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Chapter Text

Penelope fell silent looking at the man's actions on the screen.

‘Why did papa sacrifice himself!?’ The person who claimed to be Cale Henituse's adopted daughter looked really frustrated when telling the story. A father who protects his child even though it is just an adopted child he took from the street. Just a little … Penelope was just a little jealous of the young woman.

Fathers both in her life in Korea and in her life as Penelope Eckart were jerks. Penelope never wanted to hope for a father's love. However, if she were in that young woman's position… would she perhaps have something like a father's love?

Penelope shook her head. No, stop thinking like that. Penelope refocused herself on the screen.

Chapter Text

Athanasia looked around her in confusion and fear. Where is she? Why was she in… a movie theater type place? No! She was sure this was a movie theater!

But, how is that possible? In the world of fantasy there is no such thing as cinema! There is only a theater to watch musicals and the like. Athanasia could see that there were several other sofas on the side, right and left, in front and behind her, and all of them were occupied by strangers she had never seen.

However, this cinema is also a little strange... this cinema is like a place for royal royalty. Full of gold and other interesting objects. Everything is truly luxurious! However, the problem was that all of them couldn't get out at all.

[Hi, everybody.]

Suddenly, the screen in front of them flashed a sentence. Everyone in the room started to tense up. There are also those who look wary and get ready.

[I mean no harm]

'Am I really going to believe it?' thought Melissa Podebrat.

[First of all, welcome Her Majesty the Empress of the Obelia Empire, Athanasia De Alger Obelia.]

Athanasia gasped. His eyes were shaking and she was starting to feel uncomfortable. Who is behind this screen!?

[Welcome also Her Highness the Princess of the Eldyme Empire, Cayena Hill]

Cayena widened her eyes and became alert.

[I also welcome Her Highness the Crown Princess, Libertia]

Libertia gasped when she heard that. She also started to feel uncomfortable following Athanasia.

[I also welcome the Duchess or perhaps, Duke Podebrat, Melissa Podebrat]

[Welcome also the Marquis's Young Lady, Eris Mizelian.]

[And last. I welcome Duke Eckart's Young Lady, Penelope Eckart.]

“Who are you, bastard!?” Melissa asked sharply. Suddenly she was here even though she was working on some important documents. Inevitably, she became extremely alert.

[I just wanted to take you guys on a look at a minor villain.]

“Sorry to interrupt, but what does a minor criminal have to do with us?” Cayena asked, trying to be polite. She stared intently at the screen. Relationship… maybe because they were both villains in the past? It's just that Cayena is the main villain and these are minor villains.

[Minor villain…processing….]

Melissa's eyes twitched in annoyance at the sight. What is this?

[Process complete. Starting the second chapter : “Lout of the Count's Family”]

Huh? They were all confused. Is this a novel or something?

[Chapter 2 – When I Open My Eyes (1)

The man could feel someone patting his body gently. The rough hands made the man think of the hands of an exhausted old man. It was very warm.

"Young Master, it's already morning."

But his voice was very deep. The man felt cold all over his body and his eyes opened subconsciously. Instead of bright sunlight coming in through the window to warm the man's eyes, what he saw was an old man standing there with a satisfied expression.

"It's surprising to see you awake after one attempt."

"Hah?"

“Master wants to eat with Young Master since it has been quite a while. Looks like it will be possible today. ”

The man could see the mirror over the old man's shoulder. Inside the mirror was a confused-looking red-haired man looking back at him.

‘I think that guy is me.’]

“Hm?” Libertia subconsciously reacted. Don't tell me … this man is the same as herself? Transmigrating into the body of a villain, even a minor one. No, everyone is focused on the screen. Stories about other people who have the same destiny as them ….

["Young Master Cale?"

The man turned to the source of the worried voice to find an old man, who looked like a servant, looking his way. But the guy who cares is not the problem.

The man clearly heard it.

Young Master Cale. It was a familiar name. He slowly said the name.

"Cale Henituse?"

The old servant looked at him like he was looking at his own grandson.

“That is your name, Young Master. I guess you are still a little drunk.”

Listening to the old man's concerned response, the man naturally thought of a name that was even more important than Cale Henituse's.

“… Vicross.”

"Are you talking about my son?"

"… Chef."

“My son is a chef. Do you need him to make something for your hangover?”

The man felt his surroundings darken and he started to feel dizzy. He lowered his head and placed it in his hands.

“Young Master, are you still drunk? Should I call a doctor? Or would you like to wash your face now?”

The man stared at the red hair that fell in front of his face. It was a bright red color, too different from his original black hair.

Cale Henituse. Vicross. Vicross's father, Ron.

They are the characters who appeared at the beginning of [The Birth of a Hero], the novel the man read before he fell asleep last night.]

"Ah."

They were all shocked. So, it's true. This man experienced the same thing as them.

[He raises his head and looks around. He could see a bedroom that was completely different from the typical Korean design. It made the man think about Europe. Everything in the room was very luxurious.

"Young master?"

The man responded to Ron, the old man pretending to be worried.

"Cold water."

"Excuse me?"

He needed something to clear his mind. He could see Cale Henituse's face in the mirror behind old man Ron.

'Still looks normal.'

'I don't think Cale has been beaten badly by the main character just yet. '

His handsome face caught his attention.

The man had become Cale Henituse when he opened his eyes.

Cale Henituse. The trash that the main character beat up badly at the beginning of [The Birth of a Hero]. There he is.]

Melissa's eyes twitched reading that. Trash, huh? If he really was trash, then he deserved to be beaten.

[“Young Master, I don't think you will bathe in cold water. Did you ask for drinking water?”

Cale turned his gaze toward Ron. Ron may pretend to be a docile old man, but he is actually hiding his true identity as a cruel and vicious individual.]

Eris raised one of her eyebrows when she read that. What's wrong with the servant? Cruel and vicious servants ….

[He makes a request to Ron.

"Please get me a drink of water."

He needs to drink cold water and clear his mind first.]

“Uhm… isn't he too calm? I mean, he entered someone else's body suddenly," asked Athanasia. She used to panic when she found out that she was reincarnated as Athanasia who was going to die.

The others looked at Athanasia when she asked that. That's right, this man is too calm. Maybe because he's a man? No, Melissa knows someone who would panic uncontrollably if they were in that man's position.

["I'll get it ready right away."

"Good, thank you."

Ron flinched for a moment and had a strange expression on his face, but Cale didn't notice.

Ron had to leave the room because there was only warm water in the room. Once he was left alone, Cale got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. If he was really in the novel, he knew that there should be a large mirror in it.

As expected, a full body mirror was in the bathroom. Cale Henituse, who is very interested in his appearance and physique, installed this mirror here. No one else in the house has a mirror like that.]

“Tch, really narcissistic,” muttered Melissa. She doesn't like this kind of man.

[The man in the mirror has red hair and a fairly fit body. It won't be wrong to say that he has a body that will make any style look good.

"I really am Cale."

The man in the mirror was indeed Cale Henituse from the novel. [The Birth of a Hero] is very descriptive about each character's appearance. That was why the man had no choice but to agree that he had indeed become Cale Henituse.

Do people usually become calmer when they are shocked and shocked? Cale, no, Kim Roksu, was calmly thinking about the night before.]

“Um, no?”

"Oh, so his name is Kim Roksu."

[It was a normal holiday. It had been a while since he read an actual book rather than on his phone, so he went to the library to look at some books. He borrowed the entire series because he planned to read all day.

The name of the book was, of course, [The Birth of a Hero]. He managed to finish the fifth volume before he fell asleep. But when he woke up, he had transformed into Cale Henituse, the individual who was beaten by the main character mercilessly in volume 1.

‘Will things play out like they do in the novel?’

He felt unnaturally calm. Once he got past the point of shock, his mind returned to calm. He is starting to remember the contents of volume 1.]

