Back at the Cross county, the family gets back to work.
Malcom went back to his desk and back to reading the reports with Amanda's help. Marylyn now had become independent, and starts her own studying. Adrian went to Light Edge town to meet with Rupert and see the production of disc.
"Morning, Rupert. How are things coming along?" Adrian walks into the workshop with Ralph.
"Oh… There you are, kid. Mornin'. Everything is good and going smoothly. Some news for you. A merchant met me some time ago to buy rights to sell the disc. I rejected him of course. The name of the game had the count's name. He seems to be crazy, wanting to copy your idea." Rupert tells Adrian about his encounter.
"That is fine. I already have evidence and witnesses that the game is my invention. Enough about that. Its time to spread the game. How about I give you the rights to manage it." Adrian announces with a big smile on his face.
"I'm not good with this 'business' stuff boy… but I do know who can help." Rupert stroking his beard.
"Oh? Tell me." Adrian becomes curious.
"My wife. You know the town librarian. She's good with this stuff. Heck, she is good at everything except house cleaning and cooking. That includes gardening of course. You should look for her at the library. Her name is Kathleen. Just state your purpose and don't stray from the topic, alright boy?" Rupert wanting Adrian to forget what he just said about his wife.
"Okay, okay. I get it. I will go and talk to her to work with me. You can work with her in this." Adrian waves his and left to the library to meet Kathleen.
Inside the town library, a dwarf with orange bun wearing glasses is checking on the returned books from yesterday. She had a young man to help her with the chores to put the books back on the tall shelves.
Suddenly the door to the library open and the young man greeted the two 'readers'. Kathleen looked towards the newcomers as well.
"Welcome to Light Edge town library. It will be 2 coppers per entry. You can read as long as you want." The young man greets Adrian and Ralph.
"Ah, here you go." Adrian gives 2 silvers instead.
"Umm, this is not copper. We don't have spare change too…" The young man becomes a bit nervous.
"Sigh… Keen, take one of the silvers for yourself and the other one put it in the entrance fee collection." Kathleen intervenes and walks towards Adrian.
"Ye… Yes madame. Thank you." The young man named Keen. bows repeatedly to Adrian and Kathleen.
"Nice to meet you, young master Adrian Cross. For what purpose of your surprise visit for this morning." Kathleen makes a light bow. Keen is late to realize that the clothes that the 2 men that just came in are from a noble household.
"Aihh… You don't need to be so courteous miss Kathleen. We just came here to talk and ask for some 'help'." Adrian scratches the back of his head to show a laid-back attitude.
"Let's talk in the office. Please follow me, young master and sir." Kathleen starts to bring Adrian and Ralph to the office at the room behind the counter.
"Please have a seat. I like to make some drinks but the stock are out I will but some later." Kathleen apologizes for lack of hospitality.
[Lies.]
There it goes. The 'Lie detection' automatically starts kicking in. Infront of Adrian, no one can hide from a lie. This one is one of the lies he let it slide for his own and Rupert.
"That is fine. Nothing serious. Hahahaha." Adrian laughs it off as he remembers that Kathleen is bad to cooking and housework.
"Dare say young master, they say that you are smart. It seems when you are hiding something you act like an old man. Fufufu." Kathleen started to lighten up after hearing Adrian's laugh.
"Did I? Ralph, do you have the same opinion?" Adrian looked at Ralph.
"Sometimes, young master. Sometimes." Ralph replied honestly.
"Hahaha. It seems so. We can have another round of sparing next morning Ralph." Adrian sends a clear massage.
Cold sweat starts to appear on Ralph. His goosebumps rises and some parts of his body is still aching from this morning although Adrian had perfectly healed him.
"Enough useless talk. Here is what we came he to propose…." Adrian explains the works and his plans to spread Cross Catch.
Kathleen sits in silence and listen in. The more she heard about it the more shocked she become.
"Such planning. You already made contact with the royals. I would love to immediately say 'yes' but I need some time to sort things out first." Kathleen said while took off her glasses to wipe it off as it a habit for her.
"That is fine. The latest I can give you is 1 week so it will be early next spring." Adrian said his verdict. Ralph looked at him wanting to tell him of something but Adrian waves at him as if asking him not to worry.
"Okay. That can work." Kathleen nods to the period given.
"Fuh… Now that is done, I should get going. I have other places to go to. Thank you for your time, Kathleen. See you again soon. Please, you don't need to send us off." Adrian stands up and leave quickly with Ralph.
"Ralph, let's take a walk around town first and get back before lunch." Adrian wanted to scan the surroundings for miasma. Although he had 'Map', he honestly wanted to enjoy the town atmosphere while trying to keep it safe.
Returning back at lunch, Marylyn greeted him back.
"Welcome back, big brother. Will Cross Catch be famous soon?" Marylyn greets with a smile.
"It will be, Mary. It will be. Let's have lunch. Are you done trying the on the dress?" Adrian pats her head after taking of his winter coat and handing it to Ralph.
"Yes. Mom work hard before we go on vacation. Big brother can see Mary wear it soon." Marylyn gives a big smile while holding Adrian's hand to go to the dining room to have lunch.
The Cross family is all present enjoying lunch at the dining table. Adrian looks at Malcom wanting to ask him about something. But he kept it in.
Malcom saw this and he ask Adrian directly.
"What is wrong, son? Something you wanted to say?" Malcom turns his attention to his son.
Adrian actually wanted to asked about demonic activity in the surrounding county but that made it look like it is his business. As a matter of fact, it shouldn't not be Adrian's business at all but he can't help but to be worried. He needs to hide the information of the demons for now. So, pivoting the answer will be the best response.
"Umm… I was just wanted to say that. I want to go to the capital in a separate day from you guys. This way you guys can take the hippogriffs with you. We will be staying at grandpa and grandma's place at the capital, right? It's best that we have to travel quickly. Mom, dad and Marylyn will go on first. Me and Ralph will arrive on a later date. I still have somethings to do." Adrian lays out the plan.
"Sigh… How about…" Malcom is just about to say something but stopped by Amanda. His eyes are telling he did not want to see Oscar too soon.
"That's is a great alternative, Adrian. But are you sure about this decision?" Amanda is not worry about Adrian's safety as she knows of his strength and with the help form Ralph it is not a bad idea. She just worry he is back on putting a burden on himself again.
"Yes. I'm sure of it. I will arrive 2 days before Mary's Birthday and Aunt Rosaria's wedding. They are on the same day, quite convenient adjustment by Aunt Rosaria. So don't worry about it." Adrian places his cutlery to the side as he had finished his lunch and his final decision.
"Okay, son. We trust you." Amanda smiles at Adrian.
Adrian looks at Malcom giving him some hand signals. He swaps his hands with the other. Adrian gives a weird look then shakes his head and shrugs his shoulders.
Malcom sighs and slumps his shoulders. Amanda gives Malcom a strong pat on his back. Making him sits straight in pain.