Cale looked down at the papers in his hand, reading the contents with a small smile. He muttered, "Ho...this is better than I thought,"
Ron watched curiously from where he stood. Cale was sitting in a way that Ron couldn't see what was written; his young master had been getting a few of these large sealed letters for some time now. Ron could not look at the documents either as Cale seemed to have gotten his hands on a magic box that required his blood to open, thus preventing any unwanted snooping.
Usually, Ron wouldn't be too worried, but ever since Cale ran into Rok Soo, his puppy young master seemed to be very busy. The servants around the estate that used to just run to avoid their young master's temper were more responsive to Cale. Of course, Ron knew it was to satisfy their curiosity and fill gossip.
The Henituse Family also seemed closer, though Ron knew it was mostly just Basen and Lily who would find their big brother for random things. Violan and Cale didn't really talk still, but they were holding eye contact and Violan occasionally asked Cale about his day. Cale's relationship with his father was much the same, to Ron's disappointment with the Count.
'He's different and still the same. He still drinks and causes a ruckus, but it's not daily anymore. He still is distant or trying to keep distant, but this young puppy is too fond of his siblings to deny them of anything,'
"Ron,"
"Yes, young master,"
"I asked you to prepare me a carriage earlier, right?"
"You did,"
"Great. I'm going to town!"
Cale sat up, placing the papers back into the envelope. He then carried the envelope as he walked towards the door, Ron holding it open. The butler followed behind the redhead, asking politely, "Young Master, may I inquire where you're heading?"
"I'm just going to a shop recommended by a friend. He told me that he had put a book on hold for me and I want to go get it," Cale explained.
Cale had very few people who could be called friends. The only one that he remained in contact with during his drinking phase was Eric Wheelsman, but they didn't correspond often. Thus, Ron was able to narrow it down to Rok Soo Nyphan.
"Young Master, you're very close to Young Master Rok Soo,"
Cale looked at Ron, not too surprised he had figured it out. He smiled with a shrug, "He piqued my interest,"
Cale then added after a moment, "I quite like him,"
Ron's smile widened, "This Ron is very happy you have found a good friend,"
'Young Master, are you even aware of that punk's capabilities?'
Cale's expression changed to the word friend. He was silent, thinking it over, before a comforting warmth entered his chest.
"I guess I did find a good friend," Cale spoke softly with a slightly innocent expression that made the nearby servants cover their mouths to avoid gasping in shock.
Yes, they were friends.
Cale had a friend who, despite looking a bit cold, did care about him. Someone who truly looked at him. Someone who wished him well.
'Before meeting him, I don't think I'd have remembered what it felt like to have someone help me up after falling'
Ron didn't count in Cale's mind.
Deep down, Cale saw Ron as a father more than Deruth sometimesâespecially during that yearâbut he knew that he was Ron's job. Ron had a very good son, a capable son who was not useless trash like himself.
"Young Master, should I join you?"
"Huh?"
Cale looked at Ron, pausing as he was about to step into the carriage, "You never come with me?"
Ron just smiles at him.
"...just stay here. I won't be out too long today," Cale says, "Oh, also, please do this for me,"
He pulls out a slip of paper and hands it to Ron. As the butler takes it, Cale whispers, "It's another private task,"
Ron nods, "I understand,"
"Great, thanks!" Cale smiled and walked to the driver to tell him the destination, missing Ron's slight flinch.
Once that carriage coach nods, Cale gets inside and Ron closes the door. Leaning his head on the door, Cale thinks about the project he was working on. It was based on Cale's favorite character in a novel, at least the idea was inspired from there.
Oddly enough, Cale liked the antagonist. The protagonist was a bit boring and cliche, but the author wrote a few bits from the antagonist's view. Those were the most interesting.
'Hyung said it was an organization that had a lot of influence. Doesn't it make sense we should have our own influence network?'
As a noble, he already had a wide range of information. With the wealth of his family, he knew it was not much of a problem to get information either.
'However, for the sake of everyone's safety, I need information of my own that the family or anyone else can't know,' Cale nodded to himself, 'I need subordinates who will perform tasks without questioning it'
He hadn't told Rok Soo yet, but Cale's dreams had become odder and odder. When before it was just terrible scenes of death, he was seeing other things too. They were fuzzy and Cale didn't remember what some were about, but he knew that they were memories relating to his Mother.
He dreamed of her warmth since he'd lost it, but these dreams were different. He felt as if he had done something big. And his Mother was somehow related to it.
