The Kingmaker System
Chapter 289 - 288. The Night Beckons (1)

Chapter 289: 288. The Night Beckons (1)

I had Damon proceed with Plan B. For it to succeed, we needed the King’s authority, along with the evidence we had painstakingly gathered to expose the wrongdoings of the Temple’s corrupt officials. These reports were meticulously compiled to ensure their authenticity when presented as official documentation.

Ideally, I wanted the perpetrators to confess their crimes publicly, preserving what little dignity remained of the Temple. But with the demon now having taken the mastermind behind the corruption, I had no choice but to shift strategies.

Seated in front of Damon in his carriage, I watched as the city streets blurred past us. He was carrying the evidence needed to bring the truth before the King.

"I shall present this during today’s audience," Damon said, his tone confident.

I nodded in acknowledgment. "Good. And have you heard anything about Zale?"

Damon hesitated before replying. "Some officials mentioned that he left the palace for a vacation. No one seems to know his exact whereabouts."

"Just up and left like that?" I frowned, suspicion prickling at the back of my mind.

"He might’ve bribed those who know to keep quiet," Damon suggested.

I shook my head. "He’s sharper than that. He knows I’ll hunt him down no matter what. This feels deliberate—like he’s waiting for the right moment to make his move. For now, I’ll just have to wait until he slips up."

Damon shifted slightly in his seat, his expression contemplative. "How is the Saint?" he asked suddenly.

I turned to him, mildly surprised. This was the first time he had inquired about the Saint despite being aware that I had him in my custody.

"He’s fine," I replied. "But I need to find Zale and put an end to this mess before we return."

"Return?" Damon repeated, his brows furrowing as he looked at me. "May I ask where?"

"Home," I said simply.

His lips twitched as though he wanted to say more but refrained. Instead, he studied me in silence while I glanced out the window. The palace’s towering spires were now visible, cutting into the horizon like jagged blades.

"We’re almost there," I remarked. "I’ll leave now. Make sure you handle everything with the same efficiency as the last meeting. And don’t forget to highlight Asher’s contributions."

Damon inclined his head slightly. "Yes, Master."

I rapped twice on the roof of the carriage, signaling the coachman to stop. The vehicle slowed, and I climbed out onto the cobblestone street. Damon leaned out, his sharp gaze following me.

"Be as good as you were last time," I reminded him.

"I will," he said with quiet confidence.

Satisfied, I stepped back as the carriage resumed its journey toward the palace. The wheels clattered against the stones, carrying Damon and our carefully prepared evidence toward what I hoped would be the beginning of the end.

I flew back to the inn where the Saint was staying. Over the past few days, the curse had shown no signs of worsening since I had linked my life energy to his. He remained stable in his childlike form, spending most of his time confined to his room, where his world was limited to eating, reading, and sleeping.

I knew it wasn’t ideal for him to stay cooped up like this, but the risk of exposing his face to the outside world was too great.

As I landed near the entrance, I spotted Lyall on the stairs. He paused when he saw me, bowing with his usual politeness.

"Welcome back, Master," he said.

"How’s the child? Did he eat?" I asked without preamble.

"Yes, Master," he replied with a nod.

I returned the gesture, my mind already turning over a thought that had been nagging at me for a while. Perhaps I could take the child out for some fresh air. He needed sunlight, even if only for a short while.

"Is something the matter, Master?" Lyall asked, breaking into my thoughts.

I looked at him, then posed the question weighing on my mind. "Do you think I should take the child outside for a walk or something?"

Lyall blinked, surprised by the suggestion. "Pardon? But... wouldn’t he be recognized?"

"What if I change his appearance?" I countered.

He fell silent, considering the idea. "If he’s disguised, then it should be fine. But... the atmosphere is still tense outside because of the plague spreading at the borders."

"I’m aware," I said, frowning. "Still, I can’t keep him locked up in his room forever. He needs sunlight and fresh air."

Lyall nodded, a hint of understanding in his expression. "Then why not take him out at night? He’s still wary of crowds, so the quiet of night might be more suitable."

I considered his suggestion and found it reasonable. "That’s a good thought. Thanks, Lyall."

