Kingdom Building Game: Starting Out With A Million Upgrade Points! - Chapter 69

Chapter 69: Guarded Hearts
Kael, we should designate shifts for the watch. Rotate who sleeps and who stays on guard,” Laris suggested. “There’s no telling what might be lurking nearby, especially with how quiet it’s become. Monsters could be waiting for us to let our guard down.”

Esten, who had been sitting nearby, nodded. His face was pale from exhaustion, but his eyes remained sharp. “I agree,” he said. “The jungle’s silence is unsettling. We don’t know how many of them are out there.”

Kael paused for a moment. He glanced over the remaining knights and let out a sigh. “You’re right. We can’t afford to take chances. But we also can’t wear ourselves out completely. We need to make sure the rotations are balanced.”

Laris looked around at the knights, now realizing just how important their next move was. “Alright, then,” he said, suddenly raising his voice to echo across the group. “100 men will step to the left and form up. You’ll be on night watch duty for the next shift. Every 40 minutes, we’ll rotate. No one sleeps for more than that at a time. We need to keep our senses sharp.”

The knights murmured, quickly acknowledging the order, and shuffled into position.

With the plan set, the knights began to form a loose perimeter. Some knelt to check their gear, while others took their positions in the new watch rotation.

—

Nightfall had fallen over the training grounds of the barracks. The barracks was now a structure of white quartz, polished oak wood, and accents of gold.

The soft glow of lanterns lining the courtyard illuminated the surroundings, giving it a warm ambiance.

Seraphine stood in the center of the spacious training ground, her breathing heavy as sweat dripped down her face.

She held her sword loosely at her side. Across from her, Arkanos stood, his expression calm, his piercing gaze fixed on her every movement.

Arkanos raised his sword slightly as he spoke, “Begin, Seraphine.”

With a nod, Seraphine gripped her sword tighter. She charged forward.

As Seraphine reached within striking range, she launched into a series of rapid slashes.

Her attack was aimed to break through Arkanos’ defenses and seize the upper hand. But just as her blade was about to connect with his, Arkanos’ movements became fluid—almost imperceptibly fast.

In one swift motion, Arkanos shifted his sword, easily deflecting Seraphine’s strikes. His eyes locked onto hers, his expression calm as he disarmed her with a graceful flick of his wrist.

The sword clattered to the ground, skidding across the polished floor a few feet away.

Seraphine froze for a moment, her breath catching in her throat as Arkanos pressed the tip of his own blade gently against her neck.

“You lost again.”

Seraphine exhaled slowly, then smiled softly as she spoke.

“It seems I really can’t best you, even when given the first move.”

Arkanos withdrew his sword, sheathing it with a quiet snap.

“Patience is a strength, Seraphine.”

“The path is long, and victory will come with time.”

“But for now, continue. Improve, and perhaps one day, you will surpass me.”

Seraphine gave a slight bow, her gaze unwavering. “I’ll keep pushing forward, my lord.”

“You’ve done well today,” Arkanos said softly, “That will be all for tonight. You should retire. Rest, Sephira.”

Sephira inclined her head gracefully, her smile enchanting.

“Goodnight, my emperor,” she said with a slight bow.

…

The castle halls stretched long and quiet, lit faintly by the candlelight that flickered in sconces lining the walls.

Arkanos walked with a calm stride, his thoughts occupied by the countless matters of state.

By his side, Lady Sephira walked beside him, her fingers entwined with his left arm.

She hummed softly, as if to show her excitement as she then began to inform him of the details of the project she was able to iron out with Arvel.

“The train rail construction is progressing smoothly, my Emperor.”

“Arvel and I reviewed the blueprints again. The tracks will be built through the southern regions first, as you instructed.”

Arkanos nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. “And what of the Adventurers Guild, were you able to specify where they would be helping out?”

Sephira’s lips pressed into a thin line. “They informed me that unforeseen complications have arisen,” she said. “There are issues they are facing, so they cannot provide full support for the project at this time. They suggest we proceed to seek alternative partnerships.”

Arkanos paused for a moment, his green eyes narrowing slightly. “Complications,” he echoed. He let out a sigh, his broad shoulders rising and falling.

“Very well. We will move forward, I can easily resolve the issue of manpower.”

Sephira gave a small nod, her gaze steady. “Understood.”

As they continued their walk, they passed the towering doors of the castle library. Arkanos halted suddenly, his eyes taking in the sight. The doors stood ajar, their rich oak wood polished to a smooth sheen. His brow furrowed slightly in curiosity as he gazed at them.

