The Kingmaker System-Chapter 466 - 465. A Tantrum Throwing Little Dragon (4)

The next morning, Damon had arranged a rather luxurious-looking carriage for our departure. His entire family had gathered to see us off, their presence warm despite the early hour.

"Please visit us again,"

"And please let Mr Ace and Lady Mirielle know that we would love to recieve them."

I thought Beatrice and Anastasia would make us stay over with the way they were gushing over us.

"See you later, Sol. Oh, I don’t want to let you go." Anastasia spoke as she looked at him and he flushed hiding his face on my shoulder as I carried him.

"Since Sol is so pretty I can only imagine how beautiful Mr Ace and Lady Mirielle’s son would be." Beatrice smiled dreamily.

"He’s quite adorable too," I equipped and the ladies beamed.

Well, everyone loved beautiful things.

After the farewells were exchanged, we stepped into the carriage. I settled into my seat with Sol beside me, while Davian and Damon sat across from us. The plush velvet cushions and polished wooden interiors offered a kind of comfort that made it all too easy to unwind.

"Are you perhaps tired from the journey, Mas—Marquis?" Damon asked, catching himself just in time before calling me Master.

Davian seemed to notice the slip. He glanced at Damon, then at me, before a playful smile tugged at his lips.

"Wasn’t your nap enough, Master?" he teased lightly, folding his arms.

Damon’s eyes widened. He looked between Davian and me, his expression flickering with uncertainty.

"I’m fine," I murmured, wrapping my arm gently around Sol and holding him close. The boy leaned into me without a word, his gaze fixed on the window as the landscape began to blur past.

Damon still looked a little perplexed, unsure of what he had just stepped into. Davian, ever the one to smooth over awkward silences, spoke again—this time with a hint of pride in his voice.

"Don’t be so harried about it, Your Grace," he said, tone casual but sincere. "Marquis Ocean Ryujin is a Master to many—including myself. Call it an endearment, or perhaps a mark of respect, but we address him that way because we choose to."

I rested my chin in my palm, half-listening as I watched Sol’s reflection in the glass. His eyes were wide with wonder as he stared out at the passing scenery—rolling hills, flickering shadows of trees, the golden morning sun cutting across the road in long shafts of light.

Damon didn’t respond after that, and the carriage settled into a calm quiet.

I closed my eyes, letting the rhythm of the wheels on the road lull me into a half-doze. It was strange, really—how often I found myself sleepy these days.

I woke with a start when the carriage jolted to a halt. Davian looked at me with an amused smile.

"We’re here."

I gave a small nod and stepped down, carrying Sol in my arms.

"You don’t have to carry me all the time," he muttered, though he made no real effort to wriggle free.

"Just bear with it," I replied, adjusting my grip. "You’re too small to keep up with us long-legged people."

He scowled at that, and I chuckled.

"And don’t scowl like that. Your face is cute—so smile."

He rolled his eyes in classic Sol fashion, but a hint of color rose to his cheeks.

We were welcomed warmly at the estate and soon escorted to the palace where the guests were being housed. I expected to run into my father, my brother, or perhaps even my grandfather, but the corridors remained notably quiet.

"Aren’t the rest of the guests around?" I asked the Count who was escorting us.

"Pardon? No, Prince Rune and his family are currently visiting Duchess Konstantinos, and Prince Eric is out training with His Highness Arian," he informed us.

I nodded in understanding as we continued walking. He led us first to Davian’s room, and then to mine. Once we stopped outside the door, he hesitated, glancing awkwardly at Sol beside me. It was clear from his expression that Sol hadn’t been accounted for in the guest arrangements.

"It’s fine," I said before he could ask. I placed a hand lightly on Sol’s back. "He’ll stay with me. He’s my nephew."

The Count’s expression relaxed and he smiled politely. "I understand. Your luggage has already been delivered to your quarters. I shall send the maids to assist you in preparing for the ball."

With a courteous bow, he added, "I’ll take my leave, then."

I nodded before turning the handle and stepping into the room. The door opened to reveal a grand, luxuriously adorned space—ornate wallpaper, chandeliers dripping with crystal, and velvet drapes framing tall windows.

