Cale woke up feeling incredibly wasted. And he hadn't even drunk a drop of alcohol the night before. Due to the black market situation, he had stayed up for quite a while, checking and running the entire thing. He had meetings with the Baron, the knights, and multiple calls with people back in Rain City, such as his Father.
Cale grimaced at the memory of his Father's frazzled questions about his well being when Cale called him the first time. Cale had to sit through minutes of ramblesâand Roksu's silent amusement at his miseryâbefore he and Violan, who was also with his Father, managed to cut through Deruth's haze. Only after that did Cale's image of his Father return to normal and the work was efficiently and thoroughly run through.
He couldn't even sleep in because of the schedule he and Roksu were on. He had to manage everything cleanly. Additionally, before the delegate his Father would send arrived, Cale had to strain out every bit of information he could get from this case. He'll have to cross reference it to his own information and probably make a few deals in a few bars under a disguise.
"Young Master-nim~"
Cale sighed again at Ron's nth call to get out of bed. He could hear the undertone of nagging.
'Young Master-nim, you requested I wake you up at this time,'
The covers had already been pulled back and Cale had more-or-less sat up, before falling back again at the slightest glimpse of the dim light outside. Why was he awake before the sun was properly up?! Cale cursed the Baron.
'If that idiot had just followed protocol then I'd be asleep right now!!!'
Letting anger fill his veins, he became abruptly motivated to deal with this matter and knock the Baron's ego down a peg. Pushing up, he huffed as he gracefully got out of bed and headed towards the open bathroom where a bath had already been prepared. He made the usual notion saying he'd manage the bath himself, letting the door shut behind him. Cale stripped with a small yawn, making a small suppressed grunt as he dipped into the hot water.
Settling down, Cale let himself take in the temperature for a few seconds, before cupping some of the water and wetting his face, allowing him to wake up a bit more. He then used the products he usually used that Ron had brought along with them, spending some extra time to thoroughly wash his hair before pouring a few ladles of water over his head for good measure. Only then did he step from the tub. Immediately, the chilliness of winter sent goosebumps up his skin. Cale was quick to wear the bathrobe and grab a smaller towel to start drying his hair with. He checked once to make sure he'd left the tub to drain before heading out to his room.
Surprisingly, Ron, Beacrox, and Balint all were in his room. Ron was clearly waiting for him as he was beside the clothes Cale would adorn for the day and Beacrox was setting up plates of breakfast for Cale on the table in the center of the room. Next to Beacrox, Balint was setting up what seemed to be a crystal ball.
"Who do I have to communicate with at this hour?" Cale asked.
"We received a call from the Henituse County, Young Master," Balint reported, "The Count is currently awaiting you to call back to have a live conversation,"
Cale's eyebrows knitted, he angled his head to where Balint would be standing. Due to him moving behind the screen with Ron to dress, he could no longer see the mage, "What could he possibly have to tell me at this hour?"
"Count Deruth was first going to record a message, however Balint brought it over and we picked up. I briefed the Count you were awake already. He is pleased to talk with you, Young Master," Ron smiled.
Cale gave Ron a dry look.
'Of course...this annoying assassin,'
Cale sighed, stepping from the screen and sitting down. He glanced at the breakfast and then thought of something, "Balint. Is old man Roksu awake?"
Balint, long accustomed to the nicknames, merely shook his head. He spoke with a small hint of apology, "My apologies, Young Master Cale. The Young Master is still asleep,"
Cale just nodded, "This is better. He ended up staying up late on my account. He should rest properly,"
Balint blinked slowly, frowning in slight confusion, '...my young master may have retreated to his room at the same time, but this Young Master Cale was filling papers, reading reports, and calling the Count even after that...Why is he awake so early?'
"Please start it," Cale added.
Balint kept his thoughts to himself, bending down and began to set up the communication device, and prepare it to connect to the intended recipient. As he did that, Cale looked at Beacrox, a silent question on what was for breakfast. Beacrox informed stoically, "Potato rosti with smoked salmon, egg and hollandaise,"
Cale looked at the plate and then made a slight teasing snide, "You really can't stay out of the kitchen can you?"
Beacrox crossed his arms over his chest, defending himself, "The chefs are serving coconut crepes with maple ricotta and strawberries for the Haspel Family,"
"Ah," Cale's teasing paused. He hesitated before grumbling, "Hmm...that's good you found out before,"
Beacrox deadpanned, "You're welcome,"
Cale gave him a weak glare, but did not say anything back.
Ron let out a quiet chuckle under his breath. He glanced at Balint, who was clearly listening. Balint had most likely inferred by now that there was something in the dish for the Haspels that Cale avoided. He probably wouldn't be able to narrow in on what it is though. Though, it was rather simple. Cale had a significant allergy to coconut. It was one of the few allergies the former Countess had as well.
