CHAPTER 123: THE KING’S SECRET ACT

After they left, Adrien called Captain Visen.

"That servant, is he really the one Sylas is protecting?" Adrien asked.

Visen nodded. He knew that if Sylas found out he had told Adrien everything, he would surely be removed as soon as Sylas ascended the throne. But he had a duty to Adrien to provide him with any information. Adrien had strong reasons to keep an eye on the people close to Sylas.

"Why does he limp?" Adrien asked, curious.

Visen paused for a moment. "I don’t know because Prince Sylas keeps it a secret. But what I do know is that he brought him when he returned to the palace. And from what I’ve heard, the servant saved Prince Sylas’s life several times."

Adrien was lost in thought. Sylas also said that the servant was one of the reasons he was still alive today. Finally, he nodded. He was satisfied to hear who Sylas really liked.

"All right, you can leave. If you see General Huron, please ask him to see me. I’m sure he’s still busy taking care of the festival’s security," said Adrien.

Visen nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."

As soon as Visen left, Adrien looked at Elias. "What do you think?"

Elias, who was sitting on the sofa not far from him, just stared calmly.

"About which issue?" he asked.

"The servant."

Elias smiled slightly. When he looked at Kai, he saw a reflection of his former fearful self. But there was something about Kai that intrigued him. The servant did not look like an ordinary person, or like a servant. He always kept his head down, which made him look strange. He also noticed a scar on his neck.

Even so, the servant’s gaze turned toward Sylas several times. It was as if his world was there. His eyes were very beautiful, and his face was handsome, just a little unkempt.

"All I see is a young man who loves Prince Sylas very much. I’m sure he’s someone who would do anything for your son, Adrien."

Adrien heard Elias’s words and smiled at the end. "Ah... after all these years, you finally hear me, Elias." He laughed afterwards.

Elias looked down, hiding his smile. "Are you that happy that I called your name?"

"Of course! How many years have I been nagging you about that. And what did you do to me? You didn’t even hear me," said Adrien, showing how upset he used to be.

"You have to always call me that now," said Adrien.

Then he started talking about Kai again after a small argument.

"The servant is much more obedient," said Adrien.

Elias looked at Adrien. "You mean, more obedient than me?"

Adrien nodded, but before Elias could attack him, he continued. "That worries me."

Elias frowned. "Why?"

"Hmmm... I like having a partner to share my complaints with. Someone who makes me feel comfortable just by looking at their face. But on the other hand, I wish I had a partner I could exchange ideas with. I just feel like the servant is too passive."

Elias immediately replied, "I’m sure Prince Sylas has his reasons. He’s very independent. You know how many times he’s overwhelmed his guards and servants because he doesn’t like being served. From the servants he used to like, I’m sure he wants someone who is calm and doesn’t attract attention. And looking at that servant, I’m even more convinced that Prince Sylas has different preferences from most people."

Adrien was silent. He just nodded.

Elias stared intently at Adrien. "But why do you like servants? I mean, you know I’m a servant. Why do you prefer me over your friends who have high positions like the Duke’s son or princes from other kingdoms?"

Adrien smiled. "How many times have I told you, I was really annoyed with you at first. But that’s exactly why I couldn’t get your face out of my head. You know how angry I was. I don’t understand why I fell in love with a stubborn servant like you."

Elias frowned when he heard that. He had hoped to hear sweet words.

"Elias, believe me, when it comes to feelings, there is no realistic reason to explain it. You just... just feel it. You just can’t lose him. I just know that I’ll go crazy if I don’t have you."

Elias was speechless, because he felt the same way. No matter how many obstacles they faced, he was sure that he only wanted to live with Adrien.

"But I’m sure you don’t regret being with me. Who can resist a king," continued Adrien, chuckling as he rolled his wheelchair to the balcony.

Elias clicked his tongue softly, walking over to help push the king’s wheelchair. "Please be careful what you say, Your Majesty. I can push you anytime now."

Adrien chuckled even more.

Just then, Gilbert arrived with the newspaper Adrien had requested.

Elias just stared because this was the third time Gilbert had come with newspapers from different publishing companies. He was curious about what Adrien was looking for.

After reading a few pages, Adrien nodded in satisfaction. Then he looked at Elias, who was staring at him curiously. He smiled and showed him what had caught his interest.

