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."

crafty. I picked up my glass. "And I'm sure he'd love to,

different than the idiot I killed

down the table gasped

1/4

CH105

it coming, Kai said, huffing. "That philosopher says do not stir up trouble if you

not have solutions."

Interesting paraphrasing, but accurate.

sitting in his

I paused. "How'd you

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

right where you

hurt Lady Morgan,

"Yes."

play with Lady Morgan, and I don't have to acknowledge that guy... I gratefully accept your aid." We shook on it and I couldn't help but smile at how

'It'll be nice not to be

again, but this time, I felt a simmering amusement bubbling

the brotherly thing to do. And it was the least of the treats I owed him for embarrassing Kaito and clearing up my suspicions. Having them all look at Kai suspiciously and wonder what I was going

how suspicious and irritated they all looked. They were probably going to report to their mothers about this new allegiance

meant Kai was the son of the traitorous uncle I had only ever heard about. I'd thought he was dead, but it seemed like

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

2/4

CH105

Ari had become entangled with him enough to bear

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

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 uncalle or to exile her in the first place." Kaito grumbled and sank back into his seat and didn't say a

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 something

dumber than he was.

eem even

by the end of it. It was a bit

on.

briefly to the servants as they cleared

you," I said.