"Young Master, this is the best room we have,"
"Seems acceptable."
The old and young man led Cale's group to his inn. The exterior of the inn looked as rustic as the village, but it had everything you would need, probably because the merchants visiting the Henituse territory stayed at this inn on their travels.
"This is the first time we have had a noble staying with us. Please look favorably upon us, even if it is lacking quite a bit, and just consider it as a place where lesser beings live."
Cale stared at the young man who had spoken this time. He assumed they were related in some way. He seemed more comfortable than when talking to Neo, but he still seemed scared at the fact that a noble would be staying at his inn.
It was fine for him to have a little bit of anxiety, but too much was annoying for Cale as well.
'It's no good like this.'
'They've suffered because of that bastard Neo, there's no reason for them to be this anxious with me.'
Even though it was his goal for rumors to fly, Cale personally liked the idea of having a slightly decent reputation in Neo Tolz's territory.
"Relax. This is the place that people who come and go from our territory stay to rest. There is no way such a place will be lacking."Cale sighed.
The young man's pupils started to shake. He wet his upper lip with his tongue, before finally starting to speak after a bit of hesitation.
"Young master, are there a lot of good people like you in the Henituse territory?"
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Excuse me?"
He admits casually, "Almost anybody you find will have a better personality than me. Like the hyung with black hair"
"Ah."
The young man let out a gasp.
"You can go do what you have to do."
The young man bowed deeply at Cale's dismissal and left the room. Cale found it annoying that the young man still seemed to be stiff, but decided not to care. As the young man left, Roksu came over after checking out his own room next door. Cale motioned him inside, "I've already called Beacrox and Ron,"
"I brought Balint too," Roksu made a soft gesture to the mage. He sat down beside Cale on the bed, "Balint's a pretty decent mage,"
"You flatter me, Young Master,"
Three knocks sounded and Cale announced, "Come in,"
Ron and Beacrox entered the room, the older holding up a small box. Other than the items Cale had got just before leaving, the box was the only personal thing he'd brought. The assumption would probably be alcohol or snacks. However, it was neither of these things.
Cale took the box and Roksu was surprised no one else had commented on it. It was clear the box was not normal. It was the highest quality magic box with a magic lock on it. The seal on the magic box was the logo of the Flynn Merchant Guild, one of the three large merchant guilds, and one that had an intimate relationship with the Henituse family.
"I've told the owner we'll be staying for three days," Ron informed.
"Great,"
Balint was eyeing the box, "Young Master Cale...this box?"
"Ah, you'll be assisting us greatly today, Balint," Cale grinned, snarkily.
Roksu added, "It's something I believe you'd want to help with anyway,"
Balint glances at Ron, who sighs with his usual smile, "I've got no more information than you, sir,"
Cale ignored the look from the servants and opened the box. The method of opening a box with a magic lock was simple. Cale's fingerprint. That was the only key that could open this particular box. Cale put his index finger on the center of the magic seal.
Beep. Click.
The box made a small noise before opening.
Inside the box were the items Cale had prepared during the four days prior to leaving for the capital.
"Are you curious?" Cale asked them as Roksu leaned over and took a look at the items, smiling a bit upon seeing them.
Beacrox crossed his arms over his chest, "Young Master, please tell us what you need,"
Cale snickered at the frustration in the brown eyes. He turned as a gentle touch came on his head. Roksu had patted him again. Turning to the older, Roksu smiled, "You've done well,"
Cale smiled, "Of course, I did! Don't you know who I am?"
The majority of the items inside the box were magic tools, including the Mana Disturbance Tool. Roksu reached in and pulled out the round, black orb with a lot of symbols engraved on it. Three pairs of eyes widened.
"Young Master-nim?"Balint was confused, and slightly concerned.
"A Mana Disturbance Tool,"Roksu nodded in confirmation.
As Roksu explained what Cale had heard from Billios, the conversation replayed in Cale's mind:
'It causes a disturbance in the flow of mana within a certain range, making all magic tools stop working. It is also sturdy enough that, even if something like a mountain blowing up happens, it will not break.'
