Cale ends up sleeping soon after he and Roksu are pried apart. After some conversations, his eyes began to droop, the medicine taking effect. Listening to the chattering, Cale had laid down and not even realized before he'd drifted off.
When Cale woke up again, it was a little past dinner time and he was alone. There was a fire kindling, but the earlier traces of conversation and roughhousing were cleaned up. Cale pushed himself up on the bed, glancing about for the servant bell and clock. The servant bell was on the left side of the bed and the clock read 9pm.
Cale's throat felt parched and his head was clearly in a daze. He glanced over the bedside tables, finding a teapot and an empty cup. After a moment of hesitation, Cale removed the covers, grimacing at the slight chill before angling himself towards the side. His feet touched the floor as Cale poured out a cup of the medicinal tea.
Seeing the steam that came off the liquid, Cale knew either Balint or the Dragon had used some magic. He smiled before forcing the liquid down. Placing the cup down, he cleared his throat and moved back towards the center of the bed and tugging twice in the servant Bell.
'The Dragon isn't here either,' Cale felt around, 'Actually. I stopped sensing him after a while when Eric hyung was here'
Thinking back on the occurrence, Cale felt a bit bad, "We probably woke him up and he teleported out of the way,"
Cale exhaled, waiting for the summon to be responded to. Going over the day, his hand reached up towards his neck. His fingers found the leather strap, pulling on it until the small glass bottle pendant hung in his view.
Earlier, when he'd been bathing and getting checked, Ron had been emptying out his pockets in his jacket. He'd found the numerous trinkets Cale had found in the lake. The pendant was in his chest pocket, separate. When the doctor had left, Ron had come forward and asked about them while gently pouring hot water over his head.
Cale had asked for the necklace and then put it on, "This is mine. Those, give to hyung-nim. They should return to the people of the Spade city,"
Ron had watched him, but said nothing more.
It was an odd necklace. Cale had never seen something so plain but so intriguing. Despite being at the bottom of a lake for who knows how long, the strap and bottle were spotless. Clearly, it had something to do with being the holder of an Ancient Power.
Cale let the necklace go, turning his gaze to his hands. He then shifted his head to the other bedside table that did not hold the teapot. This one had a bowl of water and a few small towels beside it that had been draped over his forehead. Cale sat up again, glancing at the door once before inhaling. He took a deep breath, reaching for the innate familiarity he knew was the Ancient Power.
The previously still water rippled, a delicate sound of splashing occurring. Cale pursed his lips in concentration, raising his hands up and watching as the level of water decreased in the bowl, while a small sphere of water rose up and came towards him. Cale's eyes sparkled in the dimly lit room, staring at the liquid that morphed and stretched with his control.
'So this is an Ancient Power...awesome...'
Knock. Knock.
Cale jerked in surprise.
He cleared his throat, making a movement with his hands and watching as the water returned to the bowl, "Come in,"
The door opened and a male servant bowed in greeting, "Young Master Cale, you have awoken,"
"Yes," Cale nodded, "Please summon my butler,"
"Yes, young master,"
"You're dismissed,"
The butler bowed slightly lower, before leaving the room and closing the door. Cale looked off to the side again. This time he was staring at the table the communication devices had been on earlier. It had been a while since they'd all acted so freely.
Cale looked away, a soft smile tugging at his lips, 'I've missed it,'
There were days he wanted to stop his act. Where he wanted to tell someone or have anyone notice. It never happened and Cale always dissuaded himself. He wasn't doing this because he was a masochist, he was doing it to protect someone. Protect his family.
He wasn't needed anymore. He was no longer the singular heir to the County. His Father was not heartbroken. Basen was making a name for himself just as he was sure Lily would soon follow. Violan was a respected noble lady who had proven her competence time and time again.
Cale's job would be over in a few years. He was sure of it. After, he'll just see if his Father will let him have his trust and the properties of his maternal family that his Mom left for him and move away; live like a hermit and be at peace. Kick himself out before anyone else can. His Father would probably send him some servants and knights to caretake him, but even if Cale finally acted properly, it would be too late to undo everything.
However...
That afternoon.
With Roksu and Eric beside him, Amiru and Gilbert laughing and talking through the devices. That was a feeling Cale wasn't familiar with. It was warm, warm like...before everything went to hell. Warm because no matter how cruel or brashly he spoke, Eric and Roksu didn't falter. Following them. Amiru and Gilbert also didn't flinch away.
