A/N I decided to change something regarding names. As it came to my attention that Rok Soo was the Korean sound out and it's implied that such names are odd, I decided to change the spelling of KRS 'new name. It's the same pronunciation but I've decided to use Roksu Nyphan as his new name and Kim Rok Soo when referring to his old life. I'm trying this out. If you don't like this change lmk and I'll consider changing it back. But it made more sense for me to fix it as later on in the story, allusion to the lack of background and foreignity of Choi Han would not make sense.
Roksu was going to kill him.
One day, he was really going to kill that red-haired bastard.
Just what sort of shitty situation is this?!
Beside him was Cale, who was munching away at the tarts provided by the Nyphan servants without a care in the world. Each hum of fondness made him want to smack the younger.
The reason for his anger was in front of him.
Sitting across from the two was Ron and his son Beacrox.
Roksu almost had a heartattack when Cale had showed up, happily introducing and explaining that Beacrox was skilled in a greatsword and a torture expert.
"Huu..." he released another sigh, shaking his head free of thoughts, "So first you're going to master your sword again?"
Cale hummed, "Yeah. I stopped practicing a few years ago,"
Roksu bit back another sigh. He looked up at the assassins. Ron had that annoying smile on his face while Beacrox was stoic and hadn't moved his cold gaze away from Roksu. Honestly, the suspicion the two were throwing at him was driving him nuts.
And this stupid Young Master next to him seemed completely unaware of the tension!!
'Is this what happens when you grow up with assassins?' Roksu sweatdropped, 'He probably thinks it's normal!'
"Young Master Roksu," Ron spoke up, pulling Roksu from his thoughts.
"What?"
"Young Master Cale hasn't quite explained to us what exactly the two of you are doing. Please fill this old man's curiosity."
Roksu blinked before turning his head and looking at Cale, who frowned at Ron. Feeling Roksu's eyes, Cale explained, "When I told them about which weapons I wanted to learn, Ron inquired about what were we doing that required me to suddenly get interested in weapons so seriously. I told Ron that it was the adrenaline rush I got from you teaching me,"
Roksu turned his head to Ron and Beacrox again. Just from the way they both glanced at Cale, Roksu could tell they didn't believe it fully. To their credit, it wasn't quite the truth. Roksu leaned back and eyed Ron, "It seems he did explain?"
"Young Masters," Ron's smile sharpened, "My hair may be gray, but I assure you the senses of an assassin are not so dull,"
Cale clicked his tongue, "Ron, I already told youâ"
"Cale,"
Cale looked at Roksu, seeing the look he was given. Cale narrowed his eyes and then shook his head, turning back to his attendants, "The details of the matter may be a bit more complicated than I said, but this is hardly your concern,"
"Young Master Cale," Beacrox spoke for the first time, "If you are involved, it is definitely our concern,"
Cale felt a rush of irritation, "Hah?! Since when was it your concern?!"
"That's enough," Roksu placed a hand on Cale's knee, the younger's expression twisting in displeasure. Roksu gave Cale's knee a firm pat, reaching forward and holding up another tart in front of Cale. The younger exhaled but ate the tart without complaint, trying to cool his temper.
Ron and Beacrox both watched the interactions in front of them with calculating eyes. Beacrox understood what his Father meant when Cale was closer to Roksu than initially thought.
Roksu looked at Ron and Beacrox, "I don't care where you stand in the Hentiuse household or if you've served Cale since he was born. I also don't care that you're the head and heir of an assassin household,"
"Ho~" Ron's smile sharpened while Beacrox narrowed his eyes.
Cale looked at Roksu, curious about where this was going. Roksu crossed his arms over his chest, his red eyes glinting, "Your concern for your charge is noted, but I honestly could care less. You are assets. Don't ask about things that you're not permitted to know,"
Beacrox raised an eyebrow at the cold words, while Ron let out a low chuckle. Roksu persevered through the terrifying gazes and kept his expression neutral.
Cale blinked before his heart relaxed. He was worried that Roksu would really explain everything. Cale didn't want to get anyone else deeply involved in this. Just having Ron and Beacrox being aware and assisting him silently was enough.
Cale felt he should speak again and sat properly, "Ron, Beacrox. Assisting me as you are doing now and with training is enough,"
The two Molan's exchange a look.
Ron then bows, "I understand, young master. I shall adjust your schedules, accordingly,"
Beacrox sighed, speaking up, "I shall adjust your meals slightly,"
Cale smiled, "Thanks,"
Beacrox almost flinched while Ron, who had gotten used to it, just shook his head. Roksu relaxed at the situation concluding. He'll talk more with Cale later but for now, he'll respect his decision. He didn't understand why Cale wasn't taking the option that would make this easier, but Cale knew Ron and Beacrox better than him so there might be a reason.