'Something like a surveillance tool will break right away then?'
'Of course. However, you do need to install this 27 hours in advance. It is created to slowly infuse a force that will disrupt the mana flow so that it will not be noticed by mages.'
'How long will it last?'
'40 minutes. Isn't it great? Of course, if there are mages nearby, they will be able to resolve the issue within 5 - 10 minutes.'
'I will keep that in mind.'
The corner of Cale's lips started to go up. It was the most expensive item he bought from Billos, but they'll have many uses for it on this trip.
Roksu glanced at the orb. He really enjoyed how durable the orb was. The Flynn Merchant Guild was a really useful place. He handed the orb to Cale who tossed it towards Balint. The butler quickly activated his mana as a precaution to catch it. Roksu smiled slightly in amusement at the sight, before saying, "Balint, you can use invisibility spells to not be noticed at all, right?"
"Yes, young master," Balint nodded, carefully holding the orb as if it would break at the slightest breeze.
Cale took out another item from the box: a map. It wasn't very detailed, just having general landmarks around the Henituse Territory. Most of the merchants going in and out of the Henituse Territory used this map. Cale handed it to Roksu who unrolled it and placed it for the three servants to see. He pointed, "We are in the village right now,"
The three servants took a curious step closer. Both young masters were odd but this was the first time it seemed something was actively happening with all their awareness. Ron glanced at Cale, who was just listening to Roksu, who took charge of the entire ordeal.
Roksu pointed to a mountain next to the village, "Balint, you see this mountain?"
"Yes,"
"If you go toward this mountain, you will see a villa in the distance. Behind that is a cave,"
Balint glanced down at the item in his hand, starting to grasp an idea of the upcoming order. Cale spoke up, seeing the eye movement, "The range is similar to durability. One mountain,"
"Don't go near the cave or villa. You cannot get caught," Roksu spoke with utmost seriousness, "If you use your magic, it should be fine,"
There were no mages around the Black Dragon right now. The people of the Magic Tower respected Dragons as the greatest magic race, and did not wish for humans to torture and domesticate a dragon. They considered it to be a big disgrace to magic. The people around the cave and the villa were knights and soldiers that the Marquis trusted, as well as the people who do the dirty work for them.
Roksu then gave a small incite, "There is something being tortured in there. We're going to recuse him, so you must be careful,"
The three servants all felt a jolt of shock go through them. Cale looked at Ron and Beacrox, who also quickly turned to him. The old man spoke with a hard edge, "Young Master-nim,"
"It's younger than Lily,"
"A child?" Beacrox eyes widened to a slightly more obvious sight.
"Yes," Roksu nodded, "2 years old,"
Of course, that 2 year old was strong enough to send all three servants flying once the mana restriction chains were removed.
"You're going to save him?" Balint felt a billion questions and worries in his head.
"Save? Sure. Just stay invisible and go bury this orb in the mountain without getting caught,"
There should be close to no chance of getting caught when invisible. Roksu handed Balint a small pouch to carry the orb in. The servant didn't move for a moment, staring at the two Young Masters. He then sighed and reached forward, placing the orb in the pouch and making sure it was shut.
"Where should I bury it?"
"Anywhere on the mountain?"
"Anywhere?"
"Yes,"
"Alright. It should not be too difficult,"
Roksu smiled, "Of course not. For you, this should be a piece of cake,"
Balint gave a small smile at his charge. He then walked over to the window, clicking it open. The sheen of mana soon engulfed him and none of them could spot the butler. They just felt his presence leave the room.
Ron turned, "Young Master-nim, please explain,"
Cale shut the box, "You'll have a part to play too Ron. Tomorrow evening. Around this time, come up to my room again,"
He looked over at the chef, "You too,"
Ron tightened his smile, "Young Master-nim,"
Cale frowned and Ron sighed. He glanced at Roksu, eyes sharpening and honing in on him. Roksu felt a shiver go up his back, but he held the gaze firmly.
