MBSE Chapter 11

Hannah brought a tray with dried fruits and such. As if sensing that there was a separate intention behind calling her, she looked at Ian with her hands clasped in front of her. He was still savoring the bright weather outside the window.

“Is there anything else you need?”

“Hannah, how are your siblings doing?”

Since he started having meals in the dining hall, the leftovers had become much more abundant. Not only Hannah but also other kitchen staff could fill their pockets to the brim.

“Thanks to you, they’re doing very well. Though they’re too busy running around every other day to pay attention.”

The child smiled wholeheartedly. With full stomachs, smiles never faded, and the bonds between family members deepened with each passing day. It was all thanks to Ian. The lowly staff knew that Ian was eating less for their sake.

“That’s a relief then.”

“You have a task for me, don’t you?”

Hannah took a step closer to Ian. It was a determination not to let even the slightest breath escape. Ian still had his back turned as he continued speaking.

“Hannah, I have a message for my mother.”

Ian kept infusing mana into the brooch. So that the secret conversation he was having now wouldn’t be conveyed to Derga. Since both children were illiterate, both officially and practically, it couldn’t be helped.

“Yes, please tell me.”

Finally, an opportunity to repay him!

Hannah pressed her lips together as if urging him to give the order. The window sparkled, but the child dismissed it as just sunlight.

“Tell her to come to the lake side of Portroga 3rd District Park tomorrow around lunchtime. Make sure she’s in disguise.”

“Is that all I need to convey?”

“…Also tell her that I received the pouch well.”

It would probably be their first contact. It would be troublesome if Ian’s mother didn’t show up, thinking it was Derga’s trick. Hannah firmly memorized the concise information in her mind.

“Yes, I’ll make sure there are no mistakes.”

“I’m sorry. I vowed not to send you to such a place, but I had no choice due to the urgency.”

It was tomorrow already. There was no time to go through other methods. Hannah nodded as if entrusting it to her and took a step back.

“Then I’ll take my leave now.”

“Take the snacks with you too. It’s your reward.”

“Thank you! Sir Ian!”

Even as Hannah put the dried fruits in her pocket, Ian didn’t turn his head.

What could be outside the window that he was acting like this? The child recalled the exterior scenery and soon smiled as if she understood. The only things visible from here were the main building and the soldiers’ quarters.

“When you go out with Young Master Chel tomorrow, they said Uncle Deo will accompany you.”

“Deo?”

Ian’s head turned slightly, but not enough to see his eyes. Hannah answered, contentedly fiddling with her now bulging pocket.

“Yes. Isn’t it unfortunate that night training is scheduled for today of all days? They say Uncle Deo is the only one resting. Although his left arm is still uncomfortable, he said there will be no problem attending to both of you.”

“What happened to his arm?”

“Ah, you don’t know, Sir Ian? Half a month ago, he got dead drunk and broke his left arm. Uncle says he fought with a passing ruffian, but there’s no one who doesn’t know that it was actually the wall of the tavern. I’ve lost count of how many times it’s happened.”

Hannah giggled as if it was amusing. Ian also smiled faintly, but he could anticipate that this fellow named Deo was not someone to be taken lightly.

He wasn’t fired despite such misconduct? Moreover, he was entrusted with guarding the two sons even though his arm was still uncomfortable?

It meant he was someone who had earned Derga’s trust while also being tremendously skilled. Ian lightly wiped the window and nodded.

“I see. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Yes. If you need anything else, please call for me again.”

Click.

The child left the room with light footsteps. Only then did Ian withdraw his mana and turn around. As his golden eyes returned to absinthe, the light on the brooch went out.

‘Hmm. Deo.’

Although Chel was a child who might as well not be there, if handled well, this fellow named Deo could become a variable. Ian sat on the sofa and fiddled with the pouch his mother had given him.

***

One week and a day.

