CHAPTER 300: CH 300: RETURNING HOME - PART 1

The grand gates of the Armstrong estate slowly creaked open, revealing the familiar but imposing mansion that Kyle had once called home.

As he stepped in, guards on either side immediately stood straighter and saluted.

"Young Master Kyle! Welcome home!"

The respectful greeting made Kyle pause for a brief moment.

The last time he walked these steps, he was barely more than a forgotten shadow, a disgrace whispered about in passing.

But now, every servant, every guard, every steward that passed offered him deep bows and reverent eyes—as if trying to erase the memory of how they had once treated him.

Melissa walked beside him, arms crossed, eyes narrowed as she took in the sudden shift in atmosphere. She let out a loud scoff.

"How convenient. The same people who avoided looking you in the eye before now treat you like royalty."

The butler, an older man with graying hair who once used to pretend not to hear Kyle’s requests, visibly flinched at her words.

Still, he managed to keep a composed face and bowed respectfully.

"Young Master Kyle, welcome home. Your room has been prepared. Please allow me to lead the way."

Kyle nodded silently, expression unreadable.

They were escorted through polished halls, past chandeliers and fine portraits, until they reached a wing that had once been unused.

Now it gleamed with new life, redone floors and expensive decor.

Kyle’s room was large, ornate, with a private balcony and soft carpets that sank underfoot. It was all tailored now to suit someone of his current stature.

The butler stepped aside once Kyle had stepped in.

"If you require anything, please don’t hesitate to summon me."

Then he turned to Melissa.

"Miss, I shall now take you to your room."

"I’m staying near my young master."

Melissa said firmly.

The butler blinked, caught off-guard.

"Pardon...? That... that wouldn’t be appropriate. The rooms for female guests—"

"Make it possible. I will not be across the estate while my young master is here."

Melissa said sharply, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Kyle, sitting casually on a chair while removing his outer coat, didn’t say a word, but there was a trace of amusement in his eyes.

The butler looked helplessly between them before relenting with a bow.

"As you wish, miss. There is a guest wing beside the young master’s quarters. I shall make arrangements."

Melissa gave Kyle a confident smile.

"I’ll be back soon."

He nodded, watching her go. But as she disappeared around the corner, his gaze subtly shifted. There was something else nearby—a presence.

It was faint, careful, and it lingered in the corridor shadows like mist. Kyle closed his eyes for a moment, feeling it touch lightly on his mana field. Not an attack. Not even a probe. Just... observation.

Someone was watching him.

He opened his eyes again and let the moment pass without action. If they meant him harm, they would have made their move already.

If they were just curious, then let them watch. He had nothing to hide.

Besides, Queen hovered above them all, unseen by others. It had already sensed the presence and deemed it unworthy of concern. And that was enough for Kyle to let it go—for now.

Still, he whispered under his breath.

"Let them look all they want. It won’t change anything."

The estate had changed. The people had changed. But Kyle... he was still walking the same path, even if now it was lined with silk instead of stone.

The butler led Melissa through the guest wing in stiff silence. His gloved hands were clasped tightly behind his back, knuckles white from tension.

Melissa noticed but said nothing. The halls were elegant—painted with delicate gold trim, tapestries of past Armstrong victories lining the walls—but Melissa kept her focus ahead.

They reached a modest yet elegant chamber not far from Kyle’s quarters.

The butler opened the door and gestured for her to step inside.

Melissa took one glance around—rich furnishings, a fresh basin, and windows facing the inner courtyard—but her eyes quickly returned to the butler, who was fidgeting.

His lips twitched, as if holding back words. Melissa raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

He didn’t answer at first, but then he bit his lower lip, shoulders stiffening.

"Miss Melissa... I would ask something of you."

Melissa crossed her arms.

"Then ask. I don’t have much time or patience."

He sighed deeply.

"I understand that you’re... loyal to the young master. But I must insist—no, beg—that you maintain some distance from him."

Melissa’s eyes narrowed.

"What are you trying to say?"

The butler dropped the polite tone.

"Your presence might bring him problems. He has risen far now—respected, perhaps even feared. But noble society is not so forgiving. You were a slave once, weren’t you?"

He eyed her plain travel attire.

"People will talk. They already do."

Melissa’s jaw tensed.

"And?"

"And if you care for him even a little, you’d step back. Let him rise without shadows from his past dragging him down."

Melissa gave a humorless chuckle.

"You’re bold to say that to me. If Kyle had a problem with me, he would say it himself."

"That’s because he’s soft on you. Forgive me. But some things, he won’t say aloud. Perhaps out of guilt. Perhaps out of—"

The butler snapped, before catching himself.

"He doesn’t pity me."

Melissa said coldly.

The butler took a breath, then fixed her with a firm gaze.

"Then let him go. Do it for his future. A former slave will never be accepted beside a duke’s heir."

Melissa stepped forward slowly, stopping just inches from him.

"You think I don’t know how this world works? I do. But I also know this—if anyone ever dares to talk about my young master behind his back because of me, I’ll make sure they choke on their words."

The butler’s expression twisted, and his voice hardened.

"Then you truly are foolish. You won’t understand until you’ve destroyed everything he’s worked for. If you won’t listen to reason... then I’ll have to act—"

"Quiet."

Melissa suddenly said, holding up a hand.

The butler blinked.

"Excuse me?"

"Be quiet. We’re not alone."

The butler froze.

Melissa turned slightly, scanning the shadowed corners of the corridor behind them. Her senses were sharp—honed from months on the field beside Kyle, watching his back.

Something, someone, was lurking. Not an enemy. But definitely not a passing servant.

"There’s someone watching."

She whispered.

The butler opened his mouth, then closed it. His face paled.

"How long?"

"Since before you opened your mouth to lecture me. If you were going to attack my status, next time, make sure you’re not being observed."

She replied, her tone dry.

The butler froze in place, startled.

"What do you mean—?"

He began, but Melissa didn’t answer. Her blade was already out, intercepting the strike aimed for his neck.

Steel rang against steel, the force of the impact sending her skidding back a few steps. Sparks danced in the air.

She steadied herself, eyes narrowing.

"Tch... how annoying."

Across from her stood a young teenager, bloodstains still fresh on his clothes from earlier. His blade was relaxed at his side now, but his eyes were anything but.

They locked onto Melissa’s with unsettling focus, as if peeling back her layers and searching for something beneath.

Queen stirred faintly in the air behind Melissa, its invisible presence bristling with attention—but not alarm. Not yet.

The butler stumbled away, breath short.

"Wh-What is going on?!"