Elias read the newspaper column and couldn’t control his expression. His eyes widened.

"Your Majesty..."

Elias stared intently at Adrien. Written there was news about him.

Elias Balese, the son of the humble Balese family, who founded dozens of orphanages across three regions. It was written how Elias tried to hide his identity. What surprised Elias even more was reading that he took in sick people who were ostracized because they were considered homosexual.

"Adrien, you promised not to bother me with this," said Elias, too shocked.

"I know, but I have to act before I die. I don’t want Sylas to live the same life as me. And I want to introduce you to the public, as my lover, my soul."

Elias shook his head. "This won’t work."

"I thought so too, but I started testing a few days ago, and the results are enough to convince me to break the news about you."

Elias stared at Adrien. The man had already made his move? "You didn’t tell me."

"I don’t want to hear any refusals. I know what I’m doing," said Adrien. He handed the newspaper to Gilbert.

"From now on, there will be a lot of turmoil, but it needs to be done. I have to make sure the power of the royal religious members is suppressed. From some of the things I’ve done, most of them have shown positive reactions. They are more focused on what is being done than on norms. I want people who have love for those who are considered abnormal to be accepted as normal in society."

Elias looked down. "You know, you will only be ridiculed, Your Majesty."

"I’m not thinking about myself right now. I will ensure your safety and reputation. I need to do something for my son. You can’t choose who you fall in love with."

Elias felt his chest throb. He was too anxious.

Gilbert looked at Elias and saw his anxiety. "Lord Elias, from the news that’s been circulating, they’re showing a positive response. They’re grateful to you."

"Before they know I’m their king’s lover."

"Oh Elias, rest assured, they will accept you well."

Elias shook his head. "No, Adrien. They won’t accept me. I—"

Adrien immediately interrupted. "I will make sure they accept you."

***

James was busy arranging many things today. Guards to watch over the slaves brought by Sylas. Then arranging for Kai not to work in the servant quarters. Meanwhile, he had to take care of many things related to the festival. His white hair was turning whiter by the second.

Meanwhile, Sylas brought in a tutor to teach Kai table manners. He himself watched anxiously.

Kai sat nervously at the dining table. A full set of cutlery was in front of him. His heart pounded every time the tutor asked him to repeat from the beginning, and he had to carefully place the napkin in front of his clothes. He tensed up every time the tutor asked him to sit up straight.

This would not be easy. But Kai had to understand table manners before meeting Adrien.

"Don’t scrape your plate too hard, Mr. Kai. Do it gently and with feeling."

Kai swallowed hard. It seemed like he was already doing it as gently as possible, but he could still hear the sound of the fork scraping the plate.

"Don’t rest your elbows on the table."

Kai took a deep breath, trying to follow his teacher’s instructions. His back felt stiff as a board. Sylas, who was sitting at the end of the table, watched and held his breath every time the young man made a mistake.

"The soup spoon is used from the outside in, not the other way around," his teacher reprimanded him gently but firmly. "Repeat."

Kai reached for the spoon carefully, his hands trembling slightly. He scooped slowly, but spilled a little liquid back into the bowl. His face flushed, and he immediately looked at Sylas fearfully.

"It’s okay. You make mistakes the first time. Don’t worry," Sylas said reassuringly.

Kai looked down and tried again.

The lesson continued.

"Cut your meat into small pieces, not all at once," came the next instruction.

Kai held the knife and fork, trying to cut slowly. The knife scraped the plate again, making a squeaking sound. The teacher closed his eyes as if praying for patience.

Sylas almost chuckled, unable to resist seeing the teacher frustrated.

"And..." the teacher tapped the table lightly, "remember, don’t lean too close to the plate. Bring the food to your mouth, not your mouth to the food."

Kai sat up too quickly, causing his chair to squeak loudly. He almost dropped the napkin from his lap.

"This is going to be a long dinner," Sylas muttered, imagining his father’s face when he saw Kai. But he saw Kai’s intention and determination. Kai was quick and good at remembering some things. But when it came to practice, he was a little overwhelmed.

Kai looked down, anxious. He didn’t understand why there were so many rules just for putting soup in his mouth. He wasn’t even allowed to sit down before the King sat down. He really hoped he could remember everything.