The Kingmaker System

Having no choice, I returned to the slums where Lyall was stationed. The window to his room was slightly ajar, making my entry quiet but swift. As soon as I landed inside, the cold edge of a blade pressed against my throat.

Lyall, standing in a rigid stance, looked like a cornered predator ready to pounce. His eyes widened in shock as he recognized me.

"M-Master?" he gasped, stumbling back and hastily lowering his sword, his face turning ghostly pale.

"Your reflexes are great as always," I remarked, brushing my fingers over the unscathed skin of my neck, my tone dripping with nonchalance.

"I-I’m sorry, Master! You startled me." He looked genuinely panicked. "What brings you here so late?"

"I was planning to investigate the royal palace for clues," I said, strolling over to the cluttered desk illuminated by the soft, flickering glow of a burning oil lamp. "But they’ve got a mana-canceling dome around the entire place."

"The entire palace?" Lyall repeated, his voice rising in disbelief. "That would require a fortune in mana-canceling alloy."

I nodded. "Exactly. Whoever’s behind this isn’t sparing any expense to keep their secrets buried. Which makes those secrets all the more valuable."

I picked up a paper from his desk, my eyes settling on a sketch of the royal insignia. A large tree with bright red fruits stood proudly at its center. My brow furrowed. Something was... off.

Lyall noticed my expression. "But why go to such extremes? The cost alone—"

"They might be using the royals as a front," I said, cutting him off. "It’s a distraction, Lyall. Look at this." I handed him the paper.