Chapter 150: Before Departure

Fran was in agony again today. 

There are only six family heads, and among them, why and for what reason did Ruel, who has the highest of noble status, get injured like this?

It was a wound, as if he had fallen down from a mountain.

Fran’s brows were deeply wrinkled as she looked at Ruel’s wounds.

“Sister,” Tierra gently patted Fran on the shoulder.

Despite thinking she had grown accustomed to Ruel’s actions and any situation that arose, it seemed otherwise. 

After all, she had earnestly asked him to take better care of himself. 

This time, as his personal physician, she intended to scold Ruel severely.

“Mr. Cassion,” Fran called, rolling up one sleeve.

Cassion looked at her sympathetically, knowing what Fran was feeling.

How frustrating this must be.

“The wounds themselves aren’t too deep. It’s more like he stumbled a bit while playing,” she informed him. 

These injuries were likely to heal within a week.

“However, the real problem is the reason behind them. If my assumptions are correct… Did Lord Ruel climb the mountain?”

“Yes, Ruel-nim did climb the mountain,” Cassion confirmed, prompting Fran to roll up her other sleeve.

“Can you wake Lord Ruel up now? As the attending physician, I have something to tell him.”

“Ms. Fran, could you overlook what you saw today and let it pass quietly?” 

“With his body covered in wounds, you expect me to let this pass quietly? Do you recall how shocked I was the last time he was injured?” 

This wasn’t the first time Ruel had come back with a minor or major injury.

He had previously returned with a large hole in his abdomen.

“And now the mountain…” Fran paused, attempting to control her rising anger.

“Climbing a mountain with such a body is excessive. No, it’s impossible.”

“It was what Ruel-nim wished for. So please, just let it go.”

A faint smile briefly appeared on Cassion’s face.

“And it wasn’t impossible. Ruel-nim really did reach the summit.”

“Really?” Fran asked incredulously, looking back at Cassion.

As he nodded, Fran jumped up and hugged Tierra tightly.

“S, sister?”

“Tierra! This is a miracle! Regardless of the process, it signifies Lord Ruel’s recovery!”

Realizing Cassion was present, Fran abruptly released Tierra from the embrace.

“I-I’m sorry.”

Fran, feeling her face lightly flush, sat back down in her seat. 

Then, suddenly, a wave of confusion washed over her, and her eyes darted around.

‘Why on earth would the family head be climbing a mountain?’

With a slight hesitation, Fran turned to Cassion and asked, “Is it possible that Lord Ruel went up the mountain for…?”

While speaking, she lightly patted her chest.

“Yes. So please don’t say anything to Ruel-nim.”

“Understood.”

Fran finally grasped the situation. After a moment’s hesitation, she cautiously asked, “Was Lord Ruel… really struggling a lot?”

“Perhaps he is alright now.”

With Cassion’s assurance that he would be okay, Fran let out a deep sigh. “…I’m truly relieved.”

Her gaze softened as she looked at Ruel.

***

“Ugh.”

Upon opening his eyes, Ruel let out a groan.

His entire body felt sore and heavy. 

It seemed to be muscle pain.

—Does it hurt?

Leo’s surprised face came into Ruel’s view.

“It’s not an illness, so no need to worry,” Ruel reassured Leo with a chuckle, realizing he was back in his own room after patting Leo.

He had collapsed again. 

‘Ah… I missed a good opportunity. I was thinking of coming home and getting some work done.’

Ruel clicked his tongue in disappointment.

“Cassion.”

“Are you awake?”

“How long was I out?”

“You’ve been asleep for a full day. How’s your body? You probably strained muscles you haven’t used in a while.”

“My whole body is sore.”

If the pain had been severe, he would have taken painkillers, but since it was mild, he had to endure it.

“Did Fran visit?”

Ruel asked as he looked at the neat treatment of his wounds.

Since it was a minor wound, it would have healed quickly with the power of recovery, but it was obvious that suddenly being completely healed would seem strange, so he decided to leave it alone.

“Yes, she did because I called for her.”

“Alright, let’s eat first.”

“Prince Banios has requested to have a meal with you, Ruel-nim.”

“Okay, tell him I understand.”

Ruel paused mid-sentence and let out a big yawn. He felt incredibly sluggish.

“When does he want to eat? Lunch? Dinner?”