"Then...the next order of business is to figure out how Cale's going to train, right?" Roksu said. He looked at Cale, tiredly, "Especially because this punk wants to be all secretive,"
Cale didn't respond simply grumbling, "It's going to be annoying. My old duties are slowly being returned to me,"
"...aren't you the heir?"
"Well, technically!" Cale explained, "But I stopped tutoring lessons five years ago. Well- attemptedâ Father tried to get me to go and brought in a dozen tutors. Each one of them barely lasted a week,"
Roksu grimaced, sighing, "Cale..."
"They were annoying and useless,"
Roksu looks at Ron, who has not changed his expression at all. He released another sigh, "Well, the timing is up to you. When I was taking self-defense lessons, Mother had me learn in the back garden. If you're ever here, you can always use that area,"
Cale nodded, "Okay, but I'll need a place in the Henituse Estate,"
Ron spoke up, "Young Master-nim, there is a section of the Estate grounds that is not visited,"
Cale fell silent, looking at Ron for a moment. Beacrox also turns to his Father, "...but for weapons training?"
"The outside. The rose garden,"
Roksu watched, confused at what they were talking about.
"It is private," Beacrox nods, "If I remember correctly, it should have enough space,"
"Young Master-nim, it is your choice," Ron turned to Cale again, checking the stillness of his expression, "If not, the next best choice would be to surrender the secret aspect of it or claim an empty room in the estate. Both would eventually bring the Count's attention,"
"Hah..." Cale inhaled, tilting his head, "Mom's garden...it'll be big enough. There's enough space too. It's only maintained by Ofrum even after that part of the manor was closed off,"
'Ah,' Roksu understood. The Nyphan Estate had a similar sounding area, so it was easy to figure out what was going on.
The Henituse Estate was huge, but there were a number of roomsâincluding whole sectionsâ that were more or less forbidden from entering. Those rooms all included things regarding the former Countess. Except for a few servants, no one entered the rooms. Cale, of course, didn't care for these rules and had often ventured to the forbidden portions of the manor. Even if he was caught, no one said anything. No one could.
The current section they were talking about right now was a garden built in a secluded section of the Estate grounds. The only person to enter the garden at present times was Ofrum, the gardener picked by Jour to maintain it when she could not.
Roksu looked at Cale, "Is it fine?"
"Why not..." Cale shrugged, "Might as well use the area to my advantage,"
Roksu didn't comment on the bored tone, allowing it to pass. He'd noticed the change of how Cale behaved when there were other people around them and when it was just them. While Cale had definitely eased up around Ron and Beacrox, it was really only his way of treating and talking to them. Everything else was around the same.
"Wonderful, another matter resolved," Roksu smiled in relief.
Cale yawned, "Is there anything else we missed informing this old man about?"
"I think we covered everything, Young Master," Beacrox shook his head.
"Awesome!" Cale stood up, "I'm going to play, then!"
Roksu's eyebrow twitched. 'I'm going to play' was Cale's code to Ron that he was going out to drink and not to follow him. Roksu stood up, speaking casually, "I'm coming,"
The room paused.
"Hah?" Cale looked back at him oddly, "Why?"
"Can I not?"
"Hey, old man,"Cale deadpanned, "I don't know if it's come to your attention but red haired nobles and black haired nobles are not very common,"
Roksu rolled his eyes, "Let's go in disguise. I want to get out of the manor for a while too,"
"Disguise?"
Of course, being in disguise defeated the whole point of Cale's shenanigans. Roksu walked forward, gently nudging Cale out the door. He nodded to the two, "You can spend some time here before returning. Cale and I will be out for the rest of the day,"
"I understand," Ron bows, but his eyes are cold as he stares at Roksu.
Beacrox also bows, but his lips are pressed together firmly.
Cale glances back, before sighing, "Head back when you want. Have a carriage sent to pick me up at the usual,"
"Yes, young master,"
The two leave the assassins behind. Roksu and Cale pass through the halls, heading towards a large set of doors. Cale understands the placement and decor of the door, speaking once, "The Lord?"
"Mhm,"
Roksu knocks once, "Hyung-nim,"
A soft "come in" sounds through the wood.
Opening the door, both young master's enter to find Elis behind his desk, diligently performing his duties. Elis looks up, smiling at the two, "Roksu, Young Master Cale,"
Cale returns the polite but friendly greeting. When the exchange was done, Roksu speaks casually, "I need a mage,"
Elis deflates immediately, "What did you do?"
"Pfftâ" Cale turns his head and bites his lip to hold back a laugh.
Roksu frowns, offended, "No- what?"
He shakes his head, "I need the mage to cast a dye spell on Cale and I. We want to go to town unnoticed for a bit,"
Elis blinked, "Oh. Just ask Balint, then,"
Roksu blinks and Cale turns to Elis, "Hah? Balint is a mage?"
