'Just now?'
'Did she ask me to work with her?'
This wasn't how he'd planned this. Sure, he didn't plan to ramble that much either but it was of little importance. He had planned to invite Roksu here and just sort of place himself in the project.
He didn't really think Violan would actively want him involved. Especially in such a situation where the two of them would require constant interaction.
No, does such a situation even make sense? A few months ago, she couldn't even look him in the eyes!
Deruth exclaimed, " I think it's a wonderful idea!! With you both working on it, I'm sure it'll be an easier load to carry,"
Violan smiled slightly at her husband's encouragement. Deruth looked at the redhead who was staring at them with a startled look. The Count smiled, "Cale! You want to, anyway right? You're already putting in so much time,"
Cale's expression smoothened out again. He asked slowly, "What would I do?"
Deruth turned to Violan at this. Violan thought about it before suggesting, "Why don't you handle what you and Young Master Roksu are currently doing? Ensuring everything is running at optime and the highest value is being profited. You'll be looking over investments we make and overlook the workers that are transporting. The more business-based portion. I can look over customers, double check prices, inventory, etcetera. Naturally, of course, this is a general overview. Our duty would mostly be supporting the Nyphan Family financially and use the Henituse name to assist as they start out,"
'...ah. Roksu Hyung. Isn't this basically what we planned?'
'No, what crazy situation is this? Is she sick?'
Cale blinked, subtly checking her complexion and breathing. She looked healthy but Cale still remained unconvinced. He'll ask Ron about it later.
How was he supposed to respond to this without them thinking anything? As his silence stretched, Violan bit the inside of her mouth. Cale's gaze had moved from her to the table as he was thinking. Though it was only a few seconds, the guilt and nervousness was killing her.
Had she overstepped?
She hadn't meant to.
"I'm-" Cale's voice pulled her out of her emotions. He was looking at her with his normal expression. His tone was dry and he gave a lazy head tilt, "-fine with this. I'm already doing the work so I might as well get credit for it,"
Violan and Deruth both smiled at once.
Cale frowned at them, confused on why they both looked so oddly happy about this. Violan cleared her throat, returning to her usual calm and collected self, though her eyes were shining a little more than usual, "Yes. You should get credit,"
Cale felt his emotions squirm but he quickly shoved them down. He turned to his father, "Then, if this is how we're doing things, let's confirm it on that side too. Father, please send an invitation to the Nyphan Family right away,"
Deruth blinked, "Right away?"
"Yes. Tell them they should come to the Estate in four days, around 4 in the afternoon,"
"I...can do that. But the entire family?"
"Yes,"
Deruth glanced at Violan, who spoke only after feeling his look, "Yes. We should go over logistics in person,"
"I see. Then, I will have the invite sent today," Deruth assured.
Cale let the moment pass in a satisfied silence. He speaks up after a few seconds, asking bluntly, "Are we done here, then?"
"Huh? Oh- yes!" Deruth nodded, "Yes, yes, that's all I called you for,"
"Great. I'm leaving then," Cale was quick to get up.
"Pardon me. One second, Cale,"
Cale halted, glancing back at Violan who had stood up the reports in hand. She approached him with small steps, "May I inquire about a few things on your way?"
Deruth stood behind his wife, watching silently. He could see the hesitance in her posture and the stiff way she was holding herself, as opposed to her usual elegance. Cale narrowed his eyes, staring at her with a cold gaze.
"Tsk,"
Deruth and Violan both held their breaths, only moving again when Cale grumbled, "Yeah, whatever. Hurry up,"
He continued walking towards the door. Violan blinked once, before starting after him just as the door opened. She glanced back when Deruth bid them a small goodbye, Violan giving him a one back before stepping out of the room. Cale was already walking down the hallway, but his steps were small and slow. Violan realized he was waiting for her and she walked quickly until they were walking at the same pace.
Cale didn't glance at her and Violan didn't give it another thought. She pushed her emotions aside and focused on her duties, asking about certain decisions and thoughts on a few guilds. Cale answered her with the same tone each time, as if reciting information he'd memorized. As they walked, they ended up falling into a business talk, discussing one guild for a while. The conversation was one that seemed normal.
Not one they'd ever really had.
Not one anyone ever expected them to have.
