"Are you sure you'll be alright to travel? The weather has only gotten colder," Deruth's voice came through the communication device that Balint was holding.
The screen was facing Cale and Roksu who had woken up early to prepare for their departure. The two were working with their respective family guards and checking the inventory, along with the additional supplies they'd be carrying and triple checking routes in case of any storm.
Cale sighed and turned from where he was looking through papers. He had told Ron that he couldn't speak to his Father this morning but the Count was insistent. He thought Violan would have stepped in but it seems the Countess was also wishing to look upon him.
"Father, I'm fine," Cale handed the papers to Ron, "Here, this is all done,"
Roksu walked behind Cale holding out a larger scroll, "Young Master, the knights are thinking of using this pass to the next town so we could rest the night under a proper roof,"
Cale glanced, "Sure why not? The noble family in charge of that area isn't hostile to us so it should be of no problem,"
Roksu nodded and moved to confirm the route.
"Cale, you have no need to push yourself," Violan said carefully, observing the seamless way Cale worked and kept with them, "All the work is fine and we accounted for any delay, remember?"
"Yes, I put together that contingency," Cale sighed, signing something Ron handed to him.
"Cale-"
"Father, with all due respect, I'm very busy trying to get everything set so we can leave immediately after breakfast," Cale turned to the communication device, "Could we please wrap up this unnecessary conversation?"
Deruth deflated and Cale felt a little bad about his harshness. But he was really annoyed at having to answer this call. And it wasn't like he could ignore it completely either since it was just a check up considering his illness. Cale added, "Father, the doctor said I'm fine. It was a minor thing. The Wheelsman County took good care of me,"
Deruth smiled, "I'm glad..."
"Count,"
Cale shifted hearing Roksu speak up behind him. The black haired male leaned into frame bowing slightly, "Count, Countess, I assure you I will take care of the Young Master's health. It is partially my responsibility he has come on this journey,"
Cale blinked, staring at Roksu with hidden confusion. Deruth and Violan also seemed surprised as the woman quickly shook her head, "It is not your fault, Young Master Roksu..." she then smiled slightly, "Nonetheless, I thank you for your concern and pledge,"
Deruth nodded, "I ought to compensate you for your troubles,"
Roksu's smile almost twitched at the sentence. He smiled, bowing deeper, "No need. The First Young Master is lovely company,"
Cale kicked Roksu subtly. The older one felt the weak throb but he didn't react. Nor did he let himself think of the slight shift in expression in the two who were Cale's parents. The momentary surprise. Straightening up he looked behind the screen before returning back to his lord and lady, "My Lord, we must take our leave for breakfast,"
"Ah! Of course," Deruth understood, "Have a safe trip, both of you. We will be waiting for your return,"
Before the call cut Cale added one last thing, "I've sent some things back to the County ahead of time. Let me know if they arrive in good condition,"
"Alright,"
"Right bye," Cale waved and then he quickly deactivated the device.
A sigh passed his lips and Roksu commented, "The Count and Countess seem very worried,"
"A sick trash is worse than usual trash," Cale retorts.
'I don't think that's why they were worried,' Roksu thought.
The look in their eyes and the expressions they had when the device had first turned on- Roksu could recall seeing that on Alwena and his siblings after he'd fallen sick or become injured. The furrow of their eyebrows and the scrunched up expression that exemplified the glassy worry in their eyes.
"Goodness, Roksu-yah" Alwena's hand pressed against his forehead, before gently caressing his cheek. Her lips downturned further, "You're burning up, dear,"
"Mm' fine, Mother,"
"Nonsense," Alwena shook her head, "Come, come. Let's get you rested before your siblings catch wind of this,"
Roksu shuddered and pressed closer to his Mother, "Hyung and Noona are odd,"
Alwena laughed, "You're our precious Roksu! How can they not coddle you?"
Roksu flushed as he was forced to sit back in his bed as his Mother undid the buttons of his vest, "I'm not a baby, Mother,"
Alwena merely smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to the young boy's head, "You'll always be one of my three babies,"
Roksu flushed deeper, "Mother!!"
Roksu blinked at the abrupt rush of memories. For a second, the phantom feeling of her gentleness enveloped him.