That was the time it took for Ian to leave the Bratz estate. The carriage sent by Sir Mollin arrived precisely at noon and was waiting for the two children.

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

And the man named Deo. The densely packed scars on his face hinted at his temperament. His physique was so impressive that one might worry if he could even fit in the carriage.

Whether intentionally or not, he addressed the two with slightly different titles.

“Are we riding together?”

“It seems so, but…”

If they sat facing each other, their knees would probably touch…

Ian gave a dissatisfied glance and then boarded the carriage. Maybe it was just his imagination, but the horses seemed to be struggling to move.

Clop, clop, clop.

Only the sound of hooves echoed quietly. Chel and Ian remained silent, each looking out the opposite window. The child felt like he was being dragged to a slaughterhouse, thinking it would be better to go to school, but Ian was in awe.

‘Oh-ho.’

Perhaps because it was a frontier not far from the desert, the scenery was different. He had spent most of his life in the capital, and the wars he had participated in were in the completely opposite direction. He had never gone on a vacation like other nobles.

It felt like he was traveling in a foreign land, beyond just an unfamiliar feeling. The century-long gap probably contributed to it as well.

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

Ian, who had been sightseeing for a while, opened his mouth. Surprised by Ian’s sudden question, Chel turned to look at him, and the man merely blinked.

“The official asked us to introduce the area, so we should at least put on a show, but as you know, I don’t know anything.”

Since he was a child from the slums who had been struggling to make ends meet.

“Isn’t that right, Brother? I don’t think introducing the alleys where I used to live would be very suitable.”

“…R-right.”

Even if the guests are curious, they can’t actually show them that place. It’s not just any place, but the brothel district. How could the young masters of the marquis family take guests there? It would be crazy.

Deo answered awkwardly, scratching his nose.

“Well, there are plenty of taverns, but I don’t know much about places suitable for the gentlemen from the central government either. The places I go to are always noisy.”

“…Did you forget that I’m a minor?”

“Well, that’s what I’m saying.”

Even at Ian’s rebuke, Deo just laughed shamelessly, and a foul smell seemed to rise from his black teeth.

‘What an unpleasant fellow.’

It wasn’t just about hygiene. His habit of constantly fiddling with the tip of his dagger and his sinister gaze made him seem hardly human.

“It’s settled then. We have no choice but to stroll around the park.”

This was precisely Ian’s goal. To lay the groundwork. He had in mind the possibility of Deo reporting to the marquis. Since he had arranged to meet his mother in the park, everything had to be natural yet certain.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Young masters, please get off.”

The speed gradually decreased, and the coachman opened the door for them.

Portroga was clearly a residence for the upper class. Apart from the well-polished stone paths and tree-lined streets, the “Hyman Bank” prominently erected along the main road was proof of that.

It was a place called the Third Sanctuary, responsible for the financial infrastructure throughout Bariel. Each territory had at least one branch, and without them, they would have to load the enormous taxes onto carriages and send them.

Thud!

When Deo got off last, the carriage shook greatly. Seeing that, Mac approached them with a welcoming smile.

“Oh! Young Master Ian!”

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

“Not at all. It’s even more delightful to see you outside. Ah, and you too, Young Master Chel. You must be tired from the long journey.”

While greeting Ian and Chel, Mac glanced at the guard behind them. There was a strong sense of wariness behind his smile. However, Deo merely picked his ear and didn’t react.

“Please come in.”

They seemed to be using the entire building. Although not as large as the Derga estate, the interior decorations finished with luxurious materials were as antiquated as they come.

“Is this an official residence?”

“Yes. It’s a place used by civil servants dispatched from the capital. It’s clean and comfortable, so I’m staying here as if it were my own home.”

The inside was already prepared.

The food piled high on the trays and the wine were perfect. It didn’t seem much different from the luncheon at the Bratz estate.

“Is the guard also planning to join?”

“Is that not allowed?”