'I wonder if that punk knows about this...' Ron thought about the sleeping young master next door.
The moment Ron found out that Roksu's personal attendant was a mage, Ron's suspicion over the black-haired male grew. It seemed every day his suspicions were grew. Not to mention it was clear that distrust was mutual amongst both Molans and the Nyphan. It seemed the only one 'calm' to all of them was Cale.
"Good morning, Cale!"
Cale gave a dry hum upon hearing his Father's greeting. He commented, "Father. It's early. Why are you awake at such an hour?"
Deruth chuckled, "Cale, shouldn't I be asking you this? I often have to stay up or wake early. You are still young and should get enough sleep,"
Cale didn't offer anything, just placed a bite of breakfast in his mouth. The taste of potatoes and hollandaise sauce mixing in his mouth with a savory taste. Seeing the lack of response, Deruth took this as a notice to get to the point. He cleared his throat, "Cale, I have organized everything here. I will be sending a delegate to handle this so you may continue your intended work,"
Cale nodded, "I understand. Who is it?"
"Lord Clovis,"
Cale nodded. Lord Clovis was the younger brother of a viscountess that was a vassal of the Henituse County. He was a heavy duty swordsman and was very familiar with these situations. He was someone who was indifferent and put a lot of strain on honor and respect. Cale had very few interactions with him but he had heard enough to be confident in his abilities.
"Alright,"
Deruth and Cale took a moment of silence. The Count then asked politely, "What is your plan now then?"
"...my plan?" Cale was slightly startled.
"Yes. I was worried you'd be overwhelmed with this and the property scouting so I aimed to finish things here quickly to ease your burden. However, it seems you have things to do this early in the morning,"
"Oh,"
Cale decided to be a bit honest, "I plan to visit the dungeons and see if I can get some information out of the criminals,"
"Pardon?"
"Huh?"
Cale glanced up seeing the three older men in the room staring at him with slightly different expressions of confusion. Ron's expression was quick to morph into a tight smile, "Young Master-nim, when was this planned?"
Cale hadn't been afraid of Ron since he was a stupid child. But perhaps the knowledge of the man being an assassin made things seem a bit more serious. Cale swallowed, "Why else would I wake up if I didn't have something important? I'm going to go see those bastards and I'm going to write up my report. Then, I'm going to check on the entire estate and see if anyone has blabbered. Before I get ready to go out for the work I was initially supposed to do, I plan to explore the town and check for loose ends or check some of the reports made by the knights,"
"C-Cale!!!!" Deruth's protest echoed in the room, "There is no need for you to get in contact with black market dealers! Let alone explore Disheller by yourself for such things! We have people for this!"
"It's not dangerous, Father. I'm perfectly capable of handling myself,"
"I forbid it!!"
"You're not here to forbid me from doing anything!"
"Cale!"
Cale frowns, "Why not!?"
"You're still youngâ"
Cale cut Deruth off sternly, "I am not a child that requires your supervision!"
Deruth felt a familiar painful stabbing in his heart. His expression twisted and he tried to control his emotions, "Cale...I am not comfortable with the idea of you investigating such a topic like the Black Market with your own body. The Black Market is something that is not to be trifled with. Even if there is little risk in meeting the merchants, to go out and explore for signs is far too dangerous!"
"But Father!!"
"Young Master, if you wish to investigate anything, you can always ask myself," Ron stepped onto the screen, standing behind Cale.
Cale raised his head, giving Ron a look. Ron's eyes widened slightly at the firm and stubborn defiance shown through the red eyes. There were certain times that Cale really melted away from the image of a puppy. Such a moment was this one.
Ron could tell that no matter what was said, Cale had decided.
Ron's lips pressed together before pulling into a smile. He looked to the Count, bowing, "My Lord, I will accompany the Young Master,"
"Ron,"
"I will take my son as well,"
Cale looked at his Father through the screen. He argued, stubborn, "Father. It's just to check! Anything dangerous would've been dealt with yesterday by the knights. The Vice Captain is someone who is diligent,"
Deruth's lips were in a thin line, displeasure clear. He released a sigh of defeat, 'Cale's stubbornness comes from me and her, after all...' Deruth smiled sadly.
Cale, seeing the slight change, frowned. He called out, after a set of hesitation, "Father,"
Deruth shook his head, "Mmm...fine. I don't like it. Ron, I am dependent on you,"
"By your will,"
"Cale, don't do anything dangerous,"
"Yeah, sure,"
'It's not like I'm going to rob anyone yet. That's in a while'
"Alright..."
"Yes,"
Deruth asked before Cale could wrap up, "After- after the properties, will you be leaving or staying one more night?"
Cale paused for a moment. His expression then turned incredibly dry, "ah...after that..."