The servants who saw them froze, unsure if they were seeing correctly.
"--How come the budget for them is more compared to the Lyman Merchants Group? They're more reputable,"
"Reputation they may have, but the routes that the Lyman Group uses are more suited for larger and more secure transports like construction materials or stone. More artistry can be safely transported through Keon's so naturally we'd give them more of an offer,"
"Oh my. I didn't consider that aspects of delivery,"
"Substantial amounts of the money regarding work will flow through the Flynn Merchant Guild like any noble business, but the Nyphan Family has had guilds they've worked with for years. It's good to include them in as well. Keon's is one of them,"
"Ah, we will need the list of guilds then. Unless this is already shortlisted,"
"That list is shortlisted for certain transport through certain territories of the Northeast like the Wheelsman County and the Chetter Barony. Again, though. I'll need to check with Eric Hyung and Young Master Gilbert,"
The two reached Cale's study without much thought. Cale opened the door, their flow of conversation halting. Violan held up the reports, "May I keep these?"
"I don't need them,"
Violan nodded and she gave a slight bow, "I will send a few things over and have Deruth adjust your workload,"
Cale frowned, "What a bothersome thing. Just send me what you want me to do and I'll send it back. It's not that complicated,"
Violan nodded, "Alright. Thank you for discussing with me,"
Cale didn't respond, just walking into his study and closing the door. There was no one inside, Ron had done what he'd mentioned before and hadn't stuck around. Cale leaned against the door, listening to the clicks of Violan's heels as she walked down the hallway. Cale inhaled and then exhaled, mouth frowning in worry.
'...this will be complicated,'
How is he supposed to keep being trash when he'll be working directly with his Mother? He'd already swore to never hurt her and cross lines. And furthermore, it wasn't like he could laze around either as this sort of work could become worse if he fucked it up. Cale sighed, again, tilting his head back.
He'd have to wait and brace himself.
He'd been ignoring the letters that came for him from his extended family, reading them and then burning them. They were small things, inquiries. Questions. Casual things as if nothing had happened at all.
As if everything was the same as it was 7 years ago.
For now, there was little Cale could do. He shook himself off, returning to his desk.
All he could do was focus on the present times.
Before any storm, there's always a few signs.
Cale would wait for them to show up.
⥢â§â¥¤
Roksu pulled back the carriage curtains as the angle at which the carriage was being driven changed. Siwan let out a small grunt of surprise, holding the seat. She was sitting across from Roksu and Elis, meaning she was now being pulled forward by gravity and facing downwards.
"Don't fall,"
Siwan glared at Elis, "No shit,"
Roksu let out a sigh as the two began to bicker. He leaned towards the window, his eyes fixing on the large estate they were nearing. He stared at the huge estate and spoke up, forcing his siblings to pause, "Wow, it's really completely marble,"
'The cost of construction must've been insane,'
"Yup. The entire thing is made completely of marble," Elis straighten up, leaning over and staring at the estate as well, "Since the Henituse Territory is the 5th largest producer of marble and the County is mostly mountains filled with marble, granite, and other stones, most of the estates owned directly by the family are made of marble or some sort of stone,"
Siwan shrugged, "Ah, it's not a surprise though! Compared to some of the other Northern territories and even the Northern Kingdoms, the Henituse Territory is abundant,"
"Plus they're filthy rich,"
Siwan and Elis both gave him blank looks, the Lord sighing, "Leave it to you to bring up money,"
Roksu frowned, "I'm right though? You should hear Cale sometimes. He once paid for some tarts with a gold gallon because he didn't have a single piece of silver or bronze on him,"
"..."
"Wow," Siwan muttered, "We're pretty wealthy too but to be rich enough to have such a problem,"
"As expected of the richest territory in the Kingdom,"
Roksu smirked, "They're good business partners. They have the finances to spare,"
Elis and Siwan sweatdropped.
Elis laughed nervously, patting his brother, "R-Roksu-yah. Let's be mindful. We're not here to swindle the Henituse County,"
"Yeah, yeah, I know. You keep telling me that like I'm some sort of bandit," Roksu waved his hand. He then reminded them, "Plus. Cale's working directly with us anyway so there's nothing to worry about,"
Siwan smiled, "You and Young Master Cale have been working hard! His information has been a huge help!"
