The door shut behind Cale with a firm click. He leaned against it, listening to the footsteps that had been behind him stop on the other side. He knows Ron is aware of him being right there. He knows that if he stepped away, Ron would open the door and everything would flow like water and Cale wouldn't be able to yell or scream like usual.
He knows that on the otherside of the door, Roksu is standing, his emotionless eyes trailing after him with that look. That weird concern he has and the calmness he has always looked at Cale with.
Cale shuts his eyes for a moment.
"What does this man know about you that everyone else does not?"
He had been caught off guard. Completely off guard.
He had made a mistake, a terrible one.
The very question he had no longer expected to be targetted towards him arose with all the stars as a witness. Cale, had he realized he was faltering in his act, would've been able to control his facial muscles and maintain a confused neutrality. Would've been able to deceive Ron just as he had always done.
But he had been blindsided.
Had not realized until that moment that the perfect role he had played for 8 years was slipping the longer he mingled with the black-haired male next door.
Cale's face had frozen.
His eyes had widened in a moment of disbelief and panic, head going numb. The words he had prepared died on his tongue and his now slightly trembling red-brown eyes looked at the man who had all but raised him.
"...what?"
Ron's expression took in the sight that Cale had revealed and he felt anger rush through him. A dagger was once again in his hands and he pointed it quickly, the blade an inch away from Roksu's neck, "You. What have you done to him?"
The sight of a blade broke Cale's stupor. No- the sight of a blade targetted at Roksu. His eyes shifted and he dashed, pushing Roksu back and standing at the other end of the blade, "Wait- wait- No! I- there's nothing! It's not like that! He's not holding anything over my head,"
"Young Master," Ron pulled the blade safely away from his charge. He lowered his head slightly, "This Ron seems to have been failing in his duties,"
Cale's eyes shook again and his throat felt like it constricted. His mouth opened to refuse but a hand suddenly clasped over and he was pulled, back coming in contact with Roksu's chest. Ron and Beacrox both released more bloodlust.
"Butler," Roksu's voice was cold to Cale's ears, "I know some things, yes. But I do not hold them over Cale's head, because they are not things that can be used in the manner you are suggesting. No matter if its my claim or not, Cale has more than enough strength to dissuade and prove my mouth as distrsutful as your duty,"
Beacrox frowned, annoyed at the disrespectful tone Roksu was using to talk with his Father. However, unlike Ron, he did not reach for his sword. He stood prepared to, of course, but for now, the tension surrounded Ron and Roksu.
Cale reached up slowly, grabbing at Roksu's wrist and tugging at it weakly. They all knew Cale could've pulled the hand away with enough effort, but it was clear he wanted Roksu to let him. Roksu didn't move for a moment, remaining holding his glare. At a slightly firmer tug, he let his hand be lowered away, Cale keeping a steady hold on his wrist, "I'm not being blackmailed. I'm certainly in no danger,"
"But you won't tell me the truth,"
"Because it doesn't apply to you,"
Cale weighed the words on his tongue, pondering how to spin this and how to weave it. He wasn't foolish enough to try and end the topic. Ron's suspicion was guaranteed no matter what. The actions he had been taking the past month, the requests, the things he'd had Ron do, all of it was natural to cause Ron to contemplate. And, as far as Ron was aware, the only change in Cale's life had been his interaction with Roksu. This much, Cale could follow and Cale could understand. But even so- Cale didn't want anyone making a vow of death over something like this.
All of the tension was because of him.
"I..." Cale paused for a moment. He released a soft sigh and raised his head. His eyes unguarded and he let his sincerity peak out, let his tone soften and muscles unwind.
That's right, Ron was suspicious but Ron was also still doing his job. Cale hadn't seen Ron this impulsive, this angry, before. Cale was dragging them into things without any explanations; he'd admit it wasn't fair and he was using their stations to his advantage as always. But this wasn't like drinking or playing lout. This was death.
"Whether you know it or not, is of little difference."
Cale was smart, has always been smart.
He was the sole heir for nine years. The only child that Jour Thames could produce. He was praised and coddled for years, interests nurtured and the manor was his playground. He knew it like his own skin.
Cale had acted and thrown tantrums for years. As a child, of course, he was reasonable at first. He couldn't just begin to do it, or else it wouldn't be ignored or brushed aside. Cale was most hesitant around Ron, always just moody and stubborn, picky and quiet. Only when he saw the first sparks of wariness from others did he grow bolder.
