The time to have their first discussion about Cale's reward soon arrived.

"You can head out now."

"Yes, your highness."

Crown prince Alberu sent out the priest who just sat there filling the time without doing any actual treatment on Cale before turning to make eye contact with Cale.

Cale had an expression of awe that the crown prince came to visit, until the door closed and Alberu started to speak. "That expression of yours is giving me the chills."

"Thank you very much." Cale returned to his usual relaxed expression. He was currently sitting up while leaning on the backrest.

Alberu seemed to find that more bearable as he sat on a chair next to the bed Cale was sitting on.

"I have said that you are currently resting. I said that you got up at the plaza even though it was difficult so that you could help calm things down like a proper noble."

Alberu started to smile before adding on."Since you revealed that you possess an ancient power at the plaza, I played along and said you have a defensive ancient power that is not very strong. That is what you wanted, right?"

"Mm. Your highness is incredible." Cale pretended to contemplate as he responded back. "A young noble who is weak but stepped forward for the kingdom. It's nice."

"Indeed."

Cale preferred it this way that people thought he was 'not very strong'. It wasn't a lie, he really was weak. 'It's a best disguise to hide from the organization for now.'

"By tomorrow, any information about rumors about you and the current situation will be delivered to you through your butler. Make sure to take a look."

Prince Alberu was definitely treating Cale differently than he had treated Choi Han in the novel. He didn't have even an ounce of a warm smile and just had a stoic expression. It was as if he was dealing with someone he didn't want to deal with because he needed to do so.

Cale made eye contact with the crown prince who was staring at him.

Prince Alberu started to frown after seeing Cale's relaxed demeanor and started to think for a bit before he finally said what was on his mind. "...By the way."

This extremely hesitant attitude made it seem like he was expecting something. Cale just waited patiently as this was rare to see from the crown prince.

While Cale was waiting, Raon who had woken up from his nap underneath the bed started to talk to Cale in his mind.

Poor Raon had to hide there as he couldn't be on the bed without reveal himself.

– Now I am certain. He is not human.

The crown prince asked his question at the same time. "...You are human, right?"

'Mnn, how amusing that they said it at the same time.' Prince Alberu could see that Cale Henituse suddenly had an expression of amusement as Cale answered back. "Well, I am a human."

Cale smiled as he looked at Alberu meaningfully. "What else would I be?"

Alberu suddenly become wary of Cale, but he tried to convince himself that he was just being paranoid. "Right, of course you are human."

Cale could see Alberu point at both of them before continuing to speak. "You and I are both human."

The Black Dragon spoke into Cale's mind at that moment.

– That is a lie. He is not completely human.

'Little Raon, can you please stop? I know that.' Cale was having a difficult time maintaining his composure. His Raon is being adorable.

However, Cale seemed to notice a critical weakness existed between him and Raon. Raon could talk to Cale whenever he wanted to do so, but Cale was unable to talk back to the dragon. It was a one-way communication.

It was his fault for lacking any magic skills.

– This is my first time seeing a race with such an atmosphere around them in this great Dragon's four years of life.

The Dragon's four years of life. The Black Dragon had only seen himself, humans, and the Cat Tribe and Wolf Tribe members he recently met. The crown prince was not any of those races.

Cale started to speak toward the crown prince who was looking at him. "Of course. Is there much to being human? We're all human if we live amongst each other."

Cale made up his mind to keep the secret for now. He had to get this prince on his side first, he needed the prince's golden plaque.

Prince Alberu quietly looked toward Cale before starting to speak. "You are right. There really isn't much to being human. However."

However. But. Cale was wondering if he could stop hearing these words.

Prince Alberu started to speak to Cale as he was contemplating. "I thought I was mistaken at the banquet hall, but there are some weird scents around you."

'Raon's Dragon scent, maybe? Could he possibly be an elf?'

"...Scents?" Cale responded, acting shock. "I just took a shower."

The crown prince opened and closed his mouth a couple times without saying anything after hearing Cale's retort.

Cale could see the wrinkles on Alberu's forehead from frowning. He looked like he was contemplating something. However, he erased any traces of it from his face and got to the point of the matter.

"I don't think there's a need for two people who are similar like us to try to sugar coat things. So, what do you want as your reward?" Alberu crossed his arms as he asked Cale.

The reason Alberu had come here so late had to do with dealing with the aftermath of the incident, but it was also because he had to look at the files regarding Cale Henituse.

However, there was nothing on Cale. Well, there was something, but it was useless.

It just said Cale Henituse was trash who liked to fool around doing nothing but drink. That was worse than having no information.

The Cale in front of Alberu was not trash. For example, take the way he responded to the prince's question.

"Your highness, can you please explain what I will need to do for you first?"

There was no way a trash would ask something like this.

Alberu answered honestly. "I want you to not say anything to the nobles."

That was the hardest thing. That was why this was the crown's request to Cale and why they were willing to wager Cale's reward with it.

