Cale Henituse didn't realize he returned earlier than usual. He only found out after he saw Ron exiting the doors of the estate to come to assist him inside. At the sight of the old man, Cale thought back to Rok Soo.
"Young Master Cale Henituse, why are you acting drunk when you're obviously sober?"
The door of the carriage opened and Cale chose to act incoherent, rather than mumble curses and speak coarsely. He didn't think he could hold the act properly right now after being caught earlier.
"Young Master, you're back early tonight," Ron smiled at him.
Cale, who was slumped in the seat of the carriage, weakly looked towards the butler, "Hm?"
Ron looked at him for a moment, before holding out a cup of tea Cale had not noticed him have. Immediately, his features twisted, leaning back from the lemon tea. Ron seemed amused, "Young Master, please drink the cup,"
Cale grumbled, "I hate sour shit,"
"It is not lemon tea, young master,"
"Bull....shit!" Cale slurred.
Ron brought the cup closer for him to see and Cale. It was not lemon tea, it seemed to be a juice. Cale, surprised, moved forward and took the cup, drinking it without really thinking. That's why he didn't see Ron's barely noticeable flinch at Cale actually taking a drink for him to "sober" up.
However, Cale soon let out a noise of displeasure, tongue sticking up and face twisted. It wasn't lemon tea.
It was some demon-mixture sour juice.
"Ronâ youâ bastard!" Cale coughed.
"Young Master, you seemed to have sobered up," Ron took the cup with his ever patient smile.
Cale gave the man a glare. Ron set the cup on the opposite seat and moved to help Cale sit, despite Cale purposely making himself loose and acting like he was still drunk. Ron said nothing, and managed to get Cale sitting up properly.
"Young Master, can you walk?"
He totally could, but Cale really didn't want to stumble and get hurt. One of those gangsters had hit him before Rok Soo showed up so his stomach still hurt. Thus, Cale slumped forward into Ron, shaking his head with a fake groan.
"I see. This Ron, shall carry you,"
Cale frowned slightly, but could say nothing but curse in shock as he was abruptly lifted up, one of Ron's hads under his knees and the other on his back. Cale flailed a moment, but Ron remained stable as he exited the carriage. Cale grimaced as he saw the knights at the door stare at the sight, expressions' comical.
"Ron!"
"Yes, Young Master?"
"Don't carry me like this!"
"Young Master said he was unable to walk," Ron calmly rebutted, walking through the doors.
"Then carry me on your back!!!"
'That way I can hide my face from you'
Ron paused and nodded, "Would that be more comfortable, young master?"
Cale spit, "Obviously,"
Ron placed Cale down and Cale made a show of wobbling on his legs, gripping the wall. He grumbled curses, gripping his head as if he head a headache. Ron bent down in front of him and Cale quickly wrapped his arms around his butler's neck and felt Ron stand, holding Cale up the legs.
Cale made a 'hmph' sound, before resting his head on Ron's shoulder, hiding his face from anyone that passed by. The darkness let him ignore everything around him, thus subconsciously causing his body to untighten and his breathing to become deep. Cale hugged Ron a little tighter, mumbling to himself, "Ron, your back is quite decent,"
"Thank you, Young Master,"
Ron's expression was different than his usual one. Unlike the usual benign smile, his smile was slightly more gentle. An effect of feeling his young master abruptly relax. Ron hadn't really felt or seen this puppy young master of his like this for many years. It was a bit refreshing.
The walk was silent until they began to near Cale's room. Ron spoke as a way to confirm if Cale was about to pass out or not, "Young Master, your Father has a message,"
"...Father?" Cale lifted his head, his words slow, "What does he want with me?"
Ron's smile tightened a bit, "He has said that if you were to ever come home early, you are to join them for dinner,"
"Them?"
"Countess Violan, Young Master Basen, and Young Lady Lily,"
Cale frowned deeply, 'Does Father want to risk me causing a mess with Basen and Lily or something? Little Lily is only 4!'
Cale said nothing to Ron in response. They entered Cale's chambers and Ron placed Cale on the bed, the young boy pretending to fall over, only to be caught by Ron.
"Young Master, please do not sleep, I will make a bath for you to help you sober up,"
'...is this old man trying to tell me I am going to dinner regardless if I want to?'
He thought back to Ron's words and realized. It was not a request. It was an order. And if it was from his Father, he could not ignore it easily.
