Chapter Seventeen: Weakness, Faking

Following the continuous heavy breathing were endless painless groans.

Sweat dribbled from Helix's forehead and dropped to his already-soaked robes. His eyelashes trembled with his eyes closed. His pale lips bled from his own bitings and the streak of blood reached his neck.

The purple eyes slowly revealed themselves as Helix opened his eyes slowly. The beautiful allure of the purple eyes would've attracted someone's attention if there was someone else in the room. But Helix, all alone in the room of the inn, weakened to the point of being unable to walk. If someone were to say that he was the feared dark mage, there will nobody that would believe them.

The great and feared dark mage of the empire? Someone like this?

Unbelievable.

Helix's vision was blurry. His magic detection was in a mess. Even his senses and percipience are discernable.

He was sure that the last time he checked, the formation around the capital was not this strong. It was weak and at most, forbid him from using magic. Dark magic was still useable back then but now, it's all useless. Not only that, his own body condition, physical, mental, emotional, and even the magic system inside his body is in pure chaos.

For the first few hours, Helix was able to endure it. There was only a bit of a stinging ache and prickling sensation.

With great difficulty, Helix dragged himself to the bed. His robe was loose while his chest and shoulders were already bare naked. He felt warm and cold all at the same time. He is drenched in sweat but at the same time, felt cool.

The uncomfortable and painful feeling in his body made him feel like he was losing his mind.

It really is too much.

Even the torture the empire did when they made him drink the poison enchanted with his curse was not as painful as this.

He grinded his teeth as if he was not afraid of breaking them from the uncontrolled strength he is using.

In the world, there is only one person that can put Helix in this state.

While his head was in shambles, a face appeared in his thoughts, and frowned even deeper.

The aloof yet selfless man from his childhood. The silver hair that shone brighter than the sun and the golden eyes all belonged to the man who taught him. He was someone who was stronger than anybody. Even Helix himself.

There was nothing between him and Helix.

Only the fact that he was the one who taught him everything there is to survive in this world.

The two people had not encountered each other since Helix left the kingdom years ago. But now…

Although Helix's perception of magic is useless, the familiar magic that is approaching fast towards this place is no doubt that person's. Helix shut his eyes tight, gasping for breath. In this state, he really does not want to meet anyone. He gripped the bed sheet, feeling extremely upset for the first time in a while.

All of a sudden, as Helix had expected, the windows opened and a strong gust of wind entered. The curtains flapped roughly with the wind and every light-weighted object scattered across the room.

Entering through the window, a man that looked like a graceful immortal stood on the frame of the window. The white robe that is closely similar to Helix's fluttered beautifully. Long silver hair tied with a golden accessory, faced towards the sun, glowed brightly. The golden eyes glowed lustrously as they focused their sight on Helix who is weakly laying on the bed.

The man's lips pursed for a moment. And then he opened his lips and spoke softly.

"Helix…"

-

In this world, only the strong and powerful have the power to make changes.

Though he is not strong nor powerful, the man before Kai had the authority to change even the beliefs of the kingdom. He absolutely has the weakest magic power compared to everyone. He also does not excel in swordsmanship or medicine. Him being untalented made one wonder, how did he even become a king of a prosperous kingdom?

The previous king brought the kingdom almost to its doom. Even with the invincible minister by the former king's side, it is the ruler himself who would bring ruin to their kingdom if they are not good enough.

But after the former king abdicated from his throne, the current king replaced him and brought Rukadius Kingdom back to its glory.

This man simply had the power to do so and the mind to put his wants into action.

The jet black hair with a noticeable amount of gray hairs belonged to the one who sat so confidently on the golden throne while wearing a crown that is adorned with so many jewels that it shone so bright.

Kai and this person calmly looked at each other.

One was below the throne while the other sat on the throne.

This man is none other than Helix's father. The king of this kingdom and the one who assumes the Zein duchy as a threat to him.

Adamas Rukadius.

King Adam…

In Kai's eyes, he is no more than an old man who covets the throne and power. He is a man who let his son leave without even trying to convince him. He is the man who chose reputation over his own son.

However, he is a cunning old fox after all. Otherwise, how was he able to recover the kingdom after his predecessor's downfall?

Kai closed his eyes and lowered his head. "Kai Zein greets the king." King Adam rested his head on his hand as he stared at Kai with a calm and stern face. "It's been a while, Duke Kai." The cold voice echoed inside the large hall. The advisors at the sidelines listened carefully all while eyeing Kai. Princess Edith stood beside her father's throne, sighing softly as she gazed at Kai.

All eyes inside the room were on him.

Kai is very much aware of it.

For so long, he has been isolated by himself. However, isn't he still himself?

Having everyone's attention and being under a lot of people's watch has been something Kai had always experienced. After all, these people are simply human like him too. What's the point of getting nervous?

"Yes, your majesty. Life in the northwest has been… busy so I couldn't bring myself to leave and visit the capital and your majesty." The soft smile on his lips made the king narrow his eyes on him with suspicion. "Oh, busy, huh? Care to tell me what is the matter that had kept the duke busy?" His old, grey eyebrow was raised as he coldly stared at Kai.

Kai recalled the words written in the novel and opened his lips slowly.

The lines, sentences, and even the lengthy description of the male lead as he spoke to the king, Kai made sure to use it all.

"There seems to be some movement from the empire. However, they are very subtle about it so I can't understand or find out about it more. The winter in the northwest has also been harsher than the previous year. So in order to help the nearby village, I was researching ways so that the people could survive the fierce winter." In his handsome face was a pained expression. The look of disappointment in his eyes as he stared at the floor was noticed by the people around him.

The king's expression didn't change a bit. "The empire is finally making a move, hah. That stern young emperor really doesn't know how to stay satisfied with what he has." he chuckled darkly, his blue eyes glowing dangerously. "Duke of Zein, make a detailed report of what you have observed from the empire and send it to me before leaving the capital." The frigid voice of the king reached Kai's ears.

Kai remained indifferent as he replied in obeyance to the king. 'He has no heart for his own people, huh…?'

For once, what was written in the novel was right.

Princess Edith leaned towards her father and whispered as if to remind the king of something. The king nods in agreement to his daughter and shifted his attention to Kai once more. "I forgot. Tonight, there will be a banquet to welcome the day of the kingdom's anniversary. As the only duke of this kingdom, you have the responsibility to come and attend it." The king closed his eyes and continued.

"Moreover, wouldn't it be quite sad if the duke of the great Zein duchy is forgotten by the people of the kingdom?"

Kai held his breath for a moment and nodded. "Your majesty has my word, I will surely come to the banquet tonight."

It is time for Kai to meet the protagonist of this novel… And the original Kai's love interest…

Tonight, Kai is certain that things will go awry and chaotic.