The Trash is a Fan of the Little Alchemist

Chapter 5: Wishful Thinking

Cale sighs as he puts down his mug. The throbbing ache in both his stomach and head was annoying him slightly. The redhead had trouble sleeping that night. It felt as if someone was constantly staring at him.

"You took care of everything?" Cale asked.

Choi Han nodded before pulling out a metal canister from his pocket. "Yes. I erased all the marks and left a fake trail. But (Y/N) left this behind. I wanted to return it to him once he wakes up."

Yes, that's right. Cale allowed you to sleep in for today. Now he was alone with Choi Han to talk in private. The noble was still nervous around the swordsman. His personality was more volatile when you were not around.

It wouldn't bother Cale so much had he not realized how attached Choi Han was to you. Instead, it left a slightly bitter taste in his mouth that Choi Han acts like a love-sick puppy around you. Hah... the redhead can't imagine how terrifying Choi Han will be once the two of you are 'temporarily' separated. The thought was enough to send shivers down his spine.

"In a few days, we'll arrive in a city. That's the middle point, right?" Choi Han asked.

"You're right. The name of the next city is Puzzle City. That's the point where we'll part." Cale responded. Choi han didn't say anything as he gripped the metal canister in his hand. The swordsman's lips pressed thin.

"Cale-nim... (Y/N) will be safe with you... right?"

Cale frowned. "Don't ask something so obvious. I would never allow him to get hurt." Of course, he wouldn't. You were his favorite Main Character. Though you yourself were prone to injuring yourself from your own reckless antics, Cale is here to prevent that. Yes, that's one of his goals now. Apart from being a rich slacker, Cale wanted nothing more than to keep you out of trouble, alive and most importantly, he wanted to keep you happy.

Choi Han inhaled and closed his eyes as he nodded. "Alright. I trust you Cale-nim. Ah, but I forgot to mention. When I found (Y/N)'s canister, I discovered something."

Cale raised a brow and crossed his arms. "Continue"

"The exit part of the cave was blown up. Everything was destroyed. The trees, the grass, the ground... all of it was a mess."

Cale hummed for a moment. "I'm sure it was the dragon."

Choi Han and the kittens looked shocked but didn't say anything as Cale continued.

"It's good enough that it didn't kill any of the people (Y/N) had put to sleep. It was probably holding back since it's still young and still has some fear. Despite being only four years old. It is a smart dragon."

"Ah, that makes sense. I did sense a strong amount of mana in the area."

"Right. Don't underestimate a dragon just because it's small. You'll regret it. And since you're done with your business, get out." Cale shoos the swordsman away. As Choi Han had gotten up to leave, a sudden thought crossed the noble's head. He couldn't help but ask.

"Will you be going to (Y/N)'s room right after?" Cale asked. He wouldn't be surprised if that was what Choi Han planned to do. Hans often informed Cale how you and Choi Han would often share a bed together. It didn't bother the redhead that much. Afterall once Choi Han leaves, he could easily ask you to do the same with him. In the novel, Guide to Not Survive, you would often sleep with your companions as well. Cale wanted to experience that for himself too.

"Ah, I planned to go see Beacrox before seeing (Y/N)." Cale's heart almost leapt for joy.

"Oh? Are you close two now?" Cale wanted nothing more than to hear a confirmation from Choi Han. If Choi Han could take away that scary chef and his even more terrifying father, that would be perfect for the young master. Taking you away wasn't an option though. Cale would need a new chef to take care of you or he could cook for both of you as well. The noble wouldn't mind if it meant you ate properly. You had terrible eating habits that always left you looking too thin and weak. It didn't help that your novel companions allowed you to continue those unhealthy habits.