While Cale was at the capital Rok Soo was doing two things.
Number one, writing things out to plan when it would be best to act.
And number two, enjoying his slacker life.
Truly, he didn't have to do anything. He had servants to bring him meals, a comfy-ass bed to sleep in, books to keep him company, and best of all, he had peace and quiet.
He did number two more than number one, really.
He was productive but his inner desires won out and Rok Soo didn't bother putting up a fight. He happily spent his time in his room, only coming out if absolutely needed.
That's why he didn't know that his older siblings were very worried about him.
The first few days of not seeing their dongsaeng around the estate, Siwan marched into Elis's office.
"Orabeoni,"
"Siwan," Elis looked at the woman who had entered without knocking, "I'm busy,"
"This is more important than finances right now,"
"Fine, what?"
"Rok Soo," Siwan began and Elis looked at her with full focus, "He's completely shut down!"
"...and?"
"Really, Oppa! Can't you see it?" Siwan walked closer, a troubled look on her face, "Ever since Rok Soo and Young Master Cale met, they've been meeting almost everyday. Rok Soo is very active around the young master and anyone can see that he actually adores Young Master Cale, even though he calls him a brat and punk! And of course, this is reciprocated by the Young Master too!"
Elis nodded along, "They're quite close for only meeting this year. Furthermore, Young Master Cale seems to act much warmer than what everyone says,"
"Exactly! And Rok Soo seems to have found some form of companionship with the young master too," Siwan was very passionate about the topic, "I believe, Rok Soo is currently very upset,"
"Upset?"
"Because Young Master Cale is away for so long!"
"Ah..." Elis stared at his sister for a moment, "...I see,"
'...I think he's just lazing around like the slacker he always wants to be?'
"Mhm!" Siwan put on a determined expression, "Oppa, we absolutely cannot let our dongsaeng be so sad like this!"
"...yeah," Elis swallowed nervously, "S-Siwan, don't you think, Rok Soo is actually just...relaxing?"
"He's never had a friend like Young Master Cale! How can he not miss the cute kid?"
"...Siwan,"
"What?"
"N-nothing..." Elis gave up, "Let's not bother him. Young Master Cale will be back soon,"
Siwan seemed to disagree, but nodded, "Fine. But we must ensure that nothing troubles him until Young Master Cale returns!"
"Deal,"
"Great!"
Siwan turned around and exited the office again. Elis stared at the door, before holding his head and sighing, "Hah...how can that punk give me work without doing anything?"
After a moment though, he rethought his younger sister's words. Indeed. Rok Soo and Cale had gotten along extremely well. Elis was old enough to remember the former countess and even the first heir's birth. He remembers a light that belonged to the Henituse County.
It was only after he interacted with Cale himself after all these years that he realized that light had not been present for very long. While it was not gone, the Henituse County was still as peaceful and warm as ever, there was something darker about the marble estate. He had assumed it due to in-fighting and the introduction of a commoner as a ruling figure and potential heir, thus invoking mass disapproval from many of the vassals and pillars.
The Lady Violan had proven herself well enough though and she soon earned the people's respect. Perhaps it was also her being from a peasant name that the common people found her worth their respect despite the mysterious origins surrounding her biological son's lineage.
Elis shook his head for a moment, there were always rumors about this lifestyle. He knows them well with having two siblings not related by blood. His mother had suffered under scrutiny and accusations of siring two children that were so obviously not of the man she married.
Elis once again connected how eerily similar his brother and Cale Henituse were. Not only in mannerisms and lines of thinking, but their childhoods had been...difficult. While he would make no assumptions for Cale Henituse, as an older brother, as an adult, as a child with an alcohol-maniac for a Father, Elis Nyphan was sure that Cale drinking at 15, leaving his studies at 10, his abrupt change in personality, were all things that stemmed from reasons that caused the young boy pain.
To him, Cale was someone distant yet familiar. Perhaps it was also because he could see how at ease Rok Soo was around Cale that formed this strange sort of responsibility for the redhead. His younger brother had always been quiet and serious. He opened up around their Mother often; her death had been a painful thing for all of them, but Rok Soo had been so young. He had only gotten six years with their mother before she was gone.
