The view was really amazing. It was breathtaking. However, few people could have remained completely calm in the situation in which Cale was. Seriously, doesn't it bother him at all that his train is flying at such a high altitude?
Isn't he worried that the magic might disappear and the train will fall down?
Seriously, why is this trash so calm?
But the dragons and elves liked Cale more and more. They were curious about this strange man. They were willing to bet that he was hiding many more secrets. Seriously, one demonstrated strength is already worth something.
They couldn't wait to find out what else he was hiding.
All the time that the trip lasted, Cale calmly read a book, periodically glancing at Wendy and Charlie to make sure they were comfortable. As the oldest, he had to be a responsible adult and keep an eye on the children. Although, technically speaking, it could be said that it was rather just these two who took him into custody.
At this point, Henituse thought seriously, trying to realize the possibility of such a concept.
It was realized with a creak.
And not only him. Everyone was surprised that such thoughts, in principle, came to this guy's head. Seriously, what is he even thinking about?
Tasha giggled merrily, noticing that Cale's ears turned red and a stoic face appeared as much as possible. She quickly came to the conclusion that it did not seem to her that her nephew and this boy were insanely similar.
"Ho..." Ron exhaled long, not missing the changes in the former ward's facial expressions. He really wanted to know why the puppy became so attached to these children so quickly. He clearly remembered that his capricious master did not want to contact anyone and did not let anyone near him. Even the Basen and Lily he kept at a distance.
So why did he get so easily attached to Wendy and Charlie, whom he met just two or three days ago? Yes, even he is ready to admit that these children are captivating with their sincerity and care, but still...
Why such affection from the previously cold and indifferent Cale?
The former butler did not understand this at all.
The whole Henituse family now looked at Kyle with pain and resentment, not understanding why this affection was turned to Wendy and Charlie, who, even though they saved him, were in essence absolute strangers to him.
"Why them and not us?" Derut whispers bitterly. Violan squeezes his hand as a sign of support, but her eyes are wet.
Basen and Lily have mixed feelings. On the one hand, they are very envious, because they wanted to get exactly the same affection from their older brother, but on the other hand, they are very glad that their brother is not alone. Cale was too good for their family. They just really want to see him again to apologize for everything.
But still, why did he let his real family go so easily?
Why?
The Moirs shook their heads sadly, realizing that no one from the family had ever realized that Cal was terribly lonely and constantly sacrificed himself for their own good.
Unfortunately, no one realized that their child was not joking when he said that he had no family for a long time.
In the end, Cale decided to just not think about it. He himself could not believe that he was seriously thinking about the fact that he was sort of adopted by these children.
This thought was too strange.
It was really hard to argue with that.
A twelve-year-old girl and a six-year-old cat sort of adopted an eighteen-year-old guy.
It sounds either like a bad joke, or like complete stupidity.
Henituse thought about the fact that he probably needed to sleep too, so that any nonsense would not get into his head.
So Cale put a protective barrier around their compartment with a signal to wake him up if someone tries to enter them. He didn't know if there would be any danger on this train, but it wouldn't hurt to be safe.
Even if he doesn't feel particularly sorry for himself, the guy wasn't going to endanger the children or make them worry too much about himself.
The Henituse family frowned in puzzlement. They didn't understand why Cale didn't feel sorry for himself. Did he really erect this protection primarily for the sake of the children, and not for his own sake?
The Count frowned sternly, thinking that he needed to have a serious talk with his son. He had completely forgotten about the years when he had completely neglected him.
As well as the fact that Cale was essentially an outcast in his own family.
"And why are some people so stupid?" Clotho sighed heavily, preferring to admire the absolutely charming sleeping Wendy. She adored this child.
"Because they prefer not to notice their own shortcomings." chuckles Lakhesa.
"Sisters, be patient." the Anthropa asks quietly, but it is clear from her that she is also unhappy.
They were talking mentally, so no one heard them.
However, from their facial expressions, Eruhaben roughly guessed what they were talking about. He sighed, slightly disappointed that he would not be able to talk to such an interesting person. However, given that they seem to be going to transfer them to this world, a chance may present itself. It's just a pity that he won't have enough time for this.
To his surprise, Cale fell asleep very quickly, as soon as he lay down. It was probably because of a lot of new experiences and a fairly long road to the train.
