Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The man could feel a presence in the room moving near him. A pair of gentle hands nudged him, lightly pulling back what felt like a blanket from over his head.

“Young Master, it's morning,” 

The voice was unfamiliar and extremely serious. The man felt that something odd had happened and cracked open his eyes. Instead of bright sunlight, he could see the face of a tall man in a suit, his dark brown hair neatly brushed, and a pair of silver-framed glasses perched on his nose. A completely unfamiliar face.

“Young Master, I’m delighted to see you’ve woken up easily today,”

“Huh?”

“The Master wished to dine with you and the Lady,”

Kim Rok Soo could see a window behind the stranger and looked at his appearance. It was similar to himself, with black hair with red-brown eyes, however, he didn’t really recall himself being this young and slim.

‘I guess this is me?’

“The Lady is eager to dine with you as she will be leaving the Henituse territory for a few days,”

He turned towards the servant who spoke with no emotion, but that was not the problem. He had clearly heard it.

Henituse. It was a familiar name, blurred a bit, but soon became unmistakably clear.

“Cale Henituse,”

The blank expression finally seemed to ripple, looking down at Kim Rok Soo, “The Eldest Son? Young Master, why have you mentioned Young Master Cale this early?”

Kim Rok Soo blinked before looking towards the other side where an actual window was. He muttered, “Henituse Territory…Roan Kingdom,”

“Young Master, I presume you’re still asleep,”

The man felt his surroundings turn dark and felt dizzy. He lowered his head into his hands, peeking out to let his eyes wander the European-styled room, completely different than the typical Korean one.

“Young Master, this servant of yours has made an error of judgment. He has ignored the possibility of an illness, forgive me, shall I summon a doctor?

“Cold water,”

“Excuse me? Young Master, I assume you’re asking for cold water to drink and not bathe with?”

Kim Rok Soo looked towards the servant, “Please get me a drink of cold water,”

He needed to clear his mind a bit.

“I shall prepare it at once,”

“Great. Thanks,”

The man with silver-framed glasses gives a deep bow, before leaving the room, and closing the door behind him. Kim Rok Soo got off the bed and headed to the bathroom. He turned on the tap and quickly splashed some water on his face before looking up in the medium-sized mirror that was hung on the wall. 

Henituse, Cale Henituse. This was a character from a book series Kim Rok Soo had started to read. It was called [The Birth of a Hero]. Cale was the trash oldest son that gets mercilessly beaten up by the main character in volume 1.

Rok Soo felt surprisingly calm in the situation of being transported into a book. Do people usually become calm in a place of being dropped somewhere unfamiliar and completely unexpected, Rok Soo didn’t think normal people did.

“Then again…” Rok Soo looked down, pulling up his nightwear sleeve and tracing his fingers over the unmarked skin of his arms, “...I wasn’t exactly alive like that vicious punk when he was dropped here,”

It was a situation gone wrong. Rok Soo had prioritized getting his team out alive over the ripping of his skin as he used Instant over and over. 

Rok Soo let out a sigh, “Well…at least I did something useful before I kicked the can,”

Rok Soo took another look around, before thinking back to the servant–

“ Rok Soo-dear, this is Balint. He’ll be your personal attendant,”

“At your service, youngest master,”

Rok Soo blinked at a memory that…felt like his, but also did not. Within this memory he saw the servant from before, Balint as he seemed to be called, and heard a woman’s voice. 

Rok Soo looked in the mirror again. The face was not unfamiliar. No, rather, it was definitely the face of 18-year-old Kim Rok Soo. 

‘However, I’m 36 and got larger with work. Also, there are almost no scars from Instant,’

Rok Soo wondered, briefly, if he had gone through some strange reincarnation, but instead of as a child, he started from 18-years-old with memories of his previous life and memories of his current one.

Rok Soo decided to not think about this situation anymore as it seemed complicated. Instead, he thought about the current territory he was in.

‘Will things go the way they do in the novel?’

[The Birth of the Hero] was a novel about the birth of heroes in the Western and Eastern continents, as well as their trials and growths. These growths ended up including war that engulfed the Roan Kingdom and other places in the western continent. The Henituse Territory was the first territory hit by the Northern Alliance.

Rok Soo had no idea what the outcome of the battle was, however, he knew from previous information in the novel that the Henituse Territory would suffer a terrible blow. It was a territory famous for its wealth, not military strength. That didn’t mean the territory was unprotected, the Henituse family came from a line of established swordsmen and to maintain their wealth and power, they naturally had to have a strong military to show for it.

“This is bad?”

Rok Soo moved from the sink and removed his clothes, sinking into the bath that was full of warm water. He leaned back and looked up at the polished stone ceiling. It was a light grey color and after a moment, Rok Soo realized it was granite. 

‘This at least means I’m a part of some wealthy family. Nobles used expensive stones such as marble and granite to build their houses. The Henituse Estate was made entirely of marble’

Rok Soo mumbled as he thought some more, “Well…there’s not much to miss with being dead,”

His life as Kim Rok Soo. There wasn’t really much to it. He was an orphan and didn’t have that much money. He also didn’t have a person he loved to death, nor a friend he would give his life to save. He only lived because he could not die.

Yes, he could not die.

He completely hated the thought of pain or death. He became an orphan after his parents died in a car crash when he was little.

He didn’t like pain or death. Even rolling around in dog shit was better than being dead.

He had no idea what day it was in the novel so that would be his first plan. Once he figured out the date, he could plan accordingly.

He thought about the main character, Choi Han. He was a Korean highschooler who was dropped into the world abruptly. He lived in the Forest of Darkness located in the Henituse Territory and tried to survive in there for tens of years. His lifespan was as long as dragon as he aged extremely slowly. After years, he escaped the Forest and landed in Harris Village. He would show up in the Henituse Territory after his village was slaughtered by assassins. Choi Han who was out collecting medical herbs came back just as the killers were leaving. Choi Han lost control and killed a human for the first time.

After he killed the aggressors, he managed to bury the villagers, before starting towards the capital of the Henituse territory, Rain City, to report what has happened, as well as ask for a proper funeral for the dead, and continue his search for the group behind the assassin’s from there. This is the city Rok Soo is currently in.

Choi Han begins the era to prove that he is a hero and due to the war, heroes have the chance to shwo their full potential.

Rok Soo started to frown. Kim Rok Soo’s life motto was pretty simple.

Living Long without pain. Enjoying the small joys of life.

Living a peaceful life.

Rok Soo shook his head, “First I need the date,”

“Young Master, are you in the bathroom?”

“Yes, I’ll be right out,”

Rok Soo naturally spoke informally to the man that was his servant. He realized that he could easily speak and understand the Roan Kingdom’s language. Must be a default setting for being some sort of resident of this world.

Rok Soo got out of the tub and grabbed a robe to put on. Balint was standing stiff as a board with a tray in his hands. He bowed his head, “Young Master,”

“Great, thanks,”

Rok Soo walked towards him and grabbed the cup, raising it to his lips and drinking the cold fluid. He paused as it passed his lips, lowering the cup and looking at the butler.

“It's sweet?”

“Young Master prefers sweet,”

This butler is actually quite good! 

Compared to Cale’s butler who gives Cale lemon tea even after knowing the boy despises sour things. 

“I do,” Rok Soo admitted after a small pause, unable to smile at this small fortune of luck. He drank as he thought.

Then again, Ron doesn't actually care about Cale at all. He's just hiding as a servant when he's actually an assassin. He leaves with Choi Han after Cale gets beat up.

Sigh.

There were too many strong people in this city alone.

‘I at least need the strength to protect myself’

In order to live long in war he needed a decent amount of strength. Of course he didn't want to be too strong. Then more complicated things would happen.

There were a few powers that the heroes picked up to strengthen themselves. Rok Soo could simply pick the ones he needed and were useless to them. 

There was one power that was nearby in Rain City. A shield that no one ever claimed. 

‘I wonder why the author mentioned it though…’

“Young master, I will start to dress you now,”

“Oh right, thanks,”

Balint picks up a stack of clothes on the bed and Rok Soo lets him get dressed up. The clothes are different than his usual attire but it isn't extremely flashy as the descriptions of Cale’s clothes were in the novel. However, they were still of perfect fashion and expensive materials.

‘Hm…I guess I really am a wealthy person’

He couldn’t quite recall the family name yet, but Rok Soo wasn’t too bothered.

After a glance in the mirror, Rok Soo can't help but acknowledge he looks quite good in the clothes. He wonders if it's because of the lack of scars and eye bags.

“Let's go Balint,”

“Yes young master,”

Rok Soo walked behind Balint. They passed a few servants who all simply glanced at him or gave shallow bows. Rok Soo focused on the house, noting the variety of statues, ceramics, and paintings displayed around.

It was a short walk before Balint opened a set of polished wooden double doors. Rok Soo caught sight of a beautiful room with a large table with chairs around it.

“Enjoy your breakfast, young master,”

“Thanks. You too,”

He walks past Balint and into the dining room. As he gets closer he can properly notice the two older people sat softly chatting with one another. The oldest, a male, who sat at the head of the table had dark brown hair and dark blue eyes. He was clearly the lord of the family due to his place at the table. 

Another memory popped into his head at that moment.

Rok Soo was looking up at a younger version of the lord he had just seen. Rok soo’s voice asked, “Young Master Elis, where–”

“Hold on,” Elis cut Rok Soo off, looking confused, “Why are you calling me so formally? I’m your hyung-nim, remember,”

Rok Soo blinked out of the memory and glanced at the table arrangement and noticed the plate with food set for him was to the man– Elis’s left and across from the second person at the table. A beautiful female who looked to be in her twenties with pale blonde hair and darker gold eyes. She noticed him and smiled brightly, “Aya, there’s my little brother!”

“I’m a noona!!” A teenager version of the blong haired woman delighted, staring at Rok Soo.

An older woman’s voice spoke from behind Rok Soo, “Now, now, Siwan, dear. Calm down, let’s help your little brother get settled first,”

‘Little brother?’

“You're late again today, dongsaeng,” Elis smiled slightly.

‘Who me?’

Rok Soo was confused from both their words and his memories. These two were his older siblings? They all looked nothing alike!

“Elis Orabeoni, be nice,” Siwan scolded, “Take a seat Rok Soo-yah”

“....yes…noonim…”

Rok Soo said quietly, sitting down. Seeing as the other two already had utensils in their hands, he began to eat as well. The food was not what he expected, but then again, his old and new life were very different. 

Before his breakfast consisted of coffee or nothing on bad days. Now, he was having sausage, eggs, and an assortment of fruits. He also noticed a cup of wine set out for him.

“Siwan, how long will you be gone?” Elis asked the female.

“I'll be back before Mother’s passing day,”

Rok Soo noticed two glances thrown at him, but he ignored them and focused on eating the food that was unlike any he'd ever had before. 

‘So…our mother has passed. And judging by how this supposed hyung of mine is the master of the house, our father must be dead as well’

He waited for a memory, but instead, he only got a feeling of dark and negative emotions. Immediately, Rok Soo chose to ignore his head and focus on reality. It was a familiar feeling he did not want to feel.

“Ha…you better be. The day after Countess Violan wishes to meet about the new piece for the Gallery,” 

Siwan rolled her eyes. Something that surprised Rok Soo as it went against the etiquette of high society, “Yes, yes whatever Lord Elis wishes of me,”

Elis shook his head, before looking at Rok Soo, “This sister of ours is really annoying,”

Rok Soo blinked at him, yet said nothing as Siwan clicked her tongue in displeasure, “Don’t taint him,”

“You've tainted him. I have to undo it,” Elis mumbled.

Rok Soo thinks that these siblings of his are quite odd. They are close enough to joke, yet the age gap between them all also creates some walls. He thinks there might be more, but he’ll have to research on his own or wait for his memories to return. He reaches for wine, drinking a sip of it. He is satisfied by the smoothness of the high-quality drink. 

With the wine, he finished his meal and softly pushes back, standing up, “Hyung, Noona, excuse me,”

“Aigoo, where are you running off to now?” Siwan sighs.

“Town,”

“As expected,” Elis smiles, waving a hand to dismiss him, “I’ll send Balint with some money,”

“Thank you very much, Hyung,” Rok Soo smiled slightly.

This family seemed quite well off. Though Rok Soo doubted they were the rank of even Barons or Viscounts, he realized this household was quite prestigious. He needed money to proceed with his plans.

“Have a safe trip Noonim,”

“Mm,”

Rok Soo turns from the dining hall. However, when he reached his chamber, he was slightly surprised at the weight of the money pouch. It was, of course, not Henituse level wealth, though Rok Soo doubted any family other than Royalty could say they were on Henituse level. It was more than Rok Soo had expected. 

With his heart slightly lifted by his family’s wealth, Rok Soo informed Balint he was leaving and made his way to the entrance. Balint didn’t follow him as expected, and no one tried to stop him either. Rok Soo took note of more artistry and a very beautiful main entrance with marble floor peaking out between the fancy rug. Rok Soo left what he could now confidently call a manor.

It was three stories high and had a large outdoor area and a front courtyard with a roundabout from the gate to the entrance. In the center of that roundabout was a large fountain that stood at least six feet. It was an interesting display, an abstract play with various animals and human-like figures dancing or hanging around the levels. Rok Soo turned away as he exited the gate, walking down the brick path toward where he could hear the sounds of a market. He could’ve used a carriage, but Rok Soo was in an unfamiliar setting so he needed to know it well enough to get around on his own.

Thankfully, it seemed the wealthier district wasn’t too far from the main portion of Rain City. He walked around, taking in the sight. It really was a fantasy world.

Rok Soo spotted a stand selling bread and walked towards it with firm strides. The man selling smiled at the sight of a wealthy young man approaching his stand, “Welcome Young Master!”

“Mm, good day,” Rok Soo greeted shortly, before pointing at a loaf of bread on one end of the table and moving his finger to point at the one on the opposite end, “Everything from here to here,”

“Excuse me?”

Rok Soo frowned, “Is it not possible?”

“It’s possible! It’s definitely possible!” The man scrambles to begin to place everything in a large bag.

Rok Soo places a few silver gallons on the table, the man pausing his packing, “Y-young master? This is too many,”

“Oh well,” Rok Soo shrugged, unbothered.

He’d always wanted to spend money without caring.

As he waited for the bread to be packed, he heard the clattering of hooves and wheels on the stone. Glancing over, Rok Soo’s eyes widen at the luxurious carriage rolling through the streets. His eyes flicker down towards the crest on the carriage, a golden turtle.

Rok Soo’s thoughts are confirmed by the words of the street.

“Oh, the Henituse carriage!”

“Is it young master Cale again?”

“That kid has been entering the streets a lot more than usual,”

Rok Soo turned his eyes away as he realized the carriage would pass him. He stepped closer to the table, watching from the corner of his eyes. He turns fully when the carriage stops outside a building and the door clicks open. Everyone is paying attention to the luxurious boots stepping out of the carriage. With a few steps, Rok Soo is greeted with bright red hair and red-brown eyes that were the same color as his own.

‘This really is a novel!’

Truly, he did not expect to see Cale Henituse so soon. 

However…

Something seemed wrong.

No, something was wrong.

This redheaded noble who exited looked nothing like the 18-year-old Cale was supposed to be at the beginning of the novel. He looked far too young! 

“Young Master, shall I wait for you?” The driver says.

“I don’t care what you do as long as you’re here when I’m ready to leave,” Cale glances back with a stoic gaze.

Rok Soo frowned at the sight. The cold expression was one Rok Soo had seen before on many people. However, those people were adults in the same profession as him. Not noble children who looked as they had barely passed puberty.

“O-of course,” The driver laughed awkwardly.

Cale let out a click, before turning away and entering the establishment. Rok Soo blinked, “What’s a noble kid doing going to a restaurant alone?”

“Ha,” he hears a laugh and realizes the baker had finished and was watching the scene with him, “Young Master, you probably haven’t seen Young Cale before today! He’s a troubling kid, causes all sorts of a mess due to being unable to hold alcohol,”

Rok Soo looked at the baker.

‘So, he’s already started drinking enough to have these rumors? But– why he is speaking like he’s talking about some sort of criminal? Cale never hit anyone…he did cause quite a bit of chaos though’

“Oh?” Rok Soo commented.

“Throwing bottles, screaming, breaking things, cursing. He’s a bit trashy,” The merchant shook his head looking like a disappointed parent, “Even the servants of the Henituse Family are terrified of that lightweight”

Rok Soo also deadpanned in his mind, ‘Lightweight my ass. That punk’s got a high alcohol tolerance’

‘And those servants clearly aren’t doing their jobs if they’re unable to see that Cale never caused problems with his step-family or disobeyed his father’

“Hm,” Rok Soo says simply.

“You should never cross Young Master Cale. It’ll be both dangerous and just tiring to deal with. He’s simply trash and not worth too much attention,”

Rok Soo thought for a moment, ‘Cale’s character was really interesting. That’s why I remember him so well even though his role was hardly that important in the overall plot’

“My bread?”

“Huh? Oh, right, here you go!”

“Thank you,” Rok Soo picks up the bag, enjoying that it wasn’t too heavy for him.

“Oh, by the way,” Rok Soo stops before he turns to leave, “What’s the date today? I forgot to check,”

The man smiled and answered, “It's the 16th of the 5th month of the 778th year of the Felix Calander,”

‘....what’

“Excuse me?” Rok Soo blinked “did you 778th year?”

“Huh, yes?”

“...Ah, I thought I heard wrong,” Rok Soo mumbled.

He nodded to the baker and quickly left, walking towards the slums. 

His mind was very occupied. [The Birth of a Hero] was a novel that began on the 28th day of the 3rd month of the 781st year. It was also the day Harris Village is attacked and a day before Choi Han met Cale Henituse. 

However, the date was currently three years earlier?!

‘No wonder Cale looked younger, it’s because he is! He’s only just started to become an alcoholic’

Rok Soo sighed at this troublesome life of his. He quickly passed into the slums and ignored the people staring at him. It was probably odd for a wealthy young man to walk through the slums. 

‘Cale probably causes a ruckus here too’

Rok Soo kept walking until he reaches the hill. It’s quite a large hill, but it stands lower than the hill the Henituse Estate was built on. Hiking up, he finds a black tree fenced off in all directions. The fence had an entrance that was rotted and Rok Soo easily broke it, pushing through the fence. 

This tree had lasted hundreds of years and was called the man-eating tree. It didn’t really eat humans, it just whatever was left near the tree was soon gone. Even people who hung themselves on the tree would disappear. 

Rok Soo set the bag down, opening it up. He approached the dark patch at the base of the tree and placed a loaf inside. He felt a cold sensation as the bread began to disappear in his hand and quickly pulled his hand out. 

‘If I remember correctly, I have to feed it until the darkness disappears’

Picking up the sack, Rok Soo dumps the entire collection of bread into the hole, only, the darkness remained. 

“Hm…I suppose you’ll need about ten more bags,”

He wasn’t too worried. He had quite the time–three years–to formulate a plan of action. He could also gather a few things earlier than intended, but, he also didn’t want to rush himself. Knowing the story let him have a slight advantage. 

‘First things first…I should gather some information on the important people and this territory’

Rok Soo turned from the tree and headed back through the slums and into the more traveled part of town. First, he decided to familiarize himself with the city and spent most of his time aimlessly wandering and memorizing the layout, including a few shops that caught his eye. 

He took a short break for lunch, choosing an establishment that was quite full of people. While he ate, he also listened to the conversations nearby, looking for any information that could be useful to him.

There wasn’t much other than the mentions of the Henituse Family here and there. More often than not it was the gossip of the firstborn. Rok Soo was getting a bit tired of the information that he knew to be false. Furthermore, the fact they were discussing about a kid like they were the weather was annoying.

“Oh? Is that Young Master Rok Soo of the Nyphan family?”

Rok Soo looked up at his name. He saw a young man dressed in casual clothes of trousers, a dress shirt, and a large coat. His hair was the common brown and his eyes were the same shade. Pulling a chair, the young man smiled widely, “I’ve never got to see the Young Master at the Nyphan Gallery,”

‘Nyphan…Gallery? No, wait, he mentioned I was of the Nyphan Family, that must be my household. And gallery must mean an art gallery. The manor was full of and Hyung mentioned meeting with the Countess. Countess Violan handles all the art of the territory due to being an established artist herself and from an artist family,’

Rok Soo simply looked at the man, chewing his food. At the lack of response, the young man seemed to realize what he’d forgotten and laughed, “A-ah! I’m Elliot Joyce! I’m one of the artists that made the new pieces for the gallery the Nyphan and Henituse Family are opening in a few weeks,”

‘The Nyphan and Henituse are doing what now?’

“I heard its quite a big show, I heard the entire Henituse Family will appear in public with the Nyphan household. I’m really honored a historical household like the Young Masters saw something in my paintings,” Elliot looked embarrassed.

Rok Soo spoke casually, “If Hyung and Noona chose you, then Mr. Joyce’s work is surely worth much,”

‘What is this cliche happening to me? Appearing with the Henituse household, I’ve only been here for a few hours!’

Elliot flushed, “T-thank you, Young Master,”

Elliot thought about something before slightly opening his mouth to speak. However, he hesitated and bit his lip, looking unsure. Rok Soo wanted to get this over with and was curt, “What?”

“Oh, no, its just, I’ve heard a thing that unlike Lord Elis and Lady Siwan, Young Master Rok Soo does not participate in artistry,”

“...mother,”

“Rok Soo? Is something wrong?”

Rok Soo couldn’t see his mother’s face as he was currently staring at his boots. He spoke cautiously, “Mother, Hyung-nim and Noonim are both very good at art like you. I also know that our Nyphan Household is an artistry family, however…I don’t think I want to follow art,”

There was a moment of silence.

Rok Soo heard the soft clicks of heals on the floor and two gentle hands cupped his face. Rok Soo looked up, meeting gentle green eyes of woman with light brown hair. She smiled, caressing his face lovingly, “My good son, you don’t have to do art. You can do what you want, be who you are. I just wish for you to be happy and healthy,”

“Hm, I’m not good at it like them,” Rok Soo admits after a small pause, overtaken by the affection in the memory, “I’m good at other things. I also am really not that interested in paintings, or sculptures. I can recognize them but I have no interest in making them,”

“I see,” Elliot looks at Rok Soo intently, “Then, can this commoner ask what Young Master is interested in?”

“Hm…I enjoy novels, I suppose. Good food. Sleep,” Rok Soo listed, “I don’t really think of things in terms of interest or enjoyment, though. It’s whatever I want to do, I’ll do it,”

Elliot’s lips were parted in awe. He’d never seen a noble like this! No, no, he’d never met a person so attuned to the small pleasures of life! What an honor to meet with this young master!

“Young Master…you’re really amazing,”

‘What?’

Rok Soo feels like there has been a misunderstanding.

A waiter appears at that moment, “Young Master, shall I clear your table?”

“Yes, thank you,” Rok Soo had finished.

“Young Master, would you like some company–”

“No need,” Rok Soo cut off Elliot as they left the restaurant. He nods his head to the young artist, “I will see you at the Gallery, Mr. Joyce,”

“I look forward to it!!” Elliot exclaims as Rok Soo walks away as quickly as he can without being obvious.

‘I’m not looking forward to it’

He decides he’s done with roaming today. His feet are aching as well and he needs to think over everything. With a sigh, Rok Soo takes his way back to the Nyphan Estate. 

Chapter Text

Rok Soo really did take his time.

On the second day of his new life, he dumped another bag of bread into the darkness, before returning back to his manor. There he explored until he found the library which had quite an interesting collection of literature. 

It was while exploring the shelves of books that Rok Soo found a door off to the side and tucked into the corner. Inside, he found what seemed to be a private study of some sort. He explored the inside of the room, intrigued, and rummaged through the desk. There wasn't much of the room, but it was well maintained.

The most notable item was a picture frame that was face down on the corner of the desk. Rok Soo naturally picked it up and flipped it over, eyes widening. It was a small painting that depicted four people. In the center, sitting in a chair was a woman with light brown hair and green eyes. Behind her, was a younger man with dark brown hair and blue eyes, Elis. To the woman’s other side was a young girl who resembled Siwan. And finally, the youngest in the photo was a young kid who resembled himself.

“Mother,” Rok Soo sighed softly, unable to help the gentleness he felt when thinking of the woman.

He turned the frame over to look at the picture without the glass in the way. As he opened the back, he found neat handwriting. 

[No matter what the whispers of the society are. No matter if you are my blood or not. I have three children. Elis came from me, but Rok Soo and Siwan are equally loved in my heart. My three precious children]

“Ha…” 

‘No wonder we all look nothing alike. Noonim and I are adopted. Now the memories make more sense’

Rok Soo decided to close the frame again, placing it standing on the desk. He looked around the rest of the ornate room, before choosing to leave it, closing the door behind him. He left the library, resuming his walk around the manor and memorizing where important things were. The servants' quarters, his siblings' rooms, his mother’s former room, his brother’s, sister’s, and his own studies, his siblings' studios, and a few other rooms. This manor was quite big, but it was not too confusing. Rok Soo couldn’t help but wonder how nobles got around their far larger estates without getting lost.

‘Perhaps that’s why nobles are usually assigned a servant from birth’

The third day, after he finished his bread run, he headed to a tea shop. 

[The Fragrance of Tea with Poertry]

It was a tea shop run by the bastard son of the Flynn family, Billios. Billios was actually quite greedy and ended up assisting Choi Han when they met in the Capital. Billios was also a fairly decent merchant and, despite being unable to call his father, father, or his brother, brother, he was still considered a Flynn by everyone else. His goal was to become the head of the Flynn Merchant Guild, though Rok Soo didn’t know if this goal was ever truly accomplished. 

As a merchant of a large guild, Rok Soo could get some good information and items from Billios.

‘Furthermore, with three years of time to spare, I can build a nice relationship to use him effectively’

Rok Soo entered the shop after informing his driver to pick him up in a few hours. The bell above the door rang as an indication and Rok Soo entered the peaceful atmosphere. He noticed the other customers in the store glance at him, eyes flicking up and down his outfit that obviously showcased him as a member of the high society. 

“Welcome, young master!”

The piggy-bank looking man greeted him with a smile. Rok Soo walked to the counter, nodding his head at the man, “Do you have novels or just poetry?”

“We have novels as well, young master,”

“Great. Please send up the most interesting book and a cup of tea. Ah, but not a bitter cup,” Rok Soo said, placing a gold coin on the counter, “I plan to occupy the third floor for a few hours,”

“O-of course Young Master Rok Soo!” Billios nodded, but then glanced at the coin, “B-but young master, it’s still too much!”

Rok Soo smiled and leaned closer, lowering his voice, “Ah, I require some information and I chose Sir Billios as a dependent source,”

As he expected, the expression slightly shifted. Rok Soo leaned away with a smile, waving his hand casually as he walked away, “If it’s still too much, treat everyone here to a cup,”

He climbed up the stairs to the third floor. As with the early time, there was no one up here. Rok Soo walked to a table near the window and sat down, peering outside. From here, he could see the city gate. 

‘In three years, this is where Choi Han first appears in Rain City only to get turned away because he doesn’t have an ID card to show, thus the guards couldn’t let him in. They do still pass on Choi Han’s message though’

A thought passed Rok Soo’s head then, ‘When does Choi Han get out of the Forest of Darkness? Furthermore, if I am three years earlier, then can’t I assist him during the massacre?’

A problematic thought follows, ‘But…if the village doesn’t fall, will Choi Han be able to become a hero and win the war?’

Rok Soo frowns deeply. No, he thinks Choi Han still would fight, he’d just be a bit more stable than the twisted state he ended up in after the slaughter. However, Rok Soo does need Choi Han to kill the assassins so he’s capable of killing. Additionally, there’s a problem with his name. Choi Han will definitely recognize a Korean name. His appearance may be slightly altered, but it's similar enough that a Korean would recognize a Korean. 

Choi Han, unlike Kim Rok Soo, grew up in a happy family with a happy life. Thus, he had always wanted to return back.

Though, with how Korea is, there’s a very high chance that Choi Han’s family is dead.

‘....I’m not gonna tell him that though. Let’s just avoid that conversation’

“Young Master Rok Soo,” 

A cup of tea and two books are placed in front of him. Rok Soo turns from the window to look at Billios who sits across from him. Rok Soo smiles, taking the cup and sipping it, delighted with the taste, “Ho, this is quite good,”

“Of course!”

Rok Soo placed the cup back down, staring at Billios, “Billios Flynn, you’re a merchant and naturally have access to an information net work,”

“Hm, that depends on what the Young Master wants,”

Rok Soo smirked, “I just need some information about the current state of affairs in the kingdom,”

He adds after a thought, “And basic information about the Nyphan and Henituse family,”

While he knew he had his memories of this life, he wanted to ensure he had the information required of him at hand.

“Ho? Wouldn’t the young master have information about the Nyphan house?”

“I’m paying you for information”

Billios laughed at the strange man. He gave a similar smirk, “How basic?”

“Hm…everything a high society member should know,”

“That’s quite the demand,”

“Well, Sir. Billios is reliable isn’t he?” Rok Soo challenged.

Billios smiled wider, “Naturally, young master,”

“Great. Send it to the manor as soon as you can,” Rok Soo grinned. He took a slow sip of tea, peering over the edge, “I think we’ll get along quite well,”

‘Indeed’ Billios agreed. This young master seemed to be an odd spot. Billios hadn’t heard much of the youngest Nyphan, but he’s very intrigued by the man. Billios nodded and moved to leave. As he stepped away, Rok Soo’s voice spoke casually, “You know this is to have no record of ever happening, yes?”

‘Ho?’ Billios smiled, “Of course, Young Master Rok Soo,”

“Good,”

Rok Soo opened the book in front of him after confirming Billio’s answer.
~~~

As promised, it was merely a day later that a large envelope was delivered to the manor for the youngest Nyphan. Rok Soo took it with a pleased smile, sending Balint out of his room. He sat at the table near the window as he opened the file which had a few pieces of paper. 

The first was of basic affairs going on in the Roan Kingdom. There wasn’t much to this information as there wasn’t much going on in the kingdom. He did get the ages and extremely basic information about nobles and the royals, which Rok Soo was a little surprised about, but that only meant that Billios had found an interest in doing business with Rok Soo.

The King and Queen was information he already knew. The King favored the third prince and the Queen was the third prince’s mother.

The information on the second and third princes was also quite boring, other than Rok Soo finding a bit more about which functions were supporting the princes.

It was the Crown Prince he really focused on.

[Alberu Crossman - eldest son and crown prince. Basically no support from any faction. A very good public speaker. Currently 20 years old. Average Swordsman ]

The next page was of the Henituse Family. Rok Soo looked down at the information, his lips subconsciously frowning at what he read.

[Count Deruth - he’s the reason there’s no underworld in the Henituse Territory. Though, unlike other nobles, he has no fighting skill. Remarried the current Countess a year after Former Countess Jour’s death. When he remarried, there was rumors to be much infighting in the Henituse Estate due to disapproval of extended family]

[Countess Violan - from a poor artisan family that was formally a fallen noble family and was the leader of a merchant guild. Manages all cultural business operations in the Territory. Biological Mother of the second and third Henituse Children. Was previously looked down upon by other nobles and members of the Henituse family due to being a commoner]

‘Naturally there would be scorn,’ Rok Soo thought, ‘The previous Countess’s information states she was of the Thames household, a Baron household. Furthermore, for the count to remarry only a year after, with a woman who had a son, it would cause rumors to spin of an affair and bring about disapproval from family members’

“...hmm…however the novel stated that Cale had neither a good or bad relationship with Basen and Countess Violan, they just ignored each other, so an affair is probably not true. It also states down here that the previous Countess and Count Deruth were a perfect couple,”

[Former Countess Jour - she was a very lovely woman and quite loved through the territory. She and the Count were seen as a perfect couple, supported by their only son who was bright and of all smiles. She died after returning to the territory during a storm. She was the only person to get injured’

[Cale Henituse - eldest son. The biological son of Former Countess Jour and Count Deruth. Stopped his studies at ten, and began drinking at 15. Currently known as a troublemaker who constantly causes messes in the territory and has a terrible personality. Used to be very different when he was younger. Rumors from servants of the Henituse Estate say that Cale doesn’t get along with his step family and he’s very distant, even with his half-sister]

Rok Soo shook his head, “These servants are really useless…”

‘I guess the theory that Cale’s behavior is an effect of grief from his Mother’s death and his father abruptly remarrying must be true. You’d think the Count would try and help his son just a bit more…’

Kim Rok Soo had always found Cale Henituse’s addiction a sore spot. Especially after he began to drink at mere fifteen. He could not understand why no adult around Cale tried to stop him.

[Basen Henituse - his father is unknown, but it's not the Count. He’s biologically the Countess’s son though. Very similar to the countess and is currently 12 years old. He faced a bit of trouble after first arriving at the estate, but he’s said to be very smart and takes his studies seriously. Rumors are of removing Cale from the heir position and officially giving it to Basen]

‘Ho?’ Rok Soo found something interesting again, “Cale’s still the heir at this point even after abandoning his studies five years ago?”

‘Hmm…i suppose most of his earlier actions could be excused because of grief and trouble with accepting his step family. Alcohol and causing messes around town will escalate his behavior’

[Lily Henituse - half sibling of Cale and Basen. Biological Daughter of Deruth and Violan. The youngest of the children, currently 4 years old]

 [Henituse Household - a noble family in the northeastern territory of the Roan Kingdom. Located beside the Forest of Darkness, one of the Five Forbidden Regions on the Western Continent. They are also the richest family in the northeast faction. Despite the fact that the territory is surrounded by mountains, merchants still travel to the undeveloped region for the famous products of the Henituse territory: wine and marble. They are the 5th top producer of marble and are widely considered the finest winemakers on the entire continent. They are said to be a knight family. They appear to be an ordinary rich noble family, yet unusually, this territory is the only one that does not have an underground organization (e.g. Black Market). Their family crest is the Golden Turtle. Their family motto is "There is no reason to be recorded in history. Live for peace and happiness instead."]

“Ho! What a nice territory!” Rok Soo grins.

He moves to the final pieces of paper, the information of the Nyphan Family.

[Madam Alwena Nyphan - previous Madam of the Family. Extremely Talented in sculpting, thus worked closely with Countess Violan before her death two years ago which is said to tributed to an illness. She is Lord Elis’s biological Mother, but decided to adopt two other children]

[Master Theo O'Donnelly - died eight years before by unknown causes. Biological Father to Lord Elis. Disapproved of the adopted children his wife brought in. Had almost no power in the household due to the fierce personality of the Madam]

“Hm…disapproved…” Rok Soo felt this was an understatement.

He soon flinched.

“Alwena! What is this?!” 

The sound of breaking glass echoed and Rok Soo flinched violently, clinging on to the sleeve of his older sister. Elis’s body stood protectively in front of the adopted siblings, Siwan attempting to cover Rok Soo’s ears, but the boy glanced at her expression of pain and shame and shook his head. 

From behind Elis, he could see their mother arguing with a man who was already balding. He was standing, face flushed in rage as he screamed at Alwena Nyphan, “I looked away when you brough that fucking prostitute, but now you’ve brought in another street rat!!!”

“Shut your mouth!!” Alwena was furious, so unlike the gentleness Rok Soo had come to pair her with, “Do not call my daughter a prostitute or my son a street rat!”

“Your son and daughter?!! What a fucking joke! They’re peasants!!!! We have a single son and that’s all we need for an heir!!”

“Peasants?! How laughable someone like you can call them as such! You’re only at this wealth because you married me!”

“I am the Lord of this–”

“You are the lord of nothing!! The master of nothing!!” Alwena cut him off, “I am the Madam, the Lady of this household. You obey me. The servants obey me. This is my household and you are nothing but some digusting lunatic that married in,”

“Ahaha! You’re god damn insane, Alwena!!”

Theo suddenly spun and looked at the children. At once, all three of them flinched, even Elis, who was already in his twenties. 

“Elis!! Why are you protecting those rats?! Just what did this stupid woman you have as a mother tell you!!”

“Mother’s not stupid,” Rok Soo mumbled, gripping Siwan harder.

“Sh,” Siwan gently touched his head.

“They’re not rats, Father,” Elis stood his ground, giving his mother a small look when she moved to get in between them. Elis looked the man in his eyes, “These are my siblings,”

“You ungrateful–”

Theo marched up and Alwena screamed, running forward. Elis flinched, ready for a strike to land. The sound of a slap echoed in the lounge, but Elis felt nothing. The three children looked at the woman in front of them. 

Alwena seethed, a red bruise forming on her left cheek as she glared at the man she had to call husband, “Get lost. You will not harm a single one of my children,”

She then yelled for servants, “Take this drunkard to his chambers!”

With that, she turned around and ignored the screaming man, even as the butlers coaxed and a few knights came to escort him from the room. An older female servant approached the Madam, but she paused when Alwena turned to the three children. She quickly reached forward, pulling them into a tight hug and kissing each of their heads softly.

“I’m sorry you had to hear such vulgar, my sweet children,” Alwena smiled. She still looked like an Angel despite the darkening bruise on her cheek. 

Alwena vowed, “I love all three of you. With all my heart,”

The three children looked at their mother with dimmed looks. Yet they could not help but return her affections.

“We love you too,”

Rok Soo gasped, leaning forward slightly. With a few slow blinks, he shook his head clear and controlled himself back to a stable calm. 

[Elis Nyphan - eldest son and current Lord. Skilled in sculpting like his mother. Has quite a good relationship with his step siblings, despite their large age gaps. Currently 31, but he is not in a relationship nor engaged to any person. Focused on expanding household power and was the one who proposed the upcoming gallery to the Countess]

“31?” Rok Soo repeated shocked, ignoring how his chest was still heaving from the earlier memory, “This Hyung of mine is 13 years older than me!”

[Siwan Nyphan (Kendrick) - Six years younger to Elis and 7 years older to her dongsaeng, Siwan is the young lady of the estate. She’s quite bright and many have asked for her hand in marriage, but have been rejected. She’s devoted to painting and is known to travel to find inspiration and meet with other artists to learn new skills. The Madam bestowed her surname to the adopted children. She took in Siwan when she was eight]

Rok Soo smiles slightly at the description of his Noona.

[Rok Soo Nyphan (Kim) - the youngest of the three children. Adopted when he 10 and has the extremely uncommon black hair. Unlike his siblings, he does not participate in artistry. Said to be cold and serious, however very respectful. Despite large age gaps, he gets along quite well with his noona and hyung, both who have expressed their fondness of him–]

“This is embarrassing…”

[Similar to Siwan, the Madam bestowed him her last name. It was said that Rok Soo was quite close to the Madam but he did not cry during her funeral, thus earning himself a small reputation and rumor of being cold-hearted and ungrateful]

“...hyung-nim, noonim”

Elis flinched, turning to see his 16-year-old brother standing at the doorway to their Mother’s chambers. Siwan was crouching near the bed, soft sobs echoing from her. She glanced towards the doorway as well, sniffling, “Rok Soo-yah…”

Rok Soo looked at the bed, body stiffening. He then looked back to Elis.

“What…” Rok Soo swallowed, shakily stepping into the room, unaware that everyone could see how his hands shook at his sides. He came to stand near Elis, “...what happened?”

Rok Soo’s face was quite blank at the moment. 

“That emotionless bastard, how can he not cry when they died for him”

“At least Team Leader Lee picked a good successor before he died,”

Rok Soo continued reading.

[Nyphan Family - a prestigious artistry family that has ownership of many of the galleries and talented artists. Despite having no territory, they are commonly referred to a noble ranked family Baronet level. Under the former Madam, they expanded out of the Henituse Territory and into other Northeastern and neighboring territories. Lord Elis is following these steps in expanding its reach of influence. Though they are not officially a titled noble family, they are quite well known among the art community and work closely with the Hentiuse Family due to a large number of artistry that originates from the territory. Their crest is a green and gold rose. They are quite a historical household and have been present for an unknown amount of generations]

Rok Soo looked over the pages once more, making sure to remember the information well. Then, looking at the candle burning on the table in front of him, he lit the papers on fire, getting rid of the evidence of the information being brought to him. With a satisfied smile, Rok Soo lazed around the rest of the day.
~~~

It took him over a week but gradually, Rok Soo could see the dark spot underneath the tree getting lighter. Today, he expected to finish. And just as always, he was correct. 

