"...the Royal Family will be present as usual. It's common for the royal children to intermingle with the nobles to build support. The third prince has the King's favor, so many nobles are trying to ally themselves with him. A few like the second prince as well. The Crown Prince lost the favor of the King and has virtually no support, but it's still difficult to denounce him as first heir, thus he still intermingles and is building support,"
Cale's head was about to burst.
His father would not shut up.
"There's also the younger siblings, children of the consorts. Many of the princesses and princes talk with nobles for repertoire or marriage. You're of the right age to begin looking for suitors Cale, it's perfectly possible you'll be a target of the princesses and noblewoman,"
Cale choked.
Deruth paused hearing the coughing across the table, eyes widening, "C-cale!"
Ron, upon hearing his young master choking, quickly entered the dining room and walked towards Cale. He patted the redhead's back, before reaching to pour a glass of water. He paused when Basen, who had walked towards Ron with an already full glass, presented it.
"Ah, thank you, Young Master Basen,"
"Mhm," Basen hummed, before sitting down again.
Cale's coughs withered as he drank the water, face slightly red. Cale placed the cup down, looking at his Father with a firm gaze, "Father...I have no interest in suitors,"
"I have no intention to set up you in anything, Cale," Deruth shook his head firmly, "You know this, I wouldn't let you marry for anything other than love,"
He then added, "Naturally, though, mingling with noblewoman might blossom a few feelings as you're of that age now to be interested in that sort of things,"
Cale flushes deeper, his grip on the glass tightening.
Basen looked utterly embarrassed where he sat, sending a pitying look at his hyung. Violan coughed softly, "Dear, Lily is here as well,"
Deruth paused, looking at the four-year-old who simply stared back before grinning. Deruth gave a soft smile back, before looking sheepishly towards Violan, "You're right, my mistake,"
"Honestly," Cale grumbled, holding his head, "Why do I have to go?"
"It's important to appear in public, son," Deruth began, "You haven't made a public appearance with all the fanctions since..."
There was a sudden silence at the table.
Cale lowered his hand, looking at his father. His eyes then shifted to Violan, who was focusing intently on her breakfast. Deruth looked awkward again, unsure if he should even mention it.
Cale spoke with a blank expression, "Since the marriage,"
Deruth, Violan, and Basen flinched.
"Y-yes," Deruth nodded, smiling awkwardly.
Cale held his Father's gaze, "Wasn't that enough? I show up to the Northeastern things,"
He then motions to Violan with a lazy hand motion, "You both go every year, what's with the abrupt decision anyway?"
"Cale," Violan decided to speak, inhaling softly and turning to the eldest child under her care.
Cale's eyes shift towards her. He was still unused to her talking to him. When they make eye contact, Violan speaks, "Nobles care a lot about appearances..."
She adds, "You are the first son of this household,"
The cup of juice in Cale's hand shook slightly. He said nothing, simply staring at her with the same cold expression.
"So, as yourâ mmm," Violan rephrased herself, "It's important for you to go to these sorts of things more often now to show your stature. It's something others will scrutinize for,"
'As my...as my what?' Cale thought. He then frowned at the rest of her words. A warning smirk cracks on his face, "My stature? Scrutiny?"
He can't help but point it out. For years he had been the butt of noble rumors and scrutiny. He was the trash of the northeast.
Judging from the uncomfortable and tense atmosphere, they knew it to.
He looked away from her, sipping the juice and placing the cup down.
"What an utterly useless thing to do," Cale shrugged, "Fine, I'll go,"
Deruth and Violan both untense in their seats, unaware of Cale watching them. Deruth happily agreed with whatever Cale said, "Yes, yes, it is troublesome,"
"Tch," Cale grumbled, before announcing, "But I'm taking Beacrox on as chef,"
"Beacrox? Ron's son?" Violan repeated, while Deruth just agreed, "Of course!"
"Is there another Beacrox?" Cale rolled his eyes, before turning to look at the butler who stood near the door, "Ron, what do you think?"
"I think he'll be happy to leave the territory for a journey,"
Cale shrugged, "Even if he isn't, he's coming now. I want sweets,"
Deruth's expression changed.
Lily piped up at the word, looking at her brother, "Sweets!"
Cale nodded at Lily, informing casually, "Beacrox makes decent sweets. I used to eat them all the time when I was younger. I guess I would consider them a favorite,"
"I want to try Orabeoni's favorite sweets!" Lily exclaimed and Cale internally smiled at her brightness.
"I didn't know you liked sweets, hyung-nim," Basen jumped in, eager with the new information.
Cale gave Basen a small shrug, "Meh. I stopped eating them a while back,"
"Stop?" Lily looked at her big brother in confusion.
"Why did you stop if they were your favorite?" Basen was confused.
Violan had looked at Deruth's expression when she heard him repeat "sweets?" under his breath. She had looked at her husband and seen the surprise and grief. That expression only ever came up when one topic was hinted at. That's why at her childrens' question she pales and scolds, voice sharp, "Lily! Basen!"
Lily and Basen are both startled, turning to their Mother with matching looks of confusion.
But Violan looks at Cale.
Cale's expression was twisted. His lips were pressed together firmly, but his eyes...oh in his eyes Violan could see longing and grief. She had never seen them in Cale beforeâ no, that's not it.
She could not meet his gaze.
She didn't notice.
She never looked.
