Episode4

"You seem... different today."

The Vampire King's calm voice echoed through the throne room, each word hanging heavily in the silence.

Cassian's heartbeat stumbled.

For a brief moment, he forgot how to breathe.

Different...?

How could he notice already?

His fingers curled slightly at his sides, hidden beneath the long sleeves of his coat. He had prepared himself for this meeting during the entire carriage ride. He had reminded himself again and again not to panic.

Yet, the first person to notice something was wrong...

...was the one person he least wanted to fool.

King Lucien Valerius.

Cassian slowly lifted his head just enough to meet the king's gaze for a second before respectfully lowering it again.

"I apologize if I have disappointed Your Majesty."

His voice remained steady despite the storm raging inside him.

"I simply... did not sleep well."

The excuse slipped out almost naturally.

A quiet murmur spread among the nobles.

"Lord Cassian didn't sleep?"

"How unusual."

"He's always composed."

The whispers disappeared as soon as Lucien's crimson eyes swept across the room.

Silence returned instantly.

Lucien took another step down from the throne.

The sound of his boots against the polished marble echoed throughout the hall.

Every noble lowered their heads even further.

Even without speaking, the king commanded absolute respect.

Cassian could feel Lucien's presence drawing closer.

His heart pounded louder with every step.

Don't panic.

Just stay calm.

The original Cassian would've stared at him with admiration.

I'm definitely not doing that.

Finally, Lucien stopped only a few steps away.

Close enough for Cassian to notice the intricate silver embroidery on the king's black cloak.

Close enough to feel the cold aura surrounding him.

Lucien studied him quietly.

Not with hostility.

Not with suspicion.

Simply...

Curiosity.

"You've changed your perfume."

Cassian blinked.

"...What?"

The words escaped before he could stop himself.

Several nobles widened their eyes.

One elderly duke looked as though he might faint.

Great...

Did I just question the king?

Cassian immediately lowered his head.

"My apologies, Your Majesty."

To his surprise...

Lucien didn't seem offended.

Instead, the corner of his lips lifted ever so slightly.

It wasn't quite a smile.

But it was enough to shock everyone present.

The Royal Chancellor glanced at the commander of the knights in confusion.

Had...

Had His Majesty almost smiled?

Impossible.

The king returned his attention to Cassian.

"I asked whether you were feeling unwell."

Cassian realized then that he had misunderstood.

Heat crept into his cheeks.

"I... I'm perfectly fine, Your Majesty."

"Just... a little tired."

"I see."

Lucien nodded once before turning toward the Royal Council.

"The meeting shall begin."

A collective sigh of relief swept through the hall.

Cassian silently released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

I survived...

At least for now.

One by one, the ministers stepped forward to discuss matters concerning the kingdom.

Border security.

Trade agreements.

Noble disputes.

The increase in magical beast sightings near the northern mountains.

Cassian listened quietly.

Although the topics sounded familiar from the novel, hearing them discussed in person made everything feel far more real.

This wasn't a fictional world anymore.

Every decision made inside this room affected thousands of lives.

As the meeting continued, Cassian noticed something strange.

Lucien wasn't merely listening.

He observed everyone.

Every pause.

Every expression.

Every hesitation.

The king's sharp eyes missed nothing.

No wonder he stayed alive for so long in the novel, Cassian thought.

He's terrifyingly perceptive.

Suddenly—

"Lord Cassian."

Cassian straightened immediately.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"The Evernight family governs the eastern territory."

Lucien's voice remained calm.

"What is your opinion regarding the recent attacks along the border?"

Cassian froze.

Opinion...?

In the original story, this question had never been directed at Cassian.

His mind raced.

Think.

Don't answer like the original villain.

He recalled the memories that belonged to Cassian.

The eastern territory had indeed experienced unusual attacks.

The original Cassian had suggested sending troops immediately, believing brute strength would solve the problem.

But Arihan remembered something the characters hadn't known at the time.

The attacks weren't an invasion.

They were caused by frightened magical beasts fleeing a hidden danger deep within the forest.

Sending soldiers had only made things worse.

Cassian took a slow breath.

"I believe... we should investigate before acting."

A wave of surprise swept across the council.

The commander frowned.

"Investigate?"

Cassian nodded respectfully.

"If the attacks continue without understanding their source, we may create unnecessary enemies."

"Sometimes..."

He paused.

"The creature attacking us isn't our true enemy."

Silence.

Even Cassian wondered where those words had come from.

Lucien remained perfectly still.

His crimson eyes rested on Cassian longer than before.

Then...

He gave a single nod.

"A reasonable suggestion."

Another murmur spread through the throne room.

No one had expected the king to agree so quickly.

The Royal Chancellor adjusted his glasses.

"It appears Lord Cassian has given the matter considerable thought."

Cassian forced an awkward smile.

Not exactly...

I just happened to read the novel.

The meeting continued, but Cassian noticed several nobles stealing curious glances in his direction.

Something had changed.

The image they held of Lord Cassian Evernight no longer matched the man standing before them.

When the council was finally dismissed, nobles began leaving the hall in orderly groups.

Cassian quietly turned toward the exit.

Mission accomplished.

I didn't die.

Time to leave before something else happens.

"Lord Cassian."

He froze.

That voice...

Lucien.

Cassian slowly turned around.

The throne room was almost empty now.

Only the king remained, standing near the great throne with his hands clasped behind his back.

His expression was as unreadable as ever.

"I would like to speak with you."

Cassian's eyes widened.

Alone...?

His mind screamed a single sentence.

This definitely wasn't in the novel.

Lucien took another calm step forward.

"Follow me."

Without waiting for an answer, the king walked toward a pair of silver doors hidden behind the throne.

Cassian stared after him for a heartbeat.

His instincts told him to run.

His curiosity told him to follow.

Taking a deep breath, he quietly stepped after the Vampire King, unaware that the conversation waiting beyond those doors would begin to change both of their destinies forever.

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