Elis had never asked Rok Sooâor even Siwanâabout life before being adopted, he had never found a reason to do so. All he knew was that this younger brother of his had obviously suffered before he was under the hands of Elis's sire. Rok Soo had changed too after their mother's death. Far more reserved and quiet, having no motivation to do things outside of necessities. Where once he had at least walked around the gardens, he now stayed in his room with a book and food, or asleep.
This was what Rok Soo would call a slacker life, but to Elis, it had always been a tactic to avoid the troublesome burdens of life.
Truly, the closeness of the three Nyphan siblings blossomed during the two years following the former Madam's death. Elis was taking his duty as per his birth had always defined, Siwan assisting him and being the social butterfly she was. Yet they always, always, made sure to drag Rok Soo around, even if he protested for his 'slacker life'. They could not with easy minds watch their too young baby brother distance himself more so than they already were.
"My Lord?"
"Yes?" Elis blinked, turning to the door where Balint stood staring at him with his ever blank expression.
"Young Master Rok Soo has requested a horse,"
"...I'm sorry?"
"A horse, my lord. The Young Master has expressed his wish to horse-ride,"
Elis blinked twice. He asked slowly, "...I see...to relearn how to ride a horse?"
"...this one is unsure of the young master's intentions,"
"..."
Elis released a sigh and felt like he was going to have headache, "Okay, give him a horse and anything else needed to ride it,"
There was a pause and Elis glanced up again, Balint still waiting to be dismissed. Elis pointed the pen at Balint asking slowly, "...does Rok Soo remember how to ride a horse?"
There was a moment of silence between the two males.
Had Elis been brought up any other way, he would've groaned and plopped his forehead against the desk.
'This troublesome dongsaeng!!'
~~~
"How hard can it be?" Rok Soo looked at Siwan, who had caught wind of Rok Soo's adventure outside to the back gardens.
Siwan, who did indeed know how to ride a horse, simply looked at Rok Soo. She should probably warn him.
Rok Soo steps forward to mount the horse.
As an older sister, Siwan should definitely say something.
Rok Soo looks blank, before stepping forward and placing his foot in the holder, hands gripping the saddle.
Siwan should absolutely tell him he's doing it wrong.
Rok Soo accidently kicks the horse's leg, sending the horse into a startle.
Rok Soo squeaks, landing on his back with a startled grunt as the stableboy runs after the horse, whistling to calm it down.
Siwan should helpâ
Rok Soo's eyebrow twitches at the laughter echoing from behind him. He rolls onto his stomach glaring at the blond, "If memory serves me right, you know how to do this,"
Siwan is cackling like a menace.
Rok Soo will get her back for this. Somehow.
He pushes himself up, wiping down the dirt. Thankfully, he had chosen to wear black clothes and his coat had been fully buttoned, protecting the lighter colored shirt beneath. The stableboy brought the horse back around to the two Nyphans, "Young Master?"
"I'll try again,"
Siwan had finished her fit and stepped closer, taking the reins from the stablehand, "I'll help him, please step back,"
"Yes, my Lady,"
Siwan held the reins firmly in her hands as Rok Soo placed the mounting block down again. Siwan made sure to gently stroke the horse's snout, keeping it calm for her brother. Her voice was gentle as she instructed, "Place a hand here, usually you would hold the reins with your left hand, but for now, I'll hold them to control the horse. Make sure to grab a tuff of the mane, good,"
Rok Soo dutifully followed her instructions, left hand gripping the black mane firmly.
"Lift your left leg into the stirrup, make sure the ball of your foot is rested firmly. Once you're secure, reach over with your right hand to grab the cantle of the saddle. You'll be balancing completely on your right leg to jump up,"
Siwan checked his grip and nodded, "Alright now listen carefully, the spring is quick and requires a few things,"
Rok Soo nodded, angling his head to show her he was listening.
"You'll be springing completely with your leg. Your arms are there for balance, do not pull yourself up just by arms. It might take a few springs," Siwan explained, "Release your right hand and raise it to grab the mane, or reins if I wasn't here, as you center yourself over the horse's withers. Swing your free leg up and over the saddle's cantle at the same moment. Raise your leg high enough so that it doesn't collide with the saddle's back or the horse's hindquarters. Sit down in the saddle slowly. This beauty may feel uncomfortable and even be startled if you land with a thud, this isn't your mare, afterall,"
Rok Soo pressed his lips together, going over each step in his mind. He did a few tentative springs from his right leg, testing how much strength it required him. After a bit, he nodded, muttering he was going to mount. Immediately, he noticed Siwan tightened her grip on the reins, her gold eyes flickering to the side where the stablehand was watching.
