The Kingmaker System

"So... will you tell me now why Prince Davian is keeping an eye on this estate, Reina?" Silas asked, his voice casual but his gaze sharp as ever.

I sighed, unsurprised that he sensed Davian lurking around.

"I’ve never asked him to do that. I don’t even know why he’s here," I lied smoothly.

I couldn’t possibly tell my family that the future Grand Duke was stalking me—or worse, that he was in love with me. That kind of revelation wouldn’t just stir trouble... it would start an all-out armageddon.

I didn’t entertain the topic further and instead turned on my heel toward the mansion.

"Please come inside," I said, my tone more serious. "There’s something important we need to discuss."

Silas didn’t press further, simply falling in step behind me.

We walked in silence all the way to the library. Tobias met us there with a quiet bow, serving tea and refreshments before I gestured for privacy. Once the door closed behind him, we sat opposite one another—just like old times—at the familiar chess table near the tall bookshelves away from the windows.

The pieces were arranged. The game began.

For several minutes, neither of us spoke. The soft click of porcelain cups and the steady sounds of chess pieces being moved filled the air.

Silas finally broke the silence with a sigh. "What is this about?"