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Chapter Text

"...Is that so?"

Cale didn't miss the momentary confusion in those blue eyes, and he rejoiced.

Keeping a calm and relaxed demeanor, he continued confidently

"Indeed, your highness. I may not be able to sleep at night now that I have personally met you, the star in the mind of our citizens."

Ignoring the reaction of disbelief from the rest of the North-Eastern nobles, Cale continued showring praises. He was feeling elated that he took another step towards his goal of 'getting away from the crown prince.'

Since this prince realized how similar they are, he would make sure both of them would steer clear of each other path. Cale wouldn't have to do anything at all.

At that moment, the dragon muttered something very odd, and VERY unnecessary-

"Why does the weakling called the crown prince dye his hair with magic? It's at a level that only a mighty dragon like me would notice it."

Cale gently smiled at the prince while he screamed inside his head

'I don't know, I don't want to know'

"Did another dragon dye his hair? Why would another dragon dye his hair? Is this some other power?"

'Shit, please just stop' Cale was borderline begging. He didn't even want to stay within a few kilometer radius of the crown prince, much less know his birth secret.

Despite his wishes, the black dragon continued his rant.

"Hah? His pupils are also dyed. This weakling is definitely plotting something. Be careful, weak human"

'I'll be fine if you would just stop talking'

There was a sudden pause in the rant, and he felt relieved that the dragon found something else that captured it's interest. But the voice inside his head started yet again.

"Weak human" the young dragon's tone was different as he started again, more serious "Be extra careful. He's not weak, you will die"

At that exact moment, blue eyes, fake blue eyes according to the dragon, slid to the left, just over Cale's right shoulder. The exact same place the black dragon was hovering. It was subtle, but the action didn't miss Cale's eyes.

'Shit.'

Cale was already frightened by the dragon's useless explanations. Now though, he could feel the dread at what is to come next. If the Crown Prince sensed a dragon near him, things will get really messy.

The Crown Prince however, tilted his head and motioned to somebody behind Cale, presumably a guard, and nodded.

Cale relaxed a little, glad that the dragon wasn't figured out.

"Was he not looking at me?" The little dragon also sounded confused.

Cale hopes it wasn't the case. He absolutely cannot be discovered with a dragon, especially not by this glib-tongued crown prince.

The so-called fake eyes were now focused back on him.

"Young Master Cale seems a bit like me" he says.

Cale wasn't exactly listening though, busy thinking back to all the information he had regarding the crown prince. He purposefully ignored the rambling dragon child and tried to stop thinking of things that would drag him into unnecessary trouble.

Thus his response was casual, "This statement is the biggest honor of my life, Your Highness."

After a few more seconds, his hand was free from the Royal hold. Cale immediately hides behind Eric, who the self-offered meat shield during complicated situations.

The crown prince gave him one last look of curiosity, and then put his attention back to the speaking Eric.

While the other three chatted, Cale began wondering about the dragon's findings.

The Crown Prince's hair and eyes were dyed with magic? Wasn't he the kings child, then? Is that the reason why he was so wary of the second and third princes? Even the king prefers the third prince over the crown prince.

Cale was reminded of a drama he saw as Kim Robson while working in a restaurant after graduation.

The Crown Prince Alberu Crossman, along with the rest of the characters in Choi Han's group of heroes, is undoubtedly one of the main characters. He should not get entangled with him.

So he reaffirms himself - be still and don't find about anything else.

He just had to hide behind Eric, who would act as his shield and redirect all the bothersome conversations towards himself.

Cale very much enjoyed this arrangement.

"By the way, Young Lady Amiru" he calls out, making the green haired Lady look at him "I heard the shoreline of your territory is extremely beautiful"

"Of course" Amiru says proudly "The cliffs overlooking the coasts are very beautiful."

'Beautiful my ass' Cale thinks as he smiles at Amiru.

It's filled with such violent whirlpools that the word dangerous was more appropriate.

He just needs the ancient power. The coastline, ugly or beautiful, in none of his business.

Chapter Text

Though he was confused by the absence of six more bombs, there wasn’t much to worry about. The black dragon had confirmed there were only four, and Cale trusted him. The story might’ve changed slightly due to his actions, but he can still work things out.

Four items shot into the sky, surrounded by swirling red and black mana. Cale knew it was Rosalyn's and Raon's magic at work. A few perceptive people were squinting and pointing at the flying objects as they were in plain sight.

Suddenly, something unexpected happened.

The flying objects containing bombs vanished. Cale was startled, as were the rest of his group. The mana-deactivation device still hadn’t stopped working, so how could that happen?

"Someone used instant teleportation magic, human. I don’t know where the bombs were sent, but they’re very far away," the black dragon reported through telepathy.

Redika’s red mana balls, which had been hovering uselessly in the air, dispersed just as suddenly.

"...That’s a very complex spell. Who did that? Why are the magic traces so faint?" Raon says in confusion, caught off guard by the sudden turn of events. 

Someone capable of using magic under the influence of the deactivation device would have to be at least Rosalyn’s level. But no one—no human, at least—could match her power. She was the strongest human mage in this world.

An unexpected interference had occurred. The people in the plaza were still panicking, too busy saving their lives to analyze the disappearing of the strange flying objects anymore.

The story had changed too much.  Cale had to accept it. But the bomb didn’t go off in the plaza, and nobody died. Almost none of the citizens even realized there had been a magic bomb planted by the terrorist organization.

"Guess this one was a failure," Redika said aloud.

And Cale knew, that it wasn’t over yet.

Chapter Text

"I guess you're seeing an ancient power for the first time" Cale says casually.

The priest healing his arms gasped in surprise. Ancient powers are relics if the past, and can only be gained through fortunate encounters.

"I see" A familiar voice that Cale was expecting was heard from behind.

"Your Highness" Cale greets him as he turns around.

The shining star and the future leader of the kingdom. The hero who saved multiple lives with his hidden power, the trash of the counts family. Both stared at each other.

It was a situation similar to the novel where the crown prince had turned Choi Han into a beacon if hope. The only difference was that it was Cale in the swordsmasters place.

Cale had expected all this and kept his plan ready.

Alberu hugged Cale out of nowhere, his face filled with shock and admiration.

"Thank you Young Master Cale. We are proud of what you did today"

His voice was filled with gratitude. Everybody watching the scene could see how the reaction does not befit the prince at all. They all saw it as an effect of the shock of the situation on him.

To Cale's ear, the Crown Prince whispered "We're both similar, aren't we young master?" A pause, as he tightens the hug "So why don't we work together for now, hmm? I'll reward you however you want"

Getting what he wanted, Cale sealed the deal by hugging him back "You're Highness, it was nothing. I only did what any devoted citizen of the kingdom would do"

"...something very odd is going on" the black dragon mutters.

'This is what a capitalistic hug looks like' Cale thought, not surprised at the dragon's sharp interpretations.

"Why did the crown prince do nothing when the other humans were dying? He's more than strong enough to protect them"

The young dragon says as both of them let go of each other.

'So he's hiding his strength' Cale muses as he detects the slight stiffness in the crown prince's face.

He had thought that Alberu Crossman, despite his manipulative tendencies, was a good person. But he had just pretended to be weak and his while his servants died and knights lost their limbs.

Keeping his thoughts aside for now, Cale conceded with the Crown Prince's unspoken request for a performance till the end and waited for the carriage to arrive.

The prince's carriage of course.

"Please get in first, Young Master Cale" Since other people were watching, the crown prince had erased all stiffness from before and had his bright smile back. "You deserve this honor for your actions today."

"How could I do that?" Cake asked, his face showing the perfect amount of confusion. "I cannot enter before you, your highness. I am, but a mere noble who looks upto you, the brightest star of our kingdom"

"...Did the explosion hit you in the head, human?"

Cale ignored the question, as the crown prince came forward and sqeezed his shoulders. A bit too hard, if he were to be honest.

"This is my expression of respect, Young Master. Don't feel ashamed"

"Then this lacking citizen will get in first.

While Cale got in the carriage, the crown prince went ahead and conversed with Rosalyn for a minute, having clearly recognized her. After giving his servants some orders, he followed Cale into the carriage.

Cale's whole attention was on the Crown Prince, who had rid his face of the smile and had been staring at him with a stoic face.

"You're healthy, I assume?"

"I am healthy, but shouldn't I get the top doctors to check on me?" Cale responds bluntly.

"Hah" the Crown Prince scoffed elegantly. He didn't bother to keep up the pretenses since he realized Cale is very similar to him.

"The noble who got hurt while protecting the citizen is under the care of the crown, with the best treatment being provided for him. A splendid story"

Alberu was observing Cale as he spoke. There was a wierd glint in his eyes that gave him  "Are you with those guys?"

Cale knew exactly what he meant. "It's too bothersome, your highness" he says, relaxed despite the omnious feeling. The black dragon was following them in his invisible state. Nothing bad would happen.

"Hmm..." the prince hummed "Don't worry about the crown's investigation. I'll protect you"

"What have I done to garner such generosity from the shining star of our kingdom?" Cale replies smoothly.

Alberu purses his lips, yet for some reason, Cale had a feeling that he was not upset.

The prince opened the curtains of the carriage, prompting the citizen's to wave at him excitedly. Smiling, he waved back.

"Thank you. The casualties would've been enormous if not for you" He sounded glib, yet his words were sincere.

Cale was finding it difficult to discern his true nature. Was he good or bad? Or even human?

But then again, it was non of his business. His sole focus was-

"I'm looking forward for the reward you promised, Your Highness"

"Hah" Alberu chuckles in amusement. Since he was still facing the people outside, Cale saw a few women squeal and jump around at the sight of his laugh.

He could understand a little. The prince was an eye candy to look at.

He rested easy knowing that the crown prince would reward him handsomely.

Chapter Text

Rosalyn knew that the Crown Prince of Roan recognized her and would invite her to the palace. She knew how to deal with it.

But she didn't know why he stared at her like that.

And why did she, an Archmage, felt intimidated by his gaze.

The thought had been lingering in her head even when she was talking with the Young Master.

"The Crown Prince seemed to be very interested in me." She confesses as soon as she confirmed the Young Master was alright. "I think he figured out that I'm with you"

"Is he disturbing you?" Choi Han asks darkly. Rosalyn found it cute, how worried and protective he was of her. Like, she couldn't handle herself.

"No" Rosalyn shakes her head. "It wasn't creepy. He seemed just...curious" she says, unable to pin point what exactly she felt about the blonde prince.

"The Crown Prince patted my head, nya," On says while sitting On Cale's lap and purrs. "I bit his hands, but he didn't get angry at me, nya. He apologized."

"The Crown Prince is wierd" The black dragon also chimes in.

Cale didn't want him to reveal anything regarding the Crown Prince's powers, so he immediately puts a stop to the conversation.

"It's none of our business" he says, as everybody looks at him "You just need to focus on your journey back to the Breck Kingdom, Miss Rosalyn."

The novel did speak about how Alberu always seemed intrested in Rosalyn. That used to be one of the hot topic for gossip and rumors, even when they were are war. Cale remembers one of the cringey poems he had read in the novel regarding theses two. The Crown Prince falling in love was an idea he dismissed early on. But, was it true...?

Chapter Text

"Wipe that horrifying expression off your face" 

"Yes, Your Highness"

Cale's face changed from the awe filled expression to his usual relaxed one. The servant who had left earlier was surely left with the impression that the new hero was star struck with the Crown Prince's visit. He would surely spread that among the other servants too.

"Currently you are resting as you've over exerted your weak body despite the injuries as you wanted to help calm things down like a proper noble" Giving a detailed explanation of what his condition is in the declaration to the public, Alberu observes Cale "I've also said that you posses an ancient power with defensive properties that is not quite strong."

"A young noble who is weak but stepped up forward for the kingdom. It's nice" Cale liked the situation. People would assume he's weak, which is not a lie anyway.

"Any information regarding the current situation will be delivered through your butler" Alberu adds further.

The Crown Prince, unlike how he treated Choi Han in the novel, wasn't smiling at all. There wasn't an ounce of warmth in his words. But his eyes were gleaming weirdly.

"I know for sure now" The black dragon who had been asleep a moment ago, spoke in his mind "This person is not human"

The startling revelation was followed by a very surprising question from the prince

"You're human, aren't you?"

Having got double punches from different directions, Cale was flabbergasted. Even his face showed his feelings "What else would I be?"

"I don't know?" The prince got defensive suddenly, but still put forward his speculation "An angel, perhaps?"

Cale stared at the prince in disbelief.

"Excuse me?" He asks, not really knowing what else to say.

"Human, did the explosion hit the prince's head too?"

Cale was thinking something along the line. He makes sure to clarify things, and answers the prince's question "I don't worship God. I can't be an angel"

The prince hums, as he squints at the red head on the bed. "If not an angel-" he mutters quite loudly "-then, a mighty little dragon, perhaps?"

Cale felt like a bucket of cold water was poured over him. How did the prince-

"Because you seem to be as handsome as one"

This time the trashy noble could not even formulate a response. He was tongue tied.

The prince on the other hand sat there smiling, as if he hadn't spouted all this nonsense just now.

"Human? What's wrong? Why are you staring at each other?"

"Dragons are more beautiful" he says after a few seconds of silence.

"You're right, dragons are the most beautiful" The black dragon agrees with him.

"I agree" The Prince nods, having similar thoughts to the small dragon "Let me correct myself then. You are handsome, just not much as dragons"

"Weak human, you're beautiful too. Dragons are just on another level" The dragon declares arrogantly.

Cale suddenly felt tired. Why was he stuck between these two again?"

The prince let out a small sigh. "Of course you are humam" he mumbles to himself.

"He isn't human" The black dragon's repeats his earlier statement, and eventhough Cale wanted him to stop, this was a one way conversation and he had no choice but to unwillingly listen.

"The magic used to dye his hair and eyes are on a higher level than Rosalyn's. It's at a dragon's level" The black dragon continues, the information startling Cale. A magic spell higher than Rosalyn's level? Did the Crown Prince really know such a person? Did he know a dragon? The novel did not mention any such detail though.

The black dragon, without caring about Cale's mental dilemma, continues his observation "But it's not dragon's mana"

"His atmosphere is wierd too. I haven't seen a creature like this in my four years of life"

"Be very careful human. He posses strange powers"

Cale struggled to just not blurt out to the dragon to not give him anymore unsolicited knowledge. Dragons might be curious creatures that seeks knowledge, but can't this little one keep it for himself?

Suddenly, the Crown Prince took the ypung noble’s left hand in his own, startling Cale. Alberu brought it close to his lips, eyes downcast like a shy person. Instead of kissing, he took a long breath and placed it back on the bed.

Despite the action looking elegant, Cale was sure this guy just smelled his hands. What the fuck?

"You have a wierd smell around you," he says casually.

"...I just showered" Cale responds, still shocked by the audacity of the earlier action.

Alberu opened his mouth, but then closed it back.

"...did you use the lavender shampoo? It's imported and quite therapeutic" he asks finally.

Cale knew that wasn't really what the prince wanted to ask. But he goes along with it.

"Yes, it was very nice"

"You like it then?"

"Yes"

"Alright"

It was silent afterward, a very awkward one. This was one of the weirdest conversations he ever had, both as Cale and Kim Rok Soo.

It was the Crown Prince who broke the silence, this time talking about the promised reward. The conversation went smoothly, as both people who are similar wouldn't have much trouble not understanding each ithers intentions.

Though Cale did get wierded out when the Crown Prince doesn't ask what he was going to do with the money, he brushed it off. He just needed the money and set his next plans into action.

As he was about to leave the room, Alberu turns around to have a few more words.

"By the way Young Master" he calls out "What you revealed today, was that the extend of your power?"

Alberu would be naturally curious, since he was one of the people who knew the most about ancient powers after Taylor Stan.

'It might be because his mother gave him healing star' Cale's mind wandered off to Alberu's late mother who was rumored to be a southerner beauty.

"Of course" He answers honestly "It's all that is to it"

"I was just mesmerized, you see" Alberu smiled a sunny smile "Wood ancient powers smells pleasant, and is quite a beauty to look at"

"...Will you visit again?"

"Why, are you going to miss me?"

Cale made sure to keep his expression as fake as possible.

"It would be my highest honor to see you agai-"

The prince was already out, shutting the door quite loudly.

"Hey human" the black dragon becomes visible again as Cale was preparing to go back to sleep "I am curious. Is there any other power other than mana that can be used to dye his hair?"

Cale ignored the black dragon, wanting to get some peace. Though-

'How did he know the ancient power was of wood attribute?'

Chapter Text

"It is my great honor to speak with the star of the nation, the wonderful-"

—"Enough."

The Crown Prince immediately cut him off, sounding annoyed. Cale felt his lips forming a smirk. This was quite entertaining, to irritate the Crown Prince. It would also keep the Crown Prince away from him.

— "Your Mage friend and subordinates made quite a mess in the Breck Kingdom." Alberu got straight to the point, his observant eyes never leaving Cale.

Cale knew the Crown Prince's network was the most accurate. He responded quite truthfully to the statement.

"My friend and subordinates?"

Rosalyn was not his friend. He only helped her because Choi Han brought her along. Choi Han had nothing to do with him and Lock was just someone he was making a deal with. They were not his subordinates. The Crown Princ's lips moved up, forming a smile.

— "You sly fox"

The Crown Prince shakes his head.

— "Princess Rosalyn is pretty resolved, I assume. She obliterated the Grand Duke’s entire family and gave up her claim to the throne, all in a single day."

Cale felt his heart leap at the word 'obliterate,' but he didn't react outwardly, well aware of the eyes on him. He felt satisfied knowing that Rosalyn gave up her claim to the throne. Now she can show her true nature as a mage. Things are going according to the story of the novel. 

— "Miss Rosalyn must have had a lot of fun. I'm envious," The Crown Prince says with a chuckle.

Cale raised an eyebrow on hearing that statement. Was he for real?

"Do you want to give up on your claim to the throne now, Your Highness?" Cale asks incredulously. Alberu Crossman was an ambitious man in the novel. He would never give up on the throne.

— "Hmmm?"

Alberu hums, sounding confused, before mouth formed an 'o' in realization.

— "Oh, no. I wasn't talking about that. Why would I give up on something that is mine?"

Cale knew it. But if that was the case, then what else was the Crown Prince jealous off? Rosalyn blowing up the palace?

Before he could raise his doubts though, Alberu asks the main reason for this call.

— "Why do you need the magic tower?"

Cale's expression turned serious. "Your Highness," he sat up straight in his seat, as he continues, "We're both similar, aren't we?"

Cale looked at Alberu, noticing the faint twitch of his lips, as if he was extremely amused.

— "You finally got over the greatest honor of your life, huh?"

Cale feels de ja vu, as he remembers giving a similar reply to the Crown Prince the first time they met.

"Young Master Cale seems a bit like me." 

"This statement is the biggest honor of my life, Your Highness."

Ignoring the thought, he continued on.

"The Roan Kingdom is a kingdom without anything."

Silence suddenly filled the room. Cale watched as Alberu rests his head on his palm and smile, catching onto what Cale was implying.

— "Are you proposing a solution to that?"

"Not defending the kingdom, Your Highness?"

— "It is the truth"

They both knew it. Though Raon Kingdom is the oldest kingdom with a rich heritage, it was quite average in every aspect. This might be okay in times of peace, but during the times of chaos, this mediocrity becomes a problem.

It wasn't like they could create a specialty all of a sudden. So the only option they had left was to take it from someone else.

Both the men made eye contact, as Alberu commented.

— "You're quite the sharp bastard"

They both had similar smiles, as Cale began to speak once again.

"I'll have to magic tower. And you, Your Highness, You'll get-"

—"the mages."

"the mages."

They both finished the sentence together.

Alberu scoffs, though he sounded more amused than anything.

— "I never thought I'd see someone so similar to me," he says, his eyes twinkling in amusement.

For some reason, Cale felt goosebumps. Why was the Crown Prince looking at him like that?

— "I'll give you whatever you need."

Those words made Cale shove all unwanted thoughts away.

"Thank you very much."

With a curious tilt to his head, the Crown Prince asks

—"What are you planning to do with the magic tower?"

Cale knew the Crown Prince was asking this to figure out whether Cale knew of the North's movement. Of course, he isn't planning on revealing anything.

"I just want the magic tower," He said, smirking.

The Crown Prince raised both his eyebrows, but doesn't say anything. 

Instead, Cale shoots back a question at him.

"Why do you need the mages then, Your Highness?"

The Crown Prince had a sly smirk on his face too.

— "I just want to give them a safe space to grow."

"Is that so?"

Both of them knew their excuses were terrible, but neither called out each other.

— "When do you plan to head out?"

"In a month."

Cale will finish his business here in a month and then go see Toonka's stupid face.

— "How?"

"By ship."

— "I assume you won't be having any shortage on guards."

Cale doesn't answer, as it should be obvious enough.

— "Be careful since your body is still weak. You know what to do, right?"

"I will bring back any, and all good things."

— "I'm glad we're on the same page."

A short silence filled the room, and when Cale thought they're conversation is over, the Crown Prince suddenly leaned forward to ask

— "Do you find the mage tower to be interesting, Young Master?"

"Excuse me?" Cale asks, surprised that this conversation still isn't over. He really didn't want to chat with the Crown Prince for too long.

— "The mage tower. Are you interested in it?" The Crown Prince repeats.

"You could say that."

Cale isn't exactly interested in the tower, but what (and who) is inside it. The Crown Prince didn't have to know that though.

— "I was also very interested."

The Crown Prince confesses.

— "The mages. They're interesting. But there's something more interesting now. "

The wierd twinkle in the Crown Prince's eyes made Cale frown internally. He didn't have a good feeling about this.

— "You."

Cale couldn't hide his confusion this time.

'What?' He thought.

Along with confusion, he felt the dread. Why was this man taking such an interest in him now?

The Crown Prince doesn't seem to mind his state though.

- "You're very interesting Cale Henituse. I'm looking forward to see what you can do."

Before Cale could process and ask what exactly the Crown Prince meant, the call was cut.