Cale had wondered, of course, why they were so stubborn. Those three nobles didn't need him to maintain their familie's relationships. They could've easily ignored him and gone to Basen just as everyone told them to. Eric didn't need to call him 'dongsaeng', Amiru didn't have to be patient with him or scold him, Gilbert didn't even have to tolerate him.
Cale didn't understand.
He was sure he had made himself detestable. How could just a small feverish slip-up and a few words from Roksu Nyphan have them stick closer and break their own boundaries. Why?
Cale knows he had said he'd use his position, but that was only for the war. That didn't mean he'd show complete competence. If anything, he was just the bank for Roksu's movements.
Cale pressed his lips together, 'It's him again,'
It's always him.
Roksu Nyphan.
Because of him, Cale had been losing his touch and been getting too comfortable as Cale rather than as the Lout. His performance was falling short and he was moving in ways he shouldn't. He was talking with people he shouldn't. Getting involved in things he shouldn't.
He was supposed to be useless.
No, he was useless.
Completely and utterly useless.
Yet, Roksu had picked him up and brought him along. Had kept Cale by his side and involved him in things of great caliber. Cale liked being around Roksu, sure. But that was because he was an idiot and was getting swayed by a little bit of warmth and the freedom he got in the Nyphan manor. It wasn't just for him. Roksuâand the Nyphan householdâwas just a good person. He'd do this for anyone.
Cale was just fortunate that Roksu needed someone with his visions to fill in the parts of the future he didn't know.
Cale shook his head, annoyed, 'I'm seriously trash,'
"Young Master-nim,"
Ron's voice was oddly comforting to hear at this moment. Cale looked at the old butler walking towards him, a tray with a fresh teapot and cup on it. Placing it down beside, Ron reached forward, removing one glove and pressing the back of his hand to Cale's forehead. The teenager frowned but let it happen.
"It seems your fever has gone down quite a bit,"
"That's good. We won't have to delay then,"
Ron stared at Cale, smiling wider, "Not a chance, Young Master-nim. That punk has already informed everyone we'd be staying another day,"
Cale was in shock, "What! Why would he do that? I'm fine now!"
"Young Master-nim. You jumped into an icy lake...twice," Cale winced slightly, "And you were stuck beneath the surface for a few minutes, leading you to catch a fever and mild hypothermia,"
Ron showed a bit of teeth, "Young Master-nim, I know of a great lemon tea that can help you,"
"..."
Cale sighed, annoyed.
"You must have this, Young Master,"
A spoon with a thick dark purple syrup was held out to him. Cale scrunched his face up, but he opened his mouth. Swallowing the disgusting medicine, he made a sound of disgust, "I bet Beacrox could make medicine of a better taste,"
Ron poured a cup of tea, handing it to Cale, as he asked, amused, "Shall I commission it?"
"So I can test run it? No way,"
A gentle silence hovered off them as Cale took a long sip. Ron observed Cale for a few seconds, debating whether to speak or not. In the end, Cale turned to him, raising an eyebrow, "If you have something to say you can say it. Hesitation isn't like you,"
Ron smiled, letting out a soft 'ha' under his breath. Straightening up a bit, he opened his mouth, "Young Master-nim. The Ancient Power you recovered had created a marking on your back,"
Cale did not expect that topic to be brought up. He also wasn't aware of any sort of marking, "A marking? Like a tattoo?"
"Yes. The punk said this was a normal occurrence of Ancient Powers. He also said it would be advisable to keep your power hidden," Ron nodded.
Cale slowly hummed at the information. He then shrugged, "Well, I was going to hide it anyway,"
Cale handed the now empty cup, "Where are the other two? And the dragon?"
"The Dragon is with Balint. Dinner is probably being wrapped up or has completed. Upon receiving news that you'd awoken, Beacrox already proceeded and is currently preparing you some food,"
"Alright,"
Cale adjusted the pillows behind slightly, allowing him to sit up a bit more. He turned to Ron with a knowing glint, "Are you curious?"
