The Tyrant's Pet

Conan was standing outside the castle, deep in thought, when he caught Abel and Sunny walking out of the castle. He immediately jogged his way to meet them, standing beside Abel while Sunny was on his right.

"What is it now, Conan? Can't you see I'm having a moment after arguing with my wife?" Abel resisted rolling his eyes. The last thing he wanted right now was Conan nagging him with the most unnecessary things.

"Handsome Uncle, my grandpa said I can take the dogs out for a walk tomorrow." Sunny grinned, eyes sparkling excitedly.

Conan simply cast the sparkling little girl a cursory look and let out a long-suffering sigh.

"Your Majesty, the squad returned with Morro. Apparently, they didn't meet with the Grand Duke of Fleure."

Abel stopped and quirked a brow, turning his head at Conan. "They didn't meet with Isaiah?"

Conan lowered his head, and another sigh slipped past his nose. Morro told them Isaiah was on his way back to the empire after the mission Abel gave him. That was several weeks ago; Isaiah should've arrived in the empire even before the selection began.

"Hah… I wonder if he was ambushed and died." Abel's eyes fell on Sunny, knowing the place Isaiah went was the kingdom where this little girl's father was supposed to be. "What do you think, boy?"

"I think… he got tired of Handsome Uncle's shenanigans and went soul searching."

After hearing Sunny's answer, Abel returned his attention to Conan. "You heard her."

"Your Majesty." Conan frowned.

Abel resumed his steps, still holding Sunny's hand. He pondered about it for a moment and it didn't take long for him to realize Sunny's guess was impossible. Isaiah was never the type to disappear; he was actually the opposite. Even if Conan cry a river in front of Isaiah just so the man would leave them alone, he would feign deaf and blind.

"That's strange, indeed." He rocked his head, quirking a brow when Sunny tugged his hand.

"My feet are starting to hurt, grandpa."

A faint breath escaped his nostrils, squatting down to carry the little 'boy' in his arms. He looked at Sunny and grinned.

"You need a diet, boy. Your feet can't carry all this weight anymore." Abel then turned to Conan. "Send a letter to Marquess Vandran. Tell him Isaiah is missing and I can't send just anyone to look for my precious vassal."

"How about Roman? He'll be a great assistance to the marquess."

"He's in charge of my wife's safety — even though she doesn't need it, she says."

"Then, I'll send Morro with him."

"Sure. Whatever you think will be helpful for the search, Conan. If you are worried, you can go as well. Although I don't think you'll be able to stand it if Isaiah teased you about it." Abel waved dismissively as he sauntered back to the palace while Conan stopped following him.

Conan lowered his head and then straightened his back, staring at Abel's back. Sunny looked back at Conan and smiled, waving at him.

"One after another… the carriage incident isn't concluded yet, but Roman confirmed it was a strange one." He let out a deep exhale, turning on his heel to look at a particular palace from afar. "How can I go and search for that guy when this palace is full of snakes lurking in the shadows?"

That evening, Conan sent a letter to the House Vandran via Morro, which Dexter accepted without a second hesitation. The Marquess might've been on the opposing party, but he would always be one of Abel's people.

Isaiah's disappearance would become a problem since he was the one putting those night councils under control. Without him, the night council might stay a little tamed, but not for long. Not to mention, he still had legal duties as the Grand Duke of Fleure.

Abel wouldn't send this request to Dexter if this matter wasn't important.

<strong>[ THE VANDRAN RESIDENCE ]</strong>

"My lord, should I assist you on your expedition?" Gustav stood on the side of the desk while Dexter was folding a paper. The latter glanced at the manor's head butler and shook his head.

"No need, Gustav." Dexter pushed himself up, holding the folded paper in between his fingers as he sauntered towards the open window. Sitting on the windowsill was Morro in his human form, looking down at the letter Dexter was handing him.

"I want Sir Conan's approval in the morning," said Dexter while Morro accepted the letter quietly. "Also, I will need the details of Duke Darkmore's route."

"Alright," was all Morro said before jumping from the windowsill, only to disappear into the thick darkness.

"There had been forces in the imperial palace that the emperor hadn't been identified." Dexter slowly turned around to face Gustav. "I don't think Sir Conan can handle everything all by himself. That's why I requested you will enter the palace as Sunny's butler. Look after Dani."

"But his Majesty's people already surrounded the lady, my lord."

"I cannot be complacent." Dexter shook his head. "His Majesty, his sister and granddaughter, the knights, Sir Conan, and everyone on their side might be capable. However, it's presumptuous to think whoever his enemies decide to show up isn't as capable and cunning."

Dexter leaned his side against the window, folding his arms under his chest. "I know His Majesty will prioritize her safety, but I want another pair of eyes that will solely focus on her."

"My lord, you said you cannot be complacent. However, isn't going alone to a place where the grand duke disappeared all alone, called complacency?"

"I'm with Morro, and if things are beyond my control, I can always retreat." Dexter unfolded his arms and walked towards Gustav, planting a hand on the latter's shoulder. "I can fight freely if I know my sister is safe. For as long as she is safe, I will come back to her no matter what."

Gustav frowned slightly, lowering his head to hide his displeasure. There was something in this mission that made his heart restless, but since Dexter's mind wouldn't change, Gustav didn't argue.

"Understood, my lord."

"Good." Dexter tapped Gustav's shoulder in satisfaction. "Help me with my preparation. I will depart after my visit with Dani tomorrow. You'll be moving there tomorrow as well."