"Yes," Elis nodded.
'Huh...' Roksu took the revelation calmly, 'Doesn't this make things easier for me?'
"Where is he?" Roksu asked.
"How do I know? He's your attendant," Elis looks blank.
"..."
'That's true,'
Roksu coughs, ignoring Cale's muffled giggles. The black-haired noble nods, "I'll be out late,"
"Hm, make sure to eat,"
"Yes, hyung-nim,"
"You too, Young Master Cale,"
Cale looks surprised, his ears turning pink in embarrassment, "Ah- yes, Lord Elis,"
Elis smiles warmly at the two, allowing them to leave. Roksu asks around for his butler, finding him assisting in the gardens, watching over a few of the younger servants. Before going to him, Roksu has them both adorn two pain cloaks. The winter weather didn't make this seem odd either.
When Balint noticed the two approaching, he bowed, "Young Masters,"
The younger servants follow the action. Roksu waves his hand for them to relax, explaining the situation. Balint nods, speaking a few instructions before following the two back inside.
The three of them walk to the front of the Nyphan Manor. Before leaving the property, Balint's hands glow with mana and within a matter of seconds, both Roksu and Cale have different looks. Balint pulled out a small mirror and showed the two of them, "Is this satisfactory?"
"Oh!"
"Wow!"
The red and black hair had turned into slightly different shades of brown and their red eyes had been replaced by green and dark blue respectively. Roksu looked eerily similar to his older brother.
Cale mutters with approval, "How amazing! I wish I could use magic,"
Balint gave a small smile, bowing his head, "Thank you, Young Master,"
"Alright, let's go,"
Balint asked, "Shall I join you?"
"No need,"
"Do not stay out too late, young masters. It gets dark faster at this time of the year,"
"Got it," Roksu assured.
The two disguised Young Master's quickly leave the estate and walk towards the town. As expected, when they enter the bustling of the market, no one gives them long glances. Of course, their clothes might say that they're wealthy, but the disguise dissuades them. Roksu walks with his hood down, while Cale has opted to keep it up just as further measure. As they mingle, the younger finally asks, "We're not going to drink, are we?"
"Not a chance,"
"Tsk," Cale frowns, "I've never met a man more intolerant to drinking than you,"
"I drink," Roksu frowns, "I just don't see the reason why you need to drink,"
"The fuck are you talking about?"
"Language,"
"You're worse than me!"
"Dogshit,"
"..."
"..."
"Don't repeat that,"
"Wow,"
Roksu pointedly ignores Cale's deadpan. He speaks up after a few minutes, once they enter an alleyway, "I was thinking we can look around the slums,"
"Huh?" Cale frowned, "The slums, why?"
Roksu looks at him, "You're thinking of utilizing them, right?"
"Yes, but it's tricky,"
"Right. Why don't we get a first hand look at the slums,"
"Oh,"
Cale looked awkward, "Then...can we bring some food,"
Roksu paused, "Excuse me?"
"Back then, I saw a lot of kids,"
"..."
Roksu turned to Cale, an understanding but firm look on his face, "I understand what you want to do, but think about it. If we give food to a bunch of kids, what about the others? It's winter. Food for them is going to be harsh until Spring comes. Not to mention sickness,"
"No- butâ" Cale frowns, "...if it's like that then how come they're not complaining to the County for more resources? We provide food and there are a few organizations in the city that do those charity and food things,"
Roksu hummed, "It's not a simple matter. We can provide them food, but even then food isn't the only issue. It's one of the biggest but it's not only that. Not only are they ostracized by nobles, but the average folk also don't take kindly to slumfolk,"
Cale frowned again, "Right...I know that..."
Cale pursued his lips and the looked up, "Old man, I want to see the slums,"
Roksu stares at him for a moment, trying to figure out what suddenly clicked but soon let it go. He nodded and took Cale's hand, speaking firmly, "Keep an eye on your surroundings and watch your pockets,"
"Yes,"
The two continued through alley ways until the familiar despondent atmosphere and pungent scent of the slums reached them. Cale swallowed as they walked the familiar path to the silver tree. Both their hoods were down so as to seem slightly less suspicious, and neither spoke. When they reached the old turn towards the tree, Roksu took the other path. Immediately, the two of them entered the slums.
There were fires burning around the area, people in dirt covered rags or old and worn out coats crowded around. People sat against the wooden huts that were basically all abandoned buildings that were on the edge of falling apart. Children, adults, and old people. Eyes shifted to the two walking through, wary and suspicious.
Cale swallowed, slipping into Korean, "This...this is..."