Rok Soo took a deep breath, before propelling himself upward. His left tightened his grip on the mane, Rok Soo quickly moved his right hand as he swung his left leg higher than he probably needed to. Both his hands quickly fisted the mane, the horse letting out a few whimpers, feet stamping in the garden. Siwan was quick to soothe it as she moved to check on him, warm eyes checking for any sort of discomfort. Rok Soo nodded to her, "Got it,"
"That was good, though you kicked a bit high,"
"I was being cautious,"
"If you kick too high, you risk throwing yourself out of equilibrium,"
Rok Soo simply hummed in acknowledgement. Siwan told him to adjust his seat, Rok Soo ensuring both his feet were on the stirrups. He took the reins Siwan passed to him, letting her reach over to show him a comfortable way to hold them.
Rok Soo gave a gentle tug on the reins as instructed, tightening his grip around the leather when the large creature took a few steps forward. Rok Soo reminded himself to find some books on horseback riding so he could really grasp everything.
'It's like driving. But the car is alive. And ten times less stable,'
Rok Soo quickly decided that comparing a horse to a car was a useless analogy. He briefly thinks about the red-haired punk who was on his way to the Capital.
'I wonder if Cale can ride horses?'
He wouldn't be surprised if Cale did. Horseback riding seems like something all high noble children would learn to do. And if the Henituse Family is from a line of martial arts, Rok Soo wouldn't be surprised if Cale had learned to do so when he was younger as part of his studies.
Since being here, Rok Soo had his own studies that took up portions of his days. In his memories, Rok Soo knew he had taken lessons that centered on history, arithmancy, literacy, etiquettes, and politics. Those were main lessons to bring him from a common birth education to one of a noble. Additionally, he was given the freedom to take other lessons of his choice while also required to know the history pertaining to the Nyphan Familyâi.e. He has an extensive knowledge on the arts. His free class is what surprised him when he found it in his schedule thus triggering his memories.
Rok Soo could play the violin in this life.
From his old life, he could play the guitarâLee Soo-hyuk had taught him and Choi Jung Sooâbut he had never really given music a thought as something he would actively seek out. Of course, Rok Soo couldn't confidently say if that was because he was busy all the time or because he never had the sort of life to truly focus on anything other than his own survival.
He also had regular lessons that involved basic combat training. As a noble, self-defense was a crucial thing to have. All nobles can be safely assumed to have some form of training. For example, Princess Rosalyn of the Breck Kingdomâshe was a character that joined Choi Han's party after the hero had left the Henituse Territoryâwas a powerful mage and had the future of a Tower Master.
So, really, Rok Soo didn't have a 100% slacker life. Luckily, he had already reached the age of 18, therefore he had a good majority of his lessons completed. He was also smart so it didn't take long for him to grasp history, literacy, and arithmancy. Even etiquette classes were deemed completed by 15 for him. Politics ended with academic classes, but Rok Soo made it a habit to look over his reports everyday to keep up with the information and news going about the kingdom. These reports were his responsibility, after all.
He was given the menial tasks of checking the reports coming in from the artists they sponsor and the merchant guild that ships about their products and materials. Stone, clay, oil, paints, wood, whatever it was, if it's being transported, the report comes to Rok Soo's desk to overview and keep track that everything is running smoothly. Additionally, these reports could hold reports for approval of the transference of a product. It involved shipment so Rok Soo managed it, but upon finding such a request, Rok Soo usually gets all the details before bringing it to Elis, as the report would require the approval of the Lord.
But if it involved building profit and deals, it usually ended up in Rok Soi's hands.
Rok Soo was honestly a bit surprised by the amount of papers he has on his desk everyday. He knew his family was prestigious and with the goal of expanding into other territories and, from what Elis was drafting, another Kingdom, there was a large amount of shipments for him to look over; but from the number of products, shipments, investments, and debts he had to look through everyday, it seemed his family was a bigger deal than he thought.
"That was easier than I thought," Rok Soo frowned.