Elis hummed in agreement, smiling warmly at the thought of their frequent guest. Their conversation paused as the carriage came to a halt. Two knocks sounded before the door was pulled open. A tall man with a sword attached to his waist adorning the Henituse Crest, bowed, "Greetings, Lord Elis, Lady Siwan, Young Master Roksu,"
The three siblings gave polite greetings before exiting off in succession order. As they stood in front of the large entrance, Roksu could already tell from the fancy entrance that this Estate was on a different level than he'd thought. Hearing about it being made completely of marble was already a testament to the wealth and status held by the family, but seeing the actual Estate up close made Roksu realize that not a single expense was spared.
'It makes sense though. Especially after learning more and getting used to the economy of this world. Outward appearances for nobles, like the Estate, are crucial,'
Roksu glanced down as the doors were pulled open and he realized some butler had been talking to them. Roksu didn't recognize him or his name, so it was most likely another head butler or an attendant for the Count. Roksu remained silent as they entered the estate and just like outside, he let his eyes traverse the beautiful furnishings and decor.
"Pardon me," Elis spoke politely, "Might I inquire where exactly we will be meeting with the Countess?"
"Countess Violan has instructed us to host you in the parlor,"
Roksu looked at the man, slightly confused, "Is Young Master Cale not joining us?"
The butler gave Roksu an odd look, before hesitantly speaking, "Well, yes. He is under direct order. He might be a bit lateâ"
"Oh? You're here, already,"
The four paused and the butler jumped, exclaiming in surprise at the teenager approaching them, "Y-Young Master Cale!"
Cale ignored him, looking over at the three Nyphans, "Ron informed me that you were arriving soon so I was heading to the front,"
"Wow!" Siwan smiled brightly, "Young Master, were you coming to greet us, personally? I feel honored!"
Cale scoffed, but the three Nyphan's didn't miss the slightly red ears, "I have to pass this way anyway,"
"Thank you for coming to greet us, Young Master," Elis chuckled.
"Don't flatter yourselves,"
"Young Master Cale!" Cale glanced over to the butler that had called out with a slight edge to his tone. Roksu narrowed his eyes upon seeing the cold look being targeted at the redhead, "Young Master, we mustn't delay the Countess. She's a busy woman,"
Cale returned the cold look, "Get lost then. I can guide them,"
Ron stepped forward slightly as the butler opened to refute. Seeing Ron, the butler bit back his words and bowed. He turned and gave a farewell to the Nyphan's before giving Cale one last glance and heading off. Seeing the man finally leave earshot, Cale motioned with his head, "It's a bit of a walk,"
"Let's start then," Roksu said only loud enough for the group of them to hear as they started walking again, Ron walking in front of them after receiving a small nod from Cale, "Aish~ you're always making me work,"
Cale and Roksu ended up walking side by side in front of the older Nyphan siblings, who gave small chuckles. Cale gave a dry look, "You and your slacker obsession..."
"Why wouldn't I be obsessed? What's better than being a rich slacker?"
Cale shook his head, muttering, "It sounds unreal each time I hear it,"
"Did you say something?"
"No,"
"Young Master Cale, I've heard that you will be directly involved. I'm grateful for your support," Elis spoke up.
Cale glanced back at the lord, before turning back to the front, "It's not that big of a deal, tsk,"
Elis chuckled, 'Ah, he's sort of shy,'
Roksu glanced around as they walked through the halls. The walk was oddly silent. Cale would usually already be discussing work if they were in the Nyphan Estate. Roksu glanced over once more, but there didn't seem to be anything wrong with the younger.
Roksu pressed his lips together and a thought crossed his mind, '...I knew he was different. But this...isn't this too different?'
Roksu couldn't do anything, nor did he exactly want to interfere in something that wasn't his business. But seriously...the contrast between the bright and snarky Cale that moved freely in the Nyphan Estate and the cold and bitter Cale that stalked the Henituse Estate was a bit startling.
Roksu decided to place the thoughts aside, for now. There were other things that he had to figure out before thinking more about a family that wasn't his own. His conversation about Harris Village was still being delayed. Roksu would be lying if he said he wasn't worried about how Cale would react.
And if his fear increased after watching Cale break multiple wooden swords by sheer strength, then that was nobody's business but his own.
