As they traveled back towards the Henituse County, the Henituse-Nyphan convoy bore witness to an increase in snow and ice the further north they got. Fortunately however, other than the troubling weather conditions, there were no further complications.
Arriving at the Chetter Barony provided a comforting and warm break from the cold inns and slow travel. Though, unlike the original extra day they had back in Spade City, the group didn't stay for an extra day.
Gilbert Chetter was an interesting and pleasant teen to meet. Roksu observed him to be someone on the quiet side and due to being a knight family, he had a lot of emphasis on conduct and honor. As such, Roksu could see the fleeting glances the Baron and Baronesss would give Cale that only fueled the whispers and curious stares of the servants.
Gilbert and Cale were also not as close nor as comfortable as Eric and Cale were. Despite being the closest in age of the Northeastern quartet, it was noticeable that these two had the most distinct borders. When they had arrived, Cale had been cordial and firm, brash but not excessively rude unless it was a challenging sneer and glare targeting at someone who lingered too long.
"Gilbert tolerates me because of Amiru and Eric Hyung," Cale had told Roksu, "His family values honor and mannership. As trash, I have none of that so he often disapproves of me,"
Perhaps had they come without the incident in Spade City happening, the atmosphere would've been colder and Gilbert would not have personally tended to him as much as he did so. Roksu had seen the slight widening of Cale's eyes or a fraction of his confusion as their stay prolonged. Gilbert welcomed them politely, while also personally inquiring and initiating small talk with not just Roksu, but with Cale as well.
As the behavior dragged on, Cale seemed to accept it and not bother fighting Gilbert's stubbornness or glare at him when the brown-haired male referred to Cale as "dongsaeng". Roksu would've been a liar if he said he hadn't enjoyed watching Cale begrudgingly accept it.
Departing from the Chetter Barony, they hit two more cities and dealt with the last properties. After finishing the last one, the group began their journey back to the Henituse Territory.
Roksu looked at the snow passing by as their carriage slowly entered the mountain roads along the border. They'd taken quite a while when they'd left these mountains, but coming in and facing thicker blankets of snow and potential snowfall made it slower. The Count had paved the roads to assist their travel, but even then, they had to be careful.
"Looking at it, a full day of travel without resting for the night seems like a good call,"
Roksu glanced at Cale when he spoke, "How come?"
"There's nowhere to rest, first of all. And should it snow overnight, we'd have trouble in the morning," Cale deadpanned.
Roksu hummed, seeing that logic, "Better to be on top of storms than surprised,"
"Mhm,"
The only times the carriage stopped was for a quick lunch and dinner stop. The food would be prepared by Beacrox and then distributed. Once a certain number of knights had finished, they would continue. Cale and Roksu both ate slower, safe within the cabin of the carriage.
In the carriage, Cale mostly read some books or talked with the black dragon about anything the great creature wanted to. Roksu either joined their conversations, slept, or read a book. Without any work, Roksu was enjoying a ride with no worries and slacking off. Cale, on the other hand, was bored and trying to find ways to pass time.
And how did Cale pass time if he didn't want to read and the black dragon was hanging out with Balint outside?
Simple!
He bugged Roksu!
It started off as a small inquiry and conversation about the expansion of the artistry. Then Cale started asking about Roksu and what art he specialized in.
"I've heard Lord Elis does sculpting and Lady Siwan is more of a painter," Cale had commented, "What about you, old man? You mentioned you weren't as involved but I'm still curious"
Roksu shrugged, "I learned art like Noona and Hyung, but I never got as invested as them. That's why most of my work is logistics, finances, and market planning. The non artistry side,"
"Hm? But you mentioned that you learned violin,"
Roksu blinked once, "When did I mention that?"
"At Disheller,"
"Oh," Roksu recalled. He tilted his head, "Yes, I learned violin. I still do violin lessons, actually,"
"So you fancy musical arts, then?"
Roksu eyed Cale, "Why're you so insistent?" he answers anyway, "I guess so. Music is nice. But it's not like I don't do other arts too. We have a lot of rooms in our estate for different studios of art. Painting, sculpting, pottery, music. I've done a bit of all of it, so it's not like I dislike any of them,"
Roksu thought about it, "The passion my siblings have for art, is not something I have,"
Cale hummed, "Just because you've grown up in an art family does not mean you cannot find a calling elsewhere,"
Roksu smiled a bit at that.
The arts of the Nyphan Family were wonderful. Roksu had his own pieces created and stored in their showroom or hung up in small galleries or one of their vacation villas. Roksu had even found a collection of old sketch books in his study.
Rok Soo didn't dislike art, even though before this life, he'd not really indulged in it. It was just simple, he didn't really have a great desire for it. A passion, as he'd called it. Roksu with a background did find the variety of forms pleasant.
