The Kingmaker System

The evening settled over the land in hues of deep indigo and warm amber, the air carrying the quiet hum of nocturnal life awakening. I lay in my bed, exhaling a slow, satisfied sigh. The weight of the day pressed against me—not as exhaustion, but as a sense of fulfillment.

"Are you tired, Master?" Lyall’s voice broke the silence, his gaze sharp yet gentle as he stood near my bedside.

I turned to look at him, his ever-composed expression waiting patiently for my answer.

"No," I murmured, stretching slightly. "I’m just... satisfied. For now."

A soft hoot sounded beside me as Nox, my loyal owl, ruffled his feathers. He sat perched near my pillow, his electric blue eyes gleaming with quiet affection. I reached out, running my fingers along his downy plumage, feeling the warmth beneath. He leaned into my touch, preening contentedly under my palm.

It had taken time, but the issue with Denril was finally resolved. With that burden lifted, I could return home, anticipating my brother’s arrival for my debutante ball. For a while, at least, things could be normal. I would remain in Sestia, watching over the kingdom until the day came for Eric’s coronation.

I sighed, my fingers stilling over Nox’s feathers as my thoughts drifted elsewhere.

I still wondered to what extent the thing about people praying to me would go.

I had bestowed my blessing only over Drac and Kai till now but there was even Cesio now who had also received a blessing from a Golden Dragon?

But wait, how was that possible?

I frowned, sitting up slightly. The Golden Dragon and the Saintess had sacrificed themselves long ago to seal the gate to the Demon World. Their existence should have ended in that final act. And yet, Cesio had described his benefactor’s presence as golden, warm, and overwhelming, the very same way I recalled it from four years ago.