"You've only seen the outskirts," Roksu says calmly. He looks at Cale and speaks firmly, "Control your face. Don't give them pity. That's not what they need,"
Cale quickly turns his face neutral and turns to Roksu, "Scout the area...what could I possibly find here except guilt at the thought of using them,"
Roksu smiles, 'Ah, he's a good child,'
"Use them correctly and fairly,"
"What?"
"Maybe it's wrong, but you're not just using them, are you? There's a difference between just using and making a deal. What you've proposed is a deal, punk,"
A two-way exchange.
Cale needed a network of information. The people of the slums needed someone to provide them the resources to live. It didn't need to be lavish, nor was Cale asking for lavish. Cale was willing to work on the slums. He wasn't giving everything to them, Roksu wouldn't have let him either. He was giving enough support and a chance to get out of the situation. The cost was simple, they had to provide information and were loyal to the network.
It might've seemed cruel and awful that Cale, a noble, was even considering putting the poor people of the slums to work, but Roksu didn't see much wrong. It would be wrong if Cale used them wrong. If Cale just took and gave, while throwing them away without much care if they were useless. Roksu knew that wasn't what Cale would do. Even if a person was not useful, Cale would remove them from the web. The proposal Cale had suggested supported the entire slums, even those who would not join the net. In the end, Cale was trying to provide for the people of his territory while they paid something in return.
A deal.
Of course, it needed refining and a truckload of details, but Cale wasn't just exploiting the naive and desperate souls of the slums. If he had been, Roksu would've been the first to beat the kid up, forget Choi Han.
"It's your choice. Do you want to go forward with this?" Roksu asked seriously, the two of them pausing as a young group of kids ran around kicking what looked like an old ball.
Cale looked at the kids silently, even as the two of them walked towards the border of the slums. They were around his siblings' age. Lily's age.
Cale's heart twisted. He knew that the slums existed and that the people in them suffered, but he hadn't ever really given it another thought. He had focused his mind on his personal goals. His family and their protection.
The others of the territory were second.
The present standard when dealing with the slums was revamped 18 years ago. The lead of that project had been Jour, who had a relation to those who had nothing, who had lost their homes and family. His Mother had been the last survivor of her family.
In the future, Cale was the last survivor of his.
"...I want to adjust it,"
Roksu glances back, "Hm?"
"I want to do what I first intended. But I want to at least make this easier..."
"...Cale,"
"Roksu. After the Henituse Territory falls in the future. Wouldn't this just be me and all the other survivors?"
Roksu's breathing hitches and his feet halt. They'd just left the slums, only just away from the outskirts. Cale was staring back at the pitiful area they'd left, a mocking smile on his lips, "Without homes, surviving without anything, a battle of their own fought and landed them in such a situation...yes, isn't it just what I'll be?"
"..."
"No," Roksu exhales, "The territory won't fall,"
"Perhaps not," Cale accepts, "But it's fallen over and over in my head,"
"Cale,"
Roksu paused when Cale turned to him, a tired look in his eyes, "Drinking... hehe... that's not enough to do anything against those crazy things..." he smiles, "Is that why you're so stringy about my alcohol intake?"
Roksu frowned, "You shouldn't be having alcohol at this age anyway. You've only just turned 16,"
Cale paused.
It was the first time someone had told him that.
No, that's not it, actually.
Eric told him the first time he'd heard of the habit, and Amiru had alluded to his age as well. But they'd said it at the beginning of the facade and then never mentioned it again. After the first month of getting used to drinking and the starting of rumors, no one mentioned it to him. The only slight reference was the fact that during meals at the Estate, he wasn't permitted alcohol, no matter how much he asked.
Cale swallowed the odd heaviness in his throat. He let a loose smile curl up again, chuckling at the direct fact, "Weird...you're so weird..."
Roksu frowns deeper. But he doesn't get to say another word before Cale speaks again, "Training to fight, I can do it. Ancient Powers, I can find. But even then, it's not enough, right? Because someone like me...I can do more to protect this place than others,"
He lets out another loose laugh, "You even told me on the first day in that alley,"
Roksu needed only a second before he understood what Cale was going on about.
"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?"
Roksu looked at Cale, speaking carefully, "Cale...what exactly are you getting at, right now?"
Cale just smiled, "Roksu. In a month's time, I will invite you, to the Henituse Estate,"
"All of a sudden?"
"By that time, let us draw up a proper plan for the slums and have a decently finished outline for expansion of the Nyphan business. As Henituse Heir, I will assist personally for both of these,"
'This punk,'
Roksu cracks a tired smile, "Hah...you're always giving me more work,"
Cale giggles, "Things will be so chaotic for a bit and the rumors will be fun. They're already whispering about me from the banquet, I might as well use the winds to sail my boat,"
Roksu grins, "Aish~ Fine! Fine! Let's flip it all over!"
Cale smiles brightly and the weight of his heart begins to ease up after years.