Tonight's banquet, for everyone in Eagle Castle, is destined to be unforgettable for a lifetime.
Although Kane has ordered everyone to rest, the castle servants still gather secretly, discussing the recent turmoil.
With a calm expression, West walks back to his room. Soon, he is surrounded by two other people.
They approach West with curiosity. "West, did you just meet Lord Kane?" one of them asks.
West nods, "Yes."
The other person inquires, "West, what did Lord Kane want with you?"
Excitement lights up West's face, "It's about that pocket watch I found in the dining hall. That's why I followed Head Steward Jace to see Lord Kane."
The two continue to ask, "Look at you, all excited. You must have received some reward from Lord Kane, right?"
With a goofy smile, West replies, "Hehe, not hiding anything, Lord Kane did give me a sum of Karlos coins as a reward. Maybe it'll be delivered to my home tomorrow."
The two express regret, "Ah! You're really lucky. When will such good fortune come my way?"
Encouragingly, West says, "Maybe next time."
Afterward, West finds an excuse to leave. He goes to the servants' restroom, inhaling the pleasant scent. By the moonlight streaming through the window, he takes out the books Kane gave him and reads them eagerly.
Meanwhile, Kane, after his conversation with West, heads to the infirmary. He intends to check on Marcus's condition and also console the injured soldiers.
On his way to the infirmary, Kane coincidentally meets Catherine, who is on her way to the study.
"Lord Kane."
"Katherine, how are the soldiers?"
Catherine answers, "My lord, there are about 15 injured soldiers, 12 with minor injuries, and 3 with severe injuries."
Kane sighs, "I hope those three can pull through."
"By the way, my lord, when I went over just now, I found that Host's rebel force still had 9 members in a standoff with our soldiers."
Kane realizes, "I see, that explains why the number felt off earlier."
Catherine continues, "After I joined, I managed to take care of all nine of them. My lord, what should we do with their armor? It's all top-quality, much better than ours."
After some thought, Kane says, "Collect them, but don't distribute them to the soldiers. We'll discuss the armor after I inquire with Count Manwila."
Catherine nods, and as if remembering something, she leans in and whispers to Kane.
"My lord, none of the soldiers noticed your transformation."
Kane is puzzled, "How is that possible? Given the situation, many people should have noticed."
Catherine explains, "My lord, during the chaos in the reception hall, Host's rebels had overwhelming superiority. The soldiers under my command were steadily retreating. If it had continued, they would have taken the hall and overwhelmed our forces."
"But at that moment, the sound of your fight with Host in the garden made them pause their attack and leave a few behind to support Host."
Kane realizes, "So that's why no one noticed?"
"Yes, in my subsequent inquiries, the soldiers all claimed to have heard a wolf howl, but I covered it up using Host's unique abilities."
Relieved, Kane says, "You did well, Catherine. Now, where are the remaining soldiers?"
"Thank you, my lord. Currently, the uninjured soldiers, under my new deputy's leadership, are returning to the barracks to rest."
Kane continues, "Good. Have you been to the infirmary?"
"Just finished tending to the wounded," Catherine replies.
"Did you see Marcus?"
Catherine shakes her head, "No, maybe he's being treated in a private room."
"Hmm..." Kane ponders, "Catherine, come with me to the infirmary."
"Yes, my lord."
Shortly after, the two arrive at the infirmary's entrance. Kane opens the door and enters.
The soldiers with injuries hastily stand up, saluting Kane and Catherine.
Kane smiles and waves them down, "No need for formalities, please, sit."
Hearing Kane's words, the soldiers relax. Just moments ago, they were worried about the situation in the castle.
"Rest well, recover soon. The territory needs you."
After offering words of encouragement, Kane takes Catherine towards the private rooms.
Arriving at the only medical room, they see Marcus lying pale on the bed. He opens his eyes upon hearing someone entering.
"Lord Kane." Marcus struggles to sit up, but Kane stops him.
"Lie down; your injuries are more important."
Anxiously, Marcus asks, "My lord, what about Host?"
"Dealt with," Kane replies.
Relieved, Marcus continues, "Tonight's battle, it's my incompetence that couldn't assist you, my lord."
Kane shakes his head, "On the contrary, holding off Host for so long proves your strength. And the reason you got injured may be related to me."
Marcus looks puzzled, prompting Kane to explain, "That guy, Host, anticipated my enhanced strength in werewolf form. He was afraid that with you, he might truly be defeated. So, he chose to injure you in advance."
Acknowledging, Marcus says, "I see. I didn't expect your... abilities to be so powerful, my lord."
Seeing Marcus hesitate to speak, Kane laughs, "I came here not just to check on your injuries but also to explain my situation to you."
"Katherine, take a seat too."
Kane glances at the closed door, saying, "Did you all witness my peculiar appearance earlier?"
Both remain silent but nod in agreement.
"Especially you, Marcus. I know this is the second time you've seen my werewolf form."
Marcus looks at Kane, his expression a mix of curiosity and hesitation.
Kane continues, "Doesn't it seem strange? How can a human transform into a creature like a werewolf? Or why, after transforming, can I return to my original appearance?"
Both men remain silent, indicating their willingness to listen.