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  Kael sat quietly, his fingers lightly tracing the rim of his cup as the innkeeper, Ewald, leaned back in his chair with a satisfied sigh. Quin, ever watchful, sat beside him, his keen eyes darting toward the innkeeper with curiosity.

  "Oh! I almost forgot!" Ewald suddenly exclaimed, slapping his forehead. "That pole I gave you, it has a little surprise. If you twist the upper holder—here, let me show you."

  Kael tilted his head slightly, listening to the soft shuffle of movement as Quin, quicker on the uptake, reached for the pole. His fingers found the smooth surface, and with a curious glance toward the innkeeper, he gave the holder a twist.

  A soft ‘shiiing’ sound cut through the air as a hidden slender sword slid free from the lower part of the pole. Quin's mouth fell open, his eyes widening dramatically as he held the blade up to the light, admiring its sharp yet elegant craftsmanship.

  "By the spirits!" Quin gasped, his voice almost reverent. "This is—this is incredible! A pole that hides a sword! Young master, feel this—it's like it was made for you!" Is that a compliment or a teasing? Kael thought.

  Before either Ewald or Quin could react, Quin placed the hilt into Kael’s hands. Without hesitation, Kael’s fingers closed around it, feeling the balanced weight of the weapon. His grip was steady, unshaken, as if he had done this a thousand times before.

  "Young master—! Careful!" Quin yelped.

  "Oi, don't go swinging that around!" Ewald barked, half-rising from his chair, his face pale with worry.

  Kael merely smiled faintly, his fingers running lightly over the blade before nodding. "It's well-crafted," he murmured, his voice calm, unaffected by their concerns.

  Quin hastily took the blade back and sheathed it, his expression one of exasperation. "You nearly gave us a heart attack, young master!" he muttered, shaking his head before securing the sword back into the pole.

  Kael turned his attention back to Ewald. "Are you sure about giving me something this precious?" His tone carried a rare note of gratitude, yet hesitation lingered in his words.

  Quin, still in awe of the hidden weapon, nodded in agreement. "Innkeeper Ewald, this pole—it’s too valuable. It must have meant something to you."

  Ewald simply shook his head with a chuckle. "Last year, someone gifted it to me, but to be honest, I never had a use for it. I run this inn, I don’t go wandering around with weapons, and my son handles all the deliveries and imports. I figure it’s better in the hands of someone who can actually put it to good use." He grinned, his easy-going demeanor putting the matter to rest.

  Kael thought for a moment before finally nodding. He wouldn't argue further. This pole would serve him well, especially as part of his blind persona. He cast a glance toward Quin, who caught his meaning and smirked slightly. Only Quin knew the truth—knew that Kael’s blindness was nothing more than an act.

  As they continued their conversation, a familiar voice interrupted them.

  "Father!"

  They turned to see a young man approaching their table. His face was one of sincere gratitude, a warm smile spreading across his lips as he greeted them. It was Wallz, Ewald’s son.

  "Ah, it’s you," Quin said, straightening in his seat as Wallz reached them.

  "I just wanted to thank you both properly for what you did yesterday. If you hadn’t stepped in, who knows what would’ve happened," Wallz said earnestly, bowing his head slightly in respect.

  Kael simply nodded in acknowledgment, while Quin, ever the talker, responded. "We were just at the right place at the right time, no need for thanks. Besides, your father runs a fine inn—it’s only fair we return the kindness we’ve received."

  Wallz smiled before his gaze shifted between the two. "So, where are you two headed?" he asked curiously.

  Quin gave a casual shrug. "I’m taking my young master into town. Just to get some fresh air."

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  As Quin spoke, Kael subtly reached out, his fingers skimming the table as though searching for his cup. Without missing a beat, Quin smoothly pushed the cup into Kael’s hand, seamlessly playing along with the act.

  Wallz, noticing the gesture, blinked before exchanging a glance with his father. Ewald merely chuckled knowingly.

  "If you're going into town, why not let me accompany you?" Wallz offered. "I know the best routes, and I can help you get around."

  Quin opened his mouth, prepared to politely refuse, but Kael let out a small cough. Quin hesitated before quickly understanding. With a resigned sigh, he turned back to Wallz with a smile.

  "That would be much appreciated, Wallz. Thank you."

  Kael, his hood still draped over his figure, remained composed. He had a role to play, and the world still needed to believe he was just a fragile, blind young noble.

  As the preparations for their departure began, he allowed himself a moment to think. The town would be a new setting, filled with new dangers and new opportunities. And with Quin and now Wallz by his side, the act would continue.

  For now, he was still Kael Liam Vladimir.

  And no one could know otherwise.

  Kael and Quin stood near the entrance of the inn, preparing to leave, accompanied by Wallz, the son of the innkeeper, Ewald. The midday sun cast a warm glow over the cobblestone road outside, while the gentle murmur of guests within the inn created a comfortable atmosphere.

  As Wallz adjusted the sleeves of his tunic, he turned to Kael. "Sir Kael, do you need help packing your things?"

  Kael merely smiled and shook his head. "No need. My things are inside Quin's bag," he said softly, his voice light but calm. "Not much to bring."

  Quin, standing beside him, visibly tensed. His expression darkened as memories surfaced—his brother had told him about the cruel treatment Kael suffered in the Vladimir household. The thought of it made his stomach churn, but he kept it to himself. He exhaled sharply and forced himself to focus on the present.