Ron happily chirped in, "The two Young Masters will be having a lunch outing with Lady Cerisa Haspel and Young Master Carmen Haspel,"
"Oh!" Deruth suddenly brightened up, "An outing? That sounds wonderful!"
The light emitting from his Father made Cale grimace in disbelief, 'Just what is he thinking about?'
Deruth was excited, 'My son is socializing!'
"Yes, yes, whatever. After we'll probably just double check things with the property and prepare for departure the following morning," Cale shut down the conversation before they could have it.
He did not want to think about having to socialize later in the day, thank you very much.
Deruth coughed, composing himself, "Then, once more, after you return to the Haspel Manor. I wish to converse with you and Lord Clovis,"
"Alright,"
"Mm...that is all..."
Cale nodded, "Great. Goodbye,"
"Ah- Farewell!"
Cale reached over and ended the communication. He handed the device back to Balint, who took it silently. The two met eyes and Cale quickly apologized, "I apologize,"
Balint paused for a moment, before he shook his head, "There is nothing to apologize for,"
Cale nodded and finished a few more bites of breakfast. He then placed his utensils down, dabbing at his mouth with a napkin, "I've finished. Ron, let's head to the dungeons,"
"...of course,"
The house was quiet at this hour, except for the servants filtering in and out of hallways, performing their duties. None of them offered more than a glance at Cale, followed by some short bows. Cale didn't bother with them or their lingering gazes, simply following the hallways and carpets down to the first floor and towards the dungeons. He had been informed of the location by the knights after Cale had requested the information. Back then, no one had really thought twice about giving him the knowledge.
'Judging by the reaction earlier, if they knew why I wanted it, they probably wouldn't have given the location so easily'
The entrance to the dungeons was located within the central wing. The heavy metal door was in a secluded part of the wing where no one could mistakenly stumble across and was constantly guarded. At the current moment,the knights were two of Cale's party. Seeing him approach, he noticed their confusion and surprise, but they greeted him as always, "Good morning, Young Master,"
"Open it,"
"Eh?"
"I have business with those bastards,"
The guards shared a glance and then looked at Ron, who did not say anything but looked at them with a smile. After a moment, they nodded, unlocking the door and opening the gate, revealing the dimly lit staircase. Cale strided forward, his foot making soft sounds as it came into contact with cold stone. The staircase went straight down and was lit by a few lanterns. Unlike the dungeons in the Henituse County, it was not very far underground. Soon, Cale was walking down into a small open area where two more guards were stationed.
"Hey," Cale called out to them, not waiting for any greetings, "Those bastards. Where are they?"
"That way," One dutifully reported, pointing to the hallway that branched to the right, "There's six of them,"
"Great. Stay here," Cale moved to start off.
"Young Master-nim," Ron's voice made Cale pause and glance back. The butler turned to the guards, "A spare sword. Just in case,"
One of the guards walked to the side of the room and handed a sheathed sword to Ron, "I use a spear better anyway,"
Ron took it, nodding once. He then fell back into step behind Cale, who remained staring at the weapon, before turning back down the hallway. Once they were far enough away, Ron handed the sheathe to Cale without a word. The Young Master took it after a subdued hesitation, clicking the sheath onto his waist. He then tested the handle, wrapping his hand around the sword and pulling it out a few times.
"We're here,"
Cale released the sword just as the empty cells became full. Two cells were filled with three men in each. The men's wrists were chained together and their clothes had gathered dirt. They all had varying shades of brown hair and average faces. It was clear they were not nobles, but that did not mean they were not connected. Out of the six, only two were awake. The fattest of the bunch was sitting with his back against his cell, a scowl on his face. His cellmate was lying down on the straw that served as a cheap bed, still asleep. In the cell across from them, a man with a gruff beard and mustache was complaining, "Honestly, how can they keep us in such a place!? We're all merchants of good status! Even for a Baron this is too arrogant!"
"Tch, shut up! Don't be complaining when your incompetence led us here,"the fat man scolded.
"Hah?!" the bearded man yelled with disbelief, "My fault?! This entire operation was your idea, you damned pig!"
"Damn it all!" A third voice spoke up and a man with green eyes awoke groggily in the cell with the fat man, "Both of you ought to shut up!!"
Cale stared at the sight for a moment, unmoving. He then let out a loud scoff, "Hah~"
The bearded man was closest to Cale's area and caught it, turning his head and pressing against the bar. Only then did he see the red haired teenager and old butler that stood down the hallway. He exclaimed in surprise, "What the hell?! They're sending some spoiled teenager now? Haha! What a joke!"
Cale stepped forward, a small laugh startling out of him, "Spoiled teenager?"
He looked down at the bearded man, "Do you not recognize me?"
The man who had just woken up, spoke up before the bearded man could bark out more insults, "A-ah! Wait!!"
Cale glanced at him as he heard the next sentences.
