The Kingmaker System
Chapter 340 - 339. A Reckoning Long Overdue (1)

Chapter 340: 339. A Reckoning Long Overdue (1)

Lyall came to a halt the moment I did, his sharp gaze flickering toward me in silent inquiry. Without a word, I turned and strode straight into a narrow alleyway, my steps measured yet purposeful.

The faint murmur of the bustling streets faded behind me as I picked up my pace, weaving through the shadows until I reached a small, worn-down barn. Something felt off. My instincts screamed at me, the air thick with an unnatural tension.

"What’s wrong, Master?" Lyall asked, his voice low.

Instead of answering, I stepped forward and, with a swift kick, sent the wooden door flying open with a deafening crack.

A startled shout came from inside. My gaze swept the dimly lit space, instantly locking onto two small figures huddled against the far wall. A boy—no older than four—stood protectively in front of a girl of the same age, his tiny arms outstretched as if to shield her. Their lavender hair shimmered under the weak light filtering in from the broken door, and their sharp blue eyes, wide with fear, met mine. Twins. Noble blood. Their energy signatures were unmistakable.

Three men stood around them, their ragged clothes and cruel smirks branding them as nothing more than lowly criminals. Now, however, they had turned to face Lyall and me, their expressions shifting to wary aggression.

"Who the hell are you?" one of them demanded, his hand twitching toward his belt.

I ignored him, my focus remaining on the children. The boy’s small hands trembled, but he held firm, his tiny body positioned protectively in front of his sister.

"Close your eyes, children," I instructed, my voice gentle but firm.

One of the thugs sneered and stepped forward, raising a hand as if to grab me. "Oi, bastard, you deaf? Who the—"

He never finished.

Lyall moved like a shadow, seizing the man’s wrist before he could make contact. A sharp, sickening crack followed, and the man let out a strangled cry as his knees buckled beneath him.

I smiled at the children, hoping to ease their fear. "Please, children," I repeated.

The boy hesitated only for a moment before nodding and turning to wrap his arms around his sister. They squeezed their eyes shut.

Good.

The next few seconds were a blur. By the time the children dared to peek, the three men lay crumpled in the corner, groaning in pain—alive, but barely.

I crouched before the twins, meeting their wide, tear-filled eyes.

"It’s all right now," I said softly. "You’re safe."

They blinked up at me, first in disbelief, then in cautious relief. The girl clutched at her brother’s sleeve, while the boy, still wary, glanced toward the motionless men.

"You don’t have to be afraid anymore."

I extended my hands toward them, my gaze flickering to the bruises on their wrists and the red marks on their delicate faces. A slow burn of anger coiled in my chest, but I kept my expression calm, my voice gentle.

"Come. I’ll take you out of here."

The boy hesitated, his small fingers tightening around his sister’s. But eventually, he reached for my hand. The girl followed, more cautious, but trusting. As soon as their tiny hands were in mine, I murmured a quiet healing spell.

A faint glow enveloped their skin, and the wounds and bruises faded instantly. The girl gasped softly, her brother’s blue eyes widening in astonishment.

I simply smiled before gathering them into my arms. They clung to my cloak, their small bodies warm against me.

As I turned toward the door, I cast a final glance at Lyall. He met my gaze, understanding my unspoken command. With a silent nod, he stayed behind.

Stepping out into the cool afternoon air, I walked toward the alleyway, the twins still nestled against me. Their quiet breathing steadied, though I could feel the boy’s watchful gaze lingering on me.

"My name is Ace," I said after a moment. "What are your names?"

The boy swallowed before speaking. "I-I’m Lucius." He turned his head slightly, nudging the girl. "And that’s my sister, Elle."

I smiled. "Oh my, you both have such beautiful names."

Elle peeked up at me, her grip on my cloak tightening slightly.

"How old are you two?"

"We’re four years old," Lucius answered, straightening slightly as if it was important for me to know.

I nodded, impressed by his maturity despite his age.

Then, after a moment, Lucius cleared his throat, his voice suddenly more formal. "Thank you for saving us, Mr. Ace. We will make sure to repay your favor."

A chuckle escaped me. "It’s fine."