The butler spoke again, "Sword training, a network of information, manipulating your reports to get yourself a ticket out of the territory, the investigating of the black market trade, now this. Young Master, forgive me for speaking out of line, but I am asking for more information,"
"And I already said you'll get your information, tomorrow,"
"How strange. My instincts tell me it will not be all I want,"
"Well, we can't all have what we want, can we?" Cale hissed.
Ron pressed his lips together tightly, before glancing at Roksu, "And you, punkâ"
"Ron!" Cale protested at the manner of speech.
"What have you got my Young Master involved in?" Ron demands.
Beacrox looked at Cale and spoke before their master could cut them off, "Young Master Cale. Pardon us for now. This entire thing is odd,"
"Butâ"
"Pfftâ"
The three paused when a small chuckle sounded. Cale glanced at Roksu while the assassins pinned the black-haired male with matching glares. The black haired teenager gently reached up and placed a hand on Cale's leg, giving a small pat for the younger to hold his tongue. For now.
Roksu met the cold eyes of the Molan Patriarch, "How hilarious. It's been what...eight years and you're finally using those eyes of yours,"
Cale stared at Roksu, who's lips were curled up but eyes were just as cold as Ron's. The assassin's gaze turned dark, "What does that mean?"
"If you don't even know something like that, how arrogant of you to ask- no, demand explanations now," Roksu sneered calmly, "Honestly. You two must've lost your touch after coming to Rain City,"
"Ha!" Beacrox's jaw clenched.
Ron smiled, showing some teeth.
Roksu moved his hand and wrapped an arm around Cale, pulling the younger slightly closer. The redhead's expression controted into surprise as he was suddenly leaning against the taller. Ron's expression stiffened and Roksu grinned sharper, "Ron Molan. You are a servant. Know your place,"
The tension of the room was thick and cold. Cale remained silent against Roksu, staring up at Ron who wore an expression Cale had never seen before. He didn't like it that much- finding it oddly terrifying to look at. Additionally, he had never seen Roksu like this either.
The look in his eyes, the tone of voice. Cale didn't know Roksu could even do that. He looked...scary? Yes, not scary in a way that had Cale fearing for his safety, but scary in a way that it looked like a challenge, rather than a warning. Cale took a small breath and he lifted up a bit, calling out, "Ron. You told me you and Beacrox would assist me. I get you want to know more, but for now, that information is nothing of concerns to you,"
"If it concerns the Young Masterâ"
"You told me that you would listen to me before my Father! Prioritze my orders before your reports," Cale stopped him, "Sure, whatever, I'm pissing you off, I dont care, Ron. You understand that much right? That this is something that is better left vague than informed,"
Beacrox frowned at the logic. He tries to speak, "Young Master Caleâ"
"We are nothing more than servant and master," Cale says finally. "I will tell you when I decide to,"
Roksu blinks, the coldness in his eyes thawing and he turns to Cale, 'That...can't be right. Cale saw Ron in a way similar to a Father, did he not?,'
Ron, who stood with his hands behind his back, stood even straighter. Behind his back, his gloved hands seemingly curled into tight fists. Yes, that's right. He was a butler to the First Young Master of the Henituse Household. It wasn't a new thing to be said. Ron reminded himself of it enough times.
Hearing it from Cale...that seemed to be different.
'Age has begun to hang onto me'
Ron inhales subtly before forcing the benign smile on his lips. He bows, "...of course. I understand, young master-nim,"
Roksu notices the way Cale's hands begin to curle against the fabric of the redhead's pant. He narrows his eyes, before pulling Cale in again and ordering, "Get out,"
Beacrox glances at his Father, who remains in the bowing position for a moment longer than needed. Coming back to standing, Ron and Roksu hold another unfriendly gaze at one another.
Roksu ignored the promise in Ron's gaze. He just repeats, slightly raising his voice, "Get out!"
Ron performs the bow meant for his station as a butler and leaves the room, Beacrox following him. The door clicks shut and the room is left in a heavy silence. Roksu's coldness returns to stoic and he glances at Cale, "Cale,"
Cale closes his eyes, "Hey old man, I'm tired,"
"..."