"Young Master, we've arrived,"
Cale blinked into focus and opened the door. He stepped out of the carriage, looking up at the tea shop.
[The Fragrance of Tea with Poetry]
'A shop run by the bastard son of the Flynn Merchant Guild Head'
"Shall I w-"
"Obviously," Cale cut off the usual question.
"Understood,"
Cale walked inside, opening the door and listening to the bell above him ring. Due to the weather beginning to grow colder, there were a couple of people inside. They all were staring at him, silent.
Cale ignored them, walking towards the pudgy man dressed in good quality clothes.
"Welcome, Young Master Cale!"
"Firstly," Cale doesn't greet back, "I'll be staying on the third floor. Keep anyone else out til I leave,"
Cale throws a gold coin on the counter as he speaks, "Secondly,"
"Bring me a cup of sweet tea and a book. I believe I have one in hold,"
There's the sound of a cup being harshly placed down. Cale almost wants to laugh at their reactions.
Billios stared at the gold coin for a second before looking back at Cale. He was getting an odd sense that he had experienced something like this before.
"It's too much Young Master,"
"You seem to be underestimating the wealth of a Henituse,"
"Not at all! It's just what Young Master had requested is a far smaller price,"
Cale just gave Billios a bored look before turning and walking up the stairs.
'They're similar,' Billios thought, looking at the redhead.
He glanced below on the shelf where a few books were told to be held by one young master for another. Billios thought nothing of it back then, he thought it was just a respectful thing since the two families were acquaintances after the gallery opening. Now though, he thinks there might be more to it.
Billios gathers the book and places it aside before beginning to brew the tea. He made the same tea Rok Soo had last time. It took a few minutes, but Billios was soon walking up to the third floor with a tray.
He wasn't too surprised to find Cale at the window seat. What he was surprised to find was Cale writing something in a small notebook. It was small enough to fit inside a coat pocket. His face looked very focused, but as Billios neared, the book was closed before Billios could even catch a glimpse of the ink.
Not that he let his disappointment show.
He placed the book and cup of tea down, "Here you are Young Master,"
"Oh that was fast," Cale blinked, "You're quite capable,"
"Thank you, Young Master," Billios smiled, but his intuition was telling him something was off. To be complemented by the ill-tempered trash of the Northeast? Yes, Billios was sure something was going on.
"Hm..." Cale looked at Billios, who was waiting for a dismissal.
However, Cale had other plans. He took a sip of the tea, smiling at the sweetness of it. He then looked at Billios, "A merchant running a tea shop by himself and no other workers..."
Billios watched curiously.
Cale tilted his head in a cocky manner, "Isn't that a bit odd?"
"I have no need for co-workers," Billios responded politely with his warm smile.
"No need or you don't want strangers around?"Cale challenged with his own innocent smile.
Billios smiled slightly wider. He then sat across from Cale, an action that made Cale raise an eyebrow, lips curling slightly in curiosity. To sit across from someone of his standing without invitation was against etiquette and class. To disregard social standings against him was risking his temper. However, Cale said nothing to the gesture that would be interpreted as rude.
"Young Master, you're a little different from the rumors,"
"Which rumors?" Cale analyzed the peasant that was speaking and acting with him so casually, "Trash?"
"Yes, exactly those. They say you're the trashiest,"
"Ho," Cale was intrigued, "You're rather bold. It's been sometime since a commoner spoke and acted with me so confidently"
"A merchant needs to be bold, Young Master-nim,"
Cale took another sip of the tea.
He leaned closer, his red eyes pinning Billios down, "Billios Flynn; a man who can't call his father, Father or his brother, Brother. Thrown aside by the Flynns, yet they ask you to handle menial tasks"
Billios's gaze seemed to sharpen. He had picked at Cale's weak point, now this teenager was returning the favor.
Cale looked at Billios up and down, muttering, "Tell me...are you worth my investment?"
The aura around the young master is dominating. The only reason Billios didn't gasp was because the face was undeniably that of a kid.
Billios smiles.
"If the Young Master has taken time out of his day to visit me, he must have an idea on my value,"
Cale grins like a cat, red eyes glinting sharply, "Indeed, I do have an estimate...however...."
Billios leans across the table.
"I prefer solid proof. Rumors and half-assed descriptions can be so misleading,"
"Quite so, young master,"
"Hm," Cale smiles, leaning away. His arms cross over his chest, chin tilting upwards, "Then, Billios. Just how good of a merchant are you?"