Today's events were embarrassing for the crown and they could not let this affect their position of power. That was why he was asking Cale for this, and he was able to ask Cale this because Cale was part of the Henituse family that was not part of any faction.

"I also want you to praise the crown every so often if you are asked."

"Including speaking about your very understanding nature, your highness?"

"Of course."

One corner of both Alberu and Cale's lips started to go up as they started to smile. Their smiles were pretty similar.

"Since it is an ancient power, isn't what you revealed today the extent of your power?"

"Of course. It is only for defense." Cale shrugged his shoulders at Alberu's inspecting gaze even though he was the one to answer.

Based on what Cale read in the novel, Crown prince Alberu knew more about ancient powers than most people.

'Now that I think about it, the Healing Star was given to him by his mother.' Cale recalled this memory that suddenly popped into his mind.

The crown prince had asked what he wanted as a reward. The tone of Alberu's voice made it sound like he would probably agree to anything, yet Alberu seemed comfortable.

"What is it that you want? Something for your family? My agreement to invest in the Northeastern Shoreline? Or settling the battle for power in the Northeast?"

That was why Cale responded back comfortably as well. "None of those will belong to me, your highness."

"...It won't belong to you?"

Cale pointed to himself as Alberu stared at him. "I want a reward for myself."

Alberu, who was silent for a moment, let out a snort. He had figured out what this trash wanted from him. Although Cale had lived as trash, humans, no, all living existences, wished to aim for greater heights and take control of everything.

In the end, Cale was the most important to himself, more than his family or the people around him.

"Then what is it you want? A higher title? A medal? Do you want to have your own faction in the capital?" Alberu's expression turned odd as he asked.

Contrary to Alberu's expectations, Cale shook his head 'no' at Alberu's suggestions. It meant that none of them were correct. He then said a single word.

"Money."

"...What?"

Cale accurately laid it out for Alberu. For someone like Cale whose greatest desire was the peaceful life after defeated his enemy, this was what mattered most to him. "Please give me money. The more the better. I don't want a medal or a higher title."

Cold hard cash was always the best. What would a title or medal do for him when a war was about to break out? It was much smarter to take cash and use it to buy food, land, for his children or other things for his plans.

The next ancient power Cale was aiming to get after the 'Sound of the Wind' was one that became stronger the more money he used.

After that he needed to find more information about Ancient Powers, he wanted to have a complete balance of five elements.

'The Indestructible Shield has wood attributes, the Sound of the Wind is of course Wind attribute, the next one is Fire since it was surrounded by lava. If possible, I want to get Super Rock, he's the Earth. But I don't have any clues about any Water attribute Ancient Power though.'

Cale returned from his thought when he saw Alberu put his hand to his forehead. Alberu then lowered his hand as he asked Cale a question. "To buy alcohol?"

Cale responded right back with a happy smile. "How did you know?"

Alberu smiled and accepted Cale's request. He then got up and informed Cale about the details. "Once you receive the report tomorrow, take a look and then let me know how much you want."

"Will you come visit me again?"

"Why? You don't like it?"

"It would be the highest honor to see you again, your highness." Cale responded with an extremely happy expression on his face. 'I've decided that you'll gonna be my ATM from now on.'

Alberu felt chills on the back of his neck from Cale's response and told Cale to rest before immediately heading out of the room and disappearing.

Cale just quietly observed the door the crown prince closed behind him.

– But what kind of power allows him to dye his hair other than mana? Human, answer me. I am curious.

"I also don't know, Raon, but let slowly find it out. Come here and sleep on the bed." Cale looked down to find his beloved Dragon.

***********************************

The morning after, Hans handed Cale a letter from Ron, that he didn't get a chance to give because of the incident, first thing in the morning.

"Mr. Ron has left this for you when he left."

Cale nodded his head slowly and opened the letter.

'I wondered if he heard about the Terror incident. I don't want to imagine his face when he heard I cough blood.' That was what Cale was thinking as he looked toward the people who came to visit him after Hans.

"...I heard you were seriously injured."

Eric Wheelsman. Cale had never seen this Hyung of his looking so worried. However, Cale could not say he was okay. He needed to be loyal and play his part.

"I have no strength in my body." He said pitifully.

"...Cale."

But Cale had no strength in his body because he couldn't do anything and had slept all day.

"My stomach feels weird as well."

This was because Cale had been eating all the time when he wasn't sleeping. He was so full that there was no room for anything else.

Eric looked concerned, Gilbert had a stiff expression on his face, and Amiru looked like she had made up her mind about something.

The kittens who had been looking back and forth at the three visitors and Cale started to shake their heads.

"Let me know if you need anything."

"Yes, please do. We will get you whatever it is."

Cale just nodded his head and asked. "Sounds like you are not just here to check in on me?"

