CHAPTER 32: CHAPTER 32: IT’S BEST TO BE CAUTIOUS

"She tried to visit one of the sites before dawn after receiving word, but the royal patrols turned her back. The destruction was... thorough."

Min-jae smiled faintly. "Let her taste what it feels like to lose something. Because I’m going to make her lose everything, including her life.."

For a moment, only the wind filled the room. Then Min-jae straightened and said quietly, "I have a new assignment for you."

Saar lifted his eyes. "I’m listening Sir.."

"I want you to keep watch on Dorian and Veynar. Quietly. I don’t want them knowing you’re there. Any letters, meetings, changes in their routine, I want every detail. After what Meical did to them, they must be looking for every opportunity to get me and Seraphine knows that."

Saar gave a sharp nod. "Understood."

"They’ve been circling too close to Seraphine lately even before that incident.." Min-jae said, his tone colder now. "And if they think siding with her is a good idea... I want to be the first to know. I’m curious about the offer she made to them. That’s your second assignment. Feel free to take as much time as you need.."

Saar’s mouth quirked slightly, not in amusement, exactly, more a trace of admiration. "As you wish, my lord. I’ll leave right now.."

He turned to go, but Min-jae stopped him. "And Saar."

"Yes Sir?"

"If Meical asks where I am.. don’t answer him."

Saar met his gaze for a long moment before inclining his head. "Of course. Master, I only answer to you.."

When he was gone, the room fell silent again. Min-jae leaned back against the headboard, staring at the faint smoke stains on Saar’s cloak still lingering in his mind.

He should’ve felt satisfied, Seraphine’s empire was burning piece by piece.

So why did it feel like something else inside him was smoldering too?

He needed to get away from here.

Perhaps he’d visit Mr. Usher. And check on his clothes.

He stood up, dusting his clothes. As he headed to the door, he heard a knock.

"Your Grace. We’ve found your cat.."

Min-jae eyes widened as he opened the door. He had forgotten about Punz.

The Abyssinian cat purred when she saw Min-jae, who also gave her a look.

She had gained weight!

"Thank you. Please take her to the carriage. I’ll be skipping breakfast.."

The servants bowed and hurried off with Punz in their arms. Min-jae straightened his coat, ready to follow them out. The morning air would do him good and some distance from Meical would do even better.

He reached the staircase, only to stop halfway down.

Meical was there.

Their eyes met, a fleeting, wordless exchange that made Min-jae’s chest tighten before he looked away.

Without saying a thing, he continued down the steps, his pace steady, his expression unreadable.

It was for the best, he reminded himself again.

Min-jae adjusted his cuffs as he crossed the courtyard. The morning air was cool, the kind that bit at the skin and made every sound feel sharper.

Ahead, the carriage waited, polished black and gleaming faintly in the sunlight.

He was a few steps away when the sound of hurried footsteps reached him. Before he could react, Meical strode past, the hem of his cloak brushing against Min-jae’s arm. He stopped directly in front of him, blocking his path.

Their gazes met for a moment. Meical’s expression was unreadable, calm but firm.

"Going somewhere?" he asked, his tone measured, though there was a faint edge beneath it.

Min-jae’s face remained blank. "I don’t recall needing your permission to leave."

"I never said you did.." Meical replied. "But I thought you should meet someone before you go."

He motioned to the side, and a tall man stepped forward. His skin was a deep bronze, his hair cropped short, his stance alert and disciplined.

"This is Vanadis.." Meical said. "Your new bodyguard. He knows every road and alley in the kingdom. He’ll accompany you."

Min-jae frowned. "I didn’t ask for a bodyguard."

"I know.."Meical said simply, already turning to leave. "But with everything happening lately, It’s best to be cautious.."

Min-jae’s hand twitched at his side, his heart beating wildly, even after the stint he pulled, Meical was still being considerate of him.

He wanted to argue, to throw the words back at him but Meical was already walking away, his confident stride making it impossible to call out without seeming childish.

Min-jae exhaled sharply and turned toward the carriage. Vanadis followed silently behind.

This was exactly what he didn’t want, Meical still finding ways to tie himself to him,even from a distance.

The carriage swayed gently as it rolled down the long drive. Min-jae sat near the window, watching the morning light catch on the estate’s iron gates as they passed. He exhaled slowly.

"Driver..." he called, tone even. "We’re heading to Mr. Usher’s atelier."

"Yes, Your Grace..."

Min-jae leaned back, finally turning his gaze to the man sitting across from him. "You’re Vanadis, right? Since Meical appointed you, I suppose I should at least know who’s following me around."

Vanadis gave a small shrug, his voice calm and even. "That’s right. I used to live down in the lower streets before he found me. Guess he figured I was better off working for him than robbing his carriages."

Min-jae’s brows lifted slightly. "So you’re a thief."

"Was.." Vanadis corrected with a faint smile. "Now I just get paid to watch people and keep them out of trouble."

"Interesting career shift."

"It’s quieter.." Vanadis said. "And the food’s better."

That earned a short laugh from Min-jae, short but genuine.

"I guess that’s enough to make a thief like you switch lanes. Though I’m certain Meical offered something more."

Vanadis smiled, he used to think Kaizar was just a stupid noble, but now he could understand why he was the king’s special advisor.

"Listen up.." Min-jae eyes darkned, if Meical thought he could plant a spy he was solely mistaken.

"Even if it was Meical that bought you, you work for me now. And you do not breathe a word about my dealings to Meical. You will swear allegiance to me. If you can’t do that, I’ll toss you back into the streets."