It seemed that his eyes had just closed, and an alarm bell had already sounded in his head. He immediately opened his eyes and saw a smiling conductor in the doorway, who politely informed him that the train would arrive at the final station in ten minutes - in the city of Lupinus.
Which means he must have slept at least two hours.
Henituse nodded calmly, indicating that he understood her, and then sat down. Wendy and Charlie were still asleep, and he decided to wake them up a little later. Cale couldn't remember where exactly, but he had heard that children really needed a nap during the day for normal well-being. So let them sleep a little more.
In the meantime, he looked out the window, looking at the rapidly approaching city. Although, considering that he was on the train, it was more likely the city they were rapidly approaching. He had seen many beautiful landscapes in recent days, but now he was still pleasantly surprised.
The city seemed completely unreal, more like a toy or the one depicted in engravings from children's fairy tales.
It was really beautiful.
Choi Hong couldn't help but wonder why he wasn't transported to this beautiful and friendly world, but thrown right into the Forest of Darkness? And why is it so unfair that he had to survive and gnaw out his right to life, and Cale got everything just like that, and even accompanied by kind locals?
And where is justice?!
The swordsman knew that it was bad to think that way, because he would not wish anyone to go through the experience that he himself had experienced. Even Cale. However, this resentment and hatred were stronger than him.
The sword master couldn't help but wish to swap them so that this particular trash would fight for life in the Forest of Darkness.
Yes, it was very selfish, but all people were selfish.
And Choi Hong too.
There was a scuffle from the side. It was Charlie who had woken up and was just pushing Wendy, who clearly didn't particularly want to wake up.
"Um... Is it time already?" the girl yawned sleepily, stretching.
"Yes, it's time to get up." says exceed.
Girl rubbed her eyes sleepily and patted her cheeks to wake up completely. After a minute, there was nothing to remind her that she was asleep.
Seven minutes later they were getting off the train. Cale looked around with interest. This city seemed even more fictional at close range. What made all this even more incredible was the magic happening here and there. Henituse saw that every third, if not the second, easily conjures, using magic for completely everyday things. There's a cheerful-looking old lady called a cloud to water the garden. And there the girl beckoned to a tree so that it lowered the branch where the kitten was stuck.
Over there, a young boy finished painting a picture, after which bright pink kittens began running down the street, passing through passers-by and melodically meowing. And someone used magic to cut their way through the water, summoning someone like a big swan.
The dragons watched with interest the manifestations of unfamiliar magic, wishing they could be there to study everything more closely.Eruhaben was especially interested, not looking up from what was shown for a moment.
The magicians growled disapprovingly, saying that you can't use your power on something so stupid. It is clear that there are few magicians, so why don't they want to subjugate ordinary people?
Wouldn't it be great if they ruled by disposing of other people's lives?
There were not so many people who laughed merrily and worked magic. However, they did it as if it was as easy as breathing. And, apparently, with what joy they were treated, magicians got along well with ordinary people, not considering themselves to be someone special or very important.
Peace and grace reigned everywhere.
Cale happened to glance down the street, after which he noticed a man using bubbles to move a lot of things somewhere. It was completely different from his world.
"What's he doing?" asked Henituse curiously.
"Ah, he helps people with moving." Wendy says, looking in the direction indicated.
"Most magicians use their powers to help ordinary people." explains Charlie. "Either for free or for a small fee, but they help. Of course, there are bad magicians, but there are bad people everywhere."
Tunka, for once, did not shout, but listened attentively. He saw perfectly well how the people around him treated the magicians, so he easily concluded that they seemed to be really good people. However, he did not understand at all why this was the case.
And why are these people so different from their magicians?
Harol knew what the reason was. Surely in a normal government and in the fact that they control their citizens. Apparently, this country has everything that was not in theirs.
And although he didn't like magicians, right now he thought it would be nice to get a couple of those who could help with growing food.
There were a lot of people at the train station they left. Cale counted at least sixteen rails on which trains run. According to one of them, they were brought to Lupinus. Others will take them to Magnolia. But where the others lead, he did not know. However, considering that Wendy and Charlie say that he will travel all over the country to complete tasks, he will still have time to find out.
"Now we will need to meet with the customer, and then we will go for a walk around the city." says the girl he's following.
Cale nods, but he is much more attracted to the unusual three-dimensional drawings, shimmering with different colors, which hovered just in the air. Some of them invited to different places, some just danced, and some also played songs.
"What is it?" the guy couldn't help but ask.
"Eh? It's an advertisement."
