Chapter 25 The Demon Hides in Plain Sight
"I’ve never seen a baby who could do all of those..." The first maid glanced around to make sure no one was listening. Seeing the hallway empty, she leaned closer. "...Could he be possessed by a demon?"
The second maid gasped and quickly stepped back. "Mind your words. Are you tired of living? If someone hears you say that, especially the Empress, you’ll disappear before nightfall," she whispered the last part.
"But think about it," the first maid whispered. "He reads like a scholar. Talks like a noble. His eyes... they’re too knowing for a child."
"Or maybe he’s just blessed," the second maid snapped. "The nobles sometimes produce gifted children. We’re in a palace, not a haunted temple."
Kaelith, still surrounded by books, let out a quiet sigh. Of course, he heard every word; his senses had always been sharper than normal. Their suspicion didn’t offend him; It was fair, considering how strange he must seem to them. But it also reminded him of just how exposed he was here. No matter how quiet he stayed, his very existence was starting to attract whispers.
He picked up another book and flipped through the pages slowly, eyes narrowing. ’This is pointless. I’m trying to rebuild a fortress using sticks. These books are nothing but fluff.’
"What’s the point of being reborn if I’m shackled like this?" He muttered under his breath.
He closed the book gently and stood. His little legs wobbled for a second before finding their strength. He looked around the shelves, annoyed. His mana stream remained sealed, his body still too weak, and time was slipping away. If he didn’t act soon, someone else would make the next move.
Behind him, the maids panicked as he began dragging a heavy stool toward the top shelf.
"What are you doing, young master?" one of them rushed forward.
"I’m not finished," he said without looking back.