Happy New Year~
After returning to the inn and convincing everyone that Roksu was fine, but also offering no explanation for the state of his clothes, Roksu entered a bath while Cale requested Beacrox to make some steak from the animal carcass they'd preserved. Cale was also forced to a bath by Ron and a new set of clothes. By the time he was done, the three plates of steak he had requested were set up.
Walking to the window, Cale opened it up and moved to sit down, ignoring how Beacrox was watching his actions with a silent question. He invited as he sat down, "Come in. And, you can show yourself,"
After a moment, a small black creature suddenly appeared, perched on the edge of the table.
Cale smiled at the way the Molan duo just stared at the little dragon, before turning to Cale. He ignored them and greeted the dragon, placing down a dish of steak in front of it, "Here you are,"
The little kid was clearly hesitant, but Cale didn't mind. He picked up a knife and fork and began to eat. Ron stepped up, "Shall I pour you a drink, Young Master-nim?"
"If you're about to prepare me a cup of lemonade, I'm not interested,"
Ron's benign smile grew wider and Cale just rolled his eyes. Two knocks echoed from the door and the dragon, which had decided to tentatively taste the meat, perked, "It is the other weak human,"
"Let him in,"
Beacrox opened the door and Roksu stepped in, dressed in a new outfit. His eyes found Cale and the black dragon both eating steak and he sighed. Too tired to say anything, he sat down and emotionlessly cut himself a bite. Cale snickered, "Old man, you seem to be a little bothered by something,"
"A word out of you and I'm going to make you drink lemon juice,"
Cale winced slightly, "Wha- that's so fuâ"
Cale's complaint was cut off and he turned to look at the black dragon. The black dragon was chewing and blankly stared back. Cale corrected his language, "-unfairly mean!"
Roksu chewed, undisturbed. As if to really piss Cale off, he mumbled, "Should I order wine?"
Cale immediately kicked Roksu's shin. The black-haired teen flinched, "You punk!?"
Cale smiled.
The Molan duo just sighed as the two of them began to kick each other under the table. It seemed even the black dragon had no idea how to take this as he simply watched while cleaning his plate off. Resting his head on his paws, he thought, 'These humans are weird. They're both very weak'
His eyes moved to the two in the corner, 'Those two are stronger,'
Ron checked the clock on the wall, "Young Masters, we ought to leave soon,"
The foot-war stopped and the two glanced at the clock. Then, they looked back at each other.
Roksu declared, "Truce?"
Cale nodded, "Truce,"
The rest of the meal was finished peacefully.
As Beacrox took the dishes, Cale and Roksu adjusted their clothes to leave. Roksu looked over at the dragon, "We have some work to finish outside. Balint, a mage, will be coming with us. You've met him,"
The black dragon was smart and thought about the fifth person who had saved him, "Glasses,"
"Yes,"
Speaking of, the door was knocked on twice and then opened, Balint entering to tell them the carriage was prepared. Roksu saw when Balint noticed the dragon. He speaks, "Since everyone knows now, its fine. Let's go,"
Balint blankly nodded but the two mana wielders kept staring at each other. It was no surprise the dragon child would be interested. Mages and dragons were pretty much hand in hand. Mages practiced magic and Dragons were the masters of it. As such, the affinity was no surprise to anyone.
Cale and Roksu left the inn with their work and headed to the next shop. The shop in Puzzle City was much larger than Disheller. It was located along the border of the common and high-end shops. The building was three stories, but each floor was larger. As they were guided about, Roksu made note that the third floor would most likely be remodeled into workshops or exclusive storage. The woman guiding them was very blunt and she answered questions without a pause, so Roksu also found her pleasant to work with.
They spent an hour touring and asking questions, learning about the property and the surrounding areas, before spending another hour discussing logistical and financial stuff. Of the properties they were looking at, the one in Puzzle City cost the most and was the largest. When they wrapped everything up, Cale and Roksu returned to the carriage and finalized a few notes and things of their own on the ride back.
The next week of travel continued on in similar fashions.
They would camp here and there and the black dragon would continue to bring them corpses. As the days spread, the five humans and the black dragon got used to each other enough and the young child was more free with talking. Which meant Cale had fun introducing him to foods that Beacrox made and Balint also became a sort of mentor. Roksu also grew desensitized to the dragon, chatting with him and would have Balint stop by some bookstores to get any books the dragon wanted.
Additionally, as they passed by Millet and Keys, they were able to get through the property inspection and signing of documents without any worries. By the start of the third week of their trip, the Henituse-Nyphan convoy arrived in Spade City, the heart of the Wheelsman County.
They arrived early morning as they did with Keys, thus they would be heading straight to the place they would stay and wash up, attending to work in the afternoon and returning at night. However, unlike Keys in which they left then next morning, they would be staying an additional day at Eric's request and for their trip to the Temple of the God of Death in the capital (they would be teleporting at night).