He just stared at the orb, before getting up. The Crown Prince was wierd. But so is this entire world.

Cale decides not to think much of it. He had things to do.

Chapter Text

Just why is it that everybody enters that Oorim?”

Choi Han questioned, frowning in confusion and sadness. He could not understand why people would choose to leave their loved ones behind, leving them with nothing but eternal suffering.

Cale sat down in the first floor restaurant of the inn they picked before he answered Choi Han’s question.

"For hope."

"Hope?"

"There is a legend about the Path of No Return."

Eventhough it was one of the forbidden regions if the Western Continent, the forest that never let go of the people who were daring enough to step inside, people still went into it every so often.  It didn’t matter if the old man tried to stop them like he did with Cale’s group earlier.

It was all because of the legend.

"Supposedly, a dragon lives in the Path of No Return."

— "There is no other dragon here other than me, human."

Raon, who had been quite, suddenly spoke up 

Cale knew there was no dragon in here. He had read the novel, nobody was ever able to spot the great beast in these woods. Even Kitana figured out her visit to the Path of No Return had been useless.

— "Though there are faint traces of dragon's presence here."

'...What?'

Cale paused speaking, startled by the piece of information. His eyes shifted to the little invisible dragon, then to the dark path a few feet away from them.

Even Rosalyn, who was holding the umbrella to shield them both from rain had a look of contemplation.

"I can feel it, Young Master. The residual of a dragon's power."

Raon continued to share his infinite wisdom.

—  "Human, there is no dragon here. But I think one might have been here in the past."

Cale quietly took in the information, as he explained the situation further.

"That Dragon will grant the wish of the human who finds his lair. Whether that wish is to become rich, cure an incurable illness, or even make someone have a happy life. It will grant any wish."

— "What nonsense is that, human?"

There was indignation in Raon's words.

— "A dragon cannot do that. Dragons are not great and mighty, but we are not Gods?"

Cale hummed. The little dragon's words were true. But to the desperate, these legends shake their minds and give them a bleak hope. Hope that ultimately leads to nothing but misery.

"That legend is what draws people in."

Cale could see a rare frown on Choi Han’s face. Choi Han probably did not like it. With his personality, seeing the atmosphere of this village, as well as people like the old man from earlier, it probably made him sad.

"Then wouldn’t it be fine if we just destroyed this forest?"

Cale's thoughts were running deeply in another direction.

"No."

He denied Choi Han's request immediately. The swordsmaster might not have any problem saying such things and following it through.

But the situation was a bit more complicated that such simple way of thinking.

'If a dragon had been here in the past...'

Cale's thoughts raced.

'Then it is wise to not disturb much of this place.'

Cale did not know why a dragon would be here, or create a place like this. Dragons are powerful creatures who did whatever they want, and didn't have to care what others thought.

'And if a dragon has some sort of hoard here...'

On one hand, it was extremely beneficial, as a dragon's hoard will have a lot wealth like gold, gems, magical devices, mana stones and grimoires.

Cale could feel his heart racing at the idea of acquiring such massive wealth.

But on the other hand, if the dragon was still alive, and came back to find his hoard empty....

The redhead felt the sweat building up at the back of his hands. Getting rich was great, but at the cost of a dragon possibly charging at him?

He'd rather not go near whatever belonged to that dragon.

There was no mention of a dragon's lair in Roan or the Jungle in the novel The Birth of a Hero.

The novel had said there was no dragon in the Path of No Return. But Raon is saying there might have been one in the past.

The novel had not said about the Crown Prince not being a human either. Raon did though.

Cale did not want to risk some dragon's wrath. It was not worth the money if he'd get injured and spend all of it on treatment.

Besides, Raon was too young to fight another dragon.

Choi Han turned towards Cale, watching the red head get lost in his own thoughts. He could not hear what the young noble was thinking.

And slowly, Cale spoke.

"We just need to show that the legend is a lie. Then there will be no reason for them to go into the forest."

Chapter Text

As he stepped into the forest, Cale realized that he couldn't see very far. The fog had surrounded them.

Raon, who no longer needed to be invisible, was sitting on Cale's shoulder and swinging his tail. He hummed, waving his paws in the fog.

"Mm, This fog really does have the essence of a dragon's power. It is restricting some of my magic."

Lifting up from Cale's shoulder, the black dragon hovered over Cale's head.

"I will need to use about my front paw’s worth of strength in order to use magic. Human, you need to be at least at my level to use magic in this fog."

Cale hummed, as he did not bother to look around. The fog was restricting his vision anyway.

'Why would a dragon cast a fog over this forest?'

Those were his thoughts.

'To hide something? But dragons doesn't need to hide. They're too prideful to do that. Is it like marking a territory?'

Despite the confusion in his head, Cale set those feelings aside. Raon had said there were no dragons in the forest. It was good enough for now.

"You're amazing Raon."

Cale said, truly meaning it. The black dragon had been really helpful, even if he had the tendency to say things that shouldn't be said.

Raon preened on hearing it.

"Yes, I am great and mighty. But what is the Queen's wish?"

Raon, who had heard a brief explanation last night, asked for more details from Cale, who responded without any delay.

"Putting out the fire in the jungle."

"Fire?"

Litana, the Queen of the Jungle.

She was the ruler of this wide southern territory that was larger than even the empire. She never showed any weakness to the strong while she was very weak to the weak.

The reason such a person was secretly in this forest was because she was desperate to find a solution. As ridiculous as the legend was, she truly needed help.

And now that Cale realized, there was some truth to the legend. A dragon used to be here. Though dragon's can't grant wishes, a part if the legend was true.

It made him wonder what happened to the people who went into the forest in the past.

'If they met the dragon...'

A shiver ran up his spine. He did not even want to imagine that.

His attention was brought back by On, who sniffed the fog.

"This fog is very unique."

Her eyes were glowing subtly as she stared at it.

"It doesn't seem like a regular fog. Something like a mix of poisonous fog and magic."

Her voice was full of curiosity as she observed the thick white smoke hanging around them.

Cale hummed at her words, looking straight ahead. He still couldn't see anything. But that was why he had brought Ohn along.

"Ohn, the path."

"Got it."

Ohn's eyes glowed a little bit more, as her front paw started to move. The fog moved, like it was following the movement of her paw.

As the fog moved away, there was a sound. It was like the noise you hear when you put your ear into the entrance of a counch. There was also another sound creeping up in between, a hum. Like a soul that was trapped in the counch and it has nothing else to do but hum to shake off the boredom.

Cale paused, looking around the area with sharp eyes. There was nothing nearby, but the fog that was moving in a weird way. As if it didn't like that it was moved, but wouldn't do anything to stop them from going through.

Raon and On didn't seem to find it as a threat, as their eyes sparkled. They looked around in fascination.

And since Raon didn't sense anything dangerous, Cale let it go.

Cale walked deeper into the fog, even though he could not see anything in front of him. The fog did not disperse, even when it rained. Cale brushed some rain water off of his raincoat, as he did not loosen his grip on the silver cat in his arms.

"Can you see the path through the fog?"

"I can see it!"

Cale followed On’s directions into the forest. He seemed very much at peace, as if he had come for a stroll.

"It would be great if we could meet her today."

Cale really hoped to meet Litana today. Afterall, the only reason he had even entered this forest was to meet her.

Chapter Text

"Why do you do this every time?" The black dragon asked, genuinely confused.

Cale didn't know either. After he helped the Whales with their issues, Cale had come back to the royal palace on the Crown Prince’s orders.

Both of them hugged tightly after exchanging some very flattering pleasantries.

The moment they were alone though, they stepped away from each other quickly and settled around the table on one side of the office.

Cale knew the Prince had called him here to give him work.

"Why is the Crown Prince looking at you like that?"

The Crown Prince was indeed staring at Cale weirdly, observing him from head to toe.

"You. What have you been upto?" He asks in confusion.

"I've been resting, Your Highness," Cale replies smoothly. "Thanks to your kindness and generosity, I've recovered well too."

Alberu's frown doesn't lighten up.

"You are a very interesting person. Interesting and suspicious."

He took a sip of the tea the servant had brought earlier and continued to stare at Cale.

Before Alberu finished sipping the tea, Cale began speaking.

"Your Highness"

He makes eye contact with the Crown Prince, who seemed confused.

Cale took out the glass bottle he had recieved from the Whale King from his magic bag and kept it on the table.

"...What is this?"

"This is a present I've prepared for you."

Cale slowly opened the bottle, and an invisible substance and smell began to come out of it. Alberu was watching it without a change in expression.

"You've become bold" The Prince says after a few seconds of silence.

Raon had sensed that some kind of power was used to dye the crown prince's hair and pupils. But he didn't know what it was. Though that changed when he came face to face with dead mana in the swamp, were he sensed the same feeling as the magic used on Alberu. The crown prince's hair and eyes were brown. His mother was thought to be a southerner. So...

"Dark elves have dark skin, but I heard that a mixed child of a dark elf have skin similar to the Southerners." Cale looked at Alberu as he finished his deductions, "So, the child of a half blooded dark elf?"

The crown prince was known for his looks. The first concubine was also known as a beauty.

Alberu, who had these speculations thrown at him, had his facade crack. He scoffs, but maintains the eye contact. He was observing Cale with eyes full of disdain. It was clear that he was looking down on Cale, as if he was an inferior creature.

Which, Cale realizes, is kind of true, considering Cale was just a human while Alberu, a quarter dark elf.

"Oops, I've been caught" Alberu said, more confidently than Cale had expected. The prince smiled at him, though the smile didn't reach his eyes.

Cale continues holding the eye contact, feeling that something is off.

"Whatsoever shall I do now?" The Crown Prince continues, sounding amused. His blue eyes were cold, suddenly looking like a stormy sea rather than the sunny sky.

The coldness in those fake blue eyes slowly spread into the air and filled the room, sending chills down Cale's spine. Surprised at the sudden change of atmosphere, he felt his dominating aura being activated.

Alberu's eyes widened, looked taken aback for a moment. Though the surprise melts away immediately.

"You're full of surprises, huh?" He smirks. This time his eyes sparkled in curiosity, giving Cale goosebumps. It strangely reminded him of Raon obsessing over high grade spells and mana devices he found interesting.

For some reason, Cale couldn't move his eyes away from Alberu's blue orbs, and he could only focus on the swirling blue, resembling a whirlpool. It was now flickering to brown and back to blue. Raon did say the Crown Prince's eyes were really brown. He didn't say what shade though. This wasn't just brown, but a shade of warm brown, like a swirling chocolate whirlpool, and the sweetness was tingling Cale's entire body. There was a fuzziness in his brain that was slowly taking over his judgement and-

"It's a pity that I wouldn't indulge on you."

-and suddenly, record activates.

Alberu flinches really hard, and all of a sudden a blob of black smashes straight into his chest, prompting him to fall backwards with the couch.

"Remove your spell from the weak human, you insolent creature!" Raon yells as he appears and pins Alberu down the floor.

Alberu blinks, his eyes a little disoriented. But there was no surprise in his expression as he grunted. He made no moves to push away the little dragon sitting on him. He shakes his head, as if to bring his thoughts back on track.

Cale blinks a few times, brain catching up with everything that just happened. He took a few measured breaths, wheezing a little. He gazed at the upturned cushions and couch, and the Crown Prince who was on the ground with a blank face, his white shirt drenched in hot tea. Raon was pinning him down with an angry expression.

"...don't let him go. Be careful" Cale instructs the black dragon. From all the reactions he had expected, an attack aimed at him had the lowest chances. Yet the prince didn't even hesitate.

Alberu Crossman was not a person who hesitates to take action. The novel portrayed him as a person who preferred peace over violence, but also someone who knew when to chose violence when necessary.

Right now though, the Crown Prince didn't even try to negotiate and went straight for the attack. This was starting to get dangerous.

What really got Cale stunned was that spell. He doesn't know what it was, but it triggered his record ability. Record was a power that wasn't from this world, and the Crown Prince triggered it using a spell. Cale doesn't know much about this world, but he feels like that was not supposed to happen.

Thank goodness Raon decided to push the prince away, or God knows what he would've done next.

"You attacked my weak human! How dare you?! I'll kill you!" Raon growls.

"Your human?" Alberu scoffs, "I hadn't known dragons could be familiars." A dragon threatening to end his life didn't seem to have phased him at all.

"He's not my familiar" Cale frowned. He knew what a familiar was. Creatures that formed an unbreakable bond with humans. Dragons are too powerful to be familiars.

"I'm not anybody's anything. I belong to myself. I'm a great and mighty dragon" Raon also declares haughtily.

Alberu pauses for a second. He slightly lifted his upper body and supported it with his elbows, and looked at the dragon on his stomach, as if properly taking a look at him. His voice sounded hesitant, but curious, "I was aware you had a dragon in your presence, but I didn't expect him to be a child"

There, that confirms it.

The Crown Prince however, tilted his head and motioned to somebody, presumably a guard, and nodded. 

"Was he not looking at me?" 

He hopes he wasn't. He absolutely cannot be discovered with a dragon, especially not by this glib-tongued crown prince. 

"...You knew" Cale muttered.

"Obviously," The Prince rolled his eyes.

Alberu had caught Raon's presence. He was looking at Raon during their first meeting. He had only feigned to nod at the guard.

The Crown Prince had been tricking them both since then.

Cale felt goosebumps all over.

There were still some things that didn't add up though.

"...You cast a spell on me when you knew I had a dragon with me," he points out. The Crown Prince he knew wouldn't make stupid decisions like facing a dragon.

"Well, who imagined that a dragon would bond with a human and interfere in his business?" Alberu grumbles.

That was true, Cale guessed. It was unique that dragons took interest in humans. They're usually so aloof and uncaring.

Raon on the other hand, was only focusing on the part where he was called a child. "I'm not a child. I am five years old. My name is Raon Miru. It is a great name picked by the weak human here" he declared, puffing out his chest.

"Such a unique name" Alberu's mouth quirked up slightly. He still doesn't attempt to sit up as he continues to talk, "If you are not a child, I am not an adult either. I am twenty three years old. My name is Alberu Crossman. It is a great name picked by my strong mother"

"Your mother?" Raon perked up. It seemed as if he was very interested in the information he was given. "So the spell you did on the human, was that taught by your mother?"

Alberu raised his eyebrows, finding Raon's enthusiasm amusing. "The memory charm? No. I-"

"You put a memory charm on the weak human??" Raon cuts him off, sounding scandalized. "You could've hurt him really bad!" The dragon's resumes to yelling again.

"It us rude to talk over people" Alberu instructs calmly, not the slightest bit upset or remorseful at the accusations. "I am quite proficient in memory charms. Even if a backlash occurs, there will be nothing permanent"

"You did a memory charm on me?" Cale asked out loud. He was silently listening the other two's conversation and couldn't help but intervene. The prince's grin fell as he focused on Cale.

"I tried" Alberu corrects him. "But something in you prevented it from happening. A power I have never seen. The memory charm I did would leave us both harmed if completed. So I stopped" Alberu pauses. He then stares at Cale's garnet red eyes "A man who cannot forget" he mutters, sending another wave of chills down Cake's spine. How did he-

"It is a curse, to never be able to forget" Alberu's face was filled with sympathy. Fake or not, it was hard to tell. But his words were sincere. "I am sorry. I would be more careful next time," his apology was also sincere.

Cale pauses his the thoughts about Alberu figuring out his ability. This had never happened before. This should never be happening. He pushes down the panic and his doubts. He will deal with that part later. Alberu was saying that he would make sure that ths next time if he used a spell on Cale, he'd be careful to not hurt him. The red head didn't feel any relief hearing that.

"Don't attack the human again," Raon warns, cutting off Cale's thoughts. The five year old dragon was frowning and pointing his fingers at Alberu's chest in warning, though it appeared cute because of his tiny paws with pointy nails, and chubby cheeks. The words coming out of his mouth were anything but that, "Or I'll destroy you."

"As long as he wouldn't threaten me, I shall listen to your request," Alberu replies cheerfully. "I'd rather not be chased down to hell." If the church hear a hint of dark elves being here, they would descend like dogs with rabies.

"I am here to make a deal" Cale states. He never said anything about ratting out the secrets. The crown prince should've realized that too. He was a smart man.

"I am aware. And I am glad that you came to me instead of the other princes. But I would rather have had nobody know of it" Alberu replies bitterly.

He looked a little defeated, and most importantly, ready to make a deal. Cale once again realized how having a dragon can be a such a great advantage, as much of a hassle it is. Without the black dragon, thing's could've gone south very fast.

"Raon, let go of him," he instructed again.

"But human, he's dangerous!" The black dragon yells.

"I merely tried to defend myself from a possible threat," Alberu doesn't back down at all. It's as if he could care less that his life was in the hands of a dragon.

"My human is very weak. How could he harm a hair on such a strong being as you?" The black dragon retorts back.

"He have you for the strength he lacks" Alberu points out. "And he fooled entire world into thinking he's senseless drunkard, then comes to me with a baby dragon and says he knows the secret of my birth?"

"I'm not a baby!"

Both the dragon and the dark elf stared at each other challengingly. Cale doesn't know what to make of it. This was not the development he was expecting.

"Raon, let go," he says sternly.

Raon backed down in the end, only because Cale wanted him to.

For Cale, this was a very wierd scene. Though the story had changed a little, he had always depended on the knowledge about the characters and other creatures he had read in the novel. An elf always submits to a dragon. That's how it should be naturally, dark or not. To see one that talks back, challenges and chides a dragon, he was truly surprised.

Patting the dust off his clothes, Alberu stands up. He doesn't say much as he puts back the couch in it's place. Glaning at the mess of spilled tea and broken cup, he sighs and snaps his fingers.

In a moment, it all vanished. Raon, who was sitting on Cale's lap stared at the display of magic.

"Teleportation" he mumbled to himself.

Not responding much, Alberu sat back on the couch, and the conversations continued.

"It's clean, devoid of any poisons" he focuses on the dead mana, "The smell is quite unusual though... it's not normal dead mana. "

"It isn't" Cale agrees. Though he doesn't give away the answer, curious to know whether the crown prince could figure it out himself. Just how strong is he?

"A dragon's" Alberu mumbles. A slight disgust appears on his face, and it is replaced by cold facade.

"Close it" Alberu demands, pointing at the bottle. Cale complies without an ounce of resistance.

Alberu doesn't ask anymore about it, and neither does Cale elaborate.

Dead mana was exchanged, a contract signed and both ends were happy and wary at the same time.

"The ridiculous things you do...How are you even alive?" Alberu mumbles as the redhead gets up from the couch.

Cale doesn't grace him with an answer. Happy that he got what he wanted, he just wanted to get away from this man as soon as possible. It seems like the emotion was reciprocated tenfold, as the prince seem to be hoping for his death.

"...It would be good if you stop gathering all these ancient ancient powers. Three is more than anybody ever had" Alberu advices just as Cale was about to reach the door. The redhead turns around in confusion, but not further explanation was given.

Thus, they both part ways.

As for Cale, he realized that there is more to the crown prince than it was written in the novel.

Chapter Text

Cale decided to not go to the palace or anywhere in the capital, and just stay at a village that was closest to the capital.

The Crown Prince had said his aunt would guide him to the dark elf city. They were supposed to meet here today.

Raon was invisible on his shoulders, and On and Hong were playing on the bed. Cale had asked Choi Han to leave him alone for the night, since the swordsmaster was not aware of Alberu's real identity.

Which was a topic that still baffles Cale. Choi Han might've never met a dark elf. But how could he, throughout the novel, describe Alberu as a normal person? Especially when Raon said that the disguise magic Alberu used to dye his hair, skin and eyes are at a level of the dragons?

"Someone's coming, human."

Raon's voice snaps him out if his thought. He looked towards the door with a bored face. He should quickly get this over with and sleep. And before that, gather a bit of information if he can.

Nobody came through the door, but there was a knock at the window. Cautiously, Cale opens it and sees a woman perching on the tree branch next to the window. The moonlight was falling on her back, creating a divine like aura around her.

She was wearing a robe, the hood shadowing her face.

"You must be Young Master Cale," the woman says, and Cale nods. Stepping back, he creates some space for her.

She jumps in with no hesitation.

"I'm Tasha" she puts forward her hand. Cale shakes it without hesitation.

"I assume you know who I am?" She asks, pulling back her hood and observing Cale's reaction. She had a refreshingly beautiful face, with glowing black skin, black pupils and short black hair. With the moonlight shining on her through the windows, she looked like the humanized form of a black pearl.

"Yes," Cale answers, "The person who would be guiding us to the Dark elf city."

Tasha’s lips curls up, satisfied with the answer. When Alberu had told her that someone had found out that he was a dark elf, she was shocked. In all his twenty three years of life, never have anybody figured out Alberu's dark elf lineage. She was even more surprised that Alberu hadn't killed Cale, or wiped off his memories. Though she understood why, when Alberu explained the details. Speaking off which...

"Young Master," Tasha tilts her head sideways, "Is the dragon-nim with you?"

The Crown had told Cale that he would be telling Tasha about Raon.

- "Aunt Tasha will be meeting you two days from now."

Cale nodded, taking in the information. So the Crown Prince maintained his connection with the dark elves through his aunt, he thought.

- "I'll notify her of Raon's presence."

Cale frowns, not really liking the idea.why was it necessary for the Crown Prince's aunt to know? Alberu must trust her a lot, and it isn't that Cale thinks she's not trustworthy. He just didn't want a lot of people to know about the young black dragon with him.

- "She will notice the dragon's presence. So you're not really hiding anything. It's better to make things clear with her." Alberu clarifies without Cale having to ask anything.

That made Cale curious. It's either that Tasha was as powerful, or more powerful than Rosalyn. Or, she had met a dragon before.

Considering how the disguise magic on Alberu was at a dragon's level, Cale finds it more likely that Tasha had met a dragon before.

"She met a dragon before." Cale says. It wasn't a question.

Alberu doesn't reply, for a second.

- "Something like that."