Sometimes, he really got lost in his memories of this life. It was a weird sensation. At the start he'd felt so out of place. This body was his, the name was his, but the life had always felt distant. The warmth from the servants and his older siblings were odd to ignore. Roksu wasn't a fool. He could tell that Roksu Nyphan was not someone like Kim Rok Soo. He had people who loved him dearly. People he clearly loved as well.
As time had kept passing, memories slowly returned and the inconsistency between Roksu Nyphan and Kim Rok Soo slowly became unnoticable. No, it was like there was almost no difference at all. Roksu truly felt like he had indeed lived this life. He could recall scents and emotions and even details about a memory that could only be found in the one the memory belonged to. He felt that this was truly his life, that he had not possessed the body of someone else, but had rather returned to a precious home he had monetarily forgotten about.
A firm tug jerked his body. Roksu broke from his daze just in time to catch Cale's words, "Are you coming to eat?"
"Yes, yes, my bad,"
"Young Masters- a moment please!"
The two glanced back and Hilsman quickly approached them, "Young Master, there's a small worry in one of the cased items,"
"A worry?"
"I worry we're packing things too tight. Mr. Molan told us we ought to keep this one out of a spatial bag so it's packed alongside our necessities and supplies that must be on hand, however with the added gear for the weather it is creating an issue,"
"Which case is it?" Roksu frowned.
"Ahem," Hilsman's voice lowered, "Mr. Molan informed me it belongs to the First Young Master,"
Hilsman pointed to a long rectangular box a few knights were holding while adjusting a few things in the storage unit of their carriage. The boot, or storage of their carriage, was located in the back of the carriage, along with the cuppies found underneath the seats.
"Oi," Cale called out, "That box, bring it here,"
The knight holding the box walked over and held it out towards Cale. Ron had also walked over and leaned down, informing quietly, "Tis' your sword, young master-nim,"
"Ah," Roksu understood.
Cale eyed the box for a few seconds. He then sighed and looked at Ron, "Then in that case, let's just keep it with me. Put in the carriage on one of the seats. I'll handle it,"
"Yes, Young Master,"
Cale nodded and dismissed them, before he and Roksu headed back into the manor and towards the dining room where they'd be having their last meal in Spade City. The walk was comfortable and quiet, the two entering and bowing as they were greeted warmly by the three Wheelsmans.
Settling down, the dining room was soon entranced by polite and gentle conversations. Eric looked slightly glum and also unsure, "Must you leave so soon after your ailment, Cale?"
"I ought to as there is no ailment left," Cale said pointedly.
"You know we're always delightful to host you,"
"And you've been kind to me," Cale assured, "But it's best to leave. Prolonging our stay will only risk worse weather to be upon us,"
"Do not worry, Young Master Eric. I'll keep him from diving off another bridge," Roksu smiled tightly and Cale winced slightly at the slight glare.
"Will you stop mentioning it?" Cale hissed.
"No, no, Young Master Roksu should keep mentioning it!" Eric nagged on the other side of Cale, "Perhaps it'll keep you from pulling such a stunt again!"
"It wasn't that big of a deal!"
"Hypothermia is not a big deal?" Roksu narrowed his eyes.
"Minor- It was minor hypothermia! I was fine the next day!"
Eric sighed, "And that's not mentioning the fever that you developed,"
"Heavens above...will you quit it?"
The Count and Countess exchanged a slightly amused glance. After the incident, the three boys had certainly become more comfortable with each other. It was a nice sight to witness. Their son had seemed to find another person who had the potential to become a friend, while their son's sworn brother had clearly found some sort of comfort in their estate. Honestly, they were a little worried when they heard Cale would be staying with them after so many years of refusing Eric's invitations. Especially with all the rumored behaviors(and the Count's own recollection from the few times he had seen Cale). They were glad that Cale seemed to not be very off-put and had even stated that he'd had a nice visit, despite the incident at the lake.
Speaking of the lake...
"I've yet to inform you all," Count Wheelsman spoke up, gaining the attention of the three teenagers, "All of the items Young Master Cale found were returned if their owners claimed them, otherwise they were sold. I've already passed the compensation earned from those purchases to your butler,"
"Oh, that wasn't necessary," Cale frowned slightly.