Cale sighed, clicking his tongue in annoyance, 'Time to get sober,'
Ron returned from the bathroom after saying the bath was ready. He calmly assisted Cale to the room, before closing the door with a reminder, "Inform me if you need help, Young Master,"
'I don't need help'
"Whatever,"
Cale easily entered the bath, flinching at the extremely hot temperature. He expected this so it wasn't too bad. Sinking down, Cale made sure to splash some hot water on his face and leaning back. He looked up at the marble ceiling, blankly staring up.
"What to do..."
'Well, being sober will actually be better. I need to ask about the silver tree, thus, I'll have to wake up for breakfast tomorrow and inquire...I also needed information about the Nyphan family, however, that was more complicated.'
The Nyphan Family was an artistry family, thus information regarding them was best reliable to be found by his stepmother, Countess Violan. Cale and Violan mostly ignore each other. Cale didn't really expect much else from her after the wedding. Before, when they first met, Cale had been simply confused.
Who was this woman?
Why was she with his Father?
Who was this other boy Father was mentioning would be his brother? He didn't have brothers, he was his Mother and Father's sole son.
Cale remembers that she was very polite to him. She hadn't said much, his Father had done most of the talking. She was very formal with him. Cale hadn't said much either, simply looking lost. His Father had asked for his thoughts and Cale just stared.
"Huh?"
"Ahem. Violan and I wish to get married. That means she'll be living here with Basen. Basen will be your new dongsaeng,"
"Oh,"
He looked Violan and then at his Father who was looking very nervous. He didn't really understand completely what was going on or being asked(that wasn't true. Cale was old enough as a nine, almost ten, years old to understand but he felt very disconnected from the abrupt declaration).
All he knew was his father was looking at him and having a conversation with him and it had something to do with this lady next to him.
"Lady Violan will live here?"
His Father nodded, "Mhm,"
Violan smiled slightly at Cale, bowing her head when Cale looked at her. Cale looked at his father, "Why are you asking me, Father?"
"You're my son, Cale. This is a big decision and I want to know your opinion," His Father had stepped towards him, crouching down to meet his eyes, "If Violan marries me, she'll be the Countess and your step-mother,"
"...step...mother...?"
He briefly remembers Ron in the room, staring at him and then the Count with an odd expression that Cale later realized was revulsion.
Cale hadn't really given an answer back then. He didn't think he knew how with all the complicated feelings inside his heart. All he said was, "Father should do whatever he wishes to do..."
Cale had excused himself after but he had seen his Father's expression. A gaze of affection and sadness.
He hadn't said much at their wedding either. He remembered talking to Eric Wheelsman a bit and also keeping track of little Basen. He made sure to cover the boy's eyes when Violan and Deruth kissed. Basen was too little then.
A fond smile curled on Cale's lips as he thought of back then, before it fell remembering what soon followed.
"Young Master, is everything alright?"
"Huh? Oh, yes," Cale remembered he had to get to dinner.
He finished washing and exited out of the tub, wrapping himself in a bathrobe. He opened the door and walked out, glancing at the clothes Ron had set out for him.
"Do you feel more awake, Young Master?"
"Mhm,"
"Then I shall dress you for dinner,"
"Fine,"
As this happened, Cale fell into thought again and went back to his original problem. In order to get information on the Nyphan family, he needed to talk to Violan. But Violan and Cale did not even hold eye contact.
Cale was fine with this relationship. He respected Violan. He thought she was a good fit for his father and was a great Countess. He had no ill feelings towards her, but he also had no desire to try for something that would so clearly ruin everything.
He had made his choice. He was content if they were happy. What else did it matter?
That's why for him to start a conversation...it was ridiculous. That would be inviting a closeness that could hurt them.
'I must open the door to get what I want and then lock it right back up!'
He let out a soft sigh, blaming his current problem on the black-haired man with the same eye color as himself.
"...Young Master, what is this?"
Cale looks down to see Ron pointing at a faint bruise on the side of his stomach. Cale instantly freezes, eyes widening, "Ah..."
He had completely forgot.
Ron looks at him, waiting for an answer. Cale thinks this gaze is a bit scary, actually.
"Who knows?" Cale shrugged, "I probably bumped into a table,"
"A table?" Ron repeats looking at the bruise that is clearly made from a fist.
"A table,"
'This puppy young master really did have something happen today,' Ron thought.
The butler and noble held a gaze for a second longer, seeing who would break first. In the end, Ron decided to let it go due to limited time.
"I see,"
Cale says nothing and is relieved when Ron finishes dressing him.