Passing through the entrance of Spade City, Roksu glanced out the window, observing the streets as usual. As they went deeper and deeper into the city, he realized after a moment they were moving slightly away from the main part of the city. When the carriage came to a stop, he frowned, "Where are we going?"
"Hm? Oh, did I forgot to tell you,"
Roksu had an ominous feeling.
Cale spoke casually, "Count Wheelsman said he'd host us while in Spade City,"
Roksu stared blankly and he felt the carriage start moving again. This time, the remnants of a gate passed by the window and greenery began to fly past, "Then...right now..."
"We just passed the entrance to the Estate grounds,"
Cale pulled back the curtains completely and Roksu followed him, listening to Cale, "It seems not much has changed since I was here. The Wheelsman Estate, unlike the Henituse Castle, is at level with the rest of Spade City. It's surrounded by a sturdy wall. Much of the estate is the courtyards and gardens. The Estate is located at the center of it all and made of beige marble. Ah, you can see it some of it through the trees,"
Indeed, peeking through the plants, Roksu could see glimpses of shimmering beige stone. Additionally, as they got closer, the brush began to thin out until just an elegant courtyard was in front of them. Now, the estate was in view.
"The Wheelsman County is not incredibly wealthy, nor was it very strong. But they are still a County and have a close affiliation with our Henituse County, along with being one of the ten pillars in the Northeast," Cale said, "Ah, there is one thing I should tell you about,"
Roksu glanced over, curious. Cale explained, "Eric hyung had an older sister who passed away in our youth. The family portrait in the main hall still includes her. The Countess might mention her, so don't be off-put if she randomly speaks of it,"
Roksu blinked, "Young Master Eric wasn't the heir?"
"No, he was always labeled as heir. The Countess and Count married quite young so the age gap between Hyung and Isis Noona was decent. But they were still very close," Cale explained, "The Countess and Count never quite recovered. Eric Hyung too. He became a lot more anxious and a worrywart,"
As the carriage came to slow stop at the front, Cale shrugs, "Don't think about it. I'm just telling you so you're aware incase she gets brought up,"
Roksu nodded, "I understand,"
The door clicks and Ron stands with a smile, "Young Master-nim, we've arrived at Count Wheelsman's Estate,"
Cale stepped out, looking up at the manor he hadn't visited in a while. Roksu stepped down beside him and Cale began to lead them up the stairs to the entrance. As they neared the top, a loud sound echoed in front of them them and they both looked to see a teenager with grey hair and grey eyes, round silver glasses walking out. A warm smile curled at the sight of the two guests, "Dongsaeng!"
Cale released a soft sigh, "Hyung-nim..."
Eric turns to Roksu, "Greetings, Young Master Roksu. Welcome to the Wheelsman County,"
Roksu bowed, "Thank you for hosting me, Young Master Eric,"
Roksu straightened up and then watched with hidden amusement as Eric scanned Cale up and down without any discretion, "Well? How was your journey? Was it difficult? It wasn't too cold, I hope? It gets warmer as you head from the Henituse Territory to here,"
"It was fine," Cale quickly said, "The weather isn't too bad. It'll probably be annoying on our way back, but what can we do?"
Eric nodded and he guided them into the manor, "Yes, actually. We've received some snow. I'm sure you noticed it,"
The two of them nodded. They had noticed the thin layer of white that had begun to form along the way here. It was no surprise. By the time they returned to Rain City, there was no doubt going to be a thicker snow cover up north.
"Young Master Gilbert also sent a notice to tell me that they'd try to keep the roads as clear as possible," Eric added, "Oh, I also received a letter from Young Master Basen,"
"Basen?" Cale echoed, "What did he need?"
Eric smiled and waved his hand, now leading them up a large staircase, "Nothing worrisome. He wished to inform you that a week after you left, they experienced snowfall. Oh, he also had a letter he wished to send to you regarding some work you left him. I'll have it brought to your room. Oh- um, I obviously didn't check it,"
Cale nodded, "Yes, I know. Calm down,"
Eric turned to Roksu, "I hear you wish to wash up and visit the property, in the afternoon?"
"Yes, Young Master," Roksu nodded, "I heard you and Young Master Cale are close. I thought it would be nice to have a slower day after weeks of travel and work,"
Cale rolled his eyes. It wasn't him that would enjoy the relaxation, but Roksu. Nonetheless, he didn't say anything. He just avoided Eric's eyes when the older sent him a curious look.
"That makes sense. I'll have a carriage prepared for you in a few hours," Eric nodded, "Your horses will also be maintained with the Wheelsman County horses, and your servants will also be receiving appropriate quartersâ"
"Oh my!"
