"Brother, are you going to sleep now?" Ronan asked. His wide eyes reflected the pure innocence of his age.
"No, I'm not. Why do you ask?" I replied flatly, my expression unmoved.
"He just wanted to talk to you for a bit," came Elena's voice from behind him. She spoke in his stead, her smile warm—beautiful even—but too practiced to be careless. "He's usually alone, you know. Doesn't have anyone to play with."
"I see."
I met her gaze without flinching. "My apologies, but I don't play. I prefer to be alone. I'd appreciate it if you kept that in mind."
Even though she claimed her son simply wanted to talk, I knew better. She hadn't come here for idle chatter.
"Ronan, can you wait for me outside?" Elena asked, her smile still as poised as ever—unwavering, even now.
"Okay!" Ronan replied without hesitation and ran off down the corridor.
As he ran towards the outside through the corridor, silence settled in. I was alone with Lady Elena.
"Is there something you need from me, Lady Elena?" I asked, my voice neutral.
"My apologies," she said gently, her tone still cloaked in that familiar, melancholic softness. "I didn't want to beat around the bush, but this isn't the kind of matter one can mention casually. It's best spoken in private."
I raised a brow. "Oh? So, what is it you wish to discuss?"
"You're aware I'm from House Draken, yes?" she began, carefully watching my expression. "And perhaps you remember my brother's youngest daughter?"
Her voice gave it away before she finished. I already knew where this was going.
"She saw you during Ronan's tenth birthday celebration," she continued. "She says she likes you. So… my brother asked if you'd be open to an engagement with his daughter."
"…"
Bullshit.
The word burned at the edge of my tongue, but I swallowed it.
"So," I said flatly, "you're saying a thirteen-year-old kid likes me and wants to get married?"
"But… you're also a kid," she countered, caught off guard. The faintest flicker of confusion crossed her face. It must've sounded odd—being called a kid by another kid.
"I'm sorry, Lady Elena," I said, keeping my tone polite but cold. "I can't accept this proposal. I'm still immature, and I'm not interested."
With that, I turned away and started walking. I didn't look back—not because I was strong, but because I refused to show hesitation.
Hmph. I snorted under my breath, recalling that absurd conversation. She had the audacity to claim that Salena—or whatever her name was—liked me?
As if I'd believe such an obvious lie. Still, I had to admit, it was a clever move. By dangling the bait of marriage, she hoped to bind me to her son's future—secure my support and, in doing so, strengthen her own position.
Had it worked, the Draken household would've gained one of the Five Great Powers of the continent as an ally. With their bloodline already ruling one of the five, they'd have had two under their influence. A masterstroke, politically speaking.
But it wouldn't be that easy. The Elder Council would never let such a consolidation of power go unchecked. They'd make things difficult, as they always did.
"Whatever," I muttered under my breath. I needed to focus on my next steps—not pointless hypotheticals.
With that thought, I reached the door of my room.
*****
Huh? He left?
Elena stared at Vern's retreating back in disbelief.
She couldn't decide what was more absurd—
A twelve-year-old boy seeing straight through her scheme… or that same boy having the audacity to call a thirteen-year-old girl a "kid"?
But it wasn't a lie—the marriage proposal really did come from her brother. He'd known full well that the second son of the Kael house lacked talent, but in the end, he only did it to calm his daughter, who'd clung to him, insisting she liked the boy. That much was true.
Elena sighed inwardly as she walked toward the palace—a luxurious estate granted to her when she married into the Kael family. The faint clicking of her heels echoed on the marble tiles, the weight of her thoughts growing heavier with every step.
Hmm… Should I ask my husband to speak to that boy? she wondered.
But then shook her head.
No, that wouldn't work. Her husband was already aware of the situation, and besides, Vern didn't care about his father—or anyone else in the family—after his mother passed away.
I need to create an opportunity...
Yes, that would be the only way. As the idea began forming in her mind, she arrived at the palace gates.
"Elena Palace." The golden letters shimmered in the afternoon light.
Just as she was about to call for the steward, a voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Excuse me? Are you Lady Elena Kael?"
She turned toward the source. A man with graying hair and formal attire stood before her, polite and composed.
"Yes? Who might you be?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
"I am Kazik Hank, an envoy from House Draken. I've come on official business with the patriarch," he replied with a courteous bow. "Before I left, Lady Salena asked me to give you this letter."
He handed her an envelope with beautifully embroidered patterns.
"…Not again." The words escaped her lips before she could stop herself.
"Wh-What?" Kazik blinked, surprised. That wasn't the reaction he expected from an aunt receiving a letter from her niece.
"Nothing. You may leave." Elena quickly composed herself, waving him off with a faint smile, though her flustered expression betrayed her annoyance.
As Kazik departed, Elena opened the letter and began reading.
Haa… This stupid girl… she sighed.
When did she even meet him? It had been two months since that day—yet not a single day had passed without a letter, message, or some other ridiculous attempt to reach her.
"This is the thirty-fifth one this month," she muttered, running a hand through her hair. "Sigh… I seriously need to think about this."
****
"Charlotte!" I called as I stepped into my room.
Hearing my voice, she came running.
"Yes?" she replied, slightly flushed and out of breath.
"Have you eaten?" I asked.
"Yes, I have," she said with a nod.
"Then go to your room and get some sleep."
"Why?" she pouted, puffing out her cheeks.
"What do you mean, why? I'm going to sleep now, so you should go too." I narrowed my eyes slightly, trying to sound annoyed so she'd get the message.
"…Okaay."
Maybe she understood what I meant—or maybe she just gave up. Either way, she turned to leave.
"Oh! By the way, what would you like for breakfast tomorrow?" she asked, glancing back over her shoulder.
"Hmm? Meat and eggs should be fine," I replied half-heartedly.
"Okayyy," she said cheerfully before vanishing through the door.
Hmm... I hummed to myself as I sank into thought. What would be the most ideal next step?
"Charlotte!" I called again as something crossed my mind.
She came running back in—again flushed, again breathless.
"Yes?" she asked, blinking with those same wide eyes.
"Ask the head office for some money tomorrow. If they ask for a reason… just tell them you don't know."
"…Okaaay," she replied, this time half-hearted, as if disappointed. Then she left, quietly closing the door behind her.
Leading her out of the room
I laid down on the bed, feeling the weight of accumulated fatigue from training and cultivation settle over me. The world dulled as I let my body relax.
And with that thought, I closed my eyes—
—and slipped into a deep slumber.