"Young Master, I've finished,"
Cale nodded, glancing in the mirror for a few seconds. He really looked sober too. The flush from earlier had faded as well. Cale simply needed to act tired, it seemed.
'That won't be too hard'
Cale turned to Ron, "Let's go,"
"Yes, Young Master,"
He followed behind Ron as they made their way through the estate. The servants quickly gave bows or turned down a hallway to avoid him. Cale simply ignored them, not bothering to deal with any of them.
"I will open the doors now,"
"Sure,"
"Enjoy your dinner, Young Master,"
"Mm..." Cale weakly agreed, speaking to Ron as entered, "Turn in early. You're excused for the rest of the night,"
He had walked past, that's why he didn't see Ron's startled expression and feel the puzzled gaze on his back. The butler made eye contact with a man with brown hair at the head of the table. The man gave Ron a small nod and Ron bowed, leaving the room and closed the doors. The butler mumbled, "This puppy young master seemed odd tonight,"
Cale walked into the dining room, facing the stares from three peopleâ wait, three? Cale blinked and glanced around discreetly, looking for his younger sister. He then felt a small bump on his thigh and glanced down to see his little sister beside him.
Lily smiled awkwardly at him, the four-year-old quickly apologizing with a bow of the head, "Sorry, Orabeoni,"
Cale blinks at her before gently nudging her towards her seat, "Slow down,"
"Y-yes!"
Lily walked past Cale and back to her seat beside Violan. Cale lifted his head and met his Father's gaze, who spoke, "Cale, you're joining us for dinner today,"
"Yes, Father,"
"Take a seat then,"
"Yes,"
Cale sat opposite to his father. The dining table had a total of eight seats. Deruth was at the head of the table facing the main doors, Cale opposite to him. Violan was directly to Deruth's right and Basen directly to Deruth's left. Lily, due to her age, was sitting next to Violan and to Cale's left(on some days though, Lily would sit where Basen was and Basen would move to Cale's right).
However, no matter where Lily or Basen, they were never in the seats closest to Cale. Those two seats to his direct right and left were always empty. They were a wall. A reminder to Cale of where he stood in his life, what he had sworn to do.
The meal was quiet and as usual held a very awkward atmosphere.
Cale ignored it by gathering his words to ask a question. Thus, after a good while, he broke the silence, "Father,"
"A-ah?" Deruth snapped his head up, "Yes, Cale?"
Cale opened his mouth, committing, "I require some information,"
"...Information?" Deruth repeated, "On what?"
Cale looked down at the plate and acted sleepy and with a loose tongue, "Well, I was in town and I hear all sorts of fun things. I caught wind of something next week with the Henituse and Nyphan families. I was curious because I can't seem to recall much information on the Nyphan Household, but I know I've heard about, was it a gallery, I think it was a gallery?"
Cale played a lost look on his face, mumbling to himself. From the corner of his eye, he focused on his Father's expression that seemed surprised and then awkward. There was a pause on the table before Deruth coughed, "Ah, they're an artistry family, so Violan would have that information,"
That's when Cale noticed that Violan had stopped eating. Cale looked at Violan, who was looking at Deruth at the mention of her name. He waited as she slowly glanced at him and for what felt like the first time, the two made eye contact. Deruth pressed his lips together, flickering between his wife and son.
Violan breaks it first, "...Yes, I have information on the family and event if you still want it,"
"If I didn't want it, I wouldn't have asked," Cale told her coldly, expression unchanging from its stoicness.
There is a moment of silence. Cale waits, seeing the Countess sit up straighter, rolling her shoulders discreetly as she turned back to him.
"They're an artistry family of high prestige. They're famous in the art world. They own many galleries and a lot of the pieces in the main galleries in Rain City are of their family members or artists under their house. The Current Lord is the eldest son of the former Madam, Lord Elis. The other two alive Nyphan members are the adopted children, Lady Siwan and Young Master Rok Soo," Violan informs professionally, but Cale is pleased to see her soften with a familiar topic to herself. His eyes sharpen slightly at the familiar name, "The new gallery that is being opened features artists of the common class chosen by the Nyphan Lord and myself. As it's representative of the common class, it's an event where the entire Nyphan Family will attend,"
Cale hears what she doesn't say, "I see..." he mumbles with a sigh, "So we must attend,"
Cale doesn't quite realize what his words mean to Violan and Basen. Violan had said, 'Nyphan Family' and Cale had used the simple 'we' thus connoting they were of one family.