"Nonsense," Countess Wheelsman chuckled, "If not for you, those items would still be at the bottom of Spade Lake,"
Cale was uncomfortable with the praise that was implied in that sentence. He didn't do anything out of the goodness of his heart. He settled with a simple, "Its good such items aren't left to rot away,"
"Additionally, the knights that went back to the lake and the residents observed that the lake seemed to have mellowed out and the harsh winds had decreased significantly," The Count looked at Cale, "Forgive me for prying, Young Master Cale, did anything happen under the water?"
Cale thought about the necklace around his neck that was hidden by his outfit. Of course, the lake would become normal now that the ancient power that controlled the waters was gone. Cale had requested Eric keep the presence of the ancient power quiet from the Count and Countess. He didn't want to deal with the aftermath of that conversation or risk any sort of leak.
"My memory is fuzzy," Cale stuck to the story he had told the doctor, "I do not recall what happened much after the currents pulled me under and I hit my head on the pillar. It was only after Young Master Roksu brought me up to the surface that I sort of remember things,"
The Count smiled apologetically, "I see, thank you for recalling such a terrible account to answer me,"
Cale gave a soft tongue click, "There's no need for such gratitude. Nothing happened,"
He ignored the looks given by Roksu and Eric. They had both asked about the 'test'. Cale had always gotten out of the conversation. His eyes looked over at the Countess, who had changed to topic. As she spoke, another topic filled his thoughts.
When he woke from a fever, he had called her 'Mom'. That damned test had pried open much of his feelings and memories with his birth mother. And his fever had made it no better. Jour and Countess Wheelsman were another reason the two Countys were able to maintain such close relationships. They were very close friends.
They were also similar. Of course, there were a number of differences in not just appearance but a range of things, however, the way the two of them had coddled their children(and each other's children) was always similar. When Jour had died, Cale remembered the Countess had visited days after the official announcement to the public. Cale remembered how she barely kept in her sobs as she bent down and hugged Cale mumbling endearments and apologies.
To the eight-year-old boy who had watched his beloved Mom perish before his eyes and his Father wail loud enough to mask the thunder outside; Cale had curled into her warmth and wept.
The similarity became difficult for him in a way that made him truly understand how arduous it was for his Father. While Cale did not see the Countess every day, she reminded him so much of his Mom's warmth that it ached his heart. To his Father who was forced to bear witness Jour's appearance every time he laid eyes on Caleâ Cale could only imagine how awful it must be.
Cale shook his head softly. This was not the time for these sorts of thoughts. To dwell upon those feelings would risk them leaking out again.
Though...
He looked at the Countess again. She hadn't mentioned it to him, but she had softened slightly the past two days. Sweets he had not asked for since he was young would be delivered to him, the servants claiming that "The Countess sent them up,"
Cale wondered if he had made her feel as if she had committed some sort of wrong against him. She had only been worried for him and was taking care of him but Cale had quite literally shut her out after the fever incident. Other than polite conversation, Cale tried to avoid her and if they passed by one another, she would only smile kindly at him instead of go and ruffle his hair like she had before.
'Ah, I guess- I ought to apologize for my rudeness...' Cale thought, 'I did nearly hit her when I realized what had happened after I awoke'
A nudge came from his left and Cale glanced at Roksu. The older teenager was giving him an on-the-surface normal look, but the slight furrow in his eyebrows told Cale of the question he was being asked. Cale just smiled, muttering in Korean, "I'm fine,"
When they finished breakfast, the Count and Countess walked them to the front. As they exchanged pleasantries, the earlier thoughts kept swarming around Cale, causing him to fidget. It seemed Roksu had had enough of his hidden jitters because he asked aloud, "Is everything alright?"
Cale glared at him before it weakened and he turned to the three Wheelsmans. He opened his mouth and then grimaced, before sighing in annoyance, "Counâ Countess, might I have an audience with you for a few minutes?"
Countess Wheelsman's eyes widened before she smiled, "Why of course! Come this way,"
The Countess guided them away from the other three. When she turned back to him, she smiled warmly, "Yes, dear?"
