Chapter 60
1387 Words
CHAPTER 60
The next morning, an unexpected guest visited Tatiana.
“Greetings, my lady.”
Tatiana sprung up from her seat after hearing that voice. “Kai!” she exclaimed and rush towards him.
“How have you been?” she asked, excitedly. Kai chuckled at her enthusiasm.
“I’m doing great.” he grinned.
“Oh, have a seat!” Tatiana guided him towards the sitting area and turned to Mia who was standing at the side. “Mia, please bring us some tea.”
“Yes, my lady.” Mia went out after that.
Tatiana turned back to Kai and smiled widely. It has been so long since they last saw each other.
Kai went back to the South after his battle since he has to sort out everything he left behind there. As a result, Tatiana hasn't met Kai since then.
“When did you come back? Did you settle everything already? Are you staying for good?” Tatiana asked first.
Kai chuckled. “One at a time, J.” he joked. “I came back yesterday night. Yes, I‘ve settled everything and yes, I’m staying for good.”
“Really? That’s great! Then...are you finally going to be a knight?” she asked again with anticipation.
Following the battle, there was a rumor that His Majesty would appoint Kai as a royal knight. However, since the bombing incident has yet to be solved, the ceremony is expected to take place after the investigation, or at the very least after the hunting competition.
“Actually... His Majesty talked to me before I left,” he answered and grinned.
“What?! Really? Why didn’t you tell me? What did His Majesty say?” Tatiana asked with anticipation in her eyes.
“His Majesty offered me to become his royal knight... But...” Kai looked down at his hands.
Tatiana became anxious at the sudden change in his expression. “But what?”
Did something happen? Was the rumor wrong? I thought everything was going well. Kai did a great performance during the fight, and His Majesty seemed really impressed during that time as well.
“I declined His Majesty,” Kai replied quietly.
Tatiana froze in shock.
“What?! But... this is your dream!” she exclaimed.
She couldn't see why Kai would turn down His Majesty's offer when it was exactly what he had always wanted.
Kai noticed Tatiana’s worry and immediately took it back. “Oh, but I’m still going to be a knight. Don’t worry!” he said. “I just declined to become His Majesty’s royal knight. But I still wanted to become a royal knight.”
Tatiana’s brows furrowed. “What? What does that mean? Can you get to the point already?” she said, getting impatient.
Kai chuckled.
“I meant I told His Majesty I’ll be His Highness’ knight instead,” he answered.
His Highness? Hmm... well, in the novel, Kai was originally the Crown Prince’s knight and aide, so I guess he would naturally feel inclined towards His Highness.
Tatiana bobbed her head in understanding.
“I see... Well, I also think it would be better for you to become His Highness’ knight.”
Kael Arder has already established a good reputation among the public after his battle. If he were to become the Crown Prince’s knight, it would surely look good on His Highness as well.
“His Majesty thinks so too. He said it would be good for His Highness’ image.” Kai said. “Anyways, I chose His Highness because of a different reason.”
“What is it?”
“Hm... I heard His Highness is your fiancé, so I thought if I became his knight, I’ll be closer to you as well.” Kai grinned. Tatiana was stunned at first but she eventually smiled back.
Kai was an only child who lost his mother at a young age. His father, Baron Arder, on the other hand, was not a particularly good father. Baron Arder has bestowed the title because of his charity work. But, contrary to the empire's perception of Baron Arder, he was an abusive father to his child.
That’s why Kai has been a lonely child. He spends much of his time in orphanages, which explains why he has a soft spot for children from pitiful backgrounds.
Kai didn’t have a good childhood, but he still grew up to be a kind-hearted man. He’s protective of the people he cares about, most especially towards Tatiana.
After meeting her, Kai had always treated her as his sister. He always feels as if he can be himself whenever she’s around. Almost as if she is his peace. That’s why, despite only meeting her for a year, Tatiana is the most important person in his life. And even though Tatiana is stronger than him, he still felt like she’s someone who needs to be protected at all times.
Hence why he wanted to become His Highness’ knight to be closer to her.
“Am I supposed to be flattered?” she joked. Kai laughed and shook his head.
Tatiana could see why he wanted to be as close to her as possible. Kai has always been protective of her. He had always been caring for her, but Tatiana had never given it any other meaning. She knows Kai has always treated her like his sister, and she also treated him like her brother.
They only have that brother-sister kind of relationship, so they’re comfortable enough to joke with each other.
At that moment, Mia entered with the tea and refreshments.
“Thank you, Mia,” Tatiana said.
Mia bowed and left the room again.
“Ah, by the way... I heard some rumors on my here.” Kai started again and took his cup of tea.
“What rumors?”
“About... Investor J...” Kai answered carefully.
Tatiana stopped midway from drinking her tea. She smiled.
Kai is the only one who knows about the name J, so obviously he’ll become suspicious as soon as he heard the name Investor J.
“Ah, you heard about that,” Tatiana muttered and continued to drink her tea. After that, she grinned at Kai as she set her cup down on the table. “I started investing to earn some money,” she explained.
Kai chuckled. “Aren’t you the daughter of the richest Duke in the empire?” he joked.
“Hm... I wanted to earn my own money, and have my own power.”
Kai nodded in understanding. “I see... I didn’t know you have a talent in business though. I heard Investor J is the most sought-after businessman right now? Everyone wants to be acquainted with you!”
Tatiana grinned. “Of course, I’m talented in many areas! Didn’t you know?” she jested.
“Alright, alright. I believe you.” He laughed.
They continued drinking their tea after that.
After a while, a hasty knock came on the door. It opened immediately after Tatiana voiced a confirmation.
“My lady,” Mia said, and frantically ran closer to them.
“What is it?” Tatiana asked confused. Kai also looked at Mia confusedly.
Mia looks back and forth between Tatiana and Kai, wondering if she should tell it in the presence of Kai. But when Tatiana nod at her as if saying it’s okay, she sighed and bowed her head.
“His Highness is here, my lady,” Mia reported.
Kai sprung up from his seat in surprise, while Tatiana just froze and was at loss for words.
His Highness? What does he want?
Then, she remembered the issue with Baron Miller.
Is he here to talk about that? I guess he wants to meet Investor J as soon as possible. But... I haven’t figured out a way to solve that matter yet. What should I do?
“What?” Kai reacted. Tatiana looked at him and an idea came to her mind.
“Uh...I think I should leave now...” he mumbled under his breath and was about to walk towards the door when Tatiana stopped him.
“Wait, Kai,” she said. Kai turned to him, confused.
"Yes?"
Tatiana hesitated for a while before asking,
“Can you do me a favor?”
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reyankleyr
- Writer
