“When we arrive in the central region, we will join with Heint,” Carson said, holding a book with a somewhat reluctant expression.

But that didn’t last long, as he soon smiled.

“With the nobles who sided with those Neubra bastards being apprehended one by one, this trip should be safe, so don’t worry.”

“What do I have to worry about when my brother is here?” Lucion replied, playfully nudging Ratta.

Knowing it was a slightly sugar-coated response, Carson couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Originally, we were supposed to meet today, but as you’re aware, the Emperor has made it known that our ties with the Imperial Family have strained a bit due to the Eastern incident, as a diversion for the enemy’s focus.”

“Indeed, I’m already informed.”

“After a brief stay in the central region, the 8th Order of the Knights will then join us.”

‘The organization members are ready, but.’

Lucion tickled Ratta again as she tapped his hand that had stopped.

Giggle.

Ratta burst out laughing.

“But by now, Heint is likely at our estate in the central region. He is accompanying His Majesty.”

Lucion looked surprised, as if he had been waiting for this.

[Wow, my disciple. The more I see him, the better his acting is.]

Russell teasingly poked Lucion’s cheek.

“Don’t look so shocked. He’s here due to the Magic Tower attack strategy.”

Observing Lucion’s tensed demeanor, Carson spoke reassuringly.

Lucion, unable to look Russell in the eye, swallowed his anger and asked, “But isn’t His Majesty in trouble because of me?”

“No need to worry about that. Everything will be fine,” Carson reassured him.

“Good to hear. That’s a relief.”

“And it seems there will be one more person joining us.”

‘It must be Kran.’

Lucion’s eyes widened, despite his inner thoughts.

“Who might that be?”

“Kran, a member of the Ale organization, will be assisting us in this mission.”

Lucion realized that if Heint had mentioned it, Carson would know that the leader of the organization Ale is not Kran but Hamel.

However, Carson skillfully avoided mentioning ‘the warlock Hamel’ and redirected the conversation.

“What kind of organization is that?” Lucion asked, and Carson narrowed his eyes.

“It’s suspicious, but not necessarily a bad place.”

“Suspicious yet not bad?”

It was difficult to shake off the feeling that it was like forced praise.

It wasn’t like Carson.

‘What is it again?’

His hand, previously playfully tickling Ratta, paused abruptly.

He distinctly remembered Carson referring to Hamel as a ‘bastard.’

“So, there’s someone there who wears a mask. What I said was just because that person seems suspicious, but the organization itself isn’t bad.”

“Are you referring to the person you once called to as a ‘bastard?'”

“That was in the past. He’s not like that, so disregard my previous words,” Carson responded, his expression unchanged.

[Something feels off about this.]

Bethel tilted his head as he listened to Carson’s words.

[Carson shifting his stance? Well, it’s plausible. Given Lucion’s disclosures, it makes sense. Heint would have learned that Hamel aided Cronia, so this reaction is expected.]

‘Ah.’

Lucion finally grasped the reason behind Carson’s change in attitude.

It appeared Carson had realized that Hamel was the one who had assisted Cronia, as Russell had mentioned.

‘Indeed. My brother values gratitude and retribution.’

[It makes sense to change his words after hearing that fact.]

Even Bethel nodded in agreement.

“Lucion, how is your wound now?” Carson asked.

“It’s much better,” Lucion responded.

After hearing his answer, Carson looked at Hume.

Lucion’s eyes widened.

‘…?’

“Yes. The young master’s wound has significantly improved. We can likely remove the stitches in a few days.”

When Hume smiled, Carson was reassured, though Lucion furrowed his brow.

‘Why does no one believe me when I say I’m fine?’

[It can’t be helped. They need to see it to believe it.]

Russell met Lucion’s gaze as if asking why, but he didn’t bother to answer.

Russell had already told him so many times, but he didn’t listen.

* * *