Chapter 410 - 409. Two Can Play This Game (1)
I had to stay the night at Ryujin since Kai had cried himself to sleep, curled into my side like a kitten clinging to warmth, and I hadn’t had the heart to move him. His small hands had balled up the fabric of my shirt, like he feared I’d vanish if he let go.
The next morning, I left for Slavenreach. There were matters I had to tend to, and though things between Kai and me were patched up, his punishment remained. He was still being sent to the Fairisles tomorrow. I’d already dispatched a letter to Grandfather with the final arrangements. Everything was in motion.
Besides, Rune was coming to meet Kai today. That, in itself, was something I couldn’t overlook. Kai was familiar with my father by now—comfortable, even—but he’d never met Rune. I didn’t want him to be blindsided by my brother’s sudden appearance.
When I returned to Ryujin from Slavenreach, I half-expected Rune to already be on his way. Instead, I was met with something else—an entourage I didn’t recognize.
I had teleported directly into my chambers, and from the windows overlooking the estate grounds, I saw unfamiliar horses in the stables and knights moving across the training yard. Their armor shimmered subtly under the overcast sky, the crests on their breastplates catching the light like a warning.
I narrowed my eyes. That wasn’t Rune’s escort.
Changing quickly, I dressed in my usual house wear—a navy-blue shirt tucked into tailored black slacks, polished black boots, and my mana-stone earstud to maintain Ocean’s form. I didn’t bother tying my hair up. Let them see me unbothered.
Then I made my way toward my study, senses sharpening with every step.
Voices drifted into the hallway the closer I got.
"I didn’t expect Master to have a son," someone said, tone dripping with disbelief.
"I’m not Master’s biological son," Kai’s voice replied—steady, but there was a tightness behind it.