"Well, I'd be concerned if it wasn't," Siwan smiled, "You learned to ride horses when you were eleven. You just stopped riding often after a year,"
Rok Soo did not know this tidbit of information, actually. He tilted his head, "Fair enough,"
He practices for another two and a half hours. He mounts and dismounts repeatedly until it's like clockwork and Siwan gives him two thumbs ups as approval. After that he gets used to trotting and then some galloping around the garden. Rok Soo is especially grateful when his memories finally click together and the riding becomes that much easier. He also made a note to visit the stablesâvery few nobles without official titles had stables. The Nyphan Family was an exception due to its influence over the arts culture in the kingdomâto find his personal mare.
He dismounts permanently after seeing Siwan's sharp smile. Really, he doesn't know how people mistake his Noona for a ball of sunshine. She's a completely vicious troublemaker.
Elis has mentioned fondly that Siwan is practically a copy of their Mother.
Bubbly, elegant, and a complete gremlin.
The thought made him smile slightly. Since being here, Rok Soo had grown a bit fond of his older siblings. He's used to being apart and usually on his own; he doesn't like letting people get so close to him. It's bothersome to him.
However, Siwan and Elis were practically unbothered by his walls(much like they were). They were fond of him, he could tell. He also had his memories to blame for the growing affection.
Rok Soo wasn't a fool. He liked this world a lot better than his old one. He felt light in a way he doesn't ever remember feeling before. The walls of the Nyphan Estate were like a haven. He genuinely enjoyed living here and being around the staff and his siblings.
"What are you thinking about that's making you smile so fondly?" A finger poked his forehead.
His smile fell into an annoyed frown, Rok Soo moving out of his sister's touch. He gave her a dry look, "None of your business,"
Siwan simply giggled. She then leaned closer to him, lowering her voice, "Is it young master Cale?"
Rok Soo blinked, "What?"
Siwan simply smiled, "Don't worry, I completely support you,"
"Huh?"
Siwan didn't answer, simply winking at him and changing the subject, "Why did you suddenly start horse riding again?"
Rok Soo let the topic change, ignoring his sister's craziness with a practiced ease.
"I want to take short trips out of the city. But not on carriages,"
Siwan paused before a sad smile suddenly crossed her face, "Oh my, I never thought you'd ride out again,"
Rok Soo furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, "Why wouldn't I?"
"Well..." Siwan hesitated.
Rok Soo didn't like the awkward and painful emotions he could see on Siwan. He turned towards her, "Noonim, please tell me,"
Siwan gazed at him softly. She then reached up and patted his head, a longing smile tugging at her lips, "Mother used to take us all. As her health declined we went less and less until the doctors advised against it. After she passed, you hardly ever went near the stables again except to visit your mare,"
Rok Soo looked at her, letting the faint feeling of grief tug at his chest, "....Ah,"
Siwan moved her hand away, as the two turned a corner. Rok Soo mindlessly followed her, turning over the information in his head.
"...I'm sorry, dongsaeng-ah,"
Rok Soo looked up at his sister, "Why are you apologizing?"
"I know it hurts for you to talk about her,"
"..."
Rok Soo pressed his lips together, a silence falling between the two. Then, he released a soft sigh, feet stopping, "Siwan Noona,"
She glanced back at him, also stopping.
Rok Soo was a decently taller than his elder sister (who was an average of 167cm, or around 5' 6"), standing at a height of 182 centimeters (about 5'11" / 6'0"). However, for a moment, it felt like they were at an equal standing; Rok Soo was staring directly at her, maroon eyes looking with a firm gaze. To anyone else it might've looked like a cold expression, but to Siwan, she could see the deep sincerity and emotions lining the edges of the expression. Pain, grief, determination.
"You're correct. Mother passing was difficult...for all of us. And I have grieved, honestly, I might not ever stop," Rok Soo tells her, words only he's told himself being shared to his older sister, "But I can't just sit. I want to use the life given to me, I want to ensure I live for them too. I will never stop grieving. But I also can't stop moving forward,"
He glances at the floor, a bitter smile curling at his lips, "The memory of loss is terrible and branding. But it is not the only record I have,"
He clenched his fist and looked up, declaring, "I'm going to live doing what I want, however I want,"
The servants who were passing by had hidden behind the walls upon hearing the scene. Beautiful smiles and touched hearts were twisting them.
