Chapter 11. Wine and Water

Hae-na came in with a tray holding dried fruits and the like. Sensing that there was a specific reason she was called, she looked at Ian with her hands clasped in front of her. He was still enjoying the bright weather outside the window.

“Do you need anything else?”

“Hae-na. How are your siblings doing?”

Since they started eating in the dining room, there was much more to spare. Not only Hae-na, but even the other kitchen staff had their pockets filled.

“Thanks to you, they are doing very well. They are so busy running around every day.”

The child smiled with all her heart. With a full stomach, her laughter wouldn’t stop, and the days of deepening family bonds were all thanks to Ian. The servants knew that Ian was eating less to provide for them.

“That’s good to hear.”

“You called me for something, didn’t you?”

Hae-na took a step closer to Ian. Her resolve was to not let even a tiny breath escape. Ian continued speaking without turning around.

“Hae-na. I have a message for your mother.”

Ian was still infusing the brooch with mana to prevent their conversation from reaching Derga. Both children were illiterate, so there was no choice.

“Yes. Please tell me.”

Finally, a chance to repay him!

Hae-na clenched her jaw, eager for instructions. A flash of light from the window, but the child dismissed it as just sunlight.

“Tell her to come to the 3rd district park by the lake tomorrow at noon. She must come in disguise.”

“Is that all I need to tell her?”

“...Also, tell her that you received the pouch well.”

This would likely be their first contact. If Ian’s mother didn’t come, thinking it was a trick by Derga, it would be problematic. Hae-na firmly memorized the brief information.

“Yes. I will make sure not to make any mistakes.”

“I’m sorry. I promised myself not to send you to such places, but there’s no other way.”

It was happening tomorrow. There was no time for any other method. Hae-na nodded, her head bowed, and took a step back.

“Then I will take my leave.”

“Take some snacks as well. It’s your reward.”

“Thank you! Sir Ian!”

While Hae-na put the dried fruits in her pocket, Ian didn’t turn his head.

What could he be looking at outside the window? The child recalled the view and then smiled, as if understanding. All she could see from here was the main house and the soldiers' quarters.

“By the way, when you go out with Young Master Chel. Uncle Deo will be accompanying you.”

“Deo?”

Ian’s head slightly turned, but not enough to see his eyes. Hae-na, satisfied with her now fuller pocket, replied.

“Yes. Coincidentally, he’s the only one who’s not on duty today. His left arm is still a bit sore, but he said it won’t be a problem to escort the two of you.”

“What happened to his arm?”

“Oh. Sir Ian didn’t know? About two weeks ago, he got so drunk that his left arm broke. He said he fought with a passing ruffian, but everyone knows it was the wall of the tavern. I don’t know how many times it’s happened.”

Hae-na giggled, finding it amusing. Ian also smiled slightly, but he could guess that Deo wasn’t an easy opponent.

If he could still keep his job after such behavior, and even be entrusted with the protection of the two boys despite his injured arm, he must be a capable and trusted man. Ian nodded, lightly rubbing the window.

“Got it. If you need anything, call me again.”

Click.

The child left the room with light steps. Only then did Ian turn around, retracting his mana. His golden eyes returned to their normal color, and the brooch’s light faded.

‘Hmm. Deo.’

Even if Chel is just a nominal figure, Deo could still be a variable. Ian sat on the sofa, fidgeting with the pouch his mother gave him.

* * *

One week and one day.

That’s how long it took for Ian to leave the Braatz mansion. The carriage sent by Molin arrived precisely at noon, waiting for the two children.

“Young Master Chel. Sir Ian. This way.”

And there was Deo. The scars on his face hinted at his temperament. His presence was so imposing that it was worrying whether he could even fit in the carriage.

He called the two by different titles, perhaps intentionally.

“Shall we ride together?”

“I guess so?”

If they sat opposite each other, their knees would likely touch.

Ian gave a disapproving glance before getting into the carriage. The horses seemed to move with difficulty, or perhaps it was just his imagination.

Clippity-clop.

Only the sound of hooves echoed quietly. Chel and Ian stared out opposite windows, remaining silent. The child felt like they were being led to a slaughterhouse, but Ian was admiring the scenery.

‘Oh ho.’

The landscape was different, perhaps because they were near the desert. Ian had spent most of his life in the capital, and the wars he participated in were in completely different regions. He had never gone on a vacation like other nobles.

Varyel had such a place? It felt more like a foreign land than just unfamiliar. There was also the gap of a century.

“Do you know any good places in Fortroga?”

After admiring the view for a while, Ian finally spoke. Chel turned at Ian’s sudden question, and the man only blinked.

“Well, there are many taverns, but I don’t know many places suitable for central officials. The places I go are always noisy.”

“...Have you forgotten that I’m a minor?”

“What? Well, that’s what I’m saying.”

Despite Ian’s rebuke, Deo just laughed shamelessly, and it seemed like a foul smell was coming from his blackened teeth.

‘A very suspicious character.’

It wasn’t just about hygiene. His habit of fidgeting with the tip of his dagger and his lecherous gaze were far from human.