True, he was very abnormal, they all thought. Melissa and Penelope probably thought that this man was actually crazy.

[[The Birth of a Hero.]

This novel is about the birth of heroes on the Western and Eastern continents, as well as their trials and growth. The main characters are, of course, Korean. He was a student who had been transported to the world when he was still a freshman in high school. Furthermore, his lifespan becomes as long as a dragon's lifespan, making him almost never age.]

“Wow.” Athanasia was amazed. Will your lifespan be longer?

["…This is bad?"]

'Well? Of course!' thought Melissa.

[He will be beaten to a pulp by someone like that. What was important, however, was that he hadn't been beaten just yet.

Cale took his eyes off the mirror and walked over to the bathtub filled with warm water. He leaned against the bathtub and stared at the ceiling. It was the expensive marble described in the novel. The place Cale lived in was actually full of marble.

Cale started to mumble as he looked toward the ceiling.

"It's not like there's much I'm going to miss."

His life as Kim Rok Soo. There really isn't much. He was an orphan and didn't have much money. He also didn't have anyone he loved to death, or friends he would give to save his life. He only continues to live because he cannot die.]

“Huh?” Everyone was shocked to hear the story. Melissa frowned. Penelope is like that too. Athanasia and Libertia were shocked beyond words while covering their mouths.

Eris focused on one thing. “Can't… die?” she muttered.

[Yes, he can't die.

He really hated the thought of death or pain. He was orphaned after both his parents died in a car accident when he was little.

He doesn't like pain or death. No matter what it was, even if he rolled around in a pile of dog shit, it was still better than death.

'For that reason, I first have to make sure I don't get beaten.']

The atmosphere became unpleasant. Melissa felt guilty for calling this person named 'Kim Rok Soo' crazy.

[Cale didn't know what day it was in the novel now, but he was sure he hadn't met the main character just yet. The reason is simple.

'I don't have a scar on my side.'

Cale Henituse, scum of Count Henituse's family. A few days before meeting the main characters, Cale was drinking and causing a scene. He threw things around and was stabbed in the side by a broken table leg, resulting in a scar.

What an interesting character. He didn't get any scars from fighting with other people. He got it because he was angry because the alcohol didn't taste good and threw a tantrum. He meets the main character after he gets scarred, and, after a brief discussion, he is beaten black and blue.]

“Ah, it turns out to be a bastard who likes to drink,” muttered Melissa disdainfully. She frowned disapprovingly, perhaps the original minor villain actually deserved a beating.

[“Mm.”

Cale crossed his arms and started thinking.

He didn't know what happened to Cale after being beaten black and blue in volume 1. What he knew was that the main character, Choi Han, had many fateful encounters and overcame many trials to grow into a hero along with his party members.

Thus, the era for him to prove that he was a hero would begin. The Rowoon Kingdom where Cale currently lives, as well as many other locations on the Eastern and Western continents, will be filled with war. This will truly turn out to be the time for the heroes to show their full potential.

Cale started to frown. Kim Rok Soo, the man who became Cale. His life motto is quite simple.

Live long without pain. Enjoying the small pleasures in life.

Living a peaceful life.]

Athanasia nodded. That's right, living peacefully is the best! Cayena also agreed.

[“…As long as I make the story progress as usual while omitting the fact that I was beaten, the main character will take care of the rest.”]

Once again, Athanasia nodded in agreement. Correct! Just run away!

[For some strange reason, he can remember every line in the book without any problems. Cale relaxed in the warm water while coming to the final conclusion with his head now clear.

“It's worth a try.”

It's worth trying to avoid continental wars and live in peace. This trash's situation was much better than when he was Kim Rok Soo. The location of this plantation was also in a corner of the Western Continent, making it an ideal location to escape war. In the novel itself, many nobles managed to escape the effects of the war. Even if he couldn't completely avoid it, he could at least reduce the damage to a minimum.

"Young Master, are you in the bathroom?"

He could hear Ron's voice coming from outside. Cale thought about Ron's true identity. Ron was an assassin who crossed from the Eastern Continent by sea. He pretends to be a docile old man, but the real Ron is a cruel and merciless man.]

"Murderer!?" asked Libertia in surprise. Everyone also widened their eyes. Why would a murderer pretend to be a servant? There was only one reason I could think of, to kill the target!

[“Yes. I'll be right out.”

The natural response was to speak informally to the old man. Cale realized what he did and decided what to do in the future.

He needed to push the old man to the main character and send him away.

The old man could easily kill Cale with one blow, but treated Cale like a puppy that you left alone because you felt bad about it. He smiled gently, but there was not the slightest concern for Cale inside. In the novel, Ron leaves with the main character and his son after Choi Han beats Cale black and blue.]

“Fuhh.” Libertia sighed. She was really shocked but fortunately the servant didn't seem to have any intention of killing the real Cale, even though the real Cale looked like a drunken bastard.

[Cale is wearing a bathrobe as he quickly exits the bathroom. Ron stood there with a smile on his face and a tray with cups in his hands.

"Young Master, here it is."

Cale took the cup and walked past the old man. He didn't want to make eye contact with the dangerous old man.

"Thank you very much."

Ron's expression turned strange once again, but Cale had already walked past him. Cale drank cold water as he started thinking.]

“Hmm … doesn't he realize that his actions make the people around him strange? It seems like the real Cale never said thank you," Athanasia muttered.

["There are too many strong people here."

In fact, there are too many of them. Everywhere the main characters go, there are powerful individuals or individuals with hidden secrets. These people are humans and other races.]

‘Protagonist buff?’ thought Melissa amused.

["At least I need strength to protect myself."

To live long without pain on a continent that will soon be filled with war, you need a decent level of strength. Of course, you can't be too strong. Then other complicated things will happen.]

Eris agreed. That's right, there's no need to complicate matters by being stronger than others.

[Processing … cutting some scenes.]

"Oh?"

['He's really handsome and makes any outfit look good.'

The face really is the last part of fashion. He looks in the mirror and fixes his sleeve before turning to look at Ron.]

“…did he just compliment his body this time?” Melissa asked in disbelief. However, Melissa admits ... this man is indeed handsome.

[Cale walks behind Ron. It was nice that he didn't need to know the layout of the mansion. He just needed to follow Ron wherever he needed to go. All the servants that Cale saw flinched and bowed respectfully before they seemed to run away.

'Why are they so afraid? Cale never hits people.'

He just likes drinking and playing. Sometimes, when he's drunk, he breaks things. But that's why he is the scum of the family. He also doesn't treat people like a human being, other than the few people he likes.

‘Well, it's better if no one talks to me.’]

“Hmm, was his throwing method bad?” Athanasia and Melissa muttered.

[The book mentioned that Cale treated Ron, someone who raised him like he was his own grandson since he was little, as well as he treated his own father. It is stated that he always responded to Ron and treated him like a human being. Of course, Ron didn't really think that way. That was why Cale had an easy time talking to Ron. He just needs to answer Ron's questions and treat him like a human being.]

"It seems ... he's not really bad," said Libertia with a small smile. It's cute when a Young Master considers his own servant to be his father figure.

Athanasia smiled. He understood that feeling. Lily is a maid who has taken care of her since childhood and in that way, Lily is like a mother to Athanasia.

Melissa remembered something when she read this. Didn't Jack behave the same way with their nanny? The difference is, Cale still likes to speak informally.

[Cale walks past Ron and into the dining room. He could see his family sitting there. His father and current head of the Henituse family, Deruth. Next to him was Cale's stepmother, the Countess, as well as her son and daughter. The four people looked toward Cale.]

'Is this the same as me? Cale is an evil bastard older brother while his half-siblings feel tormented by him?' thought Penelope.

["You're late again, today."

