on the table and quickly began to sketch the approximate positions of the bombs he had found. In their case, they could have been hidden elsewhere, but if there was a way to check, why not.
The dragon, looking at this, was surprised how the prince could draw so quickly and so clearly. Chick-Chick and half the district are already on paper. Chick and the crosses are standing. Could he learn the same, or is this the magic of the Dark Elves?
"We found one, and then I ran with the Dragon in my arms to look everywhere. We ended up finding three more Magic Bombs, but that's it. I'm sure we need to look somewhere other than the square, but there were no bombs in the places we looked.
- There is no need to rush, as they will be perfectly safe until the day of the celebration in two days.
- But it's better to get rid of dangerous things in advance!
- We will steal them early in the morning on the day of the celebration.
- … I'm sorry?
Cale knew that a specially designed signal was needed to activate the Magic Bombs. However, it was quite easy for anyone with a Black Dragon level of magic, or even a mage of Rosalyn's level, to sever the connection between the developers and the bombs, even if it took some time. This is how Rosalyn was able to destroy the bombs on people earlier.
"It takes time. I understand why we didn't have time to defuse everything," Rosalyn said in a frustrated tone. Intellectually, she knew they had done all they could. But as a good person, she regretted not having been able to do more.
- Stop. Did I hear wrong?
- What?
— He said "we'll steal"?
Everyone looked at each other in surprise. Having heard the news that four of the five planted bombs had been found, they somehow ignored these words.
— ...Why does he need magic bombs?
— ...
"What are you going to do with them, you miserable bastard?"
"This must be done on the day of celebration."
It was the only way to make the bloodthirsty mage think that everything was okay.
- Steal them? We're not going to destroy them?
Cale returned the card to Choi Han's hands and began to speak:
- Why should we destroy such useful things?
Even if the bombs couldn't be used, the densely concentrated mana inside them was quite a useful ingredient.
- I'm going to use them for myself.
Choi Han thought that Cale's smile was rather mean. Cale continued to talk to Choi Han, who had an embarrassed expression on his face.
The words spoken and the mean smile made the Crown Prince feel very uneasy. He was simply trying to convince himself that Cale didn't seem like the type of person who would decide to detonate bombs somewhere where there were people. So far, the persuasion was successful.
- Keep searching because there may be more bombs. Check the locations several times to see if the bombs have changed location.
Choi Han and the Black Dragon now had to remain hidden and continue their search. It would be hard, boring, and extremely taxing on their minds, but it was not something Cale was going to do himself.
The sword master simply consoled himself with the thought that Cale would be of no use there anyway.
Cale looked at On and Hong, who had just woken up from their sleep and started to yawn.
— It's time to pay in full.
Cale turned to Choi Han:
— Go to work.
The two kittens, yawning tiredly, and Choi Han went to work as Cale had ordered. He leisurely watched them jump off the terrace window before taking a sip of wine. He hadn't gotten a chance to drink at the banquet. But after drinking now, he went to bed.
- How will the kittens help?
- What if they come across some cute wolf boy there? Who else will protect Choi Han-nim and Dragon-nim from this terrible danger? They have already learned.
Ron couldn't help but snort. Cats protecting the Sword Master from a wolf pup. The image, even if just imaginary, flew into the piggy bank of images, next to the frightened face of the young master.
Eruhaben suddenly burst out laughing.
Everyone was afraid to look at Locke. He was so red that they could almost feel the heat coming from him, no matter how far away they sat.
Some of the information was delivered to Cale while he was sleeping. The young man was able to hear the news immediately after waking up.
Today, Bylos was going to arrive in the capital, the day before the birthday celebration. Cale immediately headed to the tavern where he was supposed to meet Bylos.
This was the same place where the ten children of the Wolf Tribe were. Of course, He, Hong, and Lock went with Cale when he headed to the inn.
Locke tried to put out the fire in his cheeks and concentrate. He wanted to make sure that they were okay in that world, and that they were okay after everything that had happened. Whatever world they lived in, they were still his brothers and sisters.
He thought about what Locke had said earlier and asked,
- Do you want me to take care of your brothers and sisters?
- Yes, that's the condition of my deal.
- And what can you do for me?
"I won't be the only one paying for this," Locke replied without hesitation.
- If not you, then who else?
Locke responded quickly:
- My brothers and sisters will be with me. We are stronger in a group.
Cale felt a chill.
"No way."
- What's wrong? Wolves are strong! - the boy didn't understand what could possibly displease the Young Master.
Locke mercilessly dealt Cale another mental blow:
— In the Blue Wolf Tribe, there is a very famous story about how to become knights. This story…
- That's not what I need to know.
Cale turned away from Locke, who was sitting opposite him in the carriage.
But Locke only nodded in response to Cale's question, and then began to speak:
- If you don't know, could I explain it?
He said the phrase in the form of a question, but seemed eager to tell what was on his mind. Cale shook his head to refuse:
- There is no need.
- But…
Cale stared at Locke.