That's why, he does not understand why Violan's eyes widen, before her expression seems to soften and a smile pulls at her lips, "Of course...Cale,"
Cale twitches at the sound of his name.
He fights off any emotions, "Great, something interesting to do,"
Deruth smiled brightly. Basen stared at his hyung, who he did not know how to approach. Seeing Cale in a good mood, Basen called out, "H-hyung-nim,"
'What's this?'
Cale's finger twitched on his fork before he turned his head looked at Basen, eyebrow slightly raised.
"Lily and I are going to visit the Gallery in two days," Basen spoke, glancing at his Mother who was giving him a look of surprise but encouragement, "H-hyung-nim sh-should come!"
"....huh" Cale let out, confused at this situation.
"Are we going on a trip?" Little Lily looked between her brothers with a bright face.
Everyone looked towards Cale.
Faced with such a situation, Cale did not know what to say. He should refuse, he absolutely should!
But...but...
He's never seen such an expression on Basen or Lily's face before. Ones of such anticipation. He's used to being ignored, them lowering their heads to avoid his temper, being far as he had refused to let them get any closer.
"...tsk,"
The four flinch, even Lily knowing the sound means her eldest brother is upset. That sound meant that someone had done something wrong. That sound meantâ
"Fine, I don't have any shiâ" Cale recalls Lily's age, "anything interesting to do anyway,"
There's a moment as the words set in.
Lily and Basen sit up, eyes lighting with a sparkle of hope. Cale, who has returned to his meal, has shut himself down and is vehemently trying to ignore them.
'Pathetic! Pathetic! Pathetic!'
Yet as Lily lets out a childish cheer, Cale couldn't resist a fond smile. He hid it with a drink of water. The servants didn't give him wine at the estate.
Dinner wraps up rather cleanly after that. Violan takes Lily in her arms to put her to bed, while Deruth leaves to finish up some work. Cale silently begins to walk back to his room, only to pause at the sound of running feet, something that went against noble etiquette. He glanced back to see Basen shyly come to his side.
They stare at each other for a moment and Cale notices the eyes of the servants on them.
"H-hyung-nim, can we walk back together?"
"Are you going to your room to rest?" Cale gives no answer, beginning to walk. Basen keeps pace with him, taking no refusal as acceptance.
"No, I have something for my...classes..." Basen softly trails off.
Cale smiles internally, but keeps a smooth expression, "I see. Don't be an idiot and stay up too late,"
"Huh? Y-yes!"
Cale walks Basen to his chambers. He doesn't take a step in, even as Basen waits in front of the open door, "Hy-hyung, will you rest?"
"Yes, I'm tired," Cale stoically says.
"Oh,"
"Mn,"
They stare at one another.
"R-rest well Hyung!"
"Naturally," Cale deadpans, before turning. He pauses and adds after a second of hesitance, "Rest well, Basen,"
He quickly leaves, not bothering to look at Basen's expression, and heads to his room as fast as he can. There, he finds a familiar face waiting outside.
"Ron, I told you you're excused,"
"Young Master, it's my duty to take care of you until you fall asleep," Ron bows.
Cale huffs, grumbling, as Ron changes him into pajamas, "What am I, a kid? I'm 15,"
Ron privately thinks, '15 and still a little puppy'
Cale lays in bed, closing his eyes, feeling the familiar feeling of getting tucked in by Ron. He falls asleep quite quickly, just barely managing to tell Ron, "Wake me up for breakfast...I need to do something in the morning,"
He's asleep before he can hear Ron's agreement.
~~~
Thankfully, it seemed Ron did agree as he woke up feeling better than he has in months. He supposes it's an effect of having gone to sleep without alcohol in his system and a proper meal.
He's a little tempted to come home earlier so he can wake up this good, but he soon decides against it. He can't give anyone the idea that he's anything but trash.
'Or else Basen and Mother will suffer further dispproval causing the family trouble,'
Cale yawns, sitting up and stretching his body slightly as Ron goes to run the bath. When the butler returns, Cale gives a sleepy smile before getting up.
"I'll be quick,"
"Yes, Young Master. I'll call the servants and inform Count Deruth,"
"Mhm,"
Hidden in the safety of his bathroom, Cale thinks about the stranger from yesterday.
"Rok Soo Nyphan, adopted youngest son," Cale mutters, "Has good fighting skills, easily called me out after one meeting..."
Then there was also the forewarning of war and the Henituse Territory suffering. Cale gripped the edge of the bathtub.