"Then," Cale spoke again, "What's your passion?"
Roksu's eyes widened for a second.
'My passion?'
Memories and records flew around his mind. He'd never really wanted anything other than to live peacefully. A slacker life.
Kim Rok Soo already had a job that he didn't vehemently despise. And it wasn't like he could go back and get any sort of degree or finish school after the cataclysm. In this life, Roksu was much the same. He did the arts, found some fondness for them, but he wasn't passionate. Roksu Nyphan lived and was similar to Kim Rok Soo. They performed their duties and strived to slack. They wanted to live.
"My only goal is to live peacefully with a lot of money," Roksu nodded, "Getting a slacker life is my passion,"
Cale stared blankly at the smile that formed on the other's face at the very thought. The redhead tilted his head slightly, "You mean you've never had any other interests?"
Roksu was now confused, "No?" he then thought about it and gave a small shrug, "Hm, well I guess reading is nice,"
Cale nodded slowly, "Well, as long as you're happy, it doesn't really matter,"
"Being alive is best," Roksu affirmed.
Before the conversation could be entirely lost, Roksu decided to return the interrogation, "What about you then?"
Cale's eyes widened, "Pardon?"
"What's your passion and interests?"
Cale went silent, staring at Roksu with a bewildered expression. It seemed almost like he didn't understand the question at all. Roksu waited patiently, watching as Cale slowly moved to answer, "Such an inquiry can't be applied to me,"
"What?"
"I mean, I suppose there are things I fancy and can call hobbies, but if we're thinking along a similar path of which I asked you, then I can't answer that," Cale explains, "I like reading, I like nature, I like fighting. These are just hobbies. My goal in life was always predetermined. My role is always set and I only put forth energy to play it,"
Roksu had momentarily forgotten. No matter how amazing of a world this was, there were a number of restrictions foreign to him, even with this life's memories. Of course, the inheritance of a noble title and business was something one could find back on Earth, but after the cataclysm, things had to be reevaluated and thought about. Did that mean the former high societies no longer existed? That was completely wrong. The Chaebol families that ran South Korea's elite were still there, though new people had joined that ranks while others fell.
Kim Rok Soo's former team leader, Lee Soohyuk was a well-known and famous name amongst a few members of elitist society due to their roles in fighting against the monsters. As his successor and the Team Leader of Team 1, Kim Rok Soo also had the unpleasant knowledge of being known. Of course, Kim Rok Soo and Lee Soohyuk never actually interacted with that cycle. Neither of them were interested in that lifestyle.
Hearing Cale answer so casually and putting together the confused expression after Roksu had asked, the black-haired teenager could understand. Cale was a true noble and the heir to the richest family in Roan. His 'role' was always to become Count.
'...after he started playing trash, I guess his role changed didn't it? Whatever the reason, it's clear Cale takes his role of being a lout rather seriously...much to my troubles,'
"Ah," Roksu says after a while, "I'm sorry for asking,"
Cale released a small chuckle, "You're weird, old man. Compared to other noble families, my Henituse family is actually really great. Lily is picking up a sword right now. I'm pretty confident she'd choose to be a knight rather than the typical noble lady,"
"I'm sure she'll do well,"
"Of course! And naturally all of us will support her," Cale grinned.
"What does Young Master Basen wish to do?" Roksu asked, curiously.
In the novel, Basen was the acting heir of the family due to Cale's reputation and trashy persona. But since Roksu needed Cale to maintain his reputation and power, this probably wouldn't happen. It would be good to have an inkling to what change this could pose.
"Basen?" Cale repeated the name. He thought for a moment and then furrowed his eyebrows, "I...I'm not sure..."
"Hm?"
Cale frowned deeply, "I...have no idea what Basen wants,"
'Why has the tone of this conversation suddenly changed?'
Roksu eyed Cale, "There's nothing wrong with not knowing. The Second Young Master might not have an idea yet. He is still young,"
Cale remained silent, before nodding, "Mm, right,"
Roksu observed him for a few more seconds, before letting it taper off. The two returned to silence, Roksu picking up the book he had paused when Cale initiated a talk. He did glance up every now and then to see Cale staring at nothing, seemingly deep in thought as his fingers fidgeted with parts of his clothes or the shell bracelet.
Roksu moved his eyes away, returning to the ink on the parchment and pinched the page to flip it.
'Cale has a habit of fidgeting when he's nervous or unsure' Roksu thought, 'Is not knowing what his brother likes that worrisome?'
Roksu flipped the page slowly, letting the thought simmer. Giving Cale another small glance, Roksu adjusted his position, 'Well, it's not my problem'
By the time the group crossed over the mountains and into the flatter terrain of Henituse Territory, both Cale and Roksu had fallen asleep. When the two of them awoke, the carriage was stopped and they were both shifted into positions of laying down on their respective seats, blankets draping over them. Cale was the first to wake up, though the way he did caused Roksu's fight or flight response to jerk him upright.
