Once Theo discovered the five low-rank mana stones in his clothes, his hand suddenly trembled as if it held something heavy. At the same time, his sadness disappeared in an instant.
It didn't take a genius to guess where the mana stones came from.
As such, Theo felt endless gratitude toward Vaan. The person didn't just pay him more than the agreed price for even less time; the person also took the extra step to pay him without letting anyone know he had precious mana stones on him.
This would help him avoid a troublesome and dangerous situation.
'Five low-rank mana stones are plenty for mum's medicine. The remaining will also for a while,' Theo thought.
The little boy suddenly felt bad for misunderstanding Vaan's intention.
"Hey, kid. Where's your home? I'll walk you home and also pay you the one low-rank mana stone owed to you."
Jihaad's voice abruptly sounded behind Theo, causing the little boy to jump in fright. Afterward, Theo glanced back at Jihaad vigilantly with doubt.
Why was this person so nice to him? What could he gain from this? A clear conscience?
Theo had just comprehended that a seemingly cold and heartless person could actually be good while an apparently kind and generous person could actually be bad. Not everything was as it seemed on the surface, and a person's true heart could only be determined with time.
Meanwhile, Jihaad was startled by the little boy's apprehensive look. This was not the look of someone happy to receive help and protection.
Why would the little boy be on guard against him?
Nevertheless, Jihaad wasn't beyond saving and only took a moment to notice why the little boy was wary of him; he was afraid of getting robbed by him.
But what did the little boy have to be afraid of getting robbed?
Once Jihaad thought that far, he immediately understood Sir Pendragon had, in truth, paid the little kid. He just did it in a way that no one would know in order to protect him.
Jihaad suddenly wanted to bash himself for misunderstanding his idol. He should have thought about this when his idol explained the dangers of paying the little kid openly in front of hungry wolves.
After all, he had already witnessed his idol's unfathomable sleight of hand.
If his idol could even steal from thieves without them knowing, how difficult could it be to slip some mana stones inside a little kid's clothes without anyone knowing?
'But if Sir Pendragon had already thought that far, why didn't he say anything to stop me from leaving?' Jihaad's lips twitched.
Suddenly, he realized he had also unwittingly become part of his idol's plan. Even though his idol took the extra precaution to pay the kid without anyone knowing, it wasn't guaranteed that the little kid wouldn't be in danger.
As such, he ended up becoming the insurance that would help the little kid avoid life-threatening danger.
Everything had gone according to his idol's plan.
'Truly worthy of being my idol. Not only does Sir Pendragon have unparalleled martial talent and wisdom, but he also has an excellent character. He is a role model for all warriors. I shouldn't have doubted his morals,' Jihaad thought.
Nevertheless, after Jihaad took time to convince Theo he had come with good intentions, the two finally went on their way.
Meanwhile, Vaan followed Bakram after hearing about Duke Zaahir's invitation and arrived at Dragonchild Castle.
The castle was grand but fancy. After all, it was still a castle made of stone. There wasn't a single valuable material used in its construction. It just had to be large enough to display the authority of the Dragonchild Duke.
With Bakram to lead the way, all the castle guards respectfully stepped aside and gave him clear passage.
Vaan arrived in the Great Hall without an issue.
"You must be Vanderlin Pendragon. You look exactly as I imagined based on the news: young, heroic, and overflowing with talent. Welcome to my castle," Duke Zaahir greeted from his black throne before gesturing to the guest chairs on the side, "Please, take a seat wherever you like."
Vaan nodded and calmly took his seat without a word in response, which could be seen as arrogant and disrespectful to the duke.
However, Vaan didn't care because there was something the duke wanted from him and not the other way around. There was no need for him to stand on ceremony until he determined what that something was.
After all, why did he need to be nice to someone with whom he might not reach an agreement and even become hostile? Wouldn't that be a waste of time and effort?
On another note, Vaan was also testing the other party's attitude and gauging his value in their eyes.
While Bakram frowned at Vaan's impolite behavior, Duke Zaahir simply smiled before asking, "Do you know why I invited you here?"
"Surely, it wasn't to ask for the Rank 4 Body Reformation Pill back," Vaan softly chuckled with an unconcerned look.
Duke Zaahir's smile immediately became a little forced and awkward in response to Vaan's joke.
Naturally, Duke Zaahir wouldn't take back something that had been earned through the Blood Exchange Duel. However, it was, after all, a valuable Rank 4 Body Reformation Pill. Even he would feel a little pained to part with it despite being prepared for the risk when he took it out.
It could be said that Vaan's talent had exceeded Duke Zaahir's expectations.
The Rank 4 Body Reformation Pill was only meant for bait. But since it was already lost, Duke Zaahir could only think of another incentive to recruit Vaan.
"Ahem, of course not," Duke Zaahir denied before saying, "But since we are on that topic, may I ask what you think of the Rank 4 Body Reformation Pill?"
"The Rank 4 Body Reformation Pill is incredible. However, I am more interested in the one who created it and where to acquire the ingredients. Duke Zaahir, let's not beat around the bush. Just tell me what you want, and I will tell you what I want," Vaan stated straightforwardly.
"How audacious!" Bakram suddenly barked.