'He should have no knowledge of such things...he's suspicious,'
Cale makes up his mind to meet with Rok Soo later today. Getting out of the tub, he wears a bathrobe and heads outside. Ron didn't seem to be back yet, so Cale headed over to the window in his room. He pulled back the curtain, glancing into his territory. Even this early, there were already people mulling in the streets.
"Young Master, I've returned,"
Cale steps back, letting the curtain fall back to its place, "Yes, we can begin,"
Servants fill his room with a few sets to pick from. Cale chose a random one, not giving it too much thought today. Silently, he was dressed and the servants all bowed deeply as Cale followed Ron out the room and towards the dining hall.
"Young Master, what shall you do after breakfast?"
Cale thinks for a moment, "The study,"
"...the study?"
Cale knows why Ron paused, but he's firm, "Yes. The study,"
"I see...I'll inform Deputy Butler Hans,"
"...Hans?" Cale repeated the unfamiliar name.
"He's a butler that serves directly under your Father, young master,"
"Why should you inform him then?"
"Hans looks after cleaning duties this week,"
"...oh"
Cale chose to give up understanding. Ron opened the doors and repeated the same words as last night, "Enjoy your meal,"
Cale nods, "Mm,"
The atmosphere is quite different than last night. Regardless, Cale is still surprised by Basen and Lily smiling at him and greeting him.
"Good Morning Hyung,"
"Orabeoni!"
Cale stares at them, surprised.
They usually just stare at him until he sits. Deruth is the only one who talks at the table to Cale directly. He answers blankly, mumbling, "Morning..."
"Sit down Cale," Deruth smiles.
Cale frowns at this odd behavior. He hadn't done anything, had he? His work will get harder if they all loosen up around him. He kept them at a distance for a reason.
"Yes..."
He sits down. Then, as he usually did as part of his act, he began to eat without much care of etiquette.
He expected silence, but was mistaken when Deruth spoke again.
"Cale, I got a strange report today,"
"Huh?"
'Why are you talking to me?'
"Yes, it seems something quite odd occurred yesterday,"
Cale stares at his Father who seems to be implying something. Cale hadn't done anything yesterday. Except for that little tussle, but Cale is certain no one knows about that.
Of course, he doesn't know that a certain assassin had gone out at night and tracked down the four gangsters, interrogating them about their actions and who they were.
"You remember that hill near the slums, with the man-eating tree?" Deruth says, "Well, it seems that old tree has become a silver color and is sprouting leaves,"
'...what?'
Cale stares at his father.
"I'm going to be at the silver tree tomorrow around noon,"
Cale subconsciously mutters, "That crazy bastard..."
"Hm?" Deruth hummed, though he had heard it.
Cale says emotionlessly,, "That is strange, indeed,"
"Do you have any idea what it could be?" Violan, who had also heard Cale, and covered Lily's ears, asked casually.
Cale was honestly more startled that Violan spoke to him, so he didn't say anything for a few seconds.
He then slowly shook his head, returning to eating, "Why the hell would I know?"
Violan takes the curt response without any outward flinches.
"What does bas-tard mean?"
Cale and Deruth choke at Lily's voice. Basen blinks before slowly looking blankly at his little sister. Cale glances at Violan who's face looks quite serious right now. She looks at Cale and suddenly smiles, "Cale, dear,"
Cale blanks out. He flinched from her call, hiding it enough to make it seem like his expression only twisted.
He thinks he preferred it when she wasn't comfortable looking at him.
The two hold a gaze for a moment before Cale looks away, staring at Lily. He clears his throat and gives his sister a stern look. He doesn't know how to be an older brother, but he tries his best, "Lily, don't say that word,"
"Orabeoni said it,"
"I get a pass,"
"Why?"
'Because I'm trash, Lily'
"I'm older,"
"Oh,"
"It's not a word a kid should say,"
Lily blinks softly, "Orabeoni's not a kid like me or Basen Oppa?"
'Of course not,'
Cale frowns deeply, "Why would I be a kid?'
Deruth flinched where he sat watching. He feels a terrible feeling in his heart but he doesn't know what the cause is.
"Hm...okay!"
Cale nods, relieved, before turning to Basen. It was better to deal with both than just one, "Tch, you too,"
"Huh, but I'mâ"
Cale sharpens his gaze.
"....yes hyung,"
Cale turns back to his food. He glances up to see Violan and Deruth smiling at him softly, obviously enjoying the children interacting. He freezes and for a moment, he's hit with the terrible feeling of affection.