We reached the bustling main market, the children’s eyes darting around in wonder. Yet beneath the hum of merchants and the clatter of hooves on cobblestones, a heavy tension hung in the air. Conversations hushed, wary glances were exchanged, and a handful of guards patrolled with rigid alertness.

"It seems like your family has been looking for you," I murmured.

Before the children could respond, one of the guards spotted us. His eyes widened in recognition, and within seconds, a group of them rushed toward us, weapons drawn.

"Who are you?!"

"Release the Young Master and Young Lady this instant!"

Their voices boomed over the market’s din. But before I could react, another, more familiar voice cut through the chaos—one thick with emotion.

"Lucius! Elle!"

A woman with flowing blonde hair and striking blue eyes, shimmering with unshed tears, ran toward us.

"Mother!"

The children broke free from my grasp, their small feet barely touching the ground as they sprinted toward her. She dropped to her knees, enveloping them in a fierce embrace, her hands running over their hair, their faces—as if reassuring herself they were truly there. Elle sobbed into her mother’s shoulder, while Lucius clung tightly, whispering words of comfort.

The guards, still wary, kept their weapons raised as they cast suspicious glances in my direction. One of them, likely a knight given his more elaborate armor, turned to the man standing just behind the woman.

"My Lord, what should we do with this man?"

The man stepped forward, his sharp grey eyes locking onto me like a blade poised to strike. His bright lavender hair shimmered under the daylight, a stark contrast to the cold scrutiny in his gaze.

"Arrest him," he commanded without hesitation.

I arched a brow as the knights advanced, their hands reaching for me—

"No, wait!"

Lucius’ voice rang out, firm despite his young age.

"He didn’t abduct us! He saved us from the ones who did!"

A brief silence fell over the crowd. The woman—his mother—stiffened, her tear-streaked face turning toward me with dawning realization.

"Lucius, you—"

"It’s true, Father," Lucius insisted, his small fists clenching. "If not for him, Elle and I... we..." His voice wavered, but his resolve did not.

The woman’s eyes flickered up to her husband, the stern man beside her. A breath of tension passed before his shoulders eased slightly.

He exhaled, then met my gaze with newfound clarity.

"I apologize for the misunderstanding," he said, his voice steady, his earlier hostility now replaced with gratitude. "And... thank you. For saving our children."

The knights hesitated before stepping back, sheathing their weapons.

I gave a small, amused smile. "No need for thanks. I simply acted when I saw them in danger."

Just as I had, years ago—four years, to be precise. Back when they were being born.

My gaze drifted to the children’s mother. Angelina.

Asher’s sister.

She looked healthier now, her vibrance fully restored. Strong, whole. And the man beside her... I studied him for a moment.

Marquis Gareth Lockwood.

Her husband.

"My name is Gareth Lockwood, I’m the Marquis of this territory and this is my wife Angelina Lockwood." Gareth introduced himself and Angelina who curtsied and I smiled bowing to him.

"My name is Ace D’Arc, I’m a merchant. It’s an honor to be in your presence Your Excellency."

"Ace D’Arc!" Angelina gasped and I looked at her.

"You know him, dear?" Gareth asked her and she stepped ahead her eyes shining.

"D-Do you perhaps know Miss Mirielle Clarkson?" She asked, her voice thick with emotion again.

"Mirielle Clarkson? You mean the Saintess?" Gareth gasped.

I smiled and then lied, "Mirielle is my wife."

Her eyes started watering again as she stepped close to me.

"How is she? Is she here with you?" She asked.

"I apologise but she isn’t here with him, she’s back home at our estate."

"Where? Can I send a letter to her?" She asked and I tilted my head slightly.

Angelina still remembered me.

"It can be a little troublesome," I spoke and looked around hoping nobody heard the name of Mirielle.

"Why?" Angelina asked and I sighed.

"I couldn’t tell you out here, but I assure you she is fine and if you have any message for her then I shall give it to her." I said and she shook her head.

"Mother, what’s wrong?" Lucius asked and Gareth placed his hand on her shoulder.

"I have some work to finish, I shall take my leave now." I said and glanced once at the kids before I turned.

"Wait, Mr Ace." Angelina spoke up and I turned.

"O-Once your work is done could you visit us at our estate for dinner? I-I want to thank you for saving my children properly." She said and I smiled.

"I shall be there."