"Do you want a bath?"
'Maybe it's just another thing incorrect with the novel'
"I'll take one tomorrow morning,"
"Your clothes?"
"Ron will change them later,"
"..."
"Alright, then,"
'It's not my business,'
"Sleep, Cale. I have to wait for Balint anyway,"
"Hm,"
Cale rests against Roksu with a more relaxed posture. Their height difference was great enough that Cale was barely able to rest against his shoulder, thus settling to lean against Roksu's arm. He mumbles, "Ron and Beacrox are people we can count on. But I don't want to involve them further. They've gone through enough,"
'Hah...' Roksu bit back any verbal reaction.
"Is that why you won't tell them? You want to spare them in some way?"
"Yes," Cale admitted softly, "Even though...regardless of their identities before, they're my people now. To burden them with what I know when they've lost everything...I can't. I can't do it,"
Roksu closed his eyes gently, "...is it weird if I disagree?"
"No,"
"You knew then? That I'm ready to tell them,"
"Yes. I had my suspicions. But you didn't,"
"Because you know them better,"
Cale smiled weakly, "Yeah, sure..."
'I didn't know they were assassins. I didn't know they had suffered so much. These years, I've been giving them so much shit on top of all of that. It's a grace they both put up with me when they could've asked to transfer to another part of the house'
"Ron's the only servant who can put up with me," Cale says, "You can ease your suspicions of him,"
Roksu frowned. Trust was not the issue here. Trust wasn't even why Roksu got upset. He was appalled by the words Ron had said and the irony of them. The only servant who put up with Cale? That means Ron was more-or-less single handley responsible for Cale's life. Even more so when Cale began to act out.
Yet, even then...he didn't notice Cale acting.
And if he did...he didn't care enough to do anything.
Roksu didn't get it. No- maybe it was truly as Cale said. A line between servant and master. But even then, does a professional relationship stop basic sense? Roksu just didn't understand. He's curious if its one of those things he can't get because he was never exposed to it.
Like the thrill of a birthday or what was so desirable about being a hero.
They were things Roksu Nyphan- Kim Rok Soo did not understand.
His hand, which had remained around Cale without much thought, tightened slightly. Cale felt the tug and he just went with it, head resting firmly against the older. He requested as the draining feeling of sleep pulled at him, "Don't fight with Ron, again. It's not worth it...I'll handle it,"
Roksu made a soft hum.
'As if,'
When Balint came back from hiding the orb, he found Young Master Cale asleep against his young master, who was glancing over the map. However, Balint didn't think Roksu was actually looking at the map.
"Young Master,"
"You're here," Roksu looked over, "How was it?"
"It is done,"
"Great," Roksu nodded, "Go tell Ron that Cale has fallen asleep. And prepare me a bath and some clothes,"
"Will you not eat dinner?"
"I'm not that hungry. I'll have a good breakfast, so don't worry,"
"Yes, Young Master,"
Balint walked towards the door. As he was leaving, he caught the sight of Roksu gently moving to lay Cale down, carefully unclipping the younger's cloak. Balint shut the door with a soft click and went to look for Ron.
'Something is bothering him,'
~~~
The atmosphere of the next day was placid at best. Cale, of course, went through as always. And like most things in life, he ignored the glances and glares sent between the two closest people in his life. As another glare was sent over his head, Cale sighed, 'Lord let me get my growth spurt so they're not dealing with me like im a child'
(little did Cale know that even after he reached his maximum height, both Roksu and Ron were still tall enough to send glares at one another over his head)
Beacrox, fortunately, also seemed to be going with the normal and acted uninterested in the staring contest between Ron and Roksu. Seriously, the chef was most intrigued on what they were doing in the evening that had Cale ask for Ron to prepare his sword. Eventually, Roksu and Cale called for the three servants to meet in Cale's room.
