The second broquito was still rising, and as it began its descent, little Joe broke free from the guards as he had done before and, with a spectacular leap, grabbed the supposed meat bun or broquito. Before he could bite into it to tear it apart, the same guard who had previously crushed one of his broquitos pulled him by the feet. He caught the broquito that was already in his mouth and, swallowing it eagerly, it went down harshly through his throat.
Angry for being made a fool, the previous guard, who had been struck by little Joe, advanced towards him. Taking advantage of the fact that he was choking, he punched him, forcing the broquito that was almost coming back up to go down his throat.
— Are you crazy? He's just a child! How can you even think of doing something like this? Have you thought that this boy might be the friend and savior of the baron's son on the day that accident happened?
— As if, boss. The baron's spoiled and pampered son, I mean, demanding, how could he be friends with a poor boy like this?
Hardly had he finished speaking when the baron's son appeared, immediately recognizing little Joe.
— Hey, my friend! What are you doing here? I got to school early and have been waiting for you for a long time.
— I was on my way, but suddenly these guards appeared, called me a thief, tried to take my stuffed broquitos, and this one even hit me for no reason.
— Don't believe him, my lord, he's a liar. I didn't touch him and didn't try to take anything. What proof does he have against me? — asked the guard who had started all this confusion.
The crowd that had witnessed the whole scene shouted in unison:
— You tried to hit this boy, and the first time you couldn't. You also tried to take his broquitos, and when you couldn't, you caught him off guard while he was choking. Then you beat him up severely.
The baron's son's face turned red as he called his guard leader and ordered:
— Take your subordinate away, but first make him apologize to my newest friend, or you'll lose your position as leader.
Little Joe was happy with the turn of events, but he found it extremely exaggerated that the rebellious guard was forced to kneel, apologize, and kiss his feet. He could feel the growing anger in that man's eyes, who would certainly take revenge in the future. But he preferred not to comment on his suspicion, as his new friend seemed very happy with his presence.
However, he wasn't feeling very well after being hit by that fool, who ended up wasting two broquitos, one crushed by his chief's hand and another forcibly swallowed by himself. Besides choking, the broquito went straight to his stomach, and he couldn't even taste its flavor.
— What's wrong, Joe? You look a bit pale. Was it something you ate?
— Actually, it was, but it'll pass soon. And what are you doing here so early at school?
— Because I have an incredible surprise to tell you. But first, I need to ask you a favor.
— A baron's son asking a favor from a poor boy? — asked little Joe, smiling.
— That's exactly what I want to talk to you about. Everyone knows I'm the baron's son, but since our fief is a bit far from this city, few people know my father.
— Few people know your father? The baron Rode...
— Shh. That's what I want to talk to you about. When you see my father or talk to him, just call him Uro. He will be playing the role of a merchant. That's his disguise in this place. Could you do me this favor!?
— I don't understand why the secret. Who wouldn't want to show off to everyone as a powerful baron in this poor city?
Whispering, the baron's son approached little Joe and whispered in his ear:
— My father needs to acquire some goods in this place, but if they find out he's a baron and that he's interested in these things, the prices will skyrocket, and other barons might enter the competition. Can you keep this secret for me? I guarantee you won't regret it. Now let's go into the school. My father has prepared a great surprise for us.
Little Joe was ecstatic to see so many changes made to the school courtyard, which even seemed larger, and the energy stones were classified by order and size. They were used to prepare the environment and make it suitable for concentration and body preparation. When used, they vaporized in the area like incense. They were usually used at home in closed rooms and were given as rewards according to each one's demonstrated skills.
— And what are these stones for? — asked little Joe to Dimmy.
— They are used to prepare your body, clean your pores, and increase your absorption capacity.
— I still don't understand, Dimmy.
— This is an energy stone number one, the simplest. However, it is not cheap and is highly sought after. They don't exist in many places and require highly skilled people to find them. I want to show you all the new things my father brought to this school, but like him, I need a disguise.
— And how do you intend to do that, Dimmy? — asked little Joe, innocently.
— Come over here, and I'll show you.
Pulling little Joe by the hand, he led him to where the teachers' bathroom was.
— But this place is forbidden for us, Dimmy. If they find us here, we could be punished.
— Relax, friend. Have you forgotten whose son I am?
Then little Joe thought for a moment and admitted:
— Yeah, Dimmy, you really are important.
— Now come in here with me and just watch in silence.
And before he could refuse, little Joe was already inside the bathroom with Dimmy, who was rummaging through his pants pockets for something.
— Let me out. I don't like being locked in the bathroom with anyone. Not even my father or mother do that — said little Joe, desperate at the thought that a teacher might arrive there.