While Rethrus and Xiaolan were meeting each other in the morning, Mr. Takashi was unexpectedly summoned to Lord Frings' mansion for a meeting. At the same time, Taiju was busy assisting the Avalorians with their preparations, and Kaede remained in his room, diligently practicing his spells. Each was occupied with their own task, unaware of each other's day events .
In the bustling tavern, Xiaolan took a seat, wrapped snugly in Rethrus's cloak. Her eyes sparkled with awe and curiosity as she watched a bard strumming his lute, singing lively songs. Around him, patrons laughed and danced, their feet tapping to the rhythm.
'This place is so lively,' Xiaolan thought, captivated by the music and warmth.
Meanwhile, Rethrus carried a tray piled high with food, setting it down on the table with a tired sigh. 'Ha, that was a hassle,' he thought. 'They gave me a free buffet, but only if I took a selfie with the owner.'
He glanced over at Xiaolan, noticing her gaunt frame and the way she eyed the food hungrily. A soft smile touched his lips.
"Dig in," he said kindly. "Eat as much as your heart's content."
Xiaolan hesitated, looking at the spread before her. 'the sisters always said eating too much would make me fat, and no man would want to marry me if I'm fat,' she thought, biting her lip.
Rethrus's eyes softened with pity—and a flicker of frustration.
"Xiaolan, don't worry, okay? Anyone would be lucky to marry you, whether you're fat or not," he reassured her gently.
"But—" she began, her stomach growling loudly.
Rethrus chuckled, realizing she was still just a kid.
"Hey, don't worry. Just eat all you want. You won't get fat, I promise."
"Are you sure?" Xiaolan asked, wide-eyed.
"Oh, I put a potion in the food that burns all the fat," he said with a mischievous grin.
Hearing this, Xiaolan's hesitation melted away. She eagerly dug in, savoring every bite. Rethrus watched her with a warm smile, glad to see her finally at ease.
While watching Xiaolan, Rethrus's eyes grew curious.
"Xiaolan," he said, his face full of concern, "I know you're tired, hungry, and scared. But I believe you understand the situation, right?"
Xiaolan nodded quietly, sipping some juice.
"Please, tell me what happened to you, so I can help you properly."
Then Xiaolan began to speak, recounting everything.
Rethrus's face was a canvas of emotions with every word she spoke—all emotions except happiness, despite the tavern's lively music and dancing filling the air.
He was stunned. Tears streamed down Xiaolan's cheeks, and without thinking, Rethrus pulled her into a comforting hug.
'Poor kid… that's why she was so happy to see me,' he thought, holding her close. 'I just can't believe Lord Frings is this kind of man.'
Her cries were masked by the music and laughter of the tavern.
Rethrus returned to his seat and asked, "So, where are Toby, Orin, and Sibel—the ones who helped you?"
"Oh, Sibel was resting at the gate earlier, while Toby and Orin went to do something. They'll catch up," Xiaolan replied.
"I hope you meet them soon. They really like you, Sir Rethrus. In fact, Orin likes you so much, and even Sister Clea does. She's the reason I know you," she added.
"Eh? I'd like to meet them too," Rethrus said with a small smile.
'So, that pedophile wants them so young, huh? How old is he anyway? A hundred? Or something? Well, he's a dwarf after all,' Rethrus thought darkly.
'Now all I have to do is take her to my room and hide her there until we can leave tomorrow,' he planned.
But then he remembered the dwarf he had knocked out.
'Tsk, I should have killed him then, but I couldn't do it in front of a kid. Besides, am I really going to kill someone of my own kind? Well, he's a dwarf, so I guess that counts as a different race,' he mused with a sigh.
'Anyway, if that family comes after me, I'll beat them. But can I beat them all?'
Suddenly, a sharp thought struck him—Dante is one of Frings' knights.
His eyes widened.
'Oh my, this is serious.'
Late morning
After finishing their meal, Rethrus carefully wrapped a large cloak around Xiaolan, concealing her completely as if he were carrying a bag. Then, he pulled the edge of the cloak up to cover his own face, hiding his features from prying eyes.