"We're here, Young Master-nim," Ron announced.
Cale hummed and watched as one of the two guards bowed to them, and moved towards the doors, "My Lady. Young Master Cale and the Nyphan Artistry Family has arrived,"
Instead of an answer, there was silence for a few seconds before the doors were pulled open and Violan personally greeted them, "Greetings to you all," She bowed and the four nobles returned the greeting.
"Greetings to the Countess,"
"Come inside," Violan motioned elegantly.
The group moved inside and Ron entered last, closing the doors behind them. He then moved off to the side where a woman with pale brown hair and dark green eyes was making tea. This woman was Paige Aydan, Violan's personal maid and assistant. Violan sat down on one of the couches, motioning to the one across from her, "Come sit down. I've had the servants prepare us some snacks,"
The table between them was indeed loaded with a range of snacks.
"Thank you for inviting us, Countess," Elis smiled, sitting in the center with one of his siblings on either side.
Cale had sat down beside Violan and across from Roksu. Violan was professional yet kind, casually telling them to help themselves. She glanced at Cale, her eyes crinkling up slightly as he reached for a biscuit coated with milk chocolate. Roksu also reached for one of the fruit skewers, biting off a blueberry.
As they indulged, Elis and Violan smoothly began the meeting.
Roksu remained silent as the talks stretched, Violan handing them a few of the papers from the Henituse end of the deal while Siwan handed them the details on the Nyphan end. The first part of the meeting was focused on drawing up and concreting how the expansion would work and inventory. This was a place where Roksu had little hand in. He and Cale focused more on the properties and transportation investments.
Back and forth, he listened to Elis, Siwan, and Violan go over a variety of art pieces to begin offering and a list of artists that were already settled in a few of the cities where a shop would be settled.
"---sculptures are a must, but I think to start off we should limit the size and offer centerpieces or decor pieces first. Mosaics and stained glass works can be substitute," Siwan explained, "Stained glass is especially popular amongst noble houses and churches,"
"Yes and you have a few art pieces that can be put on sale after a few months into the project and we pick up traction," Violan nodded, "Additionally, you can sell frames and woodworks,"
"Our woodworkers are limited in number. Most who work with wood are invested in carpentry. We usually only talk with carpenters for frames," Elis frowned.
"Currently, there's a rise in glassworks and internal decor amongst the noble houses," Violan informed, "Artistry pieces that are easy to carry around make valuable gifts rather than the usual clothes and jewelry,"
"Glassworks are fragile though," Siwan frowned, "The transportation..."
"We can transport the materials," Cale spoke up, gaining attention. He glanced at Roksu, "The properties we looked at. Since it serves as a store there will be a storeroom and workshop anyways. Glassware can be assembled in the building itself, can't it?"
Roksu hummed thoughtfully, "Yes, but there's still the issue of transporting outside of the store to the client,"
Elis pursued his lips, "...the cost for glass pieces should be raised then. An extra fee for transportation and packaging. Cushioned with largest amount of cotton,"
"It's reasonable. It doesn't make sense to remove it entirely," Violan frowned.
Siwan furrowed her eyebrows, "Can cotton truly package glass safely over long distances?"
Roksu clicked his tongue, "It's not feasible, logically. There's no shock absorption nor much rigidity to hold the glass in place,"
Roksu thought back to his past life. Glass was usually shipped with the help of foam and bubble wrap. No matter what, the glass was always tightly wrapped up. This world did not have bubble wrap or styrofoam. Attempting to recreate styrofoam was a long term investment project that Roksu wasn't confident in starting; he'd have to research more about this world's chemistry advancements and alchemic research.
"Then?" Cale prompted, recognizing the look on Roksu's face.
"The glass will have to be cushioned on all four sides if in a box. We can use types of pillows for now, not the regular sleeping ones though, something with some sort of rigidity. The piece itself will have to be wrapped up and taped to ensure the wrapping stays. Newspaper, parchment, these can work. And the boxes that are transporting glass should have labels that indicate the fragile load and which side is the top and which is the bottom," Roksu spoke, noting down that Cale had begun writing as soon as he'd spoken.
Cale looked over at Violan, "Should I commission pillows in bulk?"
