To Sylas’ surprise, James came the next day to tell him he was taking Kai away.
"I thought you needed time to prepare a place for him," Sylas said. For a moment, he forgot that James was always quick to act. It seemed the old man had already taken care of everything.
"The new class will start next month. But it looks like your servant needs some basic lessons before joining the others. Right now, many teachers are back home for summer vacation. But Mrs. Manu is here, and she’s willing to help Kai study," James explained.
The special school for palace servants was located in the capital. It took two years before they were ready to work in the palace. Inside the palace, they lived in dormitories for a year, this part was paid because most of the final training was hands-on work. This meant they were actually doing the job.
The dormitories opened at the start of autumn, and the final exams were held at the start of summer. Servants who passed would be appointed as permanent palace workers and could start working right away. Those who failed—which was rare unless they made a serious mistake—would be dismissed.
Some servants with excellent academic performance, good knowledge, proper manners, and the right physical appearance were sent to the royal family’s residence. Competition for this was fierce, because even the lowest position in the royal residence paid three times more than a regular palace servant.
As for Kai, he would skip the school phase in the capital and go straight to lessons at the dormitory. The dormitory was currently empty until next month. But James had managed to ask Mrs. Manu to spare some time to teach him.
"The lessons will be different. I’ve told Mrs. Manu to start with the basics, like counting and carrying numbers. Once classes start, the servant can attend lessons on palace rules and begin working alongside the others," James said.
Sylas nodded. "You can call him Kai. I’m entrusting him to you. Please don’t be too harsh. I mean it. I don’t need him to work."
James nodded. "I understand. But unfortunately, I can’t help him if he’s in the dormitory. He’ll have to manage on his own. And we can’t play favorites. If he gets special treatment, it might cause problems with the other servants. Jealousy is dangerous."
Sylas thought James had a point. He knew how cruel people could be when jealous, and he didn’t want Kai to be targeted. The most important thing was for Kai to make a friend, enjoy the experience, and live comfortably in the palace.
Still, Sylas felt a strange flutter in his chest at the thought of Kai leaving so soon. A little sadness. The slave’s presence made him happy to return to his room.
But he couldn’t be selfish. He would see Kai often in a year’s time.
"I’ll go tell Kai. Thank you, Sir James," said Sylas.
James bowed respectfully.
"Can you keep this from His Majesty? I don’t want him worrying about this matter."
James smiled, knowing Adrien already understood what was happening. It seemed the king had no interest in interfering with Kai.
"Very well, Your Highness. After lunch, I’ll ask Captain Visen to take Kai to his room," James said.
Sylas nodded. "Please prepare a bag for him."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Sylas felt he had received a lot of good news today. Huron had informed him that Alvaro’s suspension would be lifted. The knight could start working for him again next Sunday. But Sylas wanted Alvaro back before the festival. He wanted more time with him outside the palace.
Huron only sighed, beginning to realize the two wanted to enjoy the festival together in private. He’d feel guilty if they missed it because of him.
"All right, Your Highness. Have fun," Huron said.
Sylas just smiled, not understanding the true meaning behind Huron’s words. "I know you’ll be busy at that time, General. Have a good day," he said with a playful smile.
After lunch, Sylas took Kai back to his room. He had explained that Kai would spend a year in the dormitory. Kai only nodded silently. Sylas wasn’t sure if he understood.
As they climbed the stairs, Sylas noticed Kai struggling. In the dormitory, he would be going up and down stairs often. Even now, whenever Sylas held his hand, all the servants and guards stared at them.
"Walk slowly, there’s no need to rush. When you’re at the dormitory, no matter who tells you to hurry, walk carefully," Sylas advised.
Kai nodded. "Yes, Master." He wanted to crawl, but he knew Sylas wouldn’t approve. So he moved very slowly.
When they reached the room, Sylas saw Visen already waiting. The captain greeted him and glanced at Kai, who was bowing his head and catching his breath.
"Come in. You’re here quickly," Sylas said.
Visen smiled. "Forgive me if I disturbed you, Your Highness."
Sylas shook his head as he entered the room with Kai. "No, it’s fine. No problem."
Kai followed slowly, walking beside Amos. But he froze when he saw Visen’s face.
Then his eyes fell on the shiny emblem on the man’s robe. His face went pale. He kept his head down as he walked toward Sylas, who was sitting on the sofa. His heart was pounding hard.
"Did you bring a bag for Kai?" Sylas asked Visen.
Visen nodded and handed him the suitcase.
Sylas glanced at the pile of clothes and belongings Sean had prepared on the table. Googlᴇ search Novᴇl_Fire(.)net
Visen opened the suitcase and began placing Kai’s clothes inside, one by one. Kai watched in horror.
That man... he was the one who had taken him from the prison, tied him up, and ordered the others to leave him alone. He remembered it clearly. He was certain this man wanted to take him away from Sylas.
He might end up in darkness again, slowly waiting for death. The thought made his body shake violently.
He didn’t want to leave Sylas!