Cale chewed the inside of his cheek before looking away, "Ah, it's nothing. I'm justâ I'm just here to apologize,"
"Eh? For what?"
Cale glanced at the genuine confusion in her eyes. He played with the edges of his cloak, "When I was sick...I...um...I troubled you with my fever-induced rambles,"
The Countess's expression shifted into surprise as she understood what was being referred to. Cale hurried, "Look- I'm just saying you don't have to think about it! I was- I was not myself. And- and- I'd feel a bit burdened if you went about thinking any sort of nonsense! So- just forget it happened!"
The Countess stared at him before a hand raised to her mouth and she let out a laugh. Cale stared at her blankly, flinching in surprise as her voice raised in volume and she abruptly pinched his cheek, "Oh, Cale darling, aren't you just adorable?"
Cale flushed, "What-"
She released him and her laughter faded slowly, yet the smile remained. Her eyes were warm as she looked at him, "Cale, you don't need to apologize. If anything, shouldn't I be apologizing after my discourteous behavior when you first arrived?"
Cale thought back to when his mom was mentioned by name. He frowned, "No. It's fine. You only spoke a factual statement,"
The Countess's smile droops for a moment before her expression turns melancholic, "Cale, darling. Listen here, there's nothing wrong in calling for her once in a while, just as there's nothing wrong in what happened. If anything, it made me a bit happy I was able to comfort you, even if just a moment,"
Cale frowned slightly, unsure of how to respond to that. Countess Wheelsman chuckled softly, "Cale, you are a good child. Someone I regard as another son or a precious nephew. Seeing you apologize for something like this, it's almost sad. You have no need to do so,"
'I...I don't understand,' Cale just stared at her blankly.
"Have a safe trip, darling. You should come visit us more,"
Cale looked at the warm and welcoming smile. He looked away quickly, "Ah...maybe I'll come by,"
The Countess's eyes softened and her smile widened. As they returned to the other three, she gazed at the backs of Cale and Roksu entering the carriage. She was no fool. She had noticed the closeness that could not be just a simple business relationship. The two had slipped up when Cale was ill. A lack of decorum, the way the older had fretted over Cale and stayed by his side until forced away. She was sure that they were close.
The Countess closed her eyes for a small moment.
"Dear?"
Her husband turned to her, causing Eric to glance back in concern.
The Countess smiled, opening her eyes again and keeping them on the carriage pulling away. A gentle sigh escaped her, looking up, "Jour would be very proud of him,"
The Count blinked before chuckling, "Cale's changed a bit, hasn't he?"
The Countess shook his head, "No, he hasn't changed..."
"Hm?"
"Cale has never stopped being Cale. He simply closed his heart," The Countess nods. She then gives her husband a look, "You forget, my dear, that Jour's death affected everyone who knew her. To assume it would not affect the child she loved with all her being is foolish thinking,"
Eric looked sad, "Cale's never been the same after,"
The Countess stroked her son's head, "Cale is a loving child who has always had a very large heart. You remember, don't you? When even without the concept of death, our own grief from your sister made him cry,"
Eric did remember, albeit vaguely.
"Come. Let's go inside," The Countess ushers her family in. Looking back once more, she smiles, 'Cale, I hope that your smile will only continue to grow,'
~~~
The carriage clattered out of the Wheelsman Estate with no problem. After they had closed the door, the black dragon removed the invisibility and sat himself next to Roksu, snacking on the biscuits Cale had given to him.
Seeing this, Roksu sighed, "Cale, a two-year-old should not be having this much sugar,"
"I turned out fine,"
"You turned out insane,"
"What about me is insane?"
Roksu counted off on his fingers, "You started drinking at 15, you've been fooling the entire continent for eight years, you jumped off a bridge into a lake nicknamed Lake Tundra, twice, you have zero concept of what's healthy for you, you stumbled upon an ancient power and did some sort of test that has clearly troubled you but you don't want to talk about, your butler is an assassin, your chef is an assassin, you formed an underground network in Rain City, you threw away caution when investigating a black market deal in Disheller, you can see the future...am I missing anything?"
Cale crossed his arms, avoiding the pointed glare. He grumbled, "Nothing to do with sweets,"
The dragon swallowed and looked at Cale, "Sunny Human is really reckless,"
"I am not!"