When everyone arrived, Cale motioned to the chairs in the room, " Sit,"
Roksu and Cale were both sitting on the bed, thus the three servants took the chairs. Cale then nudged Roksu with his footâCale was laying down, slightly propped up by pillows, while Roksu was sitting up at the other endâto get him to start.
Roksu looked at the three, "Have you ever seen a dragon?"
Silence.
Cale rolled his eyes at Roksu's method of dumping facts onto others.
"...a dragon?" Beacrox repeated, his expression looking so confused that Cale had to restrain a snicker.
"Yes,"
Ron blankly stared at Roksu while Balint mumbled, "I don't think any of us have, Young Master,"
Roksu smiled, "Yes, that's to be expected,"
Dragons were the most powerful of the "beast" people, but they were the least in number. They were revelled and each dragon had a unique color and attribute. They were arrogant and selfish, but independent and strong. To meet a dragon was almost impossible. A dragon would never mess around with other creatures, let alone humans.
"Well, let me ask this then. What do you think a dragon is like?"
Balint answered again, "Masters of Magic,"
Roksu nodded, 'Balint is a mage, so this is an expected answer,'
"They're the strongest and most intelligent creature in this world," Ron added, "Large mana supply, polymorph, intelligence, attributes, and raw strength. They're above all other creatures in everything,"
"They're independent and each dragon has one color. They are not called a tribe, because they do not act as such. Dragons are Dragons," Beacrox finished.
Roksu smiled, "Yes. Dragons, Beast People, Dwarves, Elves, they are all like humans. Why? Because each have emotions and lives,"
This wasn't the important part.
"However,"
Sensing a shift in his demeanor, the three servants subtly straightened up.
"Such an existence has fallen into darkness since it was born. The only thing currently lighting up the darkness in its life is torches, and it has never even seen the light of the sun. What kind of life do you think it is having?"
Cale, even though he knew all this, was still effected by the words. He observed the reactions of the older three. As expected, Balint had slightly paled while Ron and Beacrox had stiffened up.
Roksu, kept going, "It is being forced to become an existence without rationality,"
Cale's lips pressed together in anger.
"It has had to suffer through its loneliness, without any family or anything to lean on,"
Beacrox let out a deep breath, flexing his wrists and eyes turning ice cold.
"It is tortured and abused every day, and is only left alone when it is barely alive,"
"Huu..." Balint sighed, fists clenched so tightly that had he not been wearing gloves, his flaring veins would be noticeable.
Roksu expected the reactions. Well, Balint he was more sure about since Balint was a mage. He also expected the loss and helplessness to reach Beacrox and Ron. And of course, he knew Cale would react even after knowing all of this because he was a good person.
By now, they all shouldve figured out why Roksu had brought up such a story in the first place. Roksu crossed a leg over the other, interacting his hands over his knee, "and that existence is nearby,"
A short silence filled the room. Roksu looked out the window, before slowly turning his gaze to look at the three older men. He didn't know what they were thinking but their bodies were surrounded by a bloody auraâBalint, less so, but he was still radiating anger.
'Good to know even these two get angry and look down upon abuse,' He checked Balint, 'Balint is a good person. Being a mage only amplifies him'
While Roksu was correct about Balint's emotions, he had missed one thing. Balint had been present when the former Master of the Nyphan Household was still alive. He had bore witnessed to Alwena and her husband screaming and fighting, healed the scars and wounds that had littered across his younger master's body, used his magic to take the three children to another corner of the house to avoid the shattering of glass and scent of alcohol. He had been there when Roksu had come running from a corner of the house, desperate and pleading for Balint to find his sister who had been taken by Theo when both Alwena and Elis were not available. He had been just quick enough to save the girl from the visiting merchant who Theo had presented her to.
Abuse and loneliness? Balint was no stranger to either.
He was lucky to have mana and be scouted by Alwena. If not, he'd be doing nothing. His magic only furthered when he was able to study it under the tutelage of his fellow mages within the Nyphan manor. He had had no other place to go with no other family to think about.
Balint had never been able to do enough for his charges. Had never been able to properly protect them.