"Cale?"
His expression must've done something. He'd done something very wrong because the smiles look worried now.
Cale feels a pang in his chest, his teeth grinding together and bangs falling forward as his head shifts downward. His pupils shook.
'What's this? I don't- what is going on today?'
Cale ignores his half-eaten meal and pushes his chair back. He gives a pathetic bow, "Excuse me,"
"Cale, you haven't finished,"
"I'm full, Father,"
"I see, do you need anyth-"
"No," Cale cuts him off harshly and he leaves the room.
Ron is standing outside like usual. The old man blinks at the rushed exit, one hand grabbing the door that Cale had all but yanked open. Ron gave a quick glance inside, taking in the startled expressions of the Count and Countess, before following after his charge.
He doesn't mention it.
"Young Master, will you go to the study now,"
"Yes," Cale says, glad that Ron is behind him and cannot peak a glance at his expression.
His feet take him down the old path to his study. It's been unused for five years, that's why he's surprised to see it look the same as when he was ten. His study was designed by his Mother and was a room fit to his use even when he'd, back then, become Count.
Cale walked inside and sat in the large cushioned red chair. There was nothing on the desk except old books and trinkets. Cale's eyes fell to a covered up portrait hung above his head on the wall behind him. Behind the cloth was a favorite painting.
Ron stands silently at the door, observing Cale. After finding out about his puppy young master being hurt by some rats, Ron was paying very close attention.
'There is also the information about Young Master Rok Soo, I received. And according to the servants in the dining hall, this little puppy asked about the Nyphan household,'
"Ron,"
"Yes, Young Master?"
"I want something. But no one should find out what it is I want," Cale looks at the butler, "It's a secret between us,"
"Understood, Young Master," Ron smiles, curious, "What do you wish for?"
Cale sits in the chair and Ron thinks this puppy of his looks like the proper eldest son of a count at that moment.
"I want to know everything about the younger brother of Lord Elis. Rok Soo Nyphan,"
Ron's smile sharpens and he bows, "How quickly, Young Master,"
"By tonight,"
"I will have it done,"
Cale smirks slightly. He adds before Ron turns to leave, "I'm going out to play at noon. Have a carriage ready for me by then,"
"Yes, Young Master,"
Ron leaves the room with a final bow. Cale knows a servant will come to replace Ron in a few minutes. Thus, he gets up from the chair and walks over to a shelf along the wall. It was filled with books handpicked by his mother and father when he was younger. They were stories his mother would read to him, books that he couldn't read on his own at the young age. He pulled off a familiar title and sat on the couch in the room, laying down with a pillow to support his head. He opens it just as the door opens and a soft voice greets him.
"Young Master Cale, Ron sent me to tend to you while he runs errands,"
"I want lunch in here," He doesn't look at her, "Oh, also, have them replace the stationary and give me a new set of books to write in. But don't throw anything out. Just pack it up properly and place it in the corner, I'll deal with it later,"
"Understood, Young Master. Is now a good time to perform these tasks,"
"Go ahead,"
Cale assumes she bows before leaving again, but doesn't care as he flips the pages. The words are told in his mind by a comforting voice he could never hear again.
~~~
After lunch, Cale leaves the estate. He gets in the carriage after telling the driver to take him to the main market. He can't tell the slums as he's certain the driver reports to his Father. And he needs to keep this Rok Soo away from his Father's eyes for a while, at least until Cale has determined what sort of person he is.
Thus, he steps off the carriage in the middle of the busy afternoon market.
"You can leave,"
"Excuse me? Young Master, should I not wait for you?"
Cale looked at the man, "Come by at the usual time, here,"
"A-ah. Understood," the driver agrees after seeing the stoic expression.
Cale turns away and walks through the market, the people naturally moving out of his way. A few bow and greet him with whispers and Cale simply ignores them, eyes tracing the area as if putting on the display of looking for something.
He quickly passes the rush and keeps walking, ignoring the stares. He turns into an alley where he knows there's an entrance to a tavern. However, he doesn't enter it, walking past as soon as he confirmed there was no one watching him. From then, he stuck to the alleys and back of buildings. Soon, the buildings begin to change into the lowest parts of the city. The stench is as noticeable as anything else, and Cale scrunches his nose before walking faster through the slums.
He tries to ignore them like he does the people back at the market, but it's harder when he sees children the age of his siblings. Cale swallows slightly, pushing himself a little more. Thankfully, he soon spots the hill and, as reported, the formerly black tree is silver.