"Reckless Human,"
"Youâ!!"
Knock, knock.
Cale's impending yell paused at the low thumps that emitted from the window. Roksu was closer and thus he pulled back the curtains to click the window open. Balint spoke after a small pause, "Young Master-nim. I believe you ought to step down for a moment,"
Cale and Roksu exchanged a glance. They hadn't even left the city, but the carriage had stopped. Additionally, they could hear the large commotion of the streets. Roksu shifted, "Both of us?"
"Specifically, Young Master Cale,"
Cale frowned but moved towards the door. Balint backed away from the window and the carriage door opened up, allowing Cale to step out, a deep frown present as he looked at the convoy, "What's going on?"
"MISTER!!!"
The yell of a young girl carried over to Cale before anyone could speak. He turned towards the sound, seeing a family of five standing and talking to the knights near the front. A young girl who yanked free from her mother's hand had screamed and was now running to Cale. Cale immediately recognized her, holding up a hand so the guards stopped moving. He stepped further from the carriage doors, "Layla?"
Seeing her approaching with wide arms and at a rapid pace, Cale crouched down to catch her as she all but threw herself at Cale, small arms wrapping around his neck. The girl laughed in delight, "Mister!!! You're alright!!!"
Cale held the small hug for a few seconds; feeling slightly awkward. He pulled back gently, giving the girl a firm look, "Of course. I told you it was nothing to worry about,"
"Young- Young Master-nim!!!" Cale looked up as the other four also came forward.
By now the commotion had gotten the attention of those filling the streets. Vendors and consumers all watched, while mumbling and chattering. The carriage and symbols of the guards was enough to identify the convoy, but the rumors of the incident at Spade Lake only amplified the curiosity targetted at the red-hairedd noble.
Though, Cale didn't care, nor was he aware of their knowledge. He patted Layla, silently informing her to release him, and carefully stood up. Layla was quickly pulled back by the older brother, "Layla! I told you not to go running!" he looked at Cale, "I'm sorry about her! We've been giving you so much trouble-"
"It's fine, really," Cale waved it off, "There's no trouble caused,"
"Young Master-nim," The oldest woman, presumably the Mother, stepped in front of her children. Cale froze at the watery and grateful smile being targeted at him. He flinched slightly when she bowed, her husband following her and spoke loudly, "Thank you for saving my daughter! Young Master-nim, thank you so much. You've saved her life and fell ill because of it! Please, how could we ever compensate you?"
Cale blinked rapidly, eyes quickly looking at Ron, who was just smiling at him. Cale glanced behind him to see Roksu watching the scene while leaning against the carriage with a slightly knowing look. Seeing Cale's gaze, he just raised an eyebrow.
'What's wrong?'
"We heard from the Wheelsman guards you are the first young master of Henituse. A future count of the kingdom. Young Master-nim, our daughter has caused you such trouble and you've only helped us by jumping into the lake- let alone searching for the bracelet. Please tell us about any compensation!! Truly- anything we will give as our gratitude!" Layla's Father's desperation made Cale look back.
Cale shook his head, "N-no way. Ca-calm down!"
Cale reached forward forcing them both upwards, "This is completely unnecessary!!"
'I didn't save anyone out of the goodness of my heart!'
He stared absently at the tears in their eyes. Even though their emotions were showing in the form of tears, they continued to smile and beam towards the trashy teenager.
Layla's Mother protested, "No, not at all! Young Master Cale, how can I ever repay you? There must be something we can do for you, my lord! We are not rich, we are but average, but even if you request our service I am prepared to serve you the rest of my days for they'd be not even a flame to the time you've given me with my child! I can even prove my efforts here andâ "
"Please, enough!!" Cale stopped her, horrified.
He took a breath, holding up his hands almost defensively, "Look, there's no need for this! I don't need or want anything at all!"