The revelation makes something cold wind in her heart. Before she can speak, Cale has Lily's attention again, waving his hand as if the grief was not in his eyes. Violan watched him smooth his expression back to his usual apathetic one. It was colder than usual, but perhaps that's only because Violan was finally looking.
With a tone of pure boredom, Cale tells Basen, "Who knows? It doesn't matter anymore,"
"Cale, what are you talking about?"
Cale turns, "Hm?"
Deruth's expression looks solemn and serious.
"What do you mean it doesn't matter?"
'He can't be serious! After all these years, we're having this conversation now when we have to travel together to the capital soon?'
Cale brings a napkin to his mouth, wiping his lips. He then stands, giving Deruth a lost look and speaking casually, "They're just sweets, why is this such a big deal? Jeez, I mentioned them so offhandedly, too..."
Cale was acting annoyed and impatient. Extremely annoyed and impatient. His mouth was twisting and his eyebrows had knitted together as he stared down his Father.
It worked as Deruth blinked and just smiled placidly, "Right, right, yes, they're just sweets,"
"That's right, just sweets,"
"Yes, yes,"
The father and son held a small gaze, a silent communication that both knew exactly what both were refusing to mention. Deruth turned away, "You can go, I'll meet you when it's time to leave,"
"Hm," Cale hummed and looks at Ron, "Go tell Beacrox,"
"Yes, Young Master,"
Ron leaves and Cale follows, but heads towards his study. As he's walking, he hears the sound of running behind him. Slowing down, Cale glances back to see Basen and Lily running towards him. Farther behind, Lily's attendant is approaching with a calm pace.
Lily's attendant is an older woman who worked at the estate when Cale's mother was still alive. She used to serve Jour, but upon Violan and Deruth's request, she began to serve as Lily's personal attendant.
Cale looked down at Lily and Basen, "What?"
"Have a good trip Orabeoni!" Lily beamed.
"Mm, thanks," Cale couldn't help but smile slightly. This little sister of his was really kind, "You have a good time here too,"
"Y-yes!!" Lily nodded.
There was a pause between the siblings.
Cale thought for a moment and then sighed, "Do you want me something from the capital?"
Lily's eyes shone again.
'As I thought...'
"What do you want?"
"Hyung-nim, y-you really don't have to if it's troublesome!" Basen heard Cale sigh at the beginning.
"Tsk," Cale clicked his tongue, ignoring the pinch in his heart at the slight wince in his sibling's expressions when they heard him, "Just tell me what you want,"
"Sword!"
Cale's expression changed from annoyance to confusion, "Huh?"
He looked down at Lily.
Basen spoke the thought aloud, "Lily, did you say a sword?"
"Yes! I want a sword!"
"...okay," Cale agreed after a moment, glancing at the attendant, who simply gave Cale an amusing smile. Cale turned to Basen, "And you?"
"...a fountain pen, please,"
"Got it,"
Cale turned away from the younger two after that, unaware that both Basen and Lily were smiling watching his back.
~~~
The journey from the Henituse territory to Huiss City, the capital of the Roan Kingdom, was as expected.
Uneventful.
Well, Cale had some nice conversations with Deruth. Cale hadn't really had this much time with his Father since his mother died. Deruth was always really busy the year following the funeral. Far too busy to truly spend time with Cale as they once did. They had barely spoken that year, and were hardly seen in the same room. It took Cale one month after burying his dear Mother to realize that waiting for his Father to show up at the dining table was useless. He would not come. His meals were taken in his study, alone. Cale stopped asking the servants for his Father two months after the funeral. He may have been young but he understood.
His Father couldn't spend time with him. Whether it be for work or because of whose genetics Cale so clearly followed, it didn't matter.
Sure, they shared a few conversations that year. Whether because they were to attend an event or because Deruth had ordered for Jour's portraits to be put away, they exchanged words. Maybe not as many as a Father and Son should have but it was far too late to think about 'what ifs'. Cale had stopped thinking about it a long time ago.
When Violan came into the picture, there was more time, but another son and a wife. Cale spoke with his Father a bit more, but he also had two strangers who Deruth began to split his time for. Cale didn't mind, honestly. Basen and Violan had made Deruth smile and have meals at the dining table again. They were good people in Cale's eyes.
So it's not that they did not talk. They did.
It was just mostly Cale complaining and Deruth agreeing with everything Cale said. That's how they had been for years.
Extremely close but also extremely distant. It was not a bad relationship. But it wasn't as good as it had once been either.
That's how Deruth thought Cale was with everyone after Jour's death. He was displeased so he complained. Naturally, the servants, knights, and common people just agreed and set out to appease Cale.
It wasn't until the journey did he realize that this might've been false.
"My Lord, we'll set up camp for tonight," Vice Captain Hilsman informed.
"Very well,"
Cale, who was reading, closed the book and placed it aside. Deruth smiled at his son, "Is it good?"
"Naturally," Cale yawned, "I'll lend it to you later,"
Cale reached over and opened the carriage door, "I'm going to stretch,"
"Oh, good idea. I'll join you,"
Cale stepped out of the carriage, the knight stationed outside holding the door and bowing as both Count and heir stepped off. Cale inhaled softly, tugging his coat on tighter as the wind whipped around them.
"It's fortunate there's only little snow at this time in the year," Deruth said after a moment.
"Mm, oh, Beacrox!" Cale quickly headed over, Deruth watching his son with a small smile.
"Young Master," Beacrox greeted.
"I wantâoh!"
