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 thisâ"
"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 ungratefulâ"
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 himâ]
"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 louâ"
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,"
"Youâ"
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,"