I placed Sol down once we were inside. He wandered a little, his eyes wide as he took in the grandeur around him.

"Are all rooms in the human world like this?" he asked, genuinely curious.

I let out a small laugh as I began removing my accessories and coat. "Depends on how much money you have."

He hummed in response, still distracted by the opulence.

"The ball is tonight," I said casually, glancing over my shoulder.

"So?" he replied, turning toward me.

"So, you’re going with me."

He gave me a sharp look. "What?"

"I can’t leave you alone here," I replied matter-of-factly. "So we’ll go together."

He frowned, but I didn’t waver. I crossed the room and stood in front of him, my tone softening.

"I brought you along so you wouldn’t have to suffer alone because of that curse. Just stay by my side. I’ll protect you—and I’ll make sure you never have to be in pain again."

For a second, his golden eyes locked with mine. I could’ve sworn I saw them glisten, the faintest trace of emotion stirring behind them—just for a heartbeat—before he quickly looked away.

"D-Do as you like," he mumbled.

A smile curved at my lips.

"But..." he hesitated, glancing down at himself. "I don’t have anything to wear to a ball."

I chuckled. "Don’t worry about that. I’ve already prepared everything."

The maids arrived a few minutes later, all grace and hushed voices. They set about preparing a warm bath for me, laying out silken towels and glass bottles filled with fragrant oils. I waved them off gently with a word.

"You may wait outside. I’ll handle it myself."

Once the door clicked shut behind them, I undressed and sank into the water, letting the warmth ease the fatigue in my limbs. I hadn’t realized how heavy my body felt until I allowed myself this moment of stillness.

When I stepped out, the maids returned and swiftly dried and dressed me. Layers of smooth fabric brushed against my skin—black as midnight, trimmed with intricate silver embroidery, and adorned with gleaming sapphires that shimmered like starlight. The coat they draped over my shoulders was a deep navy, its weight regal yet comforting. The finishing touches—crystal embellishments and a delicate brooch bearing the Ryujin crest—reflected my station without boasting it. Underneath the glow of the chandeliers, the entire ensemble radiated a quiet, commanding elegance. I had kept my black mask on which had beautiful blue engravings of a wavy Dragon.

Meanwhile, Sol was being tended by a pair of maids bathed and helped him change. I had anticipated that he would be joining me, so I had arranged everything in advance—his outfit had traveled with the rest of our belongings.

He appeared not long after I was ready, hesitantly stepping into my room. I turned toward the door just as he peeked in.

His golden hair had been gently combed, a few soft strands curling slightly at the ends. He wore a tailored formal outfit in crisp white, trimmed with navy and gold, the design elegant yet playful—befitting his age and bearing. The jacket he wore mirrored mine with silver patterns and royal blue accents running down its front, and his short trousers paired neatly with long white socks decorated with delicate embroidery.

Sol stood there silently for a moment, red eyes wide. "Where... did these clothes come from?"

I arched a brow feeling the temptation to tease him a bit. "Seamstress, of course."

"They match yours," he pointed out, gaze narrowing in suspicion.

I only smiled. "Naturally. Did you think I’d let you walk in there looking like a common tagalong?"

He continued staring at me, the corner of his mouth twitching. "You knew I would come along!"

I smirked, "I had a feeling so, I just prepared it ahead of time."

"You-You are impossible!" He almost shouted looking flustered while the maids who looked between us seemed amused.

"And you look handsome," I said smoothly. "Now come here, let me adjust this over you." I said holding up a communication brooch.

He pouted slightly but walked over, his footsteps light on the carpet. I could see the faintest hint of a blush on his cheeks, though he tried his best to hide it behind that familiar scowl. I got on my knees watching the maid step forth as if to do it in my stead but I smiled bringing my hand up and she nodded stepping back.

I hooked the brooch on his cravat gently, "If there’s any problem at all and I’m not around, hold this brooch and call for me. Do you understand?"

He humphed and I smiled patting his shoulders once before I stood up.

"Anyways, let’s get moving now, shall we?" I asked as I gave him my hand and he begrudgingly took it.

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