That was why, the silence continued for a while. Finally, Ron made eye contact with Roksu and asked, "Will you save it and try to tame it?"
"Are you crazy?"
"Ron, have you gone mad?"
Roksu acted on reflex and asked back in shock, his voice chorusing over Cale who became shocked and questioned his butler's sanity.
"Why would I try to tame it?" Roksu looked appalled.
He waved his hand around like Ron had really gone insane.
There was no way that a dragon that was abused by humans would be willing to serve a human. In fact, it probably was full of hate and disgust for any and all humans. Even if that human was the person that saved it. Dragons believe that they are above all creatures, including humans. This is a natural instinct for dragons, so, even without being in contact with any other Dragon in its whole life, it will still feel this way. That was why dragons cannot grow under humans. This attitude makes it impossible to domesticate and train Dragons without using torture and abuse to break down its mind.
'Dragons are born extremely arrogant. But, most importantly, if I raise a dragon...'
Roksu could feel it. He felt like he would get wrapped up in some annoying incidents if he raised a dragon.
There were less than twenty total dragons in the Eastern and Western continents combines. Raise one of those dragons? That was pretty much the same as saying, 'I will be at the center of all the happenings of the continents'.
Also-
Roksu subtly glanced at the redhead in the room, 'I've already got one crazy brat!'
It was also a dragon that was supposed to die. It would be better for it to go off into its own little world and not get in anyone's way.
Roksu was definitely against this dragon coming with them. As long as he gets rid of the mana restriction chains, this four- no two year old dragon will live a much better life than Roksu. Dragons weren't called the kings of the world since birth for no reason.
"Then?"
Roksu raised an eyebrow, "Why are you asking such an obvious question? We're going to let it go so it can live a free and peaceful life. A dragon should live like a dragon,"
Cale nodded, "Roksu said that dragons are way above intelligence than humans. It's normal for them to begin to live on their own at this age," he added after a soft pause, "Plus...I doubt a dragon in its place would want anything to do with humans,"
"...I see," Ron smiled.
Roksu ignored that smile for now.
"Then, will we be saving that dragon?" Beacrox asked, a slightly intense spark in his eyes.
"Yes. So we need your help,"
"Of course. It seems like a fun hunt," Ron grinned.
Roksu was slightly worried that they would escalate the situation and shook his head, "No need to go overboard. I have no plans to kill anybody, if possible, either," he gives the assassins a look, "We will do it as quietly as possible,"
Balint smiled, "Young Master, you've trulyâ"
Roksu glanced at the clock, speaking up and cut Balint off, "Prepare some alcohol on the first floor,"
"grown- what?"
Cale sat up and he was suddenly by Roksu's side, eyes sparkling and a wide grin, "It's time to drink?!"
Roksu nodded.
They were prepared to drink first.
Ron, Beacrox, and Balint stared blankly before the former patriarch calmly stood up and went to do as told. Cale giggled, standing up and ready to drink to his hearts content, "Ah, I can't wait! Old man, I've been super patient! I didn't drink at the Baron house too!"
Roksu also rose to his feet. He sighed but a slightly pleased look came upon his face. A hand reached up and patted Cale's hair, "Yeah, yeah, great job, punk,"
They started drinking even though it was the middle of the day. Roksu and Cale both shared a table and were drinking in a way befitting of their characters. Cale drank straight from bottle after bottle, a growing flush on his face made anybody who was watching him know that he was drunk. Roksu drank from the bottle as well, but at a slightly slower pace. He didn't have Cale's crazy tolerance after all, so he had to pace himself.
Pimley stood observing the scene from where he was beside Hilsman with a few other Nyphan workers. Pimley asked a Henituse knight, "Is it okay to let Young Master Cale drink so much?"
"Yes! There is nothing in his hand. Thus, it is safe. He promised he won't throw any bottles!" The guard cheerily explained.
Pimley frowned and he turned to a knight of the Nyphan household, who also had a similar look of puzzlement. Pimley was talking about Cale's safety and alluding to the fact Cale was 16 but was downing bottles without any limit in sight. But the Henituse knights were referring to themselves. Pimley just shut up after seeing the conversation take an odd turn.