Beacrox presented a cup of steaming sweet tea and a plate of sweets. Cale immediately grinned.
Ron walked over with a small pair of earmuffs in his hands. He placed the muffs over Cale, who squeaked in surprise, glancing up. Ron spoke with a smile, "We cannot have you getting sick, young master,"
"...if I do I don't have to entertain any-"
"You're not getting sick, Young Master Cale,"
Cale frowned(pouted), grumbling, "It's not even that cold" and "I'm not a little kid, Ron"
He sipped the tea, under Ron and Beacrox's gaze. Beacrox gave a cup to Hans, who took it to Deruth, "Count,"
"Thank you, Hans," Deruth smiled, sipping the tea.
He observed his son interact with Ron and Beacrox. He knew Cale was close with the chef when Jour was here, but he had thought they had become distant after. It was Ron who Cale spent most of his time with. Ron who knew Cale best and was always there when Deruth was unavailable.
Deruth would be a liar if he said he wasn't jealous watching Cale interact with Ron.
He was Cale's father and yet he could not casually converse with Cale. He was Cale's father but he had never had Cale's warmth in the way Ron had. Ron, who was the only person allowed free access to Cale's room and study. Ron who Cale confided in. Ron, who Cale had called for when the guards found the redhead drunk for the first time.
He was grateful to the butler, especially when Jour died and Deruth was unable to spend casual time with his son. Yet his gratefulness never appeased the ugly feeling of envy.
'Hm...Cale has changed again. I suppose Ron would be the first to notice. And if Cale is acting more like he did when he was younger, it wouldn't be a surprise if he asked Beacrox for Mille-Feuilles again. Jour and Cale ate them all the time,'
"Father!"
"Yes, son?" Deruth naturally responded, walking towards Cale.
He was greeted with Cale extending the plate out. Deruth paused, staring at the familiar sweets. Cale said nothing more except, "Do you want one?"
'Ha...this good son of mine...'
"Thank you, Cale," Deruth smiled.
He picks up one Mille-Feuilles, biting into it. He smiles at the taste, nodding to Beacrox, "Well done,"
Beacrox bows deeply, "Thank you, Count,"
"Ron, do you want one?"
"I'm alright, Young Master,"
"Eh? But this is made by your son! You have to try it and give Beacrox hy-ung praises!" Cale says, quickly rushing past what he mistakenly let out in his teasing. He can see various people staring at him. He sees the way, Deruth coughs slightly and Ron stiffens. He also sees Beacrox go completely still beside him. Cale can feel heat creeping up his face and hopes it can be excused as an effect of the cold, "It's an order! You must eat at least one and tell him he's done well!"
Ron stares at Cale for a moment. He had easily caught the panic and regret that had surfaced for just a small moment.
Ron then sighs, "If it is an order, I cannot refuse,"
Cale smirks triumphantly, "Naturally!"
Ron takes one of the sweets, and bites it. They're not his taste, but Ron can admit they're well done. He smiles and turns to his son, who truly looks at him, startled, "Father- noâ"
"My son, this is truly well made,"
"...thank you, father,"
Cale snickers.
He stops when the plate is suddenly taken from him. A sound of protest releases and Cale finds Beacrox holding the plate, "If you have too much sugar, you'll get sick,"
"I'm not a kid!!" Cale said, pushing the cup to Ron, who takes it naturally.
Both fathers watch as Cale tries to grab the plate, Beacrox simply raising it higher with his height. Cale flushes in disbelief, "Hey! I asked you for those!"
"You'll get sick,"
"Boo hoo!" Cale glares at Beacrox, "Give,"
"I'm afraid I cannot do that,"
"Give it," Cale orders, voice dropping.
Beacrox simple bows his head and refuses. Cale's eyes widen, "You..."
Cale threatens, "I will climb you like a fucking tree,"
Beacrox, the germaphobe, immediately steps back. Cale slowly starts to smirk, "Ho ho ho, why are you stepping back?"
"Father," Beacrox looked at Ron for assistance.
"Calling Ron is cheating," Cale shot forward and Beacrox sighed, avoiding Cale.
"Young Master Caleâ I didn't say I won't make them, I simply saidâ"
"I don't give two shits what you said you annoyingly tall chef!"
The knights and Hans watched the scene between the chef and young master. They were all completely dumbfounded by the ever cold and stoic Beacrox playing around with the illtempered and rumored trashy young master. Furthermore, Ron and Deruth both just watched with same amused smiled!!
Hans shook his head, 'I knew the young master had changed, but to change this much! It reminds me of the stories the older servants told when they scolded the younger ones after catching them gossiping'
Beacrox grabbed one of the Mille-Feuilles and held it out, making Cale pause. Beacrox looked at the young with a stern look, "You get one,"
"Five,"
"Two,"
"Three,"
"Fine," Beacrox yielded and took two more of the sweets.
Cale took all three of them, smiling happily as he ate them. Beacrox shook his head in exasperation, 'This punk is really the same as back then'
Beacrox looks at his clothes, frowning at how crumpled they were. He looks at Cale with a disapproving gaze. Cale simply eats, challenging, "What?"
"Young Master, would you like to finish your tea?"
"Hm? Oh yeah!" Cale grabbed the cup again, grimacing as Ron straightens out his clothes.
Once that's done, Ron looks at Beacrox, as if asking if he also needed assistance. Beacrox gives his father a glare. Ron simply smiled, silently laughing at his son. Cale speaks softly to Ron, "Is he actually upset?"