Ron smiled, knowing what Cale was alluding to. He gave a small lowering of his head, "Just a tad, my lord,"
Cale chuckled. He glanced at the bowl and then raised his left hand. Ron's eyes sharpened as a stream of water flew from the bowl and towards Cale. Cale extended his index finger, making a few circles with it and the two watched the water swirl around his hand and tip of his finger.
"I seem to be able to control the flow," Cale explains. He used his other hand to separate the singular stream into two perfect spheres, each floating above his palm, "Its kind of cool. I can do whatever I want,"
The water shifts again, this time into a flat sheet that soon bends and turns back into a ribbon-like shape. The ribbon of water heads towards Ron, swirling around the butler, and then back towards Cale where it reforms into a large sphere. Cale smirks, "I've taken quite a fancy to it,"
Ron nodded, "It can be anything at all?"
"Yes. But of course, it's still water at the end of the day,,"
Cale shifts the water to show a replica of the bridge at Spade Lake. Ron hums softly, before he wonders, "Young Master-nim. Could you will it into weapons?"
Cale's eyes sparkled at the idea and the water quickly shifted. It took a bit of concentration, however soon, a longsword made of water was in Cale's hands. The Butler and Master looked at one another, eyes glinting in a similar way.
This is the sight that Roksu walked in on. He immediately got chills and froze in the doorway.
"Oh!" Cale saw him and he let go of the sword, the water flying back into the bowl, "You're here,"
"..."
"What?" Cale tilted his head.
"...nothing,"
Roksu entered the room, Eric right behind him. Due to Roksu's height, Eric had not seen the sword. The two teenagers split and approached from opposite sides again, sitting on the bed. Eric asked, already reaching up, "How are you feeling?"
Cale clicked his tongue in annoyance but he didn't push the hand away, "I'm fine. I'm more than ready to leave tomorrow as scheduled,"
"And have the Count murder me? As if," Roksu scoffed.
"Murder you?"
Eric chuckled, "Father informed us about his call with Count Deruth. The Count is very worried. Countess Violan as well, but she managed to calm down your Father from panic,"
Roksu added, "Count Wheelsman said he wouldn't have been surprised if Count Deruth teleported over using magic with how worried he was,"
Cale furrowed his eyebrows, "Surely that is an exaggeration? It's not like I've never been sick before. And a small fever is nothing,"
"Well it's only natural for him to be worried. It's your first time leaving the territory alone, let alone on a journey this long," Eric shrugged, "Plus- you did jump into an icy Lake,"
Cale winced at the slight edge Eric's tone gained.
'This...they're not going to let go of this'
Roksu nodded at the last point, ignoring the wince. The black haired male sighed in his head, 'Cale is a good person. He's a minor villain, but he's also got the same heroic stupidity as the other characters,'
"Are you hungry?" Roksu questioned
"A tad,"
Ron informed, "Beacrox is already prepping something,"
Cale turned to Eric, "Did Ron give you all the other stuff I found?"
"Yes. I already had them cleaned and restored. Knights will go door to door tomorrow and ask about,"
Cale nodded, "Then, if we're staying another day, what is the plan for tomorrow?"
"For you to rest?" Roksu responded dryly
"I'm really fine though!"
"Cale, I don't care if a halo shines above your head or if you're blessed by all the Gods of this world. After jumping into Lake Tundra, twice, almost drowning, getting an Ancient Power, falling into a fever, and experiencing hypothermia, you are to stay in your room and rest," Roksu pinched Cale's ear, though it was noticeably weaker compared to the last time.
Cale still frowned at it, and slumped at the scolding. He sighed, "So boring..."
"Don't worry. You won't be that bored," Eric smiled.
Cale felt a bad feeling, "What does that mean?"
"Gilbert and Amiru said they'd call again," Eric informed brightly.
Cale's jaw dropped lightly, "Eh?"
Roksu added, "It's an emergency since their youngest has fallen ill,"
Cale flushed, "I'm not ill!!"
"Of course, dongsaeng,"
"Whatever you say, Cale,"
Cale whacked them both for their sarcasm.
The rest of the evening followed in a similar manner. Cale ate food and the two kept him company through mindless conversations and banter. When the dish was cleared as much as Cale could stomach, Ron fed Cale another round of medical syrup and then motioned the two older teens out of the room, "The Young Master must rest up,"
As such, their night ended there.
Well for most of them.
When Roksu re-entered his room, Balint and the black dragon were still playing chess. Don't ask Roksu how that happened. He has no idea.