Cale's gaze turned to his father who was speaking. [The Birth of a Hero] described Cale's feelings towards his father like this.

'His father was the only person Cale listened to. The reason why trash didn't leave the area and get everything he wanted within the Count's territory was because of his father, Count Deruth Henituse.']

"It seems like the Count pampers his child too much," said Cayena. Melissa agreed with him.

[But, unfortunately, Cale's father is not like the other strong fathers in this novel. He has no special skills or influence. He just has a lot of money. However, Cale really liked this. It was the perfect family environment for simple living.

Then there were three other people.

His stepmother knew that he didn't like her and avoided him.

The intelligent eldest child who finds it difficult to deal with his older brother, Cale.

And the cute youngest child of the family who avoids her older brother Cale.

But it wasn't like Cale was bothering them or they were bothering Cale. They just treat each other like strangers.]

“Hoo, what a nice family,” Penelope scoffed. Melissa frowned. The real Melissa's relationship with her family is almost identical.

["Is there something you need to say, Father?"

"… No, I do not."

Deruth looked at Cale. Other family members also do the same. Cale made eye contact with each of these family members. They all quickly looked away whenever he made eye contact and continued eating.

‘I guess they found me very difficult to deal with.’]

‘To be precise… the real Cale.’

["It's so juicy."

He didn't know if juice flowed out as soon as he cut it because of that

handmade or because it was cooked well, but the colour on the sausage made him hungry. Cale started to smile without realizing it.

Clang.

He heard something fall and made eye contact with his little brother, Bassen. He could see that Bassen had dropped the fork in his hand.

"My apologize."

Bassen calmly apologized like the personality depicted for him in the novel. The waiter in charge of the food quickly came over to give Bassen a new fork and picked up the fork on the floor. Watching that made Cale think that being a noble was fun, before he focused once again on the food in front of him.

Cale had discovered the first good thing about getting into the novel. This breakfast was so sumptuous and so delicious that his stomach was truly happy.

The smile on his face couldn't disappear.

"… Hah?"

That's why he didn't hear his brother, Bassen's surprising proclamation.]

“It seems like the little half-brother was really surprised.”

"It seems so."

[Processing… provides several scenes regarding information about Cale Henituse.]

["Very tasty."

“Yeah, it tastes like trash… huh? Did you say it was delicious?”

“Yeah. Everything feels great.”

Cale took a different fruit this time and smiled after tasting its sweetness in his mouth once again. Trash, Cale Henituse, never cares about etiquette.]

“Hoo,” Eris muttered. Melissa also raised one eyebrow.

[As Cale expected, no one criticized his lack of manners. In fact, Deruth actually had a smile on his face as he started nodding his head.

“Yeah, it's really delicious. Nice to see you enjoying the food so much. ”

Deruth really seemed like the only person caring for Cale. He didn't even seem to care about Cale's lack of manners. Well, a truly caring father should probably try to fix this Cale's personality … but this Cale doesn't care because he's not the real Cale Henituse.]

Cayena nodded her head. “That's true, unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case.”

[Bassen lets out another, 'Ho,' and Cale, who heard it this time, turns his gaze back to the plate. 15-years old Bassen. The three years younger, Cale's little brother that he had was difficult to handle.

Unlike the trash Cale, Bassen is smart, sincere, and very responsible. The people of the family encouraged Bassen to become the next head of the household. Kim Rok Soo agrees with this sentiment even after turning into Cale.]

"It looks like the original Cale Henituse was removed from the position of next Count," said Libertia.

[Processing… funfact!]

“Hm? Funfact?” Athanasia asked confused and curious.

[When many people pushed for Bassen to become the next Count and remove Cale from that fierce position, Cale Henituse did not protest at all and allowed his younger brother to accept the position.]

"He didn't protest?" asked Melissa in surprise. This is surprising. Usually trouble-making children like Cale will immediately protest and make noise. However, Cale just kept quiet and easily just handed it over? The position he was assigned to since birth? Just like that?

It seemed like everyone was also shocked except Penelope who didn't really understand and didn't care about things like this.

[Cale doesn't try to argue with Bassen. He could hear Bassen's shocked gasp and knew that Bassen was looking down on him, but what could he do?]

'It's like Melissa and Jack,' thought Melissa. He felt a little ticklish.

[Processing… funfact!]

“Eh? Funfact again?” muttered Melissa raising one of her eyebrows.

[Bassen Henituse is a person who admires and loves his eldest brother, Cale Henituse, from the bottom of his heart. Bassen had never seen Cale smile, that's why he was so surprised and overwhelmed to see Cale(now) smile. Since childhood, Bassen wanted to be close to his older brother but thought that Cale hated him.]

“He… admires Cale?” muttered Melissa in surprise.

“To think that Cale hates him… does that mean Cale loves his half-siblings?” Libertia asked.

[Bingo!]

[Cale Henituse is a person who prioritizes his family above his own priorities.]

Everyone fell silent. Melissa frowned. "Then why does he like to drink?" he asked.

[Processing… providing information!]

[‘If you think about it, he really is a unique person.’

Usually in fantasy or martial arts novels, the scum of the family tends to hang out with gangsters or bad guys. They drink, fool around with women, and cause trouble in the streets or shops.

The funny thing is that Cale Henituse actually hates gangsters and con artists. In fact, he really hated them.

‘He thought they were all bastards.’

The worst of all bastards. It is better to at least be a hard-working citizen even if there is no hope for a better future.

That's why he never beats people up when he's drunk but has no problem throwing things at gangsters he sees. Well, try throwing things, because his aim when drunk is terrible.

Maybe that's the reason.]

“Truly unique…” muttered Melissa. Cayena nodded at that.

[The alcohol tastes pretty good. Since Cale had a high tolerance for alcohol, it didn't affect him at all to drink half a bottle in one go. He just blushes easily, making people think he gets drunk easily.]

“Wait, that means he did all that consciously?” Athanasia asked. Eris gave a small nod.

“However, this still doesn't answer my question,” Melissa said sharply.

[How rude. Alright, the reason is that so he can protect his step family from any nasty rumours and making them to be accepted by the family.]

Athanasia suddenly remembered Athanasia in the novel Lovely Princess, Athanasia in her first life. She tried her best but her father never looked at her once. It was as if he is blind with Athanasia's efforts to make him proud.

Athanasia felt like she had a connection with the real Cale Henituse through this. They have tried well but everyone is blind to their efforts. The difference is, Athanasia doesn't do anything and keeps trying to be good while Cale decides to be ... a troublemaker.

[Processing … family pictures.]

Theres two painting appeared on the screen. One painting has Count Deruth, a lady with red hair, and a child with an identical colour with the beautiful lady. The other one is the painting of the present Henituse’s family.

“It seems like this is Young Master Cale and Count Deruth with their stepfamily. It looks like the woman with red hair in the last picture is the dead Countess or Cale Henituse's biological mother," said Cayena after seeing the paintings.

“It seems true … but, doesn't Young Master Cale still look the same age as his stepfamily? It couldn't be that the old countess died and then soon after that Count Deruth married the current countess?” asked Libertia, feeling surprised. Melissa looked back at the screen.

'Did this bastard just replace the old Countess just like that?' Melissa and Penelope asked themselves. They frowned in annoyance. Cayena also felt a little disgusted. Then, what about Cale? What is his feelings about this?

“What about Young Master Cale? He seems to accept his stepfamily …,” Athanasia asked doubtfully.

[Processing … past memory.]

[The arrival of the Step Family.]

“… it seems we will find the answer soon, Your Majesty,” said Eris. Athanasia who heard it nodded.

[The 8-years old child with red hair falls silent. He stood there stunned after hearing what his father said. He looked at the woman standing politely in front of him with her shy son behind her.

‘Cale, this is Violan. I will marry her next month, she will be your stepmother and the new Countess.'