"No," Ron happily snitched.
Cale smiled, pleased.
Ron glances back at Beacrox. No one else might be able to tell, but Ron knew that back then, after being in hiding for so long, Cale's presence was enjoyable to his son. A friend in a solemn situation.
Cale and Beacrox were both only children, and they were remarkably different. Yet, they had gotten along when they were kids. Of course, recent times have been a bit different. Cale seemed to have become worse once he started drinking and Ron was no fool to see Beacrox becoming more and more frustrated. He thinks that if things had continued as they were, whatever friendship the two had as children would've burned to ash and then scattered to the wind.
Back when the ten year old began to act out, Ron knew better than anyone that Beacrox had been extremely unnerved by how the little sun of the Henituse Household turned into a storm everyone avoided.
That's why, Ron had said nothing when he had found Cale eating Dacquoise, when he should've been asleep, in kitchen #2, while Beacrox was cleaning the dishes he had used to make it.
"Coughâ Ron!" Cale was the first to see Ron.
Beacrox glanced back, "Father,"
Ron looked at the two of them and then at the cake, 'Ho? Isn't this...'
"Ron, are you already done with what I told you to do?" Cale asked.
"Young Master, did you send me on an errand so you could sneak out of your bedroom?"
Cale blinked and then said bluntly, "Well obviously. Sneaking past an assassin is useless,"
Ron smiled, "Yes, it would be,"
"...Father?"
Ron looked at Beacrox who seemed to be staring at him with slightly wider eyes. Ron recalled that he hadn't been able to inform his son of the meeting at the Nyphan Estate, "Ah, right. The Young Master knows,"
Beacrox looked at Cale who had calmly placed another bite of cake into his mouth. Seeing Beacrox's gaze, Cale swallowed, "How did a germaphobe became a torture specialist?"
Beacrox's lips parted, eyes moving back to Ron, who simply smiled.
"Hah..." Beacrox released a small sigh, "I think I'm getting a headache..."
"Want some sugar?"
"Young Master Cale,"
"Yeah?"
"Shut up,"
"I can have you sacked for speaking crudely with me,"
"Am I meant to be scared?"
"No, you're meant to get me a cup of sweet tea,"
Beacrox placed a cup down and Cale blinked, "What the fuck?"
Beacrox gives Cale a deadpan, "You always have tea with Dacquoise,"
Cale looked at Beacrox and then at the cup. Looking away, the teenager grumbled, sipping, "Stupid chef,"
Beacrox shook his head in exasperation, a look of curiosity and annoyance in his eyes, and moved back to finish his work. He pointed to the side, "Father, dinner's there,"
Ron, who had been watching the two boys under his care with a slightly soft smile, nodded moving to pick up the two plates and placing them on the center island. The Molan duo and their young master all shared a meal that evening.
~~~
"Woah," Cale gasped once he stepped down from the carriage.
Deruth exited behind him. Upon hearing Cale's gasp, he smiled softly. Cale looked at his Father, "This is quite nice,"
Deruth chuckled, "It's the Hentiuse Estate in the Capital. It naturally must be nice,"
Deruth walked forward and Cale followed just a step behind him. A few steps behind the two of them were Beacrox, Hans, and Ron. The servants of the capital estate were all bowing deeply as the Count and heir walked past.
Deruth smiled at the head of staff, "At ease, you are all dismissed to your duties,"
"Yes, my lord,"
As they walked through the front doors, Cale asked, "Can I go to my chambers?"
"Yes, its on the third floor," Deruth nodded, "Hans, guide Ron and Cale up there,"
"Yes, Count,"
"Cale, I'll send you a list of nobles to read before tomorrow,"
"Understood,"
Cale and Ron followed Hans to the third floor and Beacrox had gone off to find the kitchen. As they walked, Cale asked, "So, Hans, you've been here multiple times,"
"Yes, Young Master,"
"Then... you must know where to get good alcohol," Cale smiled, watching as two servants that had bowed to greet them, flinched.
Hans also flinched, looking back, "A-ah? Um, there's a few options Young Master..."
"How great! Give a list to Ron," Cale ordered, "I can't leave the estate to drink, so I'll drink here. Ron, get me a few bottles,"
"...I will get you two to keep your hangover at a minimum tomorrow,"
"Perfect,"
Hans let out a small sigh, pausing in front of two doors. He bowed, "Your chambers, Young Master,"
Cale opened the doors and walked past Hans without another glance. Ron told Hans softly, "Please send a meal up for Young Master Cale,"
"Ah, of course,"
Rons closed the door as Hans walked away. He glanced over to see Cale removing the layers he'd had to wear due to the cold. Ron silently moved towards the fireplace that was already lit. He bent down, pulling out the tongs from the toolset and shifting the wood around. After confirming everything was burning well, he placed the tongs back and stood up, "Young Master, what would you like to do now?"
"I don't know," Cale shrugged.
"Would you like to read on more weapons?"
"Oh, yeah!"
Ron pulled out a set of books, placing them on oneside of the couch as Cale moved to sit down. Ron walked towards the wardrobe, taking a thin blanket from the top shelf. He returned and draped it over Cale, who smiled softly, "Ah, thanks,"
"A meal will be sent up soon for you, Young Master,"
"Alright, you're excused,"
Ron bowed and left the room, closing the doors firmly. Cale stayed unmoving, even as the servants knocked a little later. He didn't even look at them as they rolled in a cart, the girl silently placing an array of food on the table in front of Cale.
