This was the first time Cale had used a video communication device to chat with Toonka.

> Long time no see.

Cale was surprised. "You are alone."

> Yes.

Cale did not see Harol nor any other subordinates with Toonka. Toonka was chatting with Cale alone.

'Well, I understand that there may not be many people around him because they can't let it be known that they have a video communication device.'

You needed a mage in order to use a video communication device.

The Whipper Kingdom was currently using the mage and video communication device that Alberu had sent over in order to be able to communicate with the other kingdoms. They had no choice because they were facing an urgent situation.

But Cale still found it odd that neither Harol nor any of the Chiefs were with him. Cale could clearly see Toonka's face through the device.

Cale started to frown a bit. "You don't look so good."

Toonka flinched at Cale's observation. Toonka did not look very good at all.

Currently, the Empire and the Whipper Kingdom were only having small scale battles.

The Whipper Kingdom was only aiming for a few palaces by the border rather than charging toward the Empire's capital, but even that was not going as they had planned.

Cale, who didn't think Toonka would be the type to worry about that, quickly figured out what was going on. 'There's only one reason that this idiot would be this upset.'

Cale looked toward Toonka, who was fidgeting, and started to speak. "Did you find the traitor?"

Toonka flinched before starting to frown.

> Yes.

"Based on your reaction, I'm guessing it was one of your direct subordinates."

> ... Yes.

Cale thought about Toonka's subordinates. There was his left-hand woman Pelia, who was a talented strategist who wielded a spear. Then there was his right-hand man Hota, who was similar to Toonka and focused on his physical strength.

> ... I didn't know Hota was such a person.

Toonka started to speak as if he was full of pain.

> How could he fall for the Empire's plots! I didn't know he wanted to take my position!

Toonka's hand started to shake in anger at Hota's betrayal. He then felt an empty void inside of his heart.

He wanted to share these feelings with someone, but he didn't know who he could share them with until he thought of Cale.

Chief Harol had located the traitor. Toonka didn't know how Harol had done it, but they found a magic device among Hota's belongings, and although it was not a video communication device, it was still something that sent a similar type of signal.

Toonka shared these details with Cale.

Cale, who was listening to Toonka's explanation, clicked his tongue quietly.

'I guess even the Empire does not know that Harol is a half mage who can feel the flow of mana.'

That was why the Empire probably did not hide their communication with Hota.

However, there was no way that Harol would miss the magic device Hota was carrying.

> That is why last night, last night, I beheaded that traitor.

Cale finally understood why Toonka had slowed down his attack on the Empire.

"But you figured out that he was the traitor prior to yesterday, didn't you?"

> ... I found out a week ago.

'Looks like he struggled quite a bit with his decision.' Cale realized that Toonka must have debated what to do with Hota for a while. That was why the Whipper Kingdom had slowed down their attacks.

> I thought that at least Hota, that at least the citizens agreed with my vision. I trusted him so much.

Toonka looked down at his two hands.

He had personally beheaded Hota. He thought that he needed to do it himself.

At that moment, Toonka heard Cale's voice through the communication device.

"It must have been hard on you. Good job."

Toonka lightly clenched his fist after hearing Cale's words. Nobody had ever said such a thing to him before.

Cale continued to speak. "A lot of soldiers did not end up losing their lives thanks to you."

This was the truth. Cale wanted to praise Toonka for not becoming weak because of his friendship with Hota.

Toonka slowly raised his head. The two of them made eye contact through the communication device.

Cale put on his usual relaxed smile on his face as he continued to speak. "And it seems like you trusted me. Did you tell Harol to find the traitor because of what I said?"

Cale expected that Toonka would trust him and look for the traitor, but he felt kind of odd after learning that it had actually happened. "Thanks for trusting what I said."

Although Cale casually said that, those words hit Toonka pretty hard. At the same time, Toonka thought about the traitor, Hota's face.

However, Cale's continued words made Hota's face disappear. "But don't trust me. I am not on your side. I am also not a good person."