The last few days, he had heard the Ancient Power’s voice. It sounded like a female and she was asking for more food. So naturally, Rok Soo told her he’d come again and again the follow day.

The dark patch had become a light grey color. As Rok Soo approached the tree, he dumped the bag of bread and watched with a smile as the grey turned into white.

‘More, more more!’

Rok Soo flinched and stepped back.

‘What’

The voice had turned into a shriek.

‘The novel didn’t mention anything like this!’

‘More more! I’ll give you a present if you give me more!’

The word ‘present’ made Rok Soo’s eyes shine. He quickly said, “Just wait”

With quick feet, he descended down the hill and back to town. He bought a last bunch, the merchant in front of him looked quite sad, “Is it really the last day?”

“Why, want more money?”

“I do,”

Rok Soo smiled at the honesty, “Maybe I’ll come occasionally,”

The woman laughed, “Enjoy the bread, young master”

“Thanks,”

Rok Soo took the final batch and headed back towards the tree. The white should become transparent after this. 

Ooooooooong!

Rok Soo was full of anticipation as he poured the last bag. 

A rumbling that was different than the usual rumbling, a rumbling only aimed at Rok Soo. 

As he saw the Ancient Power, the voice that had been asking for me spoke obnoxiously.

‘It was so so good!’

The Ancient Power lamented about the texture of the bread and something about different wheats. She was evaluating the taste. 

‘The novel didn’t mention this either!’

‘...that’s why I’m so full. Its delicious’

Chatter, chatter. Rok Soo was beginning to think the grudge was being unable to speak instead of eat. 

After hearing the spirit evaluate all the breads Rok Soo had brought, he tried to cut her off, nodding his head. 

‘There weren’t things like this in ancient times. The people of Forest of Darkness claimed to be servants of god and gave me tasteless things’

However, he waited when the spirit mentioned Ancient Times.

‘I, was naturally, banished from that place. They said I was a glutton. A glutton my ass. Of course, I left with my friends. We were planning on putting the world back on the right track’

For someone like him who needed Ancient Powers, it was important to listen to stories about ancient times. However, the story soon ended, and the spirit went back to talking about food and other useless things. Rok Soo quickly cut it off.

‘I don't think I could give up this taste even if i got fat. It’s so unfair that I had to eat dirt and ended up dying!’

“Yes, it was an amazing and professional evaluation. You’re a bit lou–”

The spirit cut Rok Soo off.

‘You understand my evaluation. You are a really good guy! Thanks!’

…Rok soo couldn’t tell whether he could really communicate with the spirit or not.

Rok Soo really could not figure out the situation at hand. At least the voice stopped after telling him thanks. Called looked towards the tree in front of him.

“How interesting”

The man-eating tree, the originally black man-eating tree, was starting to turn white. It then started to slowly grow some green leaves. The scene looked even more mystical due to the fact that it was around dinner time and the sky was rather dark.

Ooooooooong-

The noise held some heaviness compared to before. Rok Soo kneeled on one side and sat down underneath the trunk of the tree. A bright white light was pouring out from the hole. 

Rok Soo put his hand into the light. He then closed his eyes.

‘This must be it’ he thought

A warm and strong power wrapped around his hand. He started to smile before hearing the voice one more time. It was a pure and warm voice.

“It will protect you”

For a very short moment, a bright light wrapped around Rok Soo. The light was silver in color and the light started to become absorbed by his body. The absorbed light all gathered at Rok Soo’s heart.

“Huuuuh” 

Rok Soo let out a long sigh as he opened his eyes. It did not hurt. It was warm, and the pure power was making him feel happy.

Rok Soo quickly lifted the shirt he was wearing.

‘I did it’

There was a small silver shield inscribed over his heart. It was different from a tattoo. Such a beautiful and fancy shield left its mark on Rok Soo’s heart. The shield will prioritize its owner’s safety above anything else. The location of that promise was at the heart. This shield will be with Rok Soo until his heart stops beating.

“How nice”

Rok Soo could feel the strength wrapping around his heart. It was not causing any issues. In fact, it felt like the shield had surrounded his heart, and was doing its best to protect him. 

Ancient Powers like this left their unique mark when they are activated.

Rok Soo quickly used the method that was written in the novel to trigger the Ancient Power.

The ‘Indestructible Shield’ appeared in front of Rok Soo’s eyes. 

He started to control the size of the shield that already felt like a part of him. The immediate familiarity was a special trait of Ancient Powers.

Rok Soo started to smile.

In terms of Choi Han, this shield should be able to block two of Choi Han’s attacks. It was stronger than he expected. The only problem was…

“..It seems too divine”

Rok Soo didn’t plan to use the shield openly, so he just ignored it for now. Returning it back to his heart, Rok Soo turned around and began to head back. It was night now, but the streets of Rain City had a large amount of lights on the main roads. 

That’s why Rok Soo easily spotted a group of figures in an alley way. He was going to just pass by, but he heard a familiar voice stringing curses and the sound of rocks being thrown around. 

Rok Soo paused, stepping back and glancing into the alley way. As he thought, he caught the unmistakable tuff of red hair.

It was Cale Henituse and he seemed to be dealing with a few gangsters that were easily twice his age. Rok Soo frowned at the sight, seeing the faces of the gangsters become more and more twisted as the teenage punk kept throwing rocks at them and spat vulgar. 

“Fuck off you dirty rats!!”

Rok Soo glanced around to see if he could see any one of the Henituse servants or knights, but saw no one. 

‘Who leaves a kid, one who has begun consuming unhealthy amounts of alcohol, alone?!’

With a sigh, he turned and walked into the alley silently and hiding in the darkness. As he walks, he bends down to pick up a discarded bottle of wine that Cale seemed to have not seen.

Standing behind Cale, Rok Soo easily aimed and threw the bottle towards the gangsters, just barely missing the face of the one in the center.

The sound of glass shattering echoed in the alleyway, Cale’s curses halting and all eyes glancing back at Rok Soo who walked forward with a stoic face. His eyes briefly met Cale and took in the flushed features of a drunk teenager. He passes telling the kid, “Pay attention,”

He walks closer to the gangsters, who glare at him. The one who was almost hit spits, “The fuck are you? Get lost!”

“Ha…how annoying,” 

“You–”

Rok Soo pulls his hand back before sending a strong punch at the closest gangster, hitting the older man square in the face. There’s a loud crunch noise of a nose breaking and the man makes a sound of pain as he stumbles back, hand gripping the nose bloody nose.

Rok Soo glances at the blood on his knuckles, frowning at the sight. This body wasn't as built as his old one, but there was still a decent amount of skin to ease the throbbing. Annoyed, he moves to the next gangster, throwing another punch. The gangster dodges and moves to punch Rok Soo in the stomach, but Rok Soo drops down, kicking his leg out and swiping the legs from underneath the man. He stood back up and sent a sharp kick to the man’s head as he fought the remaining two.

Avoiding and using hand-to-hand combat skills that were honed by years of fighting, Rok Soo doesn’t find these bastards too difficult to fight. He didn’t even have to work too hard with them, just avoid and jab when openings became available.

‘Monsters are far more troublesome’

Within a few minutes, the four gangsters are groaning and scrambling upwards.  Supporting one another, they make quick work to get lost, cursing the two young men behind them, “Crazy noblemen!”

Cale Henituse, who had remained silent as he watched, had an expression of awe. It was a crack in the trash act of his, but he couldn’t help it! The older man was really cool!! 

However, when Rok Soo seemed to turn back to him, Cale was quick to fix his face. Though he had no idea that Rok Soo had already seen the break in the facade. 

Rok Soo and Cale stare at one another silently for a minute, both with equally stoic faces, though Cale’s is flushed. Cale decides to break the silence first, loudly clicking his tongue and eyeing Rok Soo up and down, “What are you looking at? I didn’t need your help so don’t expect any thanks,”

‘Obviously’ Rok Soo thought, but simply looked at the obviously sober kid. He speaks curtly, “If you’re going to defend the territory, you can’t do it with bottles and words all the time,”

Cale narrows his eyes, “What the fuck are you on about? Who said you could speak to me like that?!”

‘Ho, this punk is really acting like a trashy drunk,’

At the silence, Cale seemed to grow more irritated, stepping forward and pointing a finger. He spat, “Hey!!! Don’t you know who I am!! I’m the son of the Count! When I ask you something, you answer back!”

‘…he’s actually kind of annoying’

…

‘…the situation is already like this, shall I use this to my advantage?’

“Oi,” Rok Soo looks down at the younger, “Young Master Cale Henituse, why are you acting drunk when you're obviously sober?”

Cale freezes, eyes widening just a bit. His lips part in shock, the mask breaking at the unexpected sentence. After a moment of shock, the panic set in.

He had been caught. 

By a stranger, no less!

He had been acting for a while now, and no one had noticed.

 His Father hadn’t really paid much attention to Cale since his mother died, and they’d grown rather distant with all the years, so Cale never really held much hope for Deruth to truly notice. He didn’t really talk with his stepmother, and Cale doubted Violan would even want to be in a room long enough to see his act. Basen and Lily were too young and Cale made a careful note to avoid them when he was acting drunk. He didn’t want to be forced to do anything to them. 

Furthermore, even Ron hadn’t noticed! Ron had been his servant since he was born, assigned to him by Jour, so he probably knew Cale better than Cale’s actual father. 

So, Cale knew that he was quite good at deceiving. Yet this stranger had noticed upon one meeting!

His charade fades and a very clear glare shows on the young boy, “Who are you and what do you want?”

“Rok Soo of the Nyphan Household,” Rok Soo says casually, responding verbally to one of the two questions.

‘I want to know why the firstborn of a count is pretending to be trash, has pretended to be trash for seven years,’

Cale blinks, “Nyphan? This name sounds familiar…”

Rok Soo rolls his eyes, “Our families are opening a gallery next week together,”

After seeing Cale realize, he adds, “Why would you not need the reminder? If you want to play trash then you’d have to quit your studies and pretend you don't care about much,”

Rok Soo can’t help but smile slyly, “But that’s not true at all, is it?”

Cale Henituse clenches his fist, eyes resentful, “Shut up, you don’t know anything,”

“You’re right, I don’t. I don’t know why you’re doing this either,” Rok Soo admits, “However, if you’re going to pretend, you might as well do it properly and be effective with it,”

“Effective?” Cale thinks about the fight, “You mean like you just now?”

“Yes,” Rok Soo approves, pleased he didn’t have to explain and could cut to the chase, “My life moto is to live a peaceful life. However, in a few years, the peace is going to be gone and a lot of people are going to get hurt. So, I want to do what I can to make sure our territory stays safe and the peace lasts so I can laze around all day,”

Cale looks at him oddly before commenting on the part that stuck out, “...hurt?”

“Yes. This territory is going to be one of the first hit,”

Cale’s expression shifted into something odd. He was looking at Rok Soo with something like disbelief, however, his eyes shook in a way that let Rok Soo realize that this young boy held a far more love for his family than others believed him to. He theorized that the trash act had something to do with them as well.

‘This is good! If I can just keep this brat sane, he can take care of all the work for me and I’ll just be in the background,’

“How do you know this? Are you a criminal?” Cale steps back, picking up a wine bottle and breaking it in half on the wall. He points the jagged end at Rok Soo.

Rok Soo sighs at the sight, “You can’t fight, but are prepared to do so. You are smart enough to fool everyone for years, but are not putting your smarts to good use. Cale, you’re the first son of the Count. If you want to defend, why aren’t you doing more to be effective?”

Cale stared at him expression hardening just a bit. Rok Soo watched as the fingers tightened around the bottle. However, he said nothing, meaning he was thinking.

Rok Soo turned and waved a lazy hand, “I’m going to be at the silver tree tomorrow around noon,” 

“Silver tree?” Cale calls after.

Rok Soo smirks, looking over his shoulder, “Ah, you must’ve not heard yet. Well, you will soon,”

“Hold on a minute!” Cale yelled, but Rok Soo ignored him.

He left the alley with one last comment, “Work on controlling your facial expressions if you're going to act drunk. Your eyes tell everything,”

Cale Henituse was left standing in the alleyway, a blank expression on his face as he watched the black-haired man walk away. 

He stands there simply staring for a moment longer, before glancing at the bottle in his hands. Throwing it aside, Cale listens to the breaking of glass, before a small smirk curls, “Heh…”

“How interesting…Rok Soo Nyphan…”

With piqued curiosity, Cale Henituse left the alley and headed back towards where his carriage ought to be waiting for him, mind sifting through the information he has. He realizes, once in the carriage, he might have to put aside his act for a day. 

“Hmm…one day shouldn’t give Basen or Mother any trouble. If it does, I’ll deal with it,” 

Chapter Text

Cale Henituse didn’t realize he returned earlier than usual. He only found out after he saw Ron exiting the doors of the estate to come to assist him inside. At the sight of the old man, Cale thought back to Rok Soo.

“Young Master Cale Henituse, why are you acting drunk when you're obviously sober?”

The door of the carriage opened and Cale chose to act incoherent, rather than mumble curses and speak coarsely. He didn’t think he could hold the act properly right now after being caught earlier.

“Young Master, you’re back early tonight,” Ron smiled at him.

Cale, who was slumped in the seat of the carriage, weakly looked towards the butler, “Hm?”

Ron looked at him for a moment, before holding out a cup of tea Cale had not noticed him have. Immediately, his features twisted, leaning back from the lemon tea. Ron seemed amused, “Young Master, please drink the cup,”

Cale grumbled, “I hate sour shit,”

“It is not lemon tea, young master,”

“Bull….shit!” Cale slurred.

Ron brought the cup closer for him to see and Cale. It was not lemon tea, it seemed to be a juice. Cale, surprised, moved forward and took the cup, drinking it without really thinking. That’s why he didn’t see Ron’s barely noticeable flinch at Cale actually taking a drink for him to “sober” up.

However, Cale soon let out a noise of displeasure, tongue sticking up and face twisted. It wasn’t lemon tea.

It was some demon-mixture sour juice.

“Ron– you– bastard!” Cale coughed.

“Young Master, you seemed to have sobered up,” Ron took the cup with his ever patient smile.

Cale gave the man a glare. Ron set the cup on the opposite seat and moved to help Cale sit, despite Cale purposely making himself loose and acting like he was still drunk. Ron said nothing, and managed to get Cale sitting up properly.

“Young Master, can you walk?”

He totally could, but Cale really didn’t want to stumble and get hurt. One of those gangsters had hit him before Rok Soo showed up so his stomach still hurt. Thus, Cale slumped forward into Ron, shaking his head with a fake groan.

“I see. This Ron, shall carry you,”

Cale frowned slightly, but could say nothing but curse in shock as he was abruptly lifted up, one of Ron’s hads under his knees and the other on his back. Cale flailed a moment, but Ron remained stable as he exited the carriage. Cale grimaced as he saw the knights at the door stare at the sight, expressions’ comical.

“Ron!”

“Yes, Young Master?”

“Don’t carry me like this!”

“Young Master said he was unable to walk,” Ron calmly rebutted, walking through the doors.

“Then carry me on your back!!!”

‘That way I can hide my face from you’

Ron paused and nodded, “Would that be more comfortable, young master?”

Cale spit, “Obviously,”

Ron placed Cale down and Cale made a show of wobbling on his legs, gripping the wall. He grumbled curses, gripping his head as if he head a headache. Ron bent down in front of him and Cale quickly wrapped his arms around his butler’s neck and felt Ron stand, holding Cale up the legs.

Cale made a ‘hmph’ sound, before resting his head on Ron’s shoulder, hiding his face from anyone that passed by. The darkness let him ignore everything around him, thus subconsciously causing his body to untighten and his breathing to become deep. Cale hugged Ron a little tighter, mumbling to himself, “Ron, your back is quite decent,”

“Thank you, Young Master,” 

Ron’s expression was different than his usual one. Unlike the usual benign smile, his smile was slightly more gentle. An effect of feeling his young master abruptly relax. Ron hadn’t really felt or seen this puppy young master of his like this for many years. It was a bit refreshing.

The walk was silent until they began to near Cale’s room. Ron spoke as a way to confirm if Cale was about to pass out or not, “Young Master, your Father has a message,”

“...Father?” Cale lifted his head, his words slow, “What does he want with me?”

Ron’s smile tightened a bit, “He has said that if you were to ever come home early, you are to join them for dinner,”

“Them?”

“Countess Violan, Young Master Basen, and Young Lady Lily,”

Cale frowned deeply, ‘Does Father want to risk me causing a mess with Basen and Lily or something? Little Lily is only 4!’

Cale said nothing to Ron in response. They entered Cale’s chambers and Ron placed Cale on the bed, the young boy pretending to fall over, only to be caught by Ron. 

“Young Master, please do not sleep, I will make a bath for you to help you sober up,”

‘...is this old man trying to tell me I am going to dinner regardless if I want to?’

He thought back to Ron’s words and realized. It was not a request. It was an order. And if it was from his Father, he could not ignore it easily.

Cale sighed, clicking his tongue in annoyance, ‘Time to get sober,’

Ron returned from the bathroom after saying the bath was ready. He calmly assisted Cale to the room, before closing the door with a reminder, “Inform me if you need help, Young Master,”

‘I don’t need help’

“Whatever,”

Cale easily entered the bath, flinching at the extremely hot temperature. He expected this so it wasn’t too bad. Sinking down, Cale made sure to splash some hot water on his face and leaning back. He looked up at the marble ceiling, blankly staring up.

“What to do…”

‘Well, being sober will actually be better. I need to ask about the silver tree, thus, I’ll have to wake up for breakfast tomorrow and inquire…I also needed information about the Nyphan family, however, that was more complicated.’

The Nyphan Family was an artistry family, thus information regarding them was best reliable to be found by his stepmother, Countess Violan. Cale and Violan mostly ignore each other. Cale didn’t really expect much else from her after the wedding. Before, when they first met, Cale had been simply confused.

Who was this woman?

Why was she with his Father?

Who was this other boy Father was mentioning would be his brother? He didn’t have brothers, he was his Mother and Father’s sole son.

Cale remembers that she was very polite to him. She hadn’t said much, his Father had done most of the talking. She was very formal with him. Cale hadn’t said much either, simply looking lost. His Father had asked for his thoughts and Cale just stared.

“Huh?”

“Ahem. Violan and I wish to get married. That means she’ll be living here with Basen. Basen will be your new dongsaeng,”

“Oh,”

He looked Violan and then at his Father who was looking very nervous. He didn’t really understand completely what was going on or being asked(that wasn’t true. Cale was old enough as a nine, almost ten, years old to understand but he felt very disconnected from the abrupt declaration). 

All he knew was his father was looking at him and having a conversation with him and it had something to do with this lady next to him. 

“Lady Violan will live here?”

His Father nodded, “Mhm,”

Violan smiled slightly at Cale, bowing her head when Cale looked at her. Cale looked at his father, “Why are you asking me, Father?”

“You’re my son, Cale. This is a big decision and I want to know your opinion,” His Father had stepped towards him, crouching down to meet his eyes, “If Violan marries me, she’ll be the Countess and your step-mother,”

“...step…mother…?” 

He briefly remembers Ron in the room, staring at him and then the Count with an odd expression that Cale later realized was revulsion.

Cale hadn’t really given an answer back then. He didn’t think he knew how with all the complicated feelings inside his heart. All he said was, “Father should do whatever he wishes to do…”

Cale had excused himself after but he had seen his Father’s expression. A gaze of affection and sadness.

He hadn’t said much at their wedding either. He remembered talking to Eric Wheelsman a bit and also keeping track of little Basen. He made sure to cover the boy’s eyes when Violan and Deruth kissed. Basen was too little then.

A fond smile curled on Cale’s lips as he thought of back then, before it fell remembering what soon followed. 

“Young Master, is everything alright?”

“Huh? Oh, yes,” Cale remembered he had to get to dinner.

He finished washing and exited out of the tub, wrapping himself in a bathrobe. He opened the door and walked out, glancing at the clothes Ron had set out for him.

“Do you feel more awake, Young Master?”

“Mhm,” 

“Then I shall dress you for dinner,”

“Fine,”

As this happened, Cale fell into thought again and went back to his original problem. In order to get information on the Nyphan family, he needed to talk to Violan. But Violan and Cale did not even hold eye contact. 

Cale was fine with this relationship. He respected Violan. He thought she was a good fit for his father and was a great Countess. He had no ill feelings towards her, but he also had no desire to try for something that would so clearly ruin everything.

He had made his choice. He was content if they were happy. What else did it matter? 

That’s why for him to start a conversation…it was ridiculous. That would be inviting a closeness that could hurt them.

‘I must open the door to get what I want and then lock it right back up!’

He let out a soft sigh, blaming his current problem on the black-haired man with the same eye color as himself. 

“...Young Master, what is this?”

Cale looks down to see Ron pointing at a faint bruise on the side of his stomach. Cale instantly freezes, eyes widening, “Ah…”

He had completely forgot.

Ron looks at him, waiting for an answer. Cale thinks this gaze is a bit scary, actually.

“Who knows?” Cale shrugged, “I probably bumped into a table,”

“A table?” Ron repeats looking at the bruise that is clearly made from a fist.

“A table,”

‘This puppy young master really did have something happen today,’ Ron thought.

The butler and noble held a gaze for a second longer, seeing who would break first. In the end, Ron decided to let it go due to limited time.

“I see,”

Cale says nothing and is relieved when Ron finishes dressing him. 

“Young Master, I’ve finished,”

Cale nodded, glancing in the mirror for a few seconds. He really looked sober too. The flush from earlier had faded as well. Cale simply needed to act tired, it seemed.

‘That won’t be too hard’

Cale turned to Ron, “Let’s go,”

“Yes, Young Master,”

He followed behind Ron as they made their way through the estate. The servants quickly gave bows or turned down a hallway to avoid him. Cale simply ignored them, not bothering to deal with any of them. 

“I will open the doors now,”

“Sure,”

“Enjoy your dinner, Young Master,”

“Mm…” Cale weakly agreed, speaking to Ron as entered, “Turn in early. You’re excused for the rest of the night,”

He had walked past, that’s why he didn’t see Ron’s startled expression and feel the puzzled gaze on his back. The butler made eye contact with a man with brown hair at the head of the table. The man gave Ron a small nod and Ron bowed, leaving the room and closed the doors. The butler mumbled, “This puppy young master seemed odd tonight,”

Cale walked into the dining room, facing the stares from three people– wait, three? Cale blinked and glanced around discreetly, looking for his younger sister. He then felt a small bump on his thigh and glanced down to see his little sister beside him. 

Lily smiled awkwardly at him, the four-year-old quickly apologizing with a bow of the head, “Sorry, Orabeoni,”

Cale blinks at her before gently nudging her towards her seat, “Slow down,”

“Y-yes!”

Lily walked past Cale and back to her seat beside Violan. Cale lifted his head and met his Father’s gaze, who spoke, “Cale, you’re joining us for dinner today,”

“Yes, Father,”

“Take a seat then,”

“Yes,”

Cale sat opposite to his father. The dining table had a total of eight seats. Deruth was at the head of the table facing the main doors, Cale opposite to him. Violan was directly to Deruth’s right and Basen directly to Deruth’s left. Lily, due to her age, was sitting next to Violan and to Cale’s left(on some days though, Lily would sit where Basen was and Basen would move to Cale’s right). 

However, no matter where Lily or Basen, they were never in the seats closest to Cale. Those two seats to his direct right and left were always empty. They were a wall. A reminder to Cale of where he stood in his life, what he had sworn to do.

The meal was quiet and as usual held a very awkward atmosphere. 

Cale ignored it by gathering his words to ask a question. Thus, after a good while, he broke the silence, “Father,”

“A-ah?” Deruth snapped his head up, “Yes, Cale?”

Cale opened his mouth, committing, “I require some information,”

“...Information?” Deruth repeated, “On what?”

Cale looked down at the plate and acted sleepy and with a loose tongue, “Well, I was in town and I hear all sorts of fun things. I caught wind of something next week with the Henituse and Nyphan families. I was curious because I can’t seem to recall much information on the Nyphan Household, but I know I’ve heard about, was it a gallery, I think it was a gallery?”

Cale played a lost look on his face, mumbling to himself. From the corner of his eye, he focused on his Father’s expression that seemed surprised and then awkward. There was a pause on the table before Deruth coughed, “Ah, they’re an artistry family, so Violan would have that information,”

That’s when Cale noticed that Violan had stopped eating. Cale looked at Violan, who was looking at Deruth at the mention of her name. He waited as she slowly glanced at him and for what felt like the first time, the two made eye contact. Deruth pressed his lips together, flickering between his wife and son.

Violan breaks it first, “...Yes, I have information on the family and event if you still want it,”

“If I didn’t want it, I wouldn’t have asked,” Cale told her coldly, expression unchanging from its stoicness.

There is a moment of silence. Cale waits, seeing the Countess sit up straighter, rolling her shoulders discreetly as she turned back to him.

“They’re an artistry family of high prestige. They’re famous in the art world. They own many galleries and a lot of the pieces in the main galleries in Rain City are of their family members or artists under their house. The Current Lord is the eldest son of the former Madam, Lord Elis. The other two alive Nyphan members are the adopted children, Lady Siwan and Young Master Rok Soo,” Violan informs professionally, but Cale is pleased to see her soften with a familiar topic to herself. His eyes sharpen slightly at the familiar name, “The new gallery that is being opened features artists of the common class chosen by the Nyphan Lord and myself. As it’s representative of the common class, it's an event where the entire Nyphan Family will attend,”

Cale hears what she doesn’t say, “I see…” he mumbles with a sigh, “So we must attend,”

Cale doesn’t quite realize what his words mean to Violan and Basen. Violan had said, ‘ Nyphan Family ’ and Cale had used the simple ‘we’ thus connoting they were of one family. 

That’s why, he does not understand why Violan’s eyes widen, before her expression seems to soften and a smile pulls at her lips, “Of course…Cale,”

Cale twitches at the sound of his name. 

He fights off any emotions, “Great, something interesting to do,”

Deruth smiled brightly. Basen stared at his hyung, who he did not know how to approach. Seeing Cale in a good mood, Basen called out, “H-hyung-nim,”

‘What’s this?’

Cale’s finger twitched on his fork before he turned his head looked at Basen, eyebrow slightly raised.

“Lily and I are going to visit the Gallery in two days,” Basen spoke, glancing at his Mother who was giving him a look of surprise but encouragement, “H-hyung-nim sh-should come!”

“….huh” Cale let out, confused at this situation.

“Are we going on a trip?” Little Lily looked between her brothers with a bright face.

Everyone looked towards Cale. 

Faced with such a situation, Cale did not know what to say. He should refuse, he absolutely should! 

But…but…

He’s never seen such an expression on Basen or Lily’s face before. Ones of such anticipation. He’s used to being ignored, them lowering their heads to avoid his temper, being far as he had refused to let them get any closer.

“…tsk,” 

The four flinch, even Lily knowing the sound means her eldest brother is upset. That sound meant that someone had done something wrong. That sound meant—

“Fine, I don’t have any shi—“ Cale recalls Lily’s age, “anything interesting to do anyway,”

There’s a moment as the words set in. 

Lily and Basen sit up, eyes lighting with a sparkle of hope. Cale, who has returned to his meal, has shut himself down and is vehemently trying to ignore them.

‘Pathetic! Pathetic! Pathetic!’

Yet as Lily lets out a childish cheer, Cale couldn’t resist a fond smile. He hid it with a drink of water. The servants didn’t give him wine at the estate. 

Dinner wraps up rather cleanly after that. Violan takes Lily in her arms to put her to bed, while Deruth leaves to finish up some work. Cale silently begins to walk back to his room, only to pause at the sound of running feet, something that went against noble etiquette. He glanced back to see Basen shyly come to his side. 

They stare at each other for a moment and Cale notices the eyes of the servants on them.

“H-hyung-nim, can we walk back together?”

“Are you going to your room to rest?” Cale gives no answer, beginning to walk. Basen keeps pace with him, taking no refusal as acceptance.

“No, I have something for my…classes…” Basen softly trails off.

Cale smiles internally, but keeps a smooth expression, “I see. Don’t be an idiot and stay up too late,”

“Huh? Y-yes!”

Cale walks Basen to his chambers. He doesn’t take a step in, even as Basen waits in front of the open door, “Hy-hyung, will you rest?”

“Yes, I’m tired,” Cale stoically says.

“Oh,”

“Mn,”

They stare at one another.

“R-rest well Hyung!”

“Naturally,” Cale deadpans, before turning. He pauses and adds after a second of hesitance, “Rest well, Basen,”

He quickly leaves, not bothering to look at Basen’s expression, and heads to his room as fast as he can. There, he finds a familiar face waiting outside.

“Ron, I told you you’re excused,” 

“Young Master, it's my duty to take care of you until you fall asleep,” Ron bows.