Cale wasn't really thrilled with having somebody, especially another dark elf knowing about Raon's existence. He didn't want to be seen with a dragon. But it couldn't be helped if Tasha could recognize Raon's presence. Since they have to work together, it wouldn't do any good to let her be in dark about this.

As if waiting for his cue, Raon undoes his invisibility and stands tall on Cale's shoulders.

"Hello, robe lady. I'm the great and mighty Raon Miru. I'm four years old."

Unlike Alberu who immediately started bantering with Raon, Tasha gave him a deep bow of respect. "It's an honor to meet you, Raon-nim. I'll make sure to guide you properly."

"You should," Raon nods, "Make sure to get to the dark elf city quickly. My human here is too weak. He can't handle the heat for long."

'Why is this kid saying such things?' Cale thinks, exasperated at how Raon seemed to love to share such meaningless pieces of information. But what he said was the truth. Cale didn't want to stay under the hot dessert sun for too long.

Tasha bowed once again, as she says, "I will make sure that we will reach there as soon as possible, Raon-nim."

Despite the deep respectful bow and initial wariness, Tasha doesn't seem to be acting like Raon is a God. Which is odd, as much as it relieved Cale. He didn't want to deal with dragon fanatic elf. But elves, by nature, are dragon fanatics. It was odd that Tasha wasn't.

"We'll be leaving tomorrow, Young Master Cale. Be prepared" Tasha says, her eyes crinkling to form a smile.

"Right" Cale nods.

"We will have to run across the dessert till the evening." Tasha adds, her tone light.

Cale felt his stomach drop. He knew it wouldn't be a relaxing journey...but running till the sun sets? He couldn't help but groan.

"His Highness should've just gone himself," he grumbles under his breath.

"Ah," Tasha said, having heard Cale's words. Being a dark elf of her age, her hearing is pretty sharp.

"I wish he could've come too," she says with a sad look.

Tasha thought about how Alberu had said that Cale was an interesting person who he found reliable, but doesn't trust the young noble completely. Tasha knows her nephew though. She understood that Cale was trustworthy enough for Alberu to reveal that she was his aunt. So Tasha also trusted him.

Cale sighs, "But he's too busy." He knew his tone was bitter, but he couldn't help it. He really didn't want to work under the blazing sun.

"He is ...not in a position to make any visits," Tasha responds, choosing her words carefully.

Cale got a strange feeling, but he doesn't focus on it.

Whatever the Crown Prince was upto, was non of his business. He nods to Tasha, indicating that he understood. Tasha’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, but she too doesn't ask much, keeping her thoughts to herself.

Telling Tasha that she can meet the rest of the group tomorrow, he sends her off. Through the window, of course. He didn't want anybody seeing a robed woman going out of his door late at night. He was a trash who wasted away his life drinking, and he was very much contended with not adding the title "womanizer" to it.

Chapter Text

"This is the Mayor's office," Shawn points to a simple wooden door. "Our city is usually managed by the eldest Dark elf. The current Mayor-nim is 521 years old."

It was at that moment.

Click click click.

They heard the doorknob urgently turning, and the the door burst open, revealing a neatly dressed dark elf with long white beard and white hair that contrasted steeply with his dark skin.

As soon as his frantic eyes laid on Cale, he fell on his knees. Cale was taken aback.

"Mayor-nim!" Shawn called out in shock.

"T-this feeling" the Mayor mumbled with a pale face, "Sir, I heard you had the dead mana of a dragon."

He looked at Cale with fear.

"Are you perhaps a dragon?"

Shawn froze, while Choi Han's pupils started to shake. Even Cale was stunned. Thankfully, Tasha spoke up.

"He's not a dragon, Grandpa."

'Grandpa?'

Cale's focus went to that one word. Was she calling him grandpa because they're close, or are they related?

"B-but, this feeling-"

"Trust your grand daughter. Young Master Cale is not a dragon." Tasha cuts him off gently.

"Ho"

Cale couldn't help but scoff in disbelief. So Alberu Crossman wasn't just a Crown Prince who happened to be a quarter dark elf. No, he was a Crown Prince who was also Dark Elf royalty. Alberu Crossman sure had a pretty hefty background. No wonder the Dark elf city had a close relationship with him.

Cale looked at both Tasha and the Mayor in shock.

At that moment, the Mayor made eye contact with him.

"I am not a dragon," Cale stated sterly. He didn't want anybody to have that kind of misunderstanding about him.

"...that's very odd" The elder Dark elf mumbles in confusion. "I certainly feel a Dragon-nim's aura around you. It's coming from your vicinity, Young Master-nim."

"That old Dark elf is very smart."

Raon, who was floating behind Cale in his invisible state was amused. Cale wasn't. He only repeated the truth.

"I am not a dragon."

The Mayor furrowed his eyebrows.

"I have certainly met revered dragons in the past. This is the exact feeling I felt back then. Even my elemental says so."

Cale flinched when elementals were mentioned. They were the hardest to scam.

"Grandpa had a few unpleasant meetings with dragons in the past. Please excuse his behavior." Tasha sounded apologetic.

It didn't escape Cale's notice that both Tasha and the Mayor had said 'dragons', in plural. Given his age, it wasn't surprising that the Mayor of the Dark elf city had seen a dragon, especially when his granddaughter and great grandson had already met one. But to see more than one dragon? That's a very rare occurrence.

Suddenly, a GPS like voice was heard.

"Mayor-nim. I'm here as you requested."

Cale turned around, and saw a person who was covered in a robe from head to toe.

"Shall I wait here?"

At that moment, Cale heard Raon's voice in his head.

"Hmm? She's a human? But why does she have the darkness attribute."

'I knew it!'

Cale was glad that his intuition was right. Only a few ways exist for humans to obtain the darkness attribute. Now, he can get an arm for Ron.

'But before that...'

Cale looks at the Mayor to see that Tasha was helping him get up. She met eyes with Cale.

"Let's settle our guests inside first."

'...he had to to take care of this misunderstanding first.'

Chapter Text

"Tada!"

 Raon appeared,still hiding behind Cale.

Shawn gasped in shock.

Even the Mayor's eyes were shaking.

"Why are you not coming out?"

Nobody heard Cale, as they were all focusing on the dragon peeping behind Cale's back.

With a sigh, Cale moved sideways, revealing the young dragon.

Shawn was frozen stiff, as if he was sleeping with his eyes open. While the Mayor was calm, unlike his earlier panicked state. He got on his knees again.

"Grandpa-" Tasha tied to tell him to stand up, but he refused.

"I should not stand. The Dragon-nim I met last time said that standing infront of him is like asking for a fight. I do not wish to fight Dragon-nim."

"The Dragon-nim before that also didn't like anybody in his presence." 

'What kind of dragons did he meet?'

Seeing how the Mayor's eyes were still shaking, Cale wondered whether it was fear more than respect that got him on his knees.

"You can stand up. I do not like things like that."

On hearing these words from Raon, the Mayor sprang up on his feet. Despite his old age, he seemed very healthy and energetic.

Cale raised his hands and clapped loudly, gaining all the attention in the room.

"Let's all calm down first."

Pointing to the couches, he said "Let's take a seat." He felt like it was his own office rather than the Mayor's. But what can he do, when that same Mayor was too busy showing his devotion to a four year old dragon.

Cale didn't know whether he should be relieved that he met a dark elf that should be behaving normally, even if that behavior was this.

Walking past the Mayor's chair, Cale sat on the three person's couch.

The Mayor immediately rushed to his seat and gave Raon another bow, " Dragon-nim, please sit over here."

Cale looked at the Mayor in disbelief. He had left that seat for the Mayor to sit on and not appear disrespectful. Raon though, didn't even spare the seat a glance.

"I don't want to. You sit there!"

Raon then flew over and sat next to Cale, putting his head on Cale's lap. Patting the little dragon's head, Cale's eyes never left the Mayor, who had immediately sat down to listen to Raon's command.

The dragons the Mayor had met in the past might've had terrible temperaments, Cale thought.

Seeing as how things were calming down, he turned to Shawn.

"Can you bring me some water? I'm thirsty."

"I will do so right away."

Putting his hand on Shawn's back, Cale spoke.

"The dragon is a secret."

"A secret."

Raon echoed after him. Shawn bowed his head and responded

"I promise on my relationship with the Elementals that I will keep this a secret."

A Dark elf promising on their relationship with an Elememtal is similar to a vow of death. 

Raon then looked at the Mayor, who quickly bowed his head and took his oath.

"Dragon-nim, I also promise upon my relationship with the Elementals that I will keep this a secret."

Cale met eyes with Tasha. She didn't take the oath like her grandfather or friend. But Cale didn't feel like she needed to. Tasha is the Crown Prince's aunt and most trusted person. As long as he maintains his relationship with the Crown Prince, Cale knew Tasha would never pose a threat to him. He felt relieved, as he knew he didn't have to worry about too many people knowing.

Well, more than the people who already knew.

Shawn brought in a glass of water, and a fancy tray of snack, which Raon immediately started munching on.

Sipping his tea, the Mayor starts to speak.

"My name is Obante."

"My name is Cale Henituse."

"I am the great Raon Miru," Raon said, puffing up his chest in pride. "I am a grand total of four this year."

"Yes, great Dragon-nim."

The Dark elf Mayor Obante immediately shifted his focus when the little dragon spoke, nodding to Raon's words as if they were some divine declaration. Cale sighed internally, knowing there was nothing he could do about this at this point.

'Still, did this kid have to declare his age every time like that?'

"And I'm taking care of Cale Henituse because he is a weakling."

Cale sighed again, this time audibly. Though he didn't argue with Raon. Instead, he started petting the young Dragon's head so that he would stop sharing useless information. Which worked like magic, because Raon went back to munching on the snacks.

Observing their interaction, Mayor Obante cautiously opened his mouth.

"Young Master, Alberu already knows, I assume?"

Cale looked straight at Obante. He was addressing Alberu very casually, so they must be close. But Alberu hadn't told the Mayor about Raon unlike he did with Tasha. Cale really couldn't figure out why. 

"Yes," He answers, observing the Mayor.

"Ah" Obante said as he looked towards Tasha. Both had a staring match for about five seconds, communicating without words.

Turning back to Cale, Obante bowed his head, though this time it was directed at Cale "I hope you would remain friends with him then."

'We're not friends,' Cale wanted to say. But seeing how the Mayor's eyes were filled with something like hope, he bit back those words. He didn't want to lie, but saying the truth might hurt this elder who had only pure intentions. So Cale decided to not respond at all.

But Raon doesn't seem to think the same way.

"Friends?" He asks with a frown. With the cookie crumbs on his chubby cheeks, he looked adorable. Obante, Shawn and Tasha didn't share this sentiment though, as they all tense up.

"That Cunning Prince put a memory charm on my human!" He yelled angrily. 

Though Shawn looked surprised, neither Tasha nor Obante seem to. Instead, they were eyeing Raon a wearily.

"How could my human be friends with someone like that?!"

"Raon-"

"Memory charms are harmful! It could've hurt my human!"

"Raon-"

Cale tried to calm him down, but Raon wasn't listening.

"I don't like him! He's not nice at all!"

With a humph, he took another snack and muched on it angrily. The cracking of the cookie was the only thing that was heard in the silence that followed the young dragon's outburst.

Cale sighed yet again. Why was this little dragon caring so much about that? He thought Raon was over it because both he hadn't responded much when the Crown Prince called before.

"Alberu was just scared, Raon-nim," Tasha says in a gentle tone. Her stance was still stiff, as if she didn't know how Raon will react. 

"Scared?" Raon scoffed, "He's too strong to be scared of a weakling like my human."

"But you were taking care of Young Master Cale, weren’t you Raon-nim?" She reminded.

Raon blinked, his chewing slowed down. "Yes."

"And Alberu didn't have anybody to take care of him after his mother death. Except me, of course. But I wasn't with him then, right?"

"...yes."

"So he was afraid. There was nobody to protect him if Young Master Cale outed his identity. So the only way Alberu saw to get out of the situation was to use that spell."

Hearing her explanation, the black dragon remained silent. All the attention from the Dark elves were on Raon, and Cale felt like it was one of those scenes where one of the main characters was going to make the judgement that could alter the course of their journey forever.

"Also, Alberu is really good with such spells," she adds, her tone reminding Cale of the ones a mother use to resolve issues between her child and the neighbours. "Even if he succeeded in applying it, Young Master Cale would never be harmed. I can assure you that."

The silence was defeaning, and they could all hear the loud ticking of the clock on the wall.

"Fine." Raon said after what felt like an eternity. The three elves gave out a breath of relief, but what came out of the dragon's mouth was something that even Cale didn't expect.

"I'll protect him too, then."

"What?" Cale choked out, stunned at the reply.

"If the Crown Prince is afraid, I will protect him," the little dragon declared, feeling none of the confusion the adults around him were feeling. Turning to face Cale, Raon continued.

"Human, you can be friends with him. He is strong and he can protect you. I will protect him too so that he won't have to be scared."

Raon looked proud of his declaration, but seeing how Cale was gaping at him, he quickly adds, as if to reassure Cale.

"Of course I will always protect you."

Cale opened and closed his mouth, not knowing how to respond to that. How should he respond to that?

'What nonsense is this kid saying?'

Cale knew Tasha’s explanation was only to console the little dragon. Even if thrre is a slight possibility that it wasn't a big fat lie, Raon's proposal was not a solution to it.

"Raon-nim, you don't have to do-"

"I will protect the Crown Prince," Raon's glare made Tasha go silent. She is afterall, a Dark elf, powerless infront of a dragon. "As long as the Crown Prince doesn't harm my human, I will protect him too. So tell him not to be afraid."

Tasha looked at Cale, not knowing what to do. Cale was in a similar situation. He didn't even know how he wanted Tasha to respond.

After a few seconds of staring, Tasha bowed her head. "...Alright, Raon-nim."

"Good" Raon nodded to himself, then went diving into eating another snack, leaving the adults in the room to stare at him helplessly.

"...About the item, Young Master."

Cale had to force himself back to the conversation with the Mayor. Right, the item. That was why he had come here. Before whatever this conversation became, that was his main goal for coming into the Dark elf city.

"Yes" he nods urging Obante to continue.

He will deal with this issue later. For now, he should focus on the item....

Chapter Text

"Is this my room?"

"Yes, Young Master. You can stay here tonight."

Avoiding Tasha's overly thanful gaze, because he only did what he did because he gets something in return, Cale opened the door to his room. Like the last time, they were staying at an inn at a village close to the Capital.

Click.

Bang!

He closed the door the second he opened it. Cale looked at Tasha, who was simply smiling at him. With a deep sigh, he opened the door again to reveal a very charming face with an even more charming smile.

Dragging his feet in, he heard Tasha closing the door behind him.

"This is not your room."

"Of course not, Your Highness."

The Crown Prince Alberu Crossman in all his glory, waiting for Cale with a fancy feast.

"I didn't know you would come all this way to meet me, your highness."

"Well, you did go to the Dark elf city for me. It would be rude of me to not even greet you."

'There is no need for that', Cale thought. He just wanted to rest.

"I also have some of the kingdom's best staek here," The Crown Prince said, pointing to the table. There was indeed, a lot of steak and a lot of meat. It looked really delicious.

"I hope Young Master Cale and his dragon companion Raon Miru would enjoy it. Growing dragons should eat a lot."

Raon, who hadn't bothered to hide himself after Tasha closed the door, looked at the table. Then back at Cale.

"I want to eat that."

Cale doesn't deny that request. Alberu was right. Growing children need a lot of food. So he motioned Raon with his head to go ahead.

Raon buzzed to the table and started feasting on a piece of meat immediately. Seeing how he was devouring everything, he seemed to be enjoying the food.

Both Cale and Alberu made eye contact. The latter extended his hands to the former.

Cling.

The bracelet fell from Cale's hand and landed on Alberu's palm. Suddenly black smoke covered the Crown Princes body with a sizzle sound, like fire hitting water.

Cale watched as the smoke slowly retreated into the bracelet, and Alberu's pale skin was replaced by brown ones. His ears were pointy, and his hair and eyes a delicious shade of chocolate brown. Eventhough he was just a quarter dark elf, his dark elf characteristics were really visible.

"Your Highness, this appearance of yours is quite wonderful."

Cale compliments. It was a sincere comment, nothing glib at all. The Crown Prince was looking extremely handsome.

"Enjoying what you see?" 

"Yes," Cale nods quite seriously to the teasing question. The man infront him right now was quite a sight to see, and Cale doesn't think he would mind staring at that appearance for quite a long time.

Alberu's eyebrows shot up at that answer, his lips forming a smirk.

"The blessing of the God of death, huh?" He asks, observing the bracelet. He could feel the power inside it. "I'm relieved. Guess I owe you one now, huh?"

"Yes," Cale replies, not even trying to appear modest. "Just give me the reward you promised, Your Highness."

Alberu laughed, as he took a few steps towards Cale. "Why of course, Young Master. I always keep my word."

Cale didn't reply, as he didn't feel the need to. The Crown Prince might be standing a bit too close for comfort, but it doesn't matter. As long as he gets his reward, Cale doesn't really mind. Besides, being able to see such a handsome face up so close isn't that bad either. Alberu's chiseled jaw and long lashes were extremely attractive to the eye.

"Human, Crown Prince. Come eat. This is quite delicious."

Raon suddenly calls out, gaining their attention. Both of them turns sideways to see the young dragon stuffing his mouth with steak.

Cale complies immediately, while Alberu follows after a short few seconds. They both sit on either side of the table. Cale slowly started to fill up his plate, and asked.

"Aren't you busy, Your Highness?"

Didn't the Crown Prince have to go to the Empire? As far as Cale knew, the ceremony is quite close. So unless the Prince could shorten the distance to the Empire from here, he'd have to leave immediately to get there in time.

The Crown Prince scoffs. "Do you detest my company so much, Young Master?"

"How could I even detest anything about you, the rising sun of our kingdom, the one who burns bright with-"

"Enough."

What follows that was silence, and the only voice that could be heard was the clinking of cutlery and munching of food.

Like Raon said, the steak was good. Though not as good as the ones Beacrox make, this one was pretty savory.

While Cale cut into the meat, he eyes the Crown Prince who was eating soundlessly. His arms were moving so elegantly, as if he was dancing instead of eating. He was sure that 'The Crown Prince Eating', was a form of art.

It didn't miss his attention how the Crown Prince was avoiding all the meat and only having vegetable. Which wasn't much, as Cale knew most of what was here was meat. Was he on a diet or something?

"Why are you not eating the steak?"

Raon, bless his innocent soul, didn't mind asking such questions.

Alberu hummed, "I don't like the taste and texture of meat."

"Oh" Raon exclaims.

This was news for Cale. Elves don't eat meat, that is their custome. Dark elves doesn't bother with those practices. It wasn't that Dark elves can't be vegetarians, but growing up in the palace, meat must've been a regular meal. So to avoid eating meat...

Cale didn't know why he was thinking so much about this. Alberu Crossman was a quarter dark elf, and he is defying every sentence written in the novel about him and the expectation one might have on dark elves. Maybe that is why.

Cale shakes those thoughts off his mind. It wasn't any of his business. He hopes he wouldn't have to get entangled with this man in the future. Thinking about his resolve to not interact with the Crown Prince too much, Cale missed the glint in Raon's eyes.

"Crown Prince"

"Yes?"

"I will protect you."

Cale nearly choked on the piece of steak in his mouth. 'Aigoo, what is this kid trying to do?'

The fork that was about to enter his mouth stopped, as the Crown Prince stared at the young dragon in confusion.

"Pardon?"

"I will protect you," Raon repeats, looking straight at the quarter dark elf. "As long as you don't harm my human, I will protect you. So don't be afraid."

The Crown Prince blinked a few times, staring at the four year old Dragon who was puffing his chest out in confidence. He then looked at Cale, his chocolate brown eyes screaming 'What?'

Cale didn't even have enough energy to shrug. He had no idea what was going through Raon's head. 'Why can't this kid see that I'm trying to distance myself from this glib tongue Crown Prince? Why is he doing this to me?'

Realizing that Cale wasn't going to give him an explanation, the Crown Prince went back to staring at Raon, who's eyes were still burning with determination.

Cale thought that he would decline Raon's proposal (if whatever the little kid said could even be called as a proposal). The Crown Prince was someone who doesn't trust easily. He wouldn't agree to this. But like usual, Alberu Crossman was defying Cale's expectations.

"What's in it for you?"

Raon, without batting an eye, gave an immediate response, "Be friends with my weak human and protect him."

It seemed like Raon had already planned out the entire conversation in his head. But Cale knew that Raon was only expressing his thoughts honestly. He might be a dragon, but he's still a four year old.

Alberu seems to know this too, as he tilted his head in amusement.

"Let's see," he replied, not exactly declining but neither agreeing.

Raon didn't seem to mind, as he went back to eating his food. Alberu was still watching the little dragon, his lips coming to form a small smile.

He then turned towards Cale Henituse.

"Toonka became the commander in chief of the whipper kingdom."

Cale, who had witnessed the wierd interaction between these two, welcome the initiation of another conversation from the Crown Prince. So he gives his reply, "They've gotten a one-way ticket to hell."

Alberu began to smirk.

They didn't have much to converse about, but they did until Tasha came to remind Alberu that it's time to go. Putting his disguise back on, Alberu bid his farewell to both Cale and Raon.

Neither of them had addressed Raon's words from earlier, anonymously deciding to let it be.

Chapter Text

– "You know that maintaining this secret is the most important thing, right? 

“That is why I didn’t even tell you until now, your highness.” 

Cale's lips turned into a gentle smile, but for Alberu, it seemed far from it. He felt like it was the worst expression in the world.

Cale remained unbothered. He trusted Rosalyn and knew she wouldn't betray them. As for Alberu,  Cale didn't feel like he should give away too much information to him. Not that he's planning on doing it with the rest of his group either.

As much as he trusted Alberu Crossman to not act against the kingdoms interest, he wasn't about to divulge too much. The Crown Prince had become too much of a variable, and Cale prefered to keep him at arm's length.

– "And Mary."

Alberu's tone was calm but probing.

