Chapter 13
“Strange fantasies,” huh.
He didn’t seem that weird to me.
Thinking that, I remembered Herkel linking me with Calyx earlier.
I wondered, Could this be what I think it is?
“Then, Herkel, does he fantasize about men and women like that too?” I asked.
Calyx’s eyes met mine. His expressionless gaze pierced me.
“If he thinks two people suit each other, he imagines a whole wedding in his head.”
I had no words. Calyx knew Herkel perfectly. I was genuinely curious why.
“Why does he do that?”
“Because there’s nothing interesting here. That’s why he fantasizes like that.”
I understood immediately. This place had only Berok and snow—nothing entertaining.
Does that mean he’s worried about me?
I glanced at Calyx. His gaze fell sharply on me, cold as a blade. I quickly handed over the cloth. Perhaps I gave it too quickly; our hands brushed slightly.
Calyx frowned, grabbed the cloth impatiently, and vigorously wiped his hands before giving it back to me—without even looking.
What a personality.
While lamenting my situation, I remembered what I hadn’t asked Herkel yesterday: what was Calyx’s relationship with Count Medix, who had hidden a fortune of one billion?
Even if Calyx might not answer, I couldn’t ignore it. One billion was at stake.
Just as I was about to ask, there was a knock on the door, and it opened—Herkel came in.
“A new soldier has arrived near the northern border. He volunteered, and his swordsmanship isn’t terrible.”
Herkel looked at me, smiling slightly. I silently thought, Don’t look at me like that!
He only gave a faint smile. Calyx spoke sharply.
“Bring soldiers with you. What if he comes alone?”
Herkel bowed immediately.
“He was already on his way here. He just went to the bathroom for a moment.”
I decided to leave with the silver basin.
“I’ll go now.”
I said goodbye to Calyx and then Herkel, who smiled politely. I quickly left the office with a determined expression.
I’ll explain to Herkel properly later.
I dumped the basin water and left my room. I had to catch the scammer and planned to search Derilf thoroughly.
From afar, a tall figure approached, bowing quickly.
“Hello! I’m Lotas.”
“Hello.”
I greeted lightly and passed by. He seemed unusual; most soldiers here only gave brief greetings, without even introducing themselves.
An unusual one. Must be his first time here.
I glanced back, and our eyes met. His gaze was clear and bright—not the common soldier’s eyes.
He’s going to cause trouble soon.
Even at sword school, people with that look were rarely calm.
Calyx looked at the hand that had touched Lerit. He felt irritated. Just a brief touch, yet it felt strange, sparking all sorts of sensations.
“Damn it.”
Herkel watched Calyx’s expression carefully. Then came a knock on the door. Herkel’s face brightened.
“They must be here now!”
“Come in!”
Calyx ignored the person entering and went to the table to check the medicine bottles—but they were all empty. His eyebrows twitched irritably.
Herkel cautiously called him.
“Duke?”
Calyx instructed him:
“Prepare the carriage immediately. We’re going to Derilf.”
“Yes. And this is the new soldier, Lotas.”
Herkel tapped Lotas on the shoulder and left the office.
Calyx examined the pale, fresh-faced soldier before him. Bright, clear eyes. Occasionally, Calyx assigned wandering soldiers work to survive.
Since Lotas volunteered, there was no need to dismiss him—as long as he didn’t die.
“Think you can survive here?”
“Yes! If I’m paid, I’ll give my all!”
Calyx looked at him for a moment.
“Ask Herkel for a sword.”
Lotas smiled brightly and bowed.
“Thank you!”
Calyx thought he wouldn’t survive long. Looking at those clear eyes, he knew Lotas would probably run off and cause a fuss soon.
Then a knock sounded again. Herkel came in, out of breath.
“Duke, you should leave now.”
Calyx draped a cloak over himself and passed by them. Herkel gestured at Lotas.
“He’ll take you in.”
“Really? Thank you!”
“Of course. I don’t push away people like you. Work hard, and I’ll give you a sword. Follow me.”
The weather was clear today. I would track the scammer thoroughly.
I pulled out the map. Derilf was about an hour away on foot, or 20 minutes by carriage.
Is there a public carriage?
I looked around. Only snow piled high, no sign of public carriages. Then I saw a large wooden structure with straw—probably a stable.
Someone was attending to a carriage. Judging by his clothes, he managed the stable.
I approached.
“Hello.”
He looked up and smiled upon seeing me.
“Hello.”
“Can I ride a carriage?”
He frowned.
“What should I do? The Duke said he’s heading to Derilf urgently.”
“Derilf?”
“Yes, he’s coming right now.”
Calyx strode up behind him. I asked quickly:
“Duke, may I ride with you?”
Calyx looked down at me, eyes narrowed, mouth firm. I didn’t back down.
“I’m going to Derilf too, to find the scammer. I can also help you along the way.”
Calyx chuckled.
“You couldn’t even manage earlier, and now you want to help?”
“I was distracted earlier. Wouldn’t it be better if we go together?”
Today, he was the only one there—no aides nearby.
“It’s unnecessary.”
I persisted.
“Didn’t you say I could help? You even said to catch the scammer.”
Calyx’s eyes sharpened.
“I don’t want to do that right now.”
“But it won’t take long if I…”
A cold wind blew. I tightened the cloak and sneezed, cursing the chill.
Calyx looked down at me with his indifferent, cold gaze.
So that’s a no.
Just as I was about to speak, he said:
“Get in.”
I stared at him, surprised. He held the carriage door open.
“Are you going to stand there all day?”
I finally got in. Inside, warmth spread. Calyx unbuttoned a couple of buttons, seemingly uncomfortable.
Even this much, it wasn’t enough.
Typical Northern style.
I silently admired him. Calyx looked at me with sharp, proud eyes. I started to say thanks, but he looked away.
“Thank you for the carriage. If you ever need help…”
“It’s unnecessary.”
His low voice was firm. I said nothing more, staring out the window for the twenty-minute ride.
The carriage stopped in front of Derilf’s square.
“Thank you!”
Even after thanking, the carriage drove off briskly. I watched it leave with a small frown and looked around.
There was a market nearby. According to the map, Derilf was divided north and south. Today, I’d start with the south, closer area.
The village was small but lively. Today must be market day—many people, food, and things to see.
With no wind and warm weather, I took off my cloak and looked around.
Animal hides and dried meat were sold everywhere. Every shopkeeper I asked about Prod Swindel shook their head. They had never heard the name.
After an hour, I got the same response everywhere. Hungry and tired, I went into a nearby restaurant specializing in cabbage soup.
At least the soup was cheap, so I could pay. Soon, the owner brought the cabbage soup with white bread. It looked delicious.
Without thinking, I asked:
“Do you know Prod Swindel?”
“Prod Swindel? Never heard of him.”
As expected. Exhausted, I asked another question:
“Then who is the richest person here?”
Since I had both my money and Calyx’s, I thought it might be obvious.