The three boys looked ahead as a woman with pale blond hair and light brown eyes was approaching them. By his side, Roksu noticed Cale stiffen up. Eric, who was ahead of them, smiled warmly, "Mother, you're here. Cale and Young Master Roksu from the Nyphan Family have arrived,"
Roksu leaned down, "Cale? Are you alright?"
Cale couldn't answer as the Countess had reached them. She headed towards Cale, a bright smile on her face. The youngest of the three young masters stepped back trying to greet properly, "Countessâ"
He squeaked as he was yanked into a tight hug, "Oh look at you!! Cale, how could you not visit this Auntie of yours for so long?"
Roksu watched the scene with a dumbfounded expression. An expression that quickly morphed into amusement at the sight of Cale's discomfort.
"Countess-"
He was abruptly released and his face was cupped. The woman looked at him and sighed in exasperation, "Look at you! Already so tall! It was only yesterday you barely came up to my hip!"
Cale's expression twisted and he tried to pull back, muttering, "My apologies for not visiting sooner Countâ as his cheeks were pinched he corrected, hastily, "Auntie"
She released him and smiled brightly at him. Cale then watched as her eyes turned knowing and almost nostalgic. A look of awe and adoration came upon her. She turned to her handmaiden, who had been with her, "Jana, doesn't he seem to look so much like Jour?"
Cale stiffened up.
Roksu's amusement faltered here and Eric looked caught off guard.
The Countess smiled warmly, and she cooed, "How adorable! Cale, you're such an adorable little copy of her!"
Cale's expression turned blank, slowly becoming colder.
Eric quickly put himself between his sworn brother and mother, "Mother, Cale needs to rest up. He's still got a schedule today,"
"Ah, is that so?" the Countess exclaimed, "My apologies, dear. Cale, darling, I'll see you at dinner,"
She then turned to Roksu, "And you as well, Young Master Roksu. Pardon my discourtesy,"
Roksu bowed, "It is of no offense, my Lady,"
Cale didn't speak until the Countess had left them. Seeing her out of earshot, Eric turned to Cale, "Cale, are you alright?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
Cale looked bored, reaching up to rub at his cheeks, complaining, "My cheeks are sore,"
Eric eyed him for a moment, before smiling, "Let's head to your rooms. Cale, your room is the usual one you used when you were younger. Young Master Roksu, your room is not that far from it,"
Eric continued leading them. Roksu gave Cale a small glance as they walked. After a moment of thought, he reached up and ruffled Cale's hair, before patting it. Cale's emotionless face clicked into mock annoyance, reaching up and glaring at Roksu, who just smirked before whispering, "Should I pinch your cheek instead?"
Cale leaned away and smacked the taunting hand, hissing a low, "Piss off!"
Neither noticed how Eric had glanced back and noticed the interaction. Eric's smile turned softer and relief shone in his eyes. He had already caught the watch that was on Roksu's wrist. He'd recognized it as the one Cale and he had bought a few months ago.
'So this is the friend,'
Eric felt a bit of worry ease from him. Even though he'll probably ask Cale about it to really confirm it, so far, Eric was approving of the friendship. Roksu seemed like a good person. And considering he seemed fine spending prolonged time with Cale, it was reasonable for Eric to infer that the two were close or Cale had really mellowed out.
Eric is betting more so on the first.
Eric dropped Roksu at his room first, before walking with Cale to his. At first, the walk was in silence. But Eric might've been a bit too obvious because Cale released a heavy sigh, "Hyung...just speak. Your fidgeting is annoying,"
"Young Master Roksu is the friend you got a present for, isn't he?"
Cale looked genuinely surprised.
Eric grinned brightly, "I knew it!!"
"Sh! You- How did you even-" Cale thought about the watch, "The watch?"
"That and the way you interacted," Eric smugly proclaimed.
"Haa...." Cale sighed, "Well, yeah. That's the bastard old man,"
"Did the Count assign you this work since you are close?"
"Ah. Father doesn't know,"
"Excuse me?"
"No one knows that we're close except the Nyphan Estate. Oh, and Ron and Beacrox,"
Eric was silent for a moment, "Why not?"
Cale answered uninterested, "Because it's better this way,"
He then added, "Ah, I guess since you know too, we won't keep pretenses up around you,"
Eric had a lot of questions, but he didn't ask them. Rather, he just let the conversation taper off and give a small word, before he left Cale at his room. Now, it's probably best if he goes to his Mother and gently remind her to not mention the late countess again. Cale may have tried to play it off, but Eric had seen the way awkward turned cold. He didn't want Cale to be uncomfortable here. It had been so long since Cale had visited him.
He was determined to ensure Cale would have a comfortable stay. With this goal, Eric decided to formulate a rough but flexible plan for tomorrow. Maybe an outing would be nice? Eric wanted to get to know Roksu too, so a relaxed atmosphere would be nice.
What could go wrong?
...
The answer, Eric Wheelsman would soon find, is that quite a bit.
Quite a bit could go wrong.