His father's words rang in his mind. His heart ached. This fast? Impossible. It's only been one year since his mother's death.]

"What the hell!?" Melissa exclaimed in disbelief. The others also widened their eyes. That fast!?

[“So, Cale … I hope you will accept,” said his father. Cale was silent for a moment. He could see how perfect the etiquette of the woman before him who stood with pride was. He could see his father's happy smile when he introduced the two of them.

After a while, Cale finally opened his mouth. He couldn't help but feel awkward when he saw his father. If this makes his father happy then, that's fine. If his father was happy, then Cale would be happy too.

“Congratulations, Father,” said Cale politely. He bowed respectfully to his father and future stepmother. Even so … he would not let this woman replace his mother. Cale could see his father let out a sigh of relief and the woman in front of him was also a little relieved even though it was covered.

Cale glanced at the child younger than him who was hiding shyly behind the future Countess. Cale admits that his future half-brother is quite cute and adorable. He wouldn't have a problem with having a younger sibling.

"Then I'll take my leave, Father. I still have things to finish.”

“Ah, right. Of course."

“Okay, thank you, Father.”

After closing the door, Cale immediately ran from the room.]

The atmosphere became unpleasant. You couldn't imagine what it would be like to be in Cale's place.

“How could he just accept it…? Just because his father is happy?” Penelope asked in disbelief.

“Such a good child… why didn't the Count pay attention to Young Master Cale's feelings back then?” asked Libertia while frowning. This doesn't make sense.

[Processing…memory stopped.]

“Huh? What?" Penelope asked subconsciously. Then, the screen changed, showing… only blue?

[Time for a break.]

[30:00]

[29:59]

[29:58]

The time on the screen continues to run. They were given a break for half an hour.

Chapter Text

[Break has ended.]

  [Processing… conversation.]

  [Cale frowns.  “What the fuck did you just say?”

 Kim Roksu looked at him with a stoic face.  “Call me Hyung.”

 "Am I not the oldest here?"

 “Oh,” Kim Roksu muttered, as if he had just remembered something.  He ignored Cale's question and looked at him seriously while saying, "You need therapy."

 “???”

 Cale looked at him with an incredulous face.  "What the hell?  Don't you need it too??”]

 “Wai t… how did Kim Roksu meet Cale?”  Athanasia asked, confused.  They gasped.  That's right, how can that be?

  [Processing… is still confidential.]

 Melissa frowned.  This is a secret.  There's something else here.  Before long, she felt annoyed.

 “Then why give this to us!?”  she shouted.

 [For entertainment purposes only.]

 "What does it mean!?"

 “Ah, but… therapy?”  Libertia muttered in a worried tone.

“Hey, you said this kind of thing is called entertainment?”  Penelope asked after hearing Libertia muttering.

 [Processing… 8 year old Cale Henituse's point of view.]

 "It seems like this screen really has no intention of answering questions," said Penelope irritably.

 [“I, Cale Henituse, welcome Duchess Gyerre and Young Master Antonio Gyerre,” Cale greeted while bowing respectfully to the grandmother-grandson pair in front of him.]

 “W-wow.”  Athanasia was shocked in awe.  Cayena and Eris also widened their eyes.  It seems that this time, not only the writing is displayed, but also the video.  However, that wasn't what surprised them.

 "That's a very perfect respectful posture at such an early age... amazing," said Cayena in awe.  How come?  A small child like Cale Henituse could make a perfect respectful posture without any problems!  Even adults still sometimes struggle to carry out perfect noble etiquette.

 Athanasia nodded.  In the past, it was very difficult for her to perfect noble etiquette, especially since she was a princess.

 Eris normalized her posture and cleared her throat slightly.  "It seems that Cale Henituse is not an ordinary child but a genius," commented Eris.  Melissa and Libertia who heard this were shocked.  Is that true!?

 [“Excuse the absence of my father, Count Deruth, as he has been busy recently.  Please understand,” continued Cale politely.  He could see that the Duchess, who was wise and always prioritized etiquette, was assessing him with her grandson.  After a few seconds, the Duchess nodded and asked to be let in.

 Cale could guess that the Duchess had also judged his father as a coward.  Seeing the Duchess assess the Count's absence to greet.  He's not a stupid kid.  His father might be a bit of a coward … but he just needs time.]

“That still violates noble etiquette, no?" said Libertia.

[During the visit of Duchess Gyerre and her grandson, Cale could feel that the two Gyerre nobles were sizing him up.  From his etiquette, his way of speaking, his posture, everything.  And, Cale knew that he had managed to amaze the two Gyerres.  It could be seen from their amazed and approving eyes of Cale.

 However, Cale was also aware that Duchess Gyerre thought his father was bad because the Count did not greet the Duchess even once?  That's really rude.]

 “Duchess Gyerre seems really satisfied with Young Master Cale, but not with Count Deruth,” Penelope muttered.

 “No one would not be amazed by Young Master Cale's perfect noble behavior,” Cayena said.

 [Until the time when the nobleman of Gyerre left … Count Henituse never showed his nose at all in front of the Duchess.  This was because actually ... Count Deruth was trying to calm himself down by going on holiday to another region.

 That's why, in the next few weeks after his mother's funeral, Cale took care of welcoming guests and so on alone.  His father's assistant also asked for help to finish the Count's unfinished work and Cale took over.

 Cale still didn't understand this job, but he could learn it.  That's what Cale did.  Learn everything and then you can do it.  In the end, Cale managed to complete the Count's task which had been postponed for one week and ended with praise from his father's assistant.]

 “… he just abandoned his child like that?  Doesn't Cale also need to rest to let go of his dead mother?"  Melissa muttered angrily.  It was true what Duchess Gyerre said, Count Deruth was truly a coward.

 "He was forced to mature at an early age," Libertia muttered pitifully.  She looks sad.  This really reminded her of the original Big Sister Libertia!

“… how could they let a kid like him do everything?”  Athanasia asked in disbelief.

 “Maybe they are blind because Young Master Cale can do everything well and forget that he is still a child,” Cayena commented while frowning.  She could admit that the real Cale Henituse was truly an extraordinary child, though.

 “But he's still a kid!”  Libertia exclaimed, not accepting it.  She felt very sorry.

 “We cannot do anything, Your Majesty.  This is something that happened in the past,” replied Eris calmly.  Libertia flinched before falling silent sadly.  Eris was right, no one could do anything about this.

 [Processing…]

 “Processing …,” Athanasia muttered.  OK, maybe she's a little bored and can't wait for what comes next.

 [Processing … a memory.]

 [Hans is a talented Deputy Butler candidate in Henituse County.  He is kind, friendly, and does all his work well.  He is the second best servant after Ron.]

 ‘Hans?  Who else could he be?’ Penelope asked in her heart.

 'Is this a story about Cale from the perspective of this servant named Hans?' Eris thought.

 [Now, he is Henituse's best servant.  This happened because the Head Servant, Ron, left Henituse along with his son to follow the villager who had beaten up Young Master Henituse.]

 “Ah, is this after he got beat up?”  Athanasia asked.

 “It seems so, Your Majesty,” Cayena answered softly.  Athanasia nodded while smiling appreciatively. 

[And, because Ron was gone, Hans became the personal servant of Young Master Cale, the Troublemaker Young Master.  Now, he was at his door to wake Cale and remind him to eat and take medicine.

 'What if he hits a bottle at me?' thought Hans, creeped out.  Honestly, he was afraid to face Cale.  Everyone was afraid he would throw alcohol bottles at them.  Hans heard a lot of bad rumors about the young master he now served.

 'Okay, Hans.  Cheers up!  You have to be a competent servant!' thought Hans, trying to encourage himself.  He knocked on the door with a stiff smile.