Cale huffs, grumbling, as Ron changes him into pajamas, “What am I, a kid? I’m 15,”

Ron privately thinks, ‘15 and still a little puppy’

Cale lays in bed, closing his eyes, feeling the familiar feeling of getting tucked in by Ron. He falls asleep quite quickly, just barely managing to tell Ron, “Wake me up for breakfast…I need to do something in the morning,”

He’s asleep before he can hear Ron’s agreement.

~~~

Thankfully, it seemed Ron did agree as he woke up feeling better than he has in months. He supposes it’s an effect of having gone to sleep without alcohol in his system and a proper meal. 

He’s a little tempted to come home earlier so he can wake up this good, but he soon decides against it. He can’t give anyone the idea that he’s anything but trash. 

‘Or else Basen and Mother will suffer further dispproval causing the family trouble,’

Cale yawns, sitting up and stretching his body slightly as Ron goes to run the bath. When the butler returns, Cale gives a sleepy smile before getting up.

“I’ll be quick,”

“Yes, Young Master. I’ll call the servants and inform Count Deruth,”

“Mhm,”

Hidden in the safety of his bathroom, Cale thinks about the stranger from yesterday. 

“Rok Soo Nyphan, adopted youngest son,” Cale mutters, “Has good fighting skills, easily called me out after one meeting…”

Then there was also the forewarning of war and the Henituse Territory suffering. Cale gripped the edge of the bathtub.

‘He should have no knowledge of such things…he’s suspicious,’

Cale makes up his mind to meet with Rok Soo later today. Getting out of the tub, he wears a bathrobe and heads outside. Ron didn’t seem to be back yet, so Cale headed over to the window in his room. He pulled back the curtain, glancing into his territory. Even this early, there were already people mulling in the streets.

“Young Master, I’ve returned,”

Cale steps back, letting the curtain fall back to its place, “Yes, we can begin,”

Servants fill his room with a few sets to pick from. Cale chose a random one, not giving it too much thought today. Silently, he was dressed and the servants all bowed deeply as Cale followed Ron out the room and towards the dining hall. 

“Young Master, what shall you do after breakfast?”

Cale thinks for a moment, “The study,”

“...the study?”

Cale knows why Ron paused, but he’s firm, “Yes. The study,”

“I see…I’ll inform Deputy Butler Hans,”

“...Hans?” Cale repeated the unfamiliar name.

“He’s a butler that serves directly under your Father, young master,”

“Why should you inform him then?”

“Hans looks after cleaning duties this week,”

“...oh”

Cale chose to give up understanding. Ron opened the doors and repeated the same words as last night, “Enjoy your meal,”

Cale nods, “Mm,”

The atmosphere is quite different than last night. Regardless, Cale is still surprised by Basen and Lily smiling at him and greeting him.

“Good Morning Hyung,”

“Orabeoni!”

Cale stares at them, surprised. 

They usually just stare at him until he sits. Deruth is the only one who talks at the table to Cale directly. He answers blankly, mumbling, “Morning…”

“Sit down Cale,” Deruth smiles.

Cale frowns at this odd behavior. He hadn’t done anything, had he? His work will get harder if they all loosen up around him. He kept them at a distance for a reason.

“Yes…” 

He sits down. Then, as he usually did as part of his act, he began to eat without much care of etiquette. 

He expected silence, but was mistaken when Deruth spoke again.

“Cale, I got a strange report today,”

“Huh?”

‘Why are you talking to me?’

“Yes, it seems something quite odd occurred yesterday,”

Cale stares at his Father who seems to be implying something. Cale hadn’t done anything yesterday. Except for that little tussle, but Cale is certain no one knows about that.

Of course, he doesn’t know that a certain assassin had gone out at night and tracked down the four gangsters, interrogating them about their actions and who they were. 

“You remember that hill near the slums, with the man-eating tree?” Deruth says, “Well, it seems that old tree has become a silver color and is sprouting leaves,”

‘…what?’

Cale stares at his father.

“I’m going to be at the silver tree tomorrow around noon,”

Cale subconsciously mutters, “That crazy bastard…”

“Hm?” Deruth hummed, though he had heard it.

Cale says emotionlessly,, “That is strange, indeed,”

“Do you have any idea what it could be?” Violan, who had also heard Cale, and covered Lily’s ears, asked casually.

Cale was honestly more startled that Violan spoke to him, so he didn’t say anything for a few seconds. 

He then slowly shook his head, returning to eating, “Why the hell would I know?”

Violan takes the curt response without any outward flinches.

“What does bas-tard mean?” 

Cale and Deruth choke at Lily’s voice. Basen blinks before slowly looking blankly at his little sister. Cale glances at Violan who’s face looks quite serious right now. She looks at Cale and suddenly smiles, “Cale, dear,”

Cale blanks out. He flinched from her call, hiding it enough to make it seem like his expression only twisted.

He thinks he preferred it when she wasn’t comfortable looking at him. 

The two hold a gaze for a moment before Cale looks away, staring at Lily.  He clears his throat and gives his sister a stern look. He doesn’t know how to be an older brother, but he tries his best, “Lily, don’t say that word,”

“Orabeoni said it,”

“I get a pass,”

“Why?”

‘Because I’m trash, Lily’

“I’m older,” 

“Oh,”

“It’s not a word a kid should say,”

Lily blinks softly, “Orabeoni’s not a kid like me or Basen Oppa?”

‘Of course not,’

Cale frowns deeply, “Why would I be a kid?’

Deruth flinched where he sat watching. He feels a terrible feeling in his heart but he doesn’t know what the cause is.

“Hm…okay!”

Cale nods, relieved, before turning to Basen. It was better to deal with both than just one, “Tch, you too,”

“Huh, but I’m–”

Cale sharpens his gaze.

“....yes hyung,”

Cale turns back to his food. He glances up to see Violan and Deruth smiling at him softly, obviously enjoying the children interacting. He freezes and for a moment, he’s hit with the terrible feeling of affection. 

“Cale?”

His expression must’ve done something. He’d done something very wrong because the smiles look worried now. 

Cale feels a pang in his chest, his teeth grinding together and bangs falling forward as his head shifts downward. His pupils shook.

‘What’s this? I don’t- what is going on today?’

Cale ignores his half-eaten meal and pushes his chair back. He gives a pathetic bow, “Excuse me,”

“Cale, you haven’t finished,”

“I’m full, Father,” 

“I see, do you need anyth-”

“No,” Cale cuts him off harshly and he leaves the room. 

Ron is standing outside like usual. The old man blinks at the rushed exit, one hand grabbing the door that Cale had all but yanked open. Ron gave a quick glance inside, taking in the startled expressions of the Count and Countess, before following after his charge.

He doesn’t mention it.

“Young Master, will you go to the study now,”

“Yes,” Cale says, glad that Ron is behind him and cannot peak a glance at his expression.

His feet take him down the old path to his study. It’s been unused for five years, that’s why he’s surprised to see it look the same as when he was ten. His study was designed by his Mother and was a room fit to his use even when he’d, back then, become Count. 

Cale walked inside and sat in the large cushioned red chair. There was nothing on the desk except old books and trinkets. Cale’s eyes fell to a covered up portrait hung above his head on the wall behind him. Behind the cloth was a favorite painting. 

Ron stands silently at the door, observing Cale. After finding out about his puppy young master being hurt by some rats, Ron was paying very close attention. 

‘There is also the information about Young Master Rok Soo, I received. And according to the servants in the dining hall, this little puppy asked about the Nyphan household,’

“Ron,”

“Yes, Young Master?”

“I want something. But no one should find out what it is I want,” Cale looks at the butler, “It’s a secret between us,”

“Understood, Young Master,” Ron smiles, curious, “What do you wish for?”

Cale sits in the chair and Ron thinks this puppy of his looks like the proper eldest son of a count at that moment.

“I want to know everything about the younger brother of Lord Elis. Rok Soo Nyphan,”

Ron’s smile sharpens and he bows, “How quickly, Young Master,”

“By tonight,”

“I will have it done,”

Cale smirks slightly. He adds before Ron turns to leave, “I’m going out to play at noon. Have a carriage ready for me by then,”

“Yes, Young Master,”

Ron leaves the room with a final bow. Cale knows a servant will come to replace Ron in a few minutes. Thus, he gets up from the chair and walks over to a shelf along the wall. It was filled with books handpicked by his mother and father when he was younger. They were stories his mother would read to him, books that he couldn’t read on his own at the young age. He pulled off a familiar title and sat on the couch in the room, laying down with a pillow to support his head. He opens it just as the door opens and a soft voice greets him.

“Young Master Cale, Ron sent me to tend to you while he runs errands,”

“I want lunch in here,” He doesn’t look at her, “Oh, also, have them replace the stationary and give me a new set of books to write in. But don’t throw anything out. Just pack it up properly and place it in the corner, I’ll deal with it later,”

“Understood, Young Master. Is now a good time to perform these tasks,”

“Go ahead,”

Cale assumes she bows before leaving again, but doesn’t care as he flips the pages. The words are told in his mind by a comforting voice he could never hear again.

~~~

After lunch, Cale leaves the estate. He gets in the carriage after telling the driver to take him to the main market. He can’t tell the slums as he’s certain the driver reports to his Father. And he needs to keep this Rok Soo away from his Father’s eyes for a while, at least until Cale has determined what sort of person he is.

Thus, he steps off the carriage in the middle of the busy afternoon market. 

“You can leave,”

“Excuse me? Young Master, should I not wait for you?”

Cale looked at the man, “Come by at the usual time, here,”

“A-ah. Understood,” the driver agrees after seeing the stoic expression.

Cale turns away and walks through the market, the people naturally moving out of his way. A few bow and greet him with whispers and Cale simply ignores them, eyes tracing the area as if putting on the display of looking for something. 

He quickly passes the rush and keeps walking, ignoring the stares. He turns into an alley where he knows there’s an entrance to a tavern. However, he doesn’t enter it, walking past as soon as he confirmed there was no one watching him. From then, he stuck to the alleys and back of buildings. Soon, the buildings begin to change into the lowest parts of the city. The stench is as noticeable as anything else, and Cale scrunches his nose before walking faster through the slums. 

He tries to ignore them like he does the people back at the market, but it's harder when he sees children the age of his siblings. Cale swallows slightly, pushing himself a little more. Thankfully, he soon spots the hill and, as reported, the formerly black tree is silver.

“Well, I’ll be…” Cale muttered.

He hikes up the hill and finds the same man as yesterday. Black hair, red-brown eyes, and dressed in fine clothes. He’s leaning against the tree sitting on a blanket with a pile of books near him. One book is already in his hands and he’s reading it, not even glancing as Cale stops in front of him, crossing his arms.

“What are you doing?”

Rok Soo doesn’t look at him and simply orders, “Sit down. You’re blocking the sun,”

Cale gapes, hissing, “Look at this disrespectful old man!”

Rok Soo frowns, finally looking up, “Who’s old? I’m 18,”

“You’re old!” 

“Sit down, brat,” 

Cale puts on a display of grumbles but sits down on the blanket. Rok Soo picks up a book from the pile and tosses it to the kid, who catches it with confusion. He reads the title and frowns, “What is this? Are we just reading?”

“Yes,” Rok Soo returned to his book.

“But you– what about yesterday?!”

“What about it?” Rok Soo sighed, ‘this brat was really annoying’

“Young Master, just relax for a bit. No one comes to this place so you don’t need to do anything like that terrible drunkard act,” 

Cale’s lips part slightly, “...relax?”

“Yes. Isn’t it good to rest?” Rok Soo nodded. He pointed to a basket, “If you’re hungry eat. Alcohol isn’t a good staple for some kid like you. There’s juice,”

“I’m not a kid,” Cale grumbles with a pout, but opens the book.

Rok Soo ignores him.

They really don’t do anything but read and occasionally eat. 

Rok Soo remains silent, but occasionally, he glances at the 15-year-old. He found the boy fully absorbed in the book. Compared to the flushed face and curses of a hormonal teenager, Rok Soo thinks this sight is much more fitting of someone like Cale.

 From the information he had found about the Henituse family. Old rumors of Cale were that he was an always smiling, bright, and kind boy. Many believe his current behavior stems from his mother’s death, however, it's never really mentioned in gossip. Nor is there much pity for a boy who lost his mother and whose father remarried a mere year later with a woman who already had a son. 

Rok Soo knows the weight the death of a loved one can entail. So, he can’t exactly ignore Cale Henituse. It's only beneficial to him, really. A friendship with the future Count (or the older brother of the count) would give him protection and more freedom to laze around in the future. 

Rok Soo closes the large book he was reading after finishing it. He was reading at a leisure pace to enjoy it and the weather. Closing the book, he leans back and stares at Cale, who makes a soft gasp of surprise. A plot twist must have occurred. 

Rok Soo is pleased by the relaxed scene.

He lets Cale read as he pulls out a small journal and writes in Korean a few notes for him to remember and things of importance. After running out of things to write, he opts to just write whatever really comes to mind. His mind, a record, happily lets everything flicker past and Rok Soo writes things he’s heard and read. 

Rok Soo had a suspicion his abilities of his old life had followed him to this one.

He ends up falling deep into his records that he doesn’t notice Cale finished and had slowly moved towards him and was peering at the foreign letters, with curious eyes. 

“What are you doing, old man?”

Rok Soo blinks out of a record, pen stopping. He looks to see Cale far closer than before and staring right at the Korean. Rok Soo curses himself, he’d been careless around this brat. Someone who could fool everyone for ten years is no idiot after all.

Rok Soo sighs and closes the book, “It’s a language. Only I can understand it,”

“You made your own language?” This 15-year-old was in awe, “That's…that's actually kind of cool, old man!”

‘Wow, he’s really a kid…’

“I want to make my own language. Then I don’t have to worry about any of the nosy servants reporting to Father every little thing,”

Rok Soo shakes his head, once again reminded that the future trashiest person of the northeast is none other than this dumb kid.

But after another thought….

“A secret code, that’s actually quite smart, punk,”

Cale sits, for some reason he’s naturally elegant about it, “Obviously,”

“Hmph, maybe you aren’t just some kid who makes bad life decisions,”

“What the hell are you talking about? I’ve made great choices!”

“...you act drunk and make messes everyday, destroying your reputation,”

“And you’re a weird old man who can fight and has a secret code and knows about impending doom!”

Rok Soo’s eyebrow twitches and he mutters, “This brat–”

“Who’s a brat?!”

Rok Soo decides to not deal with it and changes the topic, “Why’d you decide to listen to my invite?”

“Because your suspicious,”

“So? You could’ve told the Count,”

“...”

“You didn’t tell him, why not?” Rok Soo asked, but he thought he had an idea of why.

“How would I know if you would snitch on me?” 

Rok Soo was right.

“Oh? What does it matter if I did? He’s your father–”

“That’s not the point! If he knows then Mother– Countess Violan will find out! And that means Basen and Lily might learn too!”

‘What’s this? Cale Henituse calls Countess Violan ‘Mother’? Truly, I should take the information I have about him with a grain of salt’ Rok Soo thinks

“Why can’t they know that you’re doing this on purpose? Because it would ruin the household?” Rok Soo paused, “Or is because they’d feel guilty that a random stranger noticed and not them,”

Cale glared sharply, “Shut up! You don’t know shit, stop interrogating me!”

Cale demands, “I want to know why you told me what you know,”

Rok Soo looked at Cale silently for a moment. He then hummed, shrugging, “I think Young Master Cale is interesting, that’s all,”

Cale frowns.

“Are you a pervert?”

“What?” Rok Soo frowns as well, “No! What the fuck?!”

“You sounded suspicious earlier,”

“This punk–” Rok Soo muttered, before turning to Cale with a deep sigh, “I mean, I just get you,”

Cale looks at Rok Soo for a moment. He stares at the same colored eyes of the older man, looking for something. As he stares, he finds it. Rok Soo’s eyes seem very lonely to him.

Cale slumps, hanging his head, and his face breaks into something exhausted. The same look shines in his eyes, “Get me? Do you have dreams then, like I do?”

‘Excuse me?’ Rok Soo is very confused by the sudden atmosphere change.

“...dreams?”

“Mhm,” Cale nods slowly, “I dream,”

He looks up, “Of the walls being destroyed by explosions. Of holding Lily, who is weakly clinging onto me and begging me to stop the blood flowing from her head,”

‘What?’

Cale looks up, eyes void and scared. It’s not a look a kid should have, “You said there will be war. You said we’d get hit first. I thought there was something wrong with me for dreaming those images, but then you said it, ”

Rok Soo's eyes shook. 

He blinks softly, “How long have you had these dreams?”

“...these particular ones…over a week,”

‘I woke up here over a week ago,’

“...have you seen other things?”

“I’ve seen a few things. Basen coming home injured on the leg and flinching at loud noises is one I remember well,” Cale nods, “But they’re not as clear as that battle,”

He then frowns deeply. Cale looks at the older man with an expression Rok Soo thought seemed desperate, “You know, then? You truly know something is coming?”

Rok Soo stares before giving a hesitant, “Yes,”

“Then please, please tell me!” Cale shakes his head, reaching forward and grabbing the lapels of Rok Soo’s coat, “Why am I the only one alive there? A trash should die first, shouldn’t he? How come I’m holding my dead family?”

The phrase hits Rok Soo like a bullet. 

His eyes widen and for a second, he does not see Cale in front of him, but two people he thought of as older brothers. 

He pushes down the records in his brain forcefully. 

Taking a small breath, he reaches forward, placing one hand on Cale’s, releasing the grip on his coat, while the other hand raises up to gently rest on Cale’s head, patting it. 

Cale looks surprised by the pat, childlike innocence staring up at Rok Soo. It is that look that makes Rok Soo truly understand why he had interfered back then. 

Cale was similar to him in an assortment of things, but his reactions were not of someone who had given in, it was of someone clinging to a ledge between giving in and fighting back. The ledge was more dangerous than the ground that built it.

Rok Soo could not let this punk who reminded him of himself self-destruct and become trash.

He also couldn’t just ignore the punk who has dreams of the future.

Rok Soo smiles slightly, but Cale thinks it looked quite sad. The older boy removes his hand and extends it, “Punk, you and I seem to be oddities in this world. Let’s ensure ourselves peaceful lives,”

Cale blinks before a startled bubbly laugh escapes him. The sound echoes around the two oddities, the wind carrying the melody softly as it gradually fades. Cale stares at Rok Soo, “Only if you teach me that cool looking language,”

Rok Soo grins, “Ho, you’re pretty smart! Good, lesson 1! Favors are useless, deals are more favorable,”

“Mm… mutually beneficial and more likely to get good results,”

“Exactly, “Rok Soo nodded, “First deal, I’ll teach you. You help me get a slacker life,”

“Teach me? Slacker life?”

“I’ll teach you what I know. Help you get what you need to protect the territory. You help me ensure a peaceful life so I can slack off in the future,”

Cale doesn’t quite understand what Rok Soo is asking for when he’s offering to teach him, but he agrees, “Deal!”

Rok Soo and Cale both smile –though Cale’s smile is a lot wider– at each other, hands firmly gripped together.

Above, a certain god smiles softly, “Both my children deserve good lives,”

Chapter Text

Deruth looks at the butler in front of him with a serious gaze.

“Cale met with someone at that silver tree and stayed there until he returned to the carriage?”

“Yes, Count,” The butler, Hans, nodded, “However, due to the open area, the knight was unable to get close without being seen immediately, thus there is no exact report of who it is or what happened,”

“Except that they mostly read books and ate, and a conversation,” Deruth recalls, “Furthermore, the other man was wearing an outfit of fine quality signifying it’s someone of high society,”

“Yes, Count,”

“Hm…” Deruth ponders, “And…Cale has never seen this person before?”

“According to consensus, Young Master Cale has never been seen in another’s company when outside,”

“...what about last night? Cale returned early,” 

Hans thought for a moment, “From what I gathered today, Young Master Cale went drinking and caused a few disturbances due to becoming drunk. He then stumbled back to the carriage. No one noticed any difference in his behavior,”

“Except those who came in direct contact with him here,” Deruth frowned, recalling how Ron had looked at him at dinner last night. It was for more than the usual dismissal. Deruth knew something was odd from the moment he received the joyous news of his eldest joining the family for dinner. 

“Something has been odd the last two days…search the City again, something happened to my son yesterday and I must find out what,” Deruth ordered and then dismissed Hans.

He looked at a small portrait on the corner of his desks. It was Cale when he was younger. The light and smile in that photo was one Deruth hadn’t seen since Jour’s death.

Until last night where Cale seemed slightly more...approachable.

Deruth thought, ‘Cale has changed’

~~~

“Do I have to?”

“Yes, Rok Soo,”

“But Hyung, I don’t even do art,”

“You’re still a Nyphan,” Elis looked at his brother who preferred doing nothing over…well…anything.

Rok Soo sighed, his face twitching as Siwan gave him a pity pat on the head. The three siblings were currently in a carriage on their way to the gallery. The event was to start in some time, but they had to arrive early. 

Rok Soo thought about the other family that would be there as well. 

‘And that annoying punk,’

Cale and Rok Soo, since that day at the tree, had been meeting every day. Cale was still a bit of brat around the territory when he had free time, but he hadn’t really been drinking as much. Rok Soo didn’t really let him either, having made it a personal goal to try and curb the influence of the drink. He was trying to teach Cale Korean and was making the kid read books, distracting him from whatever unhealthy addiction Cale had hooked his liver to. 

Thankfully, it seemed to work well. Cale was, to his surprise, smarter than Rok Soo had initially thought. 

His memory was also quite decent as he got the hang of reading and writing Korean rather easily. Of course, speaking a language is always harder, but it wasn’t too bad. They were practicing daily for hours. Rok Soo had also, to his amusement, learned that the trash young master had a hidden fondness towards books. Cale had actually told him a few days ago he was “inspired” by one of the books and was trying something on his own and that if it worked, he’d tell Rok Soo the details. 

Rok Soo would be a liar if he hadn’t felt a chill go up his spine at the innocent smile.

But Rok Soo was curious, so he nodded, and told Cale he looked forward to it.

“Rok Soo, you haven’t met the Henituse family. Well, they’re quite nice so there’s no warnings or anything,” Elis began to speak as the carriage pulled up to the gallery, which already had quite a crowd in front of it. 

“I understand,”

‘Not met a Henituse my ass!’

The carriage came to a stop and a knight with the Hentiuse Crest on his chest plate stepped forward, opening the door. Elis stepped out first, followed by Siwan, and then Rok Soo. It was a way to show the order of the heirs. 

A knight approached Elis as they walked, bowing, “Count Henituse and his family are inside,”

“Thank you,” Elis nodded, leading his siblings into the gallery. 

Rok Soo glanced around the marble floors, taking short notice of the large paintings hung about and the multitude of sculptures standing at equidistant. In the center of the room, in front of the largest statue, was five people. Four with brown hair and one with red. 

The Nyphans’ footsteps echoed in the room, thus alerting the Henituse Family of their presence. Turning around, Rok Soo was finally greeted with the sights of the remaining Henituse family. The first time since his reincarnation.

The three Nyphan siblings bowed, “Count, Countess,”

“Lord Elis,” Deruth smiled. He was as Rok Soo thought he would be. Despite his advanced age, Deruth is healthy and strong: the novel claims that he still trains with his blade each morning. He had brown eyes, wavy brown hair that brushed just past his ears, a light goatee on his jawline, and fair skin that was just a touch sun-tanned. Rok Soo is a little entertained to see the Count donning a fur cloak over his fancy attire that was appropriate for his position. The smile on the Lord’s face is friendly as he praises, “This gallery is quite unique. The pieces are well made,”

“I’m honored you like it, Count,”

Violan stepped forward, smiling at Siwan, “Lady Siwan, your dress looks lovely,”

“Thank you Countess, however, it’s of no comparison to your own,”

Rok Soo observes the Countess Violan this time. Violan is flawlessly coiffed, with not a single strand of hair out of position in her ponytail. Rok Soo can tell from the woman's stiff stance that she is really focused on business. She is described in the story as being very serious and rarely smiling. Due to her upbringing, she is also quite sensitive to appearances. Rok Soo is certain that the displeasure of the Henituse vassals contributed to the growth of this sensitivity.

Violan then turns to him, “Young Master Rok Soo, I believe it’s our first time meeting,”

“Indeed, Countess,” Rok Soo bowed, “It’s a pleasure,”

Violan smiled at him, a very small thing done purely out of politeness. It was a short interaction and Rok Soo was more than pleased as Siwan spoke up about something to her. Elis was speaking to the Count, so Rok Soo silently snuck back. He was stopped by a familiar voice, “Hello, young master ,”

Rok Soo got shivers and looked back to see a smirking Cale Henituse. Basen Henituse stood beside him, while the small Lily was being held by her oldest brother.

Cale was as impeccable as always, dressed in high quality clothes and his red hair brushed to perfection. In between his siblings, he truly stood out, but that was also probably because of how the other two were presented. 

Naturally, Lily and Basen were in equally fancy clothing as per their stature, but the young Lily was a mere child and was simply staring at Rok Soo with unhidden curiosity. Basen, on the other hand, was a true carbon-copy of the Countess, the same serious expression on his young face, just with a touch of shyness. 

Basen looked at his hyung, who seemed quite odd at the moment, before greeting Rok Soo properly. Rok Soo returns the bow politely, “Greetings, Young Master Cale, Basen,” he looks at Lily, “Young Lady Lily,”

Cale lets out a small huff of air and Rok Soo stares blankly at him, “What?”

“Nothing, your face really looked like an old man just now,”

Rok Soo was honestly a little surprised. He thought Cale would want to keep their previous interactions a secret. He didn’t question it and simply fell into the usual banter.

“You little punk–”

“Huh?” Basen looks between the two older boys. He settles to look at the red-head, “H-hyungnim, do you know Young Master Rok Soo?”

“Mhm,” Cale admits simply, but then looks at Lily and Basen, lowering his voice. He tells them firmly, an earlier smile vanished, “It's a secret. No one should know,”

Basen blinks and nods, while Lily, happy to have a secret with her brothers, places a finger to her lips and giggles, “Shhh.”

Rok soo watches as Cale softens slightly, amusing his sister by repeating the gesture for a few seconds. He then returned to the usual blank expression, returning his hand to where it was before.

Rok Soo smiles at the sight. 

‘He seems more like a kid should’

“Y-young Master Rok Soo, the gallery is very nice,” Basen compliments after watching his siblings interact with warmth.

“Oh, thank you, Young Master Basen,” Rok Soo looks at the serious looking kid, “But, unlike hyung and noona, I don’t do art, so I’m not very involved with this stuff,”

“Basen, this old man, wants to be a slacker,”

“Slacker?”

“Yes,” Rok Soo nodded seriously

“Oh, I-I’m sure you can do it,”

Cale snorted softly at Basen’s bewilderment and polite response.

If Rok Soo noticed it he didn’t say anything. 

The three boys chatted with themselves, Lily content with being in her Orabeoni’s arms and making a few comments here and there. Rok Soo must’ve been making his amusement obvious, because Cale felt the need to explain, “Lily twisted her ankle this morning,”

“What a cute big brother you are,”

“Shut up,” 

Basen smiled, glancing behind them towards the adults. He informed with a small tug on Cale’s coat, “Hyung-nim, I think it’s time,”

They moved back towards the others, Deruth and Violan glancing at the children. Violan walked over, asking Cale politely, “Is it alright?”

“I’ve already said I don’t mind,” Cale’s response is dry as dust.

‘Hm,’

Rok Soo watched the cold and curt exchange between child and mother with a casual expression. It was not his problem to interfere between familial affairs, but he could not deceive himself to not be curious. He knew that Cale saw Violan as a Mother, but that he dared not call her that in private or public(he only began to throw the word around after Rok Soo had told him plainly “Stop correcting yourself. It’s annoying. Just call her what you want”). He was not sure how Violan saw her step-son. The novel described their relationship as strangers who ignored one another, but from being around Cale, Rok Soo knew this was incorrect from the first heir’s perspective.

“Right,” Violan nodded, giving Lily a small pat on the head, “Behave for Cale,”

Lily nodded with a bright smile.

Rok Soo couldn’t help but whisper to Cale after Violan stepped away, “You’re stronger than you look,”

“She’s 4,” Cale deadpanned.

“She’s a human child,”

“Do you want to carry her?”

“No,”

“Then be quiet,”

“Punk,”

“Old man,”

Basen was very amused by the interaction Cale had with Rok Soo. He watched the hushed banter with a small hint of curiosity, a tiny smile on his face. However, after another moment, the amusement gave way to an ugly feeling of envy. 

His hyung had been a bit more approachable this past week, but he and Lily weren’t able to freely talk with Cale like the redhead seemed to do with Rok Soo. 

No, they were hardly able to talk still. Cale was still stoic and cold. He spoke shortly and no more than he had to or if something had upset him. They were communicating to an extent, but Basen felt like the relationship he had with his brother was similar to that of a professional acquaintance in a territory from the opposite side of the Kingdom.

Basen wanted to talk freely with his older brother. Basen wanted a close relationship with his older brother. How come this stranger got to have that? His fists curled slightly, his serious expression hardening just a bit, before he scolded himself internally to not act out in public. 

“Let’s begin,” Deruth announced and the two families approached the doors, which opened after a few minutes. 

They walked down the steps and towards a stage that had been temporarily set up. In front of that stage–that was guarded by knights in all directions–was a large crowd. The two families walked up and the crowd cheered.

Rok Soo was surprised at the number, “So many,”

Siwan, who had moved next to him, informed softly, “It’s mostly for a glimpse of the Henituse Family. Since Young Master Cale’s mother passed, the Henituse Family has never been seen in public as a whole,”

Rok Soo nodded at the new information and stared at the back of his Hyung who walked up with the Count and Countess. Count Deruth, naturally, gave the opening greetings, before allowing the two main leaders of the gallery to take the stage. Elis spoke first as it would be unsightly of someone other than the Countess to announce the opening of the gallery and allow the guests to enter.

Rok Soo didn’t pay too much attention to the speech, tuning it out, but more so to the crowd. He could see people staring at the three in the center, but also glances behind them. Off to Elis’s right was where Rok Soo and Siwan stood, while to the Countess’s left, the three Henituse children stood silently–well slightly. Rok Soo had heard Lily say something  when the crowd had cheered for her mother, Cale softly shushing her.

He turned to check on the younger children, taking note of how Cale was at the front, with Lily in his arms. Basen was slightly behind him, seemingly timid and gripping Cale’s sleeve discreetly, out of view of the onlookers. Rok Soo noted this as the behavior difference due to the younger ages and Cale’s own change. 

Of course, to any outsider it might not seem the way. No, they’d instead look at the completely apathetic expression of Cale’s face and awkward expression on Basen and make assumptions from there. They’d look at the youngest Henituse child being held in the arms of Trash Heir and think that something had happened to make Cale agree to such a charade. After all, everyone had somehow agreed that Cale Henituse was an ill-tempered spoiled drunk who had little care for his family, blood or not.

Cale caught his eyes and raised a small eyebrow in question. Rok Soo shook his head and turned away, turning to the Countess who had been saying the final line to officially open the gallery.

Another cheer and the guards at the stairs parted for guests to enter and the gallery doors remained wide open. The crowd naturally thinned around them, heading up the stairs, but the two families didn’t leave the stage. They didn’t have to. Elis had explained to Rok Soo earlier that as the speech commenced, the artists would file into the gallery, preparing to wait inside for the guests. Only after a bit of time here would they enter the gallery to mingle with guests and artists. Thus, Rok Soo followed Siwan as she approached Elis.

“Good speech, Oppa,”

“You looked very cool, hyung,”

Elis gave him a look, “Were you listening?”

“You looked cool with whatever you were saying,”

Siwan covered her mouth with a fan as she snickered. Elis simply sighed.

“Ahem,” a voice said and the three turned to find the Henituse siblings. Cale was the one who spoke, “We’ll be returning to the Henituse estate,”

Rok Soo quickly looked at his hyung, “Hyung-nim,”

Elis released another sigh, “Yes, yes, you can return. Siwan and I can manage here,”

He smiled at Cale, “Thank you coming out, Young Master Cale, Second Master Basen, Young Lady Lily,”

Basen bowed, “It was really interesting. We looked around before and enjoyed the pieces,”

Lily chimed in, “I liked the big painting of the city with the colorful sky,”

“That’s called a sunset, dear,” Violan informed from where she and Deruth had approached from behind.

“Oh, that’s Sir. Elliot Joyce’s painting,” Siwan smiled, “He’s very chirpy,”

Rok Soo felt tired just thinking about the artist he had run into on his first(sort of?) day. 

“Count, Countess,” a new voice said and the group turned.

Rok Soo was met by the sight of a tall old man with a smile that sent shivers down his spine. More shivers followed after he heard Cale speak, “Oh, Ron, you’re here,”

This was Cale’s personal servant.

An assassin in disguise, Ron Molan. 

Ron’s son, Beacrox was also a chef at Henituse Estate and a torture specialist. Rok Soo glanced at this oblivious punk he was teaching. Maybe he should teach Cale some fighting skills, just in case.

“Yes, young master. The carriage is ready for departure,”

“Great,” Cale said, “Father?”

“You’re free to go,” Deruth excused them, then glanced at Rok Soo, “Young Master Rok Soo, if your carriage isn’t ready then you can ride with the kids. Ron, you can drop him off as well, can’t you?”

“Of course,” 

Rok Soo didn’t like the way Ron was looking at him. He moved to decline but Elis spoke for him, “Count Deruth is very generous. Dongsaeng, you want to get back home quickly, correct?”

Rok Soo deflated, “...yes, hyung,”

“Mister Ron, please take good care of our dongsaeng,” Siwan smiled.

“I will, Lady Siwan,”

Rok Soo withheld a sigh before bowing to the Count and Countess and following the Henituse children, knights coming to surround them as they were led to the carriage by Ron. Cale places Lily down beside him, Basen sits across from her, and Rok Soo sits across from Cale. 

Ron smiles his scary smile at Rok Soo, “Young Master Rok Soo, you would not mind this servant dropping off the Lord’s Family first?”

Rok Soo had a feeling something bad was happening to him, however, he had no reason to refuse. So he simply nodded cooly, “That’s fine,”

The door closed and Cale looked at Rok Soo, “Why’d you stare at Ron like that?”

“My butler doesn’t smile,”

“Oh,”

The rest of the ride is silent, other than Lily’s bubbly chatter. Rok Soo watches as Basen entertains the sole Henituse daughter, glancing at Cale to see him ignoring what was going on beside him. His eyes were shut as he leaned back against his seat, one leg crossed over the other and arms crossed over his chest. His expression was apathetic as usual. A perfect mask. 

Rok Soo glanced at Basen, who stopped Lily from bumping into Cale or turning to ask him about whatever she wanted. It was clear that Basen had accepted this mask, that Cale was in a mood and that he clearly had no desire to truly go out today. Rok Soo wonders, not for the first time, what Cale gained by playing this game.

When they got to the Henituse Estate, Rok Soo nudged Cale with his foot, unafraid of the glare he got when Cale opened his eyes. An orange-haired servant comes to the carriage, opening the door and bowing in greeting. He assists the children out, stepping in to carry Lily out first. As Basen steps outside, Rok Soo says quietly, “Same place?”

Cale doesn’t look as he walks out, just a small nod of the head as an indication he had heard. The door closes after Rok Soo gives a small wave to little Lily, who was waving at him, “Bye-bye, Young Master Rok Soo!”

He spends the rest of the carriage ride in peaceful silence and happiness of getting to return home early.

This joy is shortly shattered when the carriage stops, despite being nowhere close to the Nyphan estate. 

‘What is this inimical feeling?’

The door opens and Rok Soo can do nothing but stare as Ron climbs inside with a benign smile and a polite apology. He then knocks twice on the wall and the carriage continues moving.

The two males stare at one another silent, one stoic and one with a terrifying smile.

“Young Master Rok Soo, this Ron has a small inquiry,”

“I see…”

“Yes, how does Young Master Rok Soo know Young Master Cale to speak at such familiar terms?”

‘This scary old man!!’

“Furthermore,”

‘There’s more?!’

“I was looking for a few rats and heard that you assisted my puppy young master with a little tussle,”

“Ha…”

Rok Soo crosses his arms staring at the old butler. He speaks firmly, “No regular butler would be able to track down four gangsters out of many,”

“The Young Master told me,”

“No, he didn’t. Cale wouldn’t tell you,”

Ron’s smile turns slightly sharp, “Ho?”

“Cale wouldn’t tell anyone about the alley, or me,” Rok Soo confidently says, hiding his fear of the assassin. Of course, the logical part of his mind reminds him that Ron can’t actually do anything to him without making it look like the Henituse Family ordered a hit on the young master of the Nyphan family.

“You’re quite a peculiar punk,” Ron says, pulling a dagger out of nowhere and casually wiping it.

Rok Soo stares at the dagger and then up at Ron, “You’re an assassin,”

Ron smiles, a bit of teeth showing.

Rok Soo smirks, adding after a moment, “And Cale doesn’t know,”

Ron speaks coldly, “My young master is quite a sensitive puppy. Naturally, as his butler, I must ensure his company does no harm,”

‘Hah! He doesn’t actually care about the little brat. If he did, he wouldn’t have traveled with the punk that beat Cale to near death without the respect of even a note!’

“You’re quite the butler,” Rok Soo says evenly, “However…I have no desire to harm that brat,”

He looked at Ron coldly for a moment, “I’m actually trying to help him,”

Ron thinks he’s been insulted.

‘This punk knows something about the puppy. Something I seem to be unaware of,’ Ron realizes after a thought, ‘But what could that possibly be?’

“I won’t tell Cale about this. Just like you won’t interfere,” Rok Soo tells him firmly, “You might not believe my words, but I really am trying to help Cale,”

‘That punk is too smart to just waste it away. Also, him knowing the future was never in the novel, so there’s something odd there’

Ron stays silent and the two stare at one another. 

Ron leans forward, pointing the dagger towards Rok Soo, “Answer one question,”

Rok Soo tilts his head to indicate he was listening.

“How long have you known Cale?”

‘Ho? Using his name is serious…it’s either a sign of disrespect or familiarity and care’

Rok Soo thinks about the question. He knows why Ron is asking. Just like how he knows Ron knows the answer already. 

He smiles as he sees his estate from the window. As the carriage stops, he tells Ron, “About a week,”

The dagger is hidden as Rok Soo opens the door rather than wait for a servant to do so. 

Ron watches it shut again as the Young Master walks into the estate, a male butler with glasses greeting him at the door. Rok Soo doesn’t look back before entering into the manor and Ron knocks twice to get the carriage moving back to the Henituse Estate.

‘That punk is strange. He’s got an aura of him and can fight well. He’s sharp too. Furthermore, Cale has been different the past week, the same time he’s known this punk. Just what is my puppy young master up to?’

Ron decided to inquire about this situation to Beacrox when he returned. He needed a second opinion, and his son was always the best option in these events.

~~~

“Old man!” 

Rok Soo sighed at the nickname Cale kept calling him. No matter how much Rok Soo tried to get him to stop, even going as far as offering Cale to simply use his name, the punk refused.

“Brat,” 

Cale, unlike Rok Soo, had gotten used to the elder calling him ‘punk’ or ‘brat’. Thus, he simply smiled, “Why are we at this alley instead of the tree?”

It had been a few months since the gallery and Rok Soo could admit to himself he’d gotten used to Cale at his side and their banters. Cale was, to be fair, quite a good student. Like any noble, his body was healthy, thus when Rok Soo had mentioned honing fighting skills, there wasn’t much training Cale needed prior to being in a good condition to learn. And the kid also had some prior fighting knowledge, most likely from all the gangsters. Of course, they worked on building some muscles to ease the process.

Furthermore, Cale had picked up Korean due to Rok Soo writing guides for him and Cale taking them with him to study privately. Plus, with the amount of time the two of the spent with each other, conversing became easier and easier for Cale to get the hang of as he was constantly practicing with the older noble. Rok Soo enjoyed having small conversations in his home language with the kid. Even if at the beginning, Cale was good at learning curse words that he had somehow gotten out of Rok Soo.

Anyway, they usually met up at the silver tree, however, when they wanted to do fighting, Rok Soo and Cale usually went to the Nyphan Estate where Rok Soo had a large empty studio he wasn’t quite sure what to make of yet. Furthermore, Rok Soo knew that the servants of the Nyphan Household were all extremely tightlipped. It’s why his adoptive father was able to die with a basically clean reputation. 

This sworn secrecy aided them both, as it provided enough privacy and space for Cale and Rok Soo to train. It also benefited Cale who was very obviously trying to keep up his trash act much to Rok Soo’s displeasure.

Today, however, they were in the alley they first met.