Seeing as Cale was reading intently, the young girl swallowed and politely spoke, "Y-Young Master Cale?"
"Hm?"
She paused and spoke again when Cale flipped the page, "Your meal is prepared,"
Cale looked up at her and the girl flinched slightly. Cale then looked down at the food and spoke, "Oh,"
He looked back at her, "Great, you're excused,"
The girl blinked before bowing and leaving the room, pushing the cart with her. As she exited, she began to walk back to the kitchen with a puzzled gaze.
"Hey!"
The girl looked up to see two other servants motioning to her from behind a corner. When she reached them, they walked with her, "So? How was he?"
"...he was just reading," The girl frowned, "It's nothing like what the servants at the main estate said,"
"What a shocker!"
"Maybe it's cause he isn't drunk?"
"Oh, I suppose we'll find out later..." the girl swallowed, "But he...wasn't that bad,"
She shook her head, "No, Young Master Cale wasn't bad at all,"
~~~
"Young Master Cale,"
"What is it?"
"Count Wheelsman and Young Master Eric have arrived,"
"Oh,"
Cale stood up at once, walking out of his room. Ron followed behind him as Cale made his way through the estate. As they neared the staircase, Cale could see the light grey hair of the Wheelsman Count and Heir. He could also see his father bowing and greeting the two.
Cale began to walk down the last few steps, his shoes making soft sounds on the marble floor. Deruth glanced back, smiling, "Cale,"
"Father," Cale spoke simply, before turning to the Wheelsman.
Cale gave a small bow, "Count Wheelsman, Hyung-nim,"
"Hello again, Young Cale," Count Wheelsman smiled kindly, "You seem taller than I remember,"
"Do I?" Cale asked blankly, turning back to Ron, "Did I get taller?"
"It has been quite an active year, Young Master,"
Cale blinked before letting out a soft chuckle and smile, amused, "Hah, guess so,"
Eric Wheelsman and his father exchanged a small look. For a moment, both of them saw the little kid Cale once was.
"Count, would you like to have a drink in the lounge?" Deruth proposed, "The boys can roam around the manor before dinner,"
"That sounds great," Count Wheelsman smiled, giving a small shoulder pat to Eric.
Cale suddenly remembered something, "Father, can we go to town?"
"At this time?"
"...Ron will be there," Cale juts a thumb out to Ron.
"Eric?" Count Wheelsman asked his son, knowing Deruth tended to let Cale do whatever he wanted.
"I don't mind. Cale's never been to the capital before, I'll show him around," Eric smiled.
"Alright then," Deruth smiled, "Ron, take care of both of them,"
"Yes, Count,"
Count Wheelsman gave Eric and Cale a small smile, before turning and walking with Deruth towards the first floor lounge.
Thus, the two heirs turned to one another. Eric smiled, "Cale, you seem a bit happy right now,"
"I guess," Cale shrugged and began to walk towards the front doors.
"Young Master Cale,"
Cale paused, glancing back. He saw Ron holding a jacket that he pulled from...wait, where did Ron even get that from?
'Ha...assassins...'
"You've forgotten your coat,"
"It seems so,"
Ron stepped forward and helped Cale put on the high quality coat on. Once Ron was certain it would keep the puppy warm, he nodded to the guards at the door. The two guards opened the door, bowing as the two young masters left and got into the carriage that was stationed outside.
"Why do you want to go to town?" Eric asked once they were seated inside.
"Basen and Lily,"
Eric stared blankly, "Excuse me?"
Cale turned to his friend, "They asked me to get them gifts,"
"Oh," Eric's eyes widened.
A bright smile spread on the older boy's face, "Then we must go to the best stores,"
Cale nodded, "Naturally,"
Eric happily chatted with Cale, who seemed to be in a good moodâ no, that's not it. It was that Cale seemed a bit more like the good little kid Eric remembered before. Eric still remembers when he first got wind of Cale's tantrums. He hadn't believed it then, frankly, no one close to the Henituse family had. Then came the first meeting since. Eric remembers how Cale grumbled about everything, insulted everything. A son of a baron family had tried to call Cale out, Cale had simply glared down, and spat, "How daring of a nobody to speak to me like that,"
Eric had watched for years as the noble children all grew wary of the short temper of the Henituse heir. Eric hadn't really been too scared, no, he had only felt sadness. Eric was someone who worried about everything because he liked to think about any possible situation.
Thus, he knew there was a high chance this was Cale's version of coping with grief for his mother.
Eric was not scared of Cale. He was sad he could do nothing but watch Cale spiral. He refused to leave Cale, though. Leave him without a friend, no matter what his other friends thought. Except the alliance members. Gilbert and Amiru weren't close to Cale per-say, but they did not flinch away. Whether it was because they understood like Eric or out of respect for their families alliance, Eric was not too sure.
The three of them had more often not spoken to Cale like he was a child, which to them, he was as the youngest of the four. Cale wasn't terrible with them, in Eric's opinion. And at least he listened to Eric and occasionally Amiru. Gilbert didn't really talk but his family valued honor so Eric wasn't too surprised by the distance.
Furthermore, Cale had never been too bad to him, personally. No, that's not it, Cale had never been bad to him. He mostly just complained and whined. He had still called Eric 'hyung-nim' and Eric had never given up the softness of being Cale's 'hyung'.
