The Return of the Betrayed Heir

20

As the golden dragon glided silently near the palace perimeter, it descended gracefully before dissolving completely into Alex's shadow. Inserting his hands into his pockets, Alex strode calmly toward the courtyard, where King Zephyr stood conversing with the guard Alex had encountered earlier that morning.

Approaching the duo, King Zephyr turned to Alex with a searching look. "Did you notice anything else unusual this morning besides the flask?"

"I have already made that clear," Alex responded, his tone laced with deliberate aristocratic disdain. "I go for a run every morning—a habit I maintained even back at our estate. When I spotted the flask on the ground, the pungent odor of cheap alcohol turned my stomach, so I left it untouched. As a noble, I have no intention of soiling my hands with such filth."

Alex played his role flawlessly, using his status to display an aloof superiority. The performance thoroughly convinced King Zephyr, who found it entirely reasonable that a noble child would refuse to handle discarded trash.

Zephyr turned back to the guard, dismissing the matter. "We will end the inquiry here. Go find Commander Jonels and conduct a thorough sweep together."

Alex narrowed his eyes subtly. Commander Jonels was another key target on his hit list, designated as his next prey for the night. Alex understood that securing absolute control over his family's future required calculated, preemptive strikes. Knowing that another war with the elves was inevitable, he intended to systematically eliminate the high-ranking commanders he had fought against in his past life long before the conflict could even spark.

Feigning fatigue, Alex requested permission to retire to his quarters. Zephyr reminded him that dinner would be served shortly, leaving little time for rest. Alex let out a staged yawn, replying that he would sleep through until morning right after the meal to recover from his intense training.

The heavy palace doors swung open, and Alex headed upstairs. He quickly showered away the sweat, changed into fresh attire, and made his way to the dining hall where the royal family had gathered. Queen Mylia’s face lit up upon his arrival. 

"Welcome, Alex," she greeted warmly.

Alex offered a polite apology for the delay, explaining that he had extended his training and needed to refresh himself. Taking his seat at the table, he noticed Princess Laena directly opposite him, staring down at her plate with her pointed ears drooping in shyness. She clearly remained unaccustomed to having a stranger in their home. Alex paid little mind to her discomfort, knowing it was simply a matter of time before she adjusted to his presence.

As they began their meal, King Zephyr shifted his stern gaze toward his son, Elrond. "Tell me, Elrond, why did you fail to follow my instructions this morning?"

Elrond choked on his food, coughing awkwardly before regaining his composure. "I... I couldn't sleep well last night, so I failed to wake up early..."

Zephyr’s reprimand was cold and swift. "A six-year-old child wakes up before you, diving into his training with discipline. You were supposed to set an example for him, yet he is the one setting it for you. You would do well to learn from his discipline."

Elrond clenched his teeth in suppressed rage, glaring bitterly across the table at Alex. He seethed internally, consumed by resentment toward this intruder who had monopolized his father's attention since the moment he arrived.

Laena stole a quiet glance at Alex, recognizing his strength and discipline. Despite learning that he was merely a year older than her, her overwhelming shyness prevented her from speaking.

Without breaking his stride while eating, Alex addressed her directly. "Would you like to join me tomorrow?"

Laena blinked in surprise. "Huh?"

Unsure if the question was meant for her since Alex hadn't looked up, she glanced around the table. Seeing no one else respond, she turned back to him, her voice trembling softly. "M-Me...?"

"Yes," Alex replied calmly. "I assume you have already begun your training, haven't you?"

"Yes, I started a while ago, but I just..." She cut herself off abruptly, startled by the realization that she was actively conversing with him, and lowered her eyes in flustered silence. 

Alex was deliberately attempting to break through her bashful exterior, though he accepted that easing her shyness would take time. Standing up from the table, Alex expressed his gratitude for the meal and excused himself to his room. 

Zephyr watched him leave, his thoughts drifting back to a private conversation he had shared with Aenys prior to the boy's arrival. 

During that meeting, Zephyr had asked why Aenys wished to send his son to the Elven Kingdom. Aenys had released a heavy sigh, confessing his failures as a father and admitting that young Alex harbored a deep, cold resentment toward his own family due to his isolation from his siblings—a rift so profound the boy refused to sit at the same table with them.

Aenys had offered a stern warning: "Be cautious around him. He possesses an intellect far beyond his years, harboring the fury of a dragon and the cunning of a serpent. He knows precisely how to manipulate every situation."

Zephyr recalled how he had prepared himself to handle a spoiled, troublesome child, only to be met by a composed, detached, and thoroughly dangerous individual. Resolved to bridge the gap that Aenys could not, Zephyr decided to host a welcome banquet for Alex the following day, instructing Laena to foster a close friendship with him.

Back in his suite, Alex monitored these developments through Tessarion, who was lurking within Laena's shadow. A dark smile touched Alex's lips as he lay on his bed, biding his time until the depth of night before executing his next hunt.

When total silence blanketed the palace, Alex opened his glowing red eyes. He summoned the cursed weapon *Greed*, its three crimson gems leaking an ominous aura into the room.

Just as he prepared to slip out, a faint sound at the door caught his attention. Flexing his agility, Alex leaped silently and adhered himself to the ceiling. The door creaked open, and Laena tiptoed inside, wearing oversized pajamas adorned with white rabbit ears.

Alex fired an irritated mental transmission to Tessarion, demanding to know why he hadn't issued a warning, only to find the golden dragon fast asleep. Cursing his lazy companion silently, Alex dropped down soundlessly behind her as she approached the bed.

"Laena," he called out softly.

Laena gasped, spinning around in panic. "Y-You weren't sleeping?!"

"I woke up to grab some water," Alex lied smoothly, gesturing toward the glass on his desk.

Scanning her attire, he added with a dry smirk, "It's hardly surprising you didn't notice me while wearing those rabbit-eared pajamas."

Laena touched the plush ears nervously. "Do they look funny? They're actually very soft and comfortable..."

Alex offered a faint smile, suppressing his annoyance at the unexpected delay. He needed to clear his room immediately to carry out his mission.

"May I ask why you're here at this hour?" Alex inquired gently.

Laena lowered her head, stammering awkwardly. "I... I came to... be your friend..."

Alex placed his hands reassuringly on her shoulders. "You are already my friend, even if you're still shy around me. Now head back to your room so we can talk tomorrow. I am thoroughly exhausted."

Laena nodded eagerly and hurried out of the room. The moment she pulled the door shut, she let out a quiet gasp of excitement, bouncing softly on her toes. *I finally have a friend!*

Inside, Alex threw open his window and drew *Greed* once more. As the fierce crimson aura enveloped the blade, he leaped into the night, vanishing into the shadows.

"I am coming for you, Jonels..."