Cale groaned, Roksu's tired gaze fluttering down at the sound and processing the redhead collapsed on the floor of the carriage. The large thud and scream that had awoken him was Cale falling out of his seat and yelping in pain. Roksu was relieved it was just that rather than any attack, exhaling deeply as he sagged, "Jesus Christ,"
Cale responded with a grumble, pushing himself up and rubbing his head, "Pardon?"
"Never mind," Roksu yawned, head turning at the gust of cold wind that entered the carriage as the door clicked open. Ron stared at the scene, Balint at his side. The two butlers were silent for a moment, before the younger greeted them, "Good Morning,"
Cale pushed himself back on his seat, grumbling, "Ugh, it's anything but a good morning,"
Ron smiled, "Young Master, would you like to stretch or have you woken yourself up enough?"
"Oh shove off," Cale hissed, but began to move towards the door.
"Young Master-nim, you should step out as well," Balint told Roksu after Cale stepped down, ignoring the string of curses the 16-year-old let out at the cold.
Roksu frowned, clearly against the idea. But Balint gave him a pointed look, "Young Master-nim, staying cooped in up in a carriage for too long is not good,"
"Human! Let's go see the snow!" The dragon 's voice suddenly sounded beside Roksu's ear and he felt the paws of the young creature against his back.
Roksu sighed at his poor life, being shoved into the cold. After stepping down, he immediately shivered, "Shit,"
Balint was already holding up a coat and Roksu wasted no time in sliding it on. The butler informed, "Chef Beacrox has some hot tea prepared,"
"Great,"
The two headed over to where Cale had also been drawn to, a hot cup already against his lips. Beacrox handed one over before Roksu could speak, the noble taking it with a polite head nod. Sipping it, Roksu was delighted by the sweetness and the heat that flowed through him once he swallowed. A soft exhale passed his lips at the comfort.
Cale looked over at Ron, "So? How far are we?"
"We should reach the city within a couple more hours," Ron informed, "At the current pace and counting for the snow; before dinner,"
"That sounds delightful, if anything," Roksu smiled. He then froze and looked at Beacrox, "N-no offense to you. Your cooking is great,"
Beacrox just stared at him blankly, "Thanks,"
Cale turned to Roksu, "Do you want to spend the night at the Henituse Estate or return directly home?"
"It's nothing against you, Cale. But...I'm missing my own bed,"
Cale rolled his eyes, amusement glinting in the red. Balint assured his charge, "I will ensure to let you sleep in as long as you wish, my lord,"
Roksu's eyes shined and he turned to Balint, "Have I ever told you how amazing you are?"
"Vice Captain!" Cale called out.
Hilsman paused the conversation he was having and quickly walked over, saluting to the noble, "How might I be of service, Young Master?"
"We'll stop by the Nyphan Manor when we arrive in Rain City," Cale passed his orderes, "Unload their items, send off the soldiers and Roksu. Then we'll head back to the Henituse Estate,"
"Understood," Hilsman nodded.
"We can head out now if everyone is done," Roksu passed his cup away.
Cale also returned the cup, nodding his head, "Mhm,"
As the two of them dismissed the knight and servants, they returned back to the carriage. Cale entered first. As Roksu stepped into the compartment, he felt a weight on his back and shoulders, which was followed by a young voice in his head, "Humans! Do you not live together?"
After the door clicked, the black dragon revealed itself and flew to sit next to Roksu. Roksu answered the question, "We don't live together,"
"Eh? Why?"
Cale spoke up this time, "Well because we're not of the same household. We each have our own families,"
The black dragon fell silent, blue eyes looking between the two teenagers. Suddenly, a worried look came over the face and the two boys were shocked by the sudden distress, "What?!"
Cale frowned and he quickly stood up, scooping the dragon into his arms and sitting beside Roksu, "What's wrong? Did we say something wrong?"
Roksu added, "What's troubling you?"
The black dragon squirmed in Cale's grip and the teenage carefully let go, the dragon flapping his wings and floating in front of the two. He looked very upset, practically glaring at the two, "I thought we'd be together at home!"
"Ah-"
"Oh-"
Roksu and Cale looked at each other, surprised by the confession. The black dragon continued, "Where am I going to go, then?!"
"Calm down first," Roksu urged, 'Please don't blow up the carriage!'
Cale nodded, motioning the 2-year-old closer, "Come closer. You'll naturally stay with one of us,"
The kid blinked twice, lips trembling. He then flew forward, a toll of magic surrounding the two and shoving them together so the black dragon could grip both of them. The small head was pressed against their arms and the wings were draped over their laps. Roksu sighed softly at the gesture, placing a firm hand on the dragon's head while Cale began to gently stroke the kid's back.