That's why this soft version of Cale that only seemed to come out at the scarcest of times was surprising. It was even more surprising that Cale mentioned his siblings. He didn't really talk of the family. No one else dared to mention it to him either.
Cale's fond smile when he thought of his siblings was like younger Cale's smile when talking of his mother.
Eric couldn't help but think something very good had happened to this dongsaeng of his.
"What do they want?" Eric asked, a new surge of energy flowing through his 16-year-old body.
"Basen wants a fountain pen," Cale recalled. He then looked at Eric oddly, "But Lily asked for a sword,"
Eric's smile froze, "Huh?"
"A sword, hyung-nim,"
Cale turned to Ron, "A four year old asking for a sword isn't normal, right?"
Ron looked at Cale for a moment. Cale grimaced, "Right, wrong person to ask,"
"I suppose Lily could have an interest in swordarts?" Eric shrugged.
"I'm not getting my little sister an actual sword," Cale spoke to Eric firmly.
Eric simply laughed, smiling brightly at Cale freely calling Lily his little sister, "Naturally. I'm sure we can find a toy one,"
Cale smiled, "Good idea,"
The carriage came to a slow stop at one of the noble entrances to the Plaza of Glory. Ron got down first, holding the door for Cale and Eric. It was still before dinner time so there was quite the bustle. Cale and Eric both showed their IDs to the guards who let them in with small bows.
Ron was silent as he followed Cale and Eric, the light-grey haired heir guiding the red-head through the plaza and happily informing Cale of the area. The two of them walked around the plaza, Eric guiding Cale into a few of his favorite stores.
"...oh there! This is a toy shop I visited with Mother once before," Eric led them inside.
Cale glanced around, taking note of the toys. 'They all seem to be good quality,'
"Welcome, welcome, young masters!" A warm voice greeted from the front.
Eric and Cale walked to the counter, Eric greeting warmly, "Good Evening Ma'am!"
"What can I get for you two?"
Cale stepped forward, "My little sister wants a sword,"
"Oh!" The woman's expression brightens further, "Oh, Young Master, you're truly kind! I have many swords,"
Cale looked at her, "Get me the finest quality. I don't care how expensive,"
"Right this way!"
The woman quickly moved from behind the counter and guided the two of them to one side of the store. She held up the various wooden swords, "Each of my products are made with high quality wood and is polished and painted with the finest oil and paint,"
"Hm," Cale hummed taking the swords and eyeing them carefully, "Hyung-nim, Ron?"
"I think they're good,"
"Young Lady Lily will enjoy them,"
"I'll take both of them," Cale said.
"Right away!"
"Do you have boxes?"
"I will place them in my best ones!"
"Great,"
Cale, Eric, and Ron waited at the counter as the woman went into the back room to pack the gifts. Eric smiled softly at Cale, "Young Lady Lily will be very excited for her big brother to give her a gift,"
Cale looked at Eric oddly, "She'd be happy getting a gift from anyone,"
Eric shook his head, "She's a kid, of course she will. But you're her orabeoni,"
"Basen is too," Cale shakes his head, "Speaking of him, where's a good quality art store?"
Eric sighed at Cale's obliviousness. He then informed, "There's one a few doors down,"
"Great," Cale nodded.
The woman returned and handed Cale the swords, each placed in dark blue boxes with white ribbon. Cale paid the woman the money, before leaving and following Eric to the art store. There, Cale found the most expensive fountain pen and bought two of them. The expression the shopskeeper made was amusing, but he was more than happy to make money. Cale spent a bit more money to acquire a small wooden case to carry them in.
After leaving the store, Cale asked Eric, "Hyung-nim, there is one more gift I wish to get,"
"Oh?" Eric looked at Cale, "For who?"
Cale began walking as he answered, "A friend,"
'A friend?' Eric rushed to be at Cale's side, "Which friend?"
"You've never met him, hyung-nim," Cale laughs slightly, seeing Eric's emotions clearly on his face, "I ran into him earlier this year,"
'I knew something good had happened!!!' Eric cheered in his head, "How wonderful! He must be a great person!!"
"He's actually kind of an annoying bastard,"
"A-ah?"
"Anyway, I want to get him something,"
"...I see. What should we look for?" Eric asked.
"Books," Cale informed, and then grumbled, "And a good watch. I found out we have the same date of birth, but that bastard didn't tell me,"
Eric smiled at Cale's childish grumbling, "The book store is over there and I believe there's a high end boutique down on the southside,"
Eric wasn't sure how Cale met this friend, nor even if he was a noble or commonfolk, but Eric liked them. He approved and was grateful for the person who had brought some friendly light into Cale's eyes. He was grateful for the person who got Cale to smile and laugh and play.
Of course, he was also slightly suspicious.
As someone who thinks of every scenario, he can't ignore the possibility of someone using Cale for some malicious intent. Eric truly hopes this scenario is simply a precaution and not reality. He doesn't want to know what would happen to Cale if he was betrayed by someone he seemed to have opened his walls to.
Eric kept this to himself and off his face, choosing to focus on his gratitude for the stranger instead. Thus, he settled in enjoying his friend's small smiles and friendly chatter the rest of the evening.
~~~
The following day was the day of the actual event.
The morning through late afternoon was free time for the nobles, while the evening from 7:30 onwards was the party at the palace.
Naturally, Cale, who drank after the Wheelsmans left, slept in until afternoon. When he woke up, courtesy of Ron, he was quickly dressed in casual noble clothes as there were no guests to entertain nor was he planning to go anywhere until the evening. So, he ended up joining Deruth for lunch.