"Yes. It may look very unusual and even strange, but it's just an advertisement."
"Do they spend so much magic on simple advertising?"
The greedy aristocrats were already figuring out what they could do if something like this was in their hands. They didn't care about the wishes of the magicians. They would have found a way to force them anyway.
Alberu shook his head, roughly understanding what they were thinking. Did they forget about how Natsu destroyed the whole castle? Aren't they afraid of angering such a person? Or does greed interrupt everything? Including the instinct of self-preservation?
Tasha squinted at her nephew and mentally sympathized with him. Considering that the percentage of greedy nobles significantly exceeded the percentage of non-greedy nobles, he would have many more problems with them in the future.
And considering how his face froze, he already realized it himself.
As they walked through the city, Cale felt and understood more and more that magic was literally in the air. Perhaps it was because he has been in this world for very little time yet, however, he felt this energy.
It was very curious.
"Yes, it's very curious. Eruhaben agreed. He really wanted to visit that world and explore everything on his own. He was very much lacking information, because it was possible to build his own conclusions endlessly based on what was shown so far. Of course, maybe in the future they will give him more food for thought, but so far everything has been too interesting, but superficially.
Rosalyn tried to imagine what it would be like when magical energy is literally everywhere around you, and not just in magic stones. Her imagination was failing, but she really tried.
Choi Hong preferred to just look at the unusual streets of the city with strange advertisements. He vaguely remembered that there was something similar in his world too, even if it was definitely not that magical.
He hardly remembered what advertising was, but he was definitely sure that it was something very persistent and even intrusive.
Meanwhile, Wendy and Charlie continued to walk forward. Judging by how long they had been walking, their path lay somewhere on the outskirts. Cale was curious about their final destination, but he didn't ask. That's when they get to the place, then he'll know.
The densely populated streets became less crowded. And then they ended quite suddenly, and they came to a small but crystal clear lake surrounded on all sides by stones. It seemed that all seasons converged here, but the brightest and most beautiful was the majestic tree, strewn with delicate pink flowers.
It was very unexpected. Just recently we were in a noisy city, and suddenly we found ourselves in such a quiet and serene place. Only a little in the distance the waterfall was rustling, showing a beautiful rainbow between its jets.
Cale was really surprised. He didn't feel anything, so he couldn't understand why they were so suddenly enveloped in silence, which was diluted only by the sound of water and their breathing.
"Don't be so surprised." the girl advised him. "Charlie and I were also very surprised for the first time. And although we don't feel it, I think there is some magic here after all."
"Either the magic of displacement, or the magic of distortion of space." the cat agreed. "We tried to ask, but they never answered us."
"Where do we go next?"
"Over there." said the little girl, pointing to the path that goes further. "Don't worry, we still have ten minutes to go in total."
"Got it. Hanituse nodded, still pondering the unknown phenomenon.
And many magicians, dragons and elves were very interested to hear about something like this.
And almost all the aristocrats were just very sorry that they did not have such beauty on their territory. If they had sold it... How much money would they be able to get?
The house they came to was big enough. In fact, more than the one he imagined. It probably belongs to some local aristocrats. Well, or just rich people, judging by his condition and grooming.
Yes, and that building nearby was most likely a house for servants.
While he was thinking about it all, they had already reached the house. Wendy calmly pressed a small button next to the door, which caused a ringing chirp, as if there was a bird somewhere nearby.
The door immediately opened, as if someone had been standing behind it for a long time and waiting for this.
"Young Miss Wendy and Miss Charlie, we have already received your letter with the results." a cheerful smiling and curly-haired red-haired boy informed them about this. He hung up a little when he saw Kyle, but quickly corrected himself, giving them the same beaming smile. "Here is your reward. Exactly seventeen thousand precious, as agreed."
After that, the door quickly slammed shut.
"Hmm? They won't invite us to tea like before?" Wendy was surprised.
"Let's get out of here." said the cat, having gone away for the first time. The girl looked back at Cale, then hurried after her friend.
The guy looked back at the house once more, shaking his head reproachfully, and then hurried after. So there was an answer to the question of whether there are fairies in this world. But he didn't think that they were so brazen that they would want to kidnap these children. And only his presence made them change their minds.
"Fairies?"
"Real fairies?"
"Fairies who kidnap children?"
"Why are you looking at me? I don't know any more than you do."