Cale told Toonka the truth. He was not on Toonka's side.

Although it was hard to believe the Whipper Kingdom would win, he now hoped that the Whipper Kingdom would be victorious in this war, but he did not want them to have a chance of a dominating victory either.

The balance of power between the Roan Kingdom, Breck Kingdom, the Jungle, and the Whipper Kingdom would become skewed if the Whipper Kingdom has a dominating victory over the Empire.

That was why Cale wanted Toonka to barely win. 'How could someone with such thoughts be a good person?'

Cale decided that it was about time to end the chat. "Toonka, this isn't like you at all. Weren't you going to sweep the Empire away?"

Cale could see Toonka's eyebrows start to twitch.

> ... You are right. I need to sweep them away.

Toonka hated the Empire even more after what had happened with Hota. Toonka's eyes returned to their usual glow.

Cale had one last thing to say to Toonka.

"Just be yourself."

'Be myself.' The corners of Toonka's lips started to go up. He soon had his usual smile that made him look like a simpleton. He then got up from his seat.

> Yes, I need to live a life that is true to myself.

Toonka said that as he looked toward Cale. Cale nodded his head. Toonka's smile became even thicker.

At that moment, Cale said something else in an indifferent voice. "But pay some attention to your soldiers as well. Maybe it is because I am a weak person, but it hurts me to see weak people die."

That comment made Toonka start to think. 'He says that he's not a good person? After saying something like that?'

Toonka had made up his mind to live a life that was true to his style. His style was not one that took care of the weaklings.

However, he still responded back to Cale.

> I'll think about it.

Cale flinched a bit. 'He'll think about it? Toonka can think?'

He thought that Toonka would either ignore him or say no.

Cale smiled. "That's good enough."

Toonka said one last thing before ending the conversation.

> Chief Harol will be at the meeting in my place.

Cale nodded his head.

The Whipper Kingdom will be present at the meeting as well. And someone like Harol was enough to be at the meeting.

Although the Whipper Kingdom was in a war against the Empire, Harol was a Chief based on the way he led the citizens with Toonka. He was not there as a strategist, so it would be fine if he was missing for a bit.

"Got it. Get some rest. You've been through a lot."

> Puhahahaha. Get some rest? Alright, I will.

Toonka suddenly started to laugh out loud. Cale started to frown at Toonka's ever-changing mood. However, Toonka did not care as he said goodbye before turning off the communication device.

> See you next time.

Cale looked toward the empty screen and started to think. 'I still don't want to see you again if possible.'

He had no desire to see Toonka again.

Cale sighed before leaning into the couch.

At that moment, he heard a knock on the door of the video communication room, one of the room on the second floor.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Cale. Miss Tasha and Miss Mary have arrived." It was Rosalyn.

Cale got up from his seat.

It was now time to head back to the half Saint and fake Holy Maiden.

Click. The door opened and Cale made eye contact with Rosalyn.

"...Cale."

"Rosalyn, what is it?"

Rosalyn could see that Cale had a very mischievous smile on his face. She didn't know why he was smiling that way, but she started to smile as well after seeing Cale's smile. It was a similar smile to the one on Cale's face.

"Please return safely after taking care of business."

"Thank you very much. I'll be able to do so thanks to you."

At that moment, Raon came down from the fifth floor.

"Human, Human! Hmm?" Raon looked at the smiles on Cale and Rosalyn's face before starting to speak again. "What are you planning to do now? That smile of yours means that you are up to no good, Human."

Cale didn't have much planned for this trip. "I'm just going to go help heal someone in pain."

However, nobody, especially Raon, actually believed his words.

"I know you're a good person, Human, but that doesn't seem to be completely honest, Human!"

"Whatever do you mean?" Cale tilted his head. "I'm speaking the truth."

Cale hummed as he left the room.

***************************************

Cale immediately brought Tasha and Mary into the villa. It had been a while since he had seen Mary.

"Nice to see that you haven't changed much, Mary."

Mary was still covered from head to toe by her black robe. However, maybe it was because he had seen her for a while before she left, but he felt like he could feel that the person inside of the black robe was happy.