“Alright. We’ll have to visit the park then.”

This was Ian’s true intention. To lay the groundwork. He had to consider the possibility that Deo might report to the viscount. Since he was meeting his mother at the park, everything had to be natural yet certain.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Please get out, Young Master.”

The speed slowed, and the coachman opened the door.

Fortroga was clearly a place for the upper class. Even without the well-paved stone paths and the rows of trees, the ‘Haiman Bank’ standing prominently on the main street was proof.

The financial infrastructure of the entire Varyel region, known as the third sanctuary. There was at least one branch in each territory, and without them, they would have to transport huge amounts of tax in carriages.

Thud!

When Deo got out last, the carriage shook. Mael approached happily at the sight.

“Oh! Young Master Ian!”

“Sir Mael. Thank you for coming to greet us.”

“No problem. It’s even more pleasant to see you outside. Ah, Young Master Chel. Thank you for the long journey.”

While welcoming Ian and Chel, Mael glanced at the guard behind them. The smile seemed to hide a sense of caution. Deo, however, just scratched his ear and didn’t react.

“Please come in.”

It seemed they were using the entire building. Not as large as the Derga mansion, but the interior was elegantly decorated with high-quality materials, giving it a very classical feel.

“Is this the official residence?”

“Yes. It’s used when officials are dispatched from the capital. It’s clean and comfortable, like home.”

The inside was already prepared.

The food was piled high on trays, and even wine was ready. It looked no different from the luncheon at the Braatz mansion.

“Will the guard be joining us?”

“Is that not allowed?”

When Mael asked at the entrance to the parlor, Deo raised his eyebrows in surprise. It was a rather rude gesture, but Mael just crossed his arms, pondering how to get rid of this man.

“After eating, you can enjoy a scholarly discussion. I’ll just stay in the corner.”

Ian turned to Mael, giving a slight nod.

“Since we came out of the mansion together, I can’t just let you watch the meal. Can you add another set of utensils and a wine glass?”

Ian deliberately emphasized ‘wine’. A man who made a living with his body and had broken his arm several times from drinking was surely someone who couldn’t live without alcohol.

Mael hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“...I didn’t prepare any wine.”

Both invited guests were children. In a luncheon without Derga and Lady Mary, it was unlikely that wine would be prepared. Ian seemed to know this...

“Do you enjoy drinking?”

“Huh? Well, it would be a lie to say no.”

“In that case, let’s go to the basement together. There’s a wine cellar down there. You can choose what you like. I didn’t expect this, but since you’re a guest, I’ll have the utensils set for you.”

...Is this right? Mael glanced at Ian, who gave a subtle nod. It was perfect communication. When the child faintly smiled, Mael got the hint and encouraged Deo.

“There are quite a few varieties.”

“Right below?”

“Basement of the building.”

Deo sniffed and looked down at Chel and Ian. Since they were inside the building, there was no danger. As long as Chel and Ian stayed together, it would be fine for a while. Besides, it was the wine cellar of the official residence! There would be a variety of wines he usually couldn’t see.

“Alright. I won’t refuse.”

“Wait a moment. Dego!”

Mael opened the parlor door and called Dego. After whispering something, he instructed Deo to follow.

“Young Masters, please come in.”

Dego took over Mael’s role, leading the guests inside. Molin’s gaze was as gentle as always.

“Please sit. I hope it suits your taste.”

A sense of déjà vu, as if the scene had moved from Derga’s backyard to here. They exchanged the same greetings as yesterday and started the meal.

“Oh ho. Young Master Chel’s school is nearby?”

“Yes. It’s about a 10-minute carriage ride.”

The only difference was the subject of their questions. They showered Chel with attention, as if showing off. Ian knew it was a poor attempt at deception, but it might work on Chel.

‘Father. They didn’t even talk to Ian much, did they? They didn’t seem to have any other intentions. And today’s conversation...’

Ian had told him to remember every word. The child must be trying hard to recall their words. Ian chuckled, imagining Chel’s dull appearance. After all, Derga would check the brooch.

‘Well, when will they start?’

Ian quietly chewed his meat, curious just like Derga. What was the real purpose of bringing him out here? He had some guesses, but they were just that—guesses.

“Ah!”

Splat!

At that moment, Dego spilled a water bottle. Right onto Chel’s pants. A classic but perhaps reliable method. Ian knew it was a signal.

“Oh no! Are you alright?”

“Ah. Yes...”

Chel’s face turned red reflexively. His thighs were soaked, as if he had wet himself. Ian calmly took a bite of meat, predicting Dego’s next line.

‘Would you like to change your clothes?’

“You should change.”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Wait a moment. I’ll have a servant buy suitable clothes quickly. There’s a good tailor’s shop right next door.”

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

“Why don’t you go yourself, Brother? You don’t know the sizes since it’s not your usual tailor.”

If he told the servant, the servant would likely come back and say Chel should go himself. It was obvious. Molin moistened his lips with water and looked at Ian.

“Isn’t that right, Sir Mael?”

Let’s stop wasting time and have a real conversation. The child knew how to speak with his eyes.