Hajin left the Royal Vault beside the King, his attention split between the ruler's stride and three quiet artifacts.
The crowbar, pocket watch, and glove had accepted his touch without resistance, yet each carried a fragment signature the system records refused to explain.
The public reward had concealed a second bargain, since the King had given Hajin authority he never requested before attaching obligations. Those obligations would become harder to refuse once the court learned what land came with the title.
He intended to test the relics far away from royal eyes. His inventory was the only private room he possessed inside the palace.
Royal ceilings had a way of listening, and he had already learned that lesson twice tonight.
He wanted his girls, a meal, and a door he could close without another royal surprise finding him.
The list had seemed modest at breakfast, before the King decided to redesign his entire life.