"You'll need the accurate dimensions as they're not normal pillows,"
"I can send you the boxes we use and their dimensions," Roksu told Cale who nodded.
Elis turned to the younger two males, "The list of properties, how did you two make that?"
"I sent people out to look for us," Roksu answered, "C- Young Master Cale reached out to noble families and Flynn Merchant guild,"
"The list is pretty decent but Young Master Roksu and I were thinking we would visit personally," Cale dropped the bomb, meeting Roksu's eye.
"Visit??" Violan repeated, turning to Cale, "As in to the cities?"
"Did the definition of the word change?"
Violan resisted a wince at the sharp gaze.
"Ah, I guess it does make sense," Elis nodded slowly, calmly observing the exchange between the two in front of him, "Especially before we invest anything,"
Roksu pointed to the map that Violan had requested be spread out in the center of the collection of snacks. He pointed to the Northeast and the markers that they'd made during their discussions, "As of right now, our artists range across this part of the Northeast of the Raon Kingdom. To continue this market, we're setting up proper guilds and stores run by our artists. Additionally, we're moving South, away from the Forest of Darkness and colder lands, and West towards the capital and populated cities. What Young Master Cale and I have more or less confirmed is routes expanding towards the Central Region,"
Cale picked up, "The Wheelsman County has been close with our Henituse County for years. Additionally, the heir to the County is my hyung. I've already reached out to him about the artistry market and he mentioned it was mostly imports from the Capital or elsewhere. Local works are less in number but there's still a decent local market to enter. I don't doubt the Nyphan Artistry will have much trouble,"
"The Capital..." Elis mumbled, "You're suggesting we begin to import into the central faction from the start,"
"It makes sense, if you think about it. The capital market is always hot gossip," Violan agreed, "The proposed branding will cause a stir by itself, especially amongst nobles,"
Cale looked at Elis with a serious gaze, "Not only is your family well known in the markets, but you'll be gazed at by the noble factions due to our investment. The Henituse County hasn't invested in an artistry family in such a way for decades,"
Roksu eyed the capital marker with a calculating glint, "Hyung-nim. The capital is a good place to advertise to citizens and nobles on more or less equal grounds. Additionally, the capital branch would be one of the biggest factions due to resources that will be closely available meaning a larger inventory,"
"Capital properties are expensive. I don't want to put money into the capital if we're barely able to expand outwards," Elis frowned.
"Of course, the capital shop should only be set up after your brand gains traction and words," Cale deadpanned, "Doing otherwise would just be an extra hassle,"
"If that's confirmed then what about the guilds...."
The five nobles continued talking as the time slipped by. The meeting had started around 4pm and by the time they were wrapping up, it was nearly 7:30pm. Violan offered to host them dinner and after a bit of push and pulling, the Nyphan siblings conceded to her wish.
Once the answer had come and Violan had given a pleased smile, Cale ran a hand through his hair, speaking up, "Ron. Give the Countess's order to chefs and send word to Basen, Lily, and my Father that we'll be having dinner with guests,"
Ron bowed and Violan nodded her head in dismissal. Violan turned back to three in front of her, "Feel free to rest in guest rooms prepared. I'll send servants to tell you when dinner is prepared. Paige!"
"Countess, this is too kind!" Siwan exclaimed in refusal.
Violan just ignored the protest and dismissed Paige who had bowed and set off to do the tasks. Cale decided to inject before another polite argument could erupt. He looks at Violan, "Pardon me, might I be excused? I've still got a few matters to attend to,"
Violan nodded, "Of course, you can,"
Roksu asked as Cale rose to stand and bow, "Young Master Cale, might I join you? I'd like to inquire a few details and plan for a time when we can visit the properties,"
Elis and Siwan bit back amused smiles as Cale gave a dry acceptance. The two teenagers bowed and left the room. Elis smiled apologetically, "Very well, then. Countess Violan, might I take you up on that offer?"
"Of course, come with me,"
⥢â§â¥¤
Roksu shut the door behind them as they entered Cale's study. When it clicked shut, Roksu took note of the well lit office they'd entered. This was the first time he'd ever been inside Cale's study, let alone the Henituse Estate.
