The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 105

CH105

Tsuneo

Kaito sputtered, struggling to speak.

I regarded Kai with a wry smile. "Is that what you want? To call him uncl

"Well... sort of." He poked at a peach. "He's a lot nicer than my father, so I want to have a good relationship with him... And he's the king, so I should definitely work on a better relationship with him so I won't have to live like father does." He leaned closer. "I have a bigger plan thought.

I leaned closer and lowered my voice. "Oh, and what is that?"

"You have to promise not to tell, he whispered, pursing his lips. "I'm trusting you."

He narrowed his eyes and I smiled, leaning down so my ear was closer.

I promise. I won't even tell Lady Morgan."

He hesitated then leaned up and whispered soft enough that no one else should have heard it. I was impressed that he knew enough to actually whisper.

"I want to be adopted."

Tarofu cackled. This kid is the best!

I leaned up and eyed him. "Lofty."

w do you

"I know, but I have a plan. Do you think it's possible if I do well on my studies? think 1

d be doing something else?"

I smiled down at him and chuckled. "Why are you pulling me into your scheming?"

"Lady Morgan isn't here, so you're the next best option."

I picked up my glass. "And I'm sure he'd love to, even if you don't.

"Kaito isn't too much different than the idiot I killed or his sister,

table gasped and dropped

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CH105

said, huffing. "That philosopher says do not stir up trouble if

not have solutions."

Interesting paraphrasing, but accurate.

in

I paused. "How'd you

the table. They all seemed angry when you put me in the seat, and there wasn't a seat for me."

can be right where you are if

Lady Morgan,

"Yes."

guy... I gratefully accept your aid." We shook on it and I couldn't help

pinched his cheek and whispered back, 'It'll be nice not to be

the table. The hall went silent again, but this time, I felt a simmering amusement

embarrassing Kaito and clearing up my suspicions. Having them all look at Kai suspiciously and wonder what I was going to vouch for him was going

probably going to report to their mothers about this new allegiance and

fact that we were cousins... which meant Kai was the son of the traitorous uncle I had only ever heard about. I'd

co-conspirator with Ari's father, it was no surprise that

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CH105

had become entangled with him enough to bear him

as cheerful and sweet as Kai was. I supposed this was why my

back in my chair, fingers tapping the edge of the table as I glanced at Kaito. He looked like he wanted to spit nails. "Seems like I should have Ari brought back for questioning, and wasn't so

had begun with, save for Kai's occasional bursts of chatter. The concubines who had been in attendance and my siblings ate in sullen quiet, their eyes fixed anywhere but on me. Kaito had the good sense to hurry through his meal and leave as quickly as possible, as though he feared saying

dumber than he was.

eem even

of them left, leaving me and Kai as the only people in the hall by the end of it. It was a bit concerning that my father hadn't come down. Eating with everyone was the best part of his day, usually. I suppose he was more tired

on.

nodding briefly to the servants as they cleared

said. "Lunch was