"...she's with Raon" Cale replies cautiously.

He wasn't naive enough to think that Tasha would keep Mary's departure from the Dark Elf City a secret. More than anything, seeing how anxious she was when Mary had said she'd be going to see the outside world, Cale kind of expected her to report it to Alberu.

What he didn't see coming was the enquiry about Mary. 

– "Auntie Tasha said that you're a good man." 

"...She's wrong," Cale frowns. He didn't know why Tasha got such an impression of him. 

– "I won't be arguing with that," Alberu waved it off and looked straight into Cale's eyes. "But I don't believe you brought her along out of the goodness of your heart." 

"She wanted to see the outside world," Cale replied with a casual shrug.

The Crown Prince is right. He only brought Mary along to see the outside world in return for making Ron an arm. Now there's a fortunate bonus - she could be of great use to fight the Wyverns. 

– "I was made aware of that," Alberu nodded, his expression unreadable. After a brief pause, he sighed.

– "Mary and I are not close," he begins. 

"...okay?" Cale raised an eyebrow, not knowing where the Crown Prince was heading with this conversation.

– "But Auntie Tasha treats Mary like her own daughter," Alberu continued in a matter of fact tone. "Auntie spent more time with me than with her, but that was only because Mary was safer in the city than I ever was in the Palace. She geniunly cares about her."

Cale listened as Alberu laid out his thoughts with clinical precision, more like a report than a personal confession.

– "That somehow makes her my cousin," Alberu continued.

It kind of made sense to Cale. If Tasha considered Mary as a daughter, then to the Crown Prince, she is a relative, just not by blood.

– "We do not share any sort of connection, but since we are family in some sense, I have a responsibility towards Mary. I hope you will be looking after her properly." Alberu pauses briefly.

— "Not that I think you would mistreat someone under your care, but if you need any help regarding her, don't hesitate to contact Tasha or me."

Cale tilted his head slightly, observing Alberu's detached manner. This Crown Prince didn't say this out of care, but because of an obligation he felt compelled to fulfill.

Which didn't seem wierd when you realize that these two rarely met. Obviously there was no emotional connection or whatsoever between them. 

– "I'm willing to pay, if that is what you're looking for." 

Cale considered that for a moment. He loved free money, but this didn't feel right. Mary is already making Ron an arm, and she is helping with the bones too. Cale didn't really want to exploit an innocent person to that extend. 

"There is no need," Cale said with a shrug.

He would've felt awkward if this was a heart felt moment, but the Crown Prince's tone made it feel like he was hearing some sort of presentation rather than a heartfelt confession.

– "I know you're planning something," Alberu said, his sharp eyes observing Cale.

— "And I know you'll involve Mary in it." 

Cale offered a soft, harmless smile.

"Use?"

He said, eyes filled with innocence. "I'm just glad Raon could show her the world and bring her some joy." 

Alberu stared at him, his expression blank and unimpressed, and chose not to comment on the obvious lie. 

– "See you next time." 

"Any time, Your Highness."

Cale replied smoothly.

The communication device became dark, signaling the end of the conversation.

Chapter Text

—"Do you want to hear something funny?"

"Not at all." 

Cale replied truthfully. 

—"I'll tell you anyway" 

But as usual, the Crown Prince did not care about Cale's feelings. He leaned closer to the communication device, an amused smile curling on his lips.

—"Did you know the Pope of the Sun God Church died?" 

Cale blinked, his mind halting for a brief second, but kept his face neutral as he knew Alberu was watching his reaction. His weariness grew as he noticed the subtle but genuine amusement in Alberu's expression. It wasn't a fake smile, as if the Crown Prince truly found the incident entertaining.

"Your Highness, can you talk about such a thing while in the Empire?" 

—"I've already used noise cancelation magic" 

Alberu was frowning as he leaned back.

—"Who do you think I am?"

Cale knew Alberu had access to the finest mages and magical devices. Besides, Raon had said that the disguise magic the Crown Prince wore was at a higher caliber than Rosalyn’s power.

Someone who had all this wouldn't find it hard to put up sound cancelation magic. 

He nodded, accepting the fact. Alberu continue to speak. 

—"Once the Emperor announced the start of the festival, the Pope gave an opening address since the festival was related to the Sun God. The location for it was in front of the Imperial capital’s Sun God Temple." 

Cale noticed how Alberu's tone turned sharp with the next sentence. 

—"The platform went flying." 

Cale couldn't believe his ears for a second. 

"What?" 

Alberu repeated his words patiently. 

—"The temple and the platform both went flying." 

"An explosion?" 

—"Exactly." 

Cale's mind raced, thinking of various possibilities. It was unlikely that Prince Aldin would do this. It was too obvious and messy.

—"It was similar to what happened to us." 

The term "us" made Cale's expression change. He knew Alberu was referring to the Plaza terror incident at the Capital. 

—"The Holy twins and some other individuals were wearing black outfits, similar to the terrorists back at the Plaza. The mages were different, but the magic bomb and the spells used were exactly the same." 

Alberu's eyes were cold despite the smile. Though his eyes were still on Cale, it seemed as if a lot of things were going inside his head. 

Cale stared at the Crown Prince. 

'...the magic bomb and the spells used were exactly the same.' 

Alberu had said it with such confidence. Cale realized that he had sensed the bomb during the Plaza terror incident. The bomb whose presence Rosalyn and Raon tried to hide. The bomb that Raon said was teleported by an unknown individual. 

Cale felt goosebumps all over his body. 

—"The mage's shield saved me, and the group of believers standing close to the mages also escaped. But the rest of them, along with Pope were all massacred." 

—"To think that they planned on doing the same thing in Roan" 

Alberu scoffed in disgust. 

—"Pathetic. I'll find the pathetic organization that mage belonged to and destroy it." 

Alberu looking at Cale. His eyes were clouded over, focusing on some faraway point.

—"That mage though, I need to find him first. It'll be easy from there on." 

"Mm, Your Highness." 

Inside the communication device, Cale saw Alberu tilt his head towards Cale's direction, though his eyes remained cloudy. It was unnerving, those eyes. 

"The mage is no longer in this world." 

—"Hmm?" Alberu's eyes turned back into focus at that shocking news. 

"He's dead." 

Cale avoided looking at Alberu. 

—"...You killed him?" 

"I did not kill him." 

Cale replied truthfully. Although Choi Han cut off Redika's arms and made him go blind, Cale was not the one to kill him. That crazy swordsman was the one who killed Redika. 

—"Obviously" 

Alberu scoffed.

—"He's too strong for you." 

Cale frowned, looking back at the Crown Prince. It wasn't that Alberu was wrong, but he sounded too condescending. Annoying.

Cale opened his mouth to say something annoying, but closed it shut as he saw Alberu's face. 

His face seemed perfectly composed, but the fake blue eyes screamed disappointment. It shouldn't have bothered Cale, but for some reason, it did. Not meeting eyes with the Crown Prince, he said

"....I'm sorry" 

—"Haaaaa" 

Cale heard Alberu sigh deeply.

—"Well, do me a favor next time." 

"...A favor?" 

Cale had no intention of agreeing to do it. Going to the Dark Elf village was more than enough. That trip did help him find Mary, but he wasn't going to go about doing something like that again. Not without another golden plaque.

—"Yes Young Master, a favor" 

Albery repeats, his eyes forming crescents. 

—"Next time before your group decides to kill any terrorist, bring them to me." 

Cale raised his eyebrows, but nodded. It was a reasonable request. The Crown Prince would naturally want to interrogate the criminals who terrorized his kingdom.

—"After I'm done, you can have your way with them" 

Alberu waves his hands casually. 

— "Physical torture, bamboo torture, white room torture, water boarding, chopping off limbs, making a kabab or a curry-  whatever it is that you do." 

'...making kabab or a curry?' 

Cale frowned, feeling confused. His mind went back to the time he saw Venion Stan being tortured. Beacrox had made food for Cale, Raon, On amd Hong to eat while they watched it happen.

Shaking off the irrelevant thoughts, Cale focused on the more pressing issue. 

The Sun God twins and the bomb explosion. This was a new incident, and he had no way to know what really happened. Neither can he send Ron or anyone else to figure it out right now.

—"Do you want to know something interesting that I gathered?" 

Cale snapped his attention back to the Crown Prince. He was looking at Cale with such intensity that rang alarm bells in Cale's head. 

"No-" 

Alberu once again, did not care about Cale's feeling. 

—"Only one of them wanted the explosion to happen, and it was for revenge. The other is only half the real deal." 

Cale was seriously starting to doubt why the Crown Prince even bothered to ask him if he was going to say it anyway.

'Only one of them wanted the explosion to happen, and it was for revenge. The other is only half the real deal?'

A riddle? 

Revenge? Against who?

Half the real deal? What nonsense is that? 

Cale's expression might've said everything he had thought, as the Crown Prince laughed in delight. 

—"You're interested in them, right?" 

"No" 

Cale denied immediately. It was true that he wanted to know the truth. But he wanted to avoid getting involved too. 

—"Well then. In the future, let me know about such importance matters." 

It was like the Crown Prince was doing this purposefully to annoy Cale. 

"Will do." 

Cale answered, acting casual. Though his mind was already trying to piece together everything he know and trying to figure out everything he didn't. 

Alberu's eyebrows twitched, but he continued to speak. 

—"Also, contact me when the fourth Prince arrives. He was calm and respectful with me. I'm sure you'll have a great time meeting him." 

Cale's mind went to Rosalyn who described her brother as 'a total bitch and a whiner,' as he nodded his head. He completely missed the mischievous smile Alberu was giving before cutting the call.

Soon, both of them ended their conversation. They wouldn't have to chat for a while.

Chapter Text

Cale put the video communication device on the table and sat down on the couch. Raon started to connect the video communication device at Cale’s signal. 

Alberu's face appeared on the device. His eyes shone the tiniest bit on seeing Cale. 

—"Long time no see." 

Raon, who had no reason to hide himself from the Crown Prince, hovered infront of the device, his wings fluttering with excitement.

"Crown Prince! This mighty dragon greets you!" 

Alberu's eyes turned into crescents as he smiled at the little black dragon. 

—"Greetings Raon. I'm delighted to see you again. How have you been?" 

"I've been eating well and making sure the human eats well too!" 

Raon puffed out his chest, pride radiating from him. Alberu chuckled softly.

"I'm glad you're doing well, Raon. It must be reassuring for Cale to have someone as capable as you protecting him." 

"He is!" 

Raon nodded, then turns to Cale.

"You are, right?" 

"Yes, yes" 

Cale nodded, patting the Raon's head while subtly trying to move him away from the communication device. He didn't know whether the young dragon and the Crown Prince becoming closer was a good thing.

As Raon slowly settled down, Alberu shifted his focus fully onto Cale, his smile still inact. Though it vanished as soon as Cale opened his mouth. 

"Your highness, you still remain the vibrant star in the hearts of the citizens." 

—"What do you want from me now?" 

"You really understand me now. I am filled with admir-" 

—"Enough." 

Contrary to the blooming smile on Cale's face, Alberu was starting to frown. It was as if he found the young nobles smile to be disgusting. 

It had been three months since they contacted each other. The last time they talked about Whipper Kingdom. 

—"Are you contacting me about traveling to the whipper kingdom?" 

Contrary to the frown and his beautiful cold eyes, Alberu's tone was filled with curiosity. 

"No, unfortunately it's not for that reason." 

—"Then?" 

"I managed to capture one of the members of the organization that caused the Plaza Terror Incident. This swordsman seems to hold a mid to low-tier position with the organization." 

Alberu's expression stilled, a flicker of shock crossing his features before disappearing.

—"Hand him over." 

It was a command. 

"Yes sir." 

Cale complied without hesitation. He needed someone to deal with the secret organization. But it will be difficult for him, a mere Count's son, even with the dragons. 

The Crown Prince on the other hand is someone neither the secret organization nor the elves can touch. He also resents the secret organization, and his weakness was within Cale's hands. 

—"How did you capture him?" 

"Around Roan Kingdom's ten finger mountains." 

Alberu's cold facade cracked, as he frowned. 

—"The elf village?" 

It was Cale's turn to be surprised. How did the Crown Prince know of the elf village at the ten finger mountains? 

His question must be visible on his face, as Alberu shrugged. 

—"My mother had told me of it in the past." 

Knowing better than to ask about somebody's dead mother, and not wanting to know unnecessary stuff, Cale nodded. 

Instead, he focused on another topic. 

"Your Highness." 

—"Yes." 

—"You're going to put him to use, aren't you?" 

Alberu started to smile, as he confirmed. 

—"Of course." 

The Empire had yet to capture the organization and the Holy Twins that killed the Pope. The Imperial Prince was someone who cared a lot about saving face. So it made no sense that they hadn't figured out anything yet. The Empire even turned down Roan Kingdom's offer to work together multiple times. This might've made Alberu curious about what the Empire was doing. 

—"I need to extract information from him too." 

Roan kingdom could not uncover any answer about the organization even after an year. It was humiliating for the kingdom. 

That was why Cale knew that Alberu would do anything and everything to gather information from Balbud. Alberu would also use Balbud to his advantage. 

"I wish you luck, Your Highness." 

—"Luck?" 

Alberu scoffed, his expression twisting as if someone insulted him. Cale could imagine a furry tail on Alberu that would have bristles by now. 

—"I don't need luck, Young Master Cale. You would never find anybody better than me at this job." 

He looked exactly like Raon when he was bragging about his abilities. 

"Of course." 

Cale nodded easily, having done this with Raon multiple times. 

'I still have to do what I have to do.' 

He still planned on going back to the Whipper Kingdom in order to profit. There were a lot of things to do once he got there. 

—"Hand the prisoner over to my aunt. Report everything that happens as well." 

Cale nodded his head as if that was obvious before he calmly continued on. 

“Yes sir. Oh, I am also selling dead mana.” 

—"What?" 

"There's a large amount of it, so I think I will need to sell it in the dark elf city." 

—"....." 

"There is no discount. I will sell it to you at market price. I also only accept cash." 

Alberu, who was staring at Cale in disbelief, frowned. 

—"...Is it the same as before? The dragons?" 

He was referring to the time Cale revealed he knew of Alberu's true identity. His reaction to the dragon's dead mana had been tge same back then too. 

Seeing the obvious disgust in Alberu's tone, Cale also hesitated a little.

He wondered whether he should give a discount, seeing how repulsed the Crown Prince seemed. Was he that devoted to the dragons? Then why the distinction with Raon?

But before Cale could speak, Alberu cleared his throat, and the disdain in his eyes. Leaning forward woth a serious expression, he asked.

—"How much is it?" 

'In the end, power is power, huh?' 

Cale thought, as he replied 

"I will sell it to at a reason price, Your Highness." 

Cale safely concluded his dead mana deal, as well as the issue of Balbud with Alberu, who was still full of disbelief. They discussed everything for quite a while, but the results were satisfactory. 

—"See you later, Mighty Raon. I'll prepare something delicious for you." 

Alberu bid farewell to the little dragon with a warm smile. 

Raon, who had been silent during the entire conversation, perked up from where he was laying on Cale's thigh. Fluttering his wings, he hovered infront of the communication device, blocking Cale's view of the Crown Prince. 

"This mighty dragon bids you farewell too, Crown Prince. Make sure to not forget your promise." 

—"Of course." 

Though Cale couldn't see his face, the amusement in Alberu's voice was obvious. 

—"Take care of Young Master Cale and make sure he doesn't get into trouble, okay?" 

"Of course I will!" 

Cale grumbled as these two were talking about him like he was a trouble maker child. 

Without even bothering to bid him goodbye, Alberu cut the call. 

It irritated Cale for some reason, but seeing how happy Raon looked, he decided that the little dragon getting close to the Crown Prince wasn't that bad. They might've had a rocky start, but now their relationship seemed to be going in the positive direction. 

Cale just had to make sure he himself won't get too involved with the Crown Prince.

Chapter Text

Tasha, who was the same height as Cale, lifted her head toward Cale and asked. 

“Young master Cale, isn’t this place wonderful?” 

Cale could tell that Tasha was joking, and so he played along. 

“I think our Henituse Castle will be much better.” 

“Really?” 

Tasha shook her head and started to laugh. 

"Well, His Highness did warn me that would be the case. Still, I believe ours aren't that bad." 

Since Cale's group was here, Tasha was referring to Alberu as "His Highness" rather than his name. She is afterall, a dark elf working under him.

Tasha had been gauging the reactions of Choi Han, Beacrox, Ron, On, Lock and Hong. They were all indifferent. It was surprising, but not unexpected.

Cale Henituse had a dragon and an archmage with him. Combing that with the wealth of the Henituse family, having larger and more advanced number devices than this place was not an impossible feat. 

Of course it was Alberu who told her that.

"These magical devices are much better than I expected from such puny creatures!" 

"Human, some of these magic devices are quite advanced." 

Raon started speaking excitedly in Cale's mind. Since there were mages all around, he was under the invisibility spell. 

"Some of these devices are as good as the ones I make!" 

Cale noticed how even Rosalyn was examining the devices woth genuine awe. Her interest was unmistakable.

"Are the mages here manufacturing these?" She asks Tasha, knowing well that magical devices of such caliber couldn't be made by mages like the ones present in the building, who are far less powerful than her. 

It was clear that she wanted to know the person who manufactured these. 

"The number if magic devices are currently dwindling, with an anonymous merchant monopolizing and selling all of them," Tasha explained, waving her hands at the devices set in the place. "Most of these devices are made by the mages, but Miss Rosalyn must've realized that some if them are quite advanced compared to the majority." 

"Yes," Rosalyn nods, not taking her eyes away from a particular one. "It's not something normal mages can manufacture." 

"You're right," Tasha's laugh was light but carried a touch of pride. "An acquaintance of mine. He's quite talented with magical devices but doesn't make many since he's always busy."

"I'd like to meet him one day," Rosalyn said, her eyes filled with determination and hope. She was a mage, one of the best in the land, and it was her dream to make the most advanced and highest quality magical devices. Somebody who can manufacture devices of such caliber is worthy of great respect.

"I can't promise anything. He prefers to stay anonymous," Tasha shakes her head lightly, but doesn't dismiss Rosalyn’s request either. "I will convert your compliments to him." 

"Thank you," Rosalyn nods in gratitude. It wasn't everyday that you would get a chance to know about such hidden skillful masters. 

Turning towards Cale, Tasha spoke, "Young master Cale, I want to go visit the Henituse Castle." 

"It is still under renovation. Come visit when it is completed." 

"Really?" 

Cale nodded his head and added on. 

“Yes. Bring Mary with you too.” 

He wanted Tasha to bring him a worker.
Tasha let out a sigh-like laugh and vigorously nodded her head. 

“Then I shall properly guide you now.” 

She looked sideways, noticing Balbud over Beacrox's shoulder. He had the blindfold on, with earplugs. 

"Then I shall properly guide you now." 

She walked forward, her dark elf appearance perfectly hidden using the magical necklace on her neck.

"It looks like you’ve selected the path of mental torture instead of physical torture." 

Cale said as he observed the prison. He could see Tasha nodding her head at his words. 

This was not just any criminal. He was someone with a bit of rank in the organization that was responsible for a terror incident at the capital. There was no way they would handle him delicately.

Tsk. 

Cale clicked his tongue and motioned to Beacrox, who sat Balbud down on a couch. He reached out to remove the blindfold and earplugs. 

"Ah, wait." 

Tasha stops him immediately. 

Cale and Beacrox looked at her in confusion. 

"Leave him blind and deaf for a little more," Tasha explained. I've been instructed to let him remain in the same state as he was brought here." 

Beacrox retreated his hands. Cale then started to speak. 

“He cannot move his lower body. However, we healed the small injuries around his body.” 

“You really are too nice, young master Cale.” 

Tasha shook her head. 

Cale avoided Tasha’s gaze, that seemed to be asking how there could be such a soft person. Tasha then turned to look at Balbud when Cale started to speak. 

"If you are planning to use mental torture, should I introduce you to an expert?" 

The excommunicated priestess, Cage, was an expert in mental torture. 

Tasha shook her head lightly. "No thank you. We have our own methods." 

Cale looked away as the dark elf woman smiled toward Balbud. She really was not just an average Dark Elf. There was a reason she was responsible for everything in the shadows for Alberu.

She then took a few light steps towards Balbud, and bent down to his level. "Don't worry. A special guest will be meeting you first. Be a good boy and then the only thing you have to worry is the chat with me afterwards."

Tasha’s gentle voice toward Balbud gave Cale the chills. Not wanting to hear anything further, he motioned to Tasha that they should leave the cell. Tasha nodded and headed out woth them. Verifying that everybody other than Balbud was put, she ordered the cell to be guarded properly. Then they headed out to the surface.

Chapter Text

"How are you still alive?"

"Excuse me?" Cale was taken aback by the question. 

"With the number of ancient powers you posses, most people would just blow up and die" Eruhaben explains himself. 

Suddenly, his thoughts about Raon causing trouble vanished. All he could focus on was the golden dragons words. 

"What?! Hey Goldie, what did you just say?!" Raon yells urgently. 

Everybody was shocked. 

"...Die?" 

"Meowwwww?????" 

"None of you knew?" Eruhaben asks so casually that Cale forgot what he was about to say. 

He hadn't known about any of this. It wasn't even mentioned in the novel. 

After hearing Eruhaben's explanation, Raon started his shouting match again. 

"Your should've listened to the Crown Prince! He asked you to stop, but you didn't listen and went on with it and now you're going to die!!" 

Eruhaben perks up curiously at those words. 

While Cale tried to sooth the young dragon, all he could think was- 

"The ridiculous things you do...How are you even alive?" Alberu mumbles as the redhead gets up from the couch. 

"...It would be good if you stop gathering all these ancient ancient powers. Three is more than anybody ever had" 

...The Crown Prince did ask me to stop.

Suddenly, Alberu's words from back then started to make sense.

Chapter Text

The video communication device glowed faintly as Alberu's face appeared on the screen. His grumpy expression greeted Cale.