"A reliable one,"
"Don't humble yourself,"
"Ha!" Billios grinned, "If I had the chance, I think I'd be able to be quite high in this Flynn Guild,"
Cale smiled wider, 'Perfect,'
"So then, you can keep secrets?"
"Every good merchant must,"
"Great," Cale finished his cup, "You, Mr. Flynn, are going to be a very key player in my investment,"
"Young Master, you've not explained this investment,"
Cale says nothing and just continues to speak, "Naturally, this is an extremely private contract that will have no record of ever occurring now or, should I find you useful, in the future,"
Billios's eyes gleamed with the shine, his heart pounding. As a merchant, he had developed a keen sense of dissecting speech to know a good deal from a bad one. This heir in front of him, Billios was very interested, "I'm very intrigued by your offer, Young Master Cale,"
"You should be, you have the opportunity to become quite the figure in my project,"
"I'm even more honored!"
Billios then paused before asking, "But, what is your project?"
Cale smiled, "Oh, it's just a couple strings. That's all,"
"Strings?"
Billios thought for a moment, "...young master could you be forming a net?"
"It also goes without saying that I should find out that you're a little weasel that found itself a part of my web..." Cale's eyes changed, the red seeming to grow darker and the innocence dissolving into something sharp and calculated. He looked all the part of a young man who knew his position and how to use it to his advantage. Where once was a gentle smile, Billios was faced- no, he was pinned to his chair by a completely apathetic expression, "I'll have you humiliated and hung like a carcass for crows to eat,"
Billios's expression widened into surprise at the vicious threat.
"Your life, should it prove itself, will be mine to manage,"
Billios nods slowly, letting the situation wash over him.
It's an imposing sentence, but years of learning to find the double meaning in a persons words lets Billios hear more than a powerplay. This is more than giving his life to Cale Henituse.
It's an oath.
'I will protect it'
'I will care for it'
He stands up and bows deeply, a smile slowly crawling back onto his face, "Young Master-nim, my life is yours shall I prove its usefulness,"
Cale stares coldly at the top of Billios's head. After letting the silence hang, he says, "Hm, I will take your words as I would a man two beers in,"
Billios glances up and locks eye contact with Cale. The bastard-son grins at Cale's next words, "Shall we test your validity?"
The two neglected sons formed a deal that day. And Cale Henituse's fate began to be rewritten in a completely new way.
~~~
"Huh?"
Rok Soo stared at the redhead in front of him.
"Old man," Cale frowned, "Are you short of hearing?"
Rok Soo shook his head, reaching up and massaging his temples, "No no, what did you just say?"
"I want to learn how to use a weapon?"
"Ha..." Rok Soo blinked, 'Can I even trust what I know anymore?'
"You...okay," Rok Soo lamented, "But I don't know how to use any weapon..."
He paused.
"Hm...I can work my way around a dagger. Or a sword to a very vague degree..."
Rok Soo shook his head, focusing on the matter with Cale. He looks down at the younger, speaking firmly, "Do you have an idea of a weapon you want?"
Cale blinked, "Well...I'd prefer having a few options..."
Rok Soo grimaced. Frankly, Rok Soo had no desire to participate in this weapon training. Hand-to-hand combat was just to help Cale, nothing more. If he hadn't agreed to teach Cale, he wouldn't be doing any training at all.
"...well," Rok Soo sighed, "If you're going to learn a weapon you haven't decided on, then just test them all out,"
"You said you didn't know how to use weapons?"
"Correct, so I won't train you. You can learn by a proper instructor," Rok Soo was unbothered, "As a noble, you should have the option,"
"No,"
"Excuse me?"
"I don't want anyone to know,"
...
"Huh?"
"You're the only person who teaches me and keeps it hidden. You're the only person who knows I don't get drunk as easily as I make it seem, but you haven't told anyone," Cale states.
The 15-year-old looks down, "There's no one else around me to keep something like this a secret,"
"...no one?"
"Everyone reports to Father. Or will gossip," Cale looks resentful, "Mother, Basen, and Lily are, obviously, out of question,"
Rok Soo looks at Cale silently.
He asks, slowly, "What about that butler of yours?"
"Ron? I can give Ron tasks that I want others unaware about, but thats because its normal for noble children to seek personal information out of the radar of the lord," Cale frowns deeply, "Plus, Ron's only the butler my Mother assigned for me when I was born,"
"Ha..."
Rok Soo felt a headache coming.
