I am Just an Average Tamer

As the soft clink of porcelain cup echoed gently in the guest room, a quiet settled between the three.

Lina sat beside Elina, absently stroking Vex's soft fur.

Her lips were curved in a small smile, but beneath it, her chest fluttered with nerves.

Saying her real name out loud—Liliana Raelis—after hiding it for so long… it felt like opening an old book she had sealed away with wax.

She didn't regret saying it. Not in front of them. Still, the vulnerability clung to her like a shadow.

Kai watched her in silence, his gaze unreadable for a few seconds.

Then, finally, he set down his empty cup on the tray.

"So… daughter of House Raelis," he said calmly.

"That explains why the guards, and those guys stunned seeing your crest."

Liliana looked at him sideways. "You're not angry I hid it?"

"I don't care much for titles," Kai replied. "But I do care if I'm caught up in something that could get us all killed. So yes—I have questions."

Liliana nodded, her fingers tightening slightly on her lap.

"Ask."

Kai's tone was quiet, but firm. "Why did you leave? And what were you running from?"

Liliana exhaled, brushing a stray lock behind her ear. "It's… complicated. My stepmother tried to force me into something twisted. Not just a marriage for power… but something else. More like binding me to something worse. And even my father didn't try to stop it."

Kai's brows furrowed slightly. "So you ran."

"I fled," she admitted. "I didn't have a plan. I just wanted to be free. That's when they send some pursuers and I met you, while fleeing from them."

There was a pause. Elina, sensing the heavier tone, reached up and held Liliana's hand tightly.

Liliana gave her a grateful squeeze.

"You don't have to say everything now. Just don't leave us in the dark next time." Kai finally said.

Liliana looked at him, and her eyes softened now. "I won't."

Vex gave a small yip of approval, as if ending the serious talk with a tiny bark of peace.

Elina tilted her head up. "So… what's for dinner?"

That made both Kai and Lilina blink.

Then Liliana chuckled, her previous tension melting just a bit. "Right, we should probably eat like normal people now."

Kai shrugged, leaning back slightly. "I don't mind whatever they serve."

"Then let's do something different. I'll ask Aunt Selene to let us dine in the garden pavilion. The weather's still warm… and the view's nice at sunset."

Elina beamed. "Will there be cake?"

"I'll make sure of it," Liliana said, ruffling her hair.

Kai sat quietly, sipping his tea like the world didn't exist.

"You drink tea like an old man," Elina giggled, peeking over the rim of her cup, which was almost too big for her hands.

Liliana chuckled. "It is kinda suspicious how calm he is. Maybe he's secretly a grandpa in disguise?"

Kai didn't even blink. He took another sip and let out a peaceful sigh. "Just let me drink in peace."

"Nooo~," Elina whined, climbing halfway onto the bench to poke his cheek.

"Say something funny again! Like when you told that grumpy merchant he looked like a baked potato."

"That wasn't funny," Kai muttered. "It was accurate."

"Baked... potato," Elina repeated and burst into a fit of giggles.

Liliana joined in. "You know, the scary part is he said it with such a straight face. The guy didn't know whether to cry or apologize."

Kai sighed and reached for another sip, but paused when Elina tugged on his sleeve.

"Hey, hey, what's your favorite animal? If it's not bunnies, you're officially weird."

Kai glanced at her. "…Crows."

Elina blinked. "Ew."

"They're smart."

"You're weird," she declared with a dramatic huff.

"And you're loud," he replied calmly.

Just as Elina opened her mouth to retort, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in!" Liliana said.

A servant entered, bowing slightly. "Young Master Kai, Lady Selene requests your presence in her study."

Kai blinked, then glanced at Liliana. She just shrugged with a small smile, as if to say, 'good luck.'

Kai placed the teacup down with a soft clink. He rose to his feet without a word and followed the servant out of the room.

The servant stopped in front of a dark mahogany door carved with ancient symbols—delicate roses entwined with serpents, like beauty wrapped in danger.

He knocked twice.

A pause.

"Enter," came a low, feminine voice from the other side.

The servant opened the door, stepped in, bowed low, and announced, "Lady Selene, I've brought the guest."

The room inside was dimly lit by a large arched window at the far end, where the dying sunlight spilled across a grand desk cluttered with scrolls, books, ink pots, and wax stamps.

The scent of old parchment, lavender oil, and hot ink mingled in the air.

Rich mahogany shelves lined the walls, stacked with thick, leather-bound tomes.

Selene sat behind the desk like a queen on her throne, not bothering to look up.

Her caramel-blonde hair was tied in a high knot, and a dark ink stain marred the side of her hand.

Her eyes stayed on the parchment before her, lips tight as she wrote with swift, precise strokes.

"Leave us," she said quietly.

The servant nodded and slipped out.

Selene gestured to a velvet-cushioned chair across from her.

Kai sat, his posture calm but alert.

Minutes passed in silence.

She signed one document, stamped another.

Curled a paper and tossed it into a nearby bin.

She didn't speak. She didn't even look at him.

Kai was merely watching, trying not to shift in his seat.

It was like being in the presence of a storm building beneath the surface—silent, but heavy with pressure.

Finally, crumpled another paper and tossed it aside then set her pen down. Her fingers lingered on it, then slowly she looked up.

Her eyes were piercing, as if they could see right through his soul.

Then finally she opened her mouth.

"What exactly are you after… Ghost?"

Kai froze.