Chapter 161 - 160: They knew

Owen stayed completely still, not daring to move even an inch as he listened carefully from his hiding place. His heart was pounding louder than the music still echoing from the ballroom, and every word that left the cloaked man’s mouth felt heavier than the last.

"I heard," the man said in a calm, almost playful tone, "thatMrs. Dravenhartalready knows about your son."

The duke didn’t reply immediately. He stood there in silence, his shoulders heavy as if carrying a weight too large for one man. Finally, he sighed, the sound deep and tired. "What do you want?"

The cloaked figure chuckled, the sound low and greedy. "Ohh, nothing much... just a little more gold."

The duke’s jaw tightened, and his expression twisted into a deep frown. "I already gave you goldlast week."

"Mm," the man hummed, taking a step closer. "And I spent it. Information like this is dangerous, Your Grace. You wouldn’t want it to fall into the wrong ears."

The duke closed his eyes and exhaled sharply through his nose, the exhaustion visible in the way his shoulders sagged. "Fine..." he muttered in defeat. "It will be delivered to your place. Nowleave."

The cloaked man grinned under his hood and bowed mockingly. "Pleasure doing business, as always."

He turned and walked away into the darkness, leaving the duke alone under the pale moonlight. For a moment, the grand duke didn’t move. He just stood there, staring at the sky, a look of regret and sorrow carved into his face.

Owen’s chest tightened as the man’s cloak disappeared into the shadows. He clenched his tiny jaw and coiled tighter around Axelius’ shoulder.Axelius should know this... or we have to do something about that man,he thought grimly. The decision weighed heavy on his mind, but one thing was certain—this wasn’t something he could just ignore.

Silently, he slithered down from the balcony rail and vanished into the dark corridor, leaving the duke behind.

Moments after Owen left, a faint rustle of silk echoed behind the grand duke. He turned his head slightly, and the hardened expression on his face softened immediately. "Is that... him?" he asked, his voice quiet, almost fragile.

"Yes, honey," came a gentle voice. The grand duchess stepped out of the shadows, her dress catching the moonlight as she approached him. She slipped her hand into his, and together they both gazed into the distance where the mysterious man had vanished.

"I still can’t believe Axelius is gone..." she whispered, her eyes glistening as the words trembled out of her lips.

The duke swallowed hard, guilt washing over his features. "I’m really sorry... it’s all my fault."

She shook her head gently. "No wonder you threatened everyone to accept the new changes in Axelius," she said softly, the memory still vivid in her mind. "Whoever dares to confront him about what he’s become... will be punished without exception. Even if they are your children."

The duke closed his eyes, the pain in his chest tightening. "I just... I couldn’t bear the thought of him being hurt again," he said in a broken whisper. "After everything he’s gone through..."

The duchess tightened her grip on his hand. "We will protect him," she murmured, her voice firm despite the sorrow. "No matter what it takes."

Owen slithered quickly through the corridors, his little heart pounding as the duke’s words replayed in his mind. ’That man is shady... I feel like something bad is going to happen’he thought, his tail brushing against the polished floor as he rushed toward the terrace.

The cold night breeze greeted him when he slipped out into the open balcony. He peeked around, scanning every corner carefully. But the spot where Axelius and Sylfia had been earlier was now empty.

"Where did they go?" he muttered under his breath, his golden eyes narrowing as he lifted his head and scanned the gathering below.

People were still laughing and chatting, nobles holding glasses of wine, their jewels glinting under the soft lantern lights. But there was no sign of the pair.

His concern deepened, but before he could move again, a sudden rise in noise drew his attention. The music softened, and the king himself stepped forward to the center of the hall, lifting a tall golden goblet high in the air.

"Everyone!" the king’s powerful voice echoed through the grand hall, silencing the chatter as all eyes turned toward him.

"On this night, we celebrate not only the birth of our beloved daughter but also the unity and strength of our noble houses. Let this gathering remind us of the bonds we share, and may the days ahead bring prosperity to all our kingdoms!"

The nobles raised their glasses high, cheering in unison. "To the royal family! To our kingdom!"

Axelius raised his glass slightly and glanced at Sylfia with a small smile tugging at his lips. "Come on," he said, tilting his head toward her, "let’s toast."

Sylfia blinked, caught off guard. "Huh?"

"Just once," he added lightly, his tone warm and inviting. "We’re already here anyway."

After a short pause, Sylfia sighed and, though clearly uncomfortable, lifted her glass too. "Fine..."

"To the royal family!" Axelius declared with a grin, raising his wine high.

Sylfia looked away, cheeks faintly warm, and repeated in a softer voice, "...To the royal family," before taking a small sip.

She placed her glass down and cleared her throat. "Excuse me," she said quietly.

"Where are you going?" Axelius asked, curious.

"To Princess Tiana," Sylfia answered without meeting his eyes. "I need to check on her."

Axelius’s expression fell slightly, a disappointed sigh leaving his lips. "Aren’t you off duty now? Don’t worry about her — this is their castle. Nothing’s going to happen." He tried to sound reassuring, his smile calm and easy.

But Sylfia shook her head. "Thank you, but I still need to go." With that, she turned and walked away, leaving him staring at her retreating figure.

"Wow... she sure is hardworking," he muttered, swirling the wine in his glass before finishing it in one long sip. "Is she even enjoying her life?"

Feeling a little bored again, Axelius began moving through the crowded hall, weaving past groups of chatting nobles as the music played softly in the background. He was almost at the exit when a graceful voice called out from behind him.

"Lord Axelius Dravenheart, am I right?"

Axelius clicked his tongue softly and turned around. His expression shifted immediately as he recognized the speaker. Straightening his posture, he placed a hand over his chest and offered a graceful bow, movements smooth and practiced.

"Your Highness, Princess Athena," he greeted with a calm smile. "It’s an honor to be recognized by the birthday star herself."

Princess Athena smiled at him, her presence both gentle and commanding. The chatter in the room softened as many eyes turned their attention to the Dravenheart heir and the celebrated princess.