  Wallz, noticing the exchange, fell silent for a moment. His gaze lingered on Kael’s small smile, and a pang of sadness welled up in his chest. How could someone so kind and composed have so few belongings? he wondered. His father, Ewald, seemed to share the same sentiment, his eyes shadowed with thought.

  As Quin grabbed the small bag and secured it behind him, he suddenly paused and turned to Kael with a dramatic expression. Kael arched a brow, sensing the impending theatrics. "What is it?" he asked dryly.

  Quin clapped a hand to his forehead. "Oh no! I forgot something crucial, Young Master!"

  Kael's lips twitched. "What is it this time?" he sighed.

  "The ointment!" Quin declared, as though announcing the discovery of a lifetime.

  Kael blinked. Wounds? Then he understood. Quin was referring to the injury from the other day where Kael father, Duke Valdemar throw a glass to him. He barely felt it anymore, so he waved a dismissive hand. "No need. It’s just a small cut. It’ll heal in time."

  Quin, however, was having none of it. "I was told by my brother to make sure I applied this to your wounds," he stated firmly, pulling out a small bottle from his pouch.

  Kael sighed in surrender. Arguing with Quin is a lost cause. He gave a slow nod.

  Wallz and Ewald, who had been watching quietly, perked up at the mention of wounds. Their gazes followed Quin as he prepared the ointment.

  Kael, resigned, reached up and pulled back his hood. A few loose strands of his long black hair fell across his pale cheeks, his striking features now visible to all. Wallz’s breath caught in his throat. Even with his eyes covered, Kael possessed an ethereal beauty that seemed almost unreal.

  But what truly caught Wallz’s eye was the small crystal butterfly dangling from Kael’s hairpin, glinting under the soft light. That’s… exquisite, he thought.

  Before he could admire it further, Quin carefully parted Kael’s long bangs, revealing a faint but deep cut on his forehead. Wallz and Ewald exchanged glances. The wound wasn’t fresh, yet it was evident that Kael had been injured recently.

  Quin sighed. "Forgive me, Young Master." He dipped a cotton cloth into the ointment and gently dabbed it against the cut.

  Kael winced slightly but didn’t complain. He just realize this small cut was painful too.

  "Almost done," Quin muttered as he worked, his movements careful and precise.

  Once finished, Quin smoothed Kael’s bangs back into place before nodding in satisfaction. "All set."

  Kael exhaled and immediately pulled his hood back over his head. He could feel the weight of the guests’ stares. Not wanting any more attention, he decided it was time to leave.

  He stood, reaching for his special pole that leaned against the table. As he moved, a sharp stiffness shot through his legs. His knee buckled slightly. Too much sitting…

  Quin noticed instantly and caught him before he could stumble further. He smirked. "Tsk tsk. Sitting too long has made you weak, Young Master. How pitiful," he teased, then leaned in and whispered mischievously, "Especially for a blind man."

  Kael stiffened, his lips curling downward. "Shut up, Quin."

  Quin bit back a laugh and helped Kael regain his balance before stepping aside.

  Ewald chuckled at the exchange and patted Kael’s shoulder. "Take care of yourself, lad. A body like yours needs proper nourishment and rest."

  Kael nodded. "Thank you for your hospitality, Innkeeper Ewald."

  The older man grinned. "Anytime."

  Just then, from outside the inn, the rumble of wheels against stone signaled the arrival of a carriage. Ewald’s family crest, the Albrecht insignia, was visible on its side. Wallz, who had stepped ahead, waved to them from near the window. "Sir Kael, Sir Quin, the carriage is ready."

  Before Kael could take a step, Ewald’s voice stopped him. "Lad… which family are you from?"

  Quin tensed. A shadow of worry crossed his face. Damn, should we tell him? He glanced at Kael, who was calm as ever.

  Ewald caught the hesitation and raised his hands. "No pressure, if you’d rather not say."

  Kael tilted his head slightly, then formed a small, unreadable smile. "If I tell you, will you keep it a secret?"

  Ewald nodded firmly. "On my word."

  Quin hesitated before finally leaning in and whispering, "My master is from the House of Vladimir. The first wife’s son… Kael Liam Vladimir."

  Ewald went completely still. His mind reeled. The Duke Valdemar’s firstborn son? He had heard of the rumors—the humiliation, the neglect—but never expected to meet the boy in person especially helping his son yesterday.

  His gaze flickered back to Kael’s forehead. That wound… His fingers curled into a fist.

  Before he could speak, Kael pressed a single finger to his lips, a small, knowing smile forming. "We’ll meet again someday, Innkeeper Ewald."

  Ewald could only stare as Quin barely contained his laughter at the dumbfounded expression on the old man’s face.

  With that, the two made their way to the carriage. However, instead of boarding the elegant Albrecht carriage, they opted for a much simpler one. Wallz wanted to protest, but the look on Kael’s face told him it was pointless.

  "Fine, fine," Wallz muttered, joining them inside as Quin climbed onto the driver’s seat and took the reins.

  As the wheels began rolling, Wallz turned to Kael. "So… Sir Kael, have you ever visited the town before?"

  Kael, resting against the seat, simply shook his head in response.

  Wallz blinked. "That’s… surprising."

  Quin, from the driver’s seat, snickered. "Get used to it, Wallz. Young Master isn’t much of a talker."

  Wallz sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, this will be an interesting trip."

  Kael merely tilted his head slightly, the pole resting beside him as the carriage continued its steady journey forward.

  To be continued.