Chapter 83

# Chapter 83: <Meeting Again?>

The journey from the Hennitus estate to the center of the northwest of the Rowen Kingdom, the House of Sten, was quite time-consuming.

"Human, can't we use teleportation magic to get there faster?"

The black dragon Raon was eager to use magic. After all, having spent quite some time with Rosalyn, he had become familiar with human magic, and his skills had grown remarkably.

Kael recalled what Rosalyn had said.

'Indeed, even though the Dragon hasn't reached the first growth stage, he is already at the top. Really, his abilities and learning capacity are terrifying.'

Dragons live for a very long time. Because of this, Raon still had a lot of time before he would reach the first growth stage. Of course, if a dragon is shocked or strongly desires its power, the first growth stage can come sooner.

Dragons undergo three transformations in total. The first growth stage saw very little external physical change. It was during the second and third growth stages that they grew explosively, reaching the size of a full-grown dragon, nearly 20 meters in length.

Conversely, during the first growth stage, the internal body changes. It can be seen as laying the foundation for the second and third growth stages. Kael stared at Raon, who was rolling a large, round glass ball in a corner of the modest but spacious carriage.

Feeling Kael's gaze, Raon called out again.

"Human, teleport!"

"We have to wait even if we go now."

Kael's indifferent response made Raon wrinkle his nose as he observed the seed inside the glass ball Kael had given him. The glass ball and seed were from the magic tower. Raon had only reduced the size of the glass ball, bringing him closer to the seed, and he was enthusiastically cultivating and studying it.

"By the way, Sir Kael."

"Hmm."

While thinking about extracting the seed as soon as it sprouted, Kael looked at Choe Han, who had called him.

"Is that plan possible at the House of Sten?"

Choe Han, like Kael, had to listen to Raon's revenge plan instead of lullabies over the past few days. Despite being only four years old, Raon, being a dragon, included words like imprisonment, violence, and torture in his plan.

But all of that was what Raon had experienced over four years.

"Why? Is the plan bad?"

Kael's question made Raon turn his head to look at Choe Han. However, Choe Han's answer was simple.

"No. I think the plan is quite smooth. I'm just wondering how we can provoke the Duke of Sten and Benyon Sten."

Raon frowned at the word "smooth." Unaware of Raon's deepening thoughts for a more dramatic plan, Kael continued.

"Currently, the eldest son Taylor Sten, who was abandoned, is expanding his influence."

With the support of the crown prince and the recovery of his legs, Taylor Sten was expanding his influence to a terrifying degree. While the crown prince's help was significant, it was also because the once weak Taylor had developed strength and cunning.

And Taylor had done something Benyon couldn't even imagine. He had challenged the current head of the House of Sten, the Duke.

"His influence isn't just within the family."

"Are a few people in the northwest backing him?"

Indeed, Choe Han was quite smart. Kael nodded at Choe Han's perceptive question.

"Also, the vassal families and collateral branches of the House of Sten are increasingly supporting Taylor Sten."

It seemed they thought they could live more comfortably under Taylor.

In the past, they were worried that Taylor, being weaker than others, might lower the status of the House of Sten. But now that his weakness has disappeared and he has the support of the crown prince, people are gradually starting to trust him.

Of course, Kael didn't know much about this process. He hadn't been in contact with the mad priest Kage or the eldest son Taylor. However, he could get a rough idea of the progress through the crown prince.

"Is the Duke just watching this happen?"

"If he interferes, he won't be the head of the house anymore."

A puzzled look appeared on Choe Han's face. Kael explained why the House of Sten was known for being cruel, cold, but competent.

"The House of Sten operates on the principle of survival of the fittest. The successor must be the strongest. And that successor must kill their own siblings."

The term "strongest" didn't just mean physical or mental strength. It meant the one who survives. When Benyon crippled his brother, the Duke did nothing.

"But the Duke kills the strongest? Taylor Sten has never openly tried to kill the Duke."

The Duke had no choice but to watch as Taylor expanded his influence. Of course, he would subtly help Benyon, but if he were caught, it would go against the House of Sten's policy, so he couldn't help much.

"...I find it hard to understand."

"Don't try to understand."

There was no need to understand such things. Kael continued, looking at Choe Han, who was staring at him.

"We just need to do what we need to do."

"Then, what should we start with?"

At that moment, Hong, who was next to the black dragon Raon, shouted.

"Kidnapping!"

Kael quickly added, seeing Choe Han about to nod at the brutal word.

"We need to prepare first."

"Prepare?"

"Yeah. We need a place and some help."

"Who will help us?"

"Someone you know."

Choe Han recalled the nobles who were with Kael when he defused the bomb in the capital. He also remembered Taylor Sten, who was there. Was he going to meet him directly?

At that moment, Kael's voice came.

"Odysseus Flynn."

"...What?"

It was a name he had never thought of. Choe Han soon recalled the moment he first met Rak and the merchant who had hired him.

"The merchant?"

"Yes. We need to see him."