 “Young Master, this is Hans.  I will serve the Young Master from now on!”  Hans exclaimed.  However, there was no response after a moment of silence.  Hans took the initiative to come in and saw Cale who was lying on the bed with many bandages on his body.  There were some healing potions beside him.  The Count really loved his first child.  Those potions are all high-level healing potions.]

 “Is it that bad?”  Libertia muttered worriedly.

 [“Young Master, it's time to wake up!”  said Hans while trying to shake Cale's body gently.  Fearing of making Cale's body much more sick than it already is.

 “Ugh, what are you doing?”  Cale muttered with a pained groan.  He frowned before opening his sharp reddish brown eyes at Hans.  He looked annoyed.

 “EHK!”  Hans was surprised to see that sharp gaze, making him jump a little in fright.  Realizing his actions, Hans immediately corrected his posture.  “P-pardon me, Young Master.  It's time for you to wake up! You should immediately have breakfast and take your medicine," said Hans after stammering for a moment.

 Cale stared at him harder, making Hans shiver even more.

 'How brave this servant is,' thought Cale.

 Cale let out a small snort making Hans flinch.  Cale, who saw it, became annoyed.

 "Tch, where's Ron?"  he asked.  Hans, who heard this, immediately stood straight while reporting what had happened.

 “Master Ron left the County together with his son, Vicross, to follow Choi Han, Young Master,” Hans answered competently.  Cale blinked for a moment.  He fell silent processing what he had just heard.

 “… Choi Han?”  he asked after a while.  Hans nodded with a smile.  “That's right, Young Master!  Choi Han was the one who … beat you up,” Hans squeaked.  He looked anxiously at Cale who was gritting his teeth.]

“He followed the person who beat up his Young Master?  What kind of servant is that!?”  Melissa asked irritably.  She gritted her teeth at the screen.  “Wasn't he the only one who was by Cale's side all this time?  Why leave him, Bastard!?”  she exclaimed.

 “Duchess, you better calm down. Maybe there's a reason for that," Cayena said calmly.  Melissa, who heard it, snorted in annoyance.  She sat back on her sofa.  “It better be a good reason.”

 [Cale's silence makes Hans even more anxious.  However, it didn't take long before Cale spoke.

 “Get me a bottle of alcohol,” he ordered without looking at Hans.]

 "Oh no."  Libertia felt really sorry for Cale.  The servant he considered his father just left him.  And, it looks like Ron didn't even say goodbye!  Look!  Cale really wants to get drunk!

 Cayena frowned.  “It's not good for him to drink alcohol at the moment,” she commented.

 [Hans who heard it blinked.  “But, Young Master Cale.  You are still recovering. You are not allowed to drink alcohol in conditions like this," said Hans, trying to explain.

 Cale immediately looked at Hans sharply.  “Are you against me?”

 “Eek!  I'll get it as soon as possible!  However, you still have to eat breakfast and take medicine, Young Master Cale!”  Hans exclaimed.  Cale looked annoyed by Hans' nonsense.

 "Whatever!  Quickly get me some alcohol!”

 “O-okay! I’ll be quick!"

 Hans immediately ran out of the room, getting alcohol for Cale.  Of course, he didn't notice Cale's empty eyes.

 Cale stared out the window with his blank gaze.

 'He didn't say goodbye,' he thought.

 He left him alone.

 Now he was completely alone.

 Of course, he would leave him behind.  No one will want to be with him.

 No one wants to live with a troublemaker.  Not with trash like him.]

 "Do not say that!"  Libertia exclaimed sadly.  Athanasia nodded.

 “… he is not only a genius but also a genius at degrading himself, isn’t it?”  Melissa asked in disbelief.

 [Processing… the truth.]

 "Looks like this screen is finally going to answer the reason," answered Eris.

[“Hyung!”

 Cale stopped.  He was silent for a moment when a head appeared from beside him.  He turned his head.  A boy younger than him stood embarrassedly beside him.

 “U-uhm … I managed to get a compliment from one of my tutors today!”  he said enthusiastically.  He wore a shy smile and looked at Cale with sparkling eyes.

 Cale blinked.  Cale had to admit that this kid, Bassen, his younger step-brother, was quite cute.

 His hand moved and patted Bassen's head gently, even though it was a bit awkward.  "Hm, good," he said, then continued walking towards the practice room.]

 Some of them were surprised by this cuteness.  The unexpected relationship of half-siblings.  Penelope opened her mouth in slight disbelief.

 Cale treats his step-sibling as a … younger sibling?  I mean, step-brother?  She, who was an illegitimate child in her family and then transmigrated into the body of her family's step-daughter, felt a little jealous.

 She doesn't have a good relationship with her older brothers.  Penelope has her own grudges about her older brother and father.  Penelope looked at Cale on the screen who was walking with Bassen following.

 If ... if only Penelope were in Bassen's position, would Cale love her even though she wasn't related at all by blood?  Penelope shook her head.  No!  Put away those thoughts, Penelope!  she thought.  She had to focus back on the screen.

 [It's been a few days since his father's wedding to Violan.  Now, he has a stepmother.  However, of course, Cale would never think of her as a mother.]

‘That makes sense.’ They all thought so.  Who would want to take a new mother for granted after their mother's death?  There isn't any.

 [Then, as for Violan's son ….

 Cale blinked.  He looked down at the book he was holding then glanced at Bassen who was busy studying next to him.  He seemed to be working hard trying to understand the material.

 Bassen, Violan's son who is now his younger step-brother.  He was a shy child who hid behind his mother's dress.  Even though he was shy, this boy seemed to love following him everywhere like a duckling following its mother.

 Like now, this kid asked to study together after following him wherever he went today.  Cale doesn't find it annoying, in fact he thinks it's quite cute.]

 “I never thought I would see something like this in a noble family,” Cayena said.  Relationships like this are very rare.  Usually, step or illegitimate children will be treated arbitrarily in their own families.

 The others nodded in agreement.  This is a rare sight.

 [Cale has absolutely no problem having a younger brother like Bassen.  Maybe because in the past he wanted a younger sibling but couldn't because his mother had a fairly weak body.  He didn't want to hurt his mother.

 However, Cale has one problem with Bassen.]

 ‘hm.’ Now, Penelope was interested.  What problem did Cale have with Bassen?

 [Bassen is an insecure child.  Cale caught him being bullied and teased by the children of the noble families that were under Henituse.  Bassen just stood there in fear while the other children called him names.

 “You think you are a Henituse?  How is that possible, huh?  A dirty kid like you doesn't deserve to be a Henituse.”

 One of the children shouted like that, making Cale angry.  What is this kid doing insulting the child of a noble above him?  Who does he think he is?  Plus, why is Bassen just silent like a coward?]

"Typical nobleman," said Penelope with a small chuckle.  Step-children from low or illegitimate backgrounds would usually be treated like that.  This is common in novels too.

 Penelope is still attached to the screen.  She wonders what Cale will do after this.

 [“What are you guys doing, Brats?”  Cale asked coldly.  The other kids immediately gasped in surprise and looked at Cale in fear.  They immediately apologized and immediately ran away from there.  Cale just realized that they were his cousins who he didn't like at all from the start.  Well, Cale doesn't care.]

 Penelope blinked.  She bit her lower lip.  She got jealous.  Her bastard brothers never did this to her, never mind.  She looked at Cale who was on the screen.

 Cale has red hair.  Redder than hers, but if only … Cale was an Eckart.  A brother.  What will happen?  Maybe … he would be a dependable big brother to her, no matter if Penelope was from a low class or not?  Maybe things would be a little different with someone protecting her?

 "I already guessed.  Young Master Cale is very merciful!”  Libertia muttered with a gentle smile.

 [Cale looks at Bassen who is looking at him fearfully.  His eyes watered and his body shook.  Cale gritted his teeth.  He approached Bassen, making Bassen flinch.