A ten year old child is not a master. Cale developed and perfected his acting slowly. With the new Countess and second heir, no one gave him initial glances. He was upset, this was natural. He was acting out and frustrated, this was natural. Ron had been the same. Because Cale had played exactly as people expected him to.
As always.
"You won't have any effect. No, you've never had much effect,"
Ron knew him better than most.
Cale was careful around Ron the most.
But Cale also knew Ron. He knew Ron just as he knew that Ron's world was Beacrox. He knew it without a doubt. He knew that Ron was kind and indulged him because he was friends with Beacrox. Before.
So he lied and pulled away. Had thrown food and broken dishes. Had insulted the food he'd enjoyed.
Cale cut Beacrox off first.
"The reason I do not tell you is simple,"
Ron was a single Father playing servant. Beacrox was his world, his son. When Cale cut Beacrox off, he'd cut at Ron too.
"I don't want you involved,"
He glanced at Beacrox, "Either of you,"
He released Roksu's wrist, turning his head away, "Is that enough?"
A short silence came over them all. Ron remained fixed on the emotions he had not seen reflected in Cale's eyes for years. Lowering his stance, he placed the dagger away, "I can hold on until the Wheelsman County. I'll adjust the schedule to give us an extra day,"
Cale's expression hardened, "Ronâ"
"Fine," Roksu placed a hand on Cale's shoulder. Before Cale could protest again, Roksu addressed the redhead, "I will be honest with you too,"
"You don't need to do that,"
"...No. I think I owe you this much,"
Cale did not say anything more. Seeing the calm that finally came over them, Roksu mumbled, "Let's return,"
Cale stepped away from the three of them and walked without another glance back.
Now he stood here, in the privacy of his room. He had placed the sword in a dimensional-pouch and changed into his clothes before leaving the room. He entered his room without a word to the two Nyphan Guards. He stayed leaning against the door until the steps walked away.
Cale locked the door and pressed off the wood. He threw the pouch on the bedside table and grabbed a set of night clothes. He entered the bathroom and filled the tub, washing himself off with long and firm motions.
He was exhausted.
His arms were finally beginning to ache from the fight and his head felt airy. Without energy, he changed into his nightclothes and slipped under the covers of the bed. Closing his eyes, Cale pulled the blanket until he was almost completely hidden away.
It was a shame that he awoke to the taste of blood in his mouth, a consequence of biting his lip to muffle the sounds of his despair. Cale sat up, groggy and panting, a sheen of sweat glazing over him. He sat there, lip throbbing and body trembling as he suppressed the feelings in his heart.
Silently, he pushed off the covers, placing his bare feet on the cold wooden floor, forgetting about the slippers he was meant to use. Standing up, Cale started to make his way towards the bathroom to wash the blood out and check how deep he'd bit. If it wasn't much, he'd just apply some ointment and call it finished. As he did that and checked the clock, he was unaware of the invisible black dragon that had been startled awake by the movements and scent of blood. The dragon was sitting on a tree that looked into both Cale and Roksu's room. Its blue eyes were watching the redheaded human pull out some bottles of wine and a book. It was clear the human had no notion to sleep again.
"Weird," the dragon mumbled.
The black-haired human had slept later than the red-haired and was still asleep, clearly unaware of his companions movements. The black dragon had observed the redhead twist and turn on the bed. Cale would flinch and wince as if he was getting hurt. This is what made the black dragon confused as nothing was hurting him.
He observed for a little longer before he drifted back to sleep on the branch, only waking up when the sun was up. When he did, the redhaired human had got rid of any evidence of the night before and slipped back under the covers.
~~
Roksu casually nodded to Cale and picked up the glass of cold water that Balint had prepared for him. Cale was also drinking from a cup, except it was lemon tea. However, contrary to the usual denial, Cale just sighed when he saw it, grumbling but drank it.
Roksu took note of the signs of restless sleep.
'Another not so peaceful night it seems,'
Cale was pretty active so his youthfulness and the mask of anger and ice he wore often diluted the signs of exhaustion. But for those who were the closest both physically and emotionally to CaleâRon and Roksuâthe eyebags were noticed.
"You took care of everything properly?" Roksu ignored it. There was nothing he could do about it anyway.
"Yes," Balint nodded.
