Three days later, the king ordered a banquet.
"A welcome feast for the Hero of Light," he called it.
I called it a nightmare.
The hall glowed with golden chandeliers, nobles pretending to laugh at each other's jokes, the sound of music everywhere. I stayed near the corner, a glass of wine in my hand, trying to look harmless.
Then the hero walked in.
Elias Runeheart — he wore silver armor, white cape trailing behind him, that same easy smile. He looked like everything I used to admire when I was just a reader.
Now, I knew what came after that smile.
"Lord Kael," a voice said behind me.
I turned.
It was him. The hero himself.
"Ah," I said carefully, bowing slightly. "Sir Elias. Welcome to the royal capital."
He chuckled. "No need for titles, my lord. Just Elias is fine."
Of course he'd say that. Humble, charming — the people's favorite.
"You're even younger than I expected," he added, studying me. "And… your aura feels strange."
My heart skipped.
I smiled thinly. "Too much wine, perhaps."
He laughed, but his eyes didn't.
"No," he said softly, "it's something else."
The music in the hall drowned out the tension, but I could feel it—thin as a thread between us.
"Maybe you'll let me spar with you someday," Elias said, half-joking. "I like to know the strength of those around me."
"Someday," I replied. "When I feel like losing."
He grinned. "I doubt that."
For a moment, everything went quiet. His smile was still there, bright as sunlight — but behind it, I saw something colder. Like he already suspected who I really was.
Aria approached just in time, bowing politely. "My lord, the Duke requests your presence."
"Of course," I said quickly, setting my glass down. "Sir Elias, enjoy the banquet."
He nodded. "I will. And Lord Kael… try not to hide too much. The truth has a way of finding us."
I froze for half a second.
Then I turned and walked away, pretending I didn't feel the system's faint vibration in my chest.
[Warning: The Hero suspects you.]
Aria whispered, "He knows, doesn't he?"
"Not yet," I muttered, eyes on the golden floor. "But the game's started."
From across the hall, I could still
feel his gaze. Calm. Patient.
A smile with a sword behind it.
⚜️ End of Chapter 8