Eric, Amiru and Gilbert exchanged glances after hearing Cale's question. After seeing Amiru and Gilbert nod their heads, Eric took a document out of his pocket and handed it to Cale.

(Tsuki: I still don't know how big the pocket is to keep the document in there, while walking and sitting... or did everyone just have a spatial pocket....?)

(Maybe something like this??? 😆)

"This is the updated request for the Northeastern shoreline tourism investment. We brought it with us since we were coming to the palace to see you."

Cale turned the first page of the document. The first word on the next page was Navy. Gilbert also seemed to have made up his mind. Cale peeked toward Amiru who smiled at him.

Based on Eric's actions, it looked like Amiru kept it a secret like Cale had asked. "The news will soon reach the Henituse territory along with our proposal."

"I see. Then will you be meeting with the crown prince?"

"Yes. We are scheduled to meet him tonight. We can only start moving if he shows any interest in it."

Cale looked toward Amiru and Gilbert and casually started to speak. "I'm sure it will work out."

His voice was full of confidence. It was because he was sure. Eric and the others felt a sense of relief after hearing Cale's statement.

Cale waved the document in front of the three of them and started to speak. "You can send such documents like this via a servant in the future. I know it is difficult for you to come visit, so you do not need to come."

"No, we will continue to come. You need to know about it as well."

Cale just casually nodded his head at Eric, Gilbert and Amiru and then sent them out. It was difficult to greet people while leaning on his bed wearing a patient robe.

That was why Cale folded and put the blanket away and comfortably welcomed the next group.

He started to speak to Choi Han who was standing there like a sinner. "You can go. I don't mind. You are a human being, and not a property I owned. You can make your own decision, so stop looking like a sinner with horrible crimes."

Rosalyn bit down on her lips. She had removed her magic and was standing there with her original red eyes and red hair. She also got rid of her robe and was in formal attire.

"I'm sorry, young master Cale. But I need Choi Han and Lock."

Now that Rosalyn revealed herself in the palace, she needed to return to the Breck Kingdom as fast as possible. Since it was revealed that she was still alive, the people who attempted to kill her may start to hide the evidence.

But she could not go back on her own. This incident revealed that she was a very skilled mage, which meant that the enemy will make sure to have stronger forces when attacking her. That was why she needed strong allies.

Lock was standing by the door just fidgeting without approaching Cale.

Cale looked at Choi Han and Lock before speaking as if it was only natural. "What are you saying sorry for? Miss Rosalyn, you helped us out with a very difficult situation. Then we should help you out as well. Favors need to be repaid."

Rosalyn could see that Cale was smiling.

"Miss Rosalyn is after all Lock's Noona and Choi Han's friend."

"...Thank you for putting it that way."

Rosalyn may have been close to death because of the assassination attempt, but she was certain that this was going to be her turning point.

Cale turned his head and looked at Choi Han.

"Cale-nim, I have to protect you."

"Choi Han."

Choi Han needed to go in order for Cale to gain Rosalyn's gratitude. It might sound manipulative, but Rosalyn was too good of a mage to miss. He needed her as his allies.

Choi Han could see Cale's uniquely assuring smile. "I will protect myself well. There are Beacrox, Raon as well as On and Hong. Don't worry about me and go help Miss Rosalyn."

'I'll make plans while you're gone and wait for your return.'

"I see. I worried for no reason."

"Just remember, you have a place to return to now."

"Yes. You're right, Cale-nim."

Cale turned away from Choi Han who looked much better and looked toward Lock. He then flicked his finger to call Lock over to him.

Lock flinched at Cale's motion before slowly approaching.

'Why was this kid being so cowardly?' However, Cale had no plan to give any thought to such reaction. "Lock, I will take care of your younger siblings. Go and come back to the Henituse territory in 2 months."

"...Excuse me?"

"What is the excuse me for? Did you forget about our deal?"

"Ah."

Cale thought about how he was going to use Lock as Lock blankly stared at him. He then handed Lock a map. It was a map of the Northeast territory that he got from Hans.

"Henituse. Come to the one that's marked like that. I will be there with your younger siblings, so you must come back."

(Tsuki: so even though he expected Choi Han to come back, he doesn't know if they could come together, that's why Cale gives a map to Lock.)

"...Somewhere to return to-"

Cale didn't care for the mumbling Lock and clenched Lock's shoulder as he started to speak. "Yes, somewhere to return to. Remember. You must return within 2 months. I need you at that time."

"Yes- yes sir! I will definitely come back within 2 months."

After taking care of Lock's issue to the point that Lock vigorously nodded his head, Cale felt a sense of relief.

The story from the novel was twisted quite a bit already, but at least the major point was flowing as it was supposed to. This was good because he would know more about the future the more the story followed the novel. Cale just had to be more cautious.

**********************************

Cale laid down on the bed with a more relaxed heart than ever before as he proceeded to look at the people around his room. He then turned to look at Hans who had opened the door and entered.