CHAPTER 56: CHAPTER 56: THE BALL(3)

Erden nodded, he had been been wondering where the father and son were, but he guessed they were on prison.

"Yes, Sire. I will see to it. Do have a pleasant day.."

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Seraphine sat before her vanity, maintaining a calm expression, though her temper simmered beneath the surface.

Over the two days, two of her textile houses had burned to ashes. The culprit behind both incidents was unmistakable.

It was Kaizar.

The one person, Meical protected more fiercely than any asset or territory.

He had humiliated her publicly and financially. She had no intention of letting that go.

Her gaze moved to the gown hanging beside the mirror. It was a deep midnight blue, woven with fine threads of silver that shimmered subtly under the lantern light.

The dress was elegant, refined, and perfectly tailored to her figure. It was appropriate, considering her status.

She was Seraphine of House Rienne, granddaughter of a Count. She did not need an invitation to belong in the ballroom of the king. Her bloodline alone placed her among those who walked without being questioned.

She rose from her seat and approached the gown. She lifted the fabric between her fingers and examined the stitching. It was flawless. She had chosen it for that reason.

Although she was not among the bride candidates selected for the king, she knew the rules did not forbid noblewomen from attending the ball.

The king could not be shielded from every interaction. If she spoke to him, if she caught his attention, then her status would allow the conversation to continue.

And if the king was curious about the man serving as his special advisor, as rumors suggested, then Seraphine would ensure that curiosity shifted in her direction.

She walked back to her vanity and opened a carved wooden box. Inside was a slender crystal vial filled with pale gold liquid. She lifted it and examined the contents carefully. It was not poison. It was a perfume designed to linger in memory. She had commissioned it months ago for a situation exactly like this.

Seraphine secured the vial inside a silver clasp, then looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her posture was straight. Her eyes were steady.

"Kaizar cost me two business houses.." she said quietly to herself. "I will recover them. Every coin. Every favor. Every ounce of influence. And I will not need to stain my hands to do it."

She reached for her gloves and began pulling them on with measured precision.

"If Meical values you so highly..." she continued, fastening the last button, "then once this is over, he will come to understand that the only person worth protecting... is me."

She lifted her chin and gave her reflection one final, steady look.

Then she turned toward the door and called for her carriage.

Stepping out of the corner, Saar frowned, he was sent here hoping to confirm if she was working with Veynar or Dorian but he had found out something unexpected instead.

He needed to report back to Kaizar immediately.

He stepped onto the windowsill. His coat shifted with the wind, and his silhouette disappeared into the dark before the servants below even noticed the window had been opened.

He crossed the estate grounds silently, then vaulted over the far stone wall with barely a sound. His figure blended into the trees as though he had never been there.

He made his way toward the governor’s residence.

Because whatever Seraphine intended to do at the ball, it would involve his master.

And Saar had no intention of letting anyone move against him unchecked.

It took him an hour to arrive at the estate.

Min-jae had left the fitting room and returned to his and Meical’s room since the doctor had returned and Serin had gone down to bring his lunch.

"You have to be careful, Sir. You cannot strain your ribs. I have applied balms to your cuts and changed the bandages. Please endeavor to take your medicines after you’ve had your lunch."

Min-jae nodded, he had almost forgotten he was injured, until the doctor arrived.

Sighing, he leaned on the bed. The ball was three days away, Meical was busy, he didn’t know when the artisan would finish the bottles and worst he had to wear a gown to the ball.

A tap on the window, brought him back to reality. It was Saar, he sighed. He had returned to give him more bad news.

"You’re back.." he said as he opened the window.

Saar nodded as he slipped into the room. Bowing immediately.

"I did not know about your injuries on time master. I was too focused on Seraphine.."

Min-jae shook his head, watching Seraphine was far more important than protecting him.

He didn’t always know her plans so he had to keep his eyes on her 24/7.

"No, it’s alright. Now tell me what you found out.."

"I followed Lady Seraphine as instructed. She has finalized her plans for the royal ball."

Min-jae closed the ledger and turned his full attention to him. "Explain."

"Lady Seraphine intends to approach the king directly at the ball.." Saar said. "She believes she can regain influence and status by appealing to him personally. She has prepared a gown specifically for that purpose. She plans to stand out among the noblewomen."

Min-jae nodded once. The reaction was mild and controlled. "I expected she would attempt something to regain her position. She has always valued public attention."

Saar continued "She has not contacted Veynar or Dorian. She appears to be acting independently."

"That simplifies the matter.." Min-jae replied. He stood and walked toward the balcony, placing one hand on the window frame as he looked outside. His posture was relaxed but deliberate.

"At the ball, she will attempt to create a scene or draw eyes to herself. If she approaches the king, let her. I am not concerned with his curiosity."

Saar listened closely.

"If she approaches me.." Min-jae said, "you will step in only if I give a signal. Do not intervene on your own."

"Yes." Saar answered.

Min-jae continued, "During the ball, remain at the edges of the hall. Stay out of sight unless I look directly at you. I want you nearby, not visible."

Saar placed a fist to his chest in acknowledgment. "Understood."