"That scary old man's only a butler?" Rok Soo spoke aloud, "You can't be serious,"
"What nonsense are you on about now?" Cale looked genuinely confused, "What else would Ron be then?"
'An assassin, you stupid brat!'
"I think you should ask Ron," Rok Soo told Cale firmly.
"Why would-"
"Cale," Rok Soo interrupted, "Ask Ron tonight, to train you. Then, tomorrow, come to the Nyphan Estate with Ron,"
"...you're weird, old man, but I'll listen because I want to see what you're planning,"
Rok Soo just shakes his head.
Truly, he can only pray that Ron doesn't kill him for the revealing of his identity to Cale. Not that Rok Soo thinks Cale would mind. If anything, he thinks having Ron as an assassin would only benefit whatever secrecy Cale works with.
'...Hm, I guess I can use this to find out how Ron truly feels about Cale tomorrow. If he truly cares or not. Depending on the answer, my plans may change,'
"Oh, also," Cale's voice made him look back, "I'll be gone for a couple days,"
"Why?"
Cale shrugged, "There's some noble gathering at the palace. It happens every year. Father and Mother usually go together, but Mother said I should go this time,"
"The Countess asked you to go?"
"Mhm,"
"...I suppose, you are of age to start attending gatherings as the heir,"
Cale looked away at the word 'heir' and nodded slowly, "Mhm, as eldest son, I have to go apparently,"
"Why didn't you go in earlier years though?" Rok Soo asked, taking the chance to gouge more information on why Cale had been acting for years.
'In the novel, Basen had been acting as heir for a few years. That means Cale was probably pushed out of the successor position officially this or early next year. And he's younger than Cale by 3 years,'
Cale paused for a moment, "I did. I went to Northeastern Gatherings. Father never sent me to the capital or to anything with the other fanctions,"
"Oh," Rok Soo's mind began to work, "So, you'll be seeing the Royal Family?"
"...ugh," Cale sighed, "Shit, if those blondes are around then I definitely can't cause a ruckus,"
'This punkâ?!'
"You were planning to drink?!"
"Obviously,"
"This dumb bratâ" Rok Soo doesn't get this kid in the slightest, "Isn't causing chaos when drunk in Rain City enough? Can't you just...be rude or something else?"
"Naturally," Cale grinned, "I was going to do that. I'll have to avoid the Crossmans though,"
'Yes, yes, if that crown prince talks to Cale, this oblivious punk will probably end up in some trouble that I'll be dragged into. I must avoid anymore trouble'
"Yes, you should absolutely avoid the Royal Family," Rok Soo agreed, receiving an odd look from Cale.
He ignored it and continued, "Especially the Crown Prince. He's got a glib tongue,"
"A glib tongue?" Cale chuckled at this hyung's boldness, "There's nothing to my name but trash, what can the Crown Prince glib about?"
"Who knows, but it's his speciality," Rok Soo was serious, "So, don't get involved,"
"Eh? Old man you sound worried right now," Cale teased.
"If you get caught in a situation, I get caught in a situation," Rok Soo looked at Cale blankly.
'I'm not worried you dumb punk, I just don't want to clean up your mess,'
"If you get involved, I will get involved. I have no desire to be close to the Crown Prince, or any Prince. Nor deal with any trouble,"
"...is this about the slacker life thing?"
"Good, you're learning,"
"Old man, you're making a plan to stop a war and defend the county,"
"Yes, so I can be lazy in a peaceful land without worrying about anything. My slacker life will be in danger,"
"...I see,"
'This hyung does realize that his words make it sound like he wants a peaceful world before his own peaceful life, right?'
Cale decided to ignore this and asked Rok Soo, "How do you know so much about the Crown Prince?"
"Isn't this information anyone can find out?"
"I suppose so,"
"Then, what's to ask about?"
"I didn't realize you had information on them, that's all,"
Rok Soo didn't respond, "When do you leave?"
"Next Wednesday,"
"So, almost a week from now..." Rok Soo thought, "Then, you must definitely bring Ron tomorrow and talk tonight,"
"What does that have to do with me going to the capital?"
"You'll understand tomorrow,"
"Old man, you should explain things,"
"I did?"
"Aigoo..." Cale sighed, "This old man is really troublesome,"
"You punk, I can hear you,"
"Good,"
Rok Soo sent a hand to whack the redhead from behind, only for the younger to dodge it, thus sending the two of them into a spar until they needed to leave.