"You want me to take these ten children from the Blue Wolf Tribe and you to create a brigade of knights?"
"That's probably what I want. I don't know what else we can do to help," he said, a little upset.
- Calm down, Lock. I repeat, you are still young. Your proposal itself was very sensible. Many would have jumped at it immediately. It is the Young Master with his own cockroaches in his head. But you have to be careful with such proposals, - the prince smiled kindly at the boy again.
He looked at the prince with great surprise and was glad that he had not suggested something completely senseless. After thinking for a while, he also remembered that the Young Master wanted to live quietly on the outskirts of the territory, which meant that he did not really need a detachment of wolf knights. This helped to calm the excitement.
However, the prince apparently had not yet finished his thought:
- Also, I can assume that he already knows what he wants from you. And this whole story with the deal was, first of all, started for your sake.
Locke cocked his head to the side, looking like a puppy now.
— For me?
- True. He's been trying to help you act more confident ever since you knocked on the door. Letting you think through the details of a deal on your terms should have helped you gain some confidence first. Your behavior in the carriage now is very different from your conversation in the room. So don't worry. Take note and learn.
The excited wolf boy nodded his head sharply and stared at the screen with an unblinking gaze. Which reminded everyone of the two kittens who were also looking at him while they were thinking of how to kill him.
Lock was the one who feared the Whale Tribe, but was willing to attack the whale chief for the sake of his friends.
"You want me to take someone crazier than some religious fanatic and make him my subordinate?"
- There is no need to talk about such nonsense.
Cale's cold voice made Locke's shoulders sag. Cale wasn't worried about Locke's reaction at all and began to speak:
- Do you want little children to become knights? You asked me to protect children, but you contradict yourself by making such an assumption.
- He is right about this too...
- He doesn't want to strain himself.
— This does not change the truth of his words.
- What about their opinions? Why do you decide for them?
Cale asked Locke, who made the decision for all of his siblings. Locke froze for a moment before lowering his head and apologizing.
— Sorry.
"No need to apologize," Cale simply responded casually to Locke's words, who raised his head slightly. "But since I know what you want from me, I'll think about what I want in return."
Of course, he had already thought about what he would ask for in return. He didn't need it now, but in about three months, an Ancient Power would appear on a dangerous mountain that Cale could use to get money. It would only be there for six months, and someone like Locke in his berserker mode would be better off climbing that mountain.
— Make money on the Ancient Power?
- Why should he earn money at all? He comes from a very rich family!
Rosalyn's only response was a shrug.
- Perhaps he wants to hedge his bets in case he's found out. Still. You see, Locke, he actually already knew how you could repay him.
"If I sell this Ancient Power to the Queen of the Jungle, even if our territory is broken, I will have enough money to spend the rest of my life in idleness."
- Why does the Jungle need ancient power?
- Who knows... I haven't heard any strange news from there. But since Cale doesn't seem to be in a hurry, maybe whatever it is hasn't happened yet.
- Maybe.
— Is there anything you need from me?
Cale sighed at Locke's worried voice, then spoke, looking at the boy:
- Don't ask such obvious questions. Of course, I'll need your help.
"Ah," Locke let out a long sigh, then nodded his head. "Yes, I will do whatever you ask of me. Please let me know when you have made your decision."
- Certainly.
Cale said before taking a small wallet out of his pocket and tossing it to Locke. The boy picked it up as Cale explained the reason for the money.
- This is your first time in the capital with your brothers and sisters, so go on an excursion.
— … Excursion?
- Yes. Isn't this your first time in such a big city as the capital? Walk around the city with them and try some delicious food.
"I can only have a normal, relaxed conversation with Bilos if none of you are there."
Observers couldn't help but admit that even if it was done to send the children away, it was a generous offer. And it would do the children good to get out and have some fun. Even Locke knew that. It wasn't as if adults in his own village didn't send children away for "grown-up talk." And for young village children, a tour of the capital was a huge adventure.
- He and Hong will go with you so that you don't get lost.
— Meeeeeeeee!
- Meow!
He and Hong, who had been sitting quietly in the carriage, immediately announced their presence upon hearing Cale's statement and walked over to Lock. They then patted Lock's legs with their paws.
- He, Hong, stop this. It tickles me.
- Be careful, Locke! This is an assassination attempt! Don't be fooled by cute faces.
Would transforming into a berserker help him become strong enough to stop blushing? He hoped so.
Locke patted their heads like it was cute, but in Cale's eyes the kittens were seriously trying to attack Locke.
- Locke! Even young Master Cale thinks so! And he knows better.
All the poor child could do was cover his burning face with his hands. He was convinced of one thing: his older sisters were the devil's spawn.
The young man watched this scene, lost in thought:
"I must leave the children of the Wolf Tribe with Hans later. Otherwise, I will have to find a nanny for them."
- Oh! We've already seen Deputy Butler Hans with the kittens. Now we'll see him with the wolf cubs?
- How cute should it be?
The two sworn friends couldn't wait to witness this scene.
