The road ahead was rough, well not literally but metaphorically. But I was going to be busy. Just thinking about this was giving me serious headaches.
Let's leave it to my future self, it's not my problem anyway.
"Um, boss, I think Castor was going to cry."
I couldn't help but be confused by Albert's words. What was he talking about? Why will a grown man like Castor cry? He has the type of face to make children cry.
"What happened?"
Albert gave a deadpan look, he also looked confused by words.
'It looked like you were bullying a child.' Albert wanted to say this but feared he would get a beating.
But Albert was a free man now, he had nothing to lose. What will his boss even do? Albert could always just get him back if Asher tried to give him a beating.
"Ah, it looked like you were bullying Castor."
The words hung in the air for a second before I burst out laughing. Castor, Bullying him? That was the last thing anyone would expect.
'Has he finally lost it?'
Albert could swear on his life—Asher was becoming crazier as days passed.
But he looked much happier as well.
Seemingly satisfied by his own laugh, Asher stopped and shook his head with a small smile.
"Alright, let's pack some food we will be staying at the same place tonight."
I was really enjoying this banter. But we still have many things left to do.
"How much should I buy?"
I thought for a moment, that it would be better for Albert and Elda to stay near me for tonight's operation— If things go south I can at least protect them.
"Just buy lunch for three, we can buy dinner later."
Albert nodded and set off to the market. The cobblestone streets were bustling with activity, the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. The market was a kaleidoscope of colors, with various goods laid out for purchase.
I waited for some time, observing my surroundings with clear eyes.
Before I knew it I was again drowning in my thoughts— Trying to find answers I knew I could never find right now.
Why was I even doing this? What could I even gain from all of this?
Revenge—I always thought about it but a definite answer was never in my mind.
No I had an answer now— It was not revenge but rather an obligation. To rip the enemy apart who had taken my everything.
Before I could think more, a chill ran down my spine.
A hand touched my shoulder. Twisting around I was about to make some distance. But seeing the person behind I stopped mid-way.
My lips almost started twitching not because of stress or amusement but rather annoyance. Why will I be annoyed all of a sudden you ask?
The answer was simple: a fool was grinning as he looked at me.
"Boss don't tell me I scared you~"
The amount of sarcasm hidden in his voice was obvious, he didn't even try to hide it after all.
"Albert, be safe."
That's all I said. But Albert understood the meaning behind my words as he gulped, giving me a friendly smile as he tried to run.
"Stop"
Grabbing him by the shoulder I dragged him toward the hospital where Elda was waiting.
"Boss... Boss, I can walk on my own." Albert staggered over his feet, unable to keep pace with me.
"No–it's alright. I should treat my subordinate well."
I couldn't help but smirk at his pitiful state. He was always the overly dramatic one.
People gave us weird looks as I dragged Albert, he continued to struggle but in the end, he gave up.
Eh, why does he seem to enjoying this now? He even started waving his hands at children running around the streets. Is this a joyride to him now? At this point, I was not just dragging him but sliding him through the streets.
*Thud!*
"Ow! Boss, why did you throw me now."
Falling on the ground Albert shouted rubbing his back which seemed to be in pain.
"We have already reached the hospital. You enjoyed the ride, didn't you? I should throw you like this from now on."
I chuckled while offering a hand to help him up. He took it begrudgingly, his cheeks slightly reddened.
'Should I quit my job.' Albert suddenly felt tempted but remembered he still didn't have any money to retire.
"Huff" Dusting off his clothes Albert turned to face the hospital. He has no idea why they came here. So he did what any sane man was supposed to do in such a situation.
"Why are we here anyway?"
I frowned at his words, rubbing my left hand for a second I answered.
"To admit you, I can't have an idiot working for me, now can I?"
Albert froze, his face flushing as he realized the gravity of the situation. He took a step back in fear at the same time.
"I am kidding, don't run now."
He can't even take a joke, they all really need to work on their sense of humor.
Albert visibly sighed in relief, he truly believed his boss was crazy now.
So, he won't take any risk!
"Okay."
Walking behind, Albert followed me soon inside the hospital. He seems to keep a good distance between us ready to run away.
We both stopped our steps not far from a closed door. Giving him a glance I first knocked on the door and then opened it.
Seeing me Elda sighed.
"You know, what's even the point of knocking if you don't wait for any response."
Elda's words were sharp but her eyes were filled with concern. She was dressed in a simple white apron, her hands stained with what looked like herb juices. The room smelled faintly of mint and rosemary.
"Sorry"
I nodded before entering the room, placing my chair beside her bed like usual. Albert followed soon, he looked confused about who she was but waited patiently taking a seat near me.
"And is this your friend?"
I thought for a moment before speaking.
"Elda, he is Albert. Albert, she is Elda. You both will soon be working together."
Hearing my introductions they both looked at me in disbelief.
Their expressions looked the same both having the same question etched on their face as well.
'What was he talking about?'
They both thought simultaneously.