Bound by the Mark of Lies (BL)
Chapter 67 - 62: Time (3)

Chapter 67: Chapter 62: Time (3)

Gabriel joined the group, leaning back slightly and taking in the familiar faces. The air around him was charged with a tension he hadn’t fully expected—though he’d known these men in his past, the weight of his current reality made it feel like they were strangers. His memories, fragmented as they were, didn’t do him any favors. But his wit? That he could count on.

Felix leaned in with a grin. "Gabriel, are you still avoiding the spotlight? Evander’s already locking things down with Lady Abalone. Quite the move, don’t you think?"

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, stifling a smirk. "Evander always knew how to play the game," he said in a light tone tinged with indifference. "Strategic, if anything else."

Nicolas, who had been quietly observing, leaned forward and lightly touched Gabriel’s shoulder, his fingers grazing the fabric of his robe as he spoke. "A strategic alliance, indeed. But what is the point if they do not like each other?" he asked, his voice calm but amused.

Gabriel shrugged, his gaze darting around the room, his discomfort carefully concealed behind his cool demeanor. "You are all aware that love is not necessary for power. Besides, I’ve never been one to involve myself in these... arranged matches."

Felix gave him a sidelong glance. "Not interested in securing a position of power, then?" he inquired, his voice laced with intrigue. I thought you would at least consider the possibility now that you are such an asset to the Empire."

Gabriel’s lips twitched upward in a brief, wry smile. "I am perfectly content where I am," he said calmly, taking a small sip from his glass. "I work for the Claymore company, assessing safety standards for magical exploitation. It is much less complicated than the games you are all playing."

Nicolas’ fingers lingered on Gabriel’s arm for a brief moment before he backed away, his gaze sharp as he met Gabriel’s eyes. "So, you are still avoiding the palace, huh?" he inquired, his tone hinting of challenge. "You can easily rise within it, Gabriel. You are connected, and you have the skills. Why keep your distance?"

Gabriel’s eyes flickered with something close to irritation, but he quickly masked it. "I am not interested in playing politics," he said, his tone remaining calm but sharper than before. "I’ve got enough to keep me busy without getting entangled in court affairs."

Daniel, who had been observing quietly, finally spoke. "Not even with the Emperor taking an interest in you?" he inquired, his tone hinting at challenge.

Gabriel’s gaze narrowed slightly, but he tried to keep his expression neutral. "The Emperor?" he said, almost too casually. "He is just another superior at my job. I’m an evaluater. We have different roles. Besides, I am not a pawn to be played with."

The mention of Damian sent shivers down Gabriel’s spine, and he had to work hard to hide the discomfort creeping through him. He hadn’t missed the way Damian had been looking at him, the growing intensity behind those eyes. The last thing he wanted was to be drawn further into whatever web the Emperor was weaving.

Felix chuckled, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "You were always the one who kept your cards close to your chest, Gabriel. But I can not help but wonder what you are actually after."

Gabriel flashed a quick, sharp smile. "I am not after anything," he said, shrugging, his voice calm. "I’m just here to do my job. And I do it well."

Nicolas raised an eyebrow. "Job, or... waiting for the right moment?" he teased, but his words appeared to be more than just a joke.

Gabriel’s smile faltered briefly, allowing his unease to show through, before he resumed his composure. "I don’t wait," he said, his tone flat. "I act when it is necessary. And right now, the Empire needs me where I am."

Daniel shifted, sensing the change in Gabriel’s mood, but he didn’t press the point. "Fair enough," he said. "But don’t get too comfortable. The exams are coming up, and with Count Ebon’s fall, things are going to change quickly."

Gabriel’s mind briefly flickered to the upcoming civil exams, but the thought of rising further through the ranks or playing any part in the palace’s shifting power dynamics left a bitter taste in his mouth. "I’m not interested in getting tangled in that mess," he said firmly.

Felix’s laugh relieved the tension. "Always the man of principle," he said in mock admiration. "But I am curious, Gabriel, how long do you think you can stay out of it? Your family has a political tradition, and I am sure they want you to work in the family business."

Gabriel’s expression tightened for a moment, a flicker of unease returning as he considered Damian’s growing presence in his life. "As long as it takes," he said, the words coming out a little sharper than he intended. "I’m not here to play anyone’s game. Be it family or others."

For a brief moment, the weight of their unspoken words hung between them, making the room seem quieter. Gabriel felt a subtle pressure building around him, as if time had slipped by unnoticed. He knew it was enough. He was done here.

"Well," he said, standing up and smoothing his robe, his voice cutting through the moment. "It’s been... enlightening, but I think I’ve overstayed my welcome."

Nicolas glanced up at him, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Leaving already?" he asked, though it wasn’t a question. "You’ve only just arrived."

Gabriel smiled tightly. "I’ve heard enough for one night." His eyes flickered to Felix and Daniel, who seemed to understand, even if they didn’t agree. "Take care, gentlemen. There are six days left of this."

With a final, swift motion, he turned, exiting the hall, and then the palace, his steps steady but purposeful, as if he were walking away from more than just the conversation. The cool night air greeted him as he stepped outside, and Gabriel felt a brief but unmistakable relief.

He was done. For now, at least.

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