"A young noble aristocrat with red hair like blood! There's only one Roan Noble with that hair! You- aren't you First Young Master Cale of the Henituse County?"
"Ah?"
"What?!"
Cale grinned like a cat at the shock that hit the other two. He watched amused as the bearded man kicked his cell-mates, a man with light brown hair jolting and cursing in shock. Similarly, the fat man hit his final cellmate to wake him up.
"So at least one person here has some face," Cale chuckled.
"You- why is such a person..." the Fat person mumbled.
Cale smiled, "Ho, well, I came for some other business. Imagine my surprise upon finding the Baron was going through something like this..." his eyes sharpened like glass shards as he peered into the cells, "Blackmarket smugglings....you lot must be either arrogant or fools to dare such a thing in Henituse territory,"
All six men had awoken by now and despite the grogginess, it was clear the three that had been brutally knocked aware were aware of the oddity of the situation. One of them, the man with light brown hair, approached the bars shaking his head violently, "You've misunderstood Young Master! We're not involved in any underground business!"
"Yes, I'm sure that's what everyone says," Cale shrugged.
"No no! It's really true!" the bearded man exclaimed, "Young Master, we have done nothing wrong! The Baron has no right to hold us!"
"Baron?" Cale tilted his head before an innocent smile twitched, "Ah, you've not heard. The Baron is not holding you, I am simply borrowing his cells,"
A silence settled.
"You- you are keeping us here!?"
"Well, you're only under my authority for a few more hours...after that, it's the Count's will,"
The men paled.
Cale spoke casually, as if he had a loose tongue, "Actually...considering your crime, your punishment will probably be execution, so you won't be under anyone jurisdiction for long,"
Like fish rising up to the bait, the men unleashed chaos of protests. Chains hit against the bars and pleads and protests echoed against the stone tunnels. Cale stared unbothered. He let them yell for a bit longer, silencing them with a sigh, "Wow, how annoying...barking like dogs,"
Cale glared down at them, haughty and arrogant, "Your actions have brought you to this. You should've been prepared to face the consequences,"
"Young Master Cale!! Please! I- I have a son and a sick wife!!" The green eyed man pleaded.
Cale shook his head with a sigh, he shrugged carelessly, "How do you expect me to help you? You were caught with illicit goods. All evidence is against you! Do you think there's any way to get out of it? If you cared so much about your family, you shouldn't have dared to pull such a trick!!"
The fat man grabbed the bars, exclaiming, "Then- then- if we prove our words?"
Cale's expression changed and he raised an eyebrow, "Explain,"
The Fat Man clenched the bars tighter seeing the teenager answer his prompting so easily. He spoke with an ashamed voice, "Young Master- we- were forced! Black mailed! We didn't want to do this at all!!"
Cale scoffed, looking unimpressed and annoyed, "Blaming someone else now?"
"No! No!!" The bearded man caught onto the Fat Man's plan. He jumped up, not paying attention to the fat man who had abruptly started coughing, "Young Master! There was a man, a noble, he had to be! We do not know his name or house but he always wore the tiniest of clothes and had knights. He- he- had a cloak! Always wore it! He would provide us the goods and would pay us sums of money or provide us with necessities to get it across!"
"Oh?" Cale looked surprised, but his eyes twinkled with malice.
Ron watched Cale speak words of strings with a thoughtful gaze. As he watched Cale lie and manipulate his expression like clay, Ron could not help but raise a small eyebrow.
'Had the Young Master always been good at acting?'
The thought fluttered through his mind. A few memories flickered, each one casual and simple expressions he'd seen Cale make throughout the years.
'The Young Master never took acting lessons. Nor had he been exposed to the theater arts much'
A small heavy and doubting pin began to pulse in Ron's chest. He straightened up, eyes focusing even more.
The men were panicking and like all humans, they valued their lives over anything. Cale easily played intrigued and surprised, nodding and assuring them that confessing all they knew would get rid of the execution sentence. The men were like moths drawn to a flame. In this dark hallway, Cale was their hope. A young teenage noble arrogant and aloof. A child who listened to criminals earnestly, showing no doubt at their words. These men all thought they were playing Cale like a fiddle, that he was the puppet.
Ron could see better.
It was clear to someone like him. Cale was no puppet.
He was the puppeteer.
And these men did not even suspect it.
They did not even know that from the second Cale had opened his mouth to them, he had controlled them. The sword at his waist was not needed; Cale was powerful with just the dilation of pupils, flicks of his wrist, a few breaths, and a few gasps. Cale, a boy no older than 16, had used himself to manipulate the crowd.
Ron can not shake away that odd feeling in his chest. That he is missing something. That something is in front of him that he cannot see.
Ron stares at the boy he's practically raised.
'Young Master-nim...what are you hiding from me?'