 Cale didn't really care about that and immediately grabbed Bassen's shoulders to make him stay in place.  Bassen looked at him with shaking eyes.  Seeing that, Cale started to speak.

 “You are part of the Henituse family.  Remember that.  Wherever you go, your last name is Henituse, you understand?  Don't you remember what father said?  Listen to me unless you are an idiot.  Tell people that Henituse blood flows through you, no matter what.”]

Penelope stared at the screen with shaking eyes.  Now, she was really jealous.  She had never heard anything like that from her asshole brothers.  Just a little ... could Penelope wish Bassen were her instead?  Even though Cale became trash in the future, he never hurt Bassen, right?

 Athanasia blinked.  She smiled slightly at that.  Cale forced Bassen to accept himself as Henituse because Cale already considered him family.  His fate is better than that of Athanasia from Lovely Princess.

 Melissa gave a smile hearing Cale's words.  'That's right.  Tell him!'

 [Bassen's eyes tremble at this.  He felt like he didn't deserve to hear that.

 “H-hyung … how could I ….”

 Before Bassen could speak, Cale immediately interrupted.

 “Shut up and do as I say.  Otherwise, you won't be able to live in this house.  Do you think those cousins and the others will leave you alone?  Are you going to act like an idiot?”

 Bassen looked clueless.  Cale gritted his teeth.  He stared at Bassen sharply but kept a warm gaze behind it.

 “You have to protect your mother.  At least you ….”

 Cale turned his head to the side while biting his lower lip.  His grip on Bassen's shoulders tightened when he remembered his mother's terrible death.]

 Some immediately turned their heads and gag while there were some who screamed in disbelief.  That horrid dead body  full of blood was seen by an 8-years old child!?  They couldn't believe Cale had to see his own mother in that condition.  They all became horrified and some wanted to vomit.

 Someone was hurt knowing that Cale had to be faced with that sight.  If you think back, Cale is a strong kid.  He even calmed his father down, while he had a blank face.

 After a while, they were given hot tea before continuing again.

 [Cale glances at Bassen.  This child has no hope.  Like a coward.  If it continues to be like this, how could he protect himself and Violan?  This is not meant to be derogatory, Violan is a noble woman who is firm and sharp so she is able to reply to all insulting words directed at her.  This was something that Cale quite admired actually.

 However, Bassen is not like that.  He just kept quiet.  At this rate, he and Violan wouldn't really be accepted by the other families.

 In the end, Cale had to think of a plan.  Something that would make his stepfamily acceptable.

 Cale knew that noble politics were cruel.  Cale knew that nobles only cared about their status and reputation.  Because of that, Cale only had one thought after that.]

“Unfortunately that's true,” Cayena said.  Aristocrats are cruel existences.

 [Discard his reputation as a 'good boy'.

 Build a new reputation as a ‘spoiled brat’.]

 "Wait, don't tell me?"  Melissa asked in surprise.  Others were also shocked.  Is this the reason behind Cale Henituse's acting?

 [For the plan to work, Cale just needs to act.  He's good at that.  Then, he also has to do other things.  Cale looked at Bassen.

 Cale actually wanted to have a close relationship with Bassen.  However, he must do this if he wants his stepfamily to be accepted.  Cale had to push him out of his life.  He had to push everyone out of his life.

 He started to become the 'trash of the Count's family'.]

 “… he sacrificed his own reputation for the sake of a family he was still a stranger to?”  Eris muttered. She couldn't believe that someone would sacrifice themselves like this.

 Penelope was increasingly jealous but felt that Cale's actions were also unreasonable.  He protects a foreign family who suddenly came barge into his life when his mother recently died?  Nonsense.  Usually children will throw tantrums and immediately hate their stepfamily!

 “I feel more and more that he is too kind,” Penelope muttered.  Why did Cale want to do that?  Why sacrifice everything just for a family that is so foreign to him?  For the family who suddenly broke into the door of his life.

 Eris, who heard Penelope's words, could only remain silent.  Melissa also fell silent as she tightened her grip on the shoulder of the sofa.

 Athanasia was silent.  This reminded him a bit of Athanasia from Lovely Princess who happily accepted Jeanette as her sister.  Athanasia bit her lower lip for a moment.  What if Cale had the same fate as the real Athanasia?

 “Wait, and no one knows about this?”  Athanasia asked.  She realized something!

 “That's right …,” someone muttered.

 [Processing…memory stopped.]

 “Ah, it's time to rest, huh?”  Athanasia muttered.

 [Time for a break.]

 [30:00]

 [29:59]

 [29:58]

Chapter Text

[Processing….]

 “Oh, it's time to start again!”  Athanasia exclaimed.  She immediately positioned herself as comfortably as possible while picking up popcorn that she got from somewhere.

 Hearing Athanasia's exclamation, the others turned their heads and immediately sat back down too.

 [Processing… memory.]

 "What other memories will be conveyed?"  Libertia muttered, curious.  She hoped it wasn't a bad memory!

 [ BLAAR! ]

  The booming sound from the screen simultaneously shocked the cinema guests .

 “W-what the hell?”

 [Cale hugs his two younger siblings who are shaking in fear while protecting their ears.  Even so, he himself also looked at the window in the room.

 His brownish red eyes trembled.  He could catch a glimpse of the wyvern army of the Northern Alliance.  Seeing how Rain City, which once stood majestically, began to crumble slowly but quickly.  The fire was also seen burning.  The sound of screams, the cries of residents were heard although faintly, as were the screams of his father and stepmother.]

“W-what is going on?”  Athanasia asked in horror.

 “Could it be… war?”  asked Melissa while frowning.  Hearing that, the others were shocked and became worried.

 [Suddenly, the roof above them begins to collapse.  Cale who saw it immediately stood up, realizing that their house was also going to collapse.]

 "Oh no!"  Libertia started to panic.  Cayena tried to calm her down because of that.

 [“O-orabeoni?”  Lily called in a shaking voice, confused as to why Cale suddenly stood up.  Likewise, Bassen also finally stood up even though his body was shaking. He hesitantly grabbed the edge of Cale's sleeve, as if he was afraid that Cale would leave.  “H-hyung?”  he called.

 Cale, without saying much, immediately carried Lily onto his back.  Lily yelped a little but immediately hugged Cale's neck tightly.  Cale said, “Hold on tight, Lily.  Bassen, follow me quickly, we are out of here now.”

 “W-what?  Hyung?”

 Cale approached the door and broke it open with his foot.  After it opened, he immediately grabbed Bassen's arm and ran.  Bassen slipped because he was pulled suddenly, but he immediately followed his brother's fast steps.

 BLAR!  BOOM!

 “KYAA!”  Lily screamed in fear.  The little girl tightened her arms around Cale's neck while hiding her face in her older brother's neck.  There were sobs from both Lily and Bassen.  Cale who heard it grimaced, but he couldn't calm Lily or Bassen down now.  He has to take them out now.]

"That’s right! Come on, you can do it!" Melissa exclaimed. Athanasia and Libertia also started shouting. Meanwhile, Eris, Penelope, and Cayena could only hope that they would be okay.

[ BRACK !

“ Cough !”

A blazing fire greeted them in front of the main door. Cale cursed when he saw that and immediately pulled Bassen to look for another way out.

They ran and kept running. The entire corridor in the mansion was empty. The mansion building has also begun to collapse.

Dug!

Cale stopped suddenly at the same time as Bassen. In front of them, there was a dagger stuck in the floor, it had extraordinary strength to be able to destroy Henituse's marble floor. However, this is not the time to be amazed.]

“Uh, oh.”

[“Wow, it turns out there's still some pests here. Why don't you just sit quietly and die in a pile, hm? Why go out and choose a painful death?”

