Chapter 487: A Little Too Much Worry

Valen stood near the tall arched window of Philia’s private chambers, his broad frame blocking part of the light coming through the glass. His brow was drawn tight with concern as he watched Philia closely.

"Are you truly alright, Lord Philia?" Valen asked softly, stepping closer as Philia finished fastening the top brass button of his high-collared coat. "You still look pale. You barely touched your breakfast this morning."

Philia turned away from the small table mirror, offering Valen a gentle, reassuring smile that reached his light eyes with quiet, practiced warmth. He smoothed down the front of his coat with steady fingers, ensuring every piece of fabric rested perfectly flat.

"I am fine, Valen," Philia said, his voice soft and completely calm. "You worry far too much about me. You always have."

"Can you blame me?" Valen sighed, letting out a low, weary breath as he ran a heavy hand over the back of his neck. "When His Highness casually mentioned that you weren’t feeling well and needed quiet rest, my heart nearly stopped. I was terrified something terrible had happened to you."

Philia let out a quiet, melodic laugh, the sound ringing softly through the peaceful room. He reached up, lightly tapping two fingers against the left side of his own chest, right over his ribcage beneath the thick layer of linen and coat fabric.

"Well," Philia murmured, a subtle, sharp glint flashing briefly in his eyes before vanishing just as quickly, "I suppose I wasn’t entirely lying. I was feeling a bit... delicate."

Valen looked at him for a moment, unaware of the hidden injury beneath the quiet young man’s coat, but he visibly relaxed, trusting Philia’s gentle posture.

"Just promise me you’ll rest properly," Valen said softly. He shifted his posture, leaning one hip against the table nearby as his tone turned more practical. "There’s another matter you should know of. Word has reached me that Prince Gillian and Princess Iryna have begun visiting the local orphanages and charitable houses."

Philia paused slightly, his hand resting on his sleeve. "Oh? Really?"

"Yes," Valen nodded. "They brought three supply wagons yesterday, mostly heavy winter blankets, high-grade grain, and medical salves. They’ve been spending hours down there personally distributing items to the children."

Philia tilted his head, his face a picture of serene, pleasant surprise. "How remarkably kind of them. It is not often that foreign royalty take such an interest in the people beyond their own lands."

"It’s certainly creating a stir among the ministers," Valen said, a small, subtle smirk touching the corner of his lips. "They don’t know what to make of it. But I was thinking... what if their wagons move further south? What if they decide to pay a visit to Havenwood?"

Philia looked at Valen, his expression unbothered and open. "If they visit Havenwood, then the children at Havenwood will receive more warm blankets and fresh food. That would be a wonderful thing, wouldn’t it?"

Valen watched Philia’s calm face, letting out another quiet chuckle. "I suppose you are right. Even if those Solaric choose to make inquiries or look into the matter, there is little to concern ourselves with. I have already seen to everything at Havenwood."

Philia raised a fine eyebrow. "Everything?"

"Everything," Valen confirmed quietly, his tone dropping into a firm, confident register. "I’ve made certain there is nothing left behind that could draw their attention. The records have been checked, anything that might raise questions has been dealt with, and no one at Havenwood has been given reason to speak of matters that do not concern them. Even if those Solaric decide to look into the place themselves, they will find nothing out of the ordinary. There is no trace left for them to follow, so you needn’t worry."

A faint, genuinely fond smile touched Philia’s lips as he looked at Valen. "Thank you, Valen. As always, you are remarkably thorough."

"I do my job," Valen said simply, though a clear touch of pride warmed his dark eyes. He straightened up from the table, looking toward the heavy double doors leading to the outer corridor. "Would you prefer to remain indoors, or perhaps take a stroll through the garden? I believe some fresh air would be beneficial."

"No," Philia replied smoothly, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves one last time. "His Majesty has summoned me to his private study."

Valen blinked in surprise. "King Alderon?"

"Yes," Philia murmured, his light eyes distant for a brief second. "He requested a quiet audience with me this morning."

"Did he mention why?" Valen asked, a slight edge of professional caution returning to his voice.

"Not in detail," Philia said, stepping past Valen with a light, elegant stride. "The messenger simply noted that His Majesty wished to speak with me regarding my recent trips to the orphanage. There is nothing to be anxious about, Valen. The King has always been gracious toward the charitable efforts."

Valen followed him to the door, opening it wide for him. "Still, be careful in the royal wing."

"I am always careful," Philia murmured, offering Valen one final, serene smile over his shoulder.

He stepped out into the long, carpeted hallway of the upper palace wing. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the faint scent of marble and blooming jasmine from the glasshouse below.

As Philia walked with slow steps toward the King’s private study. Philia kept his chin up, his hands clasped loosely in front of his waist, looking every bit the quiet, saintly figure the palace had come to know. Every step he took brought him closer to the doors at the end of the hall, where the monarch of Auzelian waited for him.

He need only conduct himself as he always had, speak as he normally would, and give no one any reason to suspect that anything had changed. So long as he remained himself, there should be no cause for concern. After all, there was no reason for anyone to look any deeper than what he chose to show them.

At least, that was what he told himself.