~~~
Cale stared at Ron's back as the butler led him back towards his chambers after dinner. Rok Soo's words were spinning in Cale's head, and no matter how long Cale thought about it, he didn't understand the point.
As a butler for the Henituse, Cale knows that Ron has some level of martial arts. Furthermore, as the private butler to Cale assigned by the former Countess, he knows Ron has a high level of martial arts. But weapons training? Cale doesn't see why Ron would do something like that. Especially for someone like him.
'It would make more sense if it was Beacrox. As a chef, I guess Beacrox would know his way around blades'
"Young Master, is something bothering you?"
Cale realizes they'd entered his room already. Cale looked at Ron, who was staring at him with the usual smile. Cale blinked slowly, releasing a tired sigh.
"Ron...do you report everything I do to Father?"
"I report if you're leaving the estate, have woken up for meals, returned for meals, basic things Young Master," Ron informs dutifully, "I haven't informed him of where you go or the letters you've been receiving, nor described your actions,"
Cale crosses his arms, "So, if I ask you something that I want absolutely no one to even have a hint of, you'd do it?"
"I am your personal attendant, Young Master," Ron bowed slightly, "Since I was assigned to you, you were my sole charge. The Count comes second,"
Ron also thought, 'Your Mother made that clear when she entrusted this job to me. Plus, the Count has people checking on you throughout the day'
Cale's eyes widened.
"Oh,"
Cale smiled slightly, shoulder relaxing slightly. He looked down, "I didn't know that..."
Ron observed his puppy young master carefully. He asked after a moment, "Young Master, is there a request for me?"
"...I want to learn a weapon," Cale began.
Ron flinched just before Cale met his eyes again, "I'm not sure what weapon yet, so Young Master Rok Soo told me to try all of them and find what I like,"
"A reasonable piece of advice,"
'That black-haired punkâ just what is he doing?'
"But you see, he doesn't know how to use many weapons so he can't teach me like he taught me hand-to-hand combat," Cale explained, sitting down on the edge of the bed, "He told me to get an instructor, but I don't want anyone to know. It has to be a secret,"
Ron thinks he knows where this is going and his smile stiffened.
Cale frowned, "He told me to ask you then. And to bring you to the Nyphan Estate with me tomorrow,"
"...I see,"
"Mhm," Cale nodded slowly. He looked at Ron, with a slight tilt of the head, "Ron, can you use weapons?"
Ron smiled tightly, "I suppose so, Young Master,"
He then added immediately, "I will gladly accompany you tomorrow, Young Master,"
Cale stared at the old man smiling at him.
'Why does Ron seem a bit scary right now?'
"Shall I run a bath for you, Young Master?"
"S-sure," Cale nodded, eyebrows pinching together at the abrupt switch.
Cale watched as Ron wandered into the bathroom. Cale was beginning to think that something big was going on. Rok Soo clearly knew something about Ron that Cale didn't know (in the same way, Rok Soo knew something about Cale that Ron didn't know).
Cale decided to worry later, shaking his head clear.
The rest of the night performed like usual until Cale went to bed. Ron opened the door and stood outside until he was certain Cale would sleep. Then, with long strides, Ron made his way to kitchen #2.
Two knocks and Ron heard a firm voice letting him in. Ron walked in to find his son, Beacrox, sharpening knives.
The 27-year-old Molan looks up, greeting stoically, "Father,"
Ron smiles in greeting, closing the door behind him. Beacrox moves to the side of the room, placing two plates of food down, while Ron dragged two stools up to the center island. The father and son sat down and began to eat.
Ron broke the silence with a topic the two had been discussing rather avidly, "Do you recall the young master of the Nyphan household?"
"The one who knows,"
"Yes, him," Ron nodded, smiling sharply, "It seems the puppy young master is closer to that punk than I thought,"
Beacrox raised a small eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
"Cale wants to learn to wield a weapon,"
"Ho?"
Beacrox was in disbelief. He'd known Cale for the past 15 years and the only time Beacrox saw the redhead interested in any sort of weaponry was when the former Countess was still alive.
Beacrox remembers the overwhelming bubbliness Cale used to have. It was something that seemed to dwindle when Jour died, and then when the Count remarried, Cale had seemed like a different punk altogether.
Beacrox wouldn't say he cared too much; but he also couldn't say he didn't completely.
As Ron was Cale's personal attendant, it was natural for Beacrox to interact with him numerous times. Beacrox was older than Cale by 12 years, that's why Jour would always laugh and joke around that Beacrox was somewhat Cale's older brother.