He thought back to the person he knew as Cale Henituse within the walls of the Nyphan Manor. It was different from the Cale Henituse he'd seen on this trip.
Cale swung another large pour. He grinned, "Owner! Your alcohol tastes pretty good! Much better than I expected!"
Cale didn't seem to know that the Nyphan guards and Pimley were looking at him, instead focusing on praising the alcohol and accidently knocking bottles over. They had been drinking for two hours already. There were some who were not drinking just in case something happened, but the majority of the envoy was enjoying the festive atmosphere.
'They were all so nervous for the first hour, tsk' Roksu reminisced as his face grew hotter with another swing.
He didn't flush as easily as Cale, but he was starting to reach that point so he slowed down. When Cale had ordered them to gather, as they would be drinking, the soldiers showed up with their helmets on. Roksu couldn't believe it. Cale also seemed dumbfounded but told them he will not throw any bottles to help them relax claiming that "Are you trying to spoil my mood? I need a good atmosphere to drink, you fools! Argh- fine, I won't throw anything! How about that? Will you stop looking so ridiculous then?"
"This village may be small, but there are a lot of mountains around it. The alcohol is a special alcohol I made with fruit and herbs from the mountain. That is why it is a bit expensive."
As the old man mentioned, the alcohol really did taste great. Cale admired the alcohol, and lifted the bottle up to the old man.
"Do you have a lot of these?"
"Yes. Quite a bit."
"Then get some more and send it around to everybody here."
"Young master, you don't need to-"
The Vice Captain shouted out with a flushed face, but his eyes were focused on the bottle in Cale's hand. The rest of the soldiers were looking at the same thing. Naturally, Cale was aware of what they were thinking.
"Just drink. I'm telling you to drink. Got it?"
The eyes of the soldiers who were present all started to sparkle. It was the first time they became excited to see a bottle in Cale's hands.
Cale watched the excited inn owner bring alcohol and snacks for everyone there with a sharp gaze. Roksu observed him over the rim of his bottle, repeating the information from [The Birth of a Hero].
Cale Henituse. This human had a strong alcohol tolerance. Everybody thought he had a low tolerance because his face flushed easily and he caused a ruckus whenever he drank, but the truth was that he did all those things without being drunk at all. That was why Cale's head was perfectly clear right now.
He drank for another thirty minutes or so before looking toward Roksu, who got the signal. Cale started to speak, "Oi, Roksu, come support me. I want to rest now,"
"Young Master, I will do it,"
"It's okay. Vice Captain, rest a bit today," Roksu spoke, standing up and making a show of holding his chest, shaking his head, and blinking his eyes a few times, "The rest of the soldiers as well. You've all worked hard with the Baron issue. This is not a dangerous area and I feel bad for the soliders on guard duty, but the rest of you can relax and enjoy yourselves,"
"Young Masterâ"
"Roksuuuuuu!" Cale's whine echoed and Roksu turned, just catching Cale who ran towards him. The teenager tugged at the older's shoulder, "Come! Come! Entertain me until I sleep!"
"Sure,"
It would become complicated if Hilsman or the others followed him. Thankfully, none of them approached after seeing Balint come up beside Roksu and follow silently behind them. It was probably because Balint did not drink at all and all the Nyphan guards trusted Cale and Roksu with ease. They had nothing to worry about since a mage like Balint would go up with them. And the cherry on the cake was that Balint had assigned two of the Nyphan Guards to stand at the hallway at their rooms.
As they passed by Ron and Beacrox, Roksu mumbled, "Come up to my room in a few minutes,"
When they got out of their sight, Cale dropped the act and he walked the remainder of the way, slightly cradling his head. Roksu had already had Balint make some sobering medicine and prepare something that looked like a healing-potion to contribute to the idea that Cale was sober again.