After they all had returned, Roksu asked if the servants could head back to erase their tracks and create a new set of fake tracks heading west. Seeing the confirmation, Roksu put himself at ease.
With this now dealt with, he could focus on the next work that required him.
"So, Puzzle City is next. That's the middle point in our journey to the Wheelsman County,"
Cale hummed, "We should manage to hit Puzzle City, Millet, and Keys relatively quickly. Maybe just a week,"
Roksu nodded in agreement. Everything would be much quicker now if nothing happens during their journey.
Once you get out of the Henituse territory that is surrounded by mountains, all the roads are well- paved from this small city in the Viscount's territory to the capital.
'That's the reason that the Henituse territory has been safe until now, even if it is a bit annoying for the merchants.'
Even if you have a lot of goods to sell, it would be difficult for merchants to travel to buy those goods if the roads were rough. However, the merchants pushed through this inconvenience because the roads were paved as soon as they left the Henituse territory.
Furthermore, these paved roads allowed for the influential powers in the eastern half of the Roan Kingdom to gather frequently. That was why people in the capital were able to discuss many of the issues in the east, even though there were no nobles with a higher nobility than the rank of Marquis in the east.
Puzzle City was not the middle point in terms of distance, but in terms of time.
"But Young Master-nim,"
"What?"
"We checked the Viscount's villa on the way back," Balint glanced at Ron, who smiled slightly, understanding what was being referred to, "and they all seemed to be in a state of chaos. There also soldiers and knights leaving the village,"
"I'm sure they went to report,"
After regaining their consciousness, they probably sent people to Venion and investigated the area around the cave. However, that did not seem to be the end of the report.
"However,"
"Just say it," Roksu started to frown at the bitter expression on his butlers face.
"A part of the exit route we took from the cave was blown up. Even the trees, grass, ground, and everything around it was a mess,"
"Oh!"
Cale let out a surprised sound. He glanced at Roksu, who was still relaxed and said, "I'm sure the dragon did it,"
Roksu smiled as he stood up from his seat. Even if it is only 2 years old, the dragon was still smart. It knew someone may come to the escape route and probably decided to blow it up. Since dragons are also very sensitive to manaâas attributed to how the dragon kept glancing at Balint, who kept a firm distance away the whole timeâit probably destroyed everything around it to destroy the magic tools in the area as well.
"It's good enough that it didnt kill all of the fainted people. It's probably holding back because it is still young and still has some fear,"
"I did sense strong mana there,"
"Dragon's are really great," Cale mumbled.
Roksu patted Cale's head, "Don't look down on the dragon just because it is small. You'll regret it,"
Dragons were said to be large animals that were extremely petty. Roksu praised himself once again for leaving the dragon instead of bringing it with him
"Speaking of looking down," Roksu glanced at Ron, "Have Beacrox prepare some drinks,"
'What?' Balint's mind jolted.
He watched blankly as Ron bowed and receded from the room. He then watched from behind his glasses as Cale and Roksu stood up, the redhead muttering excitedly, "Oh! A hangover drink? Old man, I didn't expect you to be so cultured!"
Balint looked helplessly at the clock that showed 7:00 am.
Roksu looked at Cale and his own expression, "What wonderful expressions,"
They both seemed extremely tired and still slightly drunk. Roksu nodded in satisfaction, before heading down to the first floor.
'As I expected'
7:00 am was early, but the day was not yet over for some people. The Vice Captain was standing there, looking like he had never even drank last night, and was having a serious conversation with someone.
Roksu could see Ron place down some wine glasses, but eyes sharply glanced over. Beacrox also stood by the table, as if waiting for the two teenagers to sit down. He mumbled, ""I thought I had used enough strength to make them unable to fight for about a day, but they are up and moving much earlier than I expected. I should use more strength against humans in the future."
Roksu looked at Cale, who was also clearly unbotheredâ no, he looked like he was quite enjoying the situation.
'...Am I the biggest coward here?'
"Young masters, I prepared the same alcohol you drank last night." the inn owner brought two bottles of alcohol to them and the Molan duo stepped away.
"Old man, there is something that keeps coming to my mind whenever I see you."
"Yes?"
Cale smiled at the nervous old man, and continued to speak.
"I think you are a really smart vendor. This is perfect for a hangover drink."
