CHAPTER 150: WHISPER OF ENVY

"He’s lame, right? How can they accept a disabled servant? Have the rules changed?"

"It seems they have changed for him. Who is he? I’ve never seen him before. Is he a noble’s child?"

"If he really is a noble’s child, it’s a disgrace. If I were his family, I’d lock him in the barn. Better that than becoming a palace servant and the talk of the town."

"Nepotism?"

"I’m sure of it. Who can go straight to the palace dormitory without an education in the capital? He can’t even read properly. I really can’t believe it."

He kept hearing those words for a week. Kai was used to cruel comments, but he didn’t know how to deal with them other than staying silent.

Today, after breakfast, they were going to the study room in the building next door. At that moment, Kai noticed that everyone was carrying thick books. He stopped, trying to remember what had happened on the same day last week.

He only remembered that today was supposed to be a day of prayer together. Why were they carrying thick books?

Kai walked at the back. The study building was quite far, and it was hard for him to keep up with the others.

"Hey, you didn’t bring a book?" A young man walked quickly past him. The face looked familiar. Kai had seen him often. The young man had also given a speech on the first day in the reception room. Everyone had warmly welcomed him. Kai remembered his name was Ian.

Kai walked on, confused. "I don’t have a book."

"Oh, how come? Didn’t everyone get one last night?" said Ian, narrowing his eyes at Kai.

Kai’s eyes widened. Last night, after leaving the servant quarters, he had seen several students heading to the study building. But he hadn’t understood why and thought they just wanted to go there. Instead, he had spent that time with Sylas.

Now, he didn’t have a book for class. Kai panicked. He looked at Ian, who was staring at him and shaking his head.

"I know you have a lover in the palace, but you’d better pay attention to your lessons if you don’t want to get expelled from the dormitory," said Ian.

Kai swallowed hard. How did that man know he had a lover?

Ian looked at Kai and walked a little ahead. "You didn’t think we didn’t know you sneak out at night to meet your lover, did you? If Miss Amelia finds out, you’ll be expelled immediately. You shouldn’t cause trouble for a servant who hasn’t even been officially accepted yet."

Kai stayed silent, looking down. He didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t possibly refuse to meet Sylas. After all, he looked forward to their meetings every night.

"You don’t seem scared. I’m curious, who exactly is the powerful person behind you?" said Ian. His expression was flat, but Kai could feel the pressure in his words.

Kai said nothing and walked faster, his limp slowing him down. He didn’t understand why Ian slowed down and started walking beside him. They both walked in silence through the central area between the dormitory and the study building.

"You know, it seems unfair that some people are lucky enough to get everything they want without working hard, while others have to struggle just to live normally," Ian said suddenly.

Kai looked at him. Ian’s face was expressionless, his eyes cold and dark. It was completely different from the smiling, cheerful face he usually showed.

Kai avoided his gaze and kept walking. It seemed Ian was annoyed because he didn’t respond.

"I’m sure you wouldn’t understand. I’ve trained and studied hard to get here, while you probably just use your looks to get everything. I admit you’re handsome, and you clearly know how to use it."

Kai stayed quiet, trying to understand Ian’s words. He didn’t know why Ian seemed to hate him so much. From what he said, it sounded like Ian thought he had never studied or worked hard. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to. He simply couldn’t before. When he was given a chance, he studied hard.

He still didn’t understand why Ian thought he was lucky. Maybe in a way, he was. Meeting Sylas had given him many opportunities.

Ian clicked his tongue when Kai didn’t answer. Then he ran off, annoyed that he didn’t get a reaction.

***

That morning, in Sylas’s office.

"Your Majesty, Princess Eresia is waiting," said Alvaro as he entered the room. James had informed him half an hour ago.

Sylas was still focused on the books in front of him. He was reviewing matters he needed to discuss with his father, including the new trade union led by Montery, who wanted to apply for a special trade permit.

Sylas was familiar with that name.

"Your Majesty..." called Alvaro again, realizing Sylas hadn’t responded.

Sylas sighed. He knew Eresia was waiting. He looked at Alvaro, then at Amos.

"Do you know anything about Lord Montery?" Sylas asked.

Alvaro shook his head. He had never heard of him. "What’s wrong? Is there something strange?"

Sylas shook his head. "Father said I didn’t need to read this letter. I’m just curious why he doesn’t want to consider it."

Alvaro and Amos were silent.

"Maybe I can ask Lord Vlad," said Alvaro.

Sylas shook his head. "No need. I’m just curious, that’s all."

Amos frowned unhappily every time Alvaro mentioned that name. The vampire had almost killed him. But Selmora had immediately stopped him when he wanted to take revenge.

Vampires had strong ties with demons. They had a mutually beneficial relationship, and no one could make them fight each other.

Amos looked away. He had to find out more. Maybe Selmora could give him some information.

Sylas stood up from his chair. "Tell Princess Eresia I’ll be waiting in the living room. We’re going to the capital today."

Alvaro nodded. He also told James to prepare everything related to security and other arrangements, since their trip would surely attract attention.

Meanwhile, Eresia was in her room, bored from waiting. In front of her, Alora was kneeling on the floor.

"I see you every time I see that slave. You know, I can do anything. I can make you successful or destroy you," said Eresia. Her face looked calm but lazy. She didn’t know if Alora was really useful to her, but right now, she would do anything to keep Kai away from Sylas.