Episode 11

Haena came in carrying a tray of dried fruits and the like. Sensing that there was a specific reason she had called him, she clasped her hands together in front of her and looked at Ian. He was still enjoying the bright weather outside the window.

“Is there anything else you need?”

“Haena, how are the younger ones doing?”

Since they started eating at the restaurant, there was much more food left over. Not just Haena, but even the other kitchen staff were able to fill their pockets generously.

“Thanks to you, they’re doing very well. They’re constantly running around every day, so it’s a bit hectic.”

The child smiled wholeheartedly. Now that their bellies were full, the laughter never faded, and the family’s bond grew stronger day by day. All thanks to Ian. The younger ones knew Ian would leave some food for them.

“That’s good to hear.”

“Is there something you need me to do?”

Haena took a step closer to Ian, determined not to let even the smallest sound escape. Ian, still facing the window, continued speaking.

“Haena, I have a message for Mother.”

Ian was quietly infusing magic into his brooch, ensuring their whispered conversation wouldn’t be overheard by Derga. Since the two children were illiterate both officially and practically, there was no other way.

“Yes, please tell me.”

Finally, a chance to repay him!

Haena pressed her lips together, eager for instructions. The window sparkled briefly, but the child dismissed it as just sunlight.

“Tell Portro to come to the park lake in District 3 for lunch tomorrow. Make sure to wear a disguise.”

“Is that all I need to say?”

“…And that the pouch was received safely.”

This was probably their first meeting. It would be troublesome if Ian’s mother didn’t show up, thinking it was a trap by Derga. Haena carefully stored the brief information in her mind.

“Yes, I’ll make sure not to make any mistakes.”

“I’m sorry. I promised I wouldn’t send you to such places, but this is urgent and there’s no other way.”

It was happening tomorrow. There was no time to go through other channels. Haena nodded as if to say, “Leave it to me,” then took a step back.

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

“Take some snacks with you. Consider it payment.”

“Thank you, Lord Ian!”

Even as Haena stuffed the dried fruits into her pocket, Ian didn’t turn his head.

What could be outside the window to hold his attention like that? The child pictured the view outside and then smiled knowingly. All they could see from here were the main house and the soldiers’ quarters.

“When you go out with Lord Chel tomorrow, Uncle Deo will be accompanying you.”

“Deo?”

Ian’s head turned slightly, though not enough to see his eyes. Haena patted her now-bulging pocket with satisfaction and replied.

“Yes. Tonight’s night training is scheduled, and Uncle Deo is the only one off duty. His left arm is still a bit sore, but he said he can handle escorting both of you.”

“What happened to his arm?”

“Oh, Lord Ian, didn’t you know? About two weeks ago, he got drunk and broke his left arm. He claims he fought some thug on the street, but everyone knows it was actually the tavern wall. It’s not the first time, either.”

Haena chuckled, clearly amused. Ian smiled faintly as well, but he could tell Deo was no ordinary man.

To have pulled such a stunt and not been fired? And even with an injured arm, he was trusted to escort the two boys?

That meant he was a highly skilled man, trusted by Derga. Ian lightly rubbed the window and nodded.

“Alright. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Yes. If you need anything else, just call.”

Click.

The child left the room with light footsteps. Only then did Ian withdraw his magic and turn around. His golden eyes returned to their usual color, and the brooch’s glow faded.

“Hmm. Deo, huh.”

Chel might be a negligible presence, but Deo could very well be a wildcard. Ian sat on the sofa, fiddling with the pouch his mother had given him.

---

A week and a day.

That was how long it took before Ian finally left the Bratz estate. The carriage sent by the gathered Gyeongyi arrived precisely at noon, waiting for the two boys.

“Lord Chel, Lord Ian, this way.”

And there was Deo, the man. His face was covered in scars, hinting at his rough nature. His build was so imposing that Ian worried whether he could even fit inside the carriage.

Whether intentional or not, he addressed the two boys differently.

“Riding together?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

They would be sitting so close their knees might touch…

Ian shot a displeased glance but then climbed into the carriage. Maybe it was just his imagination, but the horses seemed to move with some difficulty.

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

The sound of hooves echoed quietly. Chel and Ian stared out opposite windows in silence. Ian thought it would be better to be at school; he felt like he was being dragged to the slaughterhouse. But Ian was admiring the scenery.

“Oh.”

Since they were near the border, not far from the desert, the landscape was different. Ian had spent most of his life in the capital, and the war he’d fought in was on the opposite side of the continent. Unlike other nobles, he’d never been on a vacation.

So there was a place like this in Bariel. It felt foreign, almost like traveling through a distant land. A century’s gap in time, perhaps.

“Do you know any places worth visiting in Portroga?”

After a long moment of sightseeing, Ian finally spoke. Chel turned to look at him, and Deo blinked.

“The administrator asked me to introduce the area, so I should at least make a good impression, but as you know, I don’t know anything.”

He was a kid from the slums, struggling just to survive.

“Isn’t that right, brother? No matter what, I don’t think it’s appropriate to show them the alleys where I lived.”

“…That’s true.”

Though guests might be curious, he couldn’t really show them that place. It wasn’t just anywhere—it was the red-light district. How could the noble heirs of the count’s family take guests there? That would be madness.

Deo scratched his nose awkwardly.

“Well, there are plenty of taverns, but I don’t know any places suitable for the central officials. The places I go to are always noisy.”

“…Have you forgotten I’m underage?”

“Well, you could say that.”

Despite Ian’s rebuke, Deo just grinned shamelessly, and Ian thought he could almost smell the stench from his blackened teeth.