The alcohol bottle opened with a refreshing sound, and Cale immediately poured a cup and downed it. His face almost instantly started to turn red. Cale purposefully made his eyes only half opened, and looked toward the Vice Captain. The Vice Captain was still talking to the other knight.
Roksu calmly took the bottle and poured a bit more calmly, taking the wine cup and taking a slow sip, supporting his head with his hands and making a show as if he had been forced downstairs.
Yesterday, we had a party to relax after a long journey until here. Everybody was drinking and relaxing. Nobody left the inn. But I still don't understand why someone from the Viscount's estate would be curious about that."
The knight from the Marquis's estate seems to have introduced himself as someone from the Viscount's estate. The knight smiled at the Vice Captain's suspicious gaze, but the knight still answered back with a serious expression.
"There was a thief that broke into the Viscount's villa yesterday. A couple other knights and myself were on guard, but we lost a few items to the thief. After hearing that people from Count Henituse's estate were here in the village, we came to see if the thief had stolen from the Count as well."
'Thief my ass. Well, I guess a dragon thief is a thief as well.' Roksu took another sip.
Cale took a gulp directly from the bottle while listening. At that moment, he made eye contact with the knight who was at the Viscount's villa yesterday.
"What are you looking at?"
Cale's eyes narrowed immediately and his eyes glinted harshly, "What the fuck is going on? Don't tell me that damn Neo has decided to test my patience this early in the morning,"
The knight immediately bowed and turned his gaze away. The Vice Captain looked toward Cale awkwardly, before letting out a fake cough and answering, "Not at all Young Master. It seems a thief has visited the Viscount's villa. The knight was checking if we seem to have lost anything,"
"The only thing lost is my mood and patience," Cale hissed, slamming his hand down and leaning forward, as if he was about to stand up.
Roksu flinched slightly at the sudden actions. He looked at Cale silently, observing the act of a lout.
"Ahem," Hilsman glanced back at the knight and answered confidently and loudly, "Our young master is drinking because his day turns out better if drinks in the morning. Furthermore, it is a hangover drink. He is the type of person who drinks to cure his hangover caused from dirnking too much the night before,"
Cale glared at Hilsman, unable to tell if that was an excuse or a mockery. He swung the bottle up, taking another heavy swing.
"I see. What an interesting young master," the knight responded to Hilsman's words positively, before respectfully bowing to Cale.
'This should lessen their suspicion,' Cale happily thought.
Cale felt like they should no longer have any reason to be suspected by the Marquis's knight who came to the inn so early in the morning. The dragon happened to disappear while Cale's envoy was here, and they were leaving the morning after, but there weren't many reasons to suspect them.
Venion's remaining subordinates here will think about the six starred outfits that the attackers were wearing, the ones that seemed to represent a certain organization, as well as the tracks that were leading to the west. Most importantly, however, is that they would never think that someone like Cale, who was called a trash, or Roksu, who wasn't even a legitimate noble, would be able to do something like that.
"Then I wish you a safe journey as you continue on today."
In addition, there was no way they could hold the eldest son of a Count from leaving when they didn't have the Marquis, Venion, or even the Viscount with them.
Who would think that a noble that is drinking on the job would be normal?
Roksu once again realized how much Cale's little act helped. He could almost see Cale's favorbility. Not that this would let Roksu stop trying to curb the kid's drinking.
'I'm sure Venion would not suspect us, even after finding out what happened.'
Venion and Marquis Stan were probably the people who knew better than anyone else that there was absolutely no relationship between Count Henituse and the secret organization. That was especially the case when it came to the dragon.
The two watched the knight leave the inn and Cale turned back to face Roksu, grumbling curses aimed at the Tolz family successor. Roksu let it run for a moment before two cups of honey lemon tea was set out in front of them.
Roksu's eyebrow twichted, but he took the tea. He sees Cale about to ignore it and speaks firmly, "Honey tea is the best to cure a hangover. Right, Ron?"
Ron smiled and Roksu quickly turned away. Cale frowned down at the cup, "I don't need this,"
Roksu takes a long sip of the tea. He repeats, "C- Young Master Cale. It is good to ease your stomach. You will feel sick from drinking so much,"
Cale's protests were stopped when Roksu added, "If you feel sick, the journey will be even more unpleasant. Until we reach Spade City, we'll be camping outside every so often,"
Spade City was the city where the Wheelsman Family's Estate was housed. Count Wheelsman's territory was located in the beginning parts of the Northeast, and he was neither very strong nor very wealthy. That was why he was able to build a close relationship with Count Henituse in the Northeast, where they did not have any dukes or marquis. Count Henituse liked this friendship because, for someone like him, whose territory was far in the corner of the Northeast, knowing someone who was the close to the capital was beneficial. As a result of this, the two heirs of the CountysâEric and Caleâwere very close and referred to each other as 'Hyung' and 'Dongsaneg'.
