Chapter 191: Ch 190: You are the true young master

Having company made one thing easier for Kael—no one was approaching him to ask for a dance. His current partner was too well-known for others to make a move.

Kael could also see people trying to figure out whether this was a strategic move or merely an accidental one. But he did not care about their opinions or what they thought.

All that mattered to him was that he was finally being left alone. And he decided to make a run for it as soon as the dance ended.

"Young Master, I had a wonderful time with you. Perhaps, we can dance again-"

Kael pretended to sway on his feet, and that immediately grabbed people’s attention. He rubbed his forehead as though he had a headache.

"I am afraid that I have overexerted myself a bit today, Miss. I will be taking my leave now."

Kael stepped away from the young lady, and she looked shocked by his decision. But her eyes turned determined in an instant, and she grabbed his arm to support him.

"My lord, please allow me to lend you a shoulder. I promise I have no ulterior motives."

Valary looked too determined for Kael to refuse, which made him sigh as he realized there was no way to send her away. No one else was stepping forward to help him either.

In fact, most people there were too busy gossiping about how they had not expected him to be "so weak," and they had no idea what they should do next.

’Well, at least my act is making them reconsider their approach, making me less of a target for now. I guess I can take advantage of this and make a run for it.’

So Kael allowed Valary to accompany him to the next hall, and he had to admit that she was genuinely helpful. She kept her mouth shut and did not try to take advantage of him.

"Thank you."

Kael decided to thank her and send her on her way. But Valary grabbed the doorframe and held it open, refusing to let him dismiss her.

"My lord, I know you don’t trust me, but I only want what is best for you. I can tell that you trust your family a great deal, but they are not as kind as you think they are. If you don’t do anything to solidify your position now, then you will be eaten alive by this family."

Valary warned Kael with a determined glint in her eyes. She believed every single word she said.

Kael was surprised to hear her speak so calmly, so he decided to hear her out.

"Oh! I have heard a lot of people warn me about this, but no one has been willing to tell me much. Could you enlighten me, my lady?"

Kael asked, and Valary looked surprised by his polite tone. Then her expression hardened with determination, and she nodded.

"My lord, you might not be aware of this, but noble society is like a jungle where only the fittest survive. I do not doubt your abilities, and I am sure you are a powerful person. However, you lack an understanding of our society."

That much was true. But Valary was mistaken about a lot of things.

First, Kael did not lack an understanding of noble society because he had been away, but because he had never been interested in it. He had no desire to play politics even when he had lived with this family, never mind after he ran away from it.

Still, he allowed Valary to continue.

"Young Master, noble society will swallow you whole and use you if you are not careful. So please, allow me to help you navigate this place. I will become your eyes and ears, guiding you through troubles and helping you reach your rightful place."

Valary was making a lot of bold claims, and Kael could not help but feel a laugh rising in the back of his throat.

He suppressed it and forced a serious expression back onto his face.

"Oh really? And what is my ’rightful place’ according to you?"

Kael asked, and Valary looked awkward, almost as if she did not want to say those words aloud. But after taking a quick look around, she decided it was safe enough.

"Young Master, you have the makings of a great family head and the ability to realize your ambitions. It is a pity for someone like you to remain a mere family member who is not even respected simply because you are not a Sword Master. Your rightful place is as the head of this family."

If other people had heard those words, they would have gasped in shock and condemned Valary for even suggesting such a thing.

But she was willing to take that risk because she was convinced that Kael shared her views.

His calm expression and composed demeanor only made her more certain that he agreed with her. Just a little more persuasion, and he would fall into Valary’s hands.

"Isn’t that too much pressure to put on me? Somehow, I don’t feel like I would make a good family head-"

"But I am certain. And I am not the only one. There are others like me as well. If you don’t believe me, then I can arrange for you to meet them. Just give us a chance. We all want to see you succeed."

Valary promised with unwavering determination. She clasped Kael’s hands in her own as she looked him straight in the eyes.

"So...there are others like you as well?"

Kael asked in a suspicious voice, and Valary nodded.

"There are many more people like me who believe in you. Please hear us out before you make a decision. I will be waiting for you at the memorial plaza the day after tomorrow. Please come if you are interested in learning more."

Valary said her piece before hurrying away.

Kael sighed as he watched her leave before turning toward the next corner.

"You can come out now, Nathan. I am sure you heard everything anyway. So, are you going to try to assassinate me over this?"