Rok Soo, with his time with Cale, had come to a realization. This kid was useful to his plans and Rok Soo had undoubtedly changed the future. Rumors of the streets had faded from Cale the Trash to the Young Master who hadn’t come to town that often anymore to drink. Little did they know Cale was simply with Rok Soo.

Thus, Rok Soo felt he had to be slightly honest with the punk.

“Cale,”

“Oh,” Cale’s demeanor shifted at his name, “Yes?”

Rok Soo smiled, this kid was smart and had answered in Korean.

“Let’s start the plan,”

“Plan?”

Rok Soo nodded, speaking slowly so Cale could understand the words and quietly that any old man couldn’t hear them, “There’s an organization. Its beginning to grow influence on the Western Continent. A bad organization”

Cale frowns, after he has a bit to process the words, “They’re the ones who attack,”

“Yes. Your dreams seem to be the future. I only have information up until a certain point of the future.”

“Okay, but we know this already. Why are you mentioning it again?”

Rok Soo looks at Cale firmly, “This organization has already done a few bad things and are planning more”

“Like?”

“They got their hands on a dragon’s egg and gave it to one of the noble houses of the Roan Kingdom. The house is trying to tame it by torture”

Cale inhaled sharply, thinking he’d understood wrong, “What? Did you say a…” his voice drops to a whisper, “… dragon ?”

“It’s true,” Rok Soo nodded, “It hatched and the being should be about one year old,”

 “One?!” Cale exclaimed, face paling. He paused for a moment, letting the horrifying fact sink into his bones. He imagined a one-year-old Lily or Basen being tortured for submission and recalled those young kids he’d see around the slums. He felt sick to his stomach. It may be a dragon, and Cale knows how majestic and powerful dragons are said to be, but a one-year-old dragon is still a child! Cale clenched his fists looking at Rok Soo with all the authority of an heir, “We have to save the little kid!!”

‘Indeed. Especially if want to avoid it going crazy and causing problems in the future’

Rok Soo nodded softly, “We have until the dragon is four to save him,”

Cale frowned at once, disliking the information, “We’re not saving him right away?”

“We don’t have the strength with just you and me,” Rok Soo shook his head, “We need allies and enough strength to successfully avoid detection and save it,”

Cale looked a bit unsettled, and Rok Soo wasn’t too keen on leaving the Dragon alone either, but he knew that realistically, the two of them couldn’t do much. Furthermore, they needed an excuse to go into the Tolz territory. 

“You said you were trying something,” Rok Soo changed the topic, “How’s it coming?”

“It’s steady,” Cale said vaguely, before looking at Rok Soo, “I’ll be out tonight drinking tonight,”

“What?”

“The rumors are failing,”

“....so?”

“They can't’ fail yet,”

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

“I know what I’m doing,” Cale assured him, yet offered no explanation.

Rok Soo sighed, “This punk…fine,”

Cale smiles. Rok Soo begins down the alley, leading Cale into a carriage waiting to take them to Nyphan Estate. It's only after they’re in the privacy of the cabin does Cale speak again.

“Old man,”

“What?”

“There’s something that’s been on my mind,”

‘Hm?’

Rok Soo waits for Cale to speak. 

“How did you know that the man-eating tree turned silver before anyone else?”

‘This smart brat!’

Rok Soo sighed. He then summoned up a small silver shield. Cale’s eyes widened, “An Ancient Power?”

“Ho?” Rok Soo was surprised Cale realized what it was right away, “Most people won’t realize what it is right away,”

Cale looked at Rok Soo when the shield was gone. He seemed to be hesitating, before deciding to speak, “My Mother had an ancient power,”

Rok Soo blinked.

“Your Mother…?”

Seeing Rok Soo’s expression, Cale clarifies, looking at the window through the gap in the curtain, “My biological mother. She told me once that she had an ancient power,”

‘Former Countess Jour had an ancient power?’

“What did it do?”

“It was related to time,” Cale recalled, eyebrows furrowing slightly as he thought back, “Hm…my mother described them as the rings on a tree. She could see a person’s rings from birth to death,”

Rok Soo mumbled, “How unique,”

“Mhm,” Cale smiled slightly, “That’s how I recognized it. I’m quite aware of them,”

“How interesting,” Rok Soo smiled.

The carriage stopped and Balint greeted the two like he usually did. He informed Rok Soo as they entered, “Lord Elis is at a meeting and Lady Siwan will be lecturing at one of the studios,”

“I see, thank you for informing me,” Rok Soo nodded, “Please bring some tea and snacks to the library. Oh and tell the others not to bother us,”

Cale made an inquiring sound but followed Rok Soo without much protest. Rok Soo led Cale into the library and told him to sit down in one of the cushioned chairs while he went to gather some books. 

As a family with a long lineage, there were a lot of history books in this library. Rok Soo had found the ones that focused on things other than specific art history and brought them to Cale, “They’re history books. History of the continent and Roan Kingdom,”

“Boring,”

“Yes, but we need them,”

“Why?”

“I plan to collect more Ancient Powers”

“...I think I heard wrong,”

“I plan to collect more Ancient Powers”

“I heard correctly the first time, ha…” Cale sighed, “Old man, you’re a little crazy,”

Rok Soo looked at Cale, “We’re getting you some too, weak punk,”

Cale blankly looked up.

The door opened and Balint placed a tray of sweet tea and cookies down on the table between Cale and Rok Soo. With a bow, he excused himself. When the door shut, Cale silently grabbed a cookie.

The crunching sound echoed.

Rok Soo repeated, “You need to be able to protect yourself well. In this war, you need a certain level of strength to survive”

“I heard you the first time,” Cale mumbled, “But why do I need it? It makes more sense if I gave it to Basen or Lily. You’re already teaching me to fight,”

“I’m not saying you have to use it,” Rok Soo says, “But, Cale, you neither practice sword nor can use mana. Teaching you hand-to-hand combat is a good start, but it’s not going to help you survive forever,”

“A lot of people around me can’t use a sword or mana,”

‘A lot of people around you are very strong, you oblivious brat!’

“They’re not dreaming of the future or quietly building strength to protect the territory”

Rok Soo then looked at Cale oddly, “How come you’re against this? Most people would like it,”

“I don’t mind having one if it helps me,” Cale admits, he was slightly intrigued by the thought of having an ancient power, “I just need to think about what it implies and how it’ll affect my plans,”

“What plans? Your plan to be trash?”

“You’re really smart sometimes, old man,”

Rok Soo threw a book at Cale, who, curse him, caught it. Cale simply smiled, and opened the book, munching on another cookie. 

Sigh.

‘This punk…’

Chapter Text

Cale looked down at the papers in his hand, reading the contents with a small smile. He muttered, “Ho…this is better than I thought,”

Ron watched curiously from where he stood. Cale was sitting in a way that Ron couldn’t see what was written; his young master had been getting a few of these large sealed letters for some time now. Ron could not look at the documents either as Cale seemed to have gotten his hands on a magic box that required his blood to open, thus preventing any unwanted snooping. 

Usually, Ron wouldn't be too worried, but ever since Cale ran into Rok Soo, his puppy young master seemed to be very busy. The servants around the estate that used to just run to avoid their young master’s temper were more responsive to Cale. Of course, Ron knew it was to satisfy their curiosity and fill gossip.

The Henituse Family also seemed closer, though Ron knew it was mostly just Basen and Lily who would find their big brother for random things. Violan and Cale didn't really talk still, but they were holding eye contact and Violan occasionally asked Cale about his day. Cale’s relationship with his father was much the same, to Ron’s disappointment with the Count.

‘He’s different and still the same. He still drinks and causes a ruckus, but it's not daily anymore. He still is distant or trying to keep distant, but this young puppy is too fond of his siblings to deny them of anything,’

“Ron,”

“Yes, young master,”

“I asked you to prepare me a carriage earlier, right?”

“You did,”

“Great. I'm going to town!”

Cale sat up, placing the papers back into the envelope. He then carried the envelope as he walked towards the door, Ron holding it open. The butler followed behind the redhead, asking politely, “Young Master, may I inquire where you're heading?”

”I’m just going to a shop recommended by a friend. He told me that he had put a book on hold for me and I want to go get it,” Cale explained.

Cale had very few people who could be called friends. The only one that he remained in contact with during his drinking phase was Eric Wheelsman, but they didn't correspond often. Thus, Ron was able to narrow it down to Rok Soo Nyphan.

“Young Master, you're very close to Young Master Rok Soo,”

Cale looked at Ron, not too surprised he had figured it out. He smiled with a shrug, “He piqued my interest,”

Cale then added after a moment, “I quite like him,”

Ron’s smile widened, “This Ron is very happy you have found a good friend,”

‘Young Master, are you even aware of that punk’s capabilities?’

Cale’s expression changed to the word friend . He was silent, thinking it over, before a comforting warmth entered his chest. 

“I guess I did find a good friend,” Cale spoke softly with a slightly innocent expression that made the nearby servants cover their mouths to avoid gasping in shock.

Yes, they were friends.

Cale had a friend who, despite looking a bit cold, did care about him . Someone who truly looked at him.  Someone who wished him well.

‘Before meeting him, I don't think I’d have remembered what it felt like to have someone help me up after falling’

Ron didn't count in Cale’s mind.

Deep down, Cale saw Ron as a father more than Deruth sometimes–especially during that year–but he knew that he was Ron’s job. Ron had a very good son, a capable son who was not useless trash like himself.

“Young Master, should I join you?”

“Huh?” 

Cale looked at Ron, pausing as he was about to step into the carriage, “You never come with me?”

Ron just smiles at him. 

“...just stay here. I won't be out too long today,” Cale says, “Oh, also, please do this for me,”

He pulls out a slip of paper and hands it to Ron. As the butler takes it, Cale whispers, “It's another private task,”

Ron nods, “I understand,”

“Great, thanks!” Cale smiled and walked to the driver to tell him the destination, missing Ron’s slight flinch.

Once that carriage coach nods, Cale gets inside and Ron closes the door. Leaning his head on the door, Cale thinks about the project he was working on. It was based on Cale’s favorite character in a novel, at least the idea was inspired from there.

Oddly enough, Cale liked the antagonist. The protagonist was a bit boring and cliche, but the author wrote a few bits from the antagonist's view. Those were the most interesting.

‘Hyung said it was an organization that had a lot of influence. Doesn't it make sense we should have our own influence network?’

As a noble, he already had a wide range of information. With the wealth of his family, he knew it was not much of a problem to get information either. 

‘However, for the sake of everyone’s safety, I need information of my own that the family or anyone else can’t know,’ Cale nodded to himself, ‘I need subordinates who will perform tasks without questioning it’

He hadn't told Rok Soo yet, but Cale’s dreams had become odder and odder. When before it was just terrible scenes of death, he was seeing other things too. They were fuzzy and Cale didn't remember what some were about, but he knew that they were memories relating to his Mother.

He dreamed of her warmth since he’d lost it, but these dreams were different. He felt as if he had done something big. And his Mother was somehow related to it.

“Young Master, we’ve arrived,”

Cale blinked into focus and opened the door. He stepped out of the carriage, looking up at the tea shop.

[The Fragrance of Tea with Poetry]

‘A shop run by the bastard son of the Flynn Merchant Guild Head’

“Shall I w-”

“Obviously,” Cale cut off the usual question.

“Understood,” 

Cale walked inside, opening the door and listening to the bell above him ring. Due to the weather beginning to grow colder, there were a couple of people inside. They all were staring at him, silent.

Cale ignored them, walking towards the pudgy man dressed in good quality clothes. 

“Welcome, Young Master Cale!”

“Firstly,” Cale doesn't greet back, “I’ll be staying on the third floor. Keep anyone else out til I leave,”

Cale throws a gold coin on the counter as he speaks, “Secondly,”

“Bring me a cup of sweet tea and a book. I believe I have one in hold,”

There’s the sound of a cup being harshly placed down. Cale almost wants to laugh at their reactions.

Billios stared at the gold coin for a second before looking back at Cale. He was getting an odd sense that he had experienced something like this before. 

“It's too much Young Master,”

“You seem to be underestimating the wealth of a Henituse,”

“Not at all! It's just what Young Master had requested is a far smaller price,”

Cale just gave Billios a bored look before turning and walking up the stairs.

‘They're similar,’ Billios thought, looking at the redhead. 

He glanced below on the shelf where a few books were told to be held by one young master for another. Billios thought nothing of it back then, he thought it was just a respectful thing since the two families were acquaintances after the gallery opening. Now though, he thinks there might be more to it.

Billios gathers the book and places it aside before beginning to brew the tea. He made the same tea Rok Soo had last time. It took a few minutes, but Billios was soon walking up to the third floor with a tray. 

He wasn't too surprised to find Cale at the window seat. What he was surprised to find was Cale writing something in a small notebook. It was small enough to fit inside a coat pocket. His face looked very focused, but as Billios neared, the book was closed before Billios could even catch a glimpse of the ink. 

Not that he let his disappointment show.

He placed the book and cup of tea down, “Here you are Young Master,”

“Oh that was fast,” Cale blinked, “You're quite capable,”

“Thank you, Young Master,” Billios smiled, but his intuition was telling him something was off. To be complemented by the ill-tempered trash of the Northeast? Yes, Billios was sure something was going on.

“Hm…” Cale looked at Billios, who was waiting for a dismissal. 

However, Cale had other plans. He took a sip of the tea, smiling at the sweetness of it. He then looked at Billios, “A merchant running a tea shop by himself and no other workers…” 

Billios watched curiously.

Cale tilted his head in a cocky manner, “Isn't that a bit odd?”

“I have no need for co-workers,” Billios responded politely with his warm smile.

“No need or you don't want strangers around?”Cale challenged with his own innocent smile.

Billios smiled slightly wider. He then sat across from Cale, an action that made Cale raise an eyebrow, lips curling slightly in curiosity. To sit across from someone of his standing without invitation was against etiquette and class. To disregard social standings against him was risking his temper. However, Cale said nothing to the gesture that would be interpreted as rude. 

“Young Master, you're a little different from the rumors,”

“Which rumors?” Cale analyzed the peasant that was speaking and acting with him so casually, “Trash?”

“Yes, exactly those. They say you're the trashiest,”

“Ho,” Cale was intrigued, “You're rather bold. It’s been sometime since a commoner spoke and acted with me so confidently”

“A merchant needs to be bold, Young Master-nim,”

Cale took another sip of the tea.

He leaned closer, his red eyes pinning Billios down, “Billios Flynn; a man who can't call his father, Father or his brother, Brother. Thrown aside by the Flynns, yet they ask you to handle  menial tasks”

Billios’s gaze seemed to sharpen. He had picked at Cale’s weak point, now this teenager was returning the favor.

Cale looked at Billios up and down, muttering, “Tell me…are you worth my investment?”

The aura around the young master is dominating. The only reason Billios didn't gasp was because the face was undeniably that of a kid. 

Billios smiles.

“If the Young Master has taken time out of his day to visit me, he must have an idea on my value,”

Cale grins like a cat, red eyes glinting sharply, “Indeed, I do have an estimate…however….” 

Billios leans across the table.

“I prefer solid proof. Rumors and half-assed descriptions can be so misleading,”

“Quite so, young master,”

“Hm,” Cale smiles, leaning away. His arms cross over his chest, chin tilting upwards, “Then, Billios. Just how good of a merchant are you?”

“A reliable one,”

“Don’t humble yourself,”

“Ha!” Billios grinned, “If I had the chance, I think I’d be able to be quite high in this Flynn Guild,”

Cale smiled wider, ‘Perfect,’

“So then, you can keep secrets?”

“Every good merchant must,”

“Great,” Cale finished his cup, “You, Mr. Flynn, are going to be a very key player in my investment,”

“Young Master, you’ve not explained this investment,”

Cale says nothing and just continues to speak, “Naturally, this is an extremely private contract that will have no record of ever occurring now or, should I find you useful, in the future,”

Billios’s eyes gleamed with the shine, his heart pounding. As a merchant, he had developed a keen sense of dissecting speech to know a good deal from a bad one. This heir in front of him, Billios was very interested, “I’m very intrigued by your offer, Young Master Cale,”

“You should be, you have the opportunity to become quite the figure in my project,”

“I’m even more honored!”

Billios then paused before asking, “But, what is your project?”

Cale smiled, “Oh, it’s just a couple strings. That’s all,”

“Strings?” 

Billios thought for a moment, “…young master could you be forming a net?”

“It also goes without saying that I should find out that you’re a little weasel that found itself a part of my web…” Cale’s eyes changed, the red seeming to grow darker and the innocence dissolving into something sharp and calculated. He looked all the part of a young man who knew his position and how to use it to his advantage. Where once was a gentle smile, Billios was faced- no, he was pinned to his chair by a completely apathetic expression, “I’ll have you humiliated and hung like a carcass for crows to eat,”

Billios’s expression widened into surprise at the vicious threat. 

“Your life, should it prove itself, will be mine to manage,” 

Billios nods slowly, letting the situation wash over him. 

It’s an imposing sentence, but years of learning to find the double meaning in a persons words lets Billios hear more than a powerplay. This is more than giving his life to Cale Henituse.  

It’s an oath.

‘ I will protect it’

‘I will care for it’

He stands up and bows deeply, a smile slowly crawling back onto his face, “Young Master-nim, my life is yours shall I prove its usefulness,”

Cale stares coldly at the top of Billios’s head. After letting the silence hang, he says, “Hm, I will take your words as I would a man two beers in,”

Billios glances up and locks eye contact with Cale. The bastard-son grins at Cale’s next words, “Shall we test your validity?”

The two neglected sons formed a deal that day. And Cale Henituse’s fate began to be rewritten in a completely new way.

~~~

“Huh?”

Rok Soo stared at the redhead in front of him.

“Old man,” Cale frowned, “Are you short of hearing?”

Rok Soo shook his head, reaching up and massaging his temples, “No no, what did you just say?”

“I want to learn how to use a weapon?”

“Ha…” Rok Soo blinked, ‘Can I even trust what I know anymore?’

“You…okay,” Rok Soo lamented, “But I don’t know how to use any weapon…” 

He paused.

 “Hm…I can work my way around a dagger. Or a sword to a very vague degree…”

Rok Soo shook his head, focusing on the matter with Cale. He looks down at the younger, speaking firmly, “Do you have an idea of a weapon you want?”

Cale blinked, “Well…I’d prefer having a few options…”

Rok Soo grimaced. Frankly, Rok Soo had no desire to participate in this weapon training. Hand-to-hand combat was just to help Cale, nothing more. If he hadn’t agreed to teach Cale, he wouldn’t be doing any training at all. 

“...well,” Rok Soo sighed, “If you’re going to learn a weapon you haven’t decided on, then just test them all out,”

“You said you didn’t know how to use weapons?”

“Correct, so I won’t train you. You can learn by a proper instructor,” Rok Soo was unbothered, “As a noble, you should have the option,”

“No,” 

“Excuse me?”

“I don’t want anyone to know,”

…

“Huh?”

“You’re the only person who teaches me and keeps it hidden. You’re the only person who knows I don’t get drunk as easily as I make it seem, but you haven’t told anyone,” Cale states.

The 15-year-old looks down, “There’s no one else around me to keep something like this a secret,”

“...no one?”

“Everyone reports to Father. Or will gossip,” Cale looks resentful, “Mother, Basen, and Lily are, obviously, out of question,”

Rok Soo looks at Cale silently. 

He asks, slowly, “What about that butler of yours?”

“Ron? I can give Ron tasks that I want others unaware about, but thats because its normal for noble children to seek personal information out of the radar of the lord,” Cale frowns deeply, “Plus, Ron’s only the butler my Mother assigned for me when I was born,”

“Ha…”

Rok Soo felt a headache coming. 

“That scary old man’s only a butler?” Rok Soo spoke aloud, “You can’t be serious,”

“What nonsense are you on about now?” Cale looked genuinely confused, “What else would Ron be then?”

‘An assassin, you stupid brat!’

“I think you should ask Ron,” Rok Soo told Cale firmly.

“Why would-”

“Cale,” Rok Soo interrupted, “Ask Ron tonight, to train you. Then, tomorrow, come to the Nyphan Estate with Ron,”

“...you’re weird, old man, but I’ll listen because I want to see what you’re planning,”

Rok Soo just shakes his head.

Truly, he can only pray that Ron doesn’t kill him for the revealing of his identity to Cale. Not that Rok Soo thinks Cale would mind. If anything, he thinks having Ron as an assassin would only benefit whatever secrecy Cale works with.

‘...Hm, I guess I can use this to find out how Ron truly feels about Cale tomorrow. If he truly cares or not. Depending on the answer, my plans may change,’

“Oh, also,” Cale’s voice made him look back, “I’ll be gone for a couple days,”

“Why?”

Cale shrugged, “There’s some noble gathering at the palace. It happens every year. Father and Mother usually go together, but Mother said I should go this time,”

“The Countess asked you to go?”

“Mhm,”

“...I suppose, you are of age to start attending gatherings as the heir,” 

Cale looked away at the word ‘heir’ and nodded slowly, “Mhm, as eldest son, I have to go apparently ,”

“Why didn’t you go in earlier years though?” Rok Soo asked, taking the chance to gouge more information on why Cale had been acting for years.

‘In the novel, Basen had been acting as heir for a few years. That means Cale was probably pushed out of the successor position officially this or early next year. And he’s younger than Cale by 3 years,’

Cale paused for a moment, “I did. I went to Northeastern Gatherings. Father never sent me to the capital or to anything with the other fanctions,”

“Oh,” Rok Soo’s mind began to work, “So, you’ll be seeing the Royal Family?”

“...ugh,” Cale sighed, “Shit, if those blondes are around then I definitely can’t cause a ruckus,”

‘This punk–?!’

“You were planning to drink?!”

“Obviously,”

“This dumb brat–” Rok Soo doesn’t get this kid in the slightest, “Isn’t causing chaos when drunk in Rain City enough? Can’t you just…be rude or something else?”

“Naturally,” Cale grinned, “I was going to do that. I’ll have to avoid the Crossmans though,”

‘Yes, yes, if that crown prince talks to Cale, this oblivious punk will probably end up in some trouble that I’ll be dragged into. I must avoid anymore trouble’

“Yes, you should absolutely avoid the Royal Family,” Rok Soo agreed, receiving an odd look from Cale. 

He ignored it and continued, “Especially the Crown Prince. He’s got a glib tongue,”

“A glib tongue?” Cale chuckled at this hyung’s boldness, “There’s nothing to my name but trash, what can the Crown Prince glib about?”

“Who knows, but it’s his speciality,” Rok Soo was serious, “So, don’t get involved,”

“Eh? Old man you sound worried right now,” Cale teased.

“If you get caught in a situation, I get caught in a situation,” Rok Soo looked at Cale blankly.

‘I’m not worried you dumb punk, I just don’t want to clean up your mess,’

“If you get involved, I will get involved. I have no desire to be close to the Crown Prince, or any Prince. Nor deal with any trouble,”

“...is this about the slacker life thing?”

“Good, you’re learning,”

“Old man, you’re making a plan to stop a war and defend the county ,”

“Yes, so I can be lazy in a peaceful land without worrying about anything. My slacker life will be in danger,”

“...I see,”

‘This hyung does realize that his words make it sound like he wants a peaceful world before his own peaceful life, right?’

Cale decided to ignore this and asked Rok Soo, “How do you know so much about the Crown Prince?”

“Isn’t this information anyone can find out?”

“I suppose so,”

“Then, what’s to ask about?”

“I didn’t realize you had information on them, that’s all,”

Rok Soo didn’t respond, “When do you leave?”

“Next Wednesday,”

“So, almost a week from now…” Rok Soo thought, “Then, you must definitely bring Ron tomorrow and talk tonight,”

“What does that have to do with me going to the capital?”

“You’ll understand tomorrow,”

“Old man, you should explain things,”

“I did?”

“Aigoo…” Cale sighed, “This old man is really troublesome,”

“You punk, I can hear you,”

“Good,”

Rok Soo sent a hand to whack the redhead from behind, only for the younger to dodge it, thus sending the two of them into a spar until they needed to leave.

~~~

Cale stared at Ron’s back as the butler led him back towards his chambers after dinner. Rok Soo’s words were spinning in Cale’s head, and no matter how long Cale thought about it, he didn’t understand the point. 

As a butler for the Henituse, Cale knows that Ron has some level of martial arts. Furthermore, as the private butler to Cale assigned by the former Countess, he knows Ron has a high level of martial arts. But weapons training? Cale doesn’t see why Ron would do something like that. Especially for someone like him.

‘It would make more sense if it was Beacrox. As a chef, I guess Beacrox would know his way around blades’

“Young Master, is something bothering you?”

Cale realizes they’d entered his room already. Cale looked at Ron, who was staring at him with the usual smile. Cale blinked slowly, releasing a tired sigh.

“Ron…do you report everything I do to Father?”

“I report if you’re leaving the estate, have woken up for meals, returned for meals, basic things Young Master,” Ron informs dutifully, “I haven’t informed him of where you go or the letters you’ve been receiving, nor described your actions,”

Cale crosses his arms, “So, if I ask you something that I want absolutely no one to even have a hint of, you’d do it?”

“I am your personal attendant, Young Master,” Ron bowed slightly, “Since I was assigned to you, you were my sole charge. The Count comes second,”

Ron also thought, ‘Your Mother made that clear when she entrusted this job to me. Plus, the Count has people checking on you throughout the day’

Cale’s eyes widened.

“Oh,”

Cale smiled slightly, shoulder relaxing slightly. He looked down, “I didn’t know that…”

Ron observed his puppy young master carefully. He asked after a moment, “Young Master, is there a request for me?”

“...I want to learn a weapon,” Cale began.

Ron flinched just before Cale met his eyes again, “I’m not sure what weapon yet, so Young Master Rok Soo told me to try all of them and find what I like,”

“A reasonable piece of advice,”

‘That black-haired punk– just what is he doing?’

“But you see, he doesn’t know how to use many weapons so he can’t teach me like he taught me hand-to-hand combat,” Cale explained, sitting down on the edge of the bed, “He told me to get an instructor, but I don’t want anyone to know. It has to be a secret,”

Ron thinks he knows where this is going and his smile stiffened.

Cale frowned, “He told me to ask you then. And to bring you to the Nyphan Estate with me tomorrow,”

“...I see,”

“Mhm,” Cale nodded slowly. He looked at Ron, with a slight tilt of the head, “Ron, can you use weapons?”

Ron smiled tightly, “I suppose so, Young Master,”

He then added immediately, “I will gladly accompany you tomorrow, Young Master,”

Cale stared at the old man smiling at him.

‘Why does Ron seem a bit scary right now?’

“Shall I run a bath for you, Young Master?”

“S-sure,” Cale nodded, eyebrows pinching together at the abrupt switch.

Cale watched as Ron wandered into the bathroom. Cale was beginning to think that something big was going on. Rok Soo clearly knew something about Ron that Cale didn’t know (in the same way, Rok Soo knew something about Cale that Ron didn’t know).

Cale decided to worry later, shaking his head clear. 

The rest of the night performed like usual until Cale went to bed. Ron opened the door and stood outside until he was certain Cale would sleep. Then, with long strides, Ron made his way to kitchen #2.

Two knocks and Ron heard a firm voice letting him in. Ron walked in to find his son, Beacrox, sharpening knives. 

The 27-year-old Molan looks up, greeting stoically, “Father,”

Ron smiles in greeting, closing the door behind him. Beacrox moves to the side of the room, placing two plates of food down, while Ron dragged two stools up to the center island. The father and son sat down and began to eat.

Ron broke the silence with a topic the two had been discussing rather avidly, “Do you recall the young master of the Nyphan household?”

“The one who knows,” 

“Yes, him,” Ron nodded, smiling sharply, “It seems the puppy young master is closer to that punk than I thought,”

Beacrox raised a small eyebrow, “What do you mean?”

“Cale wants to learn to wield a weapon,” 

“Ho?” 

Beacrox was in disbelief. He’d known Cale for the past 15 years and the only time Beacrox saw the redhead interested in any sort of weaponry was when the former Countess was still alive. 

Beacrox remembers the overwhelming bubbliness Cale used to have. It was something that seemed to dwindle when Jour died, and then when the Count remarried, Cale had seemed like a different punk altogether.

Beacrox wouldn’t say he cared too much; but he also couldn’t say he didn’t completely. 

As Ron was Cale’s personal attendant, it was natural for Beacrox to interact with him numerous times. Beacrox was older than Cale by 12 years, that’s why Jour would always laugh and joke around that Beacrox was somewhat Cale’s older brother. 

Beacrox would be lying if he wasn’t fond of the kid before. But after Jour’s death, Beacrox hadn’t seen Cale as much, especially as Beacrox had begun to portray talent for cooking, thus leading him to get busier and busier until he became the second chef of the Henituse household. 

Beacrox also saw how Cale’s change sent words and curses towards his Father, where they were once just small giggles and childish antics. When once Cale used to sneak into Beacrox’s kitchen for sweets the Molan had made, Cale never stepped close to the kitchen and instead grumbled about every dish.

That was why Beacrox had simply stopped thinking of it and their relationship became simply of the charge and chef. Nothing more, nothing less. Beacrox knew his Father cared to some degree, but he also knew his Father couldn’t do anything about Cale. 

That was until a few months ago when Cale seemed to change all over again.

Beacrox saw his Father come to him with suspicion in his gaze, speaking of how Cale returned earlier and even had a meal with the other Henituses, talking with Deruth and Violan, walking Basen back to his room, and excusing Ron for the night to rest. Beacrox had frowned as well, displeasure furthering when his Father informed him of the rats he had caught and the information about a young wealthy man with black hair–who they both easily narrowed down to as Rok Soo Nyphan, black hair was extremely uncommon after all–helping Cale out with a fight. A fight that Cale had obviously been injured from, yet he lied to Ron anyway.

Beacrox couldn’t help but find it curious and followed Cale the next day. He watched from afar as Cale met up with a young man fitting the description of the night before at a silver tree near the slums. He watched curiously as the two barely conversed and simply read. Beacrox watched as they finally did talk, a serious conversation it seemed for a moment.

Then there was that laugh. Cale’s old bubbly laugh.

Beacrox hadn’t seen this part of Cale for seven years . For a stranger to be able to bring Cale back to who he had once been…it was suspicious and worrying. 

Beacrox’s dislike grew further when Ron informed him of the conversation he had in the carriage with Rok Soo.

“He’s learning sword again?”

“He said he doesn’t know what weapon and that he’s going to try them all,” Ron looked amused slightly, “Furthermore, he said he didn’t want anyone to know of the request so he wasn’t getting a proper instructor,”

“Young Master Rok Soo is teaching him?”

“Apparently, Young Master Rok Soo has taught the puppy hand-to-hand combat, but can’t teach him weaponry,” 

“...Cale knows how to fight?”

“Apparently,” Ron nodded, and then hardened his gaze, “Young Master Rok Soo told the puppy to ask me to teach him weaponry,”

“Ha!” Beacrox sat up straighter, “Isn’t that selling us out?”

“We’ll find out tomorrow, when I go to Nyphan Estate with Young Master Cale,”

“Father!”

“I’m certain I can handle it,” Ron assured, “Plus, perhaps if Cale is aware of the extent of my skills, I’ll be able to find out what this Rok Soo punk has got roped him into,”

Beacrox frowned in disapproval, “What’s stopping Cale from doing the opposite?”

“Hm…I don’t think he’s like that,” Ron shook his head, “He seems more…happy,”

“Normal, you mean,”

“He seems like Cale Henituse,”

“Like Cale Henituse?”

“Like the little puppy he was before Madam Jour passed,”

Beacrox looked uncertain, placing another bite of meat in his mouth.  Afterall, that boy seemed as good as dead.

Ron smiled at his son, “You want to meet him,”

“Incorrect,”

“Ho? Aren’t you thinking about the little weasel that snuck into your kitchen every other night?”