Beacrox would be lying if he wasn't fond of the kid before. But after Jour's death, Beacrox hadn't seen Cale as much, especially as Beacrox had begun to portray talent for cooking, thus leading him to get busier and busier until he became the second chef of the Henituse household.
Beacrox also saw how Cale's change sent words and curses towards his Father, where they were once just small giggles and childish antics. When once Cale used to sneak into Beacrox's kitchen for sweets the Molan had made, Cale never stepped close to the kitchen and instead grumbled about every dish.
That was why Beacrox had simply stopped thinking of it and their relationship became simply of the charge and chef. Nothing more, nothing less. Beacrox knew his Father cared to some degree, but he also knew his Father couldn't do anything about Cale.
That was until a few months ago when Cale seemed to change all over again.
Beacrox saw his Father come to him with suspicion in his gaze, speaking of how Cale returned earlier and even had a meal with the other Henituses, talking with Deruth and Violan, walking Basen back to his room, and excusing Ron for the night to rest. Beacrox had frowned as well, displeasure furthering when his Father informed him of the rats he had caught and the information about a young wealthy man with black hairâwho they both easily narrowed down to as Rok Soo Nyphan, black hair was extremely uncommon after allâhelping Cale out with a fight. A fight that Cale had obviously been injured from, yet he lied to Ron anyway.
Beacrox couldn't help but find it curious and followed Cale the next day. He watched from afar as Cale met up with a young man fitting the description of the night before at a silver tree near the slums. He watched curiously as the two barely conversed and simply read. Beacrox watched as they finally did talk, a serious conversation it seemed for a moment.
Then there was that laugh. Cale's old bubbly laugh.
Beacrox hadn't seen this part of Cale for seven years. For a stranger to be able to bring Cale back to who he had once been...it was suspicious and worrying.
Beacrox's dislike grew further when Ron informed him of the conversation he had in the carriage with Rok Soo.
"He's learning sword again?"
"He said he doesn't know what weapon and that he's going to try them all," Ron looked amused slightly, "Furthermore, he said he didn't want anyone to know of the request so he wasn't getting a proper instructor,"
"Young Master Rok Soo is teaching him?"
"Apparently, Young Master Rok Soo has taught the puppy hand-to-hand combat, but can't teach him weaponry,"
"...Cale knows how to fight?"
"Apparently," Ron nodded, and then hardened his gaze, "Young Master Rok Soo told the puppy to ask me to teach him weaponry,"
"Ha!" Beacrox sat up straighter, "Isn't that selling us out?"
"We'll find out tomorrow, when I go to Nyphan Estate with Young Master Cale,"
"Father!"
"I'm certain I can handle it," Ron assured, "Plus, perhaps if Cale is aware of the extent of my skills, I'll be able to find out what this Rok Soo punk has got roped him into,"
Beacrox frowned in disapproval, "What's stopping Cale from doing the opposite?"
"Hm...I don't think he's like that," Ron shook his head, "He seems more...happy,"
"Normal, you mean,"
"He seems like Cale Henituse,"
"Like Cale Henituse?"
"Like the little puppy he was before Madam Jour passed,"
Beacrox looked uncertain, placing another bite of meat in his mouth. Afterall, that boy seemed as good as dead.
Ron smiled at his son, "You want to meet him,"
"Incorrect,"
"Ho? Aren't you thinking about the little weasel that snuck into your kitchen every other night?"
"Complete blasphemy,"
Ron just smiled, watching his son get up to get some wine for them and avoid further conversation.
~~~
The next day, Ron and Cale arrived at the Nyphan Estate past noon.
When they got inside, Balint led them to Rok Soo's studio, knocking twice, "Young Master, Young Master Cale and his butler have arrived,"
"Send them in," Rok Soo's voice echoed from inside.
Balint opened the door and bowed, Cale walking in with ease while Ron silently followed. Rok Soo looked up from where he sat near the window, waving his hand and sending Balint away. The door clicked shut and Rok Soo stood up, Cale happily bouncing over to snatch the cookie in Rok Soo's hand.
Rok Soo frowned at once, "Punk, there's a plate right there,"
'Ho...' Ron thought.
Crunch.
Cale bit the cookie without breaking eye contact.
Rok Soo's eyebrow twitched, "Look at this brat..."
"I brought Ron," Cale smiled, succeeding in pissing Rok Soo off.