It was quite a large study room. From the door to enter the room, was the desk. It was large and almost box-like, meaning the side and front covered the under part of the desk and shielded the back of the desk from any views. It was mahogany wood and seemed to be split into three sections. The first and largest section was the center section where work would be done and supplies such as quills, inks, pens, and other random trinkets sat. The desk then angled slightly, almost forming the top of an octagon as the remaining two side sections were angled towards the large leathered cushioned chair that sat behind it. Beneath it all was a large circle rug of a dark red color.
The wall behind the desk was occupied mostly by the large portrait above where Cale's head would be if he was sitting. The portrait was covered up and Roksu lingered his eyes on it for a bit before moving on. On either side of the portrait were two matching thin tapestries that ran from ceiling to a foot and a half above the ground.
The desk was on a slightly elevated platform compared to the rest of the room, only about a half an inch step between the two "levels". Looking ahead as one entered the room, Roksu was greeted with three decently large windows that allowed for the natural light to shine in. The red curtains were currently pulled back to give a view of the town and a portion of the Estate grounds. Additionally, they could spot part of the road that winded up the hill to reach the Henituse Estate.
Stepping inside the room, there was a small decor table near the door that was currently holding a vase with a bouquet of violets and cyclamens. There was a little more than a foot of wall before the rest of the wall became a massive bookshelf that was practically filled. It stretched til the corner where it met the back wall. The back wall directly across from the desk was mainly taken up by an elegant fireplace, with two sections of wall on either side. Each wall had a medium sized shield with symbols engraved mounted six and a half feet above the ground. Above the fireplace was a shelf that held an expensive looking golden colored clock and an arrangement of candles set in golden candle holders. The fireplace was marble as expected and the fireplace tools were arranged on a rack on the right side.
Away from the fireplace and taking up most of the space in front of the desk was the sitting arrangement. A large red and gold colored rug was on the floor covering up most of the floor in the room. There were two large couches facing one another with a large wooden table in the center. On the left corner angled towards the bookshelf was an armchair. Similarly, in the right corner closer to the desk was a matching armchair with a small corner table in between the gap it had with the couch. Each of the seating was adorned in the same off white-tinted pink color with extremely dark brown wood outlining the edges and legs. Pillows were neatly organized on the two couches.
Lighting up the entire room was an ornate chandelier hung from above the sitting area and a slightly smaller, but equally bright one, hanging above the desk. At the current time, the room was also lit up by the small fire kindling.
"I do actually have work to finish, ya know," Cale's voice pulled him from his staring and he noticed that Cale had truly sat himself behind the desk with papers already in front of him and a pen in hand. He gave Roksu a look, "You can read and sit down or we can chat,"
Roksu sat himself down in the armchair closest to the desk, turning it slightly so he could properly look at Cale. He crossed one leg over the other, sinking into the soft material with a soft exhale. He spoke up after he settled, "When do you think we should hit the road?"
Cale gave a casual shrug, not lifting his eyes as they conversed, "It'll be quite a time consuming journey, won't it?"
"Yeah. We either do it as soon as possible before any potential snow starts building or in spring when the weather is warmer...though we'd be delaying work for a couple months,"
"Are you planning to do all of it at once?"
"I was thinking we at least hit the current routes and properties we have so we can start as soon as possible. At least the confirmed ones that travel through the Northeast and start tricking into the Central Region and Southeast Region,"
"Hm, according to reports I've received we might be expecting snow soon. If we want to do this, we really will have to leave as soon as possible and watch the weather,,"
"Right, we should," Roksu nodded, glancing over once and lowering his voice, "We might be able to save that dragon too,"
Cale's head lifted up from his work at once, "I thought you said we didn't have the strength for that?"
"Well, think about it this way. If we go, we'll have guards with us as procedure requires. Additionally, Ron will be coming with you anyway. And you can tag on Beacrox. I can bring Balint too so we'd have a mage," Roksu pointed out, "Plus, your training is pretty decent, isn't it?"
Cale snorted, "I guess so? It seems like I've barely lost practice in my sword. It's just a stamina and strength thing mostly. Ron was able to find the records of the techniques I learned so I have those too. Muscle memory is apparently quite hard to get rid of,"
Roksu had seen Cale swing the wooden sword he was training with a couple times. As Cale had said, it seemed that time had almost no effect on Cale's swordsmanship. He was still extremely capable and Roksu had noted that Cale's swings had a subtle intensity to them. Hence the reason Cale broke so many wooden swords.
