’t be mad, Sister. What I mean is... wherever you go, it’s either that you pick up strays or trouble finds you first."

I jabbed my fingers into his side—hard enough to make him grunt.

"Ow—! Okay, okay, that was fair!"

"Rune, don’t bully my little Reina," Father scolded gently from beside us.

Rune gave him a playful pout, rubbing his side in mock pain while I couldn’t help but smile. Just standing there between them—my brother being annoying as ever and Father defending me like always—gave me a strange sense of peace.

It felt good... this rare moment of lightheartedness before we all had to go our separate ways.

"Your Grace, Young Duke, all the preparations are complete. We are ready to depart," Lyall announced, his voice steady and respectful.

My father and brother turned to me almost in unison, their expressions softening.

"Reina, are you sure you won’t come along?" Rune asked, his brows furrowed ever so slightly.

"It’ll be fun for all of us to travel together," Father added, his tone hopeful.

I sighed, heart tugged a little by their wistful faces.

"I would’ve gone if it were possible," I said gently, "but I have work to take care of—I truly can’t leave right now."

Their expressions dimmed, a look of mild disappointment settling in.

Before the guilt could sink deeper into me, Eric and Grandfather approached from the side. Grandfather raised a brow as he looked at the two men beside me.

"Are you planning on sulking here all day because she can’t come with you?" he asked dryly, glancing between my father and Rune with pointed amusement.

They both looked at me again—this time with exaggerated, pleading puppy eyes that almost made me laugh.

"Don’t make it harder for her," Grandfather scolded, not unkindly.

The faint ripple of mana brushed past me, subtle yet familiar. I turned just in time to see Silas materialize beside us.

"Am I late?" he asked, his voice calm as his gaze swept across the group.

Grandfather’s sharp eyes narrowed, his tone dry and unimpressed. "Why bother coming at all if you can’t keep to the time?"

"I didn’t come here for you," Silas replied evenly, not even sparing him a glance as he walked over to us.

Once in front of us, he opened the polished wooden box he carried. Inside lay four sleek bracelets, each made of dark, burnished metal laced with intricate engravings that shimmered faintly with enchantments.

"What’s this, Uncle?" Rune asked, leaning in to take a closer look.

"Reina asked me to make them a while ago," Silas said, picking one up between his fingers.

"These bracelets are enchanted with high-tier defense spells. If someone attacks you, a barrier will deploy instantly." As he spoke, he tapped the bracelet and a translucent dome formed around us, refracting light in a crystal-like hue.

"The dome reflects incoming attacks," he added, casting a brief glance toward Father, "so even if you can’t fight back, you’ll still be safe."

"That’s a useful enhancement, Uncle," I chimed in, raising a brow. "But I don’t recall telling you to add that line about not being able to fight. I specifically said it was meant to cover more ground and protect more people."

Silas nodded once, conceding without argument, and continued, "Each bracelet also contains a teleportation enchantment. If you’re ever cornered, you’ll be instantly transported to a secure location, and Reina will be notified of both your status and location."

He gently lowered the bracelet back into the box and held it out.

"Take one each."

Eric hesitated slightly. "Is this one for me as well?"

I nodded. "Yes. For you, Big Brother Rune, Father, and Grandfather."

One by one, they reached for the bracelets. Each man turned it over in his hands, studying the design and weight of it with care.

Rune raised a brow, smiling. "Not that we’ll need this, but it’s a thoughtful gift, Reina. I was already touched by the handkerchief—you’re really going above and beyond today."

"It’s just a precaution," I said simply, shrugging off the sentiment, though a warmth bloomed in my chest.

"All right then," Grandfather said, straightening his coat. "Time for us to move."

Though his voice was firm, I could see the reluctance in both Father and Rune’s eyes.

Father was the first to step forward. He pulled me into a tight, lingering hug, holding on as if memorizing my warmth. Then came Rune, who squeezed me a bit too hard and muttered something about me keeping my nose out of trouble while he was away.

Grandfather gave me a quick, awkward hug—brief, but still meaningful in his own stiff way. And finally, Eric approached with his usual gentle smile and placed a hand on my head.

"Take care of yourself, Reina," he said softly.

I nodded, watching them one by one as they turned and headed toward their respective carriages. The sound of hooves, the rustle of cloaks, and the low murmur of the entourage preparing to depart filled the air.

Lyall and Asher lingered behind as the entourage prepared to depart, and I made my way toward Lyall first.

"Your spar with Prince Davian will happen after you return," I said calmly. "So don’t worry—the punishment will also be waiting for you when you come back."

He lowered his head, guilt etched in every line of his face. "I’m sorry, Master."

I placed a hand on his shoulder, steady and reassuring. "Just make sure to protect my father and brother. That’s the only thing I want right now."

He raised a hand to his heart, expression firm. "I shall lay down my life for them."

A smile touched my lips. "Return safely."

Then I turned to Asher, who stood nearby looking like he was barely holding himself together. I could see the sheen in his eyes, the way his jaw tensed with suppressed emotion. It had been years since he’d seen his family—the very people who once scorned him, now welcoming him back with open arms. I could imagine how tangled his thoughts must be.

"Have fun, Asher," I said gently. "And give my regards to your family from Lord Ace D’Arc."

He gave a small bow. "I understand, Master."

"And if they ask how my wife and son are," I continued with a light smile, "tell them they’re well."

He chuckled softly. "How can you lie so brazenly, Master?"

I lifted a shoulder. "It’s become second nature now. If not for a lie then my empire wouldn’t exactly exist."

He smiled, though it held a touch of sadness. "But even that lie brought us all home, Master. I hope someday you find the one to whom you’ll never have to lie."

I exhaled slowly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I hope not."

He gave a soft laugh, and I patted his shoulder.

"Catch up and have a lot of fun with your niece and nephew, all right?"

He nodded. "You too, take care of yourself, Master. And please let Young Master Kai know—I’ll bring him back a good souvenir."

I arched a brow. "What about me? And Rose?"

He laughed, shyly rubbing the back of his neck. "You too, of course."

"Mm-hm. Thought so. Now go."

He nodded, mounting his horse in one smooth movement.

"Take care and have a safe journey," I called as the entourage began to roll out through the estate gates, the banners billowing proudly in the morning breeze.

Silas walked up beside me, hands clasped behind his back.

As the wheels faded into the distance and the dust began to settle, he spoke casually—

"So... will you tell me now why Prince Davian is keeping an eye on this estate, Reina?"

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