He didn't bother with it, just heading behind the screen and changing into the clothes already set out. Walking out, he speaks as he approaches the bed, "Balint, remind me to call Hyung and Noona tomorrow morning. Also, remember that we'll be going to the Capital tomorrow evening briefly so double check any coordinates you need,"
"Yes, young master-nim,"
Roksu slid under the covers as he heard the black dragon cheer, "Hehe! I did it! Checkmate!"
He heard Balint's reassuring voice give out a few praises as his mind pulled him to sleep. It had been too hectic of a day.
The following day was far more relaxed. By morning, a doctor had come to check on Cale and it was confirmed the fever had completely cleared. Except for the soreness of his limbs and the slight drag to his movements, Cale was all but clear. Of course, to be safe, he was still put on house arrest and expected to take medicine after each meal. But he was able to join them at breakfast.
(Cale did end up sitting through two scolding and questions from the Count and Countess, both which had Cale looking terribly frustrated and embarrassed. He'd grumbled as they left, "I fall sick once in public and it all goes to hell,")
Following breakfast, Eric brought Roksu and Cale on a tour around the manor. Eric brought them towards a parlor room where a billiard table was found. Roksu didn't even realize that this world had billiards. He had subdued his surprise upon seeing Cale's nonchalant attitude, except for his wish to play a round of pocket billiards, or as Roksu had known it back on modern-day Earth, 'Pool'.
As their game began, Roksu threw the question out there seeing the two nobles were clearly not new to this game, "Do you play often?"
"Hm? Oh," Eric seemed to have recalled something at that moment, "Is this your first time?"
"Not exactly," Roksu mumbled, "I am not as familiar, I suppose,"
"That's to be expected. Despite your history, the Nyphan Family doesn't have an official noble status," Cale cued up and hit the white ball, sending it knocking into a solid yellow ball, however, it did not enter the pocket. Cale straightened up, stepping out of the way for Eric with a small click of his tongue, "Billiards, pocket, snooker, whatever the type, this is all a typical game of high society. During parties and elitist clubs, a few tables are always present,"
"Ah,"
Roksu had learned a new fact about this world. Compared to modern Earth, Roksu often forget how power dynamics, wealth, and even gender played so heavily into everything. From clothes, food, to even activities, it all could be traced to one's status.
'And in front of me is the heir to the richest county in the kingdom and his sworn brother, who will also soon be a count. These two, in this northeast which has neither Duke or Marquis, will be controlling two of the highest standing houses in this section of the Roan Kingdom,'
"Ha!" Cale's snarkiness brought him back to the game. The redhead was smirking at Eric's miss, "Roksu, you should be able to get this one!"
"I will do my best,"
"It'd be pathetic if you fail,"
"Cale, shut it,"
"Hehe!"
The three of them ended up spending quite a bit of time, going through plates of snacks and drinks. Eric and Cale had, after the first gameâwhich Eric wonâ, to introduce Roksu to the different games of billiards.
"We usually don't get to play since all the older lords occupy the tables," Eric had explained, sheepishly, "This is a little fun for us,"
They continued this until they could not push lunch back any longer and their respective butlers all forced them to sit down, serving them a filling lunch. After lunch, the trio headed to a separate room to talk with Gilbert and Amiru.
All in all, the day was calm and filled with a lot of social interaction. Roksu was honestly exhausted by the time dinner ended. He returned to his room not for a bath, but to change his clothes into something slightly darker in color and a hooded cloak. Balint watched him with a disapproving glare.
Roksu had neglected to tell Balint the entire situation until they were getting ready. To say the mage was pissed off was an understatement. Roksu had to assure the mage several times over that he was not actively harmed and that he could handle it. The situation was just bothersome because of the extra work, but Roksu could reluctantly admit that Ron's suspicion regarding the secret organization- Arm, was well placed. Roksu wasn't really sure how to explain his information.
When Cale entered the room followed by Ron and Beacrox, Roksu had to subtly grab Balint from the back to ensure the butler did not fire any spell at Ron.