“Complete blasphemy,”

Ron just smiled, watching his son get up to get some wine for them and avoid further conversation.

~~~

The next day, Ron and Cale arrived at the Nyphan Estate past noon. 

When they got inside, Balint led them to Rok Soo’s studio, knocking twice, “Young Master, Young Master Cale and his butler have arrived,”

“Send them in,” Rok Soo’s voice echoed from inside.

Balint opened the door and bowed, Cale walking in with ease while Ron silently followed. Rok Soo looked up from where he sat near the window, waving his hand and sending Balint away. The door clicked shut and Rok Soo stood up, Cale happily bouncing over to snatch the cookie in Rok Soo’s hand.

Rok Soo frowned at once, “Punk, there’s a plate right there,”

‘Ho…’ Ron thought.

Crunch .

Cale bit the cookie without breaking eye contact.

Rok Soo’s eyebrow twitched, “Look at this brat…”

“I brought Ron,” Cale smiled, succeeding in pissing Rok Soo off.

‘They’re extremely close’ Ron realized, ‘Close enough that this puppy of mine didn’t even flinch at the disrespectful tone,’

“You did,” Rok Soo turned to Ron, the two holding eye contact.

Rok Soo immediately shivered when Ron smiled at him, greeting politely, “Young Master Rok Soo, I was a little surprised,”

‘This scary old man is planning to kill me!!!’

“Well, you know why I asked, don’t you?” Rok Soo’s face was still blank.

“I have a suspicion,”

“Then you know what Cale wants,”

“Yes, weaponry training in secret,”

“Obviously, you would make the best choice,”

“Whatever could you mean, Young Master Rok Soo?”

“Ha!”

Cale looked back and forth as he ate the cookies.

He spoke up, “What is going on?”

Rok Soo ignored Cale, “Cale said you were assigned to him by Former Countess Jour,”

Ron’s eyes flickered to Cale, who just barely managed to suppress a flinch at his mother’s name. Ron’s smile sharpened, “Correct,”

“Naturally then, she, maybe even Count Deruth, must’ve found out then,” Rok Soo inferred, “They just didn’t care as long as you took care of Cale,”

Ron said nothing, simply smiling benignly.

Rok Soo shook his head, “Cale,”

“O-oh, yeah?”

“Do you know the full extent of Ron’s capabilities?”

Cale looked at Ron.

Ron’s smile had grown extremely sharp. Yet he still managed to look at Rok Soo with a very cold expression, “Young Master Rok Soo, I believe you’re crossing a line,”

“That may be,” Rok Soo admitted, with a slightly apologetic tone, “But Cale needs an instructor. And you’re the best fit for his criterias. But in order for this to work, Cale needs to know what he’s getting himself into and the style of weaponry he’d be learning,”

“Stop,” Cale stood up finally, “What’s going on? What the hell do I not know?”

Rok Soo looked at Ron, who stared back. The noble said after a moment, “I would not do this unless I truly felt it the best course of action. I think, even you can attest this claim,”

With a deep sigh, Ron conceded, “Young Master Cale, it seems I will need you to keep a secret of my own,”

“Huh?”

“Cale,” Rok Soo said.

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t! I’m just confused,” Cale defended himself.

Rok Soo stepped behind Cale as Ron stepped forward. The butler bowed and then introduced, “My name is Ron Molan, former patriarch of the fifth generation of the Molan Household. One of the five assassin households that ruled the Eastern Continents underworld,”

Cale stared blankly for a moment.

‘Patriarch? Eastern Continent? No, an assassin household? Ron’s an assassin?’

“...huh?”

Cale suddenly thought for a moment.

Ron had always been very good at finding him at the right moments. He’d also been quick enough to catch Cale when he tried to run away from doing things. Furthermore, Ron always seemed to know when Cale wasn’t in his room or had snuck out. Ron was also stronger than he looked; strong enough to carry a teenage Cale on his 57-year-old back.

“Oooooooh,” Cale suddenly muttered, breaking the silence, unaware that two pairs of eyes were observing his reaction. His eyes narrowed mumbling, “That makes so much more sense,”

For some odd reason, he did not feel shocked.

“Hah…”Rok Soo gasped, ‘This crazy kid…’

Ron didn’t really expect anything, but whatever he could’ve thought of was not this. Not in the slightest. He speaks, “Young Master?”

“Ron,” Cale looked at his butler, expression deep in thought, “You’re an assassin. That means you’ve killed people,”

“Yes, young master,” 

“You said you’re from the Eastern Continent,” Cale’s mind, while not overly shocked, was trying to figure out what Ron was doing playing as a butler. If Ron was an assassin, this 15-year-old could only think of one reason, “What are you doing playing butler at the Henituse Estate in the Western Continent?”

Ron smiled sharply, “Hiding,”

“Hiding?” Cale repeated. He paused, thinking his words over in his head before asking bluntly, “Have you killed people while hiding ?”

Ron hummed, “Very few. Mostly, though, my skillset has been put to use in chasing after some rascals,”

“You said you’re a patriarch of an assassin household,” Cale frowned deeper. Something wasn’t adding up. If Ron was an assassin in hiding, that means he had a target. But Cale doubted it was anyone in the Henituse Estate or Family because Ron could’ve killed them already, “What could you be hiding for?”

There was one person it could be, but Cale shut down the theory before it could even arise. Ron would be gone if his target was gone.

“Former patriarch,” Ron corrected, “The Molan Household fell when Beacrox was young,”

“Fell?” Rok Soo and Cale repeated.

“Yes, Young Masters,” Ron nodded and informed calmly, “There was an organization named Arm in the Eastern Continent that went around and began to exterminate the assassin households. They succeeded and currently dominate the underworld there. Anyone who escaped the massacres are in hiding,”

Cale stared at Ron, absorbing the information. Perhaps it wouldn’t be obvious to anyone else, but Cale had been raised by Ron. He’s known Ron since he was born. That’s why he could sense the pain and resentment in Ron as he retold of the tragedy his family had suffered from.

Cale looked at Rok Soo, “You only knew Ron was an assassin undercover,”

“Yeah, I didn’t know this,” Rok Soo confirmed.

Cale thought of someone, turning back to Ron, “Everyone who survived, then...Beacrox is also…”

“Beacrox wields a greatsword,” Ron said.

He then added, “Beacrox is also a torture specialist,”

“Hah?!” Cale seemed more shocked at this than Ron being an assassin, “Beacrox? Beacrox who’s obsessed with cleanliness and had a plate of sweets set out for me every night? He’s a torture specialist?”

Ron seemed amused by the puppy’s reaction.

Cale blinked and looked at Rok Soo, stepping back, “Are you weirdly strong too?”

“No, I’m very weak,”

Rok Soo motioned to Ron, “Now you know why I told you to ask Ron?”

“H-huh? Oh, yes!” Cale’s eyes abruptly brightened and turned to Ron, “Ron’s a perfect fit!”

‘Ho?’

Ron smiled, “Young Master, do you still wish to learn weapons from me?”

“Obviously,” 

Cale also thought with glee, ‘ if Ron and Beacrox are both assassins, then they would also be very good players to have in the net. I’ll scope out Beacrox tonight,’

“You’ll learn assassin methods,” Ron reminded.

“I don’t mind,”Cale shook his head, “Honestly speaking, it might be better for me than a more obvious way,”

‘This puppy has really changed,’

“Then, you’re settled, right?” Rok Soo asked.

“Yes,”

“Great,” Rok Soo smiled, “Why don’t you go get some books for us to laze around with?”

Cale knows he’s being kicked out for a reason. He rolls his eyes and nods, leaving the studio to the library. The moment he closes the door, Ron moves and Rok Soo barely has a second before ‘The Indescruible Shield’ is activated protecting him. The clang of a metal against metal echoes in the room. 

Ron smiles darkly, “Ho…what’s this?”

‘Scary old man!’

“What are you doing?” Rok Soo asks stoically.

“Testing,”

Ron steps back and Rok Soo lowers the shield, just as Ron puts his daggers away.  Rok Soo frowns, “Testing what?”

“Does Cale know?”

“Of course, he knows,” Rok Soo is annoyed at being ignored, but responds anyway, “That brat is smarter than anyone gives him credit for,”

“What are you both trying to do?”

“Am I being interrogated?”

“Young Master Rok Soo, you’ve got my puppy young master learning fighting and assassin techniques. I believe you owe me an explanation after revealing my face, or I might have to tell the Count you’re messing with his first son,”

‘Ha…’ 

“I told you, I’m helping him,”

“And why would a stranger do that to the trash of the count’s family?”

“Do you think he’s trash?”

“Cale’s a puppy,”

“Something you pity,” Rok Soo sneered.

Ron smiles tightly, “This puppy has changed twice. Once when he lost his mother. The second when he met you,”

Rok Soo spoke coldly, “Death is a price others pay more than others. From what you’ve told me, you should know this better than anyone,”

Ron would’ve flinched had he been a normal person.

Rok Soo let faint memories of bottles breaking and curses being thrown at him with punches and kicks. He remembers a funeral. He remembers visiting two gravestones whenever he could. Memories of his life in this world follow after like a river. 

“He’s just a kid. A kid should live like a kid,” Rok Soo is firm, looking coldly at Ron, “He made mistakes, but it made sense to him. I don’t care what you’re doing as a butler or that you’re an assassin. I just need to see if you’re a threat or useful,”

“For you?”

“For us,”

“How interesting,”

Rok Soo leaned back against the chair. He stared at Ron, a dour expression on his face, as the assassin continued.

“What a strange punk,”

“I guess so,”

“I have no interest in harming Cale,”

Rok Soo smiled, “Only Cale?”

“Naturally,”

‘So he’s suspicious of me. It’s to be expected, I suppose,’

“Good,”

‘Don’t trust me, Ron. I do not trust you, either,’

The two males were smiling sharply at one another. Both of them were thinking along the same lines.

‘If he’s a danger, I need to get rid of him’

‘If this punk is manipulating the puppy, I’ll have a chat with him’

Chapter Text

“...the Royal Family will be present as usual. It’s common for the royal children to intermingle with the nobles to build support. The third prince has the King’s favor, so many nobles are trying to ally themselves with him. A few like the second prince as well. The Crown Prince lost the favor of the King and has virtually no support, but it's still difficult to denounce him as first heir, thus he still intermingles and is building support,”

Cale’s head was about to burst.

His father would not shut up.

“There’s also the younger siblings, children of the consorts. Many of the princesses and princes talk with nobles for repertoire or marriage. You’re of the right age to begin looking for suitors Cale, it's perfectly possible you’ll be a target of the princesses and noblewoman,”

Cale choked.

Deruth paused hearing the coughing across the table, eyes widening, “C-cale!”

Ron, upon hearing his young master choking, quickly entered the dining room and walked towards Cale. He patted the redhead’s back, before reaching to pour a glass of water. He paused when Basen, who had walked towards Ron with an already full glass, presented it.

“Ah, thank you, Young Master Basen,”

“Mhm,” Basen hummed, before sitting down again. 

Cale’s coughs withered as he drank the water, face slightly red. Cale placed the cup down, looking at his Father with a firm gaze, “Father…I have no interest in suitors,”

“I have no intention to set up you in anything, Cale,” Deruth shook his head firmly, “You know this, I wouldn’t let you marry for anything other than love,”

He then added, “Naturally, though, mingling with noblewoman might blossom a few feelings as you’re of that age now to be interested in that sort of things,”

Cale flushes deeper, his grip on the glass tightening.

Basen looked utterly embarrassed where he sat, sending a pitying look at his hyung. Violan coughed softly, “Dear, Lily is here as well,”

Deruth paused, looking at the four-year-old who simply stared back before grinning. Deruth gave a soft smile back, before looking sheepishly towards Violan, “You’re right, my mistake,”

“Honestly,” Cale grumbled, holding his head, “Why do I have to go?”

“It’s important to appear in public, son,” Deruth began, “You haven’t made a public appearance with all the fanctions since…” 

There was a sudden silence at the table.

Cale lowered his hand, looking at his father. His eyes then shifted to Violan, who was focusing intently on her breakfast. Deruth looked awkward again, unsure if he should even mention it.

Cale spoke with a blank expression, “Since the marriage,”

Deruth, Violan, and Basen flinched.

“Y-yes,” Deruth nodded, smiling awkwardly. 

Cale held his Father’s gaze, “Wasn’t that enough? I show up to the Northeastern things,”

He then motions to Violan with a lazy hand motion, “You both go every year, what’s with the abrupt decision anyway?”

“Cale,” Violan decided to speak, inhaling softly and turning to the eldest child under her care.

Cale’s eyes shift towards her. He was still unused to her talking to him. When they make eye contact, Violan speaks, “Nobles care a lot about appearances…”

She adds, “You are the first son of this household,”

The cup of juice in Cale’s hand shook slightly. He said nothing, simply staring at her with the same cold expression.

“So, as your– mmm,” Violan rephrased herself, “It’s important for you to go to these sorts of things more often now to show your stature. It’s something others will scrutinize for,”

‘As my…as my what?’ Cale thought. He then frowned at the rest of her words. A warning smirk cracks on his face, “My stature? Scrutiny?”

He can’t help but point it out. For years he had been the butt of noble rumors and scrutiny. He was the trash of the northeast. 

Judging from the uncomfortable and tense atmosphere, they knew it to. 

He looked away from her, sipping the juice and placing the cup down. 

“What an utterly useless thing to do,” Cale shrugged, “Fine, I’ll go,”

Deruth and Violan both untense in their seats, unaware of Cale watching them. Deruth happily agreed with whatever Cale said, “Yes, yes, it is troublesome,”

“Tch,” Cale grumbled, before announcing, “But I’m taking Beacrox on as chef,”

“Beacrox? Ron’s son?” Violan repeated, while Deruth just agreed, “Of course!”

“Is there another Beacrox?” Cale rolled his eyes, before turning to look at the butler who stood near the door, “Ron, what do you think?”

“I think he’ll be happy to leave the territory for a journey,”

Cale shrugged, “Even if he isn’t, he’s coming now. I want sweets,”

Deruth’s expression changed. 

Lily piped up at the word, looking at her brother, “Sweets!”

Cale nodded at Lily, informing casually, “Beacrox makes decent sweets. I used to eat them all the time when I was younger. I guess I would consider them a favorite,”

“I want to try Orabeoni’s favorite sweets!” Lily exclaimed and Cale internally smiled at her brightness.

“I didn’t know you liked sweets, hyung-nim,” Basen jumped in, eager with the new information.

Cale gave Basen a small shrug, “Meh. I stopped eating them a while back,”

“Stop?” Lily looked at her big brother in confusion. 

“Why did you stop if they were your favorite?” Basen was confused.

Violan had looked at Deruth’s expression when she heard him repeat “sweets?” under his breath. She had looked at her husband and seen the surprise and grief. That expression only ever came up when one topic was hinted at. That’s why at her childrens’ question she pales and scolds, voice sharp, “Lily! Basen!”

Lily and Basen are both startled, turning to their Mother with matching looks of confusion. 

But Violan looks at Cale. 

Cale’s expression was twisted. His lips were pressed together firmly, but his eyes…oh in his eyes Violan could see longing and grief. She had never seen them in Cale before– no, that’s not it. 

She could not meet his gaze.

She didn’t notice.

She never looked.

The revelation makes something cold wind in her heart. Before she can speak, Cale has Lily’s attention again, waving his hand as if the grief was not in his eyes. Violan watched him smooth his expression back to his usual apathetic one. It was colder than usual, but perhaps that’s only because Violan was finally looking.

With a tone of pure boredom, Cale tells Basen, “Who knows? It doesn’t matter anymore,”

“Cale, what are you talking about?”

Cale turns, “Hm?”

Deruth’s expression looks solemn and serious.

“What do you mean it doesn’t matter?”

‘He can’t be serious! After all these years, we’re having this conversation now when we have to travel together to the capital soon?’

Cale brings a napkin to his mouth, wiping his lips. He then stands, giving Deruth a lost look and speaking casually, “They’re just sweets, why is this such a big deal? Jeez, I mentioned them so offhandedly, too…”

Cale was acting annoyed and impatient. Extremely annoyed and impatient. His mouth was twisting and his eyebrows had knitted together as he stared down his Father.

It worked as Deruth blinked and just smiled placidly, “Right, right, yes, they’re just sweets,”

“That’s right, just sweets,”

“Yes, yes,”

The father and son held a small gaze, a silent communication that both knew exactly what both were refusing to mention. Deruth turned away, “You can go, I’ll meet you when it’s time to leave,”

“Hm,” Cale hummed and looks at Ron, “Go tell Beacrox,”

“Yes, Young Master,”

Ron leaves and Cale follows, but heads towards his study. As he’s walking, he hears the sound of running behind him. Slowing down, Cale glances back to see Basen and Lily running towards him. Farther behind, Lily’s attendant is approaching with a calm pace. 

Lily’s attendant is an older woman who worked at the estate when Cale’s mother was still alive. She used to serve Jour, but upon Violan and Deruth’s request, she began to serve as Lily’s personal attendant.

Cale looked down at Lily and Basen, “What?”

“Have a good trip Orabeoni!” Lily beamed.

“Mm, thanks,” Cale couldn’t help but smile slightly. This little sister of his was really kind, “You have a good time here too,”

“Y-yes!!” Lily nodded.

There was a pause between the siblings.

Cale thought for a moment and then sighed, “Do you want me something from the capital?”

Lily’s eyes shone again.

‘As I thought…’

“What do you want?”

“Hyung-nim, y-you really don’t have to if it’s troublesome!” Basen heard Cale sigh at the beginning.

“Tsk,” Cale clicked his tongue, ignoring the pinch in his heart at the slight wince in his sibling’s expressions when they heard him, “Just tell me what you want,”

“Sword!”

Cale’s expression changed from annoyance to confusion, “Huh?”

He looked down at Lily. 

Basen spoke the thought aloud, “Lily, did you say a sword?”

“Yes! I want a sword!”

“...okay,” Cale agreed after a moment, glancing at the attendant, who simply gave Cale an amusing smile. Cale turned to Basen, “And you?”

“...a fountain pen, please,”

“Got it,”

Cale turned away from the younger two after that, unaware that both Basen and Lily were smiling watching his back.

~~~

The journey from the Henituse territory to Huiss City, the capital of the Roan Kingdom, was as expected.

Uneventful.

Well, Cale had some nice conversations with Deruth. Cale hadn’t really had this much time with his Father since his mother died. Deruth was always really busy the year following the funeral. Far too busy to truly spend time with Cale as they once did. They had barely spoken that year, and were hardly seen in the same room. It took Cale one month after burying his dear Mother to realize that waiting for his Father to show up at the dining table was useless. He would not come. His meals were taken in his study, alone. Cale stopped asking the servants for his Father two months after the funeral. He may have been young but he understood. 

His Father couldn’t spend time with him. Whether it be for work or because of whose genetics Cale so clearly followed, it didn’t matter.

Sure, they shared a few conversations that year. Whether because they were to attend an event or because Deruth had ordered for Jour’s portraits to be put away, they exchanged words. Maybe not as many as a Father and Son should have but it was far too late to think about ‘what ifs’. Cale had stopped thinking about it a long time ago.

When Violan came into the picture, there was more time, but another son and a wife. Cale spoke with his Father a bit more, but he also had two strangers who Deruth began to split his time for. Cale didn’t mind, honestly. Basen and Violan had made Deruth smile and have meals at the dining table again. They were good people in Cale’s eyes.

So it’s not that they did not talk. They did.

It was just mostly Cale complaining and Deruth agreeing with everything Cale said. That’s how they had been for years.

Extremely close but also extremely distant. It was not a bad relationship. But it wasn’t as good as it had once been either.

That’s how Deruth thought Cale was with everyone after Jour’s death. He was displeased so he complained. Naturally, the servants, knights, and common people just agreed and set out to appease Cale. 

It wasn’t until the journey did he realize that this might’ve been false.

“My Lord, we’ll set up camp for tonight,” Vice Captain Hilsman informed.

“Very well,”

Cale, who was reading, closed the book and placed it aside. Deruth smiled at his son, “Is it good?”

“Naturally,” Cale yawned, “I’ll lend it to you later,”

Cale reached over and opened the carriage door, “I’m going to stretch,”

“Oh, good idea. I’ll join you,”

Cale stepped out of the carriage, the knight stationed outside holding the door and bowing as both Count and heir stepped off. Cale inhaled softly, tugging his coat on tighter as the wind whipped around them. 

“It’s fortunate there’s only little snow at this time in the year,” Deruth said after a moment.

“Mm, oh, Beacrox!” Cale quickly headed over, Deruth watching his son with a small smile.

“Young Master,” Beacrox greeted.

“I want–oh!” 

Beacrox presented a cup of steaming sweet tea and a plate of sweets. Cale immediately grinned.

Ron walked over with a small pair of earmuffs in his hands. He placed the muffs over Cale, who squeaked in surprise, glancing up. Ron spoke with a smile, “We cannot have you getting sick, young master,”

“...if I do I don’t have to entertain any-”

“You’re not getting sick, Young Master Cale,”

Cale frowned(pouted), grumbling, “It’s not even that cold” and “I’m not a little kid, Ron”

He sipped the tea, under Ron and Beacrox’s gaze. Beacrox gave a cup to Hans, who took it to Deruth, “Count,”

“Thank you, Hans,” Deruth smiled, sipping the tea.

He observed his son interact with Ron and Beacrox. He knew Cale was close with the chef when Jour was here, but he had thought they had become distant after. It was Ron who Cale spent most of his time with. Ron who knew Cale best and was always there when Deruth was unavailable. 

Deruth would be a liar if he said he wasn’t jealous watching Cale interact with Ron. 

He was Cale’s father and yet he could not casually converse with Cale. He was Cale’s father but he had never had Cale’s warmth in the way Ron had. Ron, who was the only person allowed free access to Cale’s room and study. Ron who Cale confided in. Ron, who Cale had called for when the guards found the redhead drunk for the first time.

He was grateful to the butler, especially when Jour died and Deruth was unable to spend casual time with his son. Yet his gratefulness never appeased the ugly feeling of envy.

‘Hm…Cale has changed again. I suppose Ron would be the first to notice. And if Cale is acting more like he did when he was younger, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he asked Beacrox for Mille-Feuilles again. Jour and Cale ate them all the time,’

“Father!” 

“Yes, son?” Deruth naturally responded, walking towards Cale.

He was greeted with Cale extending the plate out. Deruth paused, staring at the familiar sweets. Cale said nothing more except, “Do you want one?”

‘Ha…this good son of mine…’ 

“Thank you, Cale,” Deruth smiled.

He picks up one Mille-Feuilles, biting into it. He smiles at the taste, nodding to Beacrox, “Well done,”

Beacrox bows deeply, “Thank you, Count,”

“Ron, do you want one?”

“I’m alright, Young Master,”

“Eh? But this is made by your son! You have to try it and give Beacrox hy-ung praises!” Cale says, quickly rushing past what he mistakenly let out in his teasing. He can see various people staring at him. He sees the way, Deruth coughs slightly and Ron stiffens. He also sees Beacrox go completely still beside him. Cale can feel heat creeping up his face and hopes it can be excused as an effect of the cold, “It’s an order! You must eat at least one and tell him he’s done well!”

Ron stares at Cale for a moment. He had easily caught the panic and regret that had surfaced for just a small moment. 

Ron then sighs, “If it is an order, I cannot refuse,”

Cale smirks triumphantly, “Naturally!”

Ron takes one of the sweets, and bites it. They’re not his taste, but Ron can admit they’re well done. He smiles and turns to his son, who truly looks at him, startled, “Father- no–”

“My son, this is truly well made,”

“...thank you, father,”

Cale snickers.

He stops when the plate is suddenly taken from him. A sound of protest releases and Cale finds Beacrox holding the plate, “If you have too much sugar, you’ll get sick,”

“I’m not a kid!!” Cale said, pushing the cup to Ron, who takes it naturally.

Both fathers watch as Cale tries to grab the plate, Beacrox simply raising it higher with his height. Cale flushes in disbelief, “Hey! I asked you for those!”

“You’ll get sick,”

“Boo hoo!” Cale glares at Beacrox, “Give,”

“I’m afraid I cannot do that,”

“Give it,” Cale orders, voice dropping.

Beacrox simple bows his head and refuses. Cale’s eyes widen, “You…”

Cale threatens, “I will climb you like a fucking tree,”

Beacrox, the germaphobe, immediately steps back. Cale slowly starts to smirk, “Ho ho ho, why are you stepping back?”

“Father,” Beacrox looked at Ron for assistance.

“Calling Ron is cheating,” Cale shot forward and Beacrox sighed, avoiding Cale.

“Young Master Cale– I didn’t say I won’t make them, I simply said–”

“I don’t give two shits what you said you annoyingly tall chef!”

The knights and Hans watched the scene between the chef and young master. They were all completely dumbfounded by the ever cold and stoic Beacrox playing around with the illtempered and rumored trashy young master. Furthermore, Ron and Deruth both just watched with same amused smiled!!

Hans shook his head, ‘I knew the young master had changed, but to change this much! It reminds me of the stories the older servants told when they scolded the younger ones after catching them gossiping’

Beacrox grabbed one of the Mille-Feuilles and held it out, making Cale pause. Beacrox looked at the young with a stern look, “You get one,”

“Five,”

“Two,”

“Three,”

“Fine,” Beacrox yielded and took two more of the sweets. 

Cale took all three of them, smiling happily as he ate them. Beacrox shook his head in exasperation, ‘This punk is really the same as back then’

Beacrox looks at his clothes, frowning at how crumpled they were. He looks at Cale with a disapproving gaze. Cale simply eats, challenging, “What?”

“Young Master, would you like to finish your tea?”

“Hm? Oh yeah!” Cale grabbed the cup again, grimacing as Ron straightens out his clothes. 

Once that’s done, Ron looks at Beacrox, as if asking if he also needed assistance. Beacrox gives his father a glare. Ron simply smiled, silently laughing at his son. Cale speaks softly to Ron, “Is he actually upset?”

“No,” Ron happily snitched.

Cale smiled, pleased. 

Ron glances back at Beacrox. No one else might be able to tell, but Ron knew that back then, after being in hiding for so long, Cale’s presence was enjoyable to his son. A friend in a solemn situation. 

Cale and Beacrox were both only children, and they were remarkably different. Yet, they had gotten along when they were kids. Of course, recent times have been a bit different. Cale seemed to have become worse once he started drinking and Ron was no fool to see Beacrox becoming more and more frustrated. He thinks that if things had continued as they were, whatever friendship the two had as children would’ve burned to ash and then scattered to the wind.

Back when the ten year old began to act out, Ron knew better than anyone that Beacrox had been extremely unnerved by how the little sun of the Henituse Household turned into a storm everyone avoided.

That’s why, Ron had said nothing when he had found Cale eating Dacquoise, when he should’ve been asleep, in kitchen #2, while Beacrox was cleaning the dishes he had used to make it.

“Cough– Ron!” Cale was the first to see Ron.

Beacrox glanced back, “Father,”

Ron looked at the two of them and then at the cake, ‘Ho? Isn’t this…’

“Ron, are you already done with what I told you to do?” Cale asked.

“Young Master, did you send me on an errand so you could sneak out of your bedroom?”

Cale blinked and then said bluntly, “Well obviously. Sneaking past an assassin is useless,”

Ron smiled, “Yes, it would be,”

“...Father?”

Ron looked at Beacrox who seemed to be staring at him with slightly wider eyes. Ron recalled that he hadn’t been able to inform his son of the meeting at the Nyphan Estate, “Ah, right. The Young Master knows,”

Beacrox looked at Cale who had calmly placed another bite of cake into his mouth. Seeing Beacrox’s gaze, Cale swallowed, “How did a germaphobe became a torture specialist?”

Beacrox’s lips parted, eyes moving back to Ron, who simply smiled. 

“Hah…” Beacrox released a small sigh, “I think I’m getting a headache…”

“Want some sugar?”

“Young Master Cale,”

“Yeah?”

“Shut up,”

“I can have you sacked for speaking crudely with me,”

“Am I meant to be scared?”

“No, you’re meant to get me a cup of sweet tea,”

Beacrox placed a cup down and Cale blinked, “What the fuck?”

Beacrox gives Cale a deadpan, “You always have tea with Dacquoise,”

Cale looked at Beacrox and then at the cup. Looking away, the teenager grumbled, sipping, “Stupid chef,”

Beacrox shook his head in exasperation, a look of curiosity and annoyance in his eyes, and moved back to finish his work. He pointed to the side, “Father, dinner’s there,”

Ron, who had been watching the two boys under his care with a slightly soft smile, nodded moving to pick up the two plates and placing them on the center island. The Molan duo and their young master all shared a meal that evening.

~~~

“Woah,” Cale gasped once he stepped down from the carriage.

Deruth exited behind him. Upon hearing Cale’s gasp, he smiled softly. Cale looked at his Father, “This is quite nice,”

Deruth chuckled, “It’s the Hentiuse Estate in the Capital. It naturally must be nice,”

Deruth walked forward and Cale followed just a step behind him. A few steps behind the two of them were Beacrox, Hans, and Ron. The servants of the capital estate were all bowing deeply as the Count and heir walked past. 

Deruth smiled at the head of staff, “At ease, you are all dismissed to your duties,”

“Yes, my lord,”

As they walked through the front doors, Cale asked, “Can I go to my chambers?”

“Yes, its on the third floor,” Deruth nodded, “Hans, guide Ron and Cale up there,”

“Yes, Count,”

“Cale, I’ll send you a list of nobles to read before tomorrow,”

“Understood,”

Cale and Ron followed Hans to the third floor and Beacrox had gone off to find the kitchen. As they walked, Cale asked, “So, Hans, you’ve been here multiple times,”

“Yes, Young Master,”

“Then… you must know where to get good alcohol,” Cale smiled, watching as two servants that had bowed to greet them, flinched.

Hans also flinched, looking back, “A-ah? Um, there’s a few options Young Master…”

“How great! Give a list to Ron,” Cale ordered, “I can’t leave the estate to drink, so I’ll drink here. Ron, get me a few bottles,”

“...I will get you two to keep your hangover at a minimum tomorrow,”

“Perfect,”

Hans let out a small sigh, pausing in front of two doors. He bowed, “Your chambers, Young Master,”

Cale opened the doors and walked past Hans without another glance. Ron told Hans softly, “Please send a meal up for Young Master Cale,”

“Ah, of course,”

Rons closed the door as Hans walked away. He glanced over to see Cale removing the layers he’d had to wear due to the cold. Ron silently moved towards the fireplace that was already lit. He bent down, pulling out the tongs from the toolset and shifting the wood around. After confirming everything was burning well, he placed the tongs back and stood up, “Young Master, what would you like to do now?”

“I don’t know,” Cale shrugged.

“Would you like to read on more weapons?”

“Oh, yeah!” 

Ron pulled out a set of books, placing them on oneside of the couch as Cale moved to sit down. Ron walked towards the wardrobe, taking a thin blanket from the top shelf. He returned and draped it over Cale, who smiled softly, “Ah, thanks,”

“A meal will be sent up soon for you, Young Master,”

“Alright, you’re excused,”

Ron bowed and left the room, closing the doors firmly. Cale stayed unmoving, even as the servants knocked a little later. He didn’t even look at them as they rolled in a cart, the girl silently placing an array of food on the table in front of Cale. 

Seeing as Cale was reading intently, the young girl swallowed and politely spoke, “Y-Young Master Cale?”

“Hm?”

She paused and spoke again when Cale flipped the page, “Your meal is prepared,”

Cale looked up at her and the girl flinched slightly. Cale then looked down at the food and spoke, “Oh,”

He looked back at her, “Great, you’re excused,”

The girl blinked before bowing and leaving the room, pushing the cart with her. As she exited, she began to walk back to the kitchen with a puzzled gaze. 

“Hey!” 

The girl looked up to see two other servants motioning to her from behind a corner. When she reached them, they walked with her, “So? How was he?”

“...he was just reading,” The girl frowned, “It’s nothing like what the servants at the main estate said,”

“What a shocker!”

“Maybe it’s cause he isn’t drunk?”

“Oh, I suppose we’ll find out later…” the girl swallowed, “But he…wasn’t that bad,”

She shook her head, “No, Young Master Cale wasn’t bad at all,”

~~~

“Young Master Cale,” 

“What is it?”

“Count Wheelsman and Young Master Eric have arrived,”

“Oh,”

Cale stood up at once, walking out of his room. Ron followed behind him as Cale made his way through the estate. As they neared the staircase, Cale could see the light grey hair of the Wheelsman Count and Heir. He could also see his father bowing and greeting the two.

Cale began to walk down the last few steps, his shoes making soft sounds on the marble floor. Deruth glanced back, smiling, “Cale,”

“Father,” Cale spoke simply, before turning to the Wheelsman.

Cale gave a small bow, “Count Wheelsman, Hyung-nim,”

“Hello again, Young Cale,” Count Wheelsman smiled kindly, “You seem taller than I remember,”

“Do I?” Cale asked blankly, turning back to Ron, “Did I get taller?”

“It has been quite an active year, Young Master,”

Cale blinked before letting out a soft chuckle and smile, amused, “Hah, guess so,”

Eric Wheelsman and his father exchanged a small look. For a moment, both of them saw the little kid Cale once was.

“Count, would you like to have a drink in the lounge?” Deruth proposed, “The boys can roam around the manor before dinner,”

“That sounds great,” Count Wheelsman smiled, giving a small shoulder pat to Eric.

Cale suddenly remembered something, “Father, can we go to town?”

“At this time?” 

“...Ron will be there,” Cale juts a thumb out to Ron.

“Eric?” Count Wheelsman asked his son, knowing Deruth tended to let Cale do whatever he wanted.

“I don’t mind. Cale’s never been to the capital before, I’ll show him around,” Eric smiled.

“Alright then,” Deruth smiled, “Ron, take care of both of them,”

“Yes, Count,”

Count Wheelsman gave Eric and Cale a small smile, before turning and walking with Deruth towards the first floor lounge.

Thus, the two heirs turned to one another. Eric smiled, “Cale, you seem a bit happy right now,”

“I guess,” Cale shrugged and began to walk towards the front doors.

“Young Master Cale,”

Cale paused, glancing back. He saw Ron holding a jacket that he pulled from…wait, where did Ron even get that from? 

‘Ha…assassins…’

“You’ve forgotten your coat,”

“It seems so,”

Ron stepped forward and helped Cale put on the high quality coat on. Once Ron was certain it would keep the puppy warm, he nodded to the guards at the door. The two guards opened the door, bowing as the two young masters left and got into the carriage that was stationed outside.

“Why do you want to go to town?” Eric asked once they were seated inside.

“Basen and Lily,” 

Eric stared blankly, “Excuse me?”

Cale turned to his friend, “They asked me to get them gifts,”

“Oh,” Eric’s eyes widened.

A bright smile spread on the older boy’s face, “Then we must go to the best stores,”

Cale nodded, “Naturally,”

Eric happily chatted with Cale, who seemed to be in a good mood– no, that’s not it. It was that Cale seemed a bit more like the good little kid Eric remembered before. Eric still remembers when he first got wind of Cale’s tantrums. He hadn’t believed it then, frankly, no one close to the Henituse family had. Then came the first meeting since. Eric remembers how Cale grumbled about everything, insulted everything. A son of a baron family had tried to call Cale out, Cale had simply glared down, and spat, “How daring of a nobody to speak to me like that,”

Eric had watched for years as the noble children all grew wary of the short temper of the Henituse heir. Eric hadn’t really been too scared, no, he had only felt sadness. Eric was someone who worried about everything because he liked to think about any possible situation. 

Thus, he knew there was a high chance this was Cale’s version of coping with grief for his mother.

Eric was not scared of Cale. He was sad he could do nothing but watch Cale spiral. He refused to leave Cale, though. Leave him without a friend, no matter what his other friends thought. Except the alliance members. Gilbert and Amiru weren’t close to Cale per-say, but they did not flinch away. Whether it was because they understood like Eric or out of respect for their families alliance, Eric was not too sure. 

The three of them had more often not spoken to Cale like he was a child, which to them, he was as the youngest of the four. Cale wasn’t terrible with them, in Eric’s opinion. And at least he listened to Eric and occasionally Amiru. Gilbert didn’t really talk but his family valued honor so Eric wasn’t too surprised by the distance.

Furthermore, Cale had never been too bad to him, personally. No, that’s not it, Cale had never been bad to him. He mostly just complained and whined. He had still called Eric ‘hyung-nim’ and Eric had never given up the softness of being Cale’s ‘hyung’.

That’s why this soft version of Cale that only seemed to come out at the scarcest of times was surprising. It was even more surprising that Cale mentioned his siblings. He didn’t really talk of the family. No one else dared to mention it to him either.

Cale’s fond smile when he thought of his siblings was like younger Cale’s smile when talking of his mother. 

Eric couldn’t help but think something very good had happened to this dongsaeng of his.

“What do they want?” Eric asked, a new surge of energy flowing through his 16-year-old body.

“Basen wants a fountain pen,” Cale recalled. He then looked at Eric oddly, “But Lily asked for a sword,”

Eric’s smile froze, “Huh?”

“A sword, hyung-nim,” 

Cale turned to Ron, “A four year old asking for a sword isn’t normal, right?”

Ron looked at Cale for a moment. Cale grimaced, “Right, wrong person to ask,”

“I suppose Lily could have an interest in swordarts?” Eric shrugged.

“I’m not getting my little sister an actual sword,” Cale spoke to Eric firmly.

Eric simply laughed, smiling brightly at Cale freely calling Lily his little sister, “Naturally. I’m sure we can find a toy one,”

Cale smiled, “Good idea,”

The carriage came to a slow stop at one of the noble entrances to the Plaza of Glory. Ron got down first, holding the door for Cale and Eric. It was still before dinner time so there was quite the bustle. Cale and Eric both showed their IDs to the guards who let them in with small bows. 

Ron was silent as he followed Cale and Eric, the light-grey haired heir guiding the red-head through the plaza and happily informing Cale of the area. The two of them walked around the plaza, Eric guiding Cale into a few of his favorite stores. 

“...oh there! This is a toy shop I visited with Mother once before,” Eric led them inside.

Cale glanced around, taking note of the toys. ‘They all seem to be good quality,’

“Welcome, welcome, young masters!” A warm voice greeted from the front.

Eric and Cale walked to the counter, Eric greeting warmly, “Good Evening Ma’am!”

“What can I get for you two?”

Cale stepped forward, “My little sister wants a sword,”

“Oh!” The woman’s expression brightens further, “Oh, Young Master, you’re truly kind! I have many swords,”

Cale looked at her, “Get me the finest quality. I don’t care how expensive,”

“Right this way!”

The woman quickly moved from behind the counter and guided the two of them to one side of the store. She held up the various wooden swords, “Each of my products are made with high quality wood and is polished and painted with the finest oil and paint,”

“Hm,” Cale hummed taking the swords and eyeing them carefully, “Hyung-nim, Ron?”

“I think they’re good,” 

“Young Lady Lily will enjoy them,”

“I’ll take both of them,” Cale said.

“Right away!”

“Do you have boxes?”

“I will place them in my best ones!”

“Great,”

Cale, Eric, and Ron waited at the counter as the woman went into the back room to pack the gifts. Eric smiled softly at Cale, “Young Lady Lily will be very excited for her big brother to give her a gift,”

Cale looked at Eric oddly, “She’d be happy getting a gift from anyone,”

Eric shook his head, “She’s a kid, of course she will. But you’re her orabeoni,”

“Basen is too,” Cale shakes his head, “Speaking of him, where’s a good quality art store?”

Eric sighed at Cale’s obliviousness. He then informed, “There’s one a few doors down,”

“Great,” Cale nodded.

The woman returned and handed Cale the swords, each placed in dark blue boxes with white ribbon. Cale paid the woman the money, before leaving and following Eric to the art store. There, Cale found the most expensive fountain pen and bought two of them. The expression the shopskeeper made was amusing, but he was more than happy to make money. Cale spent a bit more money to acquire a small wooden case to carry them in. 

After leaving the store, Cale asked Eric, “Hyung-nim, there is one more gift I wish to get,”

“Oh?” Eric looked at Cale, “For who?”

Cale began walking as he answered, “A friend,”

‘A friend?’ Eric rushed to be at Cale’s side, “Which friend?”

“You’ve never met him, hyung-nim,” Cale laughs slightly, seeing Eric’s emotions clearly on his face, “I ran into him earlier this year,”

‘I knew something good had happened!!!’ Eric cheered in his head, “How wonderful! He must be a great person!!”

“He’s actually kind of an annoying bastard,” 

“A-ah?”

“Anyway, I want to get him something,” 

“...I see. What should we look for?” Eric asked.

“Books,” Cale informed, and then grumbled, “And a good watch. I found out we have the same date of birth, but that bastard didn’t tell me,”

Eric smiled at Cale’s childish grumbling, “The book store is over there and I believe there’s a high end boutique down on the southside,”

Eric wasn’t sure how Cale met this friend, nor even if he was a noble or commonfolk, but Eric liked them. He approved and was grateful for the person who had brought some friendly light into Cale’s eyes. He was grateful for the person who got Cale to smile and laugh and play. 

Of course, he was also slightly suspicious. 

As someone who thinks of every scenario, he can’t ignore the possibility of someone using Cale for some malicious intent. Eric truly hopes this scenario is simply a precaution and not reality. He doesn’t want to know what would happen to Cale if he was betrayed by someone he seemed to have opened his walls to.