Cale stared intently at the assassin who came out of a corridor. He immediately put Lily down and hid his two younger siblings behind him.

“Get lost, you bastard!” Cale cursed harshly. The assassin looked annoyed, "What did you just call me, Brat?"

Cale looked around. His eyes were fixated on the flower vase nearby. In a whispered voice, Cale spoke to his two younger siblings.

“Bassen, while I beat that bastard, take Lily to the left corridor. Keep going and you'll get to the exit, got it?”

Bassen who heard it was shocked. “H-hyung, what about you!?” he asked. He didn't want to leave Cale alone with this assassin.

Lily was also clutching Cale's shirt with teary eyes. “Orabeoni, do you want to leave us?”

Cale's heart broke when he heard the pleading voices of his two younger siblings. He smiled softly as he looked back slightly.

"I'll catch up with you guys, I promise, Lily."

“R-really!?”

“Face me, Brats!”

Cale immediately grabbed the vase and smashed it into the assassin's head, right before the bastard could stab him.]

“Yeah!! Take that, Asshole!” exclaimed Melissa, excitedly followed by Athanasia and Penelope.

["Now!!" Cale ordered. Bassen immediately grabbed Lily and the two of them ran as fast as they could from there following Cale's directions.

Meanwhile, the assassin clutched his head, which was bleeding from being hit by a vase. Cale picked up the dagger stuck in the floor and immediately stabbed the man's head before the man attacked again.

“ Keuk !?”

“So confident for someone who sucks.”

Bruk!

Cale stared at the assassin's corpse for a moment while catching his breath. Without delay, he immediately ran after his two younger siblings after realizing that the mansion was really going to collapse.

However, when he got there, he only saw flames … and also-

“BASSEN! LILY!” shouted Cale and immediately ran. He removed the piled up building debris and threw them in all directions.

Cale's heart was broken by what he saw. With his body shaking and tears starting to form, ignoring the burning heat around him, he hugged the two helpless bodies.]

Gasps sounded throughout the room. Libertia and Athanasia started crying. Melissa clenched her fists. Cayena, Eris, Penelope were in shock.

[“Lily? Bassen? Lily?” called Cale. He stroked Lily's pale face. “Lily, this is Orabeoni. Lily …!”

He then turned to Bassen. “Bassen, this is Hyung. Bassen, wake up, please …!”

There was no answer from either of the two bodies which were starting to cool amidst the heat of the fire around them which was starting to go out due to the rain. There were only screams and sad cries from an older brother who failed to protect his two younger siblings.]

Everyone fell silent. They didn't know what to say. There were some who cried and looked away. Some covered their ears and eyes.

“My condolences,” Cayena muttered.

[Who knows how much time has passed, Cale didn't even realize that the war in Henituse was over. It was also a miracle that no enemies had been bothering and attacking him. He was constantly screaming, crying, and hugging the corpses of his two younger siblings.

Before long, someone appeared beside him.

“Young Master …,” Hans called, quietly. Hans felt his heart sink seeing Cale in this very sad state. Immediately and ignoring the etiquette that servants should not touch their master without permission let alone intimately, Hans hugged Cale from behind.]

“Hans….” Athanasia looked sad.

[Hans hugs Cale tightly. The young master he had known for two years, the young master he had loved and vowed to continue serving him, that young master had become fragile as a glass now. Hans didn't want to see Cale like this, but he was grateful that Cale survived the hell just a moment ago.

After a while, Hans started to feel that Cale calmed down a little even though he was still sniffling. For that, Hans felt relieved.

“Hans …,” called Cale faintly, looking very weak. His eyes looked empty, devoid of life. Well … it was like that before, but this is more …. Hans threw those thoughts away and nodded, responding to Cale, “I'm here, Young Master.”

Tap! Tap! Tap!

“Captain Hilsman reporting!”

Hilsman stood there. With a body full of wounds and dirt, clothes torn and full of blood, a broken sword. Overall, he looks horrible.

Cale turned his head weakly. Hilsman who saw it became hesitant. However, in the end he gave him the two items he had been holding for a long time.

Cale, who saw it, immediately widened his eyes. He shook again. In Hilsman's outstretched hand were the wedding rings of his father and stepmother. Cale immediately grabbed it and shook his head in disbelief.]

The atmosphere became more gloomy.

[Cale looks at Hilsman with bulging eyes. Hilsman, who saw it, could only look down while standing straight.

“The Lord and Countess Henituse … have fallen,” Hilsman reported, not daring to look at Cale.

“N-no…!” Cale exclaimed.

His eyes heated up. His face was pale. He began to feel like the world was spinning wildly. His head was starting to get dizzy. His breathing was irregular. His heart was beating fast.

"YOUNG MASTER!!"

Vaguely, Cale heard Hans and Hilsman scream before falling unconscious.]

[Memory 1 complete.]

[Loading memory 2 ....]

If they were truly shocked by what they had just seen, then that was understandable. This is a terrible tragedy. You couldn't imagine how devastated Cale was.

"How could this happen …?" Penelope asked. She bit her bottom lip in worry.

[Processing…question rejected!]

“Damn it!” cursed Melissa.

[Please wait for the next memory!]

Chapter Text

[Processing ….]

Everyone who was busy with their own affairs finally stopped after the word appeared on the screen. They began to straighten their bodies and prepare themselves for the memories that were about to be presented to them.

“It feels disgusting,” Penelope thought. No one would want their suffering to be told to others without their consent. Did ‘Cale’ know that his suffering was freely spread? Did he know that his entire tragic life was just for ‘entertainment’ as the person behind the screen said?

If she were in Cale’s position, she would hate it. Absolutely hate it. Penelope felt like closing her eyes when the screen started showing something.

Even so….

[Miss Eckart, please open your eyes and watch the video in front of you.]

“...”

Penelope slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes sharpened slightly as she stared at the cinema screen. In addition, she was aware of the worried gazes of the others.

“Miss Eckart, are you okay?” Libertia asked. Penelope just nodded with a smile. After that she looked back at the screen.

Although still worried, Libertia looked back at the screen and prepared herself mentally.

[Processing memory 2.]

[CTARR!]

The sound of thunder rumbling shocked all the individuals in the room.

“My heart almost came out, damn it,” Melissa muttered grumblingly while rubbing her chest.

[A man was staring out the window with a blank stare. The drops of water never stopped until the ground couldn’t contain them and the thunder rumbled without getting tired of singing. Was it going to flood soon? 

“It’s a shame that the weather is so unfriendly today, Count Henituse,” said the blond man as he sipped his tea, also looking out the window. 

“Your Majesty, please don’t call me Count. I don’t have any territory anymore,” the man replied. 

“Cale.” The king corrected his address.]

“Is that Cale?” Athanasia asked with a surprised face. 

Cale looked older and more mature on the screen. His hair was also longer and tied up. His eyes looked tired and firm. It was a bit surprising to see him like this. 

“I have to admit that he’s still handsome,” Cayena praised. 

“His genetics must be very strong…” 

Athanasia looked away for a moment before thinking, “Is this the charm of a mature man? No wonder so many people like Claude!” 

[The king then continued, “At least call me by my name if you want it like that.” 

Cale rolled his eyes and finally looked at the man sitting on the sofa. “Alver, what business do you have?”]

“Pfft!” 

 “Well … he asked for it himself,” Cayena said. Meanwhile, Athanasia looked a little sweaty. “Will Cale be okay? Isn’t this a treason against royalty?” she asked.

“Calm down, Your Highness,” Eris interrupted. “Looking at Cale’s reaction, I’m sure this is already a habit.”

“Is this Alver his brother or something?” Melissa asked, holding back a laugh.

[Alver felt his brows twitch at the impolite tone that came out of the red-haired man’s mouth. He took a deep breath, muttering how impolite this man was in front of a king. Then, out of nowhere, the man suddenly lay down on the long sofa.

