An awkward dining setting.

No, it was a dining setting where only Sikar Blake sat awkwardly. Especially since Valije refused to let go of Sikar’s hand before the meal arrived, making it even more so.

“I heard His Grace saved my life and took in my orphaned son. I am truly grateful.”

“It’s not something deserving such gratitude, Your Highness. So please, let go of my hand now…”

Sikar tried to pull his hand away from Valije’s grip, but Valije stubbornly refused to release it.

“Truly humble words. Who in this world would risk their life to resurrect my adopted son’s biological father? Your Grace accomplished what no ordinary person could. And I am living proof of that. Please, allow me to hold my benefactor’s hand just a little longer.”

By now, Yura Blake felt she understood Sikar’s discomfort. At the same time, she found Sikar’s flustered, sweating appearance rather endearing.

While the two men were thus occupied, Veronia spoke to Yura, her face still clouded with concern.

“The Duke has placed himself in a difficult position.”

“Your Highness need not trouble yourself over this matter.”

“It’s because he went to such lengths to save my husband—how could I not care? At least it’s fortunate that the High Temple won’t extend its pursuit to the royal family.”

“So I’ve heard, Your Highness.”

“But we can’t hide the Duke within the palace forever.”

“We will find a solution in the meantime and ensure we cause Your Highness no further distress.”

Now that Valije had been found, Yura sincerely wished for Veronia’s happiness.

Yura glanced from Valije, still clutching Sikar’s hand, back to Veronia.

“Your Highness seems deeply moved.”

Veronia, acting as if this were entirely typical of him, paid no mind and simply took a sip of wine.

“He was always quite sentimental, but after giving birth to Kian, he became even more so. Honestly, I’ve never seen him this emotional—even when Kian was born, he wasn’t like this.”

“I see.”

Sikar looked pleadingly at Yura, as if begging her to do something, but Yura could offer no help and merely looked regretful.

Veronia noticed Sikar’s expression instantly but pretended not to.

Sikar had expected only awkward, silent tension—but with Valije refusing to release his hand, he wanted to shout him off, yet couldn’t, since Valije wasn’t merely his adopted son’s father, but also the King’s biological father.

Whenever Yura looked at Sikar with bewildered eyes, Veronia calmly said,

“Leave him be. Even I can’t stop Valije when he’s like this.”

Thus, Sikar remained trapped with one hand held by Valije until the meal ended.

After dinner, Sikar introduced Durion and Vika Lamberst to Valije.

“This is Vika Lamberst. My trusted aide and spirit mage.”

Valije had already heard about Vika from Veronia and knew who he was.

“I’m aware. He helped save me. Veronia also told me he’s a Dark Elf hybrid.”

As he spoke, Valije extended his hand toward Vika.

“I’m truly grateful for your help back then, Vika.”

Vika bowed calmly in greeting.

“I apologize for not properly introducing myself then—I was too flustered. Thanks to the sled you told us about, we escaped safely.”

Valije laughed heartily.

“That was only possible because it remained untouched for years. Veronia told me she kept the sled well preserved. You should thank Veronia.”

They had only known Veronia lived in the snowy mountains—not that she managed them—so Sikar and the others stared at her in surprise.

But whether they were surprised or not didn’t concern her. Veronia’s only concern was when Kian would arrive.

Soon, Sikar introduced Durion to Valije.

“This is Durion Ivan Dika. Also my trusted aide, and currently serving temporarily as Captain of the Royal Palace Guard. I plan to step down once His Majesty’s reign stabilizes.”

“I heard the King’s ability to rule stems entirely from the Duke’s subordinates. If all of you leave, who will assist the King? Why not continue serving?”

“I believe once the King reaches adulthood, he’ll appoint capable people on his own. Even now, he possesses excellent judgment in people.”

Despite Sikar’s explanation, Valije looked at Durion regretfully.

“But it’s such a waste of Durion’s imposing presence to assign him only a temporary guard captaincy.”

It was a compliment, and however slow Durion might be, he recognized praise directed at himself immediately.

Durion perked up at the compliment and bowed earnestly.

“It’s an immense honor to meet you, Your Highness.”

“Please continue to care well for our Kian… no, for the King.”

“Of course. I will stake my life to protect the Recador Royal Family.”

After the greetings, Vika grabbed Durion by the back of his neck and dragged him away, telling him not to overdo it.

At the same moment, Yura received a report from Andrea that Kian had finished his banquet with officials, and she escorted Princess Veronia and her husband to the reception room.

“The King will arrive shortly. In the meantime, I’ll have some tea brought out.”