'Our young master has grown up!'
Yet it was nothing compared to Siwan. Her gold eyes were wide and brimmed with tears. She stared at her precious little brother for a few moments, letting his words ring out in the hall. She stepped forward and pulled him into a tight hug, caressing the back of his head.
Rok Soo made a small noise of surprise upon being yanked forward, however he soon recovered and relaxed, gently hugging her back. Siwan spoke with a gentle laugh, "How lucky I am to have such a precious little brother,"
"Noona..." Rok Soo mumbled in soft protest.
She stepped back, reaching up and wiping a few of her tears. Rok Soo frowned, hands gently reaching forward to hold one of her hands, "Noona, why are you crying?"
"I'm just happy...and proud...and," she laughed again, smiling brightly at him. She clenched her free hand into a fist making a slight cheering notion, "Yes! Let us live how we want to live! Let's be happy and healthy!"
Rok Soo smiled, nodding his head with a firm "Yes!"
~~
He had another day of practicing horse riding, this time with his personal mare, who he finally remembered he named Temperance due to her fussy nature. She was a Palfrey Horse, the breed used by most aristocrats and knights due to their strength and speed. She was one of the larger steedsâexpected as her rider was tall. The brown and white male horse of a similar size belonged to Elis, who was 185 centimeters (6'1")-- and clearly well taken care of. Her black coat and equally black mane were practically shining. If her main body resembled obsidian, then it was not wrong to refer to her blue-gray eyes as crystals. Rok Soo was honored to have such a stunning steed.
Honestly, when he first brought her out of the stables, she had been extremely energetic. Especially as Rok Soo steadied for mounting.
'She must've been really lonely being unable to carry her rider for so long'
Rok Soo couldn't help but gently hold her head, stroking her snout. He apologizes softly, "Sorry. I've wronged you,"
Temperance let out a soft nicker, as if agreeing with him.
He had seen her yesterday when both horse and rider familiarize themselves with one another again. It was quicker than Rok Soo thought and he found that riding Temperance, especially after his memories continued to flow in, was a lot more comfortable than the horse he used the first day.
Anyhow, today, he'd be leaving the territory. He had already informed his siblings and expressed his desire to go without a guard. They only agreed because Rok Soo swore he'd send a message and he promised to take a few magic artifacts. Additionally, Rok Soo had given them a destination.
(Even then, the three of them argued for an hour before Elis and Siwan finally caved in)
He was heading to Harris Village.
He wanted to get there and return before Cale returned from the palace. He wasn't sure why Cale hated Harris Village, but it was enough of a reason to mock their massacre in front of a survivor. He was sure that Cale had some reason.
Cale was not a person to simply hate.
Rok Soo adjusted the cloak on his person, waving goodbye to the servants and his siblings, before riding out of the gate. On the satchel he had all necessary items, including a magic bag on his hip. Rok Soo rode through the streets at a calm pace, slowing down at the main entrance to the City. The two guards turned upon hearing the horse and Rok Soo held up his ID. Temperance also had the Nyphan Crest on her forehead, attached to the reins.
After he was cleared, Rok Soo flicked the reins and Temperance took off at a high speed, leaving a trail of dust. Rok Soo grinned at the sudden wind, his cloak flowing behind him. This was something he really liked about this world. The nature that flashed by and the thrill of freely exploring it. It was something he couldn't do in Korea.
Not only because of urbanization but also because of those damn monsters. Walking around outside of the refortified cities, let alone the mountains that once hosted hundreds of visitors everyday, was a luxury a very, very, small number of individuals worldwide could afford. Shaking his head of depressing thoughts, Rok Soo guided Temperance in the direction of Harris Village. He had memorized the map last night.
~~
The Harris Village was a few days' journey by carriage, but with the speed of Temperance and Rok Soo's will to ride through the night, he made it within two full days. He entered the small mountain village in the morning of his third day, Temperance walking at a small trot. They had rested little during Rok Soo's journey, that's why he decided to spend at least a day here.
As he brought her to a halt, Rok Soo took notice of the eyes that were staring at him. It made sense of course. Rok Soo screamed aristocrat with his high quality cloak, blazer, vest, shirt, trousers, boots, gloves and the obvious glint of his earrings; yet he had no guards at all. After he dismounted, a man came up to him. He had dark brown hair that was beginning to gray, tied in a low ponytail. His skin was tanned and his eyes were light brown. He was rather large, though, shorter than Rok Soo(that's probably not a fair statement to make), "Welcome, Young Master!"