Cale was bundled up, but his face was upset, "I still do not see the need for this,"
"I agree," Balint quickly glared at Ron, "Young Master Roksu has done no harm to the heir of Henituse,"
Ron just smiled, "Let us hope that remains true,"
Roksu gave them all a look, "Let's just go so we can finish this,"
He looked up, "Dragon,"
The black dragon flew down and clung onto Balint's shoulder. Everyone gathered up and two mana wielders opened up a large magic circle. A light flash and the group soon appeared within the Huiss, the Capital of the Roan kingdom.
"We've arrived, Young Master," Balint says, patting the dragon gently, "The temple is south,"
"Let's go,"
The group headed onto the desolate streets. With the winter season and the time, the streets were relatively empty. Thus, it was not much hassle to head towards the Temple belonging to the Church of the God of Death. As they neared it, Cale let out a soft exhale, "Oh. It's quite nice,"
Roksu could agree with the sentiment. Unlike the typical thought associated with the title of a "God of Death", the temple was very bright and looked like some sort of crystal.
The Temple was completely white, without a speck of dirt to be seen. The believers of the God of Death considered white to be the color of death, and cleaned everything over and over again every single day to make sure there was not a speck of dust anywhere on the building.
Roksu thought, 'What an interesting place,'
The Temple of the God of Death looked like it wanted to show that people had nothing to fear about the night with their actions. They opened the temple to both believers and non-believers once the sun started to set. Apparently, the priests were all sleeping if you come during the day.
Roksu's knowledge about the Church came entirely from the mention of the Crazy Priestess Cage. After the death of her close friend, Taylor Stan, Cage, the only survivor, goes on a rampage which leads her to being excommunicated. She later meets up with Choi Han and the other heroes when they head to the Breck Kingdom where it her talent in mental torture was revealed. It was said even Beacrox was shaken by her skill.
Roksu quickly shoved those terrible thoughts from his mind.
They approached the temple and the two priests at the entrance of the church smiled kindly at them, welcoming them, "May you be blessed with a peaceful rest!"
Roksu took in this warmth without much of a flinch. Due to the philosophy of the temple, most priests were quite warm and bubbly. It was because the temple believed in enjoying life on the way to the peaceful rest.
'...it's not terrible,'
"Priest-nim," Roksu stepped forward, "Is there a Room of Death available?"
The priests expressions stiffened up. Roksu knew what they were thinking. Cale and Roksu were clearly well off, while the other three were servants. In this scenario, they were thinking that the two of them were about to cheat off their peasant companions, just as many nobles often did.
"Yes, there is a room," The priest nodded, "Whose death will you be putting on the line?"
The priest glanced back at the servants. He had a bitter feeling about this situation. He looked at the noble. Tall, lean, with a head of black hair. He was not extremely handsome, but he would probably catch attention wherever he went. His eyes glanced to the second. This redheaded noble was clearly younger and by his clothes, he was more affluent. He was also decently good looking and would catch attention. The redhead had a cold expression, while the black-haired man was currently smiling.
"Mine," Roksu raised his hand.
Cale and Balint both frowned, but they did not speak up.
"Huh?"
"I will be putting my life on the line,"
"...Roksu," Cale spoke up at that time, "We will believe you even if you don't do this,"
Roksu chuckled, glancing back at the assassin duo. Cale glanced back too as Ron drew a small star on his chest, smile tightening. Cale grimaced.
The presence of 'Arm' was the biggest problem. Even Cale did not know how to explain that.
"Priest-nim, the room?"
"Yes, we have one. I will prepare it for you. Please enter the basement,"
The group entered the temple. Cale's eyes scanned the completely white insides, stepping slightly closer to Roksu. After quite a while of ignoring it and walking, the older teen glanced at the redhead, "Are you alright?"
Cale flinched slightly, "Hm? Yes,"
'Lie,' Roksu frowned.
Cale had been staring at the shimmering and clean walls with a heavy and distracted gaze the entire time.
'It's too similar,' Cale thought, unaware of Roksu's observing eyes.
The redhead didn't like the sight of this temple too much. The way the pristine walls caught the light of the moon from the windows and reflected off each other sent a mysterious white glow over the temple. It reminded him too much of the crystal cavern.
Cale forced his eyes on the back of the priest guiding them. He desperately tried to think of anything other than the corpses that had surrounded him. Of the endless flow of blood. Of the missing limbs. The charred flesh. The empty eyes. The way he had all but killed his mother once more.