— What is it? Is it about what Miss Rosalyn told me yesterday? 

“No. I have something else to tell you.” 

Alberu's face turned odd for a second. His eyes analyzed Cale's expression, then scanned the room which was covered in gold and ornate furnishing. It looked fancier than the king's chambers. He commented in a casual tone. 

—"That's a very fancy room you got there. Are you in an ancient dragon's lair or something?" 

Cale fought the urge to flinch. Eruhaben had given him the best room on Raon's request. Maybe he should've refused back then. 

Instead of focusing on that, he said something else. 

"The organization that was responsible for the terror incident is apparently working with the Northern Alliance." 

However, Alberu's response was not as expected. 

—"I know." 

"....what?" 

Cale blinked. Did he hear it wrong? He knew? How is that possible? Not even the Crown Prince's information network is supposed to be that efficient. 

Alberu continued in a casual voice. 

—"I already know. The relationship between the Church of the Sun God and the Empire, the truth about the Sun God twins incident, the actions of the Empire, the fire in The Jungle and its connection with the alchemy tower and the Empire - I know about this much." 

Cale stared, mouth slightly agape. But how? Nobody should know all this information before the Wyvern attack. So how did the Crown Prince... 

—"Extracting all this from Balbud was quite easy." 

Cale's mind went back to the swordsman he handed over to Tasha. He hadn't expected Balbud to spill so quickly. Alberu must have quite some efficient people to do this job. But to gain information this fast... 

"You know quite some useful people, Your Highness." 

—"I do." 

Alberu nods. 

—"But uncovering all this from him wasn't that hard." 

Balbud was heavily injured after being tortured by the elves for days, and Beacrox had unleashed all the anger for injuring his father on Balbud by experimenting on him with various poisons. Despite all this, he hadn't given up any information

Cale couldn't imagine how intense the torture might have been for Balbud to spill everything just like that.

—"Currently Tasha is dealing with him. Thoroughly." 

'Hmm...?' 

Cale frowned. Balbud had already said everything he knew. The why....? 

Seeing the serene smile on Alberu's face, he realized that they weren't just doing this for information. Someone who had dared to think of harming Roan should surely face consequences. Balbud was being punished for his actions right now. Tortured mercilessly by the expert Tasha brought.

Well, Cale didn't care what happened to the swordsman. Balbud served his purpose, and what happens afterwards was none of his business. 

So he moved on to the other things he wanted to report. He mentioned the incident they had with the Whale tribe and how the Whale tribe was planning on fighting against the secret organization’s First Battle Brigade. He also shared how he met the Sun God twins and what Queen Lintana planned on doing. 

Alberu blinked a couple of time. Now it was his turn to be surprised. 

— "You're telling me that you met with the Sun God twins? And the Queen of the Jungle wants to meet me?" 

"Yes your Highness." 

Cale responded. 

—"Who are you?" Alberu asked, his voice a mixture of exasperation and disbelief.

"Cale Henituse." 

—"Haa... how do you always get involved in things like these? You're driving me nuts." 

This time, Alberu's response was just as predicted.  Cale then asked Alberu a question. 

"Isn’t sh*t really about to hit the fan?" 

— "What a mess above and below our kingdom." 

"That is why we need to cause a ruckus as well." 

Alberu's frown slowly turned into a smile. 

"You're Highness, aren't we allied with the Breck kingdom?" 

— "And we have the Jungle, the Whales and the Whipper Kingdom on our side. 

"Not to forget the Sun God twins, the dark elves who can handle dead mana bombs." Cale added.

"And me too!" Raon shouted excitedly, landing on Cale's shoulders gently as to not hurt his weak human.

Still, Cale felt himself sag a little at the little dragon's weight. 

Raon had been silently listening to the conversation that seemed very important by Cale's and Alberu's serious tone. 

But he got restless when his name wasn't mentioned. He was on their side too, and he was strong enough to defeat anybody! How could they not mention him? So he couldn't help but interrupt, pointing out the obvious mistake. 

"How could you forget the Great and Mighty Raon Miru?" 

He asserted his presence and strength. 

Cale winced at how loud Raon was being near his ear.

"It's obvious you're on our side," he attempted to pacify they black dragon. "You are strong and mighty, and like to protect others." 

"Yes I do!" 

Raon nodded along in delight. 

Alberu's smile softened as he saw Raon's actions. 

— "You'll grow stronger by then, won't you?" 

"Of course." 

Raon puffed out his chest. 

"I am great and mighty, and a genius who learns everything easily!" 

— "I know you are." 

Alberu nodded. 

— "Learn everything you can. Aren't you talented in everything? You'll grow to be the strongest of all." 

"I will!" 

Raon exclaimed, easily pleased and hyped up by Alberu's praises. 

Cale couldn't help but notice how similar the Crown Prince's praises were to the ancient dragon's. It seemed like both of them preferred to dote on the little dragon endlessly. 

He smirked internally, realizing he could use Raon as a leverage against the Crown Prince in the future. 

He met eyes with the Crown Prince. Both had similar smiles on their faces. 

Seeing this, Raon shouted in a jovial voice. 

"Human, Crown Prince. I haven't seen you both smile like that in a while! What are you planning to do? I'm getting excited as well!" 

Then, Alberu spoke. 

— "Might as well try." 

"Right?" 

— "There’s a lot to do. I will contact the Queen of the Jungle and the Whipper Kingdom’s Chiefs. If we do that, we should be able to at least divide the Empire and the Northern Alliance geographically-" 

Alberu, who was talking to himself to process his thoughts, stopped mid sentence to look at Cale. 

—"Why are you looking at me like that?" 

Cale, who was smiling warmly at the Crown Prince, responded easily. 

"I'm just very proud to call you my Crown Prince. I have so much respect for you, Your Highness." 

Cale felt like speaking with Alberu was a good decision. He was smart and diligent, and willing to do all the annoying things for him. 

Alberu's face turned odd at that comment. He stared at Cale suspiciously for a few seconds before speaking. 

— "Are you trying to compliment me or flirt with me?" 

Cale opened his mouth, but no words came out. 

The Crown Prince seemed to be an expert at making him speechless. 

"What is flirting?" 

Raon suddenly asked from where he was playing with Cale's hair. His round eyes were shining with curiosity. 

"... it's nothing." 

Cale replied. Raon was too young to know of such things. 

But Raon was young and a dragon, and one thing common about both is curiosity. Even towards the weirdest topics. 

On receiving no answer from Cale, he turned to the next person. 

"Crown Prince, what is flirting?"

—"It's what Cale did just before." 

Alberu answered, his lips trembling from the effort to not smile. He seemed to be very amused by the turn of events. 

Cale frowned, not sharing the same feeling. 

"...compliment you?" 

Raon tilted his head, then turned towards Cale. 

"Am I flirting with you if I praise you then?" 

"No." 

Cale denied firmly. He did not want the black dragon to get the wrong idea and preach about it to the ancient dragon or anybody else.

He glanced at Alberu, indicating him to deal with the nonsense he started. 

Not bothered in the slightest, Alberu smiled at Raon. 

— "Not really." 

He said, shaking his head a little. 

—"It's a complicated word to explain. But let's say flirting is mostly when you compliment someone to gain their affection." 

"Oh." 

Raon said, his mouth perfectly shaped into an 'o'. 

—"It's only flirting when adults do it though." 

"Oh. Okay." 

The little dragon nodded, accepting the explanation. 

"So my human was flirting with you?" 

Alberu's smile widened. 

—"Exactly." 

Cale frowned. What nonsense was this Crown Prince bastard saying? 

He chose not to add on to the conversation amd make it sound any weirder. Neither did he wanted waste his energy on such useless things. 

—"So, what do you plan to do next?" 

Cale did not even blink as he responded back to Alberu. 

"I will gather information." 

It was a lie. Cale was planning to rest and do nothing. The Crown Prince didn't have to know that though.

Alberu raised an eyebrow.

—"Will you?"

Both of them easily forgot what they talked woth Raon and continued with their conversation, eventually bidding farewell on 'friendly' terms. 

Cale would very much regret to not have clarified things to Raon. And that regret will be coming very soon.

Chapter Text

"Goldie gramps!" 

Raon buzzed past Cale as he fluttered next to Eruhaben in excitement. 

"Hmm?" 

Eruhaben no longer cared about the nicknames the kid gave him. He gave up on correcting him a long time ago. 

"The Crown Prince said I should learn everything I can and grow much stronger the next time we meet!" 

"Is that so?" 

The golden dragon said in a disinterested tone as he sipped the fresh lemon tea Cale Henituse's assassin butler made. It was quite refreshing, perfect for someone as old as him. 

He noticed how Cale, who just sat at the opposite couch was frowning at the cup of lemon tea poured for him, but still sipped it without complaint. 

'Unlucky Bastard,' he thought. It was clear that Cale didn't like it, but wouldn't voice it out and that Ron knew but continued to see him lemon tea any anyway. 

Raon kept on talking about this 'Crown Prince.' It seemed as if the kid quite liked this person. Eruhaben had already heard about the Crown Prince of Roan from the little dragon. He did seem like an interesting elfling, but Eruhaben couldn't care about human matters, much less human royal affairs. 

Suddenly something wierd came out of Raon's mouth. 

"The human did something to the Crown Prince that only adults do to each other!" 

Eruhaben inhaled sharply, sending tea down the wrong pipe. He coughed violently, spilling the tea everywhere in a way that was very undignified for an ancient dragon like him. 

"What?" He asked, looking at the little dragon. His voice was hoarse from all the coughing.

Raon seemed to be startled at Eruhaben's reaction, as he asked worriedly.

"Why are you so surprised?" 

He tilted his head. 

"Human was just flirting with the Crown Prince." 

Suddenly there was a shattering noise. 

Ron, who had just came back with a teapot filled with more lemon tea, dropped the item as he heard the news. 

The benign smile on his face was gone, replaced by pure shock.

The teapot was made of a very rare material, and was one of Eruhaben's favorite. 

But the ancient dragon couldn't care less about it right now. He turned to look at Cale, who was now the centre of attention of Ron, Choi Han, Rosalyn, On and Hong.

Cale's hand was shaking more than it did when he summoned the shield during the Plaza terror incident or when he summoned the lightning at the elf village at the Ten Finger Mountains. 

His pupils were trembling as he stared at the little dragon who was fluttering in the air and looking at everyone with confusion. 

"Why are you all acting like this?" 

Raon asked woth a frown. 

"The human just wanted the Crown Prince's affection." 

The jaw dropping starememt had everybody's focus back on Cale, who wished that the ground would just swallow him right now.

'That bastard Crown Prince....!'

Oh how he wished to curse at that bastard right now.

Chapter Text

Noticing the red glow of the communication device, Eruhaben's face became unreadable. 

"Is that the Crown Prince you flirted with?" He asked. 

"...." Cale didn't know how to respond to that. He had already clarified with everybody that he was not flirting with Alberu, and that it was just a misunderstanding from Raon's part. 

Unfortunately it doesn't mean everybody is convinced. Neither would it save him from being teased. 

"No, don't answer that." Eruhaben shook his head with a sigh. Turning around, he headed towards the door muttering, "I'm too old to be interfering in young people's business." 

Cale stared at the door for a second, then back to the bed. A lump the size of Raon was in the centre of the blanket. 

— "Why do you have such an expression on your face? Did the heat get to you?" 

Cale shifted his gaze to the communication device to see the source of the voice. Alberu Crossman was squinting at him. 

The bane of Cale's existence and the man who was the reason for all the mess that happened. 

Giving a devoted smile that would put a dragon fanatic elf to shame, Cale replied, "This expression must have come out because I am so~ happy to see you, your highness." 

Alberu's face twisted like expected. 

— "Based on the fact that you can say crap like that, I guess you’re normal." 

Despite his brusque choice of words, the Crown Prince was looking pale. His blonde hair and blue eyes shining as bright as ever, even when he looked tired. 

"Your Highness, you seem tired." 

Alberu raised an eyebrow. 

— "Tired?" 

He scoffed. 

— "You think I'm incapable of handling my work?" 

Cale frowned, taken aback. That wasn't what he meant at all. So he answered sincerely. 

"You the most capable person I know, Your Highness." 

Alberu Crossman was the best candidate to be the King. He was handsome, resourceful, smart, ambitious, strong, easy to work with, and most importantly, was loaded and willing to pay handsomely. 

Alberu frowned, as if he was thinking seriously. The seriousness on his face was giving Cale a bad feeling. 

— "Are you flirting with me again?" 

Cale had to force himself to not curse at the Crown Prince. Mainintaing his expressionless facade, he replied. 

"No." 

Alberu leaned forward, resting his cheek on his palm. 

— "Then do you like me so much that you flirted with me unconsciously?" 

"No." 

Cale denied again. The novel hadn't said the Crown Prince loved to act so unserious amd flirty. Then again, almost everything about Alberu Crossman wasn't mentioned in the novel. 

Alberu chuckled lightly. 

— "Ask Raon and he'd agree that-" 

He stopped mid sentence, his eyes searching around Cale. 

— "Is he not with you?" 

Cale glanced back at the bed where Raon was still hiding under the blanket, not moving an inch even after his name was mentioned. 

"...he's here." 

Alberu tilted his head in confusion. 

— "Then why is he not showing himself?" 

"He's upset," Cale answers truthfully. 

— "...at me?" 

"No." 

It wasn't Cale who said that. 

Raon, still bundled up under the blanket, had answered Alberu's question. 

Alberu looked at Cale, even more confused. Cale didn't explain anything to him. 

"I'm not upset at you." 

Raon says again as the silence stretched for a few long seconds. 

"Don't make me talk." 

'Neither of us asked you to talk?' 

Anybody could guess by the tone that the little dragon was upset. 

Looking amused, Alberu mouthed to Cale. 

— "Why is he upset?" 

Cale sighed. It wasn't like Alberu didn't know about Raon. Besides, the four year old dragon clearly likes Alberu, so it shouldn't be a problem if he knows. 

"He's isn't growing," Cale explained simply. 

— "Ah." 

Alberu exclaims, and despite his serious tone, his lips were pursed to suppress a smile. 

— "Is that a big deal?" 

Cale doesn't glance at Alberu, as he focuses on Raon. The lump on the blanket doesn't move. 

— "A dragon lives upto a thousand year atleast. There's no need for Raon to achieve his growth phase right now." 

"But I want to grow stronger..." Raon's voice sounded small as he said that. 

Cale and Alberu glanced at each other, both thinking the same thing. 

'There is no need for him to grow this soon...' 

Adjusting the device so that the Raon sized lump on the bed was visible, Cale walked over to the bed and sat near the young dragon. He then patted the lump. 

"This growth speed is normal. You are great and mighty, but there’s no need for your first growth phase to be fast." 

Cale could see the blanket twitch. This was soon followed by the voice of the Dragon that asked him not to make him talk. 

"...Is that so?" 

"Yes, it is," Cale casually answered. "You are already great and mighty." 

He's been wasting time talking to the Crown Prince who accused him of flirting with him, and now he's wasting more time consoling a five year old. He wasn't even shocked about the things he had to do anymore. 

Raon did not say anything. Cale had nothing else to say as well, so he just patted the Dragon’s back, ignoring the Crown Prince who had been silently watching them. 

Raon finally started to speak after a while in a voice so quite that neither of the adults would have heard if the room wasn't silent. 

"...What if I meet a dragon woth a terrible personality?" 

'Why are you thinking such scary thoughts?' 

Cale started to frown even though he was thinking that there was no way something like that would happen. 

It was not easy to meet with Dragons. It wasn't like fate has every dragon attracted to them or something. 

'There is somebody whose family seem to have met with multiple dragon's though...' he discreetly glanced at the man in the communication device who was staring at the Dragon hiding in the blanket. 

Focusing back the the little dragon, Cale held back a sigh. 

He figured out why Raon was upset. Raon was worried that he might have to fight against another Dragon. 

"I thought you were smart." 

Raon’s wings fluttered underneath the blanket. 

"I am smart……! No. I can’t even grow-" 

The confident voice quickly became quiet. Cale cut Raon off to speak. 

"You just have to run." 

"…What?" 

— "Ho!" 

It wasn't only Raon who was surprised by Cale's words. Ignoring the Crown Prince, Cale continued to speak. 

"If you meet a terrible Dragon, just run away." 

"But, then-!" 

"Surviving is what makes you great and mighty." 

Raon stopped talking as he heard that. 

"You survived through that cave." 

The Dragon who had been covering his face with his two front paws slowly moved it away. Raon thought about how he had survived through the cave that was even darker than underneath this blanket. 

"Surviving. That is true strength." 

Raon could hear Cale’s voice from outside the blanket. He looked down at his paws and his eyes started to glow. 

However, Cale had no way of knowing about this as he continued to say whatever came to his mind. 

"And you can always return to get them back later." 

Raon started to shake from underneath the blanket. However, Cale, who was getting tired of consoling this Dragon, didn’t pay attention to that as he continued to speak. 

"If you survive and come back later with a better plan and more strength to get back at the dragon or whatever enemy, you win." 

With that, Cale got up from the bed and casually added, "I'll tell Beacrox to make you some ice cream, so come out." 

"...Don't make me talk." 

Cale noticed that Raon sounded more energetic and walked towards to door to see Beacrox. 

— "You know," 

Cale flinched as the silence was interrupted. He had forgotten for a moment that the call with the Crown Prince was still going on. 

Alberu gave Cale a subtle glance before settling his eyes back on the dragon hiding in the blanket. 

— "I know somebody who went against a dragon with a terrible personality." 

The sad lump on the bed immediately perked up. Unable to hide his curiosity, he blurts out. 

"Really?" 

— "Mhm." 

Alberu nods. 

— "A very haughty dragon who beats up anybody that dared to breath the same air as him." 

The blanket was shaken off as Raon's head poked outside. 

"Then what happened?" 

Seeing the adorable sight before him, Alberu chuckled. 

— "This person I know decided to teach this dragon a lesson." 

"Was this person not a dragon?" 

Alberu shook his head. 

— "Not really." 

"Someone was willingly going against a dragon?" Raon's voice was filled with disbelief. 

Cale was feeling the same. What kind of lunatic would want to go against a dragon? 

"Was this person strong?" 

— "Yes, though not stronger than the dragon back then." 

"Of course," Raon nodded sagely. His previous mood seemed to be lifted. "Nobody is better than dragons." 

"Then what happened?" He eagerly asked. Even Cale was paying attention to the story. Nothing of this sort was mentioned in The Birth of a Hero. 

"Well, this person didn't really fight...," Alberu trails off, thinking back to what happened. "They just used a weapon. By the end of it, the dragon was begging to stop the torture..." 

"That person made a dragon beg!" Raon exclaimed, his eyes wide in astonishment. He flew up a little, his tail swishing left and right and as if his tiny body couldn't contain all the excitement. The blanket fell off him and landed softly on the bed. "What weapon did that person use?" 

Alberu smirked, making him look like a typical villain. 

— "Poison ivy and chilli powder." 

Raon's tail stopped moving. 

"What?" He asked, frowning cutely. 

— "That person made a mixture of poison ivy and chilli powder and put it inside the dragon's nose, eyes and ears while he was asleep." 

Nobody spoke for a second. 

"...That..." 

Cale was at a loss for words. He wanted to sit down somewhere and process that. Because what the hell? 

"Isn’t it unfair? To attack when the dragon is sleeping?" Raon asked, his brows furrowed deep in thought. 

— "The dragon provoked first." 

Alberu shrugged as if it was enough of a justification. His tone was sharp at the next question. 

— "Do you think someone could win against a dragon head on?" 

Raon's wings dropped a little on hearing that as he shook his head lightly. 

Alberu's eyes softened a little. 

— "But that person won, regardless of the method." 

Alberu paused for a second. 

— "So you don't have to be strong to face a dragon." 

Raon looked up to see Alberu smiling gently at him. He hesitated for a second, before asking, 

"Then do I fight a dragon with chilli and poison ivy?"

Cale, who was deeply engrossed in the story, snapped his head at the little black dragon. 

"No." 

He denied sternly and cast a glare at the Crown Prince. First he taught this child wierd stuff, and now these ridiculous ideas? 

Alberu laughed lightly, his eyes forming crescents. 

— "Cale's right, little one. What I'm saying is, if you know when to back down and use the right idea at the right moment, you can win against almost everybody." 

"Oh..." Raon mumbled, as he fluttered mid air. His previous glum seemed to have vanished. 

His eyes flashed blue for a second. 

Cale, who was sitting on the bed behind Raon didn't notice it. But somebody else did. 

— "...Are you feeling okay, Raon?" 

"Hmm?" Raon tilts his head in confusion, before puffing out his chest. "Of course I am. I'm the great and mighty Raon Miru, and I will grow stronger one day." 

— "...right." 

Alberu's face had a wierd expression. His gaze lingered on Raon for a second before moving to Cale. 

Cale was sitting on the bed in a leisure manner. His face had the usual bored expression. Although he didn't show it, Cale was impressed by how good Alberu was at elevating the little dragon's mood. He was also very interested in the person who fought with the dragon. Although it was through trickery, they did win. Going against a dragon wasn't a small feat either.

Alberu was thinking of other things. The Roan Kingdom was slowly falling into his arms. The Northeastern Stan territory and the majority if the Northeastern territory were following Alberu. The Northwestern Naval base was Alberu's project, and he had also brought in the mages from Whipper Kingdom and included them in his faction. Furthermore, he was the one to gather the four kingdons for the meeting as well. 

And he knew it was all thanks to Cale Henituse. 

He knew that Cale had helped Taylor and also suggested the idea of the Naval Base to Amiru. The four Kingdom meeting also relied heavily on him. 

— "What the hell do you even go around doing?" 

Alberu said what was on his mind without thinking. 

"…Although it may seem like I am slacking off, I am currently working hard in order to gather information." 

Cale felt guilty internally but casually appealed to Alberu that he was doing a lot of things. Naturally, Alberu did not believe him. Instead he spoke what he had intended to say from the beginning. 

— "The meeting is coming up. I need you to go with me." 