Rok Soo scanned the area, searching for a head of black hair and Korean features, yet saw no one. Nonetheless, he kept the mask covering the bottom half of his face on, "My apologies for arriving so early, is there somewhere my horse can rest and I spend the day and night?"
The man grinned warmly, "Of course!"
He then adds apologetically, "I hope the young master does not mind his steed staying with our own horses,"
Rok Soo snorted, "I don't mind at all. This one, on the other hand," he stroked Temperance, "Is rather fussy. Let me know if Temperance gives you any trouble,"
The man chuckled, before motioning someone over. A boy with similar genetics walked over. He was obviously well muscled, clearly doing some sort of labor. Rok Soo handed the reins over, informing, "Her name's Temperance,"
He then turned and grabbed any of his personal and important items; things that were safer with him than apart. Then, before the young boy could walk away, he handed the kid a gold coin. Immediately, the two froze.
"Y-Young master??!!" The boy exclaimed, shocked.
"Young Master, there's no need to pay so much!!" The man said.
Rok Soo looked at the man again, "Are you the chief?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Then, I'll give these to you directly," Rok Soo pulled out two more gold coins.
"N-no! Young Master! It's too much!!"
Rok Soo shrugged, "Please, take them. It's for my room too,"
"B-butâ"
"Chief, I really am rather tired. Please take this," Rok Soo pushed.
He placed two of the coins in the front pocket of the man's coat and slipped the third into the teen boy's overalls. Both males would've yelped had Temperance not made a soft snort, reminding them of her presence.
Rok Soo patted the boy's head, "Thanks for the help,"
He walked past the two, telling them it was the end of the argument. The Chief was quick to catch up, sighing, "You're very kind young master-nim,"
Rok Soo shook his head, before turning, "I'm the second son of the Nyphan Family. I came on a short ride out of Rain City and decided to stay a day here,"
If the Chief was confused by Rok Soo's omission of his first name, he did not show it. Instead, he simply smiled and led him to the largest house in the village. By largest, he meant it was a simple two story cottage, "This is my house. You may use the first floor guest room. It's been modified as a resting area for guests,"
"Much appreciated, Chief," Rok Soo bowed his head.
As they entered, Rok Soo questioned casually, "So, what's Harris Village like? It seems to be a simply mountain village bordering the Forest of Darkness,"
The Chief laughed, "That really is all we are, Young Master!"
"How brave," Rok Soo commended, "And no one has thought to move away?"
"Hmm...not really, young master. There's few that leave but they usually return. All the adults, including our eldest members, have been born here," The Chief explained, "Ah! We also take others in,"
'Bingo!'
"Take others in?"
"Yes, well, Madam Canron, you'll probably hear the kids refer to her as Granny Canron, found this teenage boy stumbling about near the edges of the Forest. She brought him and is teaching him to read and write,"
Rok Soo's heart jumped.
'So, Choi Han is already here!'
The reason Rok Soo came to Harris Village was to determine if Choi Han was here or not. He had wanted to confirm the situation rather than inferring it. Inferring with Cale had clearly been a doozy.
Yet, despite getting his confirmation, Rok Soo suddenly wished to leave and get far away from the punk that is definitely unstable.
'If Choi Han has only just arrived, he has not gotten used to being with other humans, let alone gotten a hold of the language used in the Western Continent. Seeing me or even hearing my name will cause a mess.'
"How kind," Rok Soo responded as the Chief opened the door to his temporary room. It was simple and well furnished. The bed was simple, laying to the left of a small window, draped in brown curtains. Parallel to the bed, on the other side of the window and pressed against the right corner, was a desk and chair. On it sat a simple lamp. After walking in, if one turned to gaze back at the front door, they'd find a second one on the other side; Rok Soo assumed it led to either a closet or bathroom. It reminded Rok Soo of his small apartment he owned when he was a teenager back in Korea. Frankly, Rok Soo was fine with it. It had everything he needed for a short trip, "This will do well, thank you very much,"
"Of course, Young Master. Shall I receive some breakfast for you?"
"If you could,"
"I most certainly can!"