Eruhaben, meanwhile, narrowed his eyes angrily. He really wanted to talk to a very arrogant fairy who is trying to appropriate what belongs to the dragons.The ancient dragon conveniently missed the moment when he took Wendy and Exceed to the category of what belongs to the dragon.
Which means it belongs to him, too.
Meanwhile, the picture changed, revealing the next scene.
"And you want to tell me that this is what your Natsu destroyed by accident?" Cale carefully clarified, looking at the very impressive ruins. He really wanted to ask, if THIS happened by accident, what would happen if Natsu wanted to destroy something on purpose.
Judging by what was left of the castle, it was really huge. And judging by the fact that everything has bloomed here for a long time, and no one is in a hurry to restore the castle, so it's completely hopeless.
"Natsu-san accidentally got into a fight with Gray-san... So they destroyed the castle. Accidentally."
"By accident?"
"Yes, by accident." the girl nodded actively. And then, apparently, she realized that Cale did not look reassured or inspired, but tried to cheer him up. "Don't worry, they paid for the destruction they caused."
Not that it helped much, but Henituse appreciated the attempt.
Nevertheless, he was firmly convinced that the payment was clearly insufficient, given that there was no hint that anyone wanted to restore this castle.
Alberu winced. He began to think that inviting these building destroyers to save their world no longer seemed such an attractive idea. On the other hand, a bunch of broken castles is better than the complete destruction of the world.
However, he should probably be prepared for destruction.
However, the first prince of the Roan Kingdom still hoped that things weren't so bad.
It can't be that bad, can it?
Cale wasn't going to be an asshole and upset the kid, so he didn't say anything out loud.
However, judging by the way Charlie sighed heavily, she guessed what he was thinking.
"Do you often have such accidents happen?" however, the guy couldn't help but ask. He really was insanely interested. And judging by the way Wendy blushed and muttered something very unintelligible, this happened very often.
I didn't say much, but it feels like I bathed a kitten in water.
There were hidden and not very giggles. The association was really very similar.
Yes, and this child pulled on a kitten just perfectly.
For the next hour, they just leisurely walked around the city, looking at the sights, and then went to a cafe for a snack. Cale especially liked ice cream with a variety of flavors. And the strange blue tea was very tasty, albeit slightly spicy.
"Spicy blue tea?"
"Why is the tea spicy?"
"That is, why are you not interested in blue?"
"And what is ice cream?"
Meanwhile, Beacrox was carefully looking at the screen, figuring out what these dishes could be made of. He would really like to cook something like that.
And it's even better to try the original first, and then try to do something similar.
And even better to learn the recipe to cook properly.
After the meal, they walked leisurely towards the train station. It was thirty minutes to the train to Magnolia, so they weren't in much of a hurry. Cale calmly smiled at the joyful Wendy, who told him a lot of stories about the guild.
At the same time, he did not forget to look around unnoticed, looking for that impudent fairy. Henituse was worried that he would decide to steal these children again as soon as he turned away and walked away.
Of course, the guy didn't know if fairy would really insist on his own, so he didn't relax. And for good reason, considering that the familiar red hair had just flashed in the distance.
Eruhaben nodded in agreement. He wouldn't relax either. Just turn away, and the child was stolen from under your nose. The ancient dragon smiled rapaciously, showing sharp fangs. He would love to talk to that... a fairy. So much so that he will change his mind once and for all, in principle, to meddle with children. And it doesn't matter, dragon or human.
Choi Han reached for his sword, frowning in displeasure. If something like that tried to touch one of his companions... He would have chopped him up without mercy. Even though the sword master didn't like Cale, right now he really wanted Cale to succeed.
Rosalyn grabbed Lock's arm, thinking that such a creature could target a wolf cub. The princess of the Kingdom of Breck would not allow such a thing to happen. No way.
"Ho..." Ron smiled maliciously, noticing how tense his son was. Although it was absolutely impossible to say this from Beacrox, but he loved children and cats. And this fairy is very lucky that Cale is there, and not his son. Otherwise, he would have been able to find out from his own experience how good he is at torture.
The smile of the former butler chilled even the dragons. Only Beacrox, who knows what his father is thinking, very much smiled back at him.
"That's weird." Wendy suddenly said, making Cale flinch in surprise. The girl turned her head around, sniffing. She also tilted her head to the left, then to the right, resembling either a curious kitten or a puppy.