Veronia nodded, and Sikar rose from his seat, gesturing for Yura to sit.

“I’ll go fetch it. Since Your Highness hasn’t yet tried milk tea, allow me to serve you a cup.”

“Milk tea?”

“It’s a tea my wife enjoys—you’ll likely find it to your taste.”

To Yura, it seemed Sikar was using milk tea as an excuse to escape the situation, even briefly.

Valije, curious about the unfamiliar term, asked Veronia,

“Have you ever tried it?”

“Hmm. I wouldn’t know—I never paid attention.”

Though their personalities differed, Yura felt reassured seeing how well they complemented each other.

She thought it truly fortunate they had reunited, and once again admired Sikar’s courage for making it happen.

Then she broached the prepared request.

“I have a favor to ask of both of you.”

Veronia sighed, her expression displeased.

“Your requests always seem to put me in difficult positions.”

“But you’ve always listened to me anyway.”

“Go ahead, speak.”

“I would like both of you to reside here.”

Veronia smirked, as if she’d anticipated this.

“My prediction was correct. I knew you’d say that.”

“I’m honored.”

Unlike Veronia’s cynical reaction, Valije’s eyes flickered with surprise.

“You wish for us to stay here…”

“Your Highness’s assumption is likely correct. I believe both of you should reclaim your rightful positions. Originally, the current throne should have belonged to Princess Veronia. But you declined it, choosing instead to remain beside Your Highness.”

Valije looked at Veronia as if asking, “Did you really do that?” Veronia turned her gaze away, slightly embarrassed.

“I had no idea Veronia made such a monumental decision.”

“Your Highness grieved deeply over Your Highness’s death. But now that Your Highness has returned, I hope both of you will reclaim your original roles and stand beside the King.”

Veronia stared silently at Yura, then recalled Sikar’s words.

“Did you make this decision because you’re preparing to leave the Duke’s side?”

Yura, feeling as if Veronia had seen through her, stiffened with embarrassment.

“N-no, Your Highness.”

“If you harbor such thoughts, bury them. The King needs you. You showed him the tender maternal affection I couldn’t give when he was young—you’re even more precious to him than his own mother.”

“That’s impossible. Never. Not at all, Your Highness.”

“Regardless, if you’ve set your mind on it, change it. Understood?”

But Yura couldn’t answer easily, and Veronia pressed again.

“I asked if you understood.”

“I will consider it carefully.”

Veronia knew—even if she said anything, once Yura had made up her mind, she wouldn’t change it.

Still, she wanted to stir some reaction. Ideally, both would stay beside Kian—but if not, at least Yura must remain.

Veronia tried to press Yura for more, but Kian arrived before she could.

Kian immediately looked for Sikar upon entering, prompting Valije to stare at him reproachfully.

“Brat. Am I invisible?”

Kian glanced sideways at Valije with a playful smirk.

“Calling the King ‘brat’? Dad.”

“Ah, right. You’re the King. Haven’t adjusted yet. Brat.”

“Hurry up and adjust. Your subordinates will faint from shock if they see this.”

For Kian, it had been three years since he last saw his father; for Valije, Kian was the son he’d seen right until awakening—the only gap was that Kian had grown considerably taller.

Thus, Valije’s manner toward Kian hadn’t changed. Even reminding himself his son was now King didn’t easily alter his behavior.

“Still, feeling slighted is feeling slighted. Brat… no, Your Majesty.”

Kian smiled and poured tea for Valije, who sat with a pouting expression.

“Don’t feel slighted. That father risked his life and everything else to return you to me.”

At Kian’s words, Valije grew serious again.

“I heard you’ve become a target pursued by the High Temple.”

“Yes.”

“What happens if you’re captured?”

“They said sealing you away is inevitable.”

Valije wasn’t the only one shocked—Veronia was equally stunned.

Veronia stared at Kian, determined to prevent such a fate at all costs.

“If such a situation arises, the King must prevent it by any means. Understood?”

This wasn’t a request—it was a command. Kian knew this and nodded solemnly.

Yura knew Sikar had already accepted this outcome, so she remained silent.

Kian, seeing Yura filled with worry, decided it was time to reveal what he’d negotiated with the High Temple.

“Mother.”

Both Veronia and Yura reacted to Kian’s voice. Kian looked steadily at both women and spoke clearly.

“I’ve taken care of Father’s matter myself.”

It was unmistakably good news. But before Veronia and Yura could feel joy, their first thought was how.

Unable to hold back, Yura asked,

“How exactly did you resolve it?”

Kian began explaining calmly.