The answer made Felix exhale a long sigh of relief. His knees felt weak from sheer relief.
"Have you forgotten that there are still other loyal nobles in this kingdom who will defend you?" Kazien continued. "If this kingdom is in dire straits because you are trying to uphold the truth, the Altavis family will surely move immediately. Although neutral, we will never stand idly by while watching a righteous king be oppressed."
"Will your family not betray me halfway?" Felix asked once more, needing absolute certainty.
Kazien smiled thinly. He released Felix's grip on his arms, then switched to holding Felix's right cheek gently but firmly.
"We will only abandon an incompetent king, Felix." Kazien answered softly, looking straight into the Prince's eyes. "But if you fight for the people, we will be your sword and shield. For now, just prove your worthiness as a Crown Prince, Prince Felix!"
Kazien's touch on his cheek and his pledge of loyalty had an extraordinary impact. Felix felt his confidence return, no longer swallowed by fear. The heavy burden on his shoulders felt lighter.
"Very well, I will do it!" Felix said with renewed ambition. His eyes now radiated the aura of a true leader.
Kazien nodded in satisfaction. He realized one thing: if Felix started moving against the currents of 'darkness' in the academy and the palace, his safety would be severely threatened. His enemies would not remain silent.
Kazien took a step back, removing his hand from Felix's cheek. He extended his hands forward.
And then, a thick magical aura suddenly filled the room. With his Creation Magic, Kazien manifested mana particles in the air. Three blue magic crystals formed out of nowhere, floating before him.
Before King Nalvon and Felix could recover from their shock, Kazien opened his spatial storage dimension. Six pieces of pure gold floated out and joined the crystals.
King Nalvon and Felix could only gape, confused yet amazed to see such high-level magic performed as easily as flipping a hand.
"What is he doing?" muttered King Nalvon.
Before their eyes, Kazien used his alchemy magic. The gold melted and twisted into intricate fine chains, while the magic crystals were cut neatly and embedded in the center. In a matter of seconds, three necklaces with blue crystal pendants had been created.
Not stopping there, Kazien reached into his dimension again and took out another similar necklace that he had made previously. Now there were four necklaces in his hands.
Kazien stepped forward and handed the four necklaces to King Nalvon and Felix.
"K-Kazien..." King Nalvon accepted the necklace with trembling hands. He recognized the design and the energy aura radiating from it. "Is this not the same necklace your sister, Selena, wore at her wedding?"
"You are correct, Your Majesty." Kazien answered calmly. "This is an artifact that detects malicious intent. If you and Felix wear this necklace, the crystal will react. You will be able to know who harbors evil intent or killing intent toward you, even while you are asleep. This crystal will heat up and glow red if danger approaches."
Felix held the necklace in awe. He truly never expected Kazien to give him such a terrifying artifact, an artifact that could save his life from assassins or poison.
"Then, who are the remaining necklaces for, Kazien?" King Nalvon asked curiously, counting the number. "There are four here. One for me, one for Felix. There are still two more."
Kazien bowed his head slightly, offering respect. "For Her Majesty the Queen and the Princess, Your Majesty." Kazien answered respectfully. "Cunning enemies will not only attack the king but also the people he loves. It is better to take preventive measures before something unwanted happens to them."
King Nalvon was stunned. Felix fell silent too. They never expected that behind his harsh attitude and threats earlier, Kazien cared so deeply about the security and safety of the entire royal family. Such detailed attention had not even been thought of by the palace head of security.
Emotion swelled in the Prince's chest. He realized that the Altavis family, especially Kazien, was truly an invaluable asset to the kingdom he would one day lead.
"In that case, we will accept your gift with pleasure, Kazien." King Nalvon said sincerely, his eyes glassy. "Thank you very much. You have not only saved my son's face but also protected my family's lives."
Kazien smiled thinly, this time a smile full of relief. "I am glad to be of help, Your Majesty."
The atmosphere in the mansion's living room fell silent once more after the heavy political threat had passed. Now, only the warmth of friendship remained among them. Kazien let out a soft sigh, allowing the intimidating aura he had projected earlier to fade completely, replaced by the gentle demeanor of an old friend.
He looked at Felix's handsome face, seated beside King Nalvon. Kazien's gaze was no longer sharp like a hawk ready to strike, but calm and full of hope.
"I have high hopes for you, Felix." Kazien said gently but firmly, every syllable filled with prayer and trust. "Please do not disappoint my expectations. Make this kingdom a better place, a place where the people need not fear the shadows of corrupt nobles."
Felix smiled broadly, his signature confident grin returning to his face. "Leave it to me!" Felix answered enthusiastically, patting his chest. "I would never want to disappoint the cute Kazien I've known for so long. You can hold me to my promise!"
However, before Felix's smile could fully fade...
Zap!
The sharp sound of displaced air was heard briefly. In the blink of an eye, Kazien, who had been sitting relaxed in the chair across the table, had vanished.
Felix was startled. His heart nearly leaped out of his chest when he realized Kazien had suddenly appeared right in front of him. Their faces were incredibly close, too close. Kazien's handsome face was mere centimeters from his own, allowing Felix to clearly see every long eyelash and those captivating sapphire blue eyes.
"W-What are you doing, Kazien?!" Felix cried out in surprise, his body reflexively recoiling until his back hit the sofa. His breath hitched not out of fear, but from the sudden heart attack caused by the intimate proximity.
Kazien did not pull back. Instead, he narrowed his eyes, staring straight into Felix's eyes as if searching for a hidden truth at the bottom of the prince's soul.
"Do you not have feelings for me?" Kazien asked suddenly, his voice low and probing.
Felix blinked in confusion, his face heating up. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"Just answer me, Felix!"