Eric kept this to himself and off his face, choosing to focus on his gratitude for the stranger instead. Thus, he settled in enjoying his friend’s small smiles and friendly chatter the rest of the evening.

~~~

The following day was the day of the actual event. 

The morning through late afternoon was free time for the nobles, while the evening from 7:30 onwards was the party at the palace. 

Naturally, Cale, who drank after the Wheelsmans left, slept in until afternoon. When he woke up, courtesy of Ron, he was quickly dressed in casual noble clothes as there were no guests to entertain nor was he planning to go anywhere until the evening. So, he ended up joining Deruth for lunch.

The servants of the capital estate were having a field day of confusion from the actions of Cale. He was different from the rumors they’d heard, but when he had drunk alcohol, he had indeed spoken coarsely to the few–very few– servants that had run into him. However, he had not thrown anything or gone around causing trouble.

Privately, some assumed that the lord had asked Cale to behave as they were in the capital and not Henituse territory where the Count could easily control and clean up after the trash first heir. 

Yet, as servants witnessed the lunch between Deruth and Cale, they could not help but think the rumors of the sole red-haired Henituse was complete foley. 

Deruth and Cale sat on opposite ends of the table as per that stature indicated them. For the first portion of the meal, it was rather silent other than Deurth’s polite greeting upon his son being awake. But in the latter half of the meal, Deruth spoke again, asking if Cale had gotten what he wanted yesterday and inquiring about the night out.

He had been unable to do this yesterday as he and Count Wheelsman were discussing work the entire time during dinner. 

“Yes, I found what I needed,”Cale nodded, “Eric hyung is a very reliable tour guide,”

“What did you go to buy anyway?”

“I got some gifts,” 

“Gifts?”

‘Gifts?’ the servants exchanged shocked glances, ‘for who?’

“Mm,” Cale hummed, and explained nonchalantly, “Did you know Rok Soo’s date of birth is the same as mine? That bastard didn’t tell me and I found out later. So, I got him some things,”

“Rok Soo?” a servant girl muttered lowly.

All of the servants were thinking the same, ‘Who is this? Is there a noble with such a name? Did the young master have a friend?’

That wasn’t what shocked them to the core though. The shocking sentence and hot gossip for the day came from the next sentence out of Cale’s mouth.

“I also told Basen and Lily I’d get them something,”

Deruth paused, before a smile curled. He looked softly at his first son, “I’m sure they’ll enjoy your gifts,”

“They wouldn’t leave me until they asked,” Cale shook his head.

“Yes, but you could’ve said no or had Ron buy them,” Deruth couldn’t help but tease.

Cale’s felt a blush rising and stamped down the embarrassment, unaware that his ears turned red, “Tsk. I was bored and had nothing to do,”

Deruth chuckled softly, “Sure, son,”

Cale glared darkly at his father, making the servants stiffen, not that either father or son noticed. Deruth simply smiled at the glare.

‘He’s so much like her…’

Deruth gently set aside that thought process before his expression could change into something solemn. Instead, he asked about another thing, “I had no idea you were close with Young Master Rok Soo,”

“He’s interesting,”

“Interesting?”

“I had nothing better to do than become aquantinces with him. He evaids my boredom,”

“Oh my, son, you seem to be bored quite a bit,” Deruth bit down a laugh, but his lips were still smiling, “Are you sure you don’t want me to set up a few blind dates with noble woman?”

Cale frowned deeply, expression morphing into annoyance, “I don’t want any suitors,”

Deruth doesn’t say that after tonight Cale will end up having some anyway. He knows the rumors in noble circle about his son. He also knows that his son’s behavior will counter those rumors and shock many. 

Really, Deruth won’t be surprised if Cale ends up becoming a bit of an interesting piece of gossip. This is, of course, to Deruth’s dismay. He’d rather hide his son away from prying eyes, but he’d failed at that long ago and there was nothing he could do about it now.

Despite this, Deruth still has a request for his son.

“Cale,” 

“Yes, Father?”

“There will be drinks tonight,” 

Cale glances up, surprised. His drinking is not mentioned except in gossip of servants or knights. It is simply a topic that is not addressed. That’s why he’s caught off guard by Deruth mentioning it.

‘Must be because Lily isn’t present,’

“Naturally,”

“I want you to avoid alcohol,”

Cale’s eyes widened just a bit. He was planning on doing that anyway or only having a single cup of wine after an appropriate amount of time was spent mingling about. He had been joking with Rok Soo about it then, a tease to piss off the older. He was not a lunatic to drink and cause the same amount of chaos he does back home inside the Royal Palace. If he does, his Father will bear the brunt of it. Or worse, Violan for sending Cale instead of herself like usual.

‘So Father is perfectly aware. And he’s scared I’ll make a mess,’

Cale knew his family was scared of him. He knew thats why they didn’t mention the drinking. He knew and he had wanted this. Chosen this.

So, what is this twisting feeling in his chest?

Cale lets out a bored sigh, “Hm, fine. Getting drunk around the company at the palace today will probably backfire,”

Deruth smiled, a bit relieved.

“You read the list,”

“There’s some good ones, some normal ones, some bad ones, some greedy ones, and some I want to punch in the face,” Cale nodded.

“Hm, yes. You can do what you want on our land,”

Cale grinned, wickedly.

“Of course. It’s ours,”

The conversation ended there along with lunch.

Cale returned to his room throwing himself lazily on the bed the second he walked in. Ron, who had been arranging the books Cale had been reading last night, walked over, “Young Master Cale, is everything alright?”

“Mhm,”

‘Liar’ Ron smiled, “Did you have a bad lunch?”

“No,”

“Young Master, please tell this Ron what’s wrong so he may fix it,”

“Ron,” Cale lifts his head up, “Is Beacrox busy?”

“I’m not sure,” 

“I’m going to bother him,”

“I understand, young master,”

“...Ron,”

“Yes, young master?”

“Do you…find it amusing when I go mess with your son?”

Ron smiled benignly.

Cale took that as a sign to shut up and not ask further questions. As if he hadn’t been brooding for a few seconds, Cale got up and left the room, on a hunt to bother his hyu– chef.

Ron followed behind from a distance as per his duty.

Ron watched as Cale walked into the kitchen Beacrox had claimed (the chef had kicked out the kitchen staff from the room the day before). Beacrox, who had been preparing a meal for the knights, released a sigh upon sensing the annoying punk.

“Beacrox, I’m bored!”

“Might I inquire why you are here, young master?”

“Because you’re going to unbore me,” Cale grinned, perfectly happy in annoying the older.

“I am currently cooking a meal for the knights,”

“You’re almost done, though?”

‘Curse this punk,’ Beacrox sighs again.

Cale, to his credit, sits on the counter away from where Beacrox is working. He then pulls out the small pocket notebook, flipping through the notes and information. Only one person other than him could read it and that was Rok Soo. The reason was because Cale had written it with a mix of both Roan Kingdom’s Language and the Korean Language he learned from Rok Soo.

Cale spoke up to Beacrox after a few minutes, looking at his notes, “Do you think their are other assassins hiding?”

Beacrox glances back for a moment, seeing Cale looking at his notebook. Turning back to his work, Beacrox answered, “I suppose it’s possible. But many might be in the Eastern Continent,”

“Ugh, that’s troublesome,”

“...you weren’t planning on searching, were you?”

“I’m just trying to be useful to Rok Soo,”

“Useful? With what?”

Cale bit his lip, glancing at Beacrox’s back. He watched as Beacrox began to load the carts with numerous plates, covering each one with a lid so they would stay heated for the knights. Cale muttered softly, “He has a goal,”

Beacrox glanced up at Cale after he left the carts in the position for the servants to come and collect them. Taking off his white gloves, Beacrox frowns in contemplation. Cale continues, unaware of how Beacrox is observing him, “I want to help him achieve it,”

“Why?”

“...he helped me,”

“With the gangsters?”

“It was more than that,” 

Cale was not a fool. He knew that if Rok Soo hadn’t spoken to him that day, hadn’t intervened, Cale would not be here. Better yet, he probably would be doing the same actions he had at the beginning of the year. Granted, he still did, but he didn’t drink as often or cause property damage. But Cale can feel it deep inside.

Knows that without a doubt, Rok Soo had helped him in a much bigger way.

Perhaps it was the lightness he felt in his heart or the small warmth he felt around the brunettes in the Estate. Whatever had given it away, Cale knew that the other had stopped him from spiraling when Cale hadn’t even realized that’s what was happening.

‘ I thought it was for Basen and Mother. But I can see other options, know better options. Why did I pick the act of a drunkard? ’

Cale didn’t really have those answers yet.

“Young Master Cale?”

Cale looked up.

Beacrox was standing closer than before, expression slightly twisted in displeasure. Ron, wherever he had come from, was also now in the kitchen, standing in front of Cale. Ron spoke seeing Cale look at them, “Young Master-nim, are you alright? You didn’t respond to Beacrox,”

“Oh,” 

Cale looked at Beacrox, “I…was thinking. My apologies,”

Beacrox’s eyes widened just a fraction. 

“I’m fine, anyways, back to what we were saying,” Cale forced a smile, moving on, “That old man’s goal also is of interest to me, so I should put my effort,”

“Perhaps this Ron can be of assistance,” 

“Obviously you two will help,” Cale looked at Ron and Beacrox dumbly, “You’re both strong,”

Beacrox and Ron exchanged a look, wondering what being strong had to do with the goal of two wealthy teenagers. 

“Speaking of!” Cale looked at Ron, “Ron, I finished reading all the books,”

Beacrox felt a surge of interest. The books given to Cale from Ron were on all different weapon types and the general description of each. 

“Did you find something of interest?”

“I found some very interesting things!” 

Cale flipped his notebook, opening up a page. He turned it and the two assassins could see a sketch of a few weapons. Three were daggers, two were sword, and the final seemed to be a spear. Beacrox’s eyes widened in surprise, “Ho? A spear?”

“I don’t want to learn it right away,” Cale explained, “It just looked very interesting to me and so I sketched it. If I don’t fit the the sword, I’ll look into a spear,”

Cale quickly moved on. He didn’t want to talk about the spear too much.

“ In my family, we all mastered two weapons. I chose a spear and sword. I was better at the spear but after meeting Deruth I got better at my sword,”

“This is your regular dagger,” Cale brushed off his thoughts, “But these two!”

Cale placed the book on his lap, pointing with a glint of excitement in his eyes. The drawing was quite accurate and was most likely copied from one of the books. The handle was engraved with various patterns and the blade was long and thin, representing a needle, “I liked this dagger. It’s called a Stiletto Dagger and is easy to hide on boots and under clothes,”

“Ho,” Ron was actually surprised Cale picked a stiletto dagger of all things. They’re used by assassins and spies for the same reasons Cale mentioned. Ron asked, “This drawing isn’t a stiletto though,”

“Oh, no that’s a butterfly knife,” Cale smiled, “The dexterity of it intrigued me,”

“The dexterity?” Ron repeated, “Not the impressiveness?”

“If I wanted to impress, would we be doing this in secret?” Cale defended himself.

‘That was just part of the reason, you scary butler!’

Ron seemed to see through him as he gave him a small look, before moving on, “Young Master-nim, a rapier and a longsword will be quite obvious,”

A mischievous smile crawled onto Cale’s face. The two assassins suddenly felt a sense of danger. 

“Hehe,” Cale giggled, “I already thought of that~”

“Hah…” Beacrox couldn’t help but sigh, “And, may we know what your plan is?”

“Nope!” Cale shook his head, “I want to try them out first. See if I like how they move. I know how swords work, but a sword is a lot harder to hide. Especially a longsword. That thing stood out a ton back then!”

“A rapier is a type of sword,” Beacrox pointed out.

“Yes, but it’s a sword that favors duxtility and is quick. Something with a blade sharp enough to hurt someone, but thin enough to be hidden,”

‘Hurt someone?’ 

“...young master-nim,” Ron began slowly, “I will dutifully assist you to the best of my abilities, however, I must question you, once more. What are you and Young Master Rok Soo doing to require any of this?”

Cale looked at the Molan duo.

He wants to tell them, he does. 

It’ll be easier to convince Ron to let him go out. It’ll be easier for Cale to work without having to hide everything from Ron, who was around him most hours of the day. 

But there’s a part of Cale that can’t bring himself to. Does not wish to drag them into this complicated mess he and Rok Soo are trying to navigate. 

It’s hard enough trying to keep Ron unaware of his nightmares by holding back every scream, every sob, every flinch when he stares at his family breathing . Cale’s dreams, visions of the future, as Rok Soo calls them, are things Cale doesn’t know why he of all people has. He doesn’t know why Rok Soo knows of the future too. Or how.

He cannot explain completely to these two assassins who have had their home taken and family killed. He can’t bring himself to burden them with it.

So, Cale simply smiles, as bright and as convincing as always. He has acted for years, fooling both of them. He can easily do so again, “It’s not anything big, really. Rok Soo taught me because I kept getting in fights with gangsters and other nobles. I was simply inspired by the adrenaline rush,”

Beacrox and Ron share another look, before dropping the subject. Ron says simply, “I will help you with your dagger and butterfly knife. Beacrox can help you with the basics of rapiers and longswords as both them and a greatsword fall under swords,”

Beacrox nods, “It’s good you chose a sword. You’ve got experience with it,”

Cale grinned, thrilled about his training and thrilled about his lie working once again.

Chapter Text

“....holy shit,”

“Cale, please,”

“In my defense, Father. This is my first time seeing the palace,”

It was extremely beautiful. The late year let the sky darken at earlier hours, thus causing the white palace to be lit up by golden glows of lights. Cale was staring at the feat of architecture, his reddish eyes seeming to glow under the yellow lights that embraced the castle. 

Deruth watched his son with a small smile. 

Cale usually wore good outfits as per his status, but since they were attending a party hosted by the Roan Royal Family, he was practically groomed to perfection. Cale’s outfit consisted of black dress pants and newly polished shoes of a dark brown color. The dress shirt was white and sat under a red vest that had gold accents. Around the vest was a tight black leather belt with an ornate golden buckle. Over that was the large red and gold coat that had twin tails, each ending at the back of Cale’s knee. There was a fancy maroon brooch with a white gemstone in the center placed over his heart. 

As the Henituse carriage came to the road leading to the entrance, Cale dropped the curtain and sat back up. Immediately, the earlier smile was dropped and Cale simply looked at Deruth. Deruth smiled back, “Just tell me if you’re going to take a breath, alright?”

‘I’m not a kid…’

Cale said nothing as the carriage had come to a stop and the sound of someone walking up to the door alerted them. The door clicked open and a royal knight bowed deeply, “Count Henituse, Young Master Cale, welcome to the palace,”

Deruth exited out first, Cale following behind him, expression stoic. As expected of him, Cale walked just a step behind his father, following the Count’s steps up from the roundabout and to the double doors. As they approached, the two knights bowed, and opened the humongous entryways.

A third man announced their arrival to those already inside.

“The Henituse County is Entering!!”

Cale had to hide a grimace as he followed his Father into the event hall. It was usually like this when a new arrival was announced. People would turn and take a glance. That’s how it was right now. But despite the melody of the music and buzz of talking and laughter, it felt extremely quiet to Cale. Cale could feel the stares directly on him .

Furthermore, it seemed nobles truly sucked at whispering because Cale could hear the gossip.

“Oh my, it was true,”

“Countess Violan really didn’t attend this year?”

“They really sent Young Master Cale here?”

Cale pretended he didn’t hear anything, as usual. 

“Count Henituse,” 

“Viscountess Ubarr,” Deruth smiled at the green haired woman.

Cale gave a small bow as a greeting when she looked at him, muttering, “Viscountess,”

“Young Master Cale, it’s a delight to see you,” Popelina Ubarr smiled at him kindly, “You’re looking well,”

Cale gave a small hum, “I suppose, I’m feeling quite well, today,”

The woman smiles and glances back to the younger girl approaching her, “Amiru, come greet the Henituse County,”

Amiru Ubarr gently touched her dress, bowing with perfect elegance, “I greet Count Henituse and Young Master Cale,”

Cale and Deruth both returned her greeting. 

Deruth then turned to Popelina, “Has Cilian arrived?”

“Yes, I believe he and Young Master Eric are greeting Baron* Chetter and Young Master Gilbert,”

(A/N: I believe the Chetter family was originally a Baron family and after the war was raised to Viscount)

Cale immediately looks to Deruth, “Father, may I go to hyung-nim?”

“Let’s all go together,” Deruth smiled and Cale released a small sigh at having to do more greetings.

As the leaders of the Ubarr and Henituse territory walked together, Amiru and Cale were behind them. As they passed, Cale could see a few nobles glancing at him warily. He could also feel Amiru staring at him.

There were three families the Henituse County had close relations with. They were the Wheelsman County, the Ubarr Viscounty, and the Chetter Barony. These three, along with the Henituse County, were four of the ten pillar families that controlled the Northeast that had no Duke or Marquis. As such, the heirs of the family all had some sort of relations such as the close brotherhood between Eric and Cale.

Well, to be frank, now that Cale really thought about it, Amiru and Gilbert were the only other two nobles along with Eric that refused to just cut him off. 

Gilbert and Cale, despite being months apart in age, weren’t close but Gilbert had only ever given Cale a few exasperated and frustrated looks. Whether it be because of the respect for Eric, who did not hide his fondness and closeness with Cale, or not, Cale had acknowledged this kindness and subsided slightly. 

Amiru was the oldest of the four of them (she was two years older than Cale and Gilbert and a year older than Eric) and had always been very patient with Cale. That’s why, despite being complete trash, Cale hadn’t said anything to her but merely spoke like he was throwing a tantrum. 

Of course, Cale had no way of knowing that Gilbert and Amiru had thought of the youngest of their quartet as a naughty kid. Eric had confided in them, after all, of his reasons for stubbornly staying by Cale’s side as a hyung. They both could also never disagree that Cale was slightly more respectful to three of them and listened to Eric and occasionally Amiru.

Coming out of his thoughts, Cale asked her, turning abruptly, “Young Lady Amiru, is there something on my face?”

“H-huh? Oh! No!” Amiru quickly corrected, eyes widening, “I apologize, at once,”

Cale looked at her blankly, shrugging, “As long as there’s nothing there, do whatever you want,”

Amiru blinked at the unexpected sentence.

“Ah, Count Henituse! Viscountess Ubarr!” Baron Chetter greets with a smile.

Count Wheelsman also smiles at the guests, greeting them as well. Eric and Gilbert Chetter bow their greetings to the four nobles, the greeting returned. Cale’s eyebrow twitches slightly as Baron Chetter and Gilbert both glance at him. He almost speaks but Eric speaks up, “Cale, this is your first time seeing the palace, right?”

Cale looked at Eric, “Hyung-nim, you took me on a tour yesterday asking me the same thing,”

Eric chuckled lightly, “Ha, I did, didn’t I!”

Count Wheelsman smiles at Cale, “How did you think it looked?”

Everyone was staring at him, including nobles that were listening in. Cale found their reactions funny enough to almost laugh. But, he couldn’t do that, so he crossed his arms across his chest and shrugged, “It was not what I expected,”

Eric smiled, “Yes, it’s quite beautiful to see,”

Cale’s face immediately twisted, “That’s not what I said at all,”

Deruth laughed softly at his son’s shyness. It was something he had noticed a lot during the trip here. He placed a gentle hand on Cale’s head, the teen’s eyes widening and lips parting, the twisting snapping into disbelief, “Cale’s a bit shy when admitting things he finds impressive,”

“Huh?” Cale said dumbly, glancing up. He then recalled where he was and immediately retorted curtly, “I’m not. I just don’t find such things impressive,”

“Son, you were staring out of the carriage the second we could see the palace,”

The other three adults laughed slightly at Cale’s actions, finding them endearing. Though the Baron and Vicountess were a bit surprised by this new change, they just assumed Cale had decided to behave as this was the palace.

Cale flushed and glared up at Deruth. His glare made a few nobles and noble children nearby flinch. Deruth removed his hand after a small pat. He then told Cale, “Go have fun,”

“Tch, whatever,”

Deruth sent a small glance at Eric, who simply smiled up at him. 

“Amiru, why don’t you hang out with Young Masters Eric and Cale,”

“Yes, Mother,”

Gilbert was in the same situation and soon, the four children were left standing there together. A silence spread over the group, Amiru and Gilbert patiently waiting for Cale to do something. Eric, on the other hand, chose to facilitate before anything could happen.

“Well–”

“Hyung-nim,” Cale stopped Eric.

“Yes, Cale?”

“Is there food?”

“Yes, over there, let’s go,”

Eric began walking, motioning with his eyes to Amiru and Gilbert. Cale silently followed. He bit down a smirk as a few lower nobles backed out of their way. Cale was quite proud of himself to have such influence.

“Are you hungry?”

“Father said I wasn’t to drink,”

“....”

A moment of stunned silence envelops the area around them. Cale hears a noble whisper, “Oh, Count Henituse is a saint,”

‘Yes, he’s a great count. I better not see anyone talking shit about him now,’

Cale had said it aloud for people beside them to hear and spread the information about. It would spread quickly as every noble faction was present. 

“I see…” Eric spoke slowly, “...are you upset about it?”

“No,” 

“Huh?” Gilbert and Amiru both were confused.

Cale turned to them after hearing them. They looked frantic for a moment, but Cale spoke, “I don’t plan to get drunk anyway,”

Eric smiled, proud, “Yes, yes, you’ll be seeing our future rulers,”

Cale smirked, giving a casual shrug, “Naturally, I’m curious,”

“Ah, well,” Gilbert began, “It’s almost the allotted time,”

Cale grabbed a chocolate biscuit to nibble on. He leaned against the wall, glancing around the party. He spotted the slightly raised podium for the royal family. 

“Young Master Eric,”

The group glanced over to see Viscount Tolz’s son, Neo, approach them. Cale’s gaze darkened for a moment. The Tolz territory was right next to the Henituse territory and used to be on good terms. However, there are some tensions currently. It wasn’t even for anything serious. It was just simply envy at the vast difference of wealth.

“Young Master Neo, it’s a pleasure to greet you,” Eric smiled, but threw a small glance at Cale upon seeing his darkening expression.

It seemed even though Cale had stopped his studies, he was still very aware of the political plays going on in the noble world. Amiru seemed to also note the expression change as she stepped slightly closer to Cale, as if to protect him. Cale glanced at her, receiving a small smile.

‘She hasn’t seen me since rumors of my drinking and worsened behavior got out,’

‘She’s still like this even knowing I’ve only become crueler?’

Neo grinned, shaking hands with Eric. He then turned to the other three giving short greetings as per etiquette. It was when he began to greet Cale, did Cale realize Neo was not here for Eric at all. 

“And, of course, our Young Master Cale Henituse,”

“Young Master Neo,” Cale greeted coldly, refusing to stand upright from the wall.

Neo had neither extended a hand or bow. Cale was amused, frankly. It was a disrespect that could be overlooked due to Cale’s own posture, but at the same time, would reflect onto Neo as Cale came from a higher standing. Eric, Amiru, and Gilbert all inhaled sharply. 

A few nearby nobles glanced over, eager for entertainment.

“Young Master Cale, I haven’t ever seen you at a gathering of this scale,” Neo began with a cool smile.

“You seem to think I’d go out of my way to show you my presence,” 

“Haha, of course, Young Master Cale wouldn’t,” Neo laughed, despite his eyes sharpening at the subtle insult of being called lower. The brown haired noble spoke casually, “But then again, with your attention grabbing habits, it wouldn’t be hard to miss,”

Cale could feel the atmosphere turn colder.

All the Northeastern nobles knew of his temper. Yet, here was one provoking him. On purpose. Inside the royal palace.

“Young Master Neo,” Amiru suddenly spoke up, “It is Young Master Cale’s first time in the capital,”

“Yes, I thought as much,” Neo smiled. He then stepped towards the food, grabbing a cookie. Taking a small bite, he hummed in thought, looking at Cale, “Now that I think of it…Young Master Cale, isn’t this the first time you’ve made a public appearance with all the factions since…ah what was it…”

Cale’s eyes began to darken and his fingers curled around his arms. 

“Young Master Neo, that’s–” Eric tried to stop.

“Ah right!” Neo snapped his fingers, an innocent expression clear, “Since the Count married Countess Violan!”

The biscuit snapped under Cale’s fingers.

Amiru and Gilbert quickly flinched away, stepping towards Eric and away from Neo. Nobles behind the Tolz also froze, all surrounding their eyes on the redhead who was looking at Neo blankly.

Everyone was holding their breath.

If there was one rumor that people loved about Cale more than his trashy antics. It was his alleged behavior towards his step-family. Cale still doesn’t know how that started but he supposes it isn’t impossible for someone to think that his temper stemmed from hate. Afterall, his behavior flaunts his status. To have a Countess and a potential heir, a step mother and brother, of common birth– yes, Cale supposes he shouldn’t be so surprised people assumed he despised them.

However, as much as people gossiped about it, there was an unspoken rule amongst the Northeastern Nobles. 

Never mention the Henituse Family to Cale Henituse.

No one wanted to face Cale Henituse when pushed that far. No one had.

Yet here was the brave or foolish Neo Tolz. Breaking that very rule. Picking at that very rumor. To Cale Henituse who had become far worse now that he had begun to drink.

They all watched the red-haired male who had not moved. His expression had become completely apathetic as he stared at the grinning Neo Tolz.

That’s why, when Cale’s eyes seemed to widen and a large grin pulled up on his lips, the surrounding area was burdened by a heavy presence. 

A dark laugh echoed in the corner of the hall.

Everyone nearby froze and the four nobles in front of Cale stiffened, Neo’s smile flinching away as he watched the crazy scene in front of him. 

Cale slowly leaned off the wall, a grin on his face. Despite being of the same height, Cale looked down at the Viscount’s son.

“Young Master Neo,” Cale’s voice was playful and that made it terrifying for everyone else, “Aren’t you quite chatty tonight?”

Neo Tolz swallowed. He had come here ready to face Cale’s temper. That meant swearing, throwing, chaos. So what was this cruel and slow anger?

“My, my,” Cale covered his mouth with one hand, letting out a soft laugh. His red eyes seemed to glow beneath the shadow his hair casted over the top of his face, “You look as white as a sheet. Young Master Neo, you were just fine a moment to go when you spoke to me,”

Cale suddenly leaned closer and Neo Tolz stumbled back, but froze when Cale grabbed him to halt his backing. Cale’s voice was still loud enough for everyone to hear, “Tsk, tsk, you’re stumbling like a blind dog. Were you allergic to something in that cookie?”

Neo Tolz was so silent, stiff as a board. 

Cale straightens Neo up, a small smile on his face. He reached forward and straightened out Neo’s clothes. As he fixed the collar of Neo’s vest, small trail of stumbled from the biscuit sticking to the fabric, Cale suddenly complimented, “Young Master Neo, you have quite the sense of style,” 

Cale leaned down and whispered darkly, a smile still remaining on his face, “The next time, you speak out of turn to me. I’ll pummel this face of yours that even the Viscount won’t be able to recognize you as his own flesh and blood,”

Neo Tolz turned whiter as Cale leaned away and finished straightening up the dog’s clothes. Then as elegant as any of his status should be, Cale spoke, “It was a lovely chat, Young Master! Since our territories are so close, you should come catch a drink with me,”

He paused, waiting for Neo to speak as per custom. All eyes were on Neo who had received an invitation from a noble of a high status and more influential household. Cale’s expression turned odd as there was no answer after a minute and he glanced to Eric, “Hyung-nim, are there different etiquettes in the capital?”

“...No, Cale,” Eric gathered himself, voice breathless from the display in front of him.

Neo seemed to get some of his voice back when Cale turned back to him, his red eyes obviously laughing and mocking him, “Ho? Then I guess it really was the cookie? He was so chatty before it…”

Gilbert and Amiru couldn’t help but giggle at the snide shaking off the shock from before, along with a few other noble children, many of which were from other factions. They had heard rumors, but what they’d seen just now was far more entertaining. Cale Henituse did not throw a tantrum or punch, he hadn’t done anything. He had merely spoke and his mere presence had scared Neo Tolz to nothing.

Yes, there was fear of what Cale was like at meetings to cause such a reaction, but Neo Tolz was not that special nor talented in the noble court, thus it was amusing to watch the trash mess with him.

The laughter made Neo’s ears turn red from shame. He gritted his teeth, “P-perhaps when appropriate, Young Master Cale,”

Cale smiled brightly, but to Neo it looked cruel, “Sounds good!”

He then turned on to his left, giving a casual wave and walked through the crowd, Eric following after him with Amiru and Gilbert. 

“Cale, hold on,” Eric grabbed Cale’s arm, the younger pausing and glancing back. It was then the older three could see the completely blank expression Cale wore. A contrast of the earlier display. 

Eric’s grip tightened. He lowered his voice, “Are you alright?”

Cale stared at Eric before raising an eyebrow, “Obviously. Why should I acknowledge a dog’s yapping?”

“Young Master Cale,” Gilbert looked at the redhead with a smile of respect, “You looked very cool,”

‘I wanted to make him choke on those cookies’ Cale thought. ‘He’s lucky we’re in the palace and there was an audience. I’d have finally committed murder’

“Naturally,” 

“Oh, look!”

The boys glanced to where Amiru had pointed, the sound of trumpets greeting them. At once, the chatter of the hall silenced and the large white doors opened for the final time that evening. The announcer gave the largest shout as a group of individuals with blond hair and blue eyes walked by.

“The Suns of the Roan Kingdom have arrived!!”

Cale watched the scene with curiosity while bowing like the rest of the room. 

In the front was King Zed and his wife, the Queen. Following behind them was the eldest of the King’s children, Crown Prince Alberu Crossman.

‘This was the prince with a glib tongue,’ Cale recalled Rok Soo’s words.

The Crown Prince had a polite smile on his face as he walked with grace and confidence. Cale was surprised knowing the Crown Prince had virtually no support. 

‘Hm, then again. His Majesty the King has not removed the Crown Prince from the title of first heir yet. Should anything happen to the King and Queen, no matter what support, Crown Prince Alberu would ascend to the throne as per ancient law and tradition,’

Following behind Alberu was the second prince and third prince, with the second prince being just slightly ahead. Behind those three were the extended family and children of the concubines. Cale didn’t give them too much attention as none of them were expected to take the throne. It was truly only a fight between the eldest three sons.

King Zed stood in front of his seat, eyes scanning the room of guests as the other royals found their places. Once the doors shut, the nobles returned to standing, all eyes fixed on the King.

King Zed smiled, opening his arms in a welcoming gesture, “I am pleased to see that the nobles of our Roan Kingdom have honored me with presence at our annual end of year celebration,”

King Zed then adds with a small laugh, “I am also spotting many of our future leaders. How odd, I recall when some of you were just born,”

Kind laughter rippled through the crowd. Cale grimaced. He knew that one of those ‘some’ was him. He had heard stories of how his parents were of the same school year as the current King, all three of them attending the academy. Vaguely, he can remember his Mother telling him of their school years; recalling such memories Cale stare at the king with an odd expression.

Another thought soon came to his mind.

‘...huh, thinking of it…I suppose I’m a bit similar to the Crown Prince,’

Cale watched blankly as Zed finished his speech and clapped aimlessly like the other nobles. He was then greeted with the sight of the Queen stepping forward. She was the one who planned many of the royally thrown events, thus it was her word that began the celebration. 

Cale immediately tuned her long speech out.

“......may you enjoy the night!”

Cale released a sigh when the music began again. He glanced over towards the royal children, noticing that many of the children had already risen. With bows to the king and queen, the royals began to intermingle with the crowd. 

“Cale, who are you looking at?”

“Nobody,” Cale turned his head, “Just observing the suns,”

“I did the same when I first saw them,” Amiru admitted bashfully, “They’re all beautiful and handsome,”

Cale nodded, looking at all the royals, “Mhm, they are,”

“The Henituse County is neutral, right?” Gilbert clarified.

Cale looked at him. Seeing as Cale didn’t correct him, Gilbert continued, “Then you’re probably going to get some attention,”

Cale frowned immediately, “What are you on about…”

The three of them simply smiled. Cale didn’t understand, motioning to them, “You all are neutral too,”

“Yes, but we’re not the wealthiest county of the Northeastern territory,” Eric pointed out.

“Father and M-ahem it’s not like the Henituse Household hasn’t attended before,” Cale cleared his throat, the four of them beginning to walk towards the snacks table and the outdoor courtyard, ‘Hah. I’m so used to talking freely with Rok Soo hyung. Good I caught myself’

Eric had definitely heard it. He had heard it but pretended not to hear it for Cale’s sake. He saw the shocked expressions on his two friends. Quickly, Eric gave a look to Amiru and Gilbert to not comment on it. The three of them would chat about their companion later.

“Yeah, but, oh…” Eric glanced to the right. He then quickly whispered, “You’ll see, also, good luck,”

“What?”

“Pardon me, Young Master Cale Henituse?”

Cale turned to see a female of his age standing in front of him. The moment he saw the blonde hair and blue eyes,Cale felt his neck go chilly. He swallowed and bowed, “Princess,”

The Crossman Royal family. Blonde hair as bright as the sun and eyes as blue as the sky. That was their defining feature, an attribute the house received from being blessed by the Sun God. They had ruled the Roan Kingdom since its beginning.

The young woman in front of Cale was one of the King’s children with the concubines. Her dress was one with an off-shoulder design, frilly white sleeves covered the portion of her arm above her elbow. The dress itself was an ombre from white to a deep purple around her waist and top of the skirt, before fading back to white. There was a light floral pattern stitched into the shimmering fabric along with a plethora of white beaded-strings. A few had flower shaped pieces attached to fit the theme. Her neck was dazzled by a thick set of diamond jewelry, a large purple stone settling in between her collar bones. A similar jewel but in a paler shade and smaller size sat atop her hair. 

She was indeed a Princess.

The girl laughed softly, gently reaching forward, “Please don’t bow so deep, Young Master Cale,”

He straightened up and Cale suddenly noticed the gap between him and the other three. They were conversing between themselves, but Eric’s small playful smile was a dead-giveaway. Cale would’ve glared had the princess not spoken again.

“I’m Second Princess Jaylee,” Jaylee curtsied, “I noticed your red hair when I sat down earlier,”

Cale bowed his head, “I’m honored to have your attention, Second Princess,”

She smiled sweetly at him. Her eyes shifted to the side for a moment and Cale glanced to see a few other nobles and royals taking glances towards them. Both of them ignored it. 

Jaylee smiled, “Honor is of no part!”

She leaned slightly closer, her voice lowering only slightly, but anyone close by or with good enough hearing would be able to catch her words. 

“Actually, I heard the Young Master Cale was quite handsome so I was always intrigued to meet you,” 

‘....what the? What is going on right now?’

Cale blinked a few times, “...Thank you, Princess,”

Jaylee giggled at the small confusion she found in his tone, “I’ve shocked you a little, haven’t I?”

“Ah, I’m usually not this obvious,” 

‘Fuck it’ Cale thought, ‘Let’s just talk like normal people,’

Jaylee released another laugh. Cale spoke before she could, “I knew I was good looking, but to hear it from Second Princess is a bit of a boost of ego,”

He then can’t help but feel a bit petty at her surprising him, so he finishes, making a polite smile tug at his lips, “However, I am afraid I’m still quite lacking in terms of good looks when standing next to Second Princess. You look as bright as a star today, your highness,”

Jaylee felt her eyes widen at the abrupt flattery, a soft heat crawling up her face. Due to her pale complexion, the blush becomes noticeable soon. Cale clearly sees it, and his eyes look slightly amused, “Oh my, I was unaware Second Princess was shy. You approached with such a presence I have assumed otherwise,”

Eric has his mouth open slightly. No, it’s not just him, actually. Many who witness the interaction are stupified by the conversation between the Henituse and Crossman. Furthermore, it was Cale Henituse, who had been unseen outside of the Northeast since he was nine years of age. 

Jaylee had gasped softly, touching her face, which grew pinker. She quickly opened her fan, looking away, “I am not, truly. Young Master Cale seems to have a charm to him,”

Cale wondered what this situation was now. He really had no idea. 

Cale simply smiled at her, not quite sure what to say to that without repeating flattery. Thankfully, Jaylee moved on and the two began to converse casually. Of course, Cale was more respectful than ever and hated every second of it. He made sure to purposefully slip up here and there, almost using coarse language and his tone shifting. It was perfect control from him, but it looked the opposite for others.

“...Young Master Cale, you’re really fun to talk with,”

Cale chuckled softly at her words, “Second Princess, my Father told me not to indulge myself today,”

“Hm, but one cannot be indulging all the time,”

Cale’s smile told her that’s exactly what he did. Cale shrugged, “Henituse Wine is delicious,”

Jaylee gave a patient smile, “I have heard as such,”

Cale grinned, nodding proudly, “I personally think it’s the best wine in the kingdom. Second Princess should try some,”

There’s a pause.

He adds after a moment, recalling manners, “...if she is keen to do so,”

Jaylee smirked, “Young Master, is this your way of asking me for a drink?”

‘What is she talking about? I’m simply recommending her wine,’ Cale blinks a few times. He speaks carefully, “If Second Princess ever does wish for a bottle, the Henituse County would be honored to send her one of the finest quality,”

“Well, then,” Jaylee smiles kindly, her fan closing shut again, “Do send me one, Young Master,”

Cale thinks that there’s been a misunderstanding.

Regardless, he puts it aside and returns her bow, “If you wish it,”

He watches her leave, turning around to find Eric suddenly next to him with an expression of disbelief and shock. Cale cursed, almost punching his friend in the face. Amiru looked at Cale with wide eyes, “...Young Master Cale,”

“Huh? Yes? Why are you all staring at me weird?”

“Young Master Cale, no offense at all but, I think you should stop drinking completely,” Amiru said.

“What?”

“Young Master Cale, you and Second Princess Jaylee were speaking for a while! So long that people watching got bored,” Gilbert said.

‘Was it that long?’

“Cale, dongsaeng,” 

Cale turned to Eric at the seriousness.

Cale grimaced when Eric suddenly gripped his shoulders, a very stern look appearing, “Cale, I know you’re young and your body is growing. However, please be careful when you’re beginning relationships,”

“What the fuck?” Cale released, his curses he couldn’t say finally flowing out, “What sort of bullshit are you saying?”

“Cale,” Eric smiled patiently as if scolding a child, “Your first time to the palace and you caught the attention of the second princess,”

Cale frowned, “Apparently? I’m not exactly thrilled about it?”

“You seem to be enjoying her company…” Gilbert hummed.

“She was at least interesting to talk with,” Cale rolled his eyes.

“Oh my god!” Eric looked near tears, “My dongsaeng is growing up! Amiru, where’s my little Cale gone?”

Cale stared at the sight in front of him with a confused and disturbed face.

He looked towards the courtyard before mumbling, “What is this nonsense happening to me today?”

Cale whined abruptly, “Hyung-nim, I want wine,”

“You’re not allowed today,” Amiru placated as she calmed Eric.

“Fucking hell,” Cale looked truly troubled right now, “Okay, fine,”

He sighed, “I’ll find you later. I want to go to the courtyard,”

“Ah, we’ll come with you–”

“I’m not a kid that needs babysitting,” Cale waved them off, “It’s annoying in here. Let me be so I don’t punch the next person to talk to me,”

He pauses, “Unless I can ,”

“Don’t even think about it,” Eric shook his head, “Go on, I’ll find you in 20 minutes,”

With another tired sigh, Cale walked out of the event hall. Thankfully, it seemed that the cold air was keeping people away so there were not many people here. The only people he could see were the younger noble children, all of whom had attendants to watch over them.

Cale walked to the fountain, moving around to sit on the edge farthest away from the doors. When he did, Cale sighed, closing his eyes and listening to the wind, the sounds from the hall, the children not too far away. Cale softly opened his eyes, gazing up at the night sky.

‘It’s really beautiful,’ Cale thought, smiling slightly at the sky of their Roan Kingdom. It fell as he began thinking how this peacefulness would be destroyed in three years.

Cale wondered if it could be prevented. That attack. 

He wanted to prevent it. He didn’t want his visions to become a reality. He didn’t want to see- hear any of that again.

Cale’s eyes glossed over.

“Mother!!”

Violan freezes for a moment.

Cale yells at her, begs her, “Mother!! Mother please!!”

Violan suddenly moves. She pulls all three of her children into a hug, kissing their heads. Basen and Lily sob louder as Cale just stares at her, silent tears falling down his face. She cups his face, smiling, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry I was such a terrible Mother. My good son,”

Cale’s eyes shake and he screams for her as she runs out the large door, slamming it shut and locking them inside the dark room. Cale inhales as he hears Lily banging on the wall trying to open it. Another explosion shakes the manor and Cale runs forward, catching Lily from falling. He pulls her close, keeping a secure grip on her. He reaches for Basen, pulling both of them as they sobbed.

“I heard there was a free-spirited Young Master from the Henituse Territory that protects us from the Forest of Darkness,” a voice spoke from the side, breaking Cale out of his daze, “Bright red hair and eyes, good looks. Indeed, you must be Young Master Cale Henituse I have the honor of meeting,”

Crown Prince Alberu Crossman extended a hand with a small bow.

Cale Henituse regretted attending this party. 

“He’s got a glib tongue,”

“What if I do interact with him?”

“...don’t,”

“I’m just asking,”

“Tch, the Crown Prince tends to avoid people like him,”

Standing up, Cale forced a smile onto his face brightly. He’d heard this Crown Prince talk for ten seconds and the only words in Cale’s mind was ‘This bastard!’.

This sugary-sweet-flattery was complete and utter bullshit!

Keeping up a facade of his own, Cale took the hand and mimicked the bow. The two rose and Cale happily spoke teeth-rotting words, “It’s an honor for me, your highness. Truly, when I arrived in the carriage, I had no idea I would be graced by the presence of the sun this close to me, even more so to be blessed by the great fortune of such a complement of an even more handsome being!”

Cale internally puked.

Alberu’s expression turned odd as he looked down at the younger kid. It hid away soon and they both released their hands smiling at one another bright enough that the stars were jealous, “Is that so? Well, I’m afraid your presence and looks are eye catching. Truly, our Young Master Cale has been blessed by the divine,”

‘Bullshit!!’ 

Cale bowed to him again, raising quickly, “That’s the biggest praise I’ve ever received in my life! Furthermore, to be gifted such a honor by our Crown Prince, who could be the body of a god, is a feat that suppresses one a low noble such as myself should ever receive,”

‘Huuu….’

Alberu stares at him, before asking politely, “May I inquire why Young Master Cale is out here?”

“Oh, I felt like it,”

“I see! I’ve heard this your first time in the Capital and at a royal event,” Alberu understands. He gives a sympathetic smile, “It can be rather suffocating!”

“Oh!” Cale looks amused, “Does His Highness also find it troublesome,”

Alberu let out a good-natured laugh, “At first, of course, it was overwhelming. However, I take a good pleasure in these get-to-gethers now,”

Cale let out a small laugh of understanding. 

‘Oh my god. This Prince is a whole facade!!’

He let the smile fade and looked up at the sky, “...You are right, your highness,”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s suffocating in there,” Cale reminded him, “It’s better out here,”

The wind whistled past them and Cale let the chilliness bring his body to an altered state. He turned fully, looking at Alberu, whose eyes had followed him to the sky earlier. Sensing his gaze, Alberu looked down at Cale again.

There was a bit of a height difference between them as Alberu was already an adult, 20 years old, while Cale was still growing and five years younger.

Alberu smiled, “Young Master Cale, you're the heir to the Henituse County, correct?”

“Unfortunately,”

Alberu’s smile turned into a confused frown, “Unfortunately?”

“Yes, your highness,” Cale spoke with utmost seriousness, “That was Father’s justification for bringing me here, tonight,” 

Seeing Alberu’s expression Cale explains further, “It’s a lovely party and I was honored to be granted the vision of the Suns of Roan, but I was very close to punching Neo Tolz in the face,”

Alberu let out a small laugh, ‘What a crazy punk? What’s he saying in front of a prince?’

“Furthermore,” Cale seemed to be truly disturbed and Alberu felt that this situation had gone a bit out of loop, “Eric hyung-nim thinks I’ve started a relationship with someone? I don’t remember doing that at all!”

Alberu stared blankly before carefully speaking, a gentle smile curling on his lips again, “Young Master Cale, did you not compliment Jaylee about her looks and invite her to drink?”

Cale stared at Alberu, not at all surprised he knew this, before saying, “I guess I did, why?”

Alberu resists a sigh. He smiles patiently, a little amused by the carefree noble. From what he had heard of Cale Henituse, he was expecting something else. This was not what he expected. That made Alberu curious.

“Young Master Cale, when complimenting a lady’s looks and inviting her for a drink, is that not the same as expressing interest in her?” 

“...”

Cale suddenly remembered his Father’s words before they left the Estate. At once, Cale looked a cross between horrified and embarrassed. Frankly, Alberu didn’t even know a face could pale and blush at the same time, “Hah…I thought he was just being paranoid about suitors…”

Alberu couldn’t help but release a genuine chuckle. Cale actually had the audacity to glare at him, “Your highness, please refrain your laughter,”

“My deepest apologies,” Alberu schools his expression, but his eyes are amused.

Cale decides to ignore the fiasco until someone else brings it up. He’ll deal with it then. Shaking his head, he asks Alberu, “Your highness, Crown Prince, may I ask what you wanted to discuss about?”

Alberu remembered his goal. However, before he could speak, Cale added one more thing, “Your highness, if this is about our neutrality, however. I’m afraid I have no influence in that,”

Alberu smiled, a bit surprised at being seen through, “Is that so?”

“Mhm,” Cale nods, “Father is a better candidate to discuss with,”

“Ah, I see. Then, young master cale, may I have your graciousness of being introduced to the Count?”

‘Oh. This Crown Prince is actually kind of sly?’

Cale blinked before refraining a sigh, smiling with a another bow, “Of course, your highness,”

Indeed, Cale brings Alberu to his Father, excusing himself as quickly as possibly. For the rest of the event, Cale spent avoiding people or sticking closely and silently to Eric. There were multiple people who wished to talk to him and Cale had to indulge them. The problem was, Cale hadn’t had to be this polite in years. 

Cale decided that the moment he went back, he’s going to practice more on his acting and manipulative speaking. He needed to be polite but not too polite that people felt they could step on Basen or Mother. No, he was going to be a noble other’s would rather not cross. 

When it was finally time to leave, Cale was so mentally exhausted. To make it worse, his throat and jaw hurt from talking and smiling so much. That’s why, the second the King and Queen were done talking, Cale made a beeline for his Father. Letting go of etiquette just for a bit, Cale whispered softly, “ Father ,”

It was a tone of impatience and exhaustion. Deruth, turned to his son, his son who had behaved the entire night, with pride. He chuckled softly, turning to the nobleman he was speaking to. Thankfully, the man seemed to find the scene endearing as he bowed and motioned he would send a letter of what he wished to discuss. Deruth nodded, wishing a goodnight, before walking with Cale outside.

When their carriage came around, Deruth let Cale go in first and followed after. Deruth could only smile as Cale threw himself across the seats, groaning loudly. Deruth spoke, “Good job, Cale,”

Cale grumbled, “Good Job? Good job for what? I was ready to beat that fucking Tolz black and blue,”

“Tolz?”

“Father,” Cale looked at Deruth, “Viscount Tolz. Don’t help him with anything unless it directly benefits our territory,”

Deruth looked surprised, “May I ask why?”

“A lot of people talked to me today,” Cale looked truly angry, “But that Tolz. He was the only one that actively provoked me for a fight. I almost gave it to him too,”

Deruth nodded, “Of course, I will do as you want, son,”

Cale turns away, too tired to control the bitter expression from blooming.

‘I know’

Chapter Text

While Cale was at the capital Rok Soo was doing two things.

Number one, writing things out to plan when it would be best to act.

And number two, enjoying his slacker life.

Truly, he didn’t have to do anything. He had servants to bring him meals, a comfy-ass bed to sleep in, books to keep him company, and best of all, he had peace and quiet.

He did number two more than number one, really.

He was productive but his inner desires won out and Rok Soo didn’t bother putting up a fight. He happily spent his time in his room, only coming out if absolutely needed.

That’s why he didn’t know that his older siblings were very worried about him.

The first few days of not seeing their dongsaeng around the estate, Siwan marched into Elis’s office.

“Orabeoni,”

“Siwan,” Elis looked at the woman who had entered without knocking, “I’m busy,”

“This is more important than finances right now,”

“Fine, what?”

“Rok Soo,” Siwan began and Elis looked at her with full focus, “He’s completely shut down!”

“...and?”

“Really, Oppa! Can’t you see it?” Siwan walked closer, a troubled look on her face, “Ever since Rok Soo and Young Master Cale met, they’ve been meeting almost everyday. Rok Soo is very active around the young master and anyone can see that he actually adores Young Master Cale, even though he calls him a brat and punk! And of course, this is reciprocated by the Young Master too!”

Elis nodded along, “They’re quite close for only meeting this year. Furthermore, Young Master Cale seems to act much warmer than what everyone says,”

“Exactly! And Rok Soo seems to have found some form of companionship with the young master too,” Siwan was very passionate about the topic, “I believe, Rok Soo is currently very upset,”

“Upset?”

“Because Young Master Cale is away for so long!”

“Ah…” Elis stared at his sister for a moment, “...I see,”

‘...I think he’s just lazing around like the slacker he always wants to be?’

“Mhm!” Siwan put on a determined expression, “Oppa, we absolutely cannot let our dongsaeng be so sad like this!”

“...yeah,” Elis swallowed nervously, “S-Siwan, don’t you think, Rok Soo is actually just…relaxing?”

“He’s never had a friend like Young Master Cale! How can he not miss the cute kid?”

“...Siwan,”

“What?”

“N-nothing…” Elis gave up, “Let’s not bother him. Young Master Cale will be back soon,”

Siwan seemed to disagree, but nodded, “Fine. But we must ensure that nothing troubles him until Young Master Cale returns!”

“Deal,”

“Great!”

Siwan turned around and exited the office again. Elis stared at the door, before holding his head and sighing, “Hah…how can that punk give me work without doing anything?”

After a moment though, he rethought his younger sister’s words. Indeed. Rok Soo and Cale had gotten along extremely well. Elis was old enough to remember the former countess and even the first heir’s birth. He remembers a light that belonged to the Henituse County.

It was only after he interacted with Cale himself after all these years that he realized that light had not been present for very long. While it was not gone, the Henituse County was still as peaceful and warm as ever, there was something darker about the marble estate. He had assumed it due to in-fighting and the introduction of a commoner as a ruling figure and potential heir, thus invoking mass disapproval from many of the vassals and pillars. 

The Lady Violan had proven herself well enough though and she soon earned the people’s respect. Perhaps it was also her being from a peasant name that the common people found her worth their respect despite the mysterious origins surrounding her biological son’s lineage. 

Elis shook his head for a moment, there were always rumors about this lifestyle. He knows them well with having two siblings not related by blood. His mother had suffered under scrutiny and accusations of siring two children that were so obviously not of the man she married. 

Elis once again connected how eerily similar his brother and Cale Henituse were. Not only in mannerisms and lines of thinking, but their childhoods had been…difficult. While he would make no assumptions for Cale Henituse, as an older brother, as an adult, as a child with an alcohol-maniac for a Father, Elis Nyphan was sure that Cale drinking at 15, leaving his studies at 10, his abrupt change in personality, were all things that stemmed from reasons that caused the young boy pain. 

To him, Cale was someone distant yet familiar. Perhaps it was also because he could see how at ease Rok Soo was around Cale that formed this strange sort of responsibility for the redhead. His younger brother had always been quiet and serious. He opened up around their Mother often; her death had been a painful thing for all of them, but Rok Soo had been so young. He had only gotten six years with their mother before she was gone. 

Elis had never asked Rok Soo–or even Siwan–about life before being adopted, he had never found a reason to do so. All he knew was that this younger brother of his had obviously suffered before he was under the hands of Elis’s sire. Rok Soo had changed too after their mother’s death. Far more reserved and quiet, having no motivation to do things outside of necessities. Where once he had at least walked around the gardens, he now stayed in his room with a book and food, or asleep.

This was what Rok Soo would call a slacker life, but to Elis, it had always been a tactic to avoid the troublesome burdens of life. 

Truly, the closeness of the three Nyphan siblings blossomed during the two years following the former Madam’s death. Elis was taking his duty as per his birth had always defined, Siwan assisting him and being the social butterfly she was. Yet they always, always, made sure to drag Rok Soo around, even if he protested for his ‘slacker life’. They could not with easy minds watch their too young baby brother distance himself more so than they already were.

“My Lord?”

“Yes?” Elis blinked, turning to the door where Balint stood staring at him with his ever blank expression.

“Young Master Rok Soo has requested a horse,”

“...I’m sorry?”

“A horse, my lord. The Young Master has expressed his wish to horse-ride,”

Elis blinked twice. He asked slowly, “...I see…to relearn how to ride a horse?”

“...this one is unsure of the young master’s intentions,”

“...”

Elis released a sigh and felt like he was going to have headache, “Okay, give him a horse and anything else needed to ride it,”

There was a pause and Elis glanced up again, Balint still waiting to be dismissed. Elis pointed the pen at Balint asking slowly, “...does Rok Soo remember how to ride a horse?”

There was a moment of silence between the two males.

Had Elis been brought up any other way, he would've groaned and plopped his forehead against the desk.

‘This troublesome dongsaeng!!’