'They're extremely close' Ron realized, 'Close enough that this puppy of mine didn't even flinch at the disrespectful tone,'
"You did," Rok Soo turned to Ron, the two holding eye contact.
Rok Soo immediately shivered when Ron smiled at him, greeting politely, "Young Master Rok Soo, I was a little surprised,"
'This scary old man is planning to kill me!!!'
"Well, you know why I asked, don't you?" Rok Soo's face was still blank.
"I have a suspicion,"
"Then you know what Cale wants,"
"Yes, weaponry training in secret,"
"Obviously, you would make the best choice,"
"Whatever could you mean, Young Master Rok Soo?"
"Ha!"
Cale looked back and forth as he ate the cookies.
He spoke up, "What is going on?"
Rok Soo ignored Cale, "Cale said you were assigned to him by Former Countess Jour,"
Ron's eyes flickered to Cale, who just barely managed to suppress a flinch at his mother's name. Ron's smile sharpened, "Correct,"
"Naturally then, she, maybe even Count Deruth, must've found out then," Rok Soo inferred, "They just didn't care as long as you took care of Cale,"
Ron said nothing, simply smiling benignly.
Rok Soo shook his head, "Cale,"
"O-oh, yeah?"
"Do you know the full extent of Ron's capabilities?"
Cale looked at Ron.
Ron's smile had grown extremely sharp. Yet he still managed to look at Rok Soo with a very cold expression, "Young Master Rok Soo, I believe you're crossing a line,"
"That may be," Rok Soo admitted, with a slightly apologetic tone, "But Cale needs an instructor. And you're the best fit for his criterias. But in order for this to work, Cale needs to know what he's getting himself into and the style of weaponry he'd be learning,"
"Stop," Cale stood up finally, "What's going on? What the hell do I not know?"
Rok Soo looked at Ron, who stared back. The noble said after a moment, "I would not do this unless I truly felt it the best course of action. I think, even you can attest this claim,"
With a deep sigh, Ron conceded, "Young Master Cale, it seems I will need you to keep a secret of my own,"
"Huh?"
"Cale," Rok Soo said.
"I didn't say I wouldn't! I'm just confused," Cale defended himself.
Rok Soo stepped behind Cale as Ron stepped forward. The butler bowed and then introduced, "My name is Ron Molan, former patriarch of the fifth generation of the Molan Household. One of the five assassin households that ruled the Eastern Continents underworld,"
Cale stared blankly for a moment.
'Patriarch? Eastern Continent? No, an assassin household? Ron's an assassin?'
"...huh?"
Cale suddenly thought for a moment.
Ron had always been very good at finding him at the right moments. He'd also been quick enough to catch Cale when he tried to run away from doing things. Furthermore, Ron always seemed to know when Cale wasn't in his room or had snuck out. Ron was also stronger than he looked; strong enough to carry a teenage Cale on his 57-year-old back.
"Oooooooh," Cale suddenly muttered, breaking the silence, unaware that two pairs of eyes were observing his reaction. His eyes narrowed mumbling, "That makes so much more sense,"
For some odd reason, he did not feel shocked.
"Hah..."Rok Soo gasped, 'This crazy kid...'
Ron didn't really expect anything, but whatever he could've thought of was not this. Not in the slightest. He speaks, "Young Master?"
"Ron," Cale looked at his butler, expression deep in thought, "You're an assassin. That means you've killed people,"
"Yes, young master,"
"You said you're from the Eastern Continent," Cale's mind, while not overly shocked, was trying to figure out what Ron was doing playing as a butler. If Ron was an assassin, this 15-year-old could only think of one reason, "What are you doing playing butler at the Henituse Estate in the Western Continent?"
Ron smiled sharply, "Hiding,"
"Hiding?" Cale repeated. He paused, thinking his words over in his head before asking bluntly, "Have you killed people while hiding?"
Ron hummed, "Very few. Mostly, though, my skillset has been put to use in chasing after some rascals,"
"You said you're a patriarch of an assassin household," Cale frowned deeper. Something wasn't adding up. If Ron was an assassin in hiding, that means he had a target. But Cale doubted it was anyone in the Henituse Estate or Family because Ron could've killed them already, "What could you be hiding for?"
There was one person it could be, but Cale shut down the theory before it could even arise. Ron would be gone if his target was gone.
"Former patriarch," Ron corrected, "The Molan Household fell when Beacrox was young,"
"Fell?" Rok Soo and Cale repeated.