"Young Master Cale," The older brothers placed a hand on his father, stopping him from speaking. He smiled warmly at Cale, "Young Master, we're peasants. We have committed an offense of stopping your carriage on your departure, however, upon knowing you caught illness after saving my sister, we had to express our gratitude. We can't give you much, I'll admit. However, there is also nothing of value equal to what you've done for us,"
Cale looks at the warm smiles directed towards him. His lips part and he frowns, "I...I don't think you understand. I am Cale Henituse,"
His eyes dim, "All the words you're saying, this...gratefulness you express to me, anyone else would think you're insane or you've been paid off,"
Everyone around him jolts.
Roksu's eyes pierce the back of his head.
Cale doesn't need warmth like this. He had done it only because he had a bad dream the night before. Only because he was still reeling from the death of his own sister. Their gratefulness, their sincerity...it made Cale feel nauseous. It was all cheated because of his own selfishness.
'I don't deserve it'
"Young Master-nim," Layla's mother suddenly smiles and she reaches forward. Cale doesn't pull back when she takes his hands in her own, even when he should've. But there's something in her gaze, in her smile, that makes him ignore the implications of this confrontation, "Young Master Cale...when we found your name, we heard of the tales behind it,"
Another jolt rings. The guards immediately bristle and Hilsman would've interfered had Roksu not raised a firm hand, eyes giving them all a sharp glare. They all understood the order regardless.
'Do not move'
Cale moved to speak, unknowing of the communication, but Layla's Mother was quicker, "It's all a lie,"
Cale's eyes widened, "Huh?"
"Anyone who jumps off a bridge to save my child, reenters a lake just for a bracelet, and falls ill for my child...Young Master Cale, you are a good person. I know it in my heart, in my soul. Without you, my daughter would've died,"
Cale stared at her, unable to move as she lowered into another bow, "Young Master-nim, thank you, eternally, for saving my daughter's life. For allowing me more days with my precious children. For allowing my family to stay together,"
Cale's eyes slowly looked at the other four. Layla and her younger brother were at their older brother's side, the two of them smiling up at Cale when he turned down to them. The older brother and Layla's Father also gave him warm smiles of gratitude.
Cale's eyes trembled and his heart clenched.
His lips pressed together and he turned his head away from their expressions, "Please rise,"
Layla's Mother does so, stepping back and releasing his hands. Cale flexes his fingers a bit, before glancing at the family with an awkward expression, "J-just take care of yourselves. That's enough. There's no need for anything else,"
The oldest three family members looked at Cale with wide eyes, before their eyes seemed to sparkle. Layla's Mother covered her mouth releasing a watery gasp. Her husband shook his head, a disbeliving chuckle falling from him, "Young Master-nim, how can you be so kind?"
Cale coughed, body itching to get away. He quickly said, "I have to leave now- Layla," he glanced at the girl, "It's good to see you're alright,"
Layla grinned, "Thanks to Mister!!!"
Cale's heart squeezed again.
"I- Pardon me," Cale stepped back and the guards began to gently move the family off to the side.
"A-ah wait- wait! Mister!"
Cale glanced back and Layla rummaged around her old coat's pockets. She pulled out something, "Gift!"
"A gift?" Cale repeated, "For who?"
"For mister, of course!!"
Confused and lost, Cale frowned. He didn't move as she neared him again, nor as she beamed, "Mister! Hand please!"
Cale blinked and he held out his right hand, bending his body slightly. Layla reached up and Cale's eyes widened when a bracelet made out of cowrie shells and pale beige rope slipped onto his wrist. Layla grinned brightly, "Hehehe! Mama helped me make it!!"
"Oh..." Cale looked at the bracelet for a moment.
A soft smile and pink hue came over his face.
(The rest of the convoy, along with a number of common people watching, choked.)
"Thank you very much," Cale's smile widened. His eye twinkled in the winter light, "I like it,"
Layla cheered and Cale ruffled her hair, "Take care of yourself,"
"Yes!"
Layla moved back to her family and Cale finally turned back to the carriage. Roksu leaned off the wall, smiling at Cale, who was touching the shells carefully. He didn't say anything, simply taking in the soft expression as they entered the carriage.
When the door clicked shut, the black dragon revealed itself again, flying over to Cale's side, "Human, didn't you find a bracelet like this at the lake?"