~~~

“How hard can it be?” Rok Soo looked at Siwan, who had caught wind of Rok Soo’s adventure outside to the back gardens.

Siwan, who did indeed know how to ride a horse, simply looked at Rok Soo. She should probably warn him. 

Rok Soo steps forward to mount the horse.

As an older sister, Siwan should definitely say something.

Rok Soo looks blank, before stepping forward and placing his foot in the holder, hands gripping the saddle.

Siwan should absolutely tell him he’s doing it wrong.

Rok Soo accidently kicks the horse’s leg, sending the horse into a startle.

Rok Soo squeaks, landing on his back with a startled grunt as the stableboy runs after the horse, whistling to calm it down.

Siwan should help–

Rok Soo’s eyebrow twitches at the laughter echoing from behind him. He rolls onto his stomach glaring at the blond, “If memory serves me right, you know how to do this,”

Siwan is cackling like a menace.

Rok Soo will get her back for this. Somehow.

He pushes himself up, wiping down the dirt. Thankfully, he had chosen to wear black clothes and his coat had been fully buttoned, protecting the lighter colored shirt beneath. The stableboy brought the horse back around to the two Nyphans, “Young Master?”

“I’ll try again,”

Siwan had finished her fit and stepped closer, taking the reins from the stablehand, “I’ll help him, please step back,”

“Yes, my Lady,”

Siwan held the reins firmly in her hands as Rok Soo placed the mounting block down again. Siwan made sure to gently stroke the horse’s snout, keeping it calm for her brother. Her voice was gentle as she instructed, “Place a hand here, usually you would hold the reins with your left hand, but for now, I’ll hold them to control the horse. Make sure to grab a tuff of the mane, good,”

Rok Soo dutifully followed her instructions, left hand gripping the black mane firmly.

“Lift your left leg into the stirrup, make sure the ball of your foot is rested firmly. Once you're secure, reach over with your right hand to grab the cantle of the saddle. You’ll be balancing completely on your right leg to jump up,”

Siwan checked his grip and nodded, “Alright now listen carefully, the spring is quick and requires a few things,”

Rok Soo nodded, angling his head to show her he was listening.

“You’ll be springing completely with your leg. Your arms are there for balance, do not pull yourself up just by arms. It might take a few springs,” Siwan explained, “Release your right hand and raise it to grab the mane, or reins if I wasn’t here, as you center yourself over the horse's withers. Swing your free leg up and over the saddle's cantle at the same moment. Raise your leg high enough so that it doesn't collide with the saddle's back or the horse's hindquarters. Sit down in the saddle slowly. This beauty may feel uncomfortable and even be startled if you land with a thud, this isn’t your mare, afterall,”

Rok Soo pressed his lips together, going over each step in his mind. He did a few tentative springs from his right leg, testing how much strength it required him. After a bit, he nodded, muttering he was going to mount. Immediately, he noticed Siwan tightened her grip on the reins, her gold eyes flickering to the side where the stablehand was watching. 

Rok Soo took a deep breath, before propelling himself upward. His left tightened his grip on the mane, Rok Soo quickly moved his right hand as he swung his left leg higher than he probably needed to. Both his hands quickly fisted the mane, the horse letting out a few whimpers, feet stamping in the garden. Siwan was quick to soothe it as she moved to check on him, warm eyes checking for any sort of discomfort. Rok Soo nodded to her, “Got it,”

“That was good, though you kicked a bit high,”

“I was being cautious,”

“If you kick too high, you risk throwing yourself out of equilibrium,”

Rok Soo simply hummed in acknowledgement. Siwan told him to adjust his seat, Rok Soo ensuring both his feet were on the stirrups. He took the reins Siwan passed to him, letting her reach over to show him a comfortable way to hold them. 

Rok Soo gave a gentle tug on the reins as instructed, tightening his grip around the leather when the large creature took a few steps forward. Rok Soo reminded himself to find some books on horseback riding so he could really grasp everything. 

‘It's like driving. But the car is alive. And ten times less stable,’

Rok Soo quickly decided that comparing a horse to a car was a useless analogy. He briefly thinks about the red-haired punk who was on his way to the Capital.

‘I wonder if Cale can ride horses?’

He wouldn’t be surprised if Cale did. Horseback riding seems like something all high noble children would learn to do. And if the Henituse Family is from a line of martial arts, Rok Soo wouldn’t be surprised if Cale had learned to do so when he was younger as part of his studies. 

Since being here, Rok Soo had his own studies that took up portions of his days. In his memories, Rok Soo knew he had taken lessons that centered on history, arithmancy, literacy, etiquettes, and politics. Those were main lessons to bring him from a common birth education to one of a noble. Additionally, he was given the freedom to take other lessons of his choice while also required to know the history pertaining to the Nyphan Family–i.e. He has an extensive knowledge on the arts. His free class is what surprised him when he found it in his schedule thus triggering his memories.

Rok Soo could play the violin in this life.

From his old life, he could play the guitar–Lee Soo-hyuk had taught him and Choi Jung Soo–but he had never really given music a thought as something he would actively seek out. Of course, Rok Soo couldn’t confidently say if that was because he was busy all the time or because he never had the sort of life to truly focus on anything other than his own survival.

He also had regular lessons that involved basic combat training. As a noble, self-defense was a crucial thing to have. All nobles can be safely assumed to have some form of training. For example, Princess Rosalyn of the Breck Kingdom–she was a character that joined Choi Han’s party after the hero had left the Henituse Territory–was a powerful mage and had the future of a Tower Master. 

So, really, Rok Soo didn’t have a 100% slacker life. Luckily, he had already reached the age of 18, therefore he had a good majority of his lessons completed. He was also smart so it didn’t take long for him to grasp history, literacy, and arithmancy. Even etiquette classes were deemed completed by 15 for him. Politics ended with academic classes, but Rok Soo made it a habit to look over his reports everyday to keep up with the information and news going about the kingdom. These reports were his responsibility, after all.

He was given the menial tasks of checking the reports coming in from the artists they sponsor and the merchant guild that ships about their products and materials. Stone, clay, oil, paints, wood, whatever it was, if it’s being transported, the report comes to Rok Soo’s desk to overview and keep track that everything is running smoothly. Additionally, these reports could hold reports for approval of the transference of a product. It involved shipment so Rok Soo managed it, but upon finding such a request, Rok Soo usually gets all the details before bringing it to Elis, as the report would require the approval of the Lord. 

But if it involved building profit and deals, it usually ended up in Rok Soi’s hands.

Rok Soo was honestly a bit surprised by the amount of papers he has on his desk everyday. He knew his family was prestigious and with the goal of expanding into other territories and, from what Elis was drafting, another Kingdom, there was a large amount of shipments for him to look over; but from the number of products, shipments, investments, and debts he had to look through everyday, it seemed his family was a bigger deal than he thought.

“That was easier than I thought,” Rok Soo frowned.

“Well, I’d be concerned if it wasn’t,” Siwan smiled, “You learned to ride horses when you were eleven. You just stopped riding often after a year,”

Rok Soo did not know this tidbit of information, actually. He tilted his head, “Fair enough,”

He practices for another two and a half hours. He mounts and dismounts repeatedly until it’s like clockwork and Siwan gives him two thumbs ups as approval. After that he gets used to trotting and then some galloping around the garden. Rok Soo is especially grateful when his memories finally click together and the riding becomes that much easier. He also made a note to visit the stables–very few nobles without official titles had stables. The Nyphan Family was an exception due to its influence over the arts culture in the kingdom–to find his personal mare.

He dismounts permanently after seeing Siwan’s sharp smile. Really, he doesn’t know how people mistake his Noona for a ball of sunshine. She’s a completely vicious troublemaker.

Elis has mentioned fondly that Siwan is practically a copy of their Mother. 

Bubbly, elegant, and a complete gremlin. 

The thought made him smile slightly. Since being here, Rok Soo had grown a bit fond of his older siblings. He’s used to being apart and usually on his own; he doesn’t like letting people get so close to him. It’s bothersome to him.

However, Siwan and Elis were practically unbothered by his walls(much like they were). They were fond of him, he could tell. He also had his memories to blame for the growing affection. 

Rok Soo wasn’t a fool. He liked this world a lot better than his old one. He felt light in a way he doesn’t ever remember feeling before. The walls of the Nyphan Estate were like a haven. He genuinely enjoyed living here and being around the staff and his siblings. 

“What are you thinking about that’s making you smile so fondly?” A finger poked his forehead.

His smile fell into an annoyed frown, Rok Soo moving out of his sister’s touch. He gave her a dry look, “None of your business,”

Siwan simply giggled. She then leaned closer to him, lowering her voice, “Is it young master Cale?”

Rok Soo blinked, “What?”

Siwan simply smiled, “Don’t worry, I completely support you,”

“Huh?”

Siwan didn’t answer, simply winking at him and changing the subject, “Why did you suddenly start horse riding again?”

Rok Soo let the topic change, ignoring his sister’s craziness with a practiced ease.

“I want to take short trips out of the city. But not on carriages,”

Siwan paused before a sad smile suddenly crossed her face, “Oh my, I never thought you’d ride out again,”

Rok Soo furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, “Why wouldn’t I?”

“Well…” Siwan hesitated.

Rok Soo didn’t like the awkward and painful emotions he could see on Siwan. He turned towards her, “Noonim, please tell me,”

Siwan gazed at him softly. She then reached up and patted his head, a longing smile tugging at her lips, “Mother used to take us all. As her health declined we went less and less until the doctors advised against it. After she passed, you hardly ever went near the stables again except to visit your mare,”

Rok Soo looked at her, letting the faint feeling of grief tug at his chest, “….Ah,”

Siwan moved her hand away, as the two turned a corner. Rok Soo mindlessly followed her, turning over the information in his head. 

“…I’m sorry, dongsaeng-ah,”

Rok Soo looked up at his sister, “Why are you apologizing?”

“I know it hurts for you to talk about her,” 

“…”

Rok Soo pressed his lips together, a silence falling between the two. Then, he released a soft sigh,  feet stopping, “Siwan Noona,”

She glanced back at him, also stopping. 

Rok Soo was a decently taller than his elder sister (who was an average of 167cm, or around 5’ 6”), standing at a height of 182 centimeters (about 5’11” / 6’0”). However, for a moment, it felt like they were at an equal standing; Rok Soo was staring directly at her, maroon eyes looking with a firm gaze. To anyone else it might’ve looked like a cold expression, but to Siwan, she could see the deep sincerity and emotions lining the edges of the expression. Pain, grief, determination.

“You’re correct. Mother passing was difficult…for all of us. And I have grieved, honestly, I might not ever stop,” Rok Soo tells her, words only he’s told himself being shared to his older sister, “But I can’t just sit. I want to use the life given to me, I want to ensure I live for them too. I will never stop grieving. But I also can’t stop moving forward,”

He glances at the floor, a bitter smile curling at his lips, “The memory of loss is terrible and branding. But it is not the only record I have,”

He clenched his fist and looked up, declaring, “I’m going to live doing what I want, however I want,”

The servants who were passing by had hidden behind the walls upon hearing the scene. Beautiful smiles and touched hearts were twisting them. 

‘Our young master has grown up!’

Yet it was nothing compared to Siwan. Her gold eyes were wide and brimmed with tears. She stared at her precious little brother for a few moments, letting his words ring out in the hall. She stepped forward and pulled him into a tight hug, caressing the back of his head.

Rok Soo made a small noise of surprise upon being yanked forward, however he soon recovered and relaxed, gently hugging her back. Siwan spoke with a gentle laugh, “How lucky I am to have such a precious little brother,”

“Noona…” Rok Soo mumbled in soft protest.

She stepped back, reaching up and wiping a few of her tears. Rok Soo frowned, hands gently reaching forward to hold one of her hands, “Noona, why are you crying?”

“I’m just happy…and proud…and,” she laughed again, smiling brightly at him. She clenched her free hand into a fist making a slight cheering notion, “Yes! Let us live how we want to live! Let’s be happy and healthy!”

Rok Soo smiled, nodding his head with a firm “Yes!”

~~

He had another day of practicing horse riding, this time with his personal mare, who he finally remembered he named Temperance due to her fussy nature. She was a Palfrey Horse, the breed used by most aristocrats and knights due to their strength and speed. She was one of the larger steeds–expected as her rider was tall. The brown and white male horse of a similar size belonged to Elis, who was 185 centimeters (6’1”)-- and clearly well taken care of. Her black coat and equally black mane were practically shining. If her main body resembled obsidian, then it was not wrong to refer to her blue-gray eyes as crystals. Rok Soo was honored to have such a stunning steed.

Honestly, when he first brought her out of the stables, she had been extremely energetic. Especially as Rok Soo steadied for mounting. 

‘She must’ve been really lonely being unable to carry her rider for so long’

Rok Soo couldn’t help but gently hold her head, stroking her snout. He apologizes softly, “Sorry. I’ve wronged you,”

Temperance let out a soft nicker, as if agreeing with him. 

He had seen her yesterday when both horse and rider familiarize themselves with one another again. It was quicker than Rok Soo thought and he found that riding Temperance, especially after his memories continued to flow in, was a lot more comfortable than the horse he used the first day.

Anyhow, today, he’d be leaving the territory. He had already informed his siblings and expressed his desire to go without a guard. They only agreed because Rok Soo swore he’d send a message and he promised to take a few magic artifacts. Additionally, Rok Soo had given them a destination. 

(Even then, the three of them argued for an hour before Elis and Siwan finally caved in)

He was heading to Harris Village.

He wanted to get there and return before Cale returned from the palace. He wasn’t sure why Cale hated Harris Village, but it was enough of a reason to mock their massacre in front of a survivor. He was sure that Cale had some reason. 

Cale was not a person to simply hate.

Rok Soo adjusted the cloak on his person, waving goodbye to the servants and his siblings, before riding out of the gate. On the satchel he had all necessary items, including a magic bag on his hip. Rok Soo rode through the streets at a calm pace, slowing down at the main entrance to the City. The two guards turned upon hearing the horse and Rok Soo held up his ID. Temperance also had the Nyphan Crest on her forehead, attached to the reins. 

After he was cleared, Rok Soo flicked the reins and Temperance took off at a high speed, leaving a trail of dust. Rok Soo grinned at the sudden wind, his cloak flowing behind him. This was something he really liked about this world. The nature that flashed by and the thrill of freely exploring it. It was something he couldn’t do in Korea.

Not only because of urbanization but also because of those damn monsters. Walking around outside of the refortified cities, let alone the mountains that once hosted hundreds of visitors everyday, was a luxury a very, very, small number of individuals worldwide could afford. Shaking his head of depressing thoughts, Rok Soo guided Temperance in the direction of Harris Village. He had memorized the map last night.

~~

The Harris Village was a few days' journey by carriage, but with the speed of Temperance and Rok Soo’s will to ride through the night, he made it within two full days. He entered the small mountain village in the morning of his third day, Temperance walking at a small trot. They had rested little during Rok Soo’s journey, that’s why he decided to spend at least a day here.

As he brought her to a halt, Rok Soo took notice of the eyes that were staring at him. It made sense of course. Rok Soo screamed aristocrat with his high quality cloak, blazer, vest, shirt, trousers, boots, gloves and the obvious glint of his earrings; yet he had no guards at all. After he dismounted, a man came up to him. He had dark brown hair that was beginning to gray, tied in a low ponytail. His skin was tanned and his eyes were light brown. He was rather large, though, shorter than Rok Soo(that’s probably not a fair statement to make), “Welcome, Young Master!”

Rok Soo scanned the area, searching for a head of black hair and Korean features, yet saw no one. Nonetheless, he kept the mask covering the bottom half of his face on, “My apologies for arriving so early, is there somewhere my horse can rest and I spend the day and night?”

The man grinned warmly, “Of course!”

He then adds apologetically, “I hope the young master does not mind his steed staying with our own horses,”

Rok Soo snorted, “I don’t mind at all. This one, on the other hand,” he stroked Temperance, “Is rather fussy. Let me know if Temperance gives you any trouble,”

The man chuckled, before motioning someone over. A boy with similar genetics walked over. He was obviously well muscled, clearly doing some sort of labor. Rok Soo handed the reins over, informing, “Her name’s Temperance,” 

He then turned and grabbed any of his personal and important items; things that were safer with him than apart. Then, before the young boy could walk away, he handed the kid a gold coin. Immediately, the two froze.

“Y-Young master??!!” The boy exclaimed, shocked.

“Young Master, there’s no need to pay so much!!” The man said.

Rok Soo looked at the man again, “Are you the chief?”

“Yes, sir!”

“Then, I’ll give these to you directly,” Rok Soo pulled out two more gold coins.

“N-no! Young Master! It’s too much!!”

Rok Soo shrugged, “Please, take them. It’s for my room too,”

“B-but–”

“Chief, I really am rather tired. Please take this,” Rok Soo pushed.

He placed two of the coins in the front pocket of the man’s coat and slipped the third into the teen boy’s overalls. Both males would’ve yelped had Temperance not made a soft snort, reminding them of her presence. 

Rok Soo patted the boy’s head, “Thanks for the help,” 

He walked past the two, telling them it was the end of the argument. The Chief was quick to catch up, sighing, “You’re very kind young master-nim,”

Rok Soo shook his head, before turning, “I’m the second son of the Nyphan Family. I came on a short ride out of Rain City and decided to stay a day here,”

If the Chief was confused by Rok Soo’s omission of his first name, he did not show it. Instead, he simply smiled and led him to the largest house in the village. By largest, he meant it was a simple two story cottage, “This is my house. You may use the first floor guest room. It’s been modified as a resting area for guests,”

“Much appreciated, Chief,” Rok Soo bowed his head.

As they entered, Rok Soo questioned casually, “So, what’s Harris Village like? It seems to be a simply mountain village bordering the Forest of Darkness,”

The Chief laughed, “That really is all we are, Young Master!”

“How brave,” Rok Soo commended, “And no one has thought to move away?”

“Hmm…not really, young master. There’s few that leave but they usually return. All the adults, including our eldest members, have been born here,” The Chief explained, “Ah! We also take others in,”

‘Bingo!’

“Take others in?” 

“Yes, well, Madam Canron, you’ll probably hear the kids refer to her as Granny Canron, found this teenage boy stumbling about near the edges of the Forest. She brought him and is teaching him to read and write,”

Rok Soo’s heart jumped.

‘So, Choi Han is already here!’

The reason Rok Soo came to Harris Village was to determine if Choi Han was here or not. He had wanted to confirm the situation rather than inferring it. Inferring with Cale had clearly been a doozy. 

Yet, despite getting his confirmation, Rok Soo suddenly wished to leave and get far away from the punk that is definitely unstable. 

‘If Choi Han has only just arrived, he has not gotten used to being with other humans, let alone gotten a hold of the language used in the Western Continent. Seeing me or even hearing my name will cause a mess.’

“How kind,” Rok Soo responded as the Chief opened the door to his temporary room. It was simple and well furnished. The bed was simple, laying to the left of a small window, draped in brown curtains. Parallel to the bed, on the other side of the window and pressed against the right corner, was a desk and chair. On it sat a simple lamp. After walking in, if one turned to gaze back at the front door, they’d find a second one on the other side;  Rok Soo assumed it led to either a closet or bathroom. It reminded Rok Soo of his small apartment he owned when he was a teenager back in Korea. Frankly, Rok Soo was fine with it. It had everything he needed for a short trip, “This will do well, thank you very much,”

“Of course, Young Master. Shall I receive some breakfast for you?”

“If you could,”

“I most certainly can!”

The door shut softly. Rok Soo removed his mask, placing his items on the desk. He sat down on the bed, laying down and running a hand over his face. Now that he’s confirmed Choi Han’s existence, Rok Soo must now decide if he should make Cale and Choi Han form a bond now or after the massacre.