"Cale,"
Cale glanced up as a firm hand grabbed his wrist, body jerking with its movements. Roksu was staring at him with a slightly narrowed gaze, "You do not need to rush downstairs,"
'Stairs? Oh,'
Cale realized they were in a stairwell, descending downwards. He had almost slipped. The priest in the front turned back to them, staring at Cale. Cale felt the piercing gaze and looked over, unwillingly connecting their gaze. Immediately, he felt put off. The priest was gazing at him with a calm look, but his tone was knowing and weighted, "Young Lord, your eyes are heavy,"
Cale's expression tightened, muscles flexing in habitual defense. Roksu frowned at the sudden comment. He glanced back briefly, seeing the way the three servants also rippled, finding the comment odd.
The priest calmly continued, as if he hadn't noticed, "You have looked upon death,"
Cale flinched and his body moved due to a firm yank. The priest's calm but knowing gaze was shut away by Roksu's back. The black-haired man gazed back at the priest, red eyes narrowed and a glare set, "Priest-nim. I did not ask for your words, I asked for a room,"
The priest winced before lowering his head, "My apologies,"
"Death awaits us at the bottom, does it not?" Roksu repeated the words the priest had told them at the top of the stairs, "Let's not keep it waiting,"
The priest bowed again and continued. Roksu looked back feeling Cale pull his wrist free. He opened his mouth to speak but Cale just moved past, "Not a word,"
Roksu closed his mouth, eyeing the younger's back before following after. When they reached the bottom, another door was in front of them. The priest opened the door, "Please wait a moment. I will get it ready for you,"
He then entered the room alone. Cale leaned against the wall annoyed. He grumbled, "Fucking Priest of Death,"
Roksu ignored it for now. He crossed his arms, "I said I would explain under a vow. Ron, I will tell you five truths,"
He then smiled at Cale and Balint, "And, since you two are still iffy about this, I shall say one now,"
All eyes were on Roksu who smiled, "I did not know the identity of the secret organization before that night, nor do I know their goal,"
Beacrox's eyes shook slightly, while Ron straightened up. Cale's eyes widened just a smidge while Balint frowned, understanding the unspoken thing. Ron spoke as such, "But you know something,"
Roksu smiled and the door opened again.
"You can enter now. The person putting their life on the line just needs to raise their hand once inside the room for the priest nim,"
"Thank you. We understand,"
The priest glanced once more at Cale, only to receive a stern glare with a smile from the oldest butler of the group, and then quietly left the area. Roksu held the door handle, opened it up, and entered the room. Balint whispered, "Dragon-nim, stay out here,"
'Yes! I will guard the weak and reckless humans!'
The white door closed behind them and the invisible black dragon perched on the ground beside it. He was told back at the manor he was not to join them in the room they'd enter. Roksu had told him it was because he did not want the dragon to get unintentionally caught in the vow.
Inside the room, the five entered quietly. The room was completely white, with a white table, white chairs, and white walls. The only non-white thing in the room was the deaf priest who was standing there with his mouth and ears covered.
The deaf priest.
Roksu did not look very favorably upon that title, but these priests were pretty well respected in the world. Nobles and royalty, anybody who needed to have a secret conversation or stealthily sign a contract came to see these priests.
Roksu silently bowed his head to greet the priest and then raised his hand. The priest nodded at Roksu's action and then pointed to the five chairs set up around the table.
Roksu sat down in the second from the left, Balint taking the farthest left chair. Cale sat in the center, while Ron and Beacrox took the next two chairs beside him.
The priest moved to the head of the table and pushed a piece of paper toward them:
[For the person who's putting their life on the line. The hand of the God of Death will touch the ones who came with you. Once this happens, you may say your vow. Should you break this vow, death awaits you]
'What a viscous set of directions'
They handed the paper back after everyone had read it. The priest raised his hands and at that moment an 'Oooonnnng' sound filled the white room, which began to shake. Maybe it was because this was a place that served the lord, but a black smoke started to form around the priest once the room started to shake. The black smoke then surrounded all five of them before creating a connection between them.
"...so this is the power of the God of Death," Balint exhaled.
"Yes,"
Roksu responded to the comment, before trying to feel the black smoke thread surrounding him. The power of the God of Death reminded him of the stakes of this vow.
