That odd sensation continued until Cale arrived at the dinner table. All he said was one sentence.

I will be visiting the Whipper Kingdom for a bit.

Clang.

The spoon in the hand of his youngest sister, the 7-year-old Lily, fell to the ground. Cale turned to look at Lily after hearing the noise only to see Lily with a pale face and the corners of her lips shaking.

My teacher said.

Lily didnt even think about picking up the spoon as she continued to mumble.

The Whipper Kingdom is very scary right now and people die every day. The nobles have to hide and it is even hard to eat yummy food! You cant even sleep in peace! That is what my teacher said!

Her emotions seemed to be getting stronger as she continued to speak. She then started to frown after looking toward Cale.

You are not allowed to do that.

Count Deruth cut Lily off and sternly answered. Cale looked toward Deruth with confusion. The crown prince had promised assistance during his travel to the Whipper Kingdom so that he could safely and stealthily get there.

We will tell your family that you are doing my bidding. Theres no need to tell them about the mages or Magic Tower or anything of the sort, right?

Of course. Secrets are the best. I also only want my family and the Ubarr territory liege to know of my travels.

Naturally. I will have it all prepared.

Crown prince Alberu then immediately informed Count Deruth that it was a secret mission that he had tasked for Cale.

Father, it is an order from his highness, the crown prince.

It doesnt matter.

The good-natured and average looking Count Deruths face was extremely scrunched up in a frown. Cale looked around to Basen, who was stiff like time had frozen, and then to the only person who looked calm, Violan.

She casually asked once they made eye contact.

Is this your own decision?

Yes. I wish to go.

Cale.

Yes?

Violan put her spoon down and continued to speak.

You know it is dangerous over there?

Yes.

Cale lightly agreed. However, it would be fine with Choi Han, the Black Dragon, Rosalyn, and Lock. Even Hilsman and the 10 Wolf Children were passionately asking him to take them with him, so he didnt think he would be in danger at all.

Cale, just remember one thing. I am always worried about you, my son. We all worry about you. However.

Violans gaze suddenly turned sharp.

We dont care about this kingdom at all.

Ahem, wife, we need the kingdom to be safe for our family to be safe as well.

Deruth stopped frowning and let out a fake cough. However, Violan ignored it and continued to ask Cale.

Is this your decision?

Violan asked the same question once more and Cale immediately responded back.

I am a Golden Turtle.

Count Deruth recalled what he had said to his son not too long ago.

We protect anything and everything with our very sturdy shell. However, the most important thing is to protect ourselves.

He looked toward his son, who seemed calm and relaxed.

It is most important for me to use my sturdy shell to protect myself.

That was Cales answer.

I am a Henituse after all.

Of course, Cale put his own safety first. He would only step into a battlefield if it looked like they would definitely win, and he had the strongest person on the battlefield next to him.

You dont need to worry.

His voice was full of certainty and his gaze was confident. Countess Violan started to smile.

Alright, I understand. But I do not think I can stop worrying. That is what it means to be a parent.

There really wasnt a reason to worry, but Cale nodded at Violan anyways. Count Deruth kept his mouth shut as they restarted their meal. Based on how he was not telling Cale that he could not go, it seemed like he had accepted it as well.

They think well do anything they order us to do because we have been staying low for a while.

Count Deruth just mumbled to himself as he roughly chewed on a piece of a meat every so often. However, seeing as how there was no more opposition, Cale peacefully focused on his meal again.

He was focusing on his meal intensely, such that he did not notice what happened next.

He didnt see that the gaze shared between Count Deruth and Countess Violan was not normal. He also didnt know that after dinner, Count Deruth ordered the butler to secretly gather any and all information related to the crown prince and the Whipper Kingdom, regardless of the cost.

Cale just finished the great meal and left the dining room. He could hear someone rushing toward him, although this was against the nobles etiquette.

Basen?

It was Basen and Lily who chased after Cale.

Hyung-nim, must you go?

Pretty much.

He didnt need to go, but he just preferred 10 years of peaceful days rather than just one day. Cale continued to speak to his two quiet siblings.

Both of you need to focus on your studies and training. I can only go around like this because the two of you are here holding things down.

Cale was always at peace knowing Basen would become the next liege of the territory and Lily the commanding officer for the military. At least they wouldnt have the typical drama plotlines of the eldest son and the more talented younger son fighting for the successor position nor something of the sort.

Cale turned away from the siblings who were still just quietly watching him. He still had a lot to prepare. Cale started to walk away as he spoke to his siblings again.

I will bring you both some souvenirs from the Whipper Kingdom.

Cale could not see that Basen and Lilys gazes were focused on Cale before exchanging glances with each other and nodding their heads. He had absolutely no idea that his younger siblings had already decided their future occupations.

A few days later, Cale was happy that he was able to get on the ship at exactly the time he planned to do so.

Young master Cale.

Cale looked toward the source of the voice as soon as he got on the ship.

Young lady Amiru.

Amiru quietly observed Cale, who was still just as relaxed as before. The Ubarr liege had already gotten on the same boat as the crown prince, so Amiru had ordered for them to prepare the largest and strongest ship as soon as she received the crown princes order. [1]

Young master Cale, I hope that you return safely without hurting yourself this time.

I hope for the same as well.

He had absolutely no plans to get hurt. Cale could see that Amiru started to frown like she didnt believe him.

I do not understand why his highness would send you to that dangerous place when you just finished your recovery. However, his highness is probably sending you because it is you, and he can trust you.

Trust? The crown prince was not the type to trust anyone. Cale had no problem honestly saying that with a stiff expression.

Really? Im not so sure. He didnt seem to trust me much at all.

Amiru raised her voice at Cales bitter smile.

Of course! Young master Cale, if it means anything, I trust you.

Ah, yes, well, thank you very much young lady Amiru.

Seeing Amiru respond so fiercely, which was opposite her calm demeanor, Cale could not say anything else. He then started to walk again as they needed to leave on time. He had people he needed to meet.

Young master Ca-.

Ill be on my way now, young lady Amiru.

Amiru had some other things to say, but just closed her mouth. The image of Cale pushing back his red hair that was moving along with the ocean breeze was both refreshing and cool.

Cale got on the ship with a relaxed heart after seeing that Amiru was no longer trying to hold him back. He got on the deck and could see that the village was very noisy with construction right now.

Furthermore, some of the other whirlpools had disappeared, creating a safe path that was wide enough for a large ship.

But the rest of the whirlpools are still the same.

Cale turned his gaze back to the ship and started to sigh.

Sigh.

How did he end up with so many people?

Choi Han, Lock, and Rosalyn.

The kittens, On and Hong, were shaking because they were on water yet were adamant that they would come with him.

Hans, who was next to the kittens.

Finally, Vice Captain Hilsman, who was completely pale because he was on a ship, Beacrox, who was observing Hilsman silently, and the ten Wolf children next to him.

If I get hurt with all of these freaks around me, that would be very surprising.

Someone might even think he was trying to go destroy a kingdom right now.

I like the smell of the ocean.