He also has to decide how to help prevent the massacre.

“Huuu…” he sighed.

Rok Soo sat up again, walking over to his desk and pulling out a small disk. It was apparently imbued with bits of magic stone, allowing for it to serve as a temporary remote for short messages shared by the magic balls. It was like facetime but with magic instead of technology. 

He had promised Elis he would contact him when he arrived at Harris Village.

Rok Soo began to pull out the magic ball and the stand, setting it up for communication. As he did, two knocks sounded from the door before it opened. A young girl looking around Cale’s age walked in, a plate of food in her hands, “Young Master-nim. I’ve brought breakfast,”

Rok Soo motioned her inside, “Thank you, young miss,”

The girl smiled shyly, placing the plate down. She then stepped back and gave a curtsy before quickly leaving the room and closing the door. Rok Soo glanced at the food. It was a simple array of eggs and bacon, a few grapes set aside. Rok Soo activated the message while he began to eat.

Soon, his hyung’s face showed up. Rok Soo nodded in greeting, “Hyung-nim,”

“Rok Soo, how’s your journey?”

“Simple. I’m staying the night here and then heading back tomorrow morning,” Rok Soo dutifully informed, “I’m currently staying in the chief’s house,”

“That’s good, I’m glad to see you’re alright,” 

“You worry too much. It’s bad for your age,”

“Ha- you punk!”

Rok Soo popped a grape in, speaking sincerely, “Hyung-nim, you’re already in your 30s but haven’t given me a sister-in-law and a niece or nephew–”

“Alright, that’s enough out of you!” Elis cut him off and Rok Soo couldn’t stop the small teasing smile from appearing on his lips, “Rest well. Make sure to lock the door and windows when you sleep,”

Rok Soo gave a firm nod, before the short magic cut the connection. Rok Soo hummed, putting the communication device away again and finishing his breakfast. After that, Rok Soo decided to wash up. The guest room seemed to have been modified for travelers because there was a connecting bathroom. It was small and didn’t have a vanity. It simply had the toilet, sink, and a shower. 

Kim Rok Soo had been in far worse places that the vast difference from his home and here did not bother him. Instead, he was thankful the water was clean and that he walked out feeling refreshed. Rok Soo grabbed his journal and a pen, sitting on the beed with his back propped up by the pillows. Flipping through the pages, he wrote down the notes containing information about the Harris Village.

Now that he knew Choi Han was here, it was crucial to make a decision. Choi Han was the main protagonist of [The Birth of a Hero] meaning he was both strong and important in the overall flow of events. Rok Soo, of course, had no means to get involved with Choi Han. He was going to prevent Cale from being beaten up and get them to become acquainted. This should also deal with Ron and Beacrox.

‘Choi Han also serves as a good test for them. If they leave Cale like they did before, I will deal with the fall out,’ Rok Soo made a small note.

In the novel, it was never mentioned what Cale’s reaction to the news was. Rok Soo imagined it would be an outward barrage of indifference and/or swearing, but on the inside, Cale would feel hurt. It was clear to Rok Soo that Cale looked upon the people of Rain City as his . Not something he owned, but rather his people. His duty. Cale held a hidden affection for his family and Rok Soo knew that he considered Ron a father-figure. 

Furthermore, Cale would’ve received the news of Ron’s departure after waking up from the unconscious state Choi Han beat him into. 

A shudder runs up Rok Soo’s body. He’d really not want to meet Choi Han when the kid wasn’t in the right mind. Which meant that Rok Soo must do absolutely everything to avoid Choi Han today.

‘Yes, yes, it would be smoother if Choi Han and Cale had slight contact before. Choi Han would have a name to give to the guards and Cale could respond–’

Rok Soo paused his writing, “Ah…this might not work,”

Cale hated Harris Village.

Rok Soo made a small arrow under the plan he’d written down: Figure out why Cale hates Harris Village .

Yes, perhaps before he does anything, he should figure this out. 

The only problem with this is, how does he bring up a village Cale so vehemently despised…peacefully?

“...aigoo….”

This stupid red-haired punk was really giving him extra work!!

Chapter Text

Rok Soo stayed inside his guest room during his stay at Harris Village. He decided he would not take the chance to meet Choi Han at all. He inquired casually to the chief about how the village worked and found quickly there was a night guard. Naturally, Rok Soo managed to swindle out information and found that Choi Han was not on guard, meaning Rok Soo could leave just before dawn. He mentioned this off handly to the chief out of courtesy and the man tried to talk him into leaving later but Rok Soo insisted he had work.

Thus, he was soon out of Harris Village and two days later back at Rain City in the afternoon.

Siwan was quick to coddle him and check him down, only letting him go when he said he wanted a shower. Balint was ready for him when he entered his room, pointing silently to the bathroom. After he came out and was dressing, Balint informed, “the lord has requested a lunch with you and Lady Siwan,”

‘Of course he did,’ Rok Soo sighed in his head, ‘These idiotic siblings of mine,’

Balint didn’t mention the smile that curled fondly at Rok Soo’s lips.

The meal was casual and warm, just like every meal shared between the three of them. Rok Soo listened to banter and teasing, occasionally joining in. The servants that were serving them smiled and let out soft laughs at the sight of their three charges. 

The Nyphan Estate did not have an official title, nor was it officially recognized as a noble family. Working for them provided little honor. However every servant and knight and mage would not change it. 

“Rok Soo, why did you go to Harris Village all of a sudden?” Siwan asked after a small pause had hovered between the three of them.

“...I was bored,”

“Really?” Siwan raised an eyebrow, “There was no other reason?”

Elis stared at his sister curiously. Rok Soo had a similar stare, but repeated, “No,”

“Hmm…so it wasn't because you were upset?”

“Upset?”

“Yes, Young Master Cale has never been apart from you this long since you two met,” Siwan smiled innocently.

“Siwan…” Elis sighed.

Rok Soo stared blankly.

“I am not upset?”

‘Why would I be upset? The only thing odd about that punk being gone is the quiet’

Siwan smiled wider, “Of course,”

Elis decided to move the conversation forward, “Speaking of, while you were gone a package came from you,”

“...for me?”

“Yes. The carrier also said that it was something Young Master Cale commissioned and requested be sent over,” 

“Oh,” Rok Soo was intrigued, “Did they say what was inside?’

“No,” Elis shook his head, “However, the carrier did say that you would know exactly what it was,”

Elis reached into his coat and pulled out a small envelope. He handed it over to his brother, “This was given to me to directly give you,”

Rok Soo looked at the ink on the envelope that etched out his name. The handwriting was familiar. There was not a stray spot of ink anywhere else. The penmanship was graceful and exceedingly neat. It was Cale’s handwriting. 

Rok Soo turned the envelope, taking an unused knife and cutting open the wax seal. He opened the letter as he vaguely listened to the chatter of his siblings next to him. Pulling out the paper, Rok Soo was greeted with more of the perfect and precise penmanship that belonged to Cale Henituse. It was a short message, only a few lines. At the bottom, there wasn’t even a full signature. Just the initials “C.H.” 

Yet the short letter made Rok Soo’s eyes widen in surprise and a rush of adrenaline ran through his body, “Hah!”

Hey, old man. 

Do you remember that “thing” I had vaguely mentioned to you a few months back? The one that I said was inspired by a book? Well, I’ve built a decent foundation. Within my estate and outside it. Bars and boutiques. The slums. All of it, I clicked together. I will tell you more in person, but these documents are for you to see my plan and progress. I want your eyes on it, your opinion. Also, I’ve set a book out for you that you should check out. 

~ C.H

“This punk!” 

“Hmm? What is it?” Siwan asked as Elis observed quietly.

Rok Soo folded the letter, placing it back into the envelope. He gave his siblings an innocent smile, “Cale’s been rather obsolete on a matter. I’ll finally be getting details,”

Elis and Siwan exchanged odd looks. Nonetheless, Elis couldn’t help but fondly sigh, smiling as he said, “Go on then,”

Rok Soo was quick to get up, muttering a short goodbye before making his way towards his room. Siwan laughed as they watched the quick steps. She grinned, “My, my, what will we do with him?”

Elis chuckled, “It’s nice to see him warming up,”

Rok Soo eagerly made his way towards his room, before changing paths to his study. A servant had found and informed him the package had been placed in there instead. This made more sense, he supposed. His study was far more secure than his bedroom.

Dismissing the servants that were dusting inside, Rok Soo walked to his desk. He sat in the large chair, opening a thin drawer where most of his small writing instruments and other tools lay. Such as the wax seal knife. 

Its handle was of polished elm wood, the glossy finish reflecting the light that ricocheted in from the windows. The blade was not silver but rather had a golden color to it, complimenting the wood. 

Bringing the package to his lap, Rok Soo easily used the sharpness of the seal knife to cut open the package. Placing it off to the side, Rok Soo opened the box and pulled out a stack of papers— no, two stacks of papers, each held together by a thin rope.

The box was set down next to the desk as Rok Soo lifted up the small slips of paper tied to each string, labeling the piles. Both piles were relatively the same thickness, only about half an' inch of parchment. The stack that was on top was labeled ‘completed/in progress’ while the second stack was leveled ‘unfinished/to begin’ .

Placing the ‘unfinished’ pile to the side, Rok Soo untied the first stack and pulled off the blank piece of paper at the top. With record, Rok Soo let himself intently absorb the words. He did not read it fast despite only needing a glance to recall everything on a single page. Instead, he read through it at his casual reading speed.

Only a little way through the papers and Rok Soo was pleasantly surprised. Cale had been working hard in the shadows. He had made hidden connections with people all over Rain City. Rok Soo suspects that Ron or Beacrox had given a tad nudge to find trustable people, but it didn’t really matter. In the end, it was Cale in charge. Furthermore, it seemed that not everybody knew it was Cale Henituse running the show.

Billios Flynn was one of the few assets that did know and also one of the most important.

According to the report on the bastard son, Cale had let down his persona and drew on Billios’s curiosity. The two had exchanged a short conversation that was scripted below. Rok Soo was proud while reading the next few correlations.

Once Cale had gotten Billios intrigued, he had moved to sink his teeth into Flynn by subtly tugging at Billio’s greed and prodding notes at the Flynn Merchant guild. It was clear that Cale had a knack for how words affect the mind and perception. He had clearly approached Billios knowing about his shaky status in the Flynn Family and knowledge about his work in Rain City. The scripts and letters pinned clearly expressed word play for both sides. Billios also sought to make claims or squeeze out information, but Cale would write something like ‘My, oh my, the Flynn Merchant Guild is really letting a jewel rust. You should be glad I’m a fan of nice things’ or ‘Hm, I hope this is worth the price, Flynn. I am not above demanding a refund,’ and the next letter sent by Billios was usually curbed to praise and assurance. The following correspondence would contain what Cale wanted or new information. 

After two weeks of more mock assignments, Cale had employed Billios to find him information on suspicious people in Rain City. This section was marked as important.

The list of about two dozen names was listed next to another list compiled by the official reports of the Henituse Territory’s information network. Rok Soo wasn’t sure how Cale got access to those but he brushed it aside. Rok Soo was surprised that Billios’s list was only a couple names longer with a few amount of overlap.

The paragraph written informs that Cale had sent Ron to investigate the names on Billios’s list. Billios had given sound information. Rok Soo expected to see a report of the people being taken care of but he was pleasantly surprised by the small notes in the margins. 

As he kept going, he connected the odd words. A few of those names were listed as people Cale had added to his web while those not in the first batch were still being considered. Only four of the names seemed to have been marked as a threat; one of them had already been dealt with.

A few of the names compiled to the first pile included bakers, bar owners, boutiques, jewelers, artists and a few more. The number of truly confirmed people was few in number, just about a dozen people. Even then, it seemed to Rok Soo the most trusted was Billios Flynn. A close second would be someone who worked at the Rain City Bank.

“Not so bad kid..” 

The last page of the pile was a drawn up plan already past the first couple steps which mostly included scouting and target gathering. It seems that Cale had been paying attention to the lower lives of Rain City. To build a concrete network, Cale was planning to build up a large network within the slums. The plan also included a list of pros and cons. There were a few cons such as if a beggar could truly be trusted enough or would have the correct resources to provide good information. Cale seemed to have countered this with a cover and pro.

“...build a fund and charity,”

Rok Soo snorted, chuckling, ‘Though it's meant for his own purpose, Cale doesn't need to provide the entirety of the slums with support. Only those he deems valuable enough to be useful. This is just him being the kind kid he is and caring about his people again’

Rok Soo kept the plan near him as he pulled off the string for the next stack. The unfinished stack was organized in a similar manner to the first, except it was mostly unfinished reports. Furthermore, there were smaller slips clipped to the top of certain pages with a small note directed for Rok Soo. 

Only four of the people in the vacant stack were in the process of being implemented. Cale’s notes were meticulous and organized into sections, some specific to the person. Cale had clearly thought out how to build a network and ensure that there was little contact or knowledge of others involved. It was clear that Cale did not trust this network completely and was being very careful. He wanted to know everything about the person he was trying to involve before actually involving them.

Age, gender, occupation, family, friends, enemies, transactions, reputation, everything. Cale was using Billios, Ron, and Beacrox to his full advantage. 

“And now you plan to use me,” Rok Soo muttered, his eyes gleaming with pride and amusement. ‘Hehe, I’ve taught this bastard well’

Rok Soo, after going through the reports, took out fresh parchment and began to write. Not letters, but more reports and details. He added on to each person in the pile and made a few mental notes to send out some of his own people to investigate. Balint was a favorite choice as he answered directly to Rok Soo and was the servant that had the most exposure to Cale and his endeavors.

Additionally, he also wrote down a few names that he knew Cale would recognize as faculty of the Nyphan Manor. Rok Soo had the names of the people working at the manor memorized along with basic information about them. This is why he was aware of the servants that had taken a liking to Cale and which ones Cale also found pleasant. With the information of being one of the masters of the house, Rok Soo could provide a few more names for Cale to add. 

He wouldn’t add anyone Cale didn’t trust nor feel comfy with. It was Cale’s web. Rok Soo, in retrospect, was also just another string. He was just of a higher ranking and the closest string to the head. 

Rok Soo saved the proposition about the slums for later as it required a little bit of investigation and thought. Rok Soo hadn’t been near the slums since they’d stopped going to the silver tree. He also knew the reason Cale was hesitant.

Cale was, naturally, a pure blooded noble. His knowledge about commoners, especially those of the slums, was limited. Also, with how nobility reacted to commoners becoming nobles via marriage or adoption, it was high chance that a lot of what Cale has heard about the poorest of his people were insults directed towards his family. He also is sure that Cale’s hatred for Harris Village also couples into some sort of hesitancy.

This is, of course, not blaming Cale. Rok Soo is not a noble by blood and is extremely aware of the type of life living on the streets and in terrible conditions is like. Cale is not. Even if Cale is better than most nobles who would spit and such, it won’t take away the fact that Cale has to be far more careful when recruiting the slums than a regular commoner. The slums are ignored for the most part. Even amongst the commoners, there is a hierarchy and prejudice regarding the slums. 

To recruit the slums, Cale would have to appeal to something other than money. More than money, food and water is treasure. It would be a slow thing to slowly recruit the slums, let alone in a way that’s  natural. To build a charity for the slums, Cale is best protected by using his name. However, Cale’s reputation is on a downwards slope and him doing something so inherently good will arouse suspicion and scrutiny. 

Rok Soo exhaled deeply, pausing his writing as he thought. He doesn’t want to encourage Cale to risk the congregation and unexpectedness that could be the slums without proper information, let alone a proper motivation. 

Rok Soo mumbles, “Perhaps Cale and I should personally investigate the slums…it would be crucial to know how they viewed the Hentiuse Family and if they’d be recipients…”

Setting the pile aside, Rok Soo added a few more details and notes to the reports. He was careful with his writing, ensuring that the most key details and words were written in Korean as Cale had done so in his reports. Honestly, Rok Soo was quite proud at how quickly and eager Cale was to use Korean. He didn’t think he’d be affected by something so mundane but listening to Cale ask about new words or use Korean while speaking with him gave him an odd sense of nostalgia.

As he thought about it, a small smile sat on his face without him realizing. Rok Soo kept working until he had to eat and return to his regular duties. After ensuring everything was secure inside the locked drawer, Rok Soo took the merchant reports from Balint. A sigh escaped him as he stared at the familiar words, “Ugh…”

“The Young Master was working very happily earlier,”

“Cale’s given me something interesting to do,” Rok Soo grumbled, “This is so boring and it's the same shit over and over,”

“Shall I get you some pastries?”

“How about something savory?” 

“I could request some stuffed peppers,”

“That sounds great, actually. Thanks,”

Rok Soo smiled at Balint, who gave a small bow in return. Rok Soo watched Balint leave his study, staring at the closed door for a few moments. His head turned and he stared out the window and at Rain City. 

A single thought rang true in his head at that moment.

‘What a nice place’

Chapter Text

“....”

“Come again?”

“Ahem,” Elis cleared his throat, “Tonight, we will be hosting the Henituse Family for dinner,”

Rok Soo stared blankly, “Didn’t the Count and Cale only get back from the capital yesterday?”

“Yes, actually this was requested last week but the Count asked if we could host after the banquet,” Elis explained.

“...why is this happening?” Rok Soo looked at Siwan.

Siwan smiled, “As you know we’re trying to expand to other territories. Our reach in the North East is unmatched but the other territories, especially the Western part of the Roan Kingdom, is basically untouched,”

“Due to the gallery, the Nyphan Family have worked directly with the lord of the territory and the person managing basically anything art related,” Elis added on, “To expand, it would be good to have some support and use the Henituse name as leverage,”

Rok Soo crossed his arms in front of him, “Oh, so it’s a business meal,”

“Yes,”

“But why are the children coming?”

“Oh, well, Young Master Cale is your friend so he’s naturally invited,” Siwan shrugged, “But it’s rude if we outcast Second Young Master Basen and Lady Lily,”

Rok Soo sighed, “Right, of course. And if we’re inviting the three children and the Countess, the Count should naturally join as well,”

Elis and Siwan nodded with matching smiles.

Rok Soo scowled, “Cale didn’t have to come,”

“Hm? But don’t you want to see him?” Siwan tilted her head.

“No,”

Elis smiled, “You must’ve missed your first friend a little,”

Rok Soo glared, “I did not,”

His older siblings smiled again.

Rok Soo’s eyes twitched.

~~

Cale adjusted the rings on his hand, speaking to Ron as they walked towards the front of the Henituse Estate, “We just got back and we’re working? Why am I working? Ron, why am I going again?”

“Because the Nyphan Family invited, young master,”

“Ugh. That jerk. I’ll kill him,” 

Ron smiled, entertained by the grumbles. 

The two of them passed through the front doors of the Henituse Manor, finding the four brunettes waiting for them. Cale looked at the single carriage and kept his face neutral. His eyes moved towards Deruth upon hearing him speak, “Cale, have you everything you need?”

“Mn,”

“Ron, please look after the manor,” Deruth smiled.

“I will, my lord,”

Cale looked at Ron, “Ron,”

“Yes, young master, I remember,” 

“It’s important,” 

“This butler shall make sure it is done well,”

Cale gave a small nod of approval. 

“My dear, shall we leave?” Violan speaks softly.

“Yes, let’s go,”

Deruth enters the carriage followed by Violan. Cale stoically enters after, sitting near the window and on the other side of the carriage, opposing his Father. Basen files in after, sitting opposite to Violan. Finally, Ron helps Lily enter and the young girl sits in between her brothers. She grins, clapping her hands as the carriage begins to move, “We’re going on a trip!!”

Basen smiles, while the count and countess laugh. Deruth reaches forward and gently pokes Lily’s nose, “Unfortunately, we’re not going that far,”

Lily tilts her head, “Huh? Where are we going?”

“We’ll be having dinner with the Nyphan Family. You remember them, right Lily? You met them when we saw all the paintings?” Violan explained.

Lily looked like she was thinking before her expression brightened up. She looked at her eldest brother, “Oh!! Orabeoni’s friend!!”

Cale, who was simply staring through the gap between the window and the curtain, ignoring the situation, jolted, head whipping around to stare at Lily, eyes wide. Basen, who clearly remembered that Cale had asked them to not tell anyone, sweatdropped and reached over, laughing awkwardly, “Haha, Lily. What’re you talking about?”

Lily looks at Basen innocently, “Huh? Basen Oppa was there too? Orabeoni was carrying me because my foot hurt! And we saw paintings- and Orabeoni talked with the person with black hair and eyes like orabeoni!”

Basen paled and he lifted his eyes to stare at Cale, who’s stoic expression was cracked as he stared at Lily in disbelief. The second young master then looked at Violan and Deruth, who were looking between the three of them.

Cale suddenly inhaled and muttered a low, “Lily…”

Lily perked her head up, “Yes?”

Cale went speechless. How does he handle this? He looked up staring at Basen who met his gaze with an awkward expression. Clearly, Basen didn’t know what to do either.

“...Cale,”

Cale flinched at Deruth’s voice. He swallowed, “Yes, Father?”

“Cale? Are you friends–”

“No,” Cale lied through his teeth, “She’s confused. We just talked,”

“But Orabeoni was laughing and smiling?”

‘This little sister of mine–?!’ Cale froze in his seat.

Deruth turned to Lily, “Pardon?”

Lily grinned, looking excited to speak. Before she could, Cale touched her head gently, careful not to ruin her hair. He speaks as softly as he can, “Lily. We only talked with him,”

“Yes! But Orabeoni liked talking to him!”

Cale’s eyebrow twitched and he removed his hand with a groan. He grumbled, “Children…”

“Cale, there’s no need to hide it,” Deruth smiled, but his eyes were confused and peering into Cale as if trying to gouge him out, “If you’re friends with the Young Master it’s fine. I don’t understand why you’d want to hide it from us,”

But Cale didn’t want them to know. He wanted somewhere safe and out of his Father’s influence. The Nyphan Estate was the only place that Cale had. The shops, the bars, the galleries, the manor, all of it would eventually filter up to his Father. Outside of the Nyphan manor, Cale was the short-tempered first heir to the county who had begun to drink. Inside the Nyphan Manor, he was just Cale. 

Cale wouldn’t ever admit that he enjoyed putting down the facade. He’d rather die than admit to anyone that letting his walls down after so many years was so…liberating.

If his Father knew he was close to the Nyphan Family, he’d have nowhere to go again. Furthermore, it’ll cause trouble with the Nyphan Family if they knew that they were close with the useless trash of the Henituse Family.

Cale spoke curtly, “I already said I’m not friends with him. Why would I be friends with him?”

“But Orabeoni–”

“Lily,” Cale looked at her, softening his tone a bit but keeping an edge to it, “You’re mistaken. We are not friends. I was being polite,”

Lily pouted and Basen reached over to poke her cheek, “Yeah, Lily. You’re right that Hyung enjoyed the conversation but that doesn't mean they’re friends,”

Cale nodded in approval, “Exactly,”

“I see,” Deruth hummed, before chuckling, “Of course it makes sense,”

Cale speaks suddenly, “Of course it does. Plus, don’t you tail me every other day? If I had been friends with him wouldn’t you already know?”

Deruth let out a cough of surprise. Violan looks at her husband, “You tail him?”

Cale is suddenly confused, “Was this not something you both agreed to?”

Violan shook her head, staring blankly at Deruth, “Why’re you tailing him?”

“I’m just looking out for him,” Deruth explains, “Cale never takes a guard with him,”

“I don’t like the guards,”

“Cale, the guards wouldn’t hurt you,” 

‘As if,’ Cale gave a blank stare, ‘Those guards wouldn’t interfere if I was being beaten to death’

Deruth suddenly smiled oddly, “Really, where did your sudden disliking for the guards come from? You used to adore them and you’d follow the captain with your sword, mimicking his moves,”

Violan smiled softly, a small chuckle. Cale’s expression darkened and he looked at his Father coldly, “Hah? Where did this come from?”

Naturally, Cale had once trusted the people of the estate. But that was before his life was ruined by a single carriage ride.

Deruth smiled, “It was very funny. He’d mimic me when I practice sword too,”

Lily bounced in her seat, “Wow! So Orabeoni’s a swordsman!”

“Tch,” Cale clicked his tongue, “As if,”

“I’ve seen hyung use a sword,”

Cale looked at Basen in confusion, “Huh?”

Basen nods dumbly, “You looked really cool hyung-nim,”

“Well- I-” Cale frowned, “When did you see me?”

“Um, four years ago maybe,” Basen looked at Lily, “Hyung-nim’s really good,”

Cale’s mouth parts in confusion, “What?”

‘What is he doing? Why is this conversation happening? No, wait, why are any of you paying attention to me?!’

Lily whipped around and stared at Cale. The oldest of the three children felt chills go down his back as he stared at the starry eyes. He coughed and looked away, unaware his cheeks were flushing in embarrassment, “That’s such crap!”

“Orabeoni! Orabeoni! Orabeoni!” 

Cale curiously glanced at his sister upon feeling her suddenly repeatedly tug at his sleeve. From the corner of his eyes he could see Deruth staring with a smile and Violan looking slightly nervous, but also…hopeful? No, that can’t be right. It’s probably fondness over her daughter.

“Orabeoni!!”

“Ah, yes, yes,” Cale answered tiredly.

“Teach me!!!”

“What?” Violan and Deruth chorused.

“Huh?” Cale said at the same time.

Basen smiled. When Cale and Deruth had gone to the capitol, Basen spent some time with his Mother and sister. Naturally, Lily asked about the banquet and how long they’d be gone. From that discussion, Lily had asked a few things about Cale.

Now, here’s the thing. Basen doesn’t know…well…anything about his brother. Violan even less so. The extent of their knowledge is basic information such as his name and age. It’s…shameful, to be honest.

They were supposed to be family, but they’re all basically strangers. They’d learned small things, such as Cale, like sweets, recently, but in the end– it wasn’t enough to call themselves a family. Even if they weren’t blood related, they should know something . But the reality was they knew nothing.

Lily was naturally curious and bubbly, and she was always curious about the brother she sees sparsely and is mostly kept away from by servants. The brother who everyone avoids like a plague and is gone from day to night, rarely joining them for meals. Her questions started off simple, about the sweets. Then she asked about other things she did know. “Is he really busy?” “The servants tell me not to bother him too much” “How come I don’t see him a lot” “What does he like?” “Does he like swords?” 

That’s what led Basen to recall a few memories about Cale.

Those memories made him a bit mournful. When they were younger, Cale was more approachable, kind even. He hadn’t actively hung out with them, but they’d shared conversations and meals. He’d even assisted Basen with getting familiar with the manor at the beginning. 

Basen was honestly quite sure his brother’s downfall was because of his and his mom. Violan sometimes felt it too. They didn’t talk about it, nor think about it, but Lily was curious about her oldest brother so they couldn’t help but talk a little. Very little. After that conversation, Lily had asked Basen if Cale could teach her sword. It was off handed and shocked Basen so much he didn’t answer. Lily had blabbered on about something else that had come to mind and the sentence was forgotten.

That’s what led Basen to keep talking about Cale when the topic arised now. He wanted to get close with his brother, even if just a little. He understood his brother didn’t like him, but he wanted to at least be able to talk with him. That was enough. Basen would not push Cale’s decision. Cale’s feelings were all reasonable. 

Basen was the brother Cale didn’t want and the son his Father had brought home a year after Cale’s mother passed away. Why wouldn’t Cale dislike the two that were suddenly called his family?

“Sword!! Orabeoni! Teach me sword! I want to be a knight!”

“I–”

“Lily, let go of Cale’s coat. And ask politely,” Violan scolded softly. She looked at Cale, pausing at the confusion and surprise in his eyes. She’ll think about it later, “Cale, you don’t have to–”

“But Mother!” Lily frowns, letting Cale go. She pouted up at Cale, “Please Orabeoni! I want to get closer with Orabeoni too!”

The atmosphere seemed to stutter.

Cale’s expression turned cold and it looked like he shut down. Basen bit the inside of his mouth, watching the slight emotions melt away into a cold slate. His eyes flickered over to his parents who both seemed unsure of how to handle this…no, his Mother seemed regretful and worried, while Deruth just looked unsure of what to do. But his eyes remained on Cale.

‘Ah…this…’ Basen worried, ‘How do I handle this?’

Cale turned away, eyes hard and hands crossed over his chest. His voice was stern, “You’re out of your head, Lily. Why don’t we just get through dinner. Your excitement is confusing you,”

Lily tilted her head, “Huh?”

Basen swallows and leans forward, “That means you should ask him another time,”

Cale’s eyes shifted towards Basen, cold and glaring, “Just what are you–”

“Ah! Okay!!” Lily beamed and Cale faltered at the utter innocence.

He stared at her before turning away and grumbling, “Everyone’s gone crazy. What the heck is going on…”

A knock startled all of them.

The five heads perked up and they all stared in surprise as the carriage door opened and a young man with a dark colored cloak at his back and sword at his waist bowed. He motioned forward, “Welcome to the Nyphan Estate, your excellencies,”

‘We’re here?’ The family thought blankly.

Cale recovered first and he cleared his throat, “You should wait for us to answer before opening the carriage door. We didn’t even realize we’d stopped moving,”

The guard, who actually recognized Cale, simply smiled at the cold tone, “Oh my, you’re correct, Young Master. Please excuse me, the estate is rather nervous at such prestige visiting us,”

Deruth gathered his bearings and stepped out of the carriage, smiling warmly, “No need to worry. Be at ease,”

He held out a hand for Violan to take, carefully leading her out from the carriage. Cale was quick to follow with Basen and Lily behind him. When Lily landed, she bounced forward and grabbed the tail of Cale’s coat. The red-head glanced down blankly before saying, “Let go,”

Violan must’ve heard him because she glanced over and quickly called, “Lily, dear. Come here,”

“Oh!” Lily quickly ran to her mother, reaching up and holding her hand firmly. 

The five of them walked forward, approaching the entrance of the three-story estate. Basen gasped at the fountain while Lily giggled and babbled to Violan about how pretty it was. Cale had seen it numerous times that he simply ignored it, walking quickly. He wanted to get inside.

Thankfully, getting inside was easy. 

Once they passed through the front, they opened up into the main staircase that connected the first and second floor. Descending from those stairs were the three Nyphan members. Cale’s boredom curbed at the sight of familiar faces and he relaxed, straightening up slightly.

Deruth noticed the shift, but said nothing just thinking his son was relieved to be inside.

“Count, Countess!” Lord Elis greeted warmly, as the three siblings bowed, “I am honored you accepted our invitation,”

“Thank you for having us, Lord Elis,” Deruth smiled, leading the greetings from Henituse County.

“The servants informed us they're prepared to host us in the dining hall, shall we?” 

“That would be wonderful,”

As they walked towards the dining hall, Cale strayed to the back of the group. As if with the same mindset, Rok Soo managed to join him–after a polite and short interaction with Basen. The moment the two were walking side by side, Rok Soo lowered his voice, “You’ve worked hard,”

Cale was confused, “What?”

Rok Soo mumbled, “The package?”

Cale’s eyes widened and recalled what he had delivered. He smiled at the earlier praise, “Thank you,”

Rok Soo also couldn’t help but smirk, “It’s smart. You’ve been thorough,”

“Naturally,” Cale shrugged, “I am the son of a Count, this much is easy,”

Rok Soo shook his head with a soft sigh, “Tell me about everything later. And about the banquet,”

Cale snorted at the mention of the banquet, “I have quite the news for you,”

Rok Soo immediately felt chills. He narrowed his eyes, “You punk, what did you do?”

Cale didn’t respond and Rok Soo glanced ahead before kicking the younger lightly in the shin. Cale stumbled a bit before glaring at Rok Soo with wide eyes. The older played dumb, “Walk properly,”

Cale’s eyebrow twitched, “This old man–”

Rok Soo smiled at the familiar nickname. He patted Cale’s head softly, “Welcome back,”

Cale’s anger dwindled and he was left with warmth. His ears heated up at being treated like a child and he moved his head, grumbling, “Yeah, yeah,”

Rok Soo smiled again, ‘Hmm seems the trip went fine,’

The two families passed through the dining hall doors and the servants inside all bowed deeply. Elis smiled at the servants giving them all a nod, “At ease,”

As he sat down at the head of the table, he spoke to the Count who was on his right, “Count, we assumed Lady Lily would sit beside the Countess. Is that alright?”

“Oh, that’s perfect,” Deruth nodded.

Siwan sat down to Elis’s left while Violan and Lily followed Deruth. Rok Soo discreetly pulled Cale to sit beside him and Basen settled beside Lily, across from them. Siwan gave a small smile to Cale as her brother sat them down. A friendly greeting but a quiet one. Cale was surprised but smiled and bowed his head.

He hadn’t interacted a lot with Rok Soo’s older siblings but they’d bumped into each other a few times. That’s why the casual greeting was odd, but welcomed enough. It meant that the Nyphan Family had no plans to reveal their connection with Cale. That itself made Cale relax. 

Once the servants had placed all the food out, Elis motioned for them to leave and invited them to start eating. Quiet chatter began to focus the room, the two lords almost jumping straight into business. Rok Soo and Cale tuned them out.

Siwan and Violan spoke across the table for a bit before joining the lords in their discussion. That left the younger ones to their own. Lily and Basen were used to quiet meals so they were basically silent. Cale also remained silent, simply eating as quickly yet politely as he could. 

However, his eyes landed on a glass not too far from him. It belonged to Rok Soo and was filled with wine, unlike his own which was simply water. Glancing at Rok Soo, who had been called by his sister to answer some question about something to do with finances, Cale quietly switched their glasses. 

Basen looked at him across the table and Cale simply lifted a finger to his lips, his eyes glinting with mischief. Having never seen the look and slightly happy to see a bright expression on his usually cold brother, Basen made a ‘zipping’ motion across his lips, mouth twitching into a smile. Cale smirked and nodded in approval. 

The two pretended nothing happened and continued their meal.

“Oi,”

Cale hummed as Rok Soo suddenly spoke, turning his head. The older stared unamused, “Give it,”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t do anything,” Cale shrugged, placing another piece of smoked salmon in his mouth.

Rok Soo blankly reached forward, taking the cup of wine. Cale immediately frowned, “Why are you taking my drink?”

“I have explicitly ordered the servants to not give you alcohol,” Rok Soo deadpanned and Cale winced.

He asked quietly, “Just a sip,”

“No,”

“Please?”

“No,”

“I’ll really only take a sip,”

“No,”

“Why’re you being so cruel to me?”

“No,”

“A super small sip!”

“Over my dead body,”

“I have a knife,”

“...”

Rok Soo actually eyed the knife in Cale’s hand. He then narrowed his eyes, “You probably had alcohol in the capital,”

Cale’s silence was a confirmation. Rok Soo shook his head, switching their cups back. He then humored, “I can get you cider if water isn’t your taste. Pretend it’s champagne,”

Cale blinked, “Cider?”

“We have a good peach cider, hold on,” Rok Soo raised his hand and motioned a servant who was attending them over.

“Get Cale some peach cider,” Rok Soo says, “Water’s not suiting him,”

The servant nods before turning to Cale and informing, “I shall get you a whole bottle!”

“I just want to try it first,”

The servant smiled mysteriously, “Do not worry, Young Master. I believe it will suit your taste,”

The servant rushed off and Cale frowned. Elis, noticing it, asked worriedly, “Dongsaeng? Everything good?”

“Yes, I was just getting Ca–” Cale kicked him hard under the table and Rok Soo hissed in pain.

Everyone stared at him and Rok Soo quickly mumbled, “My apologies, I added too much salt on the last bite. I was getting Young Master Cale some cider,”

“Cider?” Deruth blinked.

“Ah, one of my friends sent us bottles of peach cider,” Elis informed, “It’s quite nice, would you like some?”

“Hm- oh my, is that it?” 

The servant from before has returned carrying a bottle. Cale immediately zeroes in and asks with surprise, “That’s quite the bottle!”

The servant smiled, “It is rather large,”

The servant poured Cale a glass of the very lightly orange drink. Cale immediately took a sip, lowering the glass only a little bit in surprise. His eyes widened and he mumbled, “Huh? How can something without alcohol be this rich?”

Another sip.

Cale blanked out and turned to Elis who was pouring a cup for the others, “Lord Elis,”

“Yes, young master?”

“Your friend. The person who makes this. I want their name,” Cale pointed to the cup in his hand.

Rok Soo smiled secretly. 

Deruth quickly mended the rude tone, “I’m sorry for his tone, Lord Elis,”

Cale wilted slightly but Elis laughed, “No, no! What tone? He’s excited! I’m glad to know the young master enjoys it so much!”