"Hello, young master Cale. I'm very happy to see you again." Her voice was still the stiff and emotionless voice that reminded Cale of a navigation system.

There was a black blob on top of the woman in black robe's head. "I'm happy as well! Good girl Mary, I looked after your bones every so often!"

Raon was the one who was the happiest to see Mary again.

"Thank you very much."

"This is your first time going to the Jungle, right? I will tell you about everything. I have been there."

"You are amazing, Raon-nim. Is the Jungle's sky beautiful as well?"

"Of course! We will also cross the ocean to get the Jungle. Although it will be difficult this time, let's go sightseeing on the Killer Whale Archie's back!"

"I look forward to it."

Cale was watching Raon and Mary chat when someone poked him on his side.

It was a pretty strong poke that caused Cale to start to frown as he turned around. However, he understood the reason for the strong poke after seeing what was going on.

"This, just what..." It was the Dark Elf Tasha.

She was completely shocked and looked to be at a loss for words. Her gaze was naturally focused on Eruhaben, who was standing next to Raon.

Eruhaben was speaking with Mary. "I haven't seen a necromancer in a while."

"Goldie gramps, have you met another necromancer before?"

"You think I'm a little kid like you?"

"Mary, you don't need to listen to Goldie gramps saying 'little kid'. "

It was a childish conversation not fitting Dragons, but that was not important to this Dark Elf.

Cale gently patted Tasha's shoulder. "Miss Tasha."

"Young master Cale- this, I, just what."

Cale whispered in Tasha's ear. "Please remember your vow of Elementals. This is a secret from his highness."

Cale's tone was half respectful and half casual. Tasha's shoulders slightly flinched. She calmed herself down and looked toward Cale.

Cale was smiling as he continued to speak.

"The vow last time was about Raon, so it will be more reliable if you make a new vow with Eruhaben-nim in it as well. Please do it now."

Tasha started to smile. "You haven't changed, young master Cale."

"Will you make the vow?"

"Of course." Tasha could not say no.

The Dragon named Eruhaben had glared at her while she was chatting with Cale.

She also felt relieved at what Cale said next.

"Good. I will eventually tell his highness, so don't worry about it."

"I trust you, young master Cale." Tasha looked toward Cale with thanks.

Mary, who was robotic and did not seem like a human being, had changed in the short time she had been away from Tasha.

"Young master Cale-nim, Raon-nim, I like them all. I want to go back. It was fun."

'It was fun.' Tasha had never expected such words to come out of Mary's mouth. That was why Tasha was thankful to Cale. Mary was pretty much on the same level as her nephew, Alberu, in Tasha's eyes.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Tasha chuckled at Cale's question. Cale looked at Tasha, whose emotions were changing a lot with concern, before walking over to Eruhaben's side.

"Eruhaben-nim, what are your thoughts after seeing Mary?"

"You want Pendrick to heal this child?"

"Yes sir."

"Hmm."

Cale slowly started to speak to Eruhaben, who seemed to be deep in thought. He had heard that Eruhaben was the one who had healed the weak Pendrick.

"Eruhaben-nim."

"Yeah?"

"Is it too much for Pendrick's skill level?"

"Yes."

"What about you Eruhaben-nim? Wouldn't you know a lot about necromancers since you have seen them before?"

Eruhaben's gaze, which had been on Mary, turned toward Cale. Cale was pretty much bluntly trying to pass Mary's recovery over to him.

'The problem is that I don't hate his way of doing things.' Eruhaben did not find Cale's actions to be bad. There was a simple reason for it. 'He never asks for anything for himself.'

Nothing Cale asked for had to do with himself. Although he came to help him, that was actually at Raon's request. The other requests Cale had were to help make his people stronger and to investigate the stone pillar that might bring danger to the whole region.

'What a frustrating punk.' Cale never actually complained about his hardship, and he always moved to help others. Even the occasionally grumbles was likely just because he subconsciously said it.