From what Roksu has understood, Eric and Cale are still quite close and Cale still refers to Eric as 'hyung' even during his act. Additionally, Eric is very eager to spend time and communicate with Cale, sending letters and doing quite a bit of work when Cale sent a letter about the expansion of the Nyphan Family. Cale had shown him the letter without much worry since there were questions that needed to be answered that regarded the business, so Roksu had seen the lengthy letter. It was clear that Eric was quite fond of Cale and was very excited by the prospective change.
That was why, Roksu looked quite favorably upon a person the novel did not mention and was quite pleased to work with Eric.
Cale's face twisted at the fact and he glared down at the tea, eyes shifting between bottle and cup. Despite the eyes, Roksu decided to veto it and reached forward, grabbing both bottles away and placing them beside him and away from Cale. The redhead looked at him in offense and had Roksu not been having a stubborn staring contest with Cale, he would've noticed the open jaws of the Henituse knights.
Hilsman tilted his head in thought. He'd never seen anyone take a bottle away from Cale. It was usually avoid the bottle and just give him more if he asks. Do what he asked to keep him calm. Don't bother with anything else. This is what everyone in the Henituse Estate knew.
So Hilsman could only watch silently as the black-haired stranger that Cale had been getting along with calmly and firmly deny Cale the bottle and persuaded tea. Successfully too. Because the next liquid that Cale downed was the tea.
Hilsman kept this interaction in his mind and he once again rethought everything he knew about his first young master.
When both boys were no longer feeling sick, they left the village and headed towards puzzle city. They ended up camping that night and continued the next day. When they awoke the next day however...
"What the ever loving fuck?"
"Language," Roksu sighed helplessly at Cale's mumble.
The two of them stood side by side, staring down at the animal corpse that was at their site. There was also a weird drawing. Balint stepped up being both young masters, lowering his voice, "I sense mana,"
Cale's eyes widened and Roksu flinched
'No way'
He stared at the corpse.
He turned around, "I guess we're having steak,"
He nudges Cale and hisses to Balint and the redhead, "We know nothing,"
Cale's lip twitch in amusement at Roksu's attempt at obliviousness. He glanced back at the corpse, 'What an adorable dragon,'
The next few days of camping as they get closer to Puzzle city, Cale had the honor of watching as each corpse causes Roksu to mutter lies and more attempts to fool himself that there was not a two year old black dragon following them.
"Dragons are independent and prideful. There's no way they'd follow a human. Especially one that was abused by humans,"
Cale had to hide his laughter behind Beacrox when the next corpse was even larger.
Other than that, the journey to Puzzle City was uneventful. Compared to Disheller which was small and bustling, Puzzle City was larger and was clearly a well-run and wealthier district. As their carriage moved to the streets, Cale thought it resembled Rain City quite a bit, even though it was smaller.
"What's the plan when we reach the inn?" Cale asked after the two of them observed through the windows.
"Relax and bathe," Roksu answered, "Hmm, since we're not scheduled to meet the estate owner until tomorrow afternoon, we could probably slack off,"
Cale thought for a moment, "Shall we sightsee? I heard Puzzle City was the city abandoned by the Gods during Ancient Times,"
Roksu raised an eyebrow, "What? I thought it was known for the rock towers?"
"It's related apparently," Cale spoke boardly, lounging across his side of the carriage, "Pimley told me. Apparently the rock towers are some sort of prayer and meant for wishes. The people make wishes. Since the gods disowned them, they took their wishes into their own hands. Destroying a tower means overcoming an obstacle,"
Roksu thought about the other butler that attended to him, "Pimley told you?"
"Mhm. He said his sister-in-law was from Puzzle City so he'd visited quite a bit and offered to play tour guide if we wanted," Cale hummed.
Roksu crossed his arms, "Well? Do you?"
"Hm?"
"Want to look around?"