“Why is the library open so late?”

Sephira glanced toward the library with a knowing smile.

“Kaela…”

“likes to come here every night before bed. She finds solace among the books.”

Arkanos raised an eyebrow, an amused smile appearing on his face. “Is that so?”

Sephira gently hugged his arm tighter as she then spoke with a playful tone.

“Enough of that now, my emperor. Don’t you think it’s about time you rewarded me for my efforts?”

Arkanos paused, considering her words. “I will reward you,” he said. Pausing as he redirected his gaze towards the open library doors.

“But first, I wish to see Kaela. She has been closed off.”

Sephira’s grip tightened, her expression shifting to a more serious one. “You are ignoring me again…” she murmured, her tone becoming almost defensive.

“Are you avoiding me, my emperor?”

“Do you not see? I’ve felt… lost, forgotten.”

“You’ve been distant, and it hurts more than I can bear.”

“Do you not love me anymore?”

“Am I not worthy of you?”

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Her eyes, though shimmering with tears about to fall.

“I am your woman, your concubine…”

“I have responsibilities… duties to fulfill… but they weigh heavy on me when I feel so alone. You never ask me to be alone with you, you always stop my advances… Do you really not love me—”

Without thinking, he reached out, his hand cupping her cheek gently as he pressed a tender kiss to her lips, silencing her.

Sephira’s eyes widened in surprise, but she didn’t resist. Instead her arms wrapped around him tightly as her tears finally fell down her face. When he pulled away, her breath hitched softly, her cheeks blushed,but she didn’t speak… only stared up at him, her heart still beating fast.

Arkanos’ face softened at her vulnerability. His heart ached for the woman who always stood strong, yet now stood broken before him.

His thumb brushed her lower lips as he tilted her head upward slightly then whispered.

“Sephira…”

“I am not neglecting you. My days are consumed by the weight of the empire, building and nurturing its foundations. But you…”

His hand slowly wiped away her tears.

“…are never far from my thoughts. How can any man be able to resist a woman of beauty such as yours.”

Sephira inhaled deeply, trying to steady her emotions. “If you speak the truth… My Love… Then show me… reward me.”

“I want to bear an heir.”

Arkanos smiled gently, as he chuckled softly. He leaned in close to her ear, his breath warm against her skin.

“Head to my chambers.”

“I will join you soon. There, I will give you the reward you seek.”

Sephira’s eyes brightened, a soft blush creeping up her cheeks. “I’ll hold you to that,” she said. She let go of his arm and began to move toward her chambers.

Arkanos watched her leave for a moment before turning back to the library door. With calm steps, he entered the room.

CRRRR

The doors creaked open.

The library was filled with an unusual sight, books scattered across the polished floor, pages flipped open as if in the midst of a heated research session.

In a corner, seated among the mess of books, was Kaela. Her blue hair flowed down her back, and her soft blue eyes glanced up at him reluctantly from behind the pages of a book. She wore a simple white and blue dress, its fabric simple yet elegant.

“What are you reading?” Arkanos asked as he walked up to her.

Kaela hesitated, then slowly closed the book. “Just… studies,” she said quietly, her voice subdued.

Arkanos raised a brow. “Studies? You seem quite invested in them.”

Kaela avoided his gaze, fumbling with the edge of the book in her hands. “It helps me unwind,” she murmured, not meeting his eyes.

Arkanos watched her for a moment, his gaze fixed on her as she fumbled with the book.

“There… You are doing it again… always avoiding my eyes,” he said quietly.

Kaela shifted slightly, her fingers tightening around the edge of the book as though to shield herself from his probing gaze.

Arkanos took a step closer, his green eyes searching hers. “Why are you always closed off… Pushing me away?”

Kaela paused, her breath hitching for a moment as she struggled to find the words. “If you truly don’t remember,” she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper, “then maybe… maybe it means you don’t care, so don’t pretend like you do.”

Arkanos’ expression softened, though his eyes were still fixed on her. He watched as she rose to her feet, slowly moving away from him.

“Kaela,” he called gently, but she didn’t stop.

“So you are saying you truly don’t remember?” she said softly, her voice trembling slightly.

“You’re going to make me the one to remind you, to force you to care again?”

Her tone was quiet, yet defiant, as though demanding something that was impossible to ask.

She turned her back on him, moving toward the door. “If you truly loved me,” she said over her shoulder, “you would’ve remembered. But if I have to be the one to remind you… then maybe I should just leave.”