The Kingmaker System
Chapter 313 - 312. Time Of Normalcy (2)

Chapter 313: 312. Time Of Normalcy (2)

The sun cast a golden glow over the lush garden of Ryujin Mansion, its light filtering through the leaves of the ancient trees that swayed gently in the warm breeze. The scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers mixed with the aroma of tea as Lyall carefully poured it into delicate porcelain cups, the liquid steaming in the cool afternoon air.

Kate sat on a checkered blanket, chatting softly with Kai, who was nestled close to me, his small hands gripping the hem of my coat as if seeking reassurance. His golden eyes flickered between Kate and me, responding to her questions with shy nods while occasionally glancing up at me for silent approval. I ruffled his soft hair absentmindedly, my fingers threading through the silky strands as I listened to my father’s voice.

"Your—" Dad started, his deep voice thoughtful, "Archmage and Marquis Fairisles were here, right?"

I lifted my gaze to him and nodded, reaching for my cup of tea. The warmth seeped into my hands as I took a sip.

"Is there something wrong?" he asked, his sharp eyes watching me carefully.

"No," I replied, setting my cup down with a quiet clink. "They just wanted to hear the reports about what happened in Denril."

A thoughtful hum escaped him as he glanced toward the estate, as if recalling something. Meanwhile, the wind picked up slightly, rustling the leaves overhead and sending a few stray petals from the flower bushes dancing across the grass. The atmosphere was peaceful, yet my mind lingered on a certain absence.

I turned to Lyall, who was standing beside the picnic setup, his posture relaxed yet attentive.

"Where’s Asher?" I asked.

"Mrs. Jones took him to town for some shopping," he answered, his tone neutral.

I hummed in acknowledgment, my gaze flickering over to where Kate, Kai, and my father were now engaged in a quiet discussion about the mansion’s garden. The faint sound of Kate’s laughter blended with the rustling of the trees, creating a serene background melody.

"How’s he so far?" I continued, my voice softer now.

Lyall took a moment before answering. "He took a tour of the mansion early in the morning and then trained with the others."

I narrowed my eyes slightly, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. "Anything suspicious?"

Lyall shook his head. "He’s seen how many people here could take him out on one bad move, so I guess he’s not going to do anything anytime soon."

I nodded, though I wasn’t entirely convinced. There was a calculating side to Asher, and I didn’t doubt he was biding his time, weighing his options.

Lyall’s gaze lingered on me before he finally asked, "Why did you bring him along, Master?"

I sighed, leaning back against the sturdy trunk of a tree, feeling its rough bark against my back. The wind carried the faint scent of tea and wildflowers as I closed my eyes briefly.

"I offered to take him in, so when he made a decision, I couldn’t ignore it," I murmured. "Besides... he knows I’m Reina. And he’s especially pissed because I fooled him."

Lyall’s eyebrows shot up slightly at that revelation, but he said nothing. I shifted, letting the breeze dance over my skin, carrying the sounds of distant birds and the soft rustling of fabric as my father adjusted his sitting position.

"It’d be a waste if he’s vindictive," I continued, my voice quieter now. "I wanted a man with his potential around."

I let my head rest against the tree, the sun’s warmth seeping into my skin, lulling me into a state of drowsiness. The distant chatter of my companions became a soft hum in the background, their voices dipping into whispers so as not to disturb me. The rhythmic sway of the leaves overhead and the occasional brush of wind against my face were the last sensations I registered before sleep gently pulled me under.

The warmth of the sunlight still lingered on my skin, and the muffled voices of Kate and Kai became distant, like echoes carried away by the wind. The soft rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of birds blended into a soothing lull, coaxing me into sleep.

At some point, I felt movement nearby. The gentle shift of fabric, the barely audible clink of a teacup being set down—small, familiar sounds that told me my father and Lyall were still there.

"Mr. Lyall?" My father’s voice, low and steady, broke the comfortable silence.

Lyall responded immediately, his tone polite yet unwavering. "Yes, My Lord?"

A pause.

"Re—Lord Ocean... Was he hurt while he was there?"

The subtle tension in the air was impossible to miss. Even with my eyes closed, I could sense the hesitation that followed.