Cale didn't want Ron and Beacrox to even risk catching wind of the act so he had requested this. Of course, Roksu did as told but did not mention that Ron will probably have doubts regardless. As they passed the guards, who saluted, Roksu cleared his throat and told them, "No one is to enter our rooms. Except Ron and Beacrox. Even Pimley is forbidden. You are the only two that will manage this floor until Balint comes and tells you otherwise,"
"Yes, Young Master,"
The three entered Roksu's bedroom and Cale sat down at the table, holding his head. A cup of tea was placed in front of him and he took it, drinking it down even as he cringed and twisted at how bitter it was. Not too far, Roksu made a similar reaction. He then drank some water and brought the magic box towards Cale, who blindly used his finger to unlock it. Balint was currently pouring him the "healing potion" just as Ron and Beacrox walked into the room.
Cale tilted his head back and drank it, shaking his head and exhaling. He cursed and rubbed his head. Seeing Ron, he asked, "My sword?"
"Hear it is," Beacrox answered and it was then Cale noticed the two weapons in the room. One was a greatsword and the other was the longsword Cale would be using.
"Everyone," Roksu grabbed their attention. He had come from behind the privacy screen where he had changed, "Here,"
Black clothes were thrown at all of them.
Catching his, Cale opened up and found a hooded and masked set of clothes in all black. The only color was the single red star and five white stars on the chest area. Cale's nose scrunched up, at the stitching.
The orb from yesterday should temporarily stop the magic recording devices, but that was not enough. Roksu did not want to get caught. That was why they had been drinking since the middle of the day and he prepared these outfits.
Roksu kept the mask off for now, "They're the clothes of theâ"
Roksu flinched, body leaning backwards as a whistle of wind flew by, the tips of his hair making contact with the dagger that now placed itself in the wall next to his head.
The room went still and Balint immediately moved to stand in front of Roksu, a hand outstretched and his eyes narrowing sharply behind his glasses, "What is the meaning of this?"
Ron had thrown the dagger.
His face was devoid of any smile and his eyes were like death itself. He showed teeth, glaring darkly at Roksu, "Hah...I knew it. Something was off..."
"Ron," Cale stood up, alarmed by the situation, "Ron, what are you doing?"
Cale was about to step forward when he wrist was caught. He was pulled back and found himself standing behind Beacrox, who had grabbed his greatsword. The chef's face was twisted into an anger and disgust Cale had never seen before, "Stand back. Young Master, this man is dangerous,"
Roksu looked at the two and then he glanced at the outfits. He asked slowly, "...do you two know the name of the Secret Organization?"
"Secret- what?" Balint glanced back.
Roksu stayed where he was, eyes fixing between the two Henituse servants, "The clothes I gave you. I stitched the stars on, that's why they're crude. But I did it because the secret organization that is partly responsible for the dragon's imprisonment has this uniform..."
He then narrowed his eyes, a surprise grin curling up, "But...judging from this. You seem to know their actual identity,"
Cale stared at Beacrox's back. He recalled what Ron had told him about their true identities months ago. He speaks carefully, "When the Molan house fell...the 'Arm' you mentioned..."
Ron held up another dagger, pointing the blade at Roksu, "How do you know of this group?"
Roksu didn't respond, just taking in the information.
Cale stepped forward, reaching out and grabbing the chef's arm, "Beacrox...please lower the sword. I know he's telling the truth. I was the one who bought the outfits,"
Beacrox swallowed, teeth grinding together. Cale turned to Ron, while tightening his grip on Beacrox, "Ron. We don't have time for this. That Mana Disturbance Deivce will go off. We're on a time crunch, remember there's a kid out there! Can we do this later if we must?"
The room remained at a standstill until Ron put his daggers away, "For now,"
Beacrox followed and Cale sighed in relief. He moved and ordered once, "Alright. Everyone get ready or else we'll miss it,"
Balint didn't move away from Roksu, until the teen assured him he'd be fine. After they'd all changed, they all pulled their hoods and masks up. Roksu opened the window and he motioned to Balint, who cast a simply floatation spell to get them out of the inn from the second floor.
After that, they headed towards mountain with the Viscount's Villa and the Dragon's Prison.