'I will die if I break this vow,'
Roksu was sure the others felt it was well. That must be why Balint's face twisted and Cale's stiffened up. Ron and Beacrox also had noticeable changes in expression, eyes narrowing and flexing their bodies slightly. Roksu could feel the touch of the God of Death and started his vow.
"The priest in front of me guarantees that he cannot hear, and if that is not the truth, he pay the price with his life,"
This was the general phrase stated first whenever a vow was made with a deaf priest.
"Furthermore, I, Roksu Nyphan, vow to speak the truth to Cale Henituse, Ron Molan, Beacrox Molan, and Balint Irving in front of the God of Eternal Rest, and, if what I say is even slightly a lie, I will immediately die in this spot to pay the price,"
Immediately.
That word made the other four stiffen further. Cale and Balint were nervous. Ron and Beacrox were tense.
At first, Roksu had debated saying everything. The reincarnation, the novel, the future, and his goal to remain uninvolved and live peacefully even as the continent goes to war. But there were a few reasons he did not say that. One, he'd probably end up more involved than he wanted. Two, he'd probably gain contempt from Cale, Ron, and Beacrox, which Roksu wanted to avoid.
Oh and three, which was also troublesome, Cale himself. To explain everything would mean he'd end up talking about Cale and he'd have to say what he knew. This, Roksu really didn't want. It wasn't his business whether Cale told his servants or not.
"First,"
"Until that night, I did not know the identity of that organization,"
Cale let out a deep sigh, clenching his fists upon seeing Roksu still alive.
Roksu looked at Beacrox and Ron, "I am being honest. I did not know,"
It was the truth.
Roksu, Kim Rok Soo had read [the Birth of a Hero] until volume 5, but it did not mention anything about the secret organization's goals or identity. All it discussed was the actions of the organization.
"And one more thing. I am being completely honest when I say this,"
The second truth.
"I despise the organization and wish for it to disappear,"
Naturally, Roksu was still alive. He did not like these people that caused such incidents. They probably take part in the continent's war as well. Roksu wished for them to disappear so that he could live calmly on a peaceful continent.
Ron eyed the black thread connecting them all. He then asked seriously, "How can you hate them if you do not know them?"
"Because I know about a couple of the terrible things they plan on doing," Roksu admitted, "The Black Dragon is one of them,"
The third truth.
Beacrox realized, "When you heard of the Molan Household,"
"That was the first I'd heard of that organization being referred to as a true name. It also gave me an insight to just how troublesome they are," Roksu confirmed.
"...what...mm.." Cale pressed his lips together, staring at the black thread.
Roksu nudged him with his knee, "Speak. I said I'd be honest with you too,"
"How far?" Cale settles, knowing Roksu would understand, "How far do you know?"
Roksu smirked.
Cale and he knew the future. But other than that singular battle, they did not discuss it. They did not talk about Cale's dreams, or try to gouge how far they knew. At this moment, Cale could ask and receive information, while Roksu was not served an answer, nor would he be given one with the presence of the other three.
"March 28 of the 781st Felix Calender Year," Roksu recites the date that begins the novel, "This is the next time I am aware that that organization makes a move. And I know a few more things after that,"
Roksu then adds, "I cannot answer how I know. But on that day, an entire village in the Henituse Territory will be razed to the ground, but a sole survivor,"
The fourth truth. He could not answer how he knew.
Cale's pupils dilated in shock. Balint flinched beside Roksu, staring at his charge with disbelief. Ron and Beacrox both frowned.
But of course, Roksu was still alive.
Cale exhaled deeply, leaning back in his chair, "Shit..."
Roksu smiled again, "I will say one more thing,"
The final truth.
He looked at Ron and Beacrox, before turning his head to Cale. The two pairs of red-brown eyes held a steady gaze. Roksu tilted his head and declared, "I have no intention of harming Cale, nor have I done so,"
Cale's eyes didn't move away. He remained focused on Roksu, who remained alive. For some reason, that simple declaration made Cale's eyes tremble. Even though he knew Roksu had said it to prove Ron's suspicions wrong, it made Cale feel steady. He smiled.
"Hah..."
Ron took the promise. He then leaned forward, "Then, allow me a few questions,"
"Ron," Cale frowns, sensing an ominous feeling, "Ron, don't pull any shit,"
Ron glanced at Cale, "I wish to understand what is going on, Young Master,"
Cale glanced over at Roksu. The latter had been waiting for it, to see how far he could go. He opened his mouth, but paused when Cale frowned deeply at Ron, "Don't cross the line,"
Ron smiled, nodding once. He then asks, "Is my charge in danger?"
