I am Just an Average Tamer

"What exactly are you after... Ghost?"

Kai's body stiffened, his eyes went wide, as if he had seen a ghost.

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, as his mind began wandering.

'How did she...'

But before he could collapse from the sudden shock, the same blue panel popped up, hovering in front of his as if it was some kind of protective shield.

[<Don't panic brat, calm down. And... don't lie. Answer her everything truthfully what she asks. And don't worry she won't do anything to you. Trust me.>]

Kai nodded and took a deep breath, re-maintaining his composure.

"…I'm not sure what you mean," he replied coolly, but there was a faint edge in his voice.

Selene arched an eyebrow, lips curling slightly in amusement. "Don't bother. I know it's you."

Kai shifted slightly.

Selen leaned back in her chair, crossing one leg over the other.

Selene's smile turned almost playful, but her eyes stayed razor sharp.

"What? You thought I wouldn't know about you?" she said, resting her chin on her hand.

"You wear shadows like armor, boy, but people like me? We see right through them."

Kai remained still, his shoulders tense.

"Now," Selene's voice softened a bit, but it still held the edge of steel, "why are you with my niece?"

Kai exhaled, long and quiet. He didn't like this. He didn't like being cornered, read like an open book. But lying here? That would be the dumbest move possible.

"…I met her in the jungle," he began, voice calm but honest. "She was being chased by a group of thugs. I stepped in and helped her—in exchange for some coins. That's all it was supposed to be. A trade. But... she was the one who stayed with me all the time. And she's also the one who brought me here."

Selene listened in silence, her expression unreadable. She tapped a finger lightly against her cheek, then tilted her head slightly.

"Then why did you agree to come all the way here?" she asked.

Kai shrugged slightly. "She promised to pay me."

For a moment, silence lingered between them again. Then Selene chuckled softly. "So, my niece bought herself a bodyguard. Fitting."

She leaned forward, eyes boring into him once more. "And you really think I'll just let someone like you stick around her?"

Kai said nothing. He maintained a calm, stoic expression, but his mind was in turmoil.

Then Selene nodded once. "Fine. You'll get your payment."

Kai blinked then exhaled slowly, relief washed over him.

Selene tapped her pen once on the desk, setting it down gently. "There's something else," she said.

Kai looked up, one brow raised.

She met his gaze evenly. "I have a task for you."

Selene's lips curved ever so slightly. "Don't worry. I don't expect you to work for free."

She gestured gracefully toward the side cabinet where sealed scrolls and small boxes of varying size lay stacked.

"You'll be compensated well—resources, access to training facilities, a temporary residence here in the estate or in the city, if you prefer."

Kai leaned forward slightly. "…What do you need me to do?"

Selene folded her hands on the desk, her tone cooling. "You already know about my niece's identity."

Kai nodded slowly.

Selene looked toward the tall window, the sunlight drawing sharp shadows across her face.

"She ran away from home — I assume she's told you some of it. She came here thinking no one would be able to reach her under my protection."

Selene's eyes sharpened. "And she's right. As long as she remains in this territory, not even the royal decree could reach her without consequence. But…"

Kai waited.

"But she plans to leave soon. To attend the academy. The same elite institute where scions of powerful families gather. There, my reach is limited. Officially, neutral ground. Unofficially… anything can happen if you're not careful."

Kai's gaze darkened a little, already guessing where this was headed.

"I don't believe her stepmother or that side of the family will move against her immediately," Selene continued. "But I don't want to take chances. She's young, reckless…" Her tone softened a little. "And far too kind."

Then Selene looked up again, gaze hardening once more.

"I want you to protect her at the Academy. Stay by her side. Keep your eyes open. If someone so much as breathes ill intent toward her, I want to know. And if someone tries to harm her—" her voice dropped.

"I trust you'll handle it."

"…And if I refuse?"

Selene smiled without humor.

"You won't. You're too smart for that."

Kai didn't answer right away.

His fingers curled slightly on the armrest as he leaned forward.

"Why me?"

Selene paused, clearly expecting the question. Her lips curled into a smirk—not cruel, but far from soft.

"Because I don't trust others," she said simply.

Kai's brow twitched. Before he could speak, Selene raised a finger.

"And don't get the wrong idea," she added smoothly. "I don't trust you either."

Kai's eyes narrowed.

He masked it well, but inside, he was in panic.

"Then why?" he asked, voice low.

Selene rose from her seat, walking slowly around the desk.

She didn't loom—she didn't need to. Her presence filled the room with calm authority.

"Because you're just a nobody," she said flatly, almost kindly.

"No family. No noble bloodline. No faction or house backing you up."

She stopped beside him and looked down.

"That makes you… clean. Quiet. Disposable, if need be."

Kai's teeth clenched slightly, but he didn't speak.

Then, with a flick of her wrist, threads of faint violet light shimmered in the air. A sealed scroll materialized from thin air, glowing softly in her grasp.

She held it out toward him, her voice as smooth as silk dipped in poison.

"Sign," she said.

"A soul-binding contract. Terms are simple. You protect Liliana, and in return, I reward you. Break the contract…" Her smile turned razor-sharp.

"Well, I imagine a man like you understands consequences."

Kai stared at her then at the scroll.