"Oh," Cale looked taken aback by the offer. He thought about it, "Hmm...sure. I can pick up my gifts for Basen and Lily. Ah, I should also pick up something for Eric Hyung and Young Master Gilbert. Mm- actually, you wanted to see the Ubarr Territory too, right? I'll need something for Lady Amiru,"
Roksu asked after a pause, "This might be too long of a journey...."
He didn't realize it until they were actually traveling but to travel the route they were doing was difficult. He pulls up a map of the Northeast region in his head, "The Ubarr Territory is farther east than the Henituse Territory, right?"
"They're southeast of us, yes. Since they control the main part of northeast coastline and the Hais Islands,"
Roksu placed a hand on his chin, "...maybe we should return to Rain City. We can visit the Ubarr Territory another time. Else this trip will be way too long,"
"Is that not the point?"
"Surely you'd like to go out again, right?" Roksu deadpanned, "Also. You'll have to return in time for the Noble Gathering of the Northeast Faction,"
"By then there's no way I'll go. Basen will probably go," Cale shook his head. He then thought again, "Or wait. We're basically gone for a few weeks. This a few weeks of no rumors- FUCK!"
Cale sat up as if finally realizing what would occur. "I'm not even going to mess about- im on official work! Crap- my reputation is going to take a hit!"
Roksu just stared in disbelief.
'This punk said he was going to use his position but it seems old habits are hard to kill. Damn it, there's no way this kid is already addicted right?'
Roksu shook his head, 'No, there's no way. Cale has shown multiple times he can manage his intake but chooses not to because of his stupid obsession with giving himself more trouble,'
"Isn't it a good thing if your reputation goes up? Your word will have more weight and you'll be able to have more of a control over the situation," Roksu cut through Cale's regret.
"I mean, you're right but..." Cale was quiet for a moment, "That's in the future and is temporary. War can't go on forever. But, my- the goal I have in mind isn't something I can just give up,"
Roksu almost asked for more information, but he held back his words. With the dragon and the situation with Ron, Roksu already had a lot going on. He also has to figure out the Choi Han situation as well. Would getting even deeper involved with whatever crazy situation Cale had going on be worth it?
'Mm...it'll be troublesome if he becomes a lout, though. I need Cale to manage things. His position will greatly elevate his say and if he can get along with Choi Han, I'll be able to ensure the Henituse Territory is secure. Furthermore, as a noble, Cale will be able to have a large contribution and keep the other factions in check,'
Yes, Roksu did not want to be a hero for this world, but he certainly needed the hero party to form and for a strong enough defense to be erected. The Roan Kingdom was the oldest kingdom on the Western Continent, but it was average in all other aspects. They were not prepared for a war, especially one from the Northern Kingdoms, let alone the Mogoru Empire.
'That's right. I need to have Cale deal with everything and become someone close to the hero party. I'll have to redouble my efforts on him,'
After they reached the inn, Cale told the group to rest and replenish anything they wanted. He also declared that he and Roksu would wash up and then spend some time in the city. Roksu gave a subtle nod at Pimley, telling him silently he was their guide. After that, Roksu explained that they would wrap up their work by tomorrow night and leave early the next morning.
Pimley informed them he would finish unloading the luggage and then prepare himself to guide them. Roksu had nodded and given a small word of thanks before heading off to his room. Both him and Cale washed their bodies and hair, before being guided into a pair of comfy black slacks, a shirtâa black that almost resembled a turtle-neck for Roksu and a white one with an elegant frill that just barely touched the sides of the beige waistcoat for Cale. Roksu wore a black waist coat and jacket, under a thick black coat with silver patterns that was buttoned up, only revealing the area of his collar which was covered by the shirt. Over the beige waist coat Cale was wearing, a white coat with gold latches and accessories sat. The latches formed a belt that caused the jacket to hug at Cale's waist, leaving it secure that it did not come in the way of the black cloak that added weight to his shoulders.
After being served some tea, Cale and Roksu took Balint, Ron, and Pimley to explore the city. They decided to walk around since Cale had to buy things anyway. Roksu also decided he'd pick somethings up for his siblings as well.
As they ventured the streets, Pimley would explain certain parts of the city or point certain famous establishments. Even though it was winter, the street was very filled and the sounds of vendors, buyers, children, and merchants danced over the area. As they walked, Balint spoke up, "The rock towers are at every door. Are the idea of wishes that important?"
"Quite so,"
Pimley had told them briefly about the story about the turbulent relationship between Puzzle City and Gods.