"Well, I'll be..." Cale muttered.
He hikes up the hill and finds the same man as yesterday. Black hair, red-brown eyes, and dressed in fine clothes. He's leaning against the tree sitting on a blanket with a pile of books near him. One book is already in his hands and he's reading it, not even glancing as Cale stops in front of him, crossing his arms.
"What are you doing?"
Rok Soo doesn't look at him and simply orders, "Sit down. You're blocking the sun,"
Cale gapes, hissing, "Look at this disrespectful old man!"
Rok Soo frowns, finally looking up, "Who's old? I'm 18,"
"You're old!"
"Sit down, brat,"
Cale puts on a display of grumbles but sits down on the blanket. Rok Soo picks up a book from the pile and tosses it to the kid, who catches it with confusion. He reads the title and frowns, "What is this? Are we just reading?"
"Yes," Rok Soo returned to his book.
"But youâ what about yesterday?!"
"What about it?" Rok Soo sighed, 'this brat was really annoying'
"Young Master, just relax for a bit. No one comes to this place so you don't need to do anything like that terrible drunkard act,"
Cale's lips part slightly, "...relax?"
"Yes. Isn't it good to rest?" Rok Soo nodded. He pointed to a basket, "If you're hungry eat. Alcohol isn't a good staple for some kid like you. There's juice,"
"I'm not a kid," Cale grumbles with a pout, but opens the book.
Rok Soo ignores him.
They really don't do anything but read and occasionally eat.
Rok Soo remains silent, but occasionally, he glances at the 15-year-old. He found the boy fully absorbed in the book. Compared to the flushed face and curses of a hormonal teenager, Rok Soo thinks this sight is much more fitting of someone like Cale.
From the information he had found about the Henituse family. Old rumors of Cale were that he was an always smiling, bright, and kind boy. Many believe his current behavior stems from his mother's death, however, it's never really mentioned in gossip. Nor is there much pity for a boy who lost his mother and whose father remarried a mere year later with a woman who already had a son.
Rok Soo knows the weight the death of a loved one can entail. So, he can't exactly ignore Cale Henituse. It's only beneficial to him, really. A friendship with the future Count (or the older brother of the count) would give him protection and more freedom to laze around in the future.
Rok Soo closes the large book he was reading after finishing it. He was reading at a leisure pace to enjoy it and the weather. Closing the book, he leans back and stares at Cale, who makes a soft gasp of surprise. A plot twist must have occurred.
Rok Soo is pleased by the relaxed scene.
He lets Cale read as he pulls out a small journal and writes in Korean a few notes for him to remember and things of importance. After running out of things to write, he opts to just write whatever really comes to mind. His mind, a record, happily lets everything flicker past and Rok Soo writes things he's heard and read.
Rok Soo had a suspicion his abilities of his old life had followed him to this one.
He ends up falling deep into his records that he doesn't notice Cale finished and had slowly moved towards him and was peering at the foreign letters, with curious eyes.
"What are you doing, old man?"
Rok Soo blinks out of a record, pen stopping. He looks to see Cale far closer than before and staring right at the Korean. Rok Soo curses himself, he'd been careless around this brat. Someone who could fool everyone for ten years is no idiot after all.
Rok Soo sighs and closes the book, "It's a language. Only I can understand it,"
"You made your own language?" This 15-year-old was in awe, "That's...that's actually kind of cool, old man!"
'Wow, he's really a kid...'
"I want to make my own language. Then I don't have to worry about any of the nosy servants reporting to Father every little thing,"
Rok Soo shakes his head, once again reminded that the future trashiest person of the northeast is none other than this dumb kid.
But after another thought....
"A secret code, that's actually quite smart, punk,"
Cale sits, for some reason he's naturally elegant about it, "Obviously,"
"Hmph, maybe you aren't just some kid who makes bad life decisions,"
"What the hell are you talking about? I've made great choices!"
"...you act drunk and make messes everyday, destroying your reputation,"
"And you're a weird old man who can fight and has a secret code and knows about impending doom!"
Rok Soo's eyebrow twitches and he mutters, "This bratâ"
"Who's a brat?!"
Rok Soo decides to not deal with it and changes the topic, "Why'd you decide to listen to my invite?"
"Because your suspicious,"
"So? You could've told the Count,"
"..."
"You didn't tell him, why not?" Rok Soo asked, but he thought he had an idea of why.
"How would I know if you would snitch on me?"
Rok Soo was right.
