CHAPTER 311: CH 311: IS IT BETRAYAL? - PART 4

Kyle watched Emelia with a blank expression.

"Go back to your room for now."

He said flatly, his tone leaving no room for debate.

Emelia’s eyes widened.

"But I—"

"One more word, and I’ll have the guards carry you back. You’ve already done enough tonight."

Kyle interrupted coldly.

She flinched at the tone. Her mouth opened again to protest, but the look in Kyle’s eyes made her freeze.

There was no warmth, no leniency there. Only cold calculation. With her pride already bruised and the weight of tonight’s events pressing down on her shoulders, Emelia turned on her heels and ran.

Kyle watched her go, noting the guards silently following after her, making sure she didn’t do anything reckless.

He gave a mental command to Queen, still perched on his shoulder, to remain watchful. Once he was satisfied, he turned away from the hallway and made his way back to the banquet hall.

Inside, the atmosphere had shifted. People whispered behind raised fans and clutched goblets tighter, eyes flickering toward the hallway Kyle had come from.

It was clear they were dying to know what had happened. Why had there been such a ruckus? What role did Kyle play in it? Had someone tried to assassinate him?

He ignored the stares.

Just as he stepped in, Duke Armstrong stood at the head of the hall and raised his glass high. His voice boomed over the hushed conversations.

"My friends, my allies! Tonight, we gathered to celebrate my youngest son’s new journey. I’m pleased you were all able to join us in this joyous occasion."

The Duke announced, smiling as though nothing were amiss.

People quieted, drawn to the strength in his voice, their attention pulled away from Kyle.

"Now, the hour is late, and the wine flows too freely. Let this mark the end of tonight’s banquet. May we all return to our homes with full hearts and sharper minds."

The Duke continued.

There were murmurs of protest, unspoken questions lingering on everyone’s faces, but none dared challenge the Duke’s authority directly. The signal had been clear—there would be no explanations tonight.

The guests began to file out, offering polite goodbyes and rehearsed blessings. Kyle stood silently to the side, watching their reactions.

More than a few eyes lingered on him, filled with suspicion or curiosity.

Once the room began to clear, Kyle stepped close to his father and Nigel.

"I’ll be leaving for our territory at dawn."

He said quietly, his voice low enough for only them to hear.

"So soon?"

Nigel blinked, surprised.

Kyle nodded.

"We can’t afford to remain idle. Things are moving. Someone tried to sway Emelia tonight. And Christan... his death wasn’t an accident. They’re probing us."

Duke Armstrong narrowed his eyes, the earlier mask of joviality long gone.

"Do you suspect divine involvement again?"

Kyle didn’t answer immediately.

"I don’t suspect. I know. It reeks of their interference. And this time, they won’t stop at simple manipulation."

The Duke’s jaw tensed.

"Then you must be careful. Your enemies are getting bolder."

Kyle’s gaze didn’t waver.

"That’s why I’m returning now. The enemy’s hands are long. If we don’t prepare, we’ll fall before the real war even begins."

Nigel frowned.

"Do you want me to go with you?"

"No. You’re the Duke’s heir now. You need to stay here and solidify your position. Help Father keep things running. If you leave now, you’ll give others the space to challenge your place."

Kyle shook his head.

"But—"

"I’ll send updates. If something serious happens, I’ll call for you. Until then, make yourself the pillar this family needs."

Kyle interrupted him.

Nigel hesitated, then nodded reluctantly.

"Fine. But I’ll be ready at a moment’s notice."

Kyle looked between the two and then gave a sharp nod.

"Keep an eye on Emelia. She’s vulnerable, and they know it. The moment she falters, they’ll use her as a puppet."

"I’ll watch her."

The Duke promised, eyes dark.

With that, Kyle turned and walked out of the hall, Queen taking flight and gliding silently above him.

The corridors were quiet now, the air still thick with tension. He returned to his room and closed the door behind him.

He stood there for a long moment, letting the silence settle.

The war with the divine wasn’t just coming—it had already begun. They were reaching into noble families, twisting loyalties, eliminating threats. If Kyle hadn’t arrived in time tonight, Emelia might have been lost to them.

He sighed and sat on the edge of his bed. Tomorrow, he would leave this place behind again.

And when he did, he would carry with him the knowledge that his time was running short—and that humanity’s only chance was to strike first.

______

Kyle had just finished removing his coat and setting it aside when he heard the knock on his door. Frowning, he turned toward it. Queen, perched by the window, gave a quiet chirp but didn’t move.

Kyle opened the door.

Standing there, with her cheeks flushed and her hair slightly messy, was Melissa. Her steps were uneven, and her eyes shimmered a little too brightly.

She looked up at him and offered a grin—lazy, tipsy, and completely unapologetic.

"...Where have you been?"

Kyle asked, voice neutral.

Melissa pouted as she leaned slightly against the doorframe.

"Once the staff got their hands on me, they refused to let me go! Said it wouldn’t be ’proper’ for a servant to follow her master everywhere like a shadow."

She crossed her arms, swaying slightly.

"That’s why I couldn’t be with you earlier... But that won’t happen again. I’ll serve you properly from now on."

Kyle gave her a flat look.

"You’re drunk. Didn’t I tell you to stop drinking?"

"I’m not,"

She said immediately—then hiccupped.

"Just a little warm, that’s all."

He sighed.

"Come inside. You’ll collapse if you stay out here."

"I... I shouldn’t. I need to... maintain distance. Yes. That’s what I should do."

She mumbled, suddenly serious.

Kyle raised an eyebrow.

"Maintain distance?"

Melissa nodded, but it made her wobble.

"The butler said so. Said I’d bring trouble. I don’t want to bring trouble. I want to help you. But maybe I should... back off."

Kyle watched her silently for a moment. She was too intoxicated to fully grasp what she was saying, her emotions swinging wildly between guilt and determination. She looked miserable.

"...You can think about that when you’re sober. Now come in, before you fall over and the staff blames me."

He said simply.

Melissa blinked at him.

"You’re not mad?"

"I’m too tired to be mad."

Kyle muttered.

Melissa stepped inside uncertainly. As soon as she crossed the threshold, she stumbled slightly, and Kyle caught her by the arm. She blinked up at him, eyes wide, and he simply guided her to the couch and sat her down.

"I’ll get you water."

He said.

Melissa grabbed his sleeve.

"You’re... a good master."

Kyle didn’t reply. He just handed her the glass of water and watched her quietly, his expression unreadable.

Tomorrow, everything would resume. But for now, he simply let the silence stretch between them.

Melissa took the glass with both hands, sipping slowly as her eyes stayed on Kyle.

"You know, even if everyone tells me to stay away... I won’t. I won’t leave you."