Cale thought it would be nice if someone could cook well and keep everything clean. Cale thought of people who could look after the children of the Wolf Tribe, besides Hans, the only one that came to mind was Bikros, Ron's son and the second head cook. Thinking about Bikros made Cale's expression turn to stone.
Everyone froze, as did Cale. Especially Bikros.
With each word that Kayle spoke next, everyone's heads slowly began to turn towards the shocked chef .
Bikros was definitely someone who could cook, keep clean, and had a positive reputation in the Haniteuz family, being a person who always remained respectful and outwardly normal. However, none of this mattered to Cale. Because he knew that Bikros was a madman who loved torture. He could not allow such a person to corrupt the minds of the pure children of the Wolf Tribe.
Bikros let out a very loud sigh of relief. They wouldn't hang a dozen wild children on him.
Everyone else exhaled much more quietly.
Even Ron froze a little, picturing his son raising a dozen puppies. His imagination was stuck. What about the rest?
They were just happy for the kids. And a little for Bikros. He was a kind soul, Lock.
"I also need to send him with Choi Han."
He wasn't really needed, but in the novel, Bikros went with Choi Han and Rosalyn to the Kingdom of Breck to torment the Great Admiral. Cale was still pondering what he needed to do to take care of the Wolf Tribe's children when the carriage arrived at the inn where the wolf cubs and Bilros were staying.
— From this we can conclude that everything went well in the Kingdom of Brek.
—...Mmm...
At that moment, Locke saw that the carriage had finally stopped. And all his attention was absorbed by the screen. Soon he would see his younger ones. He already missed them.
Cale stepped out of the carriage before throwing at Lok:
- Follow me.
Cale patted him on the shoulder, and Lock, picking up On and Hong in his arms, followed him into the inn.
- Welcome to Fragrant Grapes! How can I help you?Cale returned the young porter's greeting and immediately headed for the back door. All those whom Choi Han had brought with him lived in the outbuilding at the back of the inn.
The porter tried to follow them, but Cale stopped him with a gesture and walked to the door of the outbuilding before turning to Locke:
- You open the door, because these are your younger brothers and sisters.
— Huh? Yes!
It wasn't just Lok who was eager to see the children. The princesses wanted to see even more of the lovely children.
Choi Han wanted to see the children he had helped save. It was one thing to know they existed, and quite another to see them with your own eyes.
The others were curious too.
Locke set the kittens down and grabbed the door handle. This was the first time he would see his younger siblings since he had gone through his berserker transformation. Cale slowly pulled away, as he had a bad feeling that he probably shouldn't see what was waiting for them on the other side of the door.
Boy.
Locke turned the doorknob and opened the door. They saw the inside of the outbuilding as soon as the door was open. It was quite a comfortable space.
Sigh.
However, Cale took two more steps back. It was an instinctive movement.
— Hyung!
— Hyung!
— Oh no!
- Lock-oppa!
Ten children rushed towards Locke, who ran towards them. Cale saw an emotional reunion before his eyes, but he was shocked to see ten Wolf Tribe children in front of him.
"Apparently, hypothetical knowledge of existence and actual observations differ not only for me," the swordsman thought with a grin.
At the same time, there was someone Cale was glad to see:
— … Young Master.
- Long time no see, Bilos.
Cale told Bylos to come to this outbuilding. He saw that Bylos was looking at the man approaching them behind Bylos with a rather nervous smile.
- Nice to meet you, Young Master Cale.
—Are you the merchant who arrived with Choi Han?
A man in his sixties, with a gentle expression and a good physique, this man was the one who asked Choi Han to help with the Blue Wolf Tribe's matter.
- Yes. I have heard a lot about you from Mr. Choi Han. It is a great honor for me to meet you in person, Young Master.
- Honor? That can hardly apply to a worthless person like me.
- You don't look like a nobody. And Choi Han wouldn't say a bad word about you.
The swordsman wanted to argue that he could. But he remembered that for his double, Cale was a strictly positive person, and remained silent. And he blushed a little. He felt uncomfortable.
Cale extended his hand to the man, who shook it, introducing himself in return:
- My name is Odeus Flynn.
Cale started to smile.
Odeus Flynn. He was the one who was the strongest opponent in the fight for the leadership position of the Flynn Merchant Guild, but gave up to open his own small guild.
He was Bilos's uncle.
Odeus Flynn was the man who connected Bylos and Choi Han to each other, and also the man who brought Bylos' hidden greed to light.
"He's even more cunning than Ron."
The former butler took this comment in surprise. And he cast an appraising glance at this Odeus Flynn. He needed to keep up the level of cunning.
This man acted as if he owned a small Merchant Guild, but in reality it was just a disguise to rule the underworld. He was nice to one person, but cruel and ruthless to another. That type was Odeus Flynn.
The Crown Prince diligently wrote a compromising summary. It turns out that there are so many categorically interesting personalities living right next door.
Right now, the only person who knew about both sides of the coin called Odeus Flynn was Cale.