Hu has already heard a warning from Anthony several tis: You must take special care of the youngest master.
But he never thought that Lucion would be the kind of person who didnt know how to take care of himself.
[Why all of a sudden?]
Russell asked.
Im just curious if my lord has always been this way, not knowing how to take care of himself.
Russell knew Lucion when he and Ratta were the only ones haunted by ghosts.
Hu beca curious about Lucions past.
When Hu played with Ratta, she would sotis say sothing he couldnt understand.
Lucion didnt like Ratta from the beginning. Ratta would have been so, so happy if she had been loved by Lucion.
Hu thought it was a strange thing to say, as he had seen Lucion truly care for Ratta.
It was rare for anyone to give as much attention and physical contact as Lucion did to Ratta.
Even when the maids dressed Lucion, they were extrely careful not to touch his skin by mistake.
It was the sa for himself.
If, by chance, his hand touched Lucions skin, Lucion would be filled with fear, even though he hadnt shown it, and it had been a reaction so slight that no one else had seen it.
It was almost a reflex.
But Ratta was different.
Never once did he show fear.
[Yeah, its nice of you to try to understand Lucion, but I dont think hed want you to, so you can ask him later; he wont get upset about stuff like that.]
Russell crossed his arms.
Is that so?
Hu lowered his gaze slightly.
[Still, if its simple, I can tell you.] Russell said, reminiscing about the past.
[It was very different now. Of course, he still didnt take care of himself back then. No, its better now.]
[Is that true?]
Bethel asked with an upset expression.
Even now, she is worried about Lucion. Its like hes pushing himself to the brink.
[He hardly ate, so he was skinny, and he hardly slept, so he was always on edge. He was even more sensitive to noise than he is now. Well, sothing like that. Can you imagine how it was?] Russell asked.
Is it because of a ghost?
Hus eyebrows drooped.
[Thats part of it, and it might have overlapped with the trauma from being kidnapped. The traces are still there.]
[When I signed the contract, I saw so of Lucions mories from when he was kidnapped. It was lucky that he didnt go insane.]
Bethel tightly squeezed one arm, wrapped in armor.
[So, Hu, I agree with Russell; why dont you ask him yourself?]
I almost made a big mistake. Ill ask when the young master wakes up.
Hu was relieved.
He didnt want to get scolded by Lucion, nor did he want to see him sad.
[But dont think of Lucion as soone difficult. Hes simpler than you think.]
Russell patted Hu on the shoulder with a proud face.
The more he looked, the more he understood why Lucion had taken Hu under his wing.
It felt like there was a wealth of knowledge and understanding within Hu.
Ive never thought of it that way. Theres no one as comfortable as my lord.
Hu smiled brightly.
He felt comfortable by Lucions side, having been accepted in every way, from his na, place to live, life, and even his existence.
Despite the fact that he had received almost everything, being by Lucions side was truly comforting.
I hope he is as happy as I am.
Hu prayed softly.
He genuinely wished for Lucions happiness, even though he didnt know what that happiness would entail.
[Im also praying for that.]
Bethel also smiled softly.
[Ah.]
Bethel suddenly looked at Russell as if rembering sothing.
[Do you by any chance know what Lord Lucion wants and what happiness he desires?]
Even Hu looked at Russell.
[Of course I know.]
Russell pointed to himself proudly.
Really?
Hus eyes widened.
[I should know. I am Lucions teacher.] Russell said, his voice firm.
As Russell spoke with conviction, Hu and Bethels expectations naturally grew.
[The happiness Lucion wants is to just live a normal life.]
Russell answered.
A normal life?
Hu asked with a puzzled expression.
[Yes, normal life.]
Hu and Bethels feelings beca more complicated as a result of Russells answer.
They had never experienced living a normal life.
What does that an?
Hu frowned as if he had encountered a difficult problem.
[Nobody here knows what normalcy is. Because no one has ever lived a normal life.]
Russell smiled as if he was having fun.
[Dont worry too much about it, though. In the end, its Lucion who feels happy.]
Russells eyes narrowed slightly.
[Still, Lucion is probably happy right now, and hes running for that happiness.]
Hu suddenly stood up.
[What are you trying to do?]
As Hu lay down on the sofa, Bethel rolled her eyes.
Im trying to find out where the black orb is. Because its sothing I can only do. Even if I cant sleep, Ill try to close my eyes first.
[Good idea. Because you are the one who can help Lucion the most right now, Hu.]
Russell patted Hus head in delight.
* * *
What is the happiness I desire?
At Hus unexpected question, Lucion paused for a mont, holding the mask in his hand.
Hed had enough of napping and had slept until the next day.
His body felt lighter than it had in a long ti.
No warlocks had attacked him recently, and Heint allowed him to go out very easily, perhaps because it was peaceful while heading from the south to the central region and from the central region to the northern region.
Did Hu read a new book?
Sotis Hu would ask a question out of the blue.
It was after reading an unusual book every ti.
Ratta is curious too! Tell , Lucion!
Rattas tail also waved at the sa ti.
Lucion couldnt help but frown at Russell and even Bethel, who were looking at him expectantly.