"Yes, Young Masters," Ron nodded and informed calmly, "There was an organization named Arm in the Eastern Continent that went around and began to exterminate the assassin households. They succeeded and currently dominate the underworld there. Anyone who escaped the massacres are in hiding,"
Cale stared at Ron, absorbing the information. Perhaps it wouldn't be obvious to anyone else, but Cale had been raised by Ron. He's known Ron since he was born. That's why he could sense the pain and resentment in Ron as he retold of the tragedy his family had suffered from.
Cale looked at Rok Soo, "You only knew Ron was an assassin undercover,"
"Yeah, I didn't know this," Rok Soo confirmed.
Cale thought of someone, turning back to Ron, "Everyone who survived, then...Beacrox is also..."
"Beacrox wields a greatsword," Ron said.
He then added, "Beacrox is also a torture specialist,"
"Hah?!" Cale seemed more shocked at this than Ron being an assassin, "Beacrox? Beacrox who's obsessed with cleanliness and had a plate of sweets set out for me every night? He's a torture specialist?"
Ron seemed amused by the puppy's reaction.
Cale blinked and looked at Rok Soo, stepping back, "Are you weirdly strong too?"
"No, I'm very weak,"
Rok Soo motioned to Ron, "Now you know why I told you to ask Ron?"
"H-huh? Oh, yes!" Cale's eyes abruptly brightened and turned to Ron, "Ron's a perfect fit!"
'Ho?'
Ron smiled, "Young Master, do you still wish to learn weapons from me?"
"Obviously,"
Cale also thought with glee, 'if Ron and Beacrox are both assassins, then they would also be very good players to have in the net. I'll scope out Beacrox tonight,'
"You'll learn assassin methods," Ron reminded.
"I don't mind,"Cale shook his head, "Honestly speaking, it might be better for me than a more obvious way,"
'This puppy has really changed,'
"Then, you're settled, right?" Rok Soo asked.
"Yes,"
"Great," Rok Soo smiled, "Why don't you go get some books for us to laze around with?"
Cale knows he's being kicked out for a reason. He rolls his eyes and nods, leaving the studio to the library. The moment he closes the door, Ron moves and Rok Soo barely has a second before 'The Indescruible Shield' is activated protecting him. The clang of a metal against metal echoes in the room.
Ron smiles darkly, "Ho...what's this?"
'Scary old man!'
"What are you doing?" Rok Soo asks stoically.
"Testing,"
Ron steps back and Rok Soo lowers the shield, just as Ron puts his daggers away. Rok Soo frowns, "Testing what?"
"Does Cale know?"
"Of course, he knows," Rok Soo is annoyed at being ignored, but responds anyway, "That brat is smarter than anyone gives him credit for,"
"What are you both trying to do?"
"Am I being interrogated?"
"Young Master Rok Soo, you've got my puppy young master learning fighting and assassin techniques. I believe you owe me an explanation after revealing my face, or I might have to tell the Count you're messing with his first son,"
'Ha...'
"I told you, I'm helping him,"
"And why would a stranger do that to the trash of the count's family?"
"Do you think he's trash?"
"Cale's a puppy,"
"Something you pity," Rok Soo sneered.
Ron smiles tightly, "This puppy has changed twice. Once when he lost his mother. The second when he met you,"
Rok Soo spoke coldly, "Death is a price others pay more than others. From what you've told me, you should know this better than anyone,"
Ron would've flinched had he been a normal person.
Rok Soo let faint memories of bottles breaking and curses being thrown at him with punches and kicks. He remembers a funeral. He remembers visiting two gravestones whenever he could. Memories of his life in this world follow after like a river.
"He's just a kid. A kid should live like a kid," Rok Soo is firm, looking coldly at Ron, "He made mistakes, but it made sense to him. I don't care what you're doing as a butler or that you're an assassin. I just need to see if you're a threat or useful,"
"For you?"
"For us,"
"How interesting,"
Rok Soo leaned back against the chair. He stared at Ron, a dour expression on his face, as the assassin continued.
"What a strange punk,"
"I guess so,"
"I have no interest in harming Cale,"
Rok Soo smiled, "Only Cale?"
"Naturally,"
'So he's suspicious of me. It's to be expected, I suppose,'
"Good,"
'Don't trust me, Ron. I do not trust you, either,'
The two males were smiling sharply at one another. Both of them were thinking along the same lines.
'If he's a danger, I need to get rid of him'
'If this punk is manipulating the puppy, I'll have a chat with him'