He smiled warmly. "I’m glad to be of aid, Master."

I patted his shoulder twice in silent acknowledgment before brushing past him and heading upstairs. The child deserved a moment of freedom, even if it was beneath the cloak of night.

I went up to his room and knocked softly, twice. "It’s me, child," I called out.

"Yes!" came his cheerful reply.

I opened the door to find him standing by his bed, his face alight with an adorable smile. Two books and scattered papers lay on the bed, evidence of his new hobby—studying.

"How are your studies going?" I asked, glancing at the mess with amusement.

"I-I’m learning about history," he said, a touch of pride in his voice.

"Good," I replied warmly, scooping him up into my arms and setting him gently on the bed. Then, I sat down beside him.

"Say, child. Would you like to go out?" I asked.

His eyes widened in surprise, excitement flickering across his face before hesitance clouded it.

"B-But... they’ll know it’s me," he murmured, his voice soft and unsure.

"Don’t worry," I assured him. "I’ll give you a disguise device. And we’ll go out at night when no one will see you. How does that sound?"

His face lit up with anticipation, the answer practically glowing in his eyes.

"Yes!" he exclaimed.

I chuckled and ruffled his hair, earning a soft giggle in return.

Later that night, I handed him a simple ear stud with a yellow stone. He held it carefully, staring at it as though it held the key to a new world.

"Um..." he hesitated, looking up at me for guidance.

I took the device from his hand and attached it to his tunic, knowing his unpierced ears made this the only practical spot. The moment it clipped into place, his appearance shifted.

"Wow..." he breathed, his reflection in the mirror captivating him. His once dark hair shimmered golden, and his bright blue eyes seemed to radiate curiosity. He ran his small fingers through his transformed locks.

"Th-This is miraculous," he beamed, his excitement infectious.

I smiled. "I use these whenever I go on missions."

"Do you go on missions often?" he asked, tilting his head.

"Only when necessary," I replied, lifting him into my arms.

The inn was silent as I carried him out, my footsteps the only sound on the wooden floorboards. Outside, the slums were alive with whispers of activity. A few dogs roamed the streets, and small groups of people huddled around fires to fend off the biting cold.

Their eyes followed us as we passed, but they said nothing. I gently set the child down, and he looked around, the night breeze brushing against him like a welcoming touch.

He took in the closed stores and the scattered souls eking out their lives. "It’s busier during the day," I explained.

"More people?" he asked, curiosity lighting his expression.

"Yes," I said, nodding. "They sell delicious food and all kinds of things."

His eyes sparkled at the mention of food, but the silent streets held little else to entertain him. I decided to show him something far more magical.

"Say, child," I said, crouching to his level. "Would you like to see the city from the sky?"

His eyes widened. "What?"

I grinned, scooping him up effortlessly. "Hold on tight," I instructed.

As he clung to me, I unfurled my invisible wings. With a powerful flap, we were airborne, the wind rushing past us in exhilarating gusts.

The child gasped, burying his face in my neck. I chuckled softly, soaring higher until the city sprawled beneath us like a sleeping giant.

"Look," I said, and he hesitantly lifted his head, peeking over my shoulder.

Below, the faint glow of lanterns dotted the streets, while the rest of the city slumbered in serene darkness. His wonder-filled eyes reflected the quiet beauty of the world below.

"It’s... amazing," he whispered, awe lacing his words.

I flapped my wings, carrying us in a gentle arc over the rooftops. His gaze drank in every detail, from the twinkling lights to the distant silhouettes of hills.

We drifted toward the grand palace, its imposing structure gleaming faintly in the moonlight.

"That’s the palace where the King lives," I said, pointing to the towering architecture.

"It’s... so big," he murmured, his voice filled with amazement.

After some time, we flew back, our path guided by the shimmering stars and the waxing moon. The child had fallen asleep in my arms during the journey, his small frame warm and peaceful against me.

Back at the inn, I tucked him into bed, brushing a lock of hair from his face. His features were serene, free from the burdens that had once weighed so heavily on him.

Satisfied, I turned and quietly left the room, my footsteps soft against the floorboards.