"Speaking of, no training today? It's already late," Roksu questioned.
"I did it early today knowing you'd be coming and the meeting would run long,"
"I see," Roksu nodded, "Right, back on the topic. We'll need a few things commissioned to assist us though. Billios should be able to get them for us,"
Cale smirked, "How fun. I get to test him again,"
Roksu shook his head with a sigh upon hearing the comment. He ignored it and continued, "We'll need a full black outfit with masks and a hood. Have them ready for me under the duress of a book order. I'll add on the stars,"
Cale's face tightened oddly at the mention of 'stars' but he let it off, not too bothered with the small detail. He nodded slowly, "That's it?"
"We'll also need something to turn off magical devices and probably some poison gas,"
"Okay,"
Cale had made a small note on a small piece of paper. He reminded himself to visit the Poetry shope the following day. Cale then asked curiously, "Where is this kid anyway?"
Roksu stared at the ceiling for a moment, thinking back to what Cale had told him a while back regarding Neo Tolz. He sat up and walked towards the desk, sitting down on a relatively empty corner off to the side, his back facing the fireplace. Cale frowned at the sudden movement, tilting his head and turning to look up at Roksu. Seeing Roksu's expression, Cale had a bad feeling.
"What?"
"...Viscount Tolz,"
"Excuse me?" Cale was confused at the abrupt mention. He then recalled what he had asked and his expression changed from puzzlement to disbelief. His expression had iced over, face turning slightly pale, "Wait- do you mean to tell me the Tolz family is doing this?"
"The Tolz family used to have a nice relationship with the Henituse Family until about a few years ago, correct?"
Cale's expression soured, "Yeah, it was alright. But 3 years ago they suddenly switched up and those Tolz bastards began to be quite loud during Northeastern Meetings,"
Roksu nodded, "That's because they've gone under the Stan Family,"
Cale went silent before his face darkened, "What?"
He added quickly, obvious annoyance peeking through his tone, "Marquis Stan? They went under that crazy household?"
The Stan Family was the family that led the Northwestern faction of the Roan Kingdom. They were an absolutely crazy family. Officially, the Marquis has five children all of whom fought for the successor position through almost any means. The eldest of the family, Taylor Stan, had become paralyzed in his lower body due to the competition. His younger brother and the unofficial heir to the family at present times, Venison Stan, was responsible for it. Taylor's accident has pushed him out of his position and he was hardly ever seen in public again. The Marquis never dished out any punishment as this was a tradition and watching the fight was amusing to him.
Cale had always found the family utterly detestable. Though, when he was younger and from what other nobles gossiped about, Taylor Stan seemed to be a decent person before his accident. His reputation amongst nobles was most likely a key factor that pushed Venion to send out a hit.
"Ha! To think those fucking bastards are kissing the asses of those damn snakes," Cale chuckled, "No wonder he was so bold back then! He had the Stan family backing him,"
Roksu hummed and then explained, "The Stan family, specifically Venion, is who is responsible for the situation of the black dragon. It's held in a hidden cave in a mountain behind the Viscount Tolz estate,"
"Ha...that crazy bastard. What's he thinking about torturing a dragon? Does he actually think he can tame such a being?" Cale mumbled in anger and disbelief. He frowns as he thinks about the barely 2 year old child, "It's practically a baby..."
'As expected. He's a good person. He must be angry,' Roksu observed.
On the contrary, Cale was thinking of how unfair and cruel the world must seem to that young child. From the moment it was born, the young child has been subjected to harm and darkness. He's been utterly alone.
Cale felt his heart grow heavy at the thought. He knew what loneliness felt like. He couldn't help but think about himself when worrying about the child. Cale was never actively harmed, so to say, but the feeling of wariness and distrust regarding every person around him was familiar.
Cale looked at Roksu, eyes hard, "I want to go as soon as possible,"
"Why don't we bring it up at dinner then?" Roksu suggested, "That way we can skip approval steps from our respective family heads,"
Cale nodded and gave a small smile of contentment. Roksu stepped away to let the younger focus a bit, pulling out a book from the shelf and lounging across the couch. Cale made a snarky remark, "What an improper old man,"
"Shut up, you shitty punk,"
"Hehehe!"