The servants of the capital estate were having a field day of confusion from the actions of Cale. He was different from the rumors they'd heard, but when he had drunk alcohol, he had indeed spoken coarsely to the fewâvery fewâ servants that had run into him. However, he had not thrown anything or gone around causing trouble.
Privately, some assumed that the lord had asked Cale to behave as they were in the capital and not Henituse territory where the Count could easily control and clean up after the trash first heir.
Yet, as servants witnessed the lunch between Deruth and Cale, they could not help but think the rumors of the sole red-haired Henituse was complete foley.
Deruth and Cale sat on opposite ends of the table as per that stature indicated them. For the first portion of the meal, it was rather silent other than Deurth's polite greeting upon his son being awake. But in the latter half of the meal, Deruth spoke again, asking if Cale had gotten what he wanted yesterday and inquiring about the night out.
He had been unable to do this yesterday as he and Count Wheelsman were discussing work the entire time during dinner.
"Yes, I found what I needed,"Cale nodded, "Eric hyung is a very reliable tour guide,"
"What did you go to buy anyway?"
"I got some gifts,"
"Gifts?"
'Gifts?' the servants exchanged shocked glances, 'for who?'
"Mm," Cale hummed, and explained nonchalantly, "Did you know Rok Soo's date of birth is the same as mine? That bastard didn't tell me and I found out later. So, I got him some things,"
"Rok Soo?" a servant girl muttered lowly.
All of the servants were thinking the same, 'Who is this? Is there a noble with such a name? Did the young master have a friend?'
That wasn't what shocked them to the core though. The shocking sentence and hot gossip for the day came from the next sentence out of Cale's mouth.
"I also told Basen and Lily I'd get them something,"
Deruth paused, before a smile curled. He looked softly at his first son, "I'm sure they'll enjoy your gifts,"
"They wouldn't leave me until they asked," Cale shook his head.
"Yes, but you could've said no or had Ron buy them," Deruth couldn't help but tease.
Cale's felt a blush rising and stamped down the embarrassment, unaware that his ears turned red, "Tsk. I was bored and had nothing to do,"
Deruth chuckled softly, "Sure, son,"
Cale glared darkly at his father, making the servants stiffen, not that either father or son noticed. Deruth simply smiled at the glare.
'He's so much like her...'
Deruth gently set aside that thought process before his expression could change into something solemn. Instead, he asked about another thing, "I had no idea you were close with Young Master Rok Soo,"
"He's interesting,"
"Interesting?"
"I had nothing better to do than become aquantinces with him. He evaids my boredom,"
"Oh my, son, you seem to be bored quite a bit," Deruth bit down a laugh, but his lips were still smiling, "Are you sure you don't want me to set up a few blind dates with noble woman?"
Cale frowned deeply, expression morphing into annoyance, "I don't want any suitors,"
Deruth doesn't say that after tonight Cale will end up having some anyway. He knows the rumors in noble circle about his son. He also knows that his son's behavior will counter those rumors and shock many.
Really, Deruth won't be surprised if Cale ends up becoming a bit of an interesting piece of gossip. This is, of course, to Deruth's dismay. He'd rather hide his son away from prying eyes, but he'd failed at that long ago and there was nothing he could do about it now.
Despite this, Deruth still has a request for his son.
"Cale,"
"Yes, Father?"
"There will be drinks tonight,"
Cale glances up, surprised. His drinking is not mentioned except in gossip of servants or knights. It is simply a topic that is not addressed. That's why he's caught off guard by Deruth mentioning it.
'Must be because Lily isn't present,'
"Naturally,"
"I want you to avoid alcohol,"
Cale's eyes widened just a bit. He was planning on doing that anyway or only having a single cup of wine after an appropriate amount of time was spent mingling about. He had been joking with Rok Soo about it then, a tease to piss off the older. He was not a lunatic to drink and cause the same amount of chaos he does back home inside the Royal Palace. If he does, his Father will bear the brunt of it. Or worse, Violan for sending Cale instead of herself like usual.
'So Father is perfectly aware. And he's scared I'll make a mess,'
Cale knew his family was scared of him. He knew thats why they didn't mention the drinking. He knew and he had wanted this. Chosen this.
So, what is this twisting feeling in his chest?
Cale lets out a bored sigh, "Hm, fine. Getting drunk around the company at the palace today will probably backfire,"
Deruth smiled, a bit relieved.
"You read the list,"
"There's some good ones, some normal ones, some bad ones, some greedy ones, and some I want to punch in the face," Cale nodded.
"Hm, yes. You can do what you want on our land,"
Cale grinned, wickedly.
"Of course. It's ours,"
The conversation ended there along with lunch.
Cale returned to his room throwing himself lazily on the bed the second he walked in. Ron, who had been arranging the books Cale had been reading last night, walked over, "Young Master Cale, is everything alright?"
"Mhm,"
'Liar' Ron smiled, "Did you have a bad lunch?"
"No,"
"Young Master, please tell this Ron what's wrong so he may fix it,"
"Ron," Cale lifts his head up, "Is Beacrox busy?"
"I'm not sure,"
"I'm going to bother him,"
"I understand, young master,"
"...Ron,"
"Yes, young master?"
"Do you...find it amusing when I go mess with your son?"
Ron smiled benignly.
Cale took that as a sign to shut up and not ask further questions. As if he hadn't been brooding for a few seconds, Cale got up and left the room, on a hunt to bother his hyuâ chef.