Roksu's eyes widened. He'd expected a blunt, "What do you know?" Or another version that would have forced the answer out. He didn't expect this.
"Danger? No, not particularly," Roksu gave Cale a small glance, "but at the same time. It is risky,"
Cale's eyes were fixed on the black thread.
"Why have you not told the Count or anyone else serving the Henituse household?"
Roksu saw Cale's eyes slip over to him again. He stared at Ron, holding a heavy gaze. He then tilted his head, finding the question ridiculous, "Two reasons. One, I shouldn't need to tell such people about their own master,"
Three people stiffened slightly.
"And the second is obvious..."
Roksu tilted his head, "Cale has feelings,"
Cale's pupils dilated.
Roksu frowned, 'What a weird question,'
Ron didn't speak after that. He stared at the blank expression on Roksu before looking at the surprise in Cale's eyes. Ron nodded, "I see,"
Balint asks them, "Are we done then?"
"Any information you find out about Arm," Beacrox starts.
"Huh? Oh of course. I'll let Cale know so he can tell you," Roksu nodded.
Beacrox nodded his appreciation. He took a side glance at his Father, who seemed deep in thought. Seeing all of this, Roksu raised his hand and slammed it down on the table. The priest opened his eyes and nodded his head, the area vibrating once more.
With that, the smoke disappeared into their bodies.
Roksu pushed back his chair, standing up, "Let's head back,"
Cale had already taken out the check and placed it calmly in front of the sitting priest. He'd insisted he'd pay since it was his own decisions that had led to this. Roksu didn't really understand that logic but he also didn't have the liberty of paying 10 million gallons so freely so he'd dropped the subject.
They all said goodbye to the priest before heading out of the room.
"Humans! You're back! I sensed a weird energy"
The black dragon spoke into their heads and Roksu felt the touch of paws on his shoulder. Roksu explained softly, "That is the power of the God of Death,"
"A God?"
"Gods are the only thing that are above Dragons," Cale explained, "But they don't dabble in mortal lives. They have their own realms,"
"They're stronger than dragons?! No way! Dragons are great and mighty!"
"Indeed,"
Cale giggled softly, "We'll find some books for you,"
The dragon's voice excitedly exclaimed, "Sunny Human is the best!"
They walked back up the stairs to find the priest from earlier standing at the entrance on the first floor.
The priest greeted the still-alive Roksu.
"May your life continue until it's destined time,"
It was their way of telling you not to break your vows so that you could continue to live. It was completely merciless.
"Thank you very much priest-nim"
Roksu thanked the priest with a smile and response, the priest still found a smile and relaxed place to be odd, but the black haired male just walked past him to leave the temple.
After they left, they returned to the alley and teleported back to Roksu's bedroom. Cale turned to the black haired male and his servants, "Everything is good now, right?"
"Sure," Roksu shrugged.
"Ron,"
"I am less inclined to my suspicion that the Young artist is an enemy,"
Cale's expression turned slightly dry, while Roksu nodded, finding that fair. After all, Roksu still didn't completely trust the Molan duo either. Cale saw the action and accepted this.
'At least, they seem cordial,'
Cale gave a small head nod, "Then, I'll be off to bed now,"
Roksu did a once over Cale's condition, "Are you sure you can manage the journey? It's going to get colder as we head back,"
Cale gave him an annoyed scowl, "I'm not a piece of glass. I'm perfectly fine and we are leaving tomorrow, as scheduled,"
Cale then pointed out, "Furthermore, it's better if we finish as much as we can before we get rain and the northern storms,"
Roksu nodded at the logic. Early spring and late winter were a mesh of rain, wind, and snow in the North. This was also another reason Cale and Roksu decided to visit the Ubarr Territory another time when the weather was warmer and safer for travel.
'I also need the sea to be calm enough so I can get the wind ancient power that Toonka finds,'
"Fair enough," Roksu sighs, "Then, I wish you a good night's rest,"
Cale blinked before giving a small smile, "Yes. Good night, old man,"
The next morning, both Cale and Roksu were back in their thick outfits for travel.