“What’s with Lord Kevin? Making us from the intelligence department do manual labor—did we mess up somehow?”

A man hauled a cart piled with heavy building materials, panting hard. He obediently trudged toward Kevin’s designated spot, muttering complaints under his breath the whole way.

After all, he couldn’t fathom why desk workers were forced into physical labor. He was certain he hadn’t offended Guardian Kevin.

Earlier that night, Guardian Kevin had abruptly issued a top-secret mission using his highest authority, mobilizing over eighty percent of internal personnel. The operation was massive.

Yet its secrecy demanded absolute silence—any leaks would bring severe consequences.

“Dragging us out at this hour to haul such heavy stuff? I can’t take it!”

“Yeah, it’s awful. I’m done for.”

Intelligence agents grumbled nonstop but still pushed their carts toward the destination, punctuated by occasional groans of pain.

No one in the empire dared defy Kevin’s orders—except Gari Barodale.

“Good. In two days, I’ll build a brand-new family estate. No problem at all.”

Clad in airtight armor, Kevin observed everything leisurely through a magic screen. The real test was coming—the moment that would decide success or failure.

His pale blue eyes tracked Gali below, who approached with a heavy, imposing stride.

Tension thickened between them. Both knew the other hid secrets but neither intended to speak plainly.

“Gali, what brings you here? I’m pressed for time, so get to the point.”

Kevin cut off Gali’s aggressive rhythm first—his goal was simply to keep Gali steady.

“Do you know an Executor named Kailen Kaslana under your command? I want more details about her.”

Gali spoke calmly at first, then shifted to a mysterious tone, his gaze locked unflinchingly on Kevin.

“Kevin, are you hiding something from me? I expect you to be honest.”

“Huh…?”

Kevin feigned sudden realization, his body mimicking the gesture. He slowly produced a magic photo and handed it to the stern-faced Gali.

“Oh, that matter. I looked into it. The Executor you asked about that day—Executors aren’t usually assigned by me directly, but…”

Kevin paused, giving Gali a meaningful look.

“I checked. She just resembles Manna Suhuali. Nothing suspicious otherwise. So please, don’t harass her. Manna Suhuali is long dead, Gali. Accept it and move on.”

“I see.”

Gali took the photo quietly, his expression softening. He truly didn’t want conflict with Kevin. Staring intently at the image, he replied firmly,

“I still feel she’s Manna Suhuali. Maybe I’m crazy, but I’ve waited too long. I need to confirm it with my own eyes.”

Kevin sighed inwardly. Once Gali decided something, it rarely changed—but that stubbornness had pulled Kevin from his own abyss.

Even if refused, Gali would find a way to intrude like some obsessed stalker. Kevin had firsthand experience.

Just thinking about it sent chills down his spine.

“Gali, I have a mission for you. No objections, I trust? Don’t worry—it won’t take more than a few days.”

Kevin aimed to buy time. Gali wouldn’t refuse his requests.

They had a pact: Kevin ruled as king, Gali served as the sword; Kevin protected within, Gali struck beyond. Now was the time to honor it.

“Head to Jeremi’s territory. Rumors say the Demon Race might be reviving. How I know? Don’t ask.”

“Understood. I’ll return ASAP.”

Gali agreed readily—such tasks were trivial for him. Yet an unusual urgency gripped his heart; he just wanted this done fast.

Kevin noticed Gali’s shifting mood. To steady him, he shared the barren land’s address where the new family estate would rise. Gali’s spirits visibly lifted.

Soon, Gali left the gleaming hall, letting Kevin breathe a sigh of relief. Had he stayed longer, Kevin might’ve suffocated in this armor.

With a heavy clank, the airtight armor hit the floor. Kevin slumped into a chair, gasping for air. His delicate face flushed crimson, yet it only made him look strikingly beautiful.

A magic message arrived, but Kevin stayed calm—he’d summoned this person. She was the empire’s finest puppet master.

Grudgingly, he used magic to reseal the armor. Maintaining his image was exhausting.

“Long time no see, Emma. How have you been? If you’re struggling, just tell me.”

Kevin disguised his voice magically, addressing the stunning purple-haired woman nearby with feigned concern.

“Skip the pleasantries. What do you want, Kevin? I’m busy.” Her tone was impatient, yet held a flicker of anticipation.

“I need two puppets—parents—to act a role. Ready by tomorrow. Can you manage? Payment won’t be an issue.”

“Done.” Emma gently pinched her chin, replying softly as if it were trivial.

She didn’t ask why—he knew some things were better left unspoken.

“As for the price…” Emma hesitated, her face unreadable, then casually added,

“Marry me. How about that?”

The air turned awkward instantly. Kevin froze, unsure how to respond. Emma paused, then chirped lightly,

“Kidding! You didn’t take it seriously, did you? Honestly, no sense of humor.”