Alberu sounded casual, but he was carefully observing Cale's reaction. 

Cale smiled. 

"This will be my first trip with you, Your Highness." 

Maybe that was not the right thing to say. 

— "Oh." 

Alberu's eyebrows shot up. His lips formed a sly smile as he leaned forward, resting his chin on his fist. 

— "Are you implying this will be our first date, Young Master?" 

Cale's smile fell instantly. Alberu kept on speaking in an exaggerated shocked tone. 

— "Goodness, Young Master. Here I thought you helped me all along for the kingdom, but this was your intention from the beginning! Make me ask you out on a date!" 

He sighed dramatically, shaking his head. His fake golden hair swayed like the wind was playing with it. Cale wanted to jump through the communication device and pull that hair out. 

"The Crown Prince asked you out on a date?" 

Raon questions, his wide eyes round with curiosity. It was as if he completely forgot about the previous talks. 

— "He made me, Raon!" 

Alberu dramatically exclaimed, startling Raon a little. His wide eyes darted between Cale and the communication orb, trying to figure out what was going on. All the while the Crown Prince continued to lament. 

— "How could I be so foolish?" 

Cale knew this was going to be another big disaster, and he couldn't even see a way out of this. 

"Do you not want me to come?" 

Alberu gasps loudly, making Cale flinch. 

— "Are you rejecting me?" 

'What?' 

"What? No-" 

— "Then are you agreeing to come with me?" 

"...."

"...yes." 

Cale replied, resigning to his fate. There was no need for him to entertain this nonsense and waste his energy.

Albery seemed satisfied with the answer. So he moved on to the more important topics.

— "Do you have everything prepared?" 

Thinking about what the Crown Prince was asking for, Cale smiled. 

"Yes, Your Highness. You don't have to worry. I will deliver it on time." 

Both of them had similar smiles on their faces. But Cale's eyebrows twitched as he heard the next thing coming out of the Crown Prince's mouth. 

— "Since this is a date-" 

Alberu's smile was wide, his eyes had sparkles. 

— "-bring only a small escort with you. It also helps with being discreet." 

Cale also smiled wider, making the other grow dimmer. 

"Yes sir. Thinking about traveling with the star of the kingdom and learning from your wise-" 

Click. 

Alberu hung up. 

Cale couldn't help but sigh contended. Maybe he should try this every time ne the Crown Prince started spouting nonsense. 

A pair of wide blue eyes were still observing him.

Chapter Text

Cale went to the kitchen and ordered to Beacrox.

"One ice cream and some fruit."

Raon, whose mood was considerably lifted after the conversation with Cale and the Crown Prince, fluttered around Cale.

As soon as Beacrox prepared what was asked, Cale sat down and started eating the fruits. Raon landed on the seat next to Cale and stared at the ice cream, and then at Cale.

Without looking at Raon, Cale started eating his fruits. Beacrox was washing the dished, and Raon started eating the ice cream. He was giving subtle glances towards Cale, who completely ignored it.

The sound of Cale chewing on the fruits, Beacrox washing the dishes and Raon eating ice cream filled the kitchen.

"Human, why did you want the Crown Prince to ask you out on a date?"

The hands holding the spoon with a slice of apple froze.

The hand wearing white gloves and washing the dishes froze.

Red eyes snapped towards the little dragon, while a pair of brown ones settled on Cale.

Wide blue eyes blinked, the spoon still in his mouth.

"What's a date?"

Raon asked again.

Beacrox was now facing Cale, his stoic face filled with shock. He opened and closed his mouth several times like a gaping fish, eyes darting between Cale and Raon.

"......."

The sound of running water filled the silence.

Cale dropped the spoon on the table with a loud thud. He stood up immediately, not making eye contact with anybody.

"You're coming with me."

He said in a stern voice.

Raon blinked again.

"Just us?"

"Yes."

Raon still had some ice cream left. So he quickly scooped it up with his spoon and put it in his mouth. It was cold and sweet, and very delicious. Seeing Cale walk away, Raon quickly flew up.

"Is it because the Crown Prince asked you to not bring too many people with you for your date?"

Cale's steps faltered for a second. Though he composed himself quickly. Without glancing back, he continued walking, completely unaffected.

"...Hey Human, why are you walking so fast? You'll trip and fall before your date-"

Beacrox stared at the kitchen door. He was alone in the kitchen. Water dripped from the plate he was holding in his hands.

If Beacrox was in his right mind, he would have never allowed the water droplets and soap lather to drip over the carpet and his shoes.

Chapter Text

Contrary to Cale's plan, another individual added themselves to the trip.

"I am going as well."

"Eruhaben-nim?"

Cale had to stop his lips from twitching after hearing that another dragon would be going with him.

"It seems interesting. Besides, I have nothing left to teach the little kid."

Eruhaben looked towards Raon who was playing woth the kittens. He couldn't help but feel satisfied how quickly the kid had learned everything.

Raon had the potential to be the new Dragon Lord. That was why Eruhaben wanted to tag along to wherever the was going.

Cale was happy that he would have another dragon with him for protection. But suddenly a thought struck him.

He was going with the Crown Prince Alberu Crossman.

The same person who had realized that Cale had a dragon tagging along with him.

Naturally, Cale hadn't wanted the Crown Prince to know he had a dragon. And now that since he knows, Cale could risk being found out having two dragons with him.

So he opened his mouth to persuade the dragon to not come, but Raon beat him to it.

"You're coming too, Goldie gramps?"

Cale had a feeling this wasn't going to be anything good.

"Yes."

Eruhaben answered. He did not take his eyes off Cale, who had an oddly twisted expression.

'Is it that troublesome for me to tag along?'

He knew Cale Henituse was going to a meeting with the leaders of the four Kingdoms. Being a noble, he needed to be cautious around them. But unlike other arrogant dragons, Eruhaben knew how to suppress his instincts thanks to his hundred years of wisdom. He could be-

"But the Crown Prince said not to bring too many people to the date."

Eruhaben's thoughts came to screeching halt.

He sharply turned to Raon, who had flown upto him and Cale. The two kittens, On and Hong, who had also tagged along, were gaping at Cale.

Eruhaben too focused his attention back to the red head noble. Cale had an expression that could only be described as blank. His eyes and face looked devoid of life.

"....."

"....."

Neither of them said a word for a few seconds.

Finally, Cale managed to gather the energy to speak.

"...it's not a date."

His voice was croaky. Eruhaben raised an eyebrow, followed up by a cautious question.

"I can come along, then?"

Cale wanted to deny it. The Crown Prince already knew too much. But now he sees another dragon with Cale? That would be too troublesome. But...

"...Yes."

But if Cale asked Eruhaben to not come, then it would look like he was saying so because he didn't want this date to be interrupted. Which wasn't a date even to begin with.

"Good."

A light suddenly appeared on top Eruhaben's palm. The light turned into the shape of a sword before disappearing, leaving behind a luxurious sword. Eruhaben grabbed the hilt of the sword.

Raon's eyes sparkled as he saw the weapon.

"You know how to use a sword, Goldie?"

"I know how to use most weapons, little kid. I'm a swordsmaster."

He ran his finger on the blade of the sword. The blade was clean like a mirror, and reflected the beautiful yet dangerous reptilian green eyes that was looking at Cale.

"I won't use magic, but I can easily cut down anybody using my sword."

Cale felt goosebumps on his back. That felt like a threat. He felt bad for the person who would get into the ancient dragon's bad side.

"I'll protect you and follow you around like proper guard."

"But-"

"Just listen to me."

Eruhaben did not allow Cale to finish.

"Do you think this is the first time I've played a role? Treat me like one of your guards."

"...okay."

Cale had no other choice here.

"I'll say that Eruhaben-nim is coming as my guardian knight with Raon following us while being invisible."

"Sure."

Eruhaben then strided towards the door to take care of a few more things. Cale sighed internally. Even if the Crown Prince would find out about him having a second dragon, atleast he manged to convince Eruhaben that he's not going on a date.

"And Cale Henituse."

Cale was brought out of his thoughts. He looked up to see the dragon who was standing near the door.

"Don't worry."

He said as the door opened.

"I will not interfere with your date."

The door was shut closed immediately, leaving behind a stunned Cale and three kids.

The atmosphere was silent except for the whispering between Raon, On and Hong.

Raon suddenly perked up, his wings fluttering furiously.

"Ohhhhhh!"

His eyes sparking in excitement.

"So that's what a date is!"

He exclaimed with a bright smile.

On and Hong giggled, before pulling Raon in to another round of hushed whispers and giggles.

"When you return, you should tell us-"

"Should we help Cale-nya to pick a dress-"

"Humans wear fancy clothes for dates?! Why-"

Cale had never felt such a strong urge to scream and pull out his hair.

Chapter Text

That night, Cale's group and Alberu's group were supposed to meet up with the Ubarr territory liege infront the the large ship standing on the Ubarr coast.

Alberu Crossman was covered up in a robe from head to toe. The moment Cale saw him, he showed a bright smile and greeted him.

"Your highness, the star of our kingdom, it has been a while since I’ve been graced with your presence."

Alberu didn't react for a few seconds, as he ignored Cale and continued to stare at the person Cale brought along as his guard.

'As expected, the Crown must have recognized that this person isn't an ordinary guard.'

Cale sighed, which nobody paid attention to. He didn't want the Crown Prince to know he had another Dragon aiding him. He also didn't want Eruhaben to think that he and Alberu was going on a date.

He was successful in neither of his wishes.

Cale shook off those thoughts to focus on the current situation. The Crown Prince must be really shocked for him to out right ignore the person who just greeted him.

"Your Highness?"

Cale called out again.

Alberu's gaze calmly moved to Cale. Then to the guard and back to Cale again. He glanced at the hand thrust towards him and slowly took, giving a firm shake.

"Our young master Cale, the one who will brighten up our kingdom’s future. Yes, it indeed has been a while."

He greeted, then lowered his voice a little.

"I see you've brought someone special to make our little date truly magical."

Cale rolled his eyes. He couldn't understand if Alberu was upset or happy to be in another dragon's presence. His hands were let go as a group of people, with a aquamarine haired woman in the front, was seen coming towards them.

Amiru Ubarr, the Ubarr territory liege greeted the both and escorted them to the teleportation portal. They were planning to disguise this as Cale Henituse going on a trip to cover up the fact that he was attending the four Kingdom alliance meeting.

As they started walking, Raon suddenly spoke using telepathy magic.

"I know the location of your land in the Jungle! I will teleport there on my own."

Cale didn't respond to it. Even if he could, he wouldn't have been able to as the little dragon followed it up with his next sentence.

"Hope you both have a great date! I'll be just behind!"

By the way Alberu was suppressing his smile, Cale knew Raon was relying his words to both of them. He could sigh helplessly in his mind.

Nobody spoke a word till they reached the portal. As soon as everybody stepped into the deck, the Crown Prince turned around, instructing the young liege of the Ubarr territory.

"Young Lady Amiru, you may leave. We can go by ourselves."

Amiru frowned, taken aback by the turn of events. She was supposed to stay here till they stepped into the portal.

"Ah, but-"

But Alberu cut her off.

"I insist."

He pressured, sending a not so subtle glance towards Cale.

"Ah."

Amiru said, understanding the implications. Though she was informed about the purpose for this meeting, there was still a lot of things she didn't know. These two might need to discuss it privately. So it would be more convincing for her to leave.

"Then I'll take my leave Your Highness, Young Master Cale."

She bowed to both of them before stepping out of the room.

"Have a safe journey."

As soon as it was just the three of them left in the room, a strange tension filled the atmosphere.

"You really do attract unique individuals to yourself."

Alberu mumbled. He turned towads the handsome blonde knight Cale brought along and dipped his head slightly.

"My respect to the Great Ancient Dragon."

He straightened up and looked directly into the eyes of the dragon, making Eruhaben surprised. This was the first time a dark elf ever looked straight into his eyes without flinching. No, this was the first time an elf even stood infront of him without falling to their knees. Alberu wasn't done with his talk however.

"I hope Eruhaben-nim wouldn't mind me treating him like a mere guard."

"Ho."

Eruhaben couldn't help but scoff at the audacity. He silently applauded the courage shown by the elfling right now.

He observed this young quarter dark elf with the same curiosity he had towards Cale Henituse. The unlucky bastard was quite unique, to have more than five ancient powers in him, and have a dragon who listen to him, a mere human. This Crown Prince here is unique too, having an aura Eruhaben had never felt before. The disguise magic on him is on par with Dragon's mana, but it wasn't exactly that. Such immense power at a young age, along with the complex spells on his disguise, this Alberu Crossman was truly someone worth to be studied over.

The weariness in his eyes, and the distance he is keeping, again is not something an elf would feel towards a Dragon naturally. It reminded him of somebody from his past...

"Dont fret, child. I know how to play along."

Alberu nodded, and stood next to Cale. Eruhaben also comes closer, standing behind Cale. While they were about to enter, the ancient dragon began to speak again.

"I won't be disrupting your first date."

He began in a chilly voice, causing both the young men infront of him to feel goosebumps over their backs. They turned their heads to the elder dragon in unison.

Eruhaben smiled, thought it appeared threatening in Cale's eyes.

"I'm a mere guard who came here to protect my lord, Cale Henituse. I'll finish anybody who tries to harm him. So please enjoy your date with the reassurance that I'll do my duty no matter who or what."

"...okay?"

Alberu answers, his brows furrowed in confusion. He looked towards Cale, his face clearly showing a question mark.

'What is he talking about?'

Cale didn't grace him with a response. It was the Crown Prince's fault for filling strange ideas into the curious dragon child's head.

Seeing that Cale wouldn't answer him, Alberu shrugged his shoulders.

He was a bit baffled by how the Ancient Dragon kind of threatened him. It's as if Alberu had tried to steal his child's heart.

Though he set those thoughts aside for now. He could think about the meaning of the golden dragon's words later. He had more important things to focus on right now.

Before stepping into the portal, Alberu gave Cale a final piece of advice.

"Be yourself, Cale."

"Be myself?"

Cale questions back.

"Yes."

Alberu nods. If Cale Henituse is himself, he'd do well and it will help in the success of Roan Kingdom.

Meanwhile Cale was busy thinking about something else.

'The Crown Prince knew who Eruhaben-nim was...'

Chapter Text

A salty smell hit their noses, indicating that they're near the sea. Cool breeze danced to the music of crashing waves, invisible to the eye yet soothing to the mind.

"You are the second to arrive."

Cale saw Queen Litana smiling at them. Alberu left the teleportation portal and strode towards her. Smiling brightly, he extended his hands.

"Queen Litana, it's nice to see you again."

Litana shook hands with him, her grip firm yet respectful.

"We haven't see each other since we last met at the Empire, Crown Prince Alberu."

She greeted back, observing him for a second.

"You still look, mm, tired."

Alberu laughed, tilting his head slightly.

"You know how hectic things have been."

"That is true."

Litana nodded. They had been communicating and planning for quite sometime, and Alberu Crossman, as the one responsible for this meeting, had been the busiest of them all.

"I suppose Prince John is as meticulous as always, huh?"

A flicker of surprised passed through Lintana's face before she chuckled.

"As perceptive as always."

Thus both of them began to chat away.

Cale registered the new name in his mind as he started observing the surroundings. Litana and her personal guards were maintaining the teleortation portal.  Alarms were set up everywhere, and there was a tent at the cemtre of the shore with a sorts of magical devices. There were magic lights to brighten the dark surroundings.

"Human! Crown Prince! Hi there, did you miss me?"

Cale suddenly heard Raon's voice inside his head. Since he couldn't see the little dragon, he nodded his head. Meanwhile Alberu's eyes flit towards the space behind Cale's head for a second before settling back on Lintana, their conversation going on uninterrupted.

'That is were he is.'

Cale thought absentmindedly. Then he recognized a familiar face in the crowd.

"Human, isn't that Rosalyn's younger brother?" Crown Prince, he's the one I drenched with a water bomb!"

Raon rambled, seemingly excited to tell the Crown Prince about his follies. The said Prince though, wasn't showing any outward expression.

He was of course refering Pen, the fourth and youngest Prince of Breck Kingdom. Pen made eye contact with Cale, flinching immediately at the smile he received.

"I know, I did a great job, right?"

Cale got confused by Raon's proud declaration,  , but got distracted when he noticed that Rosalyn was not here, realizing the reason too. This Prince John Alberu mentioned must be the First Prince of Breck Kingdom, the one who stepped up to be the heir after Rosalyn renounced her position. The reason for her absence is to show that she supported her brother completely.

Cale quickly figured out who John was among the people he had never seen before - The average looking person who was smiling at Cale. Subconsciously, Cale smiled back too.

John approached him and started to speak.

"I am happy that we have gathered here like this."

His voice was average too, and he was smiling at Cale. An average smile.

"And this gentleman is?"

Thinking that it was his opertunity to speak, Cale opened his mouth. He just had to introduce himself as someone average too.

But that plan was immediately shattered as someone else spoke before him.

"He is out kingdom's treasure."

Alberu was the one to do so.

'How am I suppose to act like myself after that...'

Hiding his anxiety, Cale glanced at Alberu. But the Crown Prince wasn't the only person participating in this "Praise Cale Henituse to the fucking sky" contest.

"He is also the savior of our Jungle. I have never seen such a good and respectful noble with such a strong sense of responsibility before."

Litana spoke with admiration.

'Aigoo.'

Cale gulped after hearing Lintana's praises. He avoided meeting eyes with the Crown Prince, though he knew what kind of expression he will see.

Though avoiding meeting eyes with the Crown Prince didn't seem to do the trick.

"Right, Savior of the Jungle."

Alberu repeated Litana's words. Cale didn't look at him, knowing that the Crown Prince didn't believe for a second what Litana said.

"The Messiah who descended to suppress the annihilation of the raging fire. That sound just~ like our Young Master Silver Shield."

'What the fuck?'

Cale knew there was sarcasm hidden in that tone.

'Is he making up poems or something?'

And yet, he could stop the irritation amd embarrassment rising on hearing that ridiculous nickname. And now Messiah???

"Mm. Well I guess you are a good person, weak human."

Cale ignored Raon's words as usual, glad that the little black dragon isn't speaking out loud.

"Young Master Silver Shield? The Messiah? Mn, those are quite the hero titles you got there."

Even Eruhaben send these words into Cale's head, his voice brimming with amusement.

'Hero my ass.'

Cale grumbled internally. Till now, everybody had said something interesting about him, but none of them had said his name.

'My name is Cale Henituse. It's an honor to meet you.'

That was what he wanted to say.

"So you must be that Cale Henituse."

However John was faster. Though it didn't surprise Cale that John knew him, the usage of "that Cale Henituse" was a bit concerning.

"I have heard a lot about you from crown prince Alberu-nim, Queen Litana-nim, and my older sister. Even Pen had a lot to say about you. Nice to meet you."

"It's my honor to meet you."

Cale finally spoke, respectfully shaking hands. He wanted to let go, but the Prince seemed to not share that intention.

The two of them made eye contact.

"My sister seemed to be happy. Thank you."

The corner of Cale’s lips slightly went up.

"Human, this guy seems better than that Pen or Ben or whatever that punk’s name is!"

Cale could see why Rosalyn thought highly of John.

At that moment, they all heard the sizzling of the teleportation portal, indicating the arrival of the last guest. Cale let go of John's hand.

Harol Kodiang, the Chief of the Whipper Kingdom, appeared along with Toonka’s subordinates. Harol bowed toward the people looking at him.

"Hello, my name is Harol Kodiang, and I am a Chief of the Whipper Kingdom here on Commander Toonka’s behalf."

They had all met before at the celebration thrown by the Empire since Harol was always by Toonka’s side.

Harol greeted each person before coming to Cale last. Prince John, who was standing next to Cale started to speak.

"Chief Harol, this is your first time meeting young master Cale, right?"

Since they were here to work together instead of fighting, John's tone was respectful.

He didn't know about Cale's and Toonka’s relationship. Harold had a genuine smile on his face.

"Yes, we've already met once. Infact, Young Master Cale Henituse is someone that I respect."

"Ho."

John let out a quite gasp.

Cale was unbothered by the words ad the hand extended towards him. But as soon as he finished greeting Harol though...

Toonka’s subordinates, the big-bodied Whipper citizens bowed ninety degrees to greet him.

"Nice to see you again, young master-nim!"

"Young master-nim, I hope that you have been well!"

Bewildered by their unusual actions, Cale looked towards Harol.

"Commander Toonka-nim instructed them to be respectful toward his friend."

Cale internally clicked his tongue. Even Alberu was looking at him in disbelief.

This entire situation is making him look like someone too important! Cale could only hope that these people, who are also the ones leading their respective kingdoms, would see past the misunderstandings.

Chapter Text

"Long time no see indeed, Young Master Cale," Witira greeted back.

Cale nodded his head and looked back towards Alberu inside the tent. He was about to speak, but stopped himself for a split second. The Crown Prince's had an intense look in his eyes, his gaze focused on something behind Cale.

– "Human, Archie is checking out Prince Blondie like he did with you in the ship."

Cale's attention suddenly shifted to the killer whale who was staring at Alberu and did not realize what Raon called the prince.

"Your Highness," Cale called out, snapping Alberu's attention back to him. Whatever is going on between them should not happen infront of the representatives of the four kingdoms. "I have invited the future Queen of Whales as per your instruction."

Alberu blinked, before his eyes became warm again. His smile thickened. It was so similar to Cale's that Archie flinched slightly. None of the humans in the place noticed it.

The area suddenly became silent.

While everybody was staring at the Whales without saying a word, Witira took a step forward. More confident that ever, she met eyes with the leaders of the four kingdoms and began speaking.

"My name is Witira and I came here as the representative of the Whale tribe under Young Master Cale's request, who is our tribe's benefactor. Nice to meet you."

Her tone was respectful, but she did not bow to anybody. The Whales are the strongest faction in the ocean, and they're known to be the strongest after dragons. As the future Queen of the Whales, there was no reason for her to be subservient to these four leaders.