Odysseus Flynn. The elder brother of Vilos, the illegitimate son of the Flynn Merchant Guild, and a man who had given up his position as the heir. He was also the person who secretly controlled the underworld of the northwest.

To Choe Han and others, he was just a good person who took care of Rak and the Blue Wolf Clan. Kael intended to meet this good person first.

Because good things would come from it.

"It's not like we'll be here long, though."

Choe Han closed his mouth at Kael's smile. He had now realized that it was better to follow quietly when Kael wore such a sinister smile.

A modest carriage, suitable for slightly wealthy commoners, left the northeastern part of the Rowen Kingdom and entered the northwestern region.

***

Thump. Thump. The wind lightly tapped the window. It was a particularly windy night.

When the night fell in the Sten territory, he would start his work. Today, he sat leisurely on the sofa. A friendly smile occasionally appeared on his face.

"Really, I'm curious."

For some reason, the man was curious about the reason. He tapped the armrest of the sofa.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

In sync with the tapping, the window rattled. The wind was blowing fiercely. Just as he was about to listen to the sound,

Knock. Knock. Knock.

A knock came from the door. He got up from the sofa.

Odysseus Flynn. He approached the door and immediately turned the doorknob. A bright smile appeared on his face.

"Oh, my, Prince and Choe Han. I didn't expect to see both of you. I was so surprised when Vilos contacted me."

Kael entered the room, receiving the welcoming smile from Odysseus, who was known for his affable nature.

"Sure."

"Really, I never dreamed you would come."

"Is that so?"

"How did you know I was in the Sten territory? Even Vilos doesn't know where I am."

Kael didn't answer Odysseus's question immediately. He straightened his body, which had been leaning on the sofa, and slightly bowed forward. He then met Odysseus's gaze, which was searching him. Kael didn't want to waste time on such probing.

"Odysseus, I have a request."

Instantly, Odysseus's lips curled up.

"Of course, you knew. Vilos serves a very formidable person."

Odysseus's eyes sharpened. How did he know? Did he have that kind of ability? But Odysseus didn't dwell on it.

Kael could feel the difference most clearly.

'Indeed, he is different.'

Odysseus, who had been exposed to Kael's true identity, was clearly different from others. He didn't show any surprise. He seemed calm, as if it was within his expectations.

The experienced merchant of the underworld, who had seen it all in his sixties, asked Kael.

"What kind of request do you have?"

"Indeed, we understand each other well."

Kael looked very comfortable, as if this were his own bedroom. Odysseus let out a deflated laugh at the sight, but it quickly disappeared.

"Do you want to eliminate the House of Sten?"

Instead, a friendly smile appeared on his face.

"What do you mean?"

"More precisely, you want to completely control the underworld of the northwest, but the House of Sten is in the way, right?"

Odysseus just smiled. However, his smile was gradually fading. Kael was relaxed, as if having a casual conversation.

"Ordinary citizens of the kingdom would be shocked if they knew. They would be surprised to learn that someone from the House of Sten, who holds their nobility above all and looks down on others, is doing so many dirty deeds in the underworld. Wouldn't they?"

"Prince."

Experience from years of living didn't go to waste. Odysseus remained calm.

"What is your request?"

Sigh. Without hesitation, Kael answered.

"Assistance."

"...What?"

This time, Odysseus's face showed bewilderment. Assistance? Was that right?

"Exactly as you heard. Assist me. I want you to handle all the cleanup and preparations for what I do in the Sten territory. This includes where I sleep and what I eat."

Odysseus's lips curled up. He asked calmly.

"Do you think you can treat me like a servant just because you know my true identity?"

The atmosphere was not just cold but sharp. Odysseus's eyes were filled with anger beyond bewilderment. To this, Kael said.

"Do you know what I can do?"

"...What do you mean?"

"Do you know what I can do?"

Knock. Knock. Knock.

At that moment, Odysseus heard a knock on the door behind him. But he couldn't turn around. Kael had started speaking.

"By the way, there are three people in today's conversation."

It meant one more person had arrived. Creak. The door slowly opened without anyone telling it to. Odysseus got up from the sofa and turned around.

Creak. A person in a robe entered the room. As soon as he stepped inside, he removed his hood.

"Ah!"

A sigh escaped Odysseus's lips. This was one of the people he had been most focused on in his recent information gathering.

In contrast, Kael, unlike the surprised Odysseus, leaned back on the sofa and greeted the newcomer.

"It's been a while, Priest."

Currently, the eldest son Taylor Sten, who had been abandoned, was vying for the future of the House of Sten. There was always someone by his side.

A woman with short hair, wearing a priest's robe without the symbol of her deity. Today, her priest's robe was hidden under the robe.

She was the mad priest, Kage.

"Oh, right."

Kael corrected himself.

"You're not a priest anymore. It's been a while, Kage."

"Yes, Prince. Nice to see you."

Kael met Odysseus's gaze, which was filled with greed.

"Interesting, isn't it? Are you curious about my request?"

Without answering, Odysseus sat back across from Kael. Kage took the remaining seat. The moment for a proper conversation had arrived.