"...Yes," Lyall finally admitted.

A sharp inhale. My father’s grip on his teacup must have tightened slightly because I heard the faintest creak of porcelain under pressure.

"How hurt was he?" His voice was softer now, but the weight behind it hadn’t lessened.

Lyall hesitated again. "I... I apologize, but I have no idea. Master ordered me to leave immediately—that’s why I failed to protect him."

Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken thoughts.

I had given that order for a reason. It wasn’t his fault.

"The strong people have so many responsibilities..." My father murmured, almost to himself. His voice carried a quiet ache that settled deep in my chest.

"Indeed," Lyall responded, his tone unreadable.

The conversation lulled after that, the silence between them no longer heavy but thoughtful. The gentle clinking of a spoon against ceramic signaled my father stirring his tea, though he didn’t take a sip.

A few moments later, his voice broke the quiet again.

"Your daughter is quite cheerful. She’s eleven years old, right? Lord Ocean told me."

"Yes, My Lord."

"Does she cry and ask for things from you?"

Lyall let out a soft chuckle. "Sometimes, but Master has already provided us with everything, so she doesn’t need more than what she already has."

Dad sighed, a sound filled with something close to regret. "He’s busy playing guardian to so many people that he forgot he has his own life as well."

A dull sting settled in my chest, but I remained still.

"I don’t think so, My Lord," Lyall said, his voice firmer this time. "I can understand that you want Master to have a normal life, but normalcy would be monotonous for her. She is meant for things far greater—things only she can achieve. And all of us here... we would have been dead or living in hell if not for her."

My father didn’t respond right away.

"Master didn’t gather us here to play guardian," Lyall continued, his words carrying quiet conviction. "She became the beacon of hope that protects us and everyone who puts their trust in her. Yes, she has lost her childhood. But she has gained something else in return. She has a family here, people who love her, people who wouldn’t hesitate to lay down their lives for her."

Another stretch of silence.

Then, the distant sound of hurried footsteps.

The children were coming back.

Before I could react, I felt the cool touch of petals against my skin, the ticklish sensation of small fingers placing something atop my head. The scent of fresh flowers surrounded me, sweet and delicate.

I waited for the giggles to subside before speaking.

"Are you done?" I murmured, amused.

A pair of gasps met my question before Kate and Kai dissolved into laughter.

I finally opened my eyes, blinking against the sunlight. A delicate flower wreath rested around my neck, and atop my head sat a carefully woven crown of blossoms. I adjusted it slightly before turning to look at the two expectant faces before me.

"Master, do you like it?" Kate asked eagerly, her cheeks dusted pink.

I chuckled, the warmth in my chest overpowering any lingering thoughts from earlier. "Yes, it’s beautiful."

She beamed, practically glowing, while Kai gave me a small, shy smile.

"In return for such a sweet gift, I’ll give you something as well," I said.

With a flick of my fingers, a ring of ice materialized, the surface gleaming with a delicate rose design. Kate gasped, her eyes widening in delight as I handed it to her. The ring sat perfectly on her forefinger, its frosted petals catching the light.

I turned to Kai next, conjuring a crown of ice—intricate and crystalline, its delicate spikes reflecting the golden hues of the sun. I carefully placed it over his head, watching as he gingerly touched it with wide eyes.

"Do you like it?" I asked.

"It’s so beautiful, Master!" Kate squealed.

Kai hesitated before nodding, his voice barely above a whisper. "I-It’s very beautiful."

I smiled. "I’m glad you like it."

Finally, I looked at Lyall, who had been silently observing the exchange. With another movement of my fingers, an ice-sculpted dragon formed in my palms, its wings frozen mid-flight, exuding both grace and strength. I handed it to him, watching as he studied the intricate details.

"That’s so beautiful!" Kate crawled over to her father, marveling at the dragon he now held.

My father, too, was watching curiously, his expression expectant. I met his gaze with a small smile before forming a delicate ice doll—a miniature version of my Reina form. I placed it in his palm, and he gasped softly as the tiny figure stood on its own.

A beat of silence.

"I’m sorry," I whispered.

Dad didn’t speak, but the way his fingers curled protectively around the ice doll told me all I needed to know.

Some things were difficult to put into words.