'She set tone for the meeting,' Cale thought, satisfied that Witira had done exactly what he had asked. Paseton and Archie were standing behind her with stoic expression, the latter a bit too intense as he stared at the Crown Prince of Roan.

The said Prince was smiling, seemingly not affected by the intense attention he was getting. He tilted his head slightly, the corners of his lips lifting a bit higher to form a grin. Then he winked.

Archie was taken aback by the action aimed at him. His eyes widened, before his expression twisted into anger.

– "Human, the insolent whale looks like he's going to attack the Crown Prince. Should I teach him a lesson?"

'Aigoo.'

Cale was also starting to get concerned now. None of the representatives noticed the slight tension between Alberu and Archie yet, mostly because the Crown Prince's back was facing them and the Killer Whale looked like an intense and grumpy person. But Archie's aura was coming out a little, and the atmosphere might get tense if he continued to act out.

Cale hadn't really noticed Alberu's slight 'provocation' and thought Archie was acting like the troublesome person he is.

Right at that moment, Witira sent a quick sideline look towards her subordinate. It was enough for Archie to flinch. He immediately stopped his actions and straightened up, looking ahead.

Cale sighed internally, relieved with how Archie settled down.

'Good. Nobody noticed a thing.'

He looked around, satisfied with how things were going. Litana, who had been anxious a moment ago, was smiling at him like he was something magical. Even Harol, who had seen Cale's real intentions, was looking at him with an expression similar to the Jungle Queen's. Cale did not like those bright expressions.

'Why are all these people like this?'

He sighed to himself, unable to understand why these people woth great power and influence were acting like this. At that moment.

Clap!

A soft clap echoed, gaining everybody's attention. Receiving everyone's gazes, Crown Prince Alberu Crossman began to speak, "Let us go in and have a chat."

And Archie was perfectly calm.

Chapter Text

After the chaos in the middle of the night, a new group entered the tent.

As Cale was about to move towards the table, Alberu spoke up.

"Young Master Cale."

Cale suddenly felt the hair on his arms stand up. He knew something was not right.

"Let me," The Prince said as he moved leisurely towards the chair infront of Cale and grabbed it. Pulling it back, he offered the seat to the young noble.

The entire table was staring at the two of them, their gazes varying from curiosity to confusion. 

Cale was staring at Crown Prince, trying his best to not gape at the man.

'What the fuck?'

Alberu Crossman, the Crown Prince of Roan and one of the most influential people in the kingdom was pulling chairs for a mere noble's son?

Cale's eyes shook. He knew he didn't need telepathy to convey the 'what the fucks' running in his head to Alberu.

"...Thank you."

With everybodys attention on him, Cale didn't have much of a choice but to accept. That didn't mean he couldn't curse with his eyes.

"My pleasure," Alberu smiled brightly.

"You both seem pretty close," Litana pointed out curiously.

"Of course," Alberu said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. He gently placed a hand on Cale's shoulder, causing noble to jump slightly. "Like I said, he's Roan kingdom's biggest treasure. I cherish him deeply."

The entire table was silent, processing the information they just got.

'They're definitely close.'

As if he had done nothing out of the ordinary, Alberu retrieved his hands and sat on the chair beside Cale. Completely ignoring the glare pointing his way, he looked around and tilted his head.

"Shall we continue the meeting?"

Everybody settled down and listened seriously as Alberu and Witira shared information about the secret organization and arm.

Meanwhile, Raon was excitedly explaining his own little findings into Cale's tired brain.

– "Human, the Crown Prince is a gentleman! Noona said only gentlemen pull chairs during dates!"

– "Human, the Blondie Prince said you're a treasure!"

– "Human, he said he cherishes you deeply!"

– "Human, I think he likes you very much like I do!"

Cale closed his eyes, biting back a loud sigh. He didn't know why the Crown Prince bastard was acting like this. He also didn't know why Raon was acting like this. He really didn't know why he was even here to begin with.

'Why is everybody around me like this?'

Chapter Text

"Do whatever you like. We're going to tie a boat to you again like last time and she can ride on that."

Cale replied. Archie huffed, but he did not disagree to it. Cale expected their conversation to be over as he turned around to address Hannah, but then his name was called.

"Young Master Cale."

Cale paused his actions, looking at the Killer Whale with a raised eyebrow.

There was a long pause as both if them just stared at each other.

"What." Cale asked flatly.

Archie opened his mouth, and closed it. The water was moving around him in waves and splashing onto the surface. Thanks to the spell the black dragon put on Cale, his pants were completely dry.

Even Paseton was giving Archie a look, surprised by the unusual hesitation. Archie the Killer Whale was the greatest warrior in the Whale Tribe. He charged fist forward, and never hesitated. So this was new.

Finally, Archie spoke.

"About the Blonde Prince..."

Cale's eyes widened. He never expected this guy to take interest in the Crown Prince.

'Is it because he's very strong?' Raon had told Cale Alberu was stronger than Rosalyn, but it was hard to determine his strength as something was disrupting the dragon's senses. Maybe the Killer Whale was curious about him like Toonka got interested in strong people?

But Archie never cared about anybody (other than Shickler), much less humans. So why was he taking interest in a mere Prince on land?

Was he doubtful because he sensed Alberu's dark attribute.

With a perfectly serene face, Cale waited anxiously for the Killer Whale to finish his sentence.

"...is he mated?"

Cale blinked.

"Huh?"

Paseton said out loud. His eyes were wide as he blinked rapidly. "Archie-nim, what..." He seemed to be at a loss of words.

Archie avoided looking at Paseton and looked straight into the red head noble's eyes.

Cale stared at him for a few seconds. He processed the question in his head. He the repeated the question, just to make sure he didn't hear it wrong.

"Are you asking me whether Alberu Crossman, the Crown Prince of Roan, has a lover?"

"...yes."

"Huh."

Cale was also at a loss for words. What a strange question to hear from the greatest warrior of the Whale Tribe.

Paseton also shared the thought as he swam closer to Archie.

"Archie-nim, why are you asking such question to Young Master Cale? It's not like you at all."

Raon, who had been resting on Cale's shoulder, spoke up.

"Do you like the Crown Prince?"

As ridiculous as the thought was, Cale was thinking along the same line. As unlikely as it was.

This time it was Archie who was taken aback. His eyes widened. "No," he replied immediately. His tone was stern. He looked appalled, as if he couldn't fathom how all of them even came up with such an idea.

"Then why are you-" Paseton's words were cut off as Archie began to speak again.

"I was asking whether he was mated with you."

"Excuse me?"

The question came out a bit harsher than intended. What the hell is this killer whale bastard spouting?

Before he could utter another word, Raon chirped

"The Crown Prince and my human are not mated."

His words gave Cale relief. Raon had always said the wrong things about the Crown Prince and him for the past few days that Cale expected him to say something nonsensical again.

The relief was short lived.

"But my human flirted with him and made the Blondie Prince ask him out on a date."

The waves suddenly stilled and the sea gulls became quiet. Even the strong sense of salt seemed to become dull for a moment.

Paseton and Archie were gaping at him. Raon was not done with his tirade though.

"So don't like the Crown Prince or my human."

Cale stood there frozen. He didn't intend for things to take such a turn.

'Why is this child always running his mouth like this?!' He lamented internally.

Opening his mouth, he began to speak,

"That's not-"

But Archie spoke over him.

"He's dangerous."

His tone was more grave than before.

Archie the Killer Whale, one of best and most reckless warrior of Whale Tribe was warning Cale about a human Prince.

"Be careful."

And it wasn't out of care. Archie was not warning Cale because he felt worried. Cale Henituse was someone whom the Whale Tribe owed. Shickler, the King of Whales respected him.

The moment Archie laid eyes on the Prince back in the Jungle, he had goosebumps. His instincts had told him to be weary of that man. Archie didn't know whether the Prince was super strong. But he could sense the wierd power around the blonde Prince. It felt wierd.

A weird familiarity he couldn't pin point.

And Archie always trusted his instincts.

So he felt like it was his duty to warn Cale Henituse. Archie did not want to meddle, he did not care that much. This was a mere obligation he felt he should do.

Cale closed his mouth shut. He mulled over the warning. Something similar was told to him by Raon.

Back then, the little dragon was cautious. But he seemed to have trusted the Crown Prince by now as he replied,

"The Crown Prince won't hurt my Human," he declared proudly. "I made a deal with him. If he attacks my human, I will kill him."

Unlike his sinister words, he was nuzzling into Cale's shoulder, an act he picked up from On and Hong.

"But he will not harm the human."

"Alright."

Archie nodded. He did not care what Cale Henituse did afterwards. He just said what he had to say.

He refused to talk about the wink that bastard Prince gave him when they met, because that meant he will have to acknowledge how he had lost his composure to such a silly act. He would rather die than admit it.

Besides, if Cale Henituse wouldn't mind being mated with the blonde Prince, there is nothing to be worried about. As weak as he is, Cale is someone who is surrounded by strong people. There is something about the red haired noble that commands attention and respect. If he trusted the Prince, then it must be alright.

Archie's gaze wandered and his eyes then met her disgusting face. His anger and her ugliness made him click his tongue. He thought she deserved what she got, a punishment for her actions. Though that did not stop the feeling of pity in him either.

Storing away his thoughts for another time, Cale turned around to meet eyes with Hannah.

The group was already getting on the boat. Only Hannah was standing next to him. He was about to ask her to get in the boat, but her words made him choke on his own.

"All the best for your 'mating'."

Cale started at her with a blank expression. Hannah had a smirk on her scarred face.

Giving out a harsh, exasperated sigh, he said,

"You get on the boat."

"Got it."

Her smirk slowly turned into a wide unsettling smile as her eyes slowly got consumed by blood thirst.

Chapter Text

Cale opened his mouth to talk about the sea route issue when Raon interrupted him.

"Human, Human."

The young dragon called out, as he approached Cale with the video communication device. It was shining red from a call.

Despite the colour being similar to his hair, Cale frowned in irritation.

Though Raon was ecstatic.

"It's the Crown Prince! Red means it's the Crown Prince!"

The Crown Prince Alberu Crossman was calling.

Witira's head shot up, eyes wide as if she was startled by the news. Her eyes immediately went to the red head noble.

"I'm going to connect the call, okay?"

Raon chirped, his wings fluttering faster than usual.

"Let's connect connect him inside the wooden building."

Cale instructed Raon. Then he turned around to the Whale and Tiger Tribe beast persons beside him to address them.

"Witira, Gashan, let's talk-"

But he didn't have to finish his sentence.

"It's alright Young Master, please respond to the Crown Prince first."

Witira interrupted him, her eyes softening a little. The powerful atmosphere around her shifted to something more gentle.

Cale blinked in confusion but nodded his head.

Witira wasn't done however, as she continued.

"You don't have to keep your lover waiting for us."

Cale nearly tripped on the invisible stone on the ground. He hastily turned around to stop her.

"No, wait. He's not-"

But Witira was already turning around, busy spreading the damage.

"The Crown Prince of Roan and the Young Master are dating, apparently." She addressed Gashan.

"Is that so?" The old Shaman chuckled, rubbing his long white beard with his free hand. "Ah, Young love. Pray the nature give them the happiness they deserve."

"The Crown Prince and I are–"

Cale trued to argue. He had no time to think about how Witira heard about this ridiculous dating scandal. It did not even cross his mind that Archie was good at relying information to his superior. His sole focus was to stop more people from having misunderstandings. Though his words were cut off again as the old man began acting wierd again.

"Oooh, Ooooohhhhhh-"

His eyes suddenly opened his white eyes extremely widely, as he raised his staff into the air.

Cale took a step back, this time consciously. No matter how many times he saw it, it still looks creepy.

"The n,nature has spoken to me yet again!"

Gashan shouted.

'What is it this time?' Cale thought, feeling irritated how the nature seemed to know a lot of things.

"The n,nature is telling me that the Young Master's fate is intertwined. Intertwined with the scent of death and life, curse and divine."

Witira frowned as she heard the psychic Shaman. She did not like how it sounded.

Cale gaped as he stared at Gashan.

'What the fuck is that supposed to mean?'

He was screaming internally while his expression cooled down from the shock.

But Gasha wasn't finished giving the bad news.

"The n,nature is also telling me you will be dragged into an adventure where you will meet explosions and treasures."

That seemed to have tired the old man out as he lowered his staff. His body was no longer shaking. Leaning on to his staff, he panted heavily.

Despite his exhaustion though, the leader of the tiger tribe looked up, eyes searching for the young noble. The prediction from naturesounded quite troublesome.

But Cale Henituse was nowhere to be found.

"Where is Young Master Cale?"

He asked Witira, who eyes were fixed onto the path the red head noble had hurriedly to get inside the wooden building, mumbling about having to talk with the Crown Prince urgently. The black dragon had also followed him.

Though she was worried about Gashan's prediction, her mind was currently occupied with another thought.

"The Young Master must really trust the Crown Prince."

She couldn't fathom why else Young Master would rush to talk with the Prince as soon as he heard the predictions from Gashan. Obviously to share his concerns.

'Ah, to be so in love.'

Chapter Text

Cale had walked out as fast as he could when he saw that Gashan hadn't finished nature's psychic message. Hearing about curses and death was enough for him.

'If I did not hear it, then I would not know it.'

'If I did not hear it, it would not happen.'

He repeated in his mind like a mantra.

After all, the saying does go like this - repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth.

His mind filled woth these thoughts, Cale sat on the couch. It wasn't as soft as his usual couch, but he did not even care.

Right now, Alberu Crossman was calling him. The same Crown Prince who asked him to rest.

He had a bad feeling about this.

Still, he greeted the Crown Prince whose handsome face appeared on the screen.

"The dazzling sunrise of our kingdom. I am so glad to have been honored by your light, Your Highness."

Alberu as usual did not respond to Cale's glib tongue. In fact, he did not even seem to notice it, as he launched a straight without any bias.

— "You have not seen the Imperial Prince's face, have you?"

Cale was at a loss of words. Of course he knew how the Imperial Prince looked like. He remembered Aldin's description from the novel "The Birth of a Hero." But the question was specifically about seeing.

It felt really omnious. So he tried to answer carefully.

"Umm...I know the things I need to know, like the color of his eyes and hair. Mm, I bet I’ll recognize him if I see him?"

— "Whatever."

Alberu waved his hand dismissively. He didn't even appear to have listened to what Cale said.

— "In short, you have never seen him right?"

"No."

Cale shook his head. He refuses to make eye contact, though he knew the Crown Prince knew what he was thinking about.

— "The Imperial Prince is quite good looking, apparently. Go check him out."

Cale's focus snapped back to the Crown Prince, mouth agape in utter shock.

'What the fuck is this bastard saying now?'

Alberu was smiling at him, radiant light coming from behind him.

That was not what Cale was expecting. But for some reason, he was not at a loss of words.

"You're much more attractive than him, Your Highness."

Alberu's smile slipped, along with his composure. His eyes widened as he pulled himself back a little, staring at Cale in shock.

Cale himself was pretty shocked at the words coming out of his mouth. Yes, it was true that Alberu was better looking than Aldin. The former has elven blood in him, so it was obvious.

But what came out of his mouth sounded nothing like that.

Pressing his lips together, he let his eyes wander around the room. His mind had only one thought.

'I can just pretend it didn't happen.'

While observing every piece of furniture with a bored face, Cale noticed the black dragon curled behind the communication device. Raon had a cute frown on his face, his eyebrows scrunched up in a way that suggested he was thinking.

'Oh no.'

Cale could absolutely feel the disaster that was coming.

— "...I know I am good looking."

The familiar voice brought Cale's focus back to the device. He did not know which was worse, what he just blurted out or that Raon witnessed it.

Resigning to his fate, Cale looked back to the Crown Prince.

'What is the worse that could happen anyway?'

Maybe he said it too early.

Or maybe he just jinxed it.

— "You are guaranteed victory if you know your enemies and yourself. Go there."

All thoughts and cautions disappeared from Cale's mind.

"...Your highness, maybe my ears are going bad, but I believe that I heard something weird just now."

'Go there? To the Empire? Why would I?'

He was confused as to why the Crown Prince would say something like that when he knew Cale's personality.

Alberu raised his hands in response, in a way that seemed to admit that he was wrong.

— "Ah, I said it wrong. Let me fix that."

He was smiling again, but not as amused as before Cale accidentally blurted out those embarrassing things.

It did not give Cale any relief.

With an overly bright smile which made Cale's stomach churn, something scandalous landed out of Alberu's mouth again.

— "Let's have our second date in the Empire."

Chapter Text

The light from the chandelier made the blonde hair glow like fine threads of silk spun by Rumplestilskin, bright blue eyes like the vast skies and calm seas, long golden lashes that casted small shadows on the radiant porcelain skin, sharply defined jaw with a clean angle, gaze that was warm yet focused — it was the kind of face anybody would stare at, mesmerized and entrapped by the bewitching beauty.

The members of the court and the servants were no different — they were mere humans after all, helpless under the enchanting looks of the man standing in their presence.

"I would like to bring Young Master Cale with me in the envoy."

Those words snapped them out of their haze. The whispers started immediately.

"Young Master Cale?"

"As in, Cale Henituse?"

"That drunkard guy?"

"Why is His Highness-"

They weren't loud. It would be respectful to do so when in discussion with the Royal family. But a collection of voices murmuring at the same time from different sides of the room can be quite irritating. Like a mosquito that won't stop humming near your ears.

Alberu Crossman would have gladly smacked them to stop the buzzing. That's how you deal with blood sicking vermins. It wasn't like he can't, but he wouldn't. He was a Royal Family member. A Crown Prince with an image to maintain. Besides, wasting his mana on useless mosquitoes...it was fine as long as they weren't sicking blood. The Prince could deal with the annoying buzzing.

"Cale Henituse is not a high ranking noble, Your Highness," The Queen spoke up with a frown.

She had been upset that her son would not be able to attend the envoy. The Crown Prince had been the one to deal with the Plaza Terror incident. It was surprising that he caught the criminal related to the terrorism and extracted valuable information from him. Though compelling the Empire to agree to an investigation regarding the bombing — it was something no one had seen coming.

And now this insolent Prince was trying to bring along a mere noble with him? Someone who was famous for being a trash? She couldn't handle it.

Alberu's focus shifted from the King, as his gaze dragged towards the Queen. She barely hid the flinch when those blue eyes met hers.

Alberu's lips lifted up slightly, forming a small smile.

"Young Master Cale was the one who saved the people from getting harmed during the Plaza Terror Incident. He had used the minimal power he had and hurt himself while protecting others. I believe he had earned his place in the envoy."

Earned. 

Unlike a few others who volunteered to tag along. The nobles who had used their connections to earn a place in the envoy. Like the ones the other Princes had planted in the envoy to spy on their oldest step brother. They had no other ways of being a part of it, for they had done nothing for the benefit their own land, less the people of Roan.

These words were unspoken, but the silence it created was loud. The meaning behind the polite sentences were heavy.

The Queen bit her lips, but refused to let her displeasure show. She had absolutely no power over this matter other than giving out opinions. Alberu Crossman had made sure of that.

She knew that the glow around his lips were not from cocoa butter, but from the souls of the people who had dared to point their knives against him.

Just like how Alberu knew the red on her lips were not carmine, but the blood of the people who she had gotten killed for showing any form of kindness towards him.

They were wary of each other. Or maybe she was wary of him. Even when the title was all that Alberu had to himself, he had always unsettled her.

"What if he causes any disturbances?" Robbit points out. He had a serious look on his face. "This is a very important gathering. Such risks are untenable."

Alberu raised an eyebrow. Despite competing for the throne, Robbit Crossman, the Second Prince, had always been less malicious in his pursuit. Unlike the Queen, his concerns were for the Kingdom, not his own gains.

"Seeking an investigation from the Empire itself posed a considerable risk," he pointed out bluntly. "Does that mean we should delay justice for our people because it poses the risk of angering outside powers?"

Robbit Crossman was not a bad person. His only fault was that he refused to take risks. He had been timid regarding that aspect. A king must be straightforward. He should learn to take the risk if it meant to keep his land and people safe.

Again, silence spread through the room. Everybody was observing the Crown Prince, who had slowly begun to rise in power. He was becoming a threat, and they were all watching.

And yet, they did not know that Alberu Crossman did not care.

It had never been a big issue for him — the matter of survival. He knew he would come out of any obstacle, and this time, he was aiming to win.

"Are you sure about this?"

The question brought a strange tension to the room. All eyes shifted towards the man who was sitting at the head of the large table, King Zed Crossman. He was wearing a smile similar to the Crown Prince. His golden hair had began to dim, white strands showing up in some places.

Yet it did not fool Alberu. Sitting on the other end, he could see the coldness behind the haze of those blue eyes.

Alberu Crossman trusted Cale Henituse to do his job. Cale might be an enigma, but he was kind hearted. He would not let innocents die.

Having the red head by his side was a comfort too. The feeling of safety that was born from the knowledge that the noble was the not the kind to backstab.

Cale Henituse valued money and loyalty, and Alberu found that quite interesting and admirable.

But he could not declare it infront of the people. They had both been planning, communicating amd acting together — it was a secret. For now, he should make them think of their bond not as a strategic one, but an emotional one.

"Yes," he answered the King's question. Maintains eye contact with the king, his expression turned a little sympathetic. "Cale Henituse was willing to sacrifice his safety for the people of our land. He might be in his path of redemption, and we must not create obstacle just because we can't let go of the past."

Murmurs rippled through the room again. Alberu's eyes glowed, though it was not bright enough for anyone to notice.

"Our people would be reassured to see their beloved Young Master Silver Shield in the envoy to the Empire. I believe the Empire would also be honored to meet him."

Zed Crossman tilted his head. "Yes, I believe that is true." His voice wasn't cold or warm, just stating facts. His eyes wandered through the people gathered in the room and landed on one person.

The person was a middle aged man with glasses. He had a stern and dignified aura around him. Everybody knew him as the diplomat always present in such meetings. He was also the leader of the envoy.

"Your Majesty," he stood up from where he was sitting and bowed his head.

"What do you think about his suggestion?" The king asked the man.