"Every single person makes one?" Roksu shook his head in disblief, "Is there a reason for me to worship a God who has abandoned me?"
Cale chuckled, "I don't  think they're really meant for God since it's clear the Gods won't answer. It's more a representation of their own determination,"
Pimley turned back, as if hearing something curious, "I'm curious, Young Master Cale. Might I ask a question?"
Cale raised an eyebrow, "Go ahead,"
"Do you believe in any of the Gods?"
"What a crazy question,"
Cale let out a short laugh. He shook his head, "No way. If I want something, I'll just take it myself. What's the point of asking a God who won't answer,"
Roksu found himself nodding at Cale's words.
Ron told Pimley, "The Henituse Family, as far as I'm aware, has never believed to harshly in any religion,"
Pimley nodded with a grin, "A true reflection of the County,"
The group kept walking and Pimley suddenly spoke up, "Ah! Here is a famous place. It's the Rock Tower Ruins,"
Pimley guided them to a place where multiple people were staring at a collection of Rock Towers that were displayed. Many even seemed to be making wishes. The group paused and Pimley asked kindly, "Permission to make a wish, Young Master?"
"Do I dictate that?" Roksu spoke blandly.
Pimley chuckled before he turned to make a wish. Balint also thought before making a small wish. Even if he didn't believe it, it was a nice gesture. Cale looked at Roksu who hadn't moved, "You won't wish?"
"You aren't either,"
"I already said what I think about something like this," Cale crossed his arms.
Roksu hummed at the logic. He then explained, "I don't believe in wishes,"
"Hm?"
Cale was a little curious, but he didn't ask with words. Just kept his eyes fixed and let a small questioning sound.
Roksu, naturally, understood.
"Because it will cause me to have high expectations," Roksu brought his gaze to the rock towers, "It's so much easier to live without high expectations,"
Cale's lips parted, eyes not moving from Roksu's face. The older was now focusing on the ruins, but his usually emotionless and peaceful eyes seemed to carry a heavy weight to them. Cale pressed his lips together tightly, before nodding slowly. He stepped just a bit closer to Roksu, red eyes looking down and becoming distant, "Yes...it is,"
"Young Master, I have a report," Balint said after a small moment.
"Sure,"
Balint lowered his voice so Pimley could not hear, "The dragon seems to have followed us in the city,"
Cale and Ron both immediately smiled.
"Ignore it,"
"I understand,"
Roksu mumbled, "Let's go to the market,"
Cale sauntered up quickly, grabbing at Roksu's coat to tug him down and whisper teasingly, "Old man, the kid is demanding attention. You should be more understanding!"
"Let go of me,"
"Hehe!"
They spent a few hours in the market, sightseeing, buying, and eating some food. Well, let's be clear actually. After they reached the market, the three servants stayed close but also far back enough to watch the sight of the two teenagers explore. Balint and Pimley gave each knowing and fond smiles at the sight of their stoic and previously monotone Young Master flick Cale in the forehead and back away as Cale threatened to feed him some sort of sour food they'd stumbled upon.
Ron watched as Cale's eyes which had been cold and sharp for years would spark and soften. He watched as the arrogant and cruel smirks turned into happy and teasing. Cale seemed like Cale, but he was different. And Ron would be a liar if it was bad to see. It was nice.
So he watched, the sharp gaze in his old eyes having turned considerate and calm, observing the two without suspicion. He listened as Cale haughtiness was met with dry jokes and there was a chime of mischievous giggles.
'Ah'
Ron suddenly had a thought.
Standing there, watching as Cale asked for Roksu's opinion on a gift for Gilbert Chetter, the assassin came to a conclusion.
'I guess I am a bit fond of this puppy'
Ron's brown eyes took in Cale whining after Roksu had managed to tease him about something the two were bickering over. He must've been staring too hard because Cale's eyes glanced over, expression turning confused, "Ron? Is something wrong?"
Ron Molan blinked once, before the usual benign smile pulled up, "Not at all, Young Master Cale,"
He sees Cale's eyes widen just a bit. It's been ages since Ron has referred to him at length. It has always been 'Young Master-nim'. He thinks that something has happened, but he's not finding himself wary of it.
'Well, if it's Ron its fine' Cale nodded, turning back to the conversation, 'Ron, after all, is one of the most loyal servants of the Henituse household'