"Aigoo..."
Cale giggled, finding the whole thing adorable, "Don't panic, kiddo. You can stay with Roksu and Balint,"
Roksu glanced at Cale, 'The dragon can what now?'
Cale, oblivious, continued, "When we're together, we spend time at his house. Additionally, you'll be more comfortable..."
Blue eyes looked up at Cale. The 16-year-old gave a smile, eyes warm and welcoming, "Yes. A great and mighty dragon such as yourself is better in such an environment than mine,"
'Pretty...' The dragon thought, 'And warm...like..like sunshine,'
The hand on his head gave him a firm pat. The blue eyes shifted to the other human. This human didn't smile as large, nor as much as the other. But he wasn't scary. There eyes were identical, but they showed different things. This human was steady, calm. It was not like exactly like Cale's sunlight, but it was no less beautiful.
'Oh' the dragon finally understood, 'If Sunny Human is like the sunlight, then this human is like the moonlight...'
"That's true. Cale is a high ranking noble so there's always a lot of people in the estate. Additionally, there will be safety precautions against unwarranted or sudden magic," Roksu nodded, "I'm sure Balint will enjoy your presence too,"
"O-of course! I'm a great and mighty dragon!" The dragon smiled and if his eyes released a few watery streaks, neither of his humans said anything. No, these weak humans both cupped one side of his face, thumbs wiping away at the tears while their eyes softened. Cale let out a soft coo, leaning down and pressing a peck against the dragon's head, "That's right! A very cute one!"
"Cale," Roksu sighed
"What?" Cale laughed, "Am I wrong?
"That-"
"Hehe- you find it cute too don't you old man?"
"Be quiet,"
"Hahaha!"
The black dragon watched the two interact, as embarrassment flooded him. He squawked and pulled away, shaking his head and protesting, "Am not! Sunny human!!"
Cale only smiled playfully at the dragon, who blushed more and flew forward, hitting his head very lightly against the human's chest in retaliation, "Sunny Human is being mean!"
"Yes, yes, I'm a very mean person!"
Roksu shook his head in amusement. He nudged Cale, "Enough of that,"
The black dragon felt his head receive two pants from Cale while he gave a playful sigh, "Hehe, alright! I'm sorry, dragon-nim,"
The black dragon looked up. He then came to a monumental decision that had been worrying him. He was hesitant, but surely...these two humans will understand! They saved him, after all!
"Sunny Human! Moony Human!"
Cale and Roksu were already paying attention to him, but their eyes slightly widened at the loud call and the words.
"...Moony human?" Roksu repeated softly and had the dragon not spoke again, Cale would've snickered.
The black dragon flew out of their grip, landing across from them, "I have made a decision!!"
"I see!" Cale answered, intrigued, "On what accord, might I inquire?
The black dragon lifted his head in an arrogant fashion, sitting upright. Clearing his throat and closing his eyes, the dragon spoke haughtily, "I have decided to give you humans the privilege of offering the great and mighty me a name!"
Caught off guard, both teenagers just stared blankly at the dragon.
Roksu recovered first, "I see. We will have to think carefully. Names are very special,"
The black dragon nodded firmly, flapping his wings once and eyes sparkling, "Of course!"
The dragon then grinned, "I am going to go inform Glasses Mage!!"
"Alright," Roksu nodded.
With a pop of mana, the dragon soon vanished from the inside of the carriage.
Cale looked at Roksu, "I've heard of names being powerful...but that's in relation to nobility. I don't think you mean that..."
Cale tilted his head, frowning, "Are name special in other ways?"
"Well, of course," Roksu turned to Cale, his eyes holding a weight to them, "It is only for you. It is you..."
He then explained, "The name my parents, my biological parents, bestowed me is K- ahem, Roksu Kim. This is something that has always been mine, and the only thing they've left for me. The name Roksu Nyphan, is much the same. It is the name my Mother granted to me,"
Cale's eyes widened for a moment. He mumbled, "Oh...I never thought of it like this,"
Roksu poked a finger gently against Cale's forehead, "A name is something no one can take from you. That is something you must remember. You are you. No one has the right to deprive you of yourself,"
"...but no person can remain unchanged throughout their life," Cale said after a moment.
Roksu pulled his hand down, "Yes. Changes are an aspect of life; names are ones proof of living. Perhaps it is because of who I am and my growth that I find a name so special. However..." he leaned back, smiling down at the younger, "I'm certain there is no other person in this world quite like yourself, Cale Henituse,"
Ba-dump.
Cale let the words wash over him along with the kindness they carried. The red-haired teenager felt heat fill his face and he looked away. He mumbled, crossing his arms tightly over his chest and feeling the firm and swift beating in his chest. The cold must be getting to him.
"N- Naturally,"