The following day, Russell went to Fluorescent Castle with Charles.
While Charles sought to recruit a beekeeper, Russell went into the castle to report his latest capture to Mr. Roman—the Red-eyed Rat King.
Because big brother Roland had gone to the lower estates to oversee the farming, he couldn't partake in Russell's current joy.
However, the Baron and his wife listened attentively to Russell's account over lunch.
"My son has always been watched by a great dragon, Roman," Lady Meryl said after listening, brimming with happiness. "Now we don't have to worry about Russell anymore. The eaglet will soon be fully feathered and soaring through the skies."
"Yes, yes," Mr. Roman responded with a somewhat forced smile.
It wasn't that he wasn't happy about his son's encounters; rather, he had become so accustomed to happiness that he was almost numb to it and at a loss for words.
The first time Russell came and talked about finding a birch bug, he thought the boy was quite lucky.