"Yes," Cale finally stopped touching the bracelet, "Her Mother made her and her siblings matching ones,"
Cale thought back to the incident. Back then, the words "Before she left" had translated in his mind as death. Now, he could infer that it probably meant some sort of trip or long absence.
Cale pressed his lips together, "...I've never been in that situation before,"
Roksu responded to the invitation for conversation, "You seemed caught off guard,"
"I didn't save that girl because of some sense of justice," Cale admitted. He added, "I didn't do it for anything from anyone,"
"I don't think you did it with any nefarious purpose,"
"Of course not,"'
Roksu shrugged, "Then that's enough,"
Cale frowned, clearly still bothered by the interaction. Though Roksu didn't think it was anything troubling, so he didn't ask for Cale's thoughts. If anything, his own eyes went down to the bracelet.
The white cowrie shells were polished and smooth, the beige rope creating small spheres in between each shell as a design. It was simple and nothing like the shell jewelry one would find for nobles, let alone in the collection of accessories owned by Cale Henituse. Though, Roksu wouldn't be surprised if he saw the bracelet on Cale's wrist more often.
Cale's smile had been genuine and subconscious. His blush had been one of shyness. A surprise caused by their sincerity. Cale had probably not had a normal interaction with the people of Rain City since he was very young.
'Well, that will probably change,' Roksu thought.
He had asked Balint and Eric, unbeknownst to Cale, about the rumor mill. The two of them had confirmed that the entirety of Spade City knew about the incident and the Young Master who had saved the common girl. Eric said he wouldn't be surprised if the incident had already started to spread out to the entire high society.
"Everyone knows it was Cale. When it comes to him, especially after he showed himself in public after eight years, he is a keen topic of interest. By the time you get back to Rain City, I wouldn't be surprised if everyone knew"
Roksu kept it to himself.
Instead, he spoke to Cale, "You brought up your reputation,"
"Yes," Cale nodded, "I had to check if they knew who they were speaking with,"
"Cale, I thought you were going to use your position,"
"I am," Cale replied, "I can do work and drink,"
Roksu immediately narrowed his eyes, "Drink? Just how little self-preservation do you have? You're not drinking the rest of the trip,"
Cale looked mortified, "What?!"
"Not a drop,"
"I'm going to ignore you,"
"I expected as much, which is why I've already told everyone that it's for your recovery," Roksu smirked.
Cale's eyebrow twitched and he exclaimed in frustration, "I'm perfectly fine!!"
The black dragon looked between the two, "What's wrong with a drink?"
"It's not something like water or tea," Roksu answered, "You see, Cale drinks alcohol. He's too young for it and it's also not good for him. But since he's reckless, he refuses to stop,"
The Dragon frowns. The blue eyes turn accusatory and he speaks pointedly, "Reckless Human,"
Cale defended himself, "I'm only drinking for a reason! It's very important. If I don't drink..."
Cale stops with a troubled expression. He clicks his tongue, "Ugh, it'll be difficult,"
Roksu grumbles, "What can being trash do that being the first heir to the richest County ever can't?"
Cale opened his mouth, but he paused, the question repeating in his head.
'...can I protect them with my position?'
Cale frowns, 'But was it not my position that caused all our problems?'
Cale felt like Roksu had just planted an unwanted seed in his head. He shook his head, glaring at Roksu, "You're so annoying,"
Roksu just gave him an unamused glare, "You punk, I ought to be saying that,"
The black dragon shook his head at the humans. Really, they were so weird.
He pulled out a book from his spatial pocket and placed it in Cale's lap, interrupting the bickering. Cale glanced down at the book, "Religions and Gods?"
His eyebrows furrowed, "Are dragons religious?"
Roksu rolled his eyes briefly, "He was curious about the God of Death power. Balint had gone out to buy it this morning with some of the money you gave him,"
The dragon nodded, "Reckless Human! Read with me!"
Ignoring the nickname, Cale picked up the book, "Alright,"
Placing the book to the side for a second, Cale lifted the black dragon to have the child in his lap. The two-year-old curled up, blue eyes staring up at the pages that Cale held open in front of them.
Roksu observed the scene and listened to Cale's voice. It was a soothing scene to observe. Roksu closed his eyes, letting the sound of his two companions filter through his ears eventually lulling him to sleep.