“Hey, get off my sofa.”

“This is palace property, Cale. Me giving you this room doesn’t mean it’s yours.”]

“I guess he is.”

[Cale took a deep breath before sitting down on the sofa, facing Alver. He took a sip of his tea before finally speaking.

“The last battle didn’t end well, as you heard. Half of our troops died and around 400 soldiers were seriously injured as a result,” he reported.]

Everyone fell silent. Until they heard Libertia whisper in a trembling voice. “How terrible .…”

 [Hearing that, Alver covered his eyes with his arm. “Continue,” he ordered. 

“Arm is producing dead mana.”

“What?” Alver immediately sat up, staring at Cale. His face became even more serious. Staring at Cale’s serious face made him feel uncomfortable. 

“It’s not a small amount, Alver,” Cale said sharply. “Even that dog, Choi Han, was almost tainted,” he continued. 

“Is that why he came back looking like that?”]

“What is Arm?” Athanasia asked in confusion. Melissa replied, “Maybe an organization?”

“They could be the cause of this war,” Eris continued. 

“What about dead mana?” Libertia asked. 

[Permission to answer. Dead mana is a substance made from dead individuals. Individuals exposed to dead mana will slowly die from poisoning.]

“You mean, Arm made this poison by killing people!?”

[Memory continues.]

[“Yeah, that’s it.”

Cale looked blank as he stared at his teacup. He also gritted his teeth, imagining how many innocent people were sacrificed to make that much dead mana. 

“They were made by the Mogoru Empire?”

“From the Bell Tower, I’m sure. The golems they made were filled with it,” Cale replied. “When we destroyed them … the dead mana inside them exploded, that’s why …”]

“Those bastards …,” Melissa muttered angrily. 

[Alver nodded in understanding.  This war was something he could never have imagined. Ten years had passed and none of the battles with Arm had been won. Much blood had been shed. Hundreds of lives were lost every day. 

As the king of his kingdom, Alver felt quite hopeless. Even when they formed alliances with other kingdoms, it was never enough. Arm was terrifying. An organization that big could hide all this time without being discovered? What a formidable enemy. 

Alver wasn’t even sure they could win against them.]

“Is Arm that strong?” Libertia asked uncertainty. Hearing her, Athanasia also became afraid. 

“Will Cale be okay?” she asked. However, neither Eris, Melissa, nor Cayena could answer. Even Penelope had been silent the whole time. 

[“I’ll go first,” Cale said suddenly. He walked towards the door before stopping in front of it. He turned to Alver. 

“Where’s Han?” Cale asked. Alver blinked for a moment before answering, “At the training ground.”

“Good,” Cale said, thanking him before finally leaving the room. 

 Alver paused for a moment before laughing a little. He finished his tea before standing up. He stared out the window. 

“Maybe there’s a little hope?” he muttered. 

Cale, somehow, would always survive the battle together with the heroes. It was as if he was a cockroach that was very difficult to catch. And, at one point, he was the one who always had a sudden plan to turn the tables during the fight. 

Alver hoped he would always survive, until the end.] 

“He has to!” Libertia and Melissa exclaimed. 

[Memory 2 is complete.]

“It’s over,” Libertia muttered. 

“Besides, the war that lasted for ten years was quite long, and it’s not over yet,” Cayena replied with a serious face. 

They all tensed up. What memory would they be shown next? Cale’s misery? People’s deaths? Or even Cale’s death? 

“Cale can’t possibly die, right?” Athanasia asked. Everyone fell silent. 

“Didn’t you hear what Alver said?” Melissa replied. “That guy will definitely survive!” she continued with a wide smile. 

Hearing that, almost everyone let out a sigh of relief. Eris was the only one who was still skeptical. 

[Processing… bonus.] 

“...? What?” 

[“Hehehe.” A small child chuckled while sitting on a branch tree.] 

“Wow!” Libertia exclaimed. “Is that Cale when he was little? So tiny!” 

Everyone felt more at ease seeing little Cale’s innocent face. The child looked like he was holding back laughter as he looked down the tree. Covering his mouth while shaking his legs.  Seeing him brought a smile to their beautiful faces. 

[“Ohh, Cale! Where is my cute darling~?” 

A beautiful red-haired woman was seen wandering around the tree where Cale was hiding. A sweet yet mischievous smile was etched on her face. Looking here and there before finally looking up at the tree. 

“There he is!!” the woman exclaimed cheerfully. Cale laughed in amusement when his mother found him. “Mom!”

“Oh, my cutie. So naughty!” said the mother while chuckling. She opened her arms. “Come on, jump! If your father sees this, that idiot will definitely faint.”

Cale chuckled and immediately jumped down without any fear. Forget Deruth, anyone who saw this would definitely have a heart attack. What if the young master got hurt later!?]

“Ah, that was quite dangerous,” said Cayena. Melissa quite agreed with her. It was a wonder how a child like Cale could climb that tree. 

Luckily Cale was safe in his mother’s arms! 

[“Hap! You got caught!” The mother nuzzled her face into her son’s hair. This made Cale laugh happily. 

“Mommy’s ticklish! Heheheheh!”

“Let mommy attack Cale with mommy’s love!” 

“Ehehehhe! Ahahahha!”

The mother kissed her son’s face lovingly. The servants who passed by were also enlightened by the adorable interaction between the Countess and their Young Master.  Smiles bloomed on their faces and they felt grateful to be able to see this beautiful sight.]

“Awww.”

“My heart is healed.”

[“Mom! Put Cale down!” Cale shouted. His mother complied and put him down. Cale then immediately ran behind the tree. 

Seeing that, the mother was curious and immediately followed Cale. However, before she could take a step, Cale had already appeared first. 

The boy immediately ran towards his mother with both hands behind his body. “Mom! Come on, bow down!”

The mother again followed her son’s request. Not long after, Cale placed a flower crown on the woman’s head. “That’s it! Mom is beautiful!”

The mother smiled lovingly. “Is this a gift for Mom? Hm? Oh, my son is so adorable!” the woman exclaimed while hugging her son who laughed melodiously again. 

“Isn’t there a gift for your father?”

“Dad is stupid, always working! There are no gifts for stupid adults!” Cale replied while puffing out his cheeks. The woman laughed at her son’s answer. 

“Right, right. Your father is very stupid, huh.”

“Yes!”

The woman chuckled. She hugged her son tightly again.  The two sat hugging each other in the middle of the grass covered with flowers. The wind blew, seemingly happy to see the family's lovely interaction. The atmosphere looked very peaceful. 

"Cale, mommy's smart boy," the mother suddenly called. 

"Mhm?" 

"Cale." The woman looked at Cale. She combed her son's hair who was sitting on her lap. Her dress might be dirty now, but it didn't matter. 

"Cale, you are a strong child, remember that." 

The woman kissed her son's head while whispering, "Hopefully you won't always be alone in your future." 

"Hm? What are you talking about, Mom?" Cale asked in confusion. The woman just smiled mysteriously. "Mom just asked Cale, let's steal cookies in the kitchen!" 

Hearing that, Cale's eyes immediately sparkled. He immediately freed himself from his mother's embrace and ran towards the kitchen. "Let's steal Vicross Hyung's cookies!!" 

"Oh my, my son is so naughty."  The woman laughed while shaking her head.]

[Bonus completed.]

“That’s so sweet!” Libertia exclaimed in exasperation.

Eris thought it was a shame that Cale’s mother died when Cale was young. She seemed so kind and loving. She was very beautiful, you can tell where Cale gets his good looks from. 

“I feel calmer,” Athanasia said with a slightly brighter face.

This change in mood was quite effective in easing the tension they had felt earlier. However, it seemed like they would feel uncomfortable again after the break was over.

They hoped that at least the next memory wouldn’t be too bad.