The door shut softly. Rok Soo removed his mask, placing his items on the desk. He sat down on the bed, laying down and running a hand over his face. Now that he's confirmed Choi Han's existence, Rok Soo must now decide if he should make Cale and Choi Han form a bond now or after the massacre.
He also has to decide how to help prevent the massacre.
"Huuu..." he sighed.
Rok Soo sat up again, walking over to his desk and pulling out a small disk. It was apparently imbued with bits of magic stone, allowing for it to serve as a temporary remote for short messages shared by the magic balls. It was like facetime but with magic instead of technology.
He had promised Elis he would contact him when he arrived at Harris Village.
Rok Soo began to pull out the magic ball and the stand, setting it up for communication. As he did, two knocks sounded from the door before it opened. A young girl looking around Cale's age walked in, a plate of food in her hands, "Young Master-nim. I've brought breakfast,"
Rok Soo motioned her inside, "Thank you, young miss,"
The girl smiled shyly, placing the plate down. She then stepped back and gave a curtsy before quickly leaving the room and closing the door. Rok Soo glanced at the food. It was a simple array of eggs and bacon, a few grapes set aside. Rok Soo activated the message while he began to eat.
Soon, his hyung's face showed up. Rok Soo nodded in greeting, "Hyung-nim,"
"Rok Soo, how's your journey?"
"Simple. I'm staying the night here and then heading back tomorrow morning," Rok Soo dutifully informed, "I'm currently staying in the chief's house,"
"That's good, I'm glad to see you're alright,"
"You worry too much. It's bad for your age,"
"Ha- you punk!"
Rok Soo popped a grape in, speaking sincerely, "Hyung-nim, you're already in your 30s but haven't given me a sister-in-law and a niece or nephewâ"
"Alright, that's enough out of you!" Elis cut him off and Rok Soo couldn't stop the small teasing smile from appearing on his lips, "Rest well. Make sure to lock the door and windows when you sleep,"
Rok Soo gave a firm nod, before the short magic cut the connection. Rok Soo hummed, putting the communication device away again and finishing his breakfast. After that, Rok Soo decided to wash up. The guest room seemed to have been modified for travelers because there was a connecting bathroom. It was small and didn't have a vanity. It simply had the toilet, sink, and a shower.
Kim Rok Soo had been in far worse places that the vast difference from his home and here did not bother him. Instead, he was thankful the water was clean and that he walked out feeling refreshed. Rok Soo grabbed his journal and a pen, sitting on the beed with his back propped up by the pillows. Flipping through the pages, he wrote down the notes containing information about the Harris Village.
Now that he knew Choi Han was here, it was crucial to make a decision. Choi Han was the main protagonist of [The Birth of a Hero] meaning he was both strong and important in the overall flow of events. Rok Soo, of course, had no means to get involved with Choi Han. He was going to prevent Cale from being beaten up and get them to become acquainted. This should also deal with Ron and Beacrox.
'Choi Han also serves as a good test for them. If they leave Cale like they did before, I will deal with the fall out,' Rok Soo made a small note.
In the novel, it was never mentioned what Cale's reaction to the news was. Rok Soo imagined it would be an outward barrage of indifference and/or swearing, but on the inside, Cale would feel hurt. It was clear to Rok Soo that Cale looked upon the people of Rain City as his. Not something he owned, but rather his people. His duty. Cale held a hidden affection for his family and Rok Soo knew that he considered Ron a father-figure.
Furthermore, Cale would've received the news of Ron's departure after waking up from the unconscious state Choi Han beat him into.
A shudder runs up Rok Soo's body. He'd really not want to meet Choi Han when the kid wasn't in the right mind. Which meant that Rok Soo must do absolutely everything to avoid Choi Han today.
'Yes, yes, it would be smoother if Choi Han and Cale had slight contact before. Choi Han would have a name to give to the guards and Cale could respondâ'
Rok Soo paused his writing, "Ah...this might not work,"
Cale hated Harris Village.
Rok Soo made a small arrow under the plan he'd written down: Figure out why Cale hates Harris Village.
Yes, perhaps before he does anything, he should figure this out.
The only problem with this is, how does he bring up a village Cale so vehemently despised...peacefully?
"...aigoo...."
This stupid red-haired punk was really giving him extra work!!