“What a creepy guy.”

It wasn’t just hygiene. His habit of constantly fiddling with the dagger’s hilt and his lecherous gaze made him seem less than human.

“Enough. I guess we’ll just have to stroll through the park.”

That was Ian’s real purpose—to lay the groundwork. In case Deo reported back to the count, everything had to seem natural yet certain. Since they planned to meet their mother in the park, it had to be flawless.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Lord, please disembark.”

The carriage slowed, and the driver opened the door.

Portroga was clearly an upper-class residential area. Beyond the well-paved stone roads and tree-lined streets, the ‘Haiman Bank’ building stood prominently on the main road.

It was known as the third sanctuary, responsible for Bariel’s entire financial infrastructure. Each territory had at least one branch, and without them, massive tax payments would have to be sent by carriage.

Thud!

As Deo stepped down last, the carriage shook violently. Seeing this, Maek approached cheerfully.

“Oh! Lord Ian!”

“Sir Maek, thank you for coming to meet us.”

“Not at all. It’s even nicer to see you outside. Ah, and Lord Chel as well. You must have had a long journey.”

Maek greeted Ian and Chel warmly but kept glancing at the guards behind them. His smile was tinged with caution. Deo just scratched his ear, ignoring it.

“Welcome.”

They seemed to occupy the entire building. Though not as large as Derga’s estate, the interior was finished with luxurious materials, exuding an old-world charm.

“Is this a government residence?”

“Yes. It’s used when officials are dispatched from the capital. It’s clean and comfortable, so I live here like it’s my own home.”

Inside, everything was ready.

The tray was piled high with food, and there was even wine—perfectly arranged. It looked no different from a Bratz count’s luncheon.

“Will the guards be joining you for the meal?”

“Is that necessary?”

Maek asked at the door to the reception room, and Deo raised his eyebrows as if surprised. It was quite rude, but Maek just crossed his arms, pondering how to deal with the man.

“Enjoy your meal and your academic discussion. I’ll just stay out of the way.”

At Deo’s words, Ian turned to Maek and gave a subtle nod.

“We came out of the estate together, so I can’t just watch while they eat. Could you please set an extra place and a wine glass?”

Ian deliberately emphasized ‘wine.’ The man who made his living with his body had gotten drunk so many times he broke his arm. He must be someone who couldn’t live without alcohol.

Maek hesitated briefly before speaking.

“…We didn’t bring any wine.”

Both guests were children. Without Derga or Lady Mary present, there was no reason to prepare alcohol. Ian seemed to know this well enough…

“Do you enjoy drinking?”

“Eh? Well, it wouldn’t be a lie to say I do.”

“In that case, come with me to the cellar. There’s a wine storage down there where you can pick whatever you want. I didn’t expect this, but since you’re a guest, I’ll set the table.”

Is this really okay? Maek glanced at Ian and trailed off. Their communication was flawless. When the boy smiled faintly, Maek caught on and nudged Deo.

“There’s quite a variety.”

“Is it just below us?”

“Underground in the building.”

Deo sniffed and snuffled, then looked down at Chel and Ian. Since they were inside the building, there was no real danger. As long as Chel and Ian stuck together, they’d be fine for a little while. Besides, it wasn’t just anywhere—it was the wine cellar of the official residence! There must be rows of liquor they’d never even seen before.

“Well then. I suppose I won’t refuse.”

“Wait here a moment. Degor!”

Mack opened the door to the parlor and called out to Degor. After whispering something to him, he gestured for Deo to follow.

“Young masters, please come this way.”

Degor took over Mack’s role, leading the guests further inside. Morlin’s gaze was as gentle as ever.

“Please, have a seat. I hope it suits your taste.”

The setting felt oddly familiar, as if the location had simply shifted from Derga’s backyard to here. They exchanged greetings just like yesterday and began their meal.

“Oh? Chel attends a school nearby?”

“Yes. It takes about ten minutes by carriage.”

The only difference was the focus of their questions. Both of them showered Chel with attention, clearly trying to impress. Ian knew it was a clumsy ruse, but maybe it would work on Chel.

‘Father, they barely spoke to me at all, didn’t they? They didn’t seem to have any other intentions. And the conversation we had today…’

Since he was told to remember every word, the boy must be struggling to keep their words in his head. Ian chuckled quietly, imagining Chel’s clueless expression. After all, Derga would check the brooch anyway.

‘Now, when will this really begin?’

Ian quietly closed his mouth and chewed on his meat. Honestly, he was just as curious as Derga. What exactly was their purpose in pulling him out here? He had his suspicions, but they were just guesses.

“Ah!”

Crash!

At that moment, Degor spilled a water bottle—right onto Chel’s pants. A classic move, but maybe an effective one. Ian recognized it as a signal.

“Oh dear! Are you alright?”

“Ah, yes…”

Chel’s face flushed instantly. His thigh was soaked as if he’d wet himself. Without flinching, Ian calmly took a bite of meat, already guessing what Degor would say next.

‘Would you like to change your clothes?’

“You’ll need to change.”

“I-I’m fine.”

“Just a moment. I’ll have a servant quickly fetch some suitable clothes. There’s a nice boutique right next door.”

Ian continued eating with a bored expression, as if he’d expected this.

“Don’t bother. You should go yourself, brother. You don’t know the right size since it’s not your usual tailor.”

If he sent a servant, the servant would come back and say Chel needed to go himself. No doubt about it. Morlin sipped water and looked at Ian.

“Isn’t that right, Lord Morlin?”

So, enough wasting time. Let’s get down to business. The boy knew how to say that with just a look.