"What happened?" Charlie was puzzled, looking excitedly at her friend, then at Henituse. He also looked in surprise at the baby, who seemed too wary.
"I can smell the one who paid us for the task." Wendy says, frowning. "And the wind says we should be careful, because he's not human."
"What?"
"Does the wind speak?"
"Is the wind talking to her? What the fuck?" choking on beer Bud.
"Don't swear! The children can hear you!" Glenn slaps him on the back of the head, sighing wearily.
"What? Why is he following us at all?"
"Decided he gave us too much money?" suggested Wendy. "And wants to take some of the money back?"
Henituse shook his head, indicating that it wasn't that simple.
He frowned with displeasure, feeling how he was circling around them, but did not want to show himself. Fairy is just waiting for an opportunity to quietly take the children away from Cale.
What a persistent kidnapper. There is no need to heed the voice of reason and just retreat. But no, he stubbornly climbs forward. The guy was already seriously thinking about going away under some pretext to remove this miracle quietly so that the children would not see.
Of course, as long as he's with Wendy and Charlie, he won't touch them. But where is the guarantee that this creature will not touch other kids?
There were no guarantees.
Even Saint Jack, who did not consider violence an acceptable way to solve problems, was ready to deviate from his principles right now. What can I say about Hanna.
Cage was just idly wondering if this fairy's curse would get her in another world. Well, no one stopped her from trying. So she forgot about the booze for a while, using her imagination to the maximum in order to curse the fairy as much as possible.
However, Cale didn't have to wait long for Faye to decide to attack. Of course, Wendy and Charlie were due to catch a train soon, so it would be more difficult to pick them up. So it's not surprising that he decided to act now.
Either Fairy was overconfident, or he just wasn't taught to evaluate his rivals first, but he didn't give a damn about everything. He put everything on his speed and maneuverability in the air, so he absolutely did not expect to fall into the trap that Henituse had organized a couple of seconds earlier.
"Well, you got caught." the guy smiled rapaciously, blocking Wendy and Charlie with himself. He really didn't like the way he looked at them.
"Ho? So you're a pervert?" the cat squinted angrily, putting her hands on her hips. "And what did you want to do?"
He stubbornly remained silent and only glared angrily with green eyes. And he clearly wasn't going to tell them anything.
The girl looked excitedly from one side to the other. She shivered uncomfortably under the gaze of the green eyes and completely hid behind Cale. The little girl didn't know what he was looking at her for, but she was very uncomfortable.
Beacrox narrowed his eyes. He was a little sorry he wasn't there. Fairy would have sung like a nightingale if he had fallen into his hands. This creature is just very lucky that there is no experienced master of torture nearby.
Eruhaben stared at the impudent man, wishing he could kill directly through the screen.
However, right now almost everyone agreed on one opinion about this situation.
Cage squinted contentedly, watching as a familiar bright red rash began to spread over the face and exposed areas of the brazen fairy's body. Hmm, in the next four months he will suffer for a very long, tedious and tasteful time.
Antropa and Lakhesa nodded contentedly, because they were already tired of holding Clotho with the last of their strength, who was trying to get to this fairy and grind him to powder.
No, the topic was definitely lucky that only Kyle, Wendy and Charlie were with him.
Well, or very unlucky for the same reason.
"Wendy, Charlie, go buy tickets, and I'll talk to him for a while." says Henituse calmly, making a completely calm face. "I promise to manage quickly. And you hurry up before we're too late."
"Good." The cat nodded, flying forward first. "Wendy, let's go."
The girl hesitated a little more, and then ran after her friend, finally shouting:
"Cale-san, don't stay too long, please."
"Of course." he smiled calmly, and then waited for the children to leave, and smiled gently. However, just the sight of that soft smile sent a wild terror to the bones of the fairy. But the guy was very pleased with the effect produced. After all, he had a very good teacher.
Probably, if Ron could see him now, he would be proud.
The former butler nodded contentedly, completely pleased with what he saw. And for some reason, many people thought that both Cale and Ron smile exactly the same, like professional killers.
But that's nonsense, right?
Right?!
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In general, that's all for today. Unfortunately, they never got to the guild, but they will definitely get to the next one.
I'll explain about Cale's powers a little later, as soon as I figure out how to adapt his profile to the "Fairy Tail". By the way, is there any disappointment that I portrayed fairies stealing children?
P.S. By the way, according to the plans, a Paseton should appear in the next chapter. But under what circumstances, I won't say yet.