When Mac asked, standing in front of the reception room door, Deo rather raised his eyebrows as if it were strange. It was quite a rude act, but Mac merely crossed his arms. He was contemplating how to deal with this fellow.

“You can enjoy your meal and scholarly discussion. I just need to stay in the corner.”

At the man’s words, Ian spun around and looked up at Mac. Then he signaled by twitching his eyebrows very subtly.

“We came from the mansion together, so we can’t just have him watch us eat. Could you perhaps set out one more set of tableware and a wine glass?”

Ian deliberately emphasized the word “wine” when he spoke. A man who makes a living with his body and has broken his arm several times from getting drunk. He must be the type who can’t live without alcohol.

Mac hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth.

“…We didn’t bring out any wine.”

Both invited guests were children. At a luncheon without Derga and Marchioness Mary, there was no way they would have prepared alcohol. It seemed Ian wasn’t oblivious enough to not know that…

“Do you enjoy drinking, by any chance?”

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

“Then come with me to the basement. There’s a wine cellar there, so go and pick out what you want. Although unexpected, if we set a place for you, you’re also a guest anyway.”

…Is this right? Mac glanced at Ian as his words trailed off. It was a perfect communication. As the child smiled faintly, Mac grasped the situation and encouraged Deo.

“There are quite a few varieties.”

“Right below?”

“The building’s basement.”

Deo snorted and looked down at Chel and Ian. Anyway, it was inside the building, so there was no danger. As long as Chel and Ian stayed together, it would be fine for a moment. Moreover, it wasn’t just any place, but the wine cellar of an official residence! There would be an array of alcohol he couldn’t normally see.

“Well then, I won’t refuse.”

“Wait a moment. D’gor!”

Mac opened the reception room door and called for D’gor. Then he whispered something to him and instructed Deo to follow.

“Young masters, please come in.”

D’gor took over Mac’s role and led the guests inside. Mollin’s gaze was gentle as always.

“Please have a seat. I’m not sure if it will suit your taste.”

It felt like the luncheon at the Derga estate had simply been moved from the backyard to here. They exchanged greetings no different from yesterday and began their meal.

“Oh-ho. The school Young Master Chel attends is nearby?”

“Yes. It takes about 10 minutes by carriage.”

If there was a slight difference, it would be the target of the questions. The two men showered Chel with attention for all to see. Ian knew it was a clumsy deception, but perhaps it would work on Chel.

‘Father, they hardly spoke to Ian. There didn’t seem to be any other intentions. And the conversation we had today…’

Since he had been told to bring back every single word, the child must be striving to remember their words in his mind. Ian couldn’t help but chuckle as he imagined Chel’s dull appearance. Derga would check the brooch anyway.

‘Now, when will they start?’

Ian quietly kept his mouth shut and only chewed on the meat. In fact, he was as curious as Derga. What could be their intention for bringing him outside? He had a hunch, but it was just a hunch after all.

“Ah!”

Splash!

At that moment, D’gor spilled the water pitcher. Very precisely, onto Chel’s pants. It was a classic but perhaps a surefire method. Ian knew it was a signal.

“Oh no! Are you alright?”

“Ah, yes…”

Chel’s face instantly turned red. His thighs were completely soaked as if he had wet himself. Ian calmly put a piece of meat into his mouth, unmoving, and predicted D’gor’s next line.

‘Would you like to change clothes?’

“You should change.”

“I-it’s fine.”

“Just a moment. I’ll tell the servant to hurry and buy suitable clothes. There happens to be a nice clothing store right next door.”

Munch, munch. Ian continued eating with an indifferent expression as if he had expected it.

“Don’t do that. Go directly yourself, Brother. It’s not the clothing store you usually go to, so you don’t know the size properly, right?”

If he told the servant, he would surely come back up and relay that Chel should go in person. It was obvious even without seeing it. Mollin moistened his lips with water and looked at Ian.

“Isn’t that right, Sir Mollin?”

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