The middle aged diplomat pressed his glasses, and answered seriously. "If His Highness thinks Cale Henituse should be joining, then I believe we should let him come."

He paused, cleared his throat and then continued with the same solemnity. "But I would still be checking what kind of person this Cale Henituse is."

He turned his head towards the other opposite of the king, where Alberu was sitting. His gaze was not of arrogance but out of respect.

Alberu nodded, not finding anything wrong with the request 

"Very well," the king also nodded. "Let's now focus on the..."

Chapter Text

 "Human, what does a lord of a territory do? Can you travel a lot?"

'Why is being like this?'

Ignoring Raon, Cale stopped near the door to the Countess's study. His hands were also paused, as a thought suddenly struck him.

"Raon."

He called out.

 "Hmm?"

Since Raon was invisible, he responded internally.

 "What is is human? Why are you not going in?"

Cale drew back his hands and clenched it tightly.

"Raon."

He called out again, though this time a little stern.

 "Yes Human, I heard you the first time! Why are you calling my name? Are you sic-"

"Don't tell mother about what I talked with his Highness."

Cale interrupted Raon's ramble.

He was very worried the little dragon would blurt out ridiculous things like he did with Eruhaben and Archie.

 "About searching for hidden treasures?"

Raon asked innocently.

"No."

Cale bite his lips, reluctant to say it out loud. But he needed to do it because if not, Raon will not understand and make things worse.

So he had to verbalize it, even he did not want to.

"About the...date, thing."

Cale's voice was a bit strained. He felt like his throat was going dry as he uttered those words. He could feel the heat on the back of his neck from embarrassment.

 "Oh."

Cale knew Alberu did not mean it when he said that their visit to the Empire was a date. He knew it was a political maneuver, a way to get into the Empire and search for the truth while trying to appease the public with the false image of Roan and the Empire getting along and trusting each other.

But making Raon understand all of this is the hard part. It was a hassle Cale did not want to go through, so he went for the easier root — asking Raon to keep quiet about whatever nonsense he heard.

 "I'll not say a word, human. I promise!"

Raon exclaimed in excitement. He did not seem to understand the reason behind Cale's request, but agreed to it nonetheless.

Cale exhaled deeply, his shoulders sagging.

"Good."

With a nod, he raised his hands to open the door again. His mind was feeling calmer.

Until it didn't.

 "Goldie Gramps told me that we shouldn't talk about people's relationship secrets to others. It was disrespectful. That it was someone's right to reveal about their love and lovers only if they felt comfortable about it."

 "So you should only talk about dating the Crown Prince when you're comfortable. I'll not say anything to people who don't know about it."

Cale's hands froze. He blinked, processing the words.

'What the hell?'

His mind spoke. The words did not come out if his mouth that was too busy trying to find it's voice.

"...!"

"That's not true!"

He exclaimed, trying not to hiss at the invisible black dragon.

If the servants saw their Young Master stand infront of the Countess's study and talk to himself, they'd think he was crazy. Cale did not care about any if that.

He was not dating the Crown Prince and neither are they lovers. Cale could feel his head throbbing from all the nonsense this kid was talking.

Raon though, was very much unaware of the head ache he was giving his human.

 "So Goldie gramps is wrong? I can speak about you dating the Crown Prince to everybody?"

"No!"

 "Then you're dating the Crown Prince?"

Cale opened his mouth to say no, but then stopped himself. That would be a contradiction. If he said no, and this kid would go around saying the dating nonsense to everyone.

Not only about Cale, but every relationships he sees.

This was why old people say to use your words carefully around children.

Closing his mouth shut with a click, Cale exhaled loudly. Choosing to discontinue this conversation is the best choice, he decided.

Raon promised not to say anything, so it was fine.

 "Humam, why aren't you saying anything?"

Ignoring the words, Cale knocked on the door. It was time to have a conversation with his step mother.

Chapter Text

The Countess was sitting on her armchair, head held high and not a hair out place. She started to speak to Cale.

"Your face seems so skinny. Are you heading to the Empire with his highness?"

"Yes. He seems to need my help for the investigation of the magic bomb incident."

Cale answered.

He flinched as he saw Violan's gaze that seemed to be looking right through him. Countess Violan casually asked.

"Does his highness often give you difficult tasks?"

"Mm, they are not too hard."

"Is that so?"

There was a pause. Countess Violan's eyes was fixed on his face, her gaze intent as she was looking for something.

Then without blinking, she asked the next question.

"How is your relationship with the Crown Prince?"

Cale nearly choked on nothing but the air as he hears that question. It truly came out of nowhere.

'How did she...?'

Though he managed to keep his expression still.

"...It's okay."

"Is that so?"

Countess Violan repeated those words from before. It sent a chill down Cale's spine.

He truly did not expect the Countess to know about this ridiculous dating-relationship nonsense between him and the Crown Prince. Since Raon had promised not to say anything, he couldn't figure out how she heard about it.

Violan blinked, which seemed to be an action filled with It's own elegance.

"I was curious since the Crown Prince seems to trust you a lot. He had been giving you a lot of important work to do."

'Oh.'

Cale exhaled, his anxious thought disappearing. It was one thing for the Dragons, Whales and Choi Han to think that Cale and the Crown Prince have some non-existant thing going on between them.

But for his own family to think that way? Cale couldn't even begin to imagine the chaos that follows.

The people here seem to love to dress like the Victorian times. Though Cale could care less about such things, these people might have a little bit of homophonic mindset.

Or maybe not, considering how accepting the Henituse family was of the tribal people. But it might rish his slacker life.

Dealing with all that chaos and untangling the misunderstandings would be too exhausting to Cale's liking. So he had to keep this under the wraps infront of them.

Having all this in mind, he answered with a shrug.

"The Crown Prince thinks I'm trustworthy."

It was not exactly true, as Cale knew Alberu was doing this because Cale knows his secret, and because it benefits him. They're more like business partners, agreeing to trust each other and work on things that will benefit both of them.

"The Crown Prince is a sly man."

Violan spoke, her voice grim. She was the head of an important noble household, and was well aware of the nature of the nobles and royals.

"He would never do something to bring harm to the people of Roan."

Cale countered. He knew the Crown Prince's nature from the novel "The Birth of a Hero." Thus, he was also aware of how the Crown Prince's actions were always for the benefit of Roan and it's people.

"Are you sure of this?"

"Yes."

Cale replied with certainty. He was sure about going to the Empire with Alberu. Like the Crown Prince said, there must be a treasure hidden in the Vatican there, and Cale could not pass up the opportunity to gain more money.

Violan started to smile, her eyes softening. That expression did not look bad on her face that remained poised most of the time.

"Then I am relieved."

'What?'

Cale could not tell why he was getting a chilly feeling when looking at the Countess.

"I believe you're mature enough to make your own choices."

Violan continued, the smile on her face remaining as it is.

"I will respect it. Still, you need to remember that we are the Henituse Household. We are not inferior to anybody, and we can take a stance against the Royal family if we want to. We are family."

Though sounding confident, Violan was observing Cale with a bit of uncertainty as she said the last part.

But Cale was too busy feeling confused.

His lack of negative response made the Countess relieved.

"Do you understand?"

Violan asked, her voice a bit commanding.

"Yes, mother."

Cale answered immediately. He did understand her words, though he was still lost on why she said all of that.

"Still, I am happy for you."

This time Violan's voice was soft as she let out a chuckle.

It felt so odd, and adding to the cold sweat he was feeling behind his neck, Cale was feeling unsettled.

'What is she saying?'

So he decided to make the best choice to not make things complicated for him.

Ignoring everything, he asked the question he came here for.

"Mother, is Muller currently resting?"

Chapter Text

As soon as they arrived at the capital, Cale could see Alberu and a diplomat waiting for him. The Crown Prince opened up his arms and welcomed Cale.

"Young master Cale Henituse, thank you for coming. I thought that you would be the best choice to accompany me to the Empire."

Cale lightly hugged back as if he was honored and started to speak.

"Your highness, although I may be lacking, I am glad that I will be able to help out the kingdom."

"Human, Crown Prince! You always hug when you meet. Do you like hugging each other that much?"

Raon, fluttering above both of their heads in his invisible form asked through telepathy magic.

Cale's soft smile nearly slipped, as he removed his hands from the other man's back and tried to step away. Raon already has enough weird ideas about them. There is no need to create anymore.

But only he seemed to think like that.

Because Alberu did not let go. He did not put any force pressure or force. The Crown Prince simply refused to remove his hold and Cale was too weak to pull away from it.

Even if he could break off from the hands caging him, he wouldn't as it would paint a negative picture of their relationship to the diplomat.

So he raised his hands back to where they were, continuing the illusion that they were hugging — something he felt that was lasting longer as days pass by.

Then he heard it again, the voice inside his head. Though this was not Raon's.

"Of course, Raon. Cale's using the imported lavender shampoo I sent to him. He smells very nice and I like it a lot."

It was Alberu.

Cale froze, his nails digging into the Prince's shoulders in shock. The origin of the new shampoo he'd been using all this time, a trivial piece of information he had not deemed important, dawned onto him.

No wonder it smelled like the one he used when he was resting in the palace after the Plaza incident.

Why would the Crown Prince sent imported shampoo of all things to a mere noble?

Then another realization hit him — the gift would have been sent to the Henituse territory. The person who recieved it could be Hans, Ron or any other servant of the manor. They would surely have reported it to the lord of the House.

Everybody would be thinking the same thing — why is the Crown Prince of Roan Alberu Crossman, gifting expensive shampoo to the oldest Young Master of the Henituse family?

Even Cale himself couldn't understand what Alberu had achieved with that move.

"I like his smell too!"

Raon exclaimed with a happy cheer in his voice.

"Young Master Cale is very possessive isn't he?"

Alberu's whisper was like the cold breeze in the stormy sea, making the hair on the back of Cale's neck stand. His voice dropped to an even lower tone, like the cackling of lava inside a volcano.

"Digging into my back and leaving marks."

Cale flattened his fingers, gliding smoothly over Alberu's expensive gold embroidered silk jacket. He could only scoff, disbelief colouring his expression.

'This bastard, really!'

"I suppose you were also marking me with your scent then!" He whispered with gritted teeth.

The warm hands encirling Cale's body was suddenly gone, as the Crown Prince took a step back. His smile was still there, but his beautuful blue eyes were wide, like it was screaming, 'what the fuck did i just hear?'

Cale's burgundy red eyes were also blown out, registering what he just said.

'What the hell did I just say?'

"Why are you marking each other?"

That sweet innocent voice. The little dragon's Blue eyes would surely be blinking, filled with curiosity. Cale knew it was, despite Raon being invisible.

The question created subtle but similar reactions to the two men.

Cale's shoulders tensed up, his hands clenching and unclenching like trying to contain the enenergy of all the cells vibrating in his body like they were trying to create a tear in time and space to go back in time and make sure this never happens.

Alberu's smile widened, but not in a way that expressed his amusement. No, it was the kind of smile that comes out as a reaction when scandalous questions were asked by relatives directly to your face.

Behind Cale, in Alberu's view stood the three knights the red head had bought along.

While Hilsman was curiously staring at the two young men who were refusing to let go of each other for longer than what it is socially considered as a standard hugging time. He did not anything that conspired between them.

The other two though, were unfortunate enough to be a dragon and a swordsmaster in this situation. Thus fate decided that these two beings will be the ones to listen to this situation that is the embodiment of second hand embarrassment.

The expression on their faces worsened as Raon, who decided that his human and the blondie Prince were not going to answer his question, turned to the thousand year old ancient dragon who had found a certain young noble very interesting and swordsmaster who had decided to be the sword and shield of the same young noble.

"Goldie gramps, Choi Han. Why are they trying to mark each other?"

There was a pause, like the seven year old black dragon was thinking through his words.

"It it like territory marking?"

The expression on the gold and black haired duo's faces, which were struggling to stay flat now twisted into form something that had never been marked in history. It was like their facial muscles could not handle what they were watching, shock and appallement trying to fuse together to somehow form resignation.

Eruhabden let put a deep sigh, unable to decide whether his belief of always be willing to learning from new experiences was right or not.

"...what are you even teaching this little kid?"

Chapter Text

"...what are you even teaching this little kid?"

On hearing Eruhaben's voice in his mind, Cale felt like screaming at the unfairness of it all. But that feeling was now overshadowed from the tug of war between the desire to turn back and walk out through a portal and the desperation to ask Eruhanen to wipe off this event from Raon's memories, even if it meant Cale had to sacrifice half his soul.

But people were watching and money was waiting in the Empire for him to steal. So he can't undo anything, and Raon will be spreading the details of this conversation like a drop of ink in a glass of clear water.

"Ahem."

There was a slight clearing of throat, and Cale's focus landed on the diplomat standing a little to a foot behind Alberu.

The diplomat was a middle aged man who wore glasses with a golden rim.

Cale smiled at him, a little dead on the inside — he wouldn't be surprised if this man here heard the embarrassing things he blurted out before. If he did, Cale didn't even have the strength to dig his own grave.

Fortunately for Cale though, the middle aged diplomat was just a normal and loyal person. The man cleared his throat again as he began to speak.

"I came here to see what kind of person His Highness had chosen. The King wanted to know whether you were good enough to be by the Crown Prince's side."

Alberu had personally recommended Cale Henituse, the son of a common noble to be a part of this envoy. So ofcourse everybody was curious and doubtful.

The diplomat slowly adjusted the rim of his glasses, observing Cale's face that had a respectful smile on his face — a mask the middle aged man did not notice.

"I see there was no need for any concern. His Highness had truly chosen the perfect person to be with him."

Cale and Alberu made eye contact at that moment. Alberu immediately opened his mouth to speak.

"Ah, yes. He is young master Silver Shield. I told you that he is a noble person and that there is no need to worry."

His words were confident, perfectly hiding the urgency the change the subject of focus of the members of Cale's group, both visible and invisible.

Cale felt like Alberu was doing this purposefully to suck the remaining life out of him.

'That damn name again.'

He couldn't help but frown on hearing the title that would come back to him like a boomerang no matter how hard he tried to throw it away.

The diplomat smiled warmly as he heard the 'Young Master Silver Shield,' the title Cale had gotten for his heroic deeds in the Plaza.

"That is true! I saw that silver shield with my own eyes! That was really amazing, young master Cale."

"It was nothing. I just used some of my worthless power."

Cale tried to deflect, to tone it down. The shield was after all only grandeur to see, but a weak little power in reality. Like the cloudy day that would make one believe would bring a storm but what pours would only be a drizzle.

Cale could try all he like though, because the people are were still convinced that the storm that wouldn't come would surely happen.

"Bad! How could you call it worthless! I hope the chance to see that shield again appears in the future! Hahahaha."

The middle aged man was looking at him like he was the future of Roan kingdom.

Cale smiled as well and touched the back of his head.

'So weird. Why is the back of my head getting cold as I listen to this diplomat talk?'

The back of Cale’s neck continued to feel chilly even though he was thinking that there will be no reason for him to use the shield again in the future.

"Human, the Crown Prince chose you to be by his side? Will he allow me to stand on his head then?!"

The little black dragon's voice was full of excitement, liking the possibility of being allowed to rest on Alberu's silky soft golden hair.

Cale couldn't really blame Raon though. Alberu's hair really does look really soft and silky. He himself had imagined how it would feel to the touch.

'Maybe he could grow out his hair, and when it starts falling out, I could ask the tailor to sew me a small pillow out of it?'

Cale's thoughts screeched to a halt, realizing what just passed through his mind.

He just imagined about making a pillow out of someone hair....

'...Fuck.'

He cursed to himself.

'I'm going crazy...'

Chapter Text

While Cale was forced to chat with the diplomat, Alberu slipped by unnoticed. With a bright smile on his face, he walked towards the three knights Cale had brought along as his guards.

At first, his attention was at the most beautiful man out of the three, with long golden hair and enchanting green eyes. Despite being under human disguise, his beauty was still on part with other dragons.

"Haben."

Alberu greeted him cheerfully, casually sliping in a small dip of his head, so inconspicuous that there might have not been one at all. Using magic, he telepathically called out to the golden dragon in respect.

"Eruhaben-nim. It's a surprise to see you again."

Eruhaben did not mind performing his role as one of Cale's guards, respectfully bowing to the Crown Prince despite being a dragon himself. He was not like other dragons after all, and knew how to do things without hurting his ego.

Though his gaze was sharp, piercing. Like he wanted to delve into the mind of this young man before him and read his thoughts and intentions. Alas, it wasn't a power nature had deemed necessary for him.

Alberu met those eyes with confidence, neither defying not faltering.

It always impressed the ancient dragon, how a mere quarter dark elf was able to defy his nature and look into a thousand year old dragon's eyes.

That aside, Eruhaben had a more pressing question to ask. The words of that diplomat earlier had left a sour taste in his mouth.

But since there were eyes around them, he did not want to take risks. Thus he asked through telepathic magic.

"Are you planning on mating with that unlucky bastard?"

Alberu's face twitched. Not only his face, but his eyes, nose, eyes and ears, like they were all sharing the burden of the utter bewilderment his brain had to process.

The twitching was only slight though. Alberu Crossman was someone who had trained his ability to control his facial muscle to the point he might be able to make two of his eyes kiss if he willed it to.

That slight twitch though was caught by the golden dragon. And it made him frown.

He felt like he had all the right to ask this question right now, considering the words if the diplomat-

"....what kind of person His Highness had chosen...-"

"-The King wanted to know whether you were good enough to be by the Crown Prince's side."

-"His Highness had truly chosen the perfect person to be with him."-

From all the information the golden dragon had gathered about humans in his centuries if long life, this clearly indicates that all this will eventually lead to the courting and mating ritual of humans.

But this Dark Elven Prince was reacting like Erihaben had asked him to eat a dragon's meat.

Alberu opened his mouth, and kept it like that for a second, waiting for his brain to send the words required to deal with this situation.

And the only word his brain could form right now was one.

"Wow."

Like it had finally shut down for a second after being abused for the two decade it's owner was alive.

Alberu's smile widened, though there was a line of discomfort etched it. He subtly shifted away, like trying to avoid the shadow of the golden dragon lest he would get trapped in the craziness that oozed off it.

The same smile continued as the Prince said the words into Eruhaben's head.

"That's a fascinating conclusion to make, Eruhaben-nim. I see that your glorious long life had not affected that wonderful and imaginative mind. It's very admirable."

Eruhaben's jaw ticked at those words, forcing himself to be calm at the face of such balant disrespect, that too from a quarter dark elf of all creatures.

Alberu though was already turning to the next person — the black haired swordsmaster with pitch black eyes.

"Your Highness."

Choi Han bowed.

Unlike Eruhaben, he did not get any greeting in return. Instead, a hand was pushed into his field if vision.

He looked upto see the Crown Prince smiling brightly at him.

"I believe we haven't officially met."

Choi Han glanced at his hands wearing the leather gloves that had scratches from all the training and the white soft satin gloves Alberu was wearing.

Alberu followed his gaze, but did not drop his hands, still waiting in anticipation.

Not wanting to be rude, Choi Han shook the outstretched royal hand gently.

He had already guessed the Crown Prince's strength — slightly above the highest rank of swordsmanship.

A warm tingly feeling spread through his hand, which Choi Han recognized as mana. Not pure, but mana nonetheless.

Mana was flowing from Alberu's hands to his, easily penetrating through the gloves.

Choi Han frowned, disliking whatever the Prince was doing. It was warm, but unknown and Choi Han did not trust this Crown Prince as much as his liege did.

"...I'm Choi Han."

He said in a tone that was entirely void of any emotion.

Alberu's response was the exact opposite.

"I'm aware. Cale Henituse's guardian knight who vowed to protect him from any danger."

A pause.

"Our Young Master Cale had been such a help to you, isn't he?"

Alberu continued, the mirth in his twinkling blue eyes making Choi Han frown. There was something about his words, his expression and that look — all of them seemed to be wiling to tear apart your soul and absorb the fragments if needed. It was unsettling for the swordsmaster.

"Our dear Cale is kind like that. Truly, the definition of a good person."

Choi Han's wariness did not go away despite hearing such good things about his liege. He had something he needed to ask.

"Your Highness, what is your relation–"

"If you're planning on continuing Haben's question, then let me make this clear."

Alberu cut the other man off. His smile was tensed, a stretch of the lips with joy so forced that even Choi Han could recognize it.

"I have no ill intentions with Cale. You're liege was the one who initiated our mutual relationship, reaching out first. I believe he knows what he's doing, so you should focus on your role as his knight. Alright?"

Despite the low tone, Alberu's words rang through Choi Han's ears, echoing around like they were willing to stay there till he would understand what they meant.

"...okay."

He answered, letting his hand fall back on his side. He did not know what to think of the answer he got, but this was clearly not the time to be discussing this.

A small part if him did find it admirable that Alberu was defending his liege's ability to make decisions about his own life.

Alberu's focus then shifted to the third and weakest person among the guards.

His demeanor though changed up immediately, 

"Vice Captain Hilsman, how have you been?"

"Your Highness."

Hilsman bowed deeply, raising his head back to find the Prince extending his hands.

The swordsman's eyes widened, surprised at the friendly gesture towards him. He took it tentatively, as Alberu started to speak.

"It's been a long time since we have met each other, haven't we?"

"You still remember, Your Highness?"

Hilsman exclaimed, shocked that the Crown Prince of Roan would even pay attention to someone as insignificant as him. Besides, their interaction back then had one been brief — a bow and a small greeting.

"Of course I do."

Alberu's chuckled, shaking his head like those memories were still fresh in his mind.

"It was during the heir transfer ceremony in the Henituse territory. I remembered how you tagged along woth Young Master Basen with such determination that I thought you would be able to protect him even from the demon king!"

"Hahahaha."

Hilsman laughed, feeling both pride and embarrassment.

It escaped his notice of how mana was slightly flowing from the Crown Prince's hands to his.

And how the blue eyes had glowed, spiraling like the whirlpools in the depth of sea that had the power to reorganize the organ structure of any creature that dared to pass through.