I dont know whats wrong with you all of a sudden.
Certainly, Russell must have said sothing unnecessary while he was sleeping.
Otherwise, there is no way even Bethel would look at him with eyes waiting for an answer.
It is a secret.
Lucion said it a little bluntly.
Russells face imdiately contorted as if he was preparing to say, See, I told you.
[What do you an by secret? Wasnt it normal life?]
Russells voice rose slightly.
That is also true. Instead, there is one condition.
Not to die.
How can he get that word out?
That ans its a secret.
Lucion grinned.
[Whats the condition?]
Ill let you know later.
It had been a while since Russell had been this persistent, so Lucion didnt want to tell him more.
Im a little busy right now because I have work to do.
Russells expression crumpled, but Lucions smirk grew wider.
Now that he was in the North, he had to get the rchant he had decided to get a long ti ago.
He planned to use the rchant he was going to obtain as a connection and communication network connecting the branches he would acquire in the future, the branch he had acquired now, and the Chefran and Chonest mansions that he was currently using as temporary residences.
I should put a spy on the rchant and use it in a frugal way. Lucion thought, already feeling pleased.
[You an the rchant?]
Russell asked.
Youre right.
The initial mbers of the organization, spies, assassins, and the Reint rcenary Corps were not exactly on good terms, but they had reached a certain level of cooperation.
Kran was still in the process of gathering mbers for the organization, and it seed that it would take more ti for the relationships to solidify, especially with the people from the territories joining the organization.
[Well, the organization is still finding its feet. Its a problem that can only be solved with ti.]
Yes. Aside from the problems that can only be solved with ti, we need soone to fill the gap. The rchant is perfect for that role.
[Its the place you picked, so it must be good.]
Lucion naturally burst into laughter, since Russell hadnt questioned it.
You wont say that after you see it.
The rchant he was trying to save was the one that would shine two years later.
J.L. Kell.
In a word, he could be said to be a person who has ability but does not have luck.
He was the head of the Kell family, and he had led the family to prosperity, but a single mistake led to his downfall, turning him into a fallen nobleman.
However, because his ability was real, he sohow managed to keep his familys nasake, Kell rchant, alive, and he continued to live a life of barely scraping by.
His luck broke two years later, and he quickly rose to the top of the heap.
It was thanks to J.L.s insight and ability and his persistence for over ten years.
Lucion was planning to help him get that luck faster.
I need to quickly find the nickna that was called the Golden Hand.
* * *
[Uhm.]
Russell frowned as he looked at the store.
No joke, it was rusted to the point where the store could collapse with one stomp of Hus foot.
Older than the last ti hed been to Fake Cheyennes mansion.
[Is this the right place?]
Russell asked again.
No matter how many tis you ask , my answer is the sa. This is the right place.
[The inside is a bit better.]
Bethel said as she ca out from inside the store.
[Thats a good thing.]
Russell uttered an insincere remark.
Are there any creaking noises again? Ratta is so good. Hehehe.
Rattas tail was already wagging like a propeller.
Ratta, you go into my shadow.
Even if soone was targeting Ratta, Lucion had no intention of overprotecting her on purpose.
Ratta was more quick-witted than he thought.
Then can Ratta just lightly step in front? Ratta can really just step lightly.
Ratta said, focusing her gaze.
Okay, just that much then.
Ratta likes Lucion the best!
Ratha lunged at Lucion and clung to his leg.
Ratta glanced at Lucion and muttered.
Ratta is not the first Lucion, but
Lucion could hear it, and just because Ratta was muffling, it didnt an he couldnt hear it.
Lucion stifled a laugh, though, and pretended not to notice Rattas words or the way she glanced at Russell.
Then I will knock.
Hu stood in front of the door.
The door seed more pitiful than ever.
Wait a minute, Hu.
Lucion had not inford Kran yet.
He had intended to tell him yesterday, but he had not woken up.
Lucion looked around and took out a communication item.
Kran.
Even though they were divided into three groups, the speed at which they took the central branch was considerable.
Since Gartio nn, the guard dog of the central branch, is dead, what does a branch in the north matter?
I guess youre ready?
Lucion asked, surprised.
He may have been the one who brought the various ingredients, but it was Kran who mixed them together beautifully.
His attachnt was much deeper.
That drinking ga we had last ti must have worked, huh?
Lucion asked slightly sarcastically.
When he was suffering from Heints Light, the organization Ale held a celebration.
Although improving morale was very important, he couldnt help but feel sad inside.
Dont say things you dont an. The Northern Branch tonight
Lucion chuckled at the please part, even though he wasnt planning on going anyway.
Im going to get a rchant today.
Kran cautiously called out to Lucion.
Why?
Pfft.
Russell let out a mocking laugh and then closed his mouth as he t Lucions gaze.
Is it crazy?
Youre just imagining it.
Kran desperately called out to Lucion.
Ill get the rchant and get back to you. Bye.
Lucion boldly disconnected the communication device and said to Hu.
Knock the door.
Kran is right, Hal.
Knock it.
Understood.
Hu knocked very gently on the door with a regretful look on his face.
Knock. Knock.
A light sound followed.
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