"Hang tight, okay? We'll get you to our room," he whispered softly.
"Ohm," Xiaolan replied quietly, feeling safe but still exhausted.
Meanwhile, members of the Frings family discovered Caesar—knocked out and tied up. They hurriedly untied him and used a potion to wake him.
"Thank goodness, are you alright?" one asked, concern in their voice.
"It was Rethrus!" Caesar groaned, still disoriented.
The group exchanged worried glances. "Damn it, the Knight Commander will be furious," someone muttered.
Without wasting time, they rushed back to their headquarters.
'How can I get there instantly?' Rethrus thought as he moved quickly through the streets. 'This kid has suffered enough. I won't let them take her from me.'
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out, "Oh, Rethrus!"
Rethrus froze, eyes widening as a wave of fear washed over him. He tightened his grip on the cloak and whispered, "Xiaolan, don't move."
Standing before him was Sir Dante, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Sir Dante," Rethrus greeted cautiously.
"Why are you covering your face?" Dante asked, amusement in his tone.
"Eh, people keep recognizing me. It gets annoying," Rethrus replied, trying to sound casual.
Dante's gaze shifted to the large bundle in Rethrus's arms. "What's behind your back?"
"Oh, just something I need to take care of," Rethrus said, his voice steady but guarded.
The two locked eyes, tension thick between them. Both knew a fight here would cause a scandal neither wanted.
Dante's eyes narrowed as he studied Rethrus. 'He's lying. I have a feeling about what's on his back, but I can't fight him here,' Dante thought, weighing his options.
'Sir Dante wouldn't cause a scene, especially with our status,' Rethrus thought.
At the same moment, both men thought the same thing.
'But I need him to come with me,' Dante decided.
'But I need to get away from him immediately,' Rethrus resolved.
"Sir, Lord Frings requests your presence at the estate immediately," a water mage informed Dante.
"Oh, okay. Let's go," Dante replied. 'Tsk, I guess I can't take him after all.'
"Well, I'm going then, Sir Dante," Rethrus said.
"Oh, sure, Rethrus." The two parted ways.
As Dante made his way, he couldn't shake his thoughts. 'Tsk, what does my lord want anyway?'
At the estate, Takashi and Lord Frings sat discussing business matters.
"Lord Frings, I was surprised by your sudden invitation," Mr. Takashi said, sipping his tea.
"Well, it came to my attention that you're negotiating with the Lord of Sylvaris, and as a merchant myself, I can't let this opportunity slip by," Frings replied smoothly.
"Oh, I guess we do have some things to discuss," Takashi nodded.
"It's a matter of weapons. I've called Dante for a demonstration," Frings added.
Suddenly, someone entered the room and whispered in Lord Frings's ear.
Frings's eyes widened in panic.
"Is everything alright, Lord Frings?" Takashi asked, concerned.
"Ah, yes, yes. But I have some urgent business to attend to. Can we continue this later?" Frings asked hastily.
"Oh, sure. No problem," Takashi agreed.
"For the inconvenience, I want you to stay here as my guest," Frings said, bowing deeply.
"Oh, hahaha, I can't refuse an offer from a lord bowing so graciously. Thank you for your hospitality," Takashi replied warmly.
"Thank you for your understanding, Sir Takashi," Frings said, motioning to his butlers. "Do whatever Sir Takashi asks."
"Yes, milord."
Frings left the room, visibly angry.
"Is my cousin alright?" he demanded.
"Yes, milord."
"Damn it, make sure to corner that boy immediately."
"Don't worry. All your men are informed and hunting Rethrus—with caution."
"Good. That boy is dangerous and precious at the same time," Frings muttered.
Meanwhile, Dante neared the estate and noticed soldiers scattering rapidly back toward the capital.
'What's happening?' he wondered.
He rushed into the estate and saw Lord Frings standing outside, furious.
"Milord, what's wrong?" Dante asked.
"It was Rethrus!" Frings spat.
Dante immediately understood. He looked back toward the capital and sprinted.
'I knew it,' he murmured under his breath.