"Oh? What does it matter if I did? He's your fatherâ"
"That's not the point! If he knows then Motherâ Countess Violan will find out! And that means Basen and Lily might learn too!"
'What's this? Cale Henituse calls Countess Violan 'Mother'? Truly, I should take the information I have about him with a grain of salt' Rok Soo thinks
"Why can't they know that you're doing this on purpose? Because it would ruin the household?" Rok Soo paused, "Or is because they'd feel guilty that a random stranger noticed and not them,"
Cale glared sharply, "Shut up! You don't know shit, stop interrogating me!"
Cale demands, "I want to know why you told me what you know,"
Rok Soo looked at Cale silently for a moment. He then hummed, shrugging, "I think Young Master Cale is interesting, that's all,"
Cale frowns.
"Are you a pervert?"
"What?" Rok Soo frowns as well, "No! What the fuck?!"
"You sounded suspicious earlier,"
"This punkâ" Rok Soo muttered, before turning to Cale with a deep sigh, "I mean, I just get you,"
Cale looks at Rok Soo for a moment. He stares at the same colored eyes of the older man, looking for something. As he stares, he finds it. Rok Soo's eyes seem very lonely to him.
Cale slumps, hanging his head, and his face breaks into something exhausted. The same look shines in his eyes, "Get me? Do you have dreams then, like I do?"
'Excuse me?' Rok Soo is very confused by the sudden atmosphere change.
"...dreams?"
"Mhm," Cale nods slowly, "I dream,"
He looks up, "Of the walls being destroyed by explosions. Of holding Lily, who is weakly clinging onto me and begging me to stop the blood flowing from her head,"
'What?'
Cale looks up, eyes void and scared. It's not a look a kid should have, "You said there will be war. You said we'd get hit first. I thought there was something wrong with me for dreaming those images, but then you said it,"
Rok Soo's eyes shook.
He blinks softly, "How long have you had these dreams?"
"...these particular ones...over a week,"
'I woke up here over a week ago,'
"...have you seen other things?"
"I've seen a few things. Basen coming home injured on the leg and flinching at loud noises is one I remember well," Cale nods, "But they're not as clear as that battle,"
He then frowns deeply. Cale looks at the older man with an expression Rok Soo thought seemed desperate, "You know, then? You truly know something is coming?"
Rok Soo stares before giving a hesitant, "Yes,"
"Then please, please tell me!" Cale shakes his head, reaching forward and grabbing the lapels of Rok Soo's coat, "Why am I the only one alive there? A trash should die first, shouldn't he? How come I'm holding my dead family?"
The phrase hits Rok Soo like a bullet.
His eyes widen and for a second, he does not see Cale in front of him, but two people he thought of as older brothers.
He pushes down the records in his brain forcefully.
Taking a small breath, he reaches forward, placing one hand on Cale's, releasing the grip on his coat, while the other hand raises up to gently rest on Cale's head, patting it.
Cale looks surprised by the pat, childlike innocence staring up at Rok Soo. It is that look that makes Rok Soo truly understand why he had interfered back then.
Cale was similar to him in an assortment of things, but his reactions were not of someone who had given in, it was of someone clinging to a ledge between giving in and fighting back. The ledge was more dangerous than the ground that built it.
Rok Soo could not let this punk who reminded him of himself self-destruct and become trash.
He also couldn't just ignore the punk who has dreams of the future.
Rok Soo smiles slightly, but Cale thinks it looked quite sad. The older boy removes his hand and extends it, "Punk, you and I seem to be oddities in this world. Let's ensure ourselves peaceful lives,"
Cale blinks before a startled bubbly laugh escapes him. The sound echoes around the two oddities, the wind carrying the melody softly as it gradually fades. Cale stares at Rok Soo, "Only if you teach me that cool looking language,"
Rok Soo grins, "Ho, you're pretty smart! Good, lesson 1! Favors are useless, deals are more favorable,"
"Mm... mutually beneficial and more likely to get good results,"
"Exactly, "Rok Soo nodded, "First deal, I'll teach you. You help me get a slacker life,"
"Teach me? Slacker life?"
"I'll teach you what I know. Help you get what you need to protect the territory. You help me ensure a peaceful life so I can slack off in the future,"
Cale doesn't quite understand what Rok Soo is asking for when he's offering to teach him, but he agrees, "Deal!"
Rok Soo and Cale both smile âthough Cale's smile is a lot widerâ at each other, hands firmly gripped together.
Above, a certain god smiles softly, "Both my children deserve good lives,"