Chapter115

'Why in the world is he here?' the Patriarch thought, his eyes narrowing as he stared directly at Hajin.
'I explicitly told that worthless failure to rot in the slums and never show his face anywhere near nobility again. Does he actually think he can just casually walk into the royal court without severe consequences?'
Before the Patriarch could say anything else, he noticed Didi staring directly at him. Her eyes carried a sharp, uncomfortable intensity that made him pause. 
'What is that look?' he thought, his confusion overriding his annoyance for a split second. 'Did I do something?'
His gaze flicked from Didi back down to the boy standing behind her. 
'Wait... did that worthless trash say something to her about me?' the Patriarch thought, his jaw tightening. 'If he did, silencing him before things get out of control is the best option.'
"I am just genuinely glad you are safe," the King said, breaking the Patriarch's internal train of thought as he pulled back from the hug. He finally looked past his daughter, his eyes landing on Hajin and Juna. "But who are these two?"
"They are my saviors, Father," she answered smoothly, turning to gesture toward them. "This is Hajin, and his companion, Juna. They pulled me away from the monster and escorted me back to the capital."
The King's expression softened completely as he looked at the two teenagers, but then a heavy shadow crossed his face. 
"The news of your detachment reached me this morning," the King said, his voice dropping significantly. "I am truly sorry about Sir Gazel. He was one of the finest knights this kingdom has ever produced."
Didi's perfectly composed facade finally cracked. Her expression turned incredibly sad, and Hajin watched small tears start to form in the corners of her eyes. 
"He died protecting me," she said quietly, her shoulders dropping. 
"He died fulfilling his ultimate duty, and his name will be honored as such," the King said softly, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before he turned around. 
The King started walking directly toward Hajin.