Eruhaben had seen how the kids would hug Cale as soon as he had done his so called training.

He had seen how the old servant gave him the drink and affectionately help him wiping the sweat.

He had also seen how the chef just made Cale whatever he said he wanted to eat.

The other people had also come coddled him as soon as he grumbled about anything.

That was why Eruhaben could not hate him. This person, Cale Henituse, could only got this much affections from the people around him, because he genuinely care for them in return.

(Tsuki: found a picture that explains similarly...)

Although Eruhaben was a self-centered Dragon, his overwhelming knowledge and strength made him altruistic toward the weak.

Eruhaben looked toward Cale and bluntly started to speak. "I don't care what you want, but I will take a look at this child in order to satisfy my own curiosity."

"Thank you very much." Cale smiled happily.

Ahem. Eruhaben let out a fake cough and looked away.

However, Cale felt like he could relax about healing Mary now that Eruhaben was involved, so he turned his head away from Eruhaben.

"...Young master Cale." He could see that Tasha was looking at him with warm eyes and Mary was coming toward him.

"What?" With the smile gone, Cale responded back to the two of them in a cold tone, however, Tasha could not hide her look of admiration as she started to walk toward Cale as well.

"Young master Cale, you are really a warm person."

"Thank you very much. Young master Cale, you are a good and righteous person." Mary's emotionless voice spoke right after Tasha.

Cale just nodded his head at them. He was only doing it so that Mary could get stronger.

'I want her to be healthy so that she can work properly when we are fighting against the Northern Alliance. Yes, only because of this.'

The Wyvern Knights Brigade will fly over the Forest of Darkness. Mary will be one of the core components in the fight against those Wyverns.

Winning the first battle was very important in a war.

The moment that the Northern Alliance left their territories and headed down to the Roan Kingdom and Breck Kingdom, Cale was planning on destroying them in the Henituse territory.

'I will obliterate them.' Just destroying them was not enough. He needed to obliterate them to make, not just the Northern Alliance, but for the Empire and Arm to hesitate as well.

He had already discussed a plan with Alberu about the actions that they would take depending on the enemy's actions. That was why Cale needed Mary to get better.

"Hurry up and get better and make yourself stronger if you are thankful." Cale's tone was a bit soften down.

"Yes sir. I will definitely do that." Mary's voice was robotic, but Cale felt like he could sense some passion in it.

Cale smiled with satisfaction and turned his head before flinching. Someone had quietly approached him while he was chatting.

"Young master, I just have to do it like last time, right?" It was Ron.

"Oh Ron, you surprised me." Cale suddenly felt like he could relax. Ron was the most reliable of the group going with him. Cale looked toward Ron and gently started to speak. "Exactly like last time."

"Yes sir."

The group going this time were the two Dragons, Ron, the Necromancer Mary, and the Dark Elf Tasha. Cale headed toward the Jungle with yet another new combination of people.

**************************************

"This land belongs to you, young master Cale?" Tasha, who had transformed to look like a normal human, was shocked.

"Well, yes." Cale casually answered her question and entered the Section 1 shoreline.

Tasha blankly stared for a moment before alighting from the ship. They had traveled to the Jungle via ship. Although they had two Dragons with them, they chose not to fly as the two Dragons had to hide their identities.

Cale had to hide Tasha and Mary's identities as well. Of course, Tasha would reveal herself based on the situation.

"Young master Cale-nim." Cale looked toward the person who came to greet him and put on an awkward smile.

Queen Litana had sent her personal beast and her right-hand man in order to show them respect. Bin, Litana's most trusted subordinate, respectfully bowed his head toward Cale.

"Long time no see." Cale received Bin's greeting and peeked toward the side.

"Grrr." The Black Panther revealed his fangs and seemed to be smiling.

'Damn it.'

Litana had sent her most trusted beast, the Black Panther Ten, along with Bin to greet Cale. Although this showed how important Cale was to her, Cale did not want to ride the Black Panther again.

– Human, I want to try riding him as well. But I still have to stay hidden, right?