Ron followed behind from a distance as per his duty.
Ron watched as Cale walked into the kitchen Beacrox had claimed (the chef had kicked out the kitchen staff from the room the day before). Beacrox, who had been preparing a meal for the knights, released a sigh upon sensing the annoying punk.
"Beacrox, I'm bored!"
"Might I inquire why you are here, young master?"
"Because you're going to unbore me," Cale grinned, perfectly happy in annoying the older.
"I am currently cooking a meal for the knights,"
"You're almost done, though?"
'Curse this punk,' Beacrox sighs again.
Cale, to his credit, sits on the counter away from where Beacrox is working. He then pulls out the small pocket notebook, flipping through the notes and information. Only one person other than him could read it and that was Rok Soo. The reason was because Cale had written it with a mix of both Roan Kingdom's Language and the Korean Language he learned from Rok Soo.
Cale spoke up to Beacrox after a few minutes, looking at his notes, "Do you think their are other assassins hiding?"
Beacrox glances back for a moment, seeing Cale looking at his notebook. Turning back to his work, Beacrox answered, "I suppose it's possible. But many might be in the Eastern Continent,"
"Ugh, that's troublesome,"
"...you weren't planning on searching, were you?"
"I'm just trying to be useful to Rok Soo,"
"Useful? With what?"
Cale bit his lip, glancing at Beacrox's back. He watched as Beacrox began to load the carts with numerous plates, covering each one with a lid so they would stay heated for the knights. Cale muttered softly, "He has a goal,"
Beacrox glanced up at Cale after he left the carts in the position for the servants to come and collect them. Taking off his white gloves, Beacrox frowns in contemplation. Cale continues, unaware of how Beacrox is observing him, "I want to help him achieve it,"
"Why?"
"...he helped me,"
"With the gangsters?"
"It was more than that,"
Cale was not a fool. He knew that if Rok Soo hadn't spoken to him that day, hadn't intervened, Cale would not be here. Better yet, he probably would be doing the same actions he had at the beginning of the year. Granted, he still did, but he didn't drink as often or cause property damage. But Cale can feel it deep inside.
Knows that without a doubt, Rok Soo had helped him in a much bigger way.
Perhaps it was the lightness he felt in his heart or the small warmth he felt around the brunettes in the Estate. Whatever had given it away, Cale knew that the other had stopped him from spiraling when Cale hadn't even realized that's what was happening.
'I thought it was for Basen and Mother. But I can see other options, know better options. Why did I pick the act of a drunkard?'
Cale didn't really have those answers yet.
"Young Master Cale?"
Cale looked up.
Beacrox was standing closer than before, expression slightly twisted in displeasure. Ron, wherever he had come from, was also now in the kitchen, standing in front of Cale. Ron spoke seeing Cale look at them, "Young Master-nim, are you alright? You didn't respond to Beacrox,"
"Oh,"
Cale looked at Beacrox, "I...was thinking. My apologies,"
Beacrox's eyes widened just a fraction.
"I'm fine, anyways, back to what we were saying," Cale forced a smile, moving on, "That old man's goal also is of interest to me, so I should put my effort,"
"Perhaps this Ron can be of assistance,"
"Obviously you two will help," Cale looked at Ron and Beacrox dumbly, "You're both strong,"
Beacrox and Ron exchanged a look, wondering what being strong had to do with the goal of two wealthy teenagers.
"Speaking of!" Cale looked at Ron, "Ron, I finished reading all the books,"
Beacrox felt a surge of interest. The books given to Cale from Ron were on all different weapon types and the general description of each.
"Did you find something of interest?"
"I found some very interesting things!"
Cale flipped his notebook, opening up a page. He turned it and the two assassins could see a sketch of a few weapons. Three were daggers, two were sword, and the final seemed to be a spear. Beacrox's eyes widened in surprise, "Ho? A spear?"
"I don't want to learn it right away," Cale explained, "It just looked very interesting to me and so I sketched it. If I don't fit the the sword, I'll look into a spear,"
Cale quickly moved on. He didn't want to talk about the spear too much.
" In my family, we all mastered two weapons. I chose a spear and sword. I was better at the spear but after meeting Deruth I got better at my sword,"
"This is your regular dagger," Cale brushed off his thoughts, "But these two!"
Cale placed the book on his lap, pointing with a glint of excitement in his eyes. The drawing was quite accurate and was most likely copied from one of the books. The handle was engraved with various patterns and the blade was long and thin, representing a needle, "I liked this dagger. It's called a Stiletto Dagger and is easy to hide on boots and under clothes,"
"Ho," Ron was actually surprised Cale picked a stiletto dagger of all things. They're used by assassins and spies for the same reasons Cale mentioned. Ron asked, "This drawing isn't a stiletto though,"
"Oh, no that's a butterfly knife," Cale smiled, "The dexterity of it intrigued me,"
"The dexterity?" Ron repeated, "Not the impressiveness?"
"If I wanted to impress, would we be doing this in secret?" Cale defended himself.
'That was just part of the reason, you scary butler!'
Ron seemed to see through him as he gave him a small look, before moving on, "Young Master-nim, a rapier and a longsword will be quite obvious,"
A mischievous smile crawled onto Cale's face. The two assassins suddenly felt a sense of danger.
"Hehe," Cale giggled, "I already thought of that~"
"Hah..." Beacrox couldn