“It’s lunch.”

“Got it.”

As Ruel slumped back onto the bed, Cassion interjected.

“It’s already lunchtime.”

“…?”

Ruel’s eyes widened in surprise.

***

“Haha, I heard you rolled down a mountain,” Banios laughed heartily at the sight of the bandage on Ruel’s face.

He hadn’t thought it was true, but it really was the case.

“It wasn’t just playing around on the mountain; I actually climbed it.”

“Climbed it…?”

Banios suddenly stopped laughing, his expression shifting to one of astonishment.

“…You? You climbed the mountain?”

Ruel puffed out his chest proudly.

“The efforts I’ve put into exercising have finally paid off.”

“I can’t believe it. Haha, I feel the urge to reward you with something right away.”

“Well then, don’t hold back; give it to me now,” Ruel said politely, extending both hands 

toward Banios.

“What would you like?” Banios glanced at the little fox that was wandering around at Ruel’s feet and asked.

“Support from reliable wizards and an unlimited research budget,” Ruel responded.

To delve into the mysteries of black water, more manpower and funding were essential.

Banios smiled knowingly.

“I actually called you for that very reason. First, have a seat. Let’s talk while cutting steaks.”

“That wouldn’t be bad, but honestly, I prefer talking while fishing.”

“You didn’t catch any fish that time.”

Banios chuckled at Ruel’s visibly hardening expression.

“You know, Ruel, you’re more clever than I thought.”

Cassion subtly turned his head.

Ruel shot him a sharp look, intentionally dragging his chair with a loud scrape before sitting down.

The fact that he hadn’t caught any fish last time was purely down to bad luck. Next time would be different.

“Your Highness, please tell me what it is you wanted to discuss regarding ‘that matter.’”

“Our biggest goal right now is to overturn the table set by the Great Man,” Banios replied, slowly wiping the smile off his face.

“Equally crucial is finding a solution for the black water.”

“Have you witnessed it firsthand, Your Highness?”

“Yes, your uncle showed it to me. Seeing it in person felt much more serious than what you described. If it were to be unleashed all at once…”

Banios frowned at the mere thought of it.

“Regardless, the black water will undoubtedly pose a significant threat.”

“Yes, without a solution, a grave crisis is inevitable.”

“Therefore, the Royal Family has decided to directly support your recent request.”

Ruel remained silent, anticipating further revelations.

“Furthermore, we will allocate additional troops. Given Setiria’s strategic position, this is a precaution against worst-case scenarios.”

Banios paused, toying with the spoon in front of him.

Despite the dishes laid out, Ruel had to wait patiently as Banios had yet to start eating.

Moreover, the way Banios cut his sentences was quite frustrating. Ruel couldn’t hold back any longer and asked, “What comes next?”

Setting down the spoon, Banios smiled once more, seemingly in no rush to eat.

‘He mentioned talking over steak,’ Ruel thought, genuinely irritated.

If Banios had begun with the soup, Ruel could have used his spoon as well.

“I thought it might ease your concerns to have an escape plan, so I’ve made arrangements.”

“An escape plan? What do you mean?”

Ruel scrutinized the object Banios pulled out, which looked like an identification card.

“Isn’t this your ID card?”

Upon seeing the character ‘Han’ in the ID card, Ruel tightened his grip with surprise.

‘He really is a prince after all.’

He had clearly concealed it well, but Banios had discovered it nonetheless.

“I only found out a few days ago that you are an adventurer under the name Han. I had a bit of a hard time because you were really good at hiding it.”

Banios gestured reassuringly as Ruel’s expression tensed slightly.

“I have no intention of pressuring you, so don’t make that face. I found it by chance, and I was able to notice it because I observed you up close. Ruel, aren’t these ideas all yours?”

“Are you saying you’ll turn a blind eye to my illegal activities?”

“It’s not illegal anymore. I’ve made it legitimate for you. So rest assured and use it well.”

“So, you’re saying this is a gift?”

“Precisely. Accept it graciously.”

With that, Banios had essentially put himself on the same boat as Ruel, handing over the identification card. Only then did a smirk appear at the corners of Ruel’s mouth.

“I’ll be sure to utilize it with gratitude.”

“Furthermore, to save your time, I’ve brought a means to verify whether Hilim Tonisk is real or not.”

Seeing Banios finally act the part of a prince, Ruel smiled contentedly.

‘Yes, a prince should be capable of dealing with such matters effortlessly.’

All of the praising words he’d used to win Banios’ favor now felt justified.

“What kind of means is it?”

Ruel was already filled with anticipation. It was a fact that needed to be confirmed for future work.

“The Empire presented an object to the three nations as a show of goodwill, essentially a symbolic gesture to honor the Empire. I’ve already handed it to your butler in advance for us to inspect together later.”

As Cassion was also unaware of its purpose, he caught Ruel’s gaze and promptly responded, “What the prince entrusted to me was a flag.”

Ruel looked at Banios again, “How can we verify with that flag?”

“I’ve never seen it myself, but I’ve heard that the flag glows brightly when the royalty of the Empire is present, and it was sent to me before the war, so it’s practically an object with the intent to bring down the three nations.”

“What a disgraceful object.”

“Indeed. So, it took a while to track it down.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Regardless, this would save them some time.

Banios shook his head at Ruel’s gratitude.

“I know this is a trifling matter compared to the grace you have shown me.”

‘He’s well aware,’ Ruel thought, choosing not to respond but instead smiling.

“This was just the main topic I wanted to address before your meal, in case you might choke on your food,” Banios added, and his expression softened slightly.

Ruel, too, eagerly anticipated beginning his meal. However, just as Banios picked up his spoon, a mischievous smile crossed his face.

“I’ve heard you’ll be attending His Majesty Huswen’s birthday celebration.”

“How did you find out?” Ruel asked, surprised. They had not disclosed that information externally.

“His Majesty Huswen personally reached out to me and informed me.”

“The King spoke to you directly?”

Ruel couldn’t help but wonder why Huswen would contact Banios. He tried to predict the reason, but his hunger made it hard to think straight.

“Oh, my apologies. Please, start eating.”

Banios, seeing Ruel make no move to start, felt sheepish and gestured for him to begin the meal.

“My birthday is exactly ten days apart from His Majesty Huswen’s. Perhaps he reached out to me to offer a small comfort because of that.”

“Cough, cough!” Ruel sputtered on his soup, almost bringing tears to his eyes with a dramatic cough. After recovering, he glanced at Banios.

Banios wore a proud expression, as if he had just discovered his weakness. 

It was then that Ruel realized this was the real reason Banios had called him.

***

Ruel walked behind Banios with an uncomfortable expression.

“I must have said something unnecessary,” Banios muttered.

‘Then you should have just kept it to yourself.’ 

If Banios had expressed feeling excluded, Ruel might have offered some comforting words. 

However, Banios did not bring up the topic of birthdays again. 

This made Ruel so uneasy that he couldn’t discern if he was actually swallowing his food or if it was just getting stuck.

If Ruel didn’t even remember his own birthday, how could he possibly know Banios’s?

He had been aware of Huswen’s birthday celebrations from the scenes depicted in the web novel.

—Ruel, Ruel.

Walking beside Ruel, Leo called out to him.

—Inform this body later about your birthday.

Ruel nodded slightly at Leo’s request.

“Speaking of which…”

Banios elongated his words with a grin, clearly enjoying the moment. It wasn’t just Banios who was thrilled; Cassion wore a bright smile as well.

“When is your birthday? I want to properly congratulate you.”

As if he thought he had caught hold of a tail, Banios was trying hard to avoid getting caught himself.

What was Ruel supposed to do now?

“I don’t know,” he replied with a short sigh. “I don’t remember my early childhood, and did I ever get a celebration while being locked away?”

Banios’s face, which had been laughing heartily, suddenly turned awkward and stiff.

“Haha, well, what significance does a birthday hold, right? By the way, is this the correct path?”

Banios looked at Cassion, sending a look for help.

“This way, Your Highness,” Cassion replied.

However, Cassion icily disregarded Banios’s plea and continued leading the way.

“Your Highness,” Ruel called out, causing Banios to flinch.

“W-what is it?” Banios stuttered.

“I just realized I’ve been so consumed with work that I forgot to inquire about my own birthday from Billo. I genuinely appreciate you reminding me.”

“No, it’s nothing.”

The dynamic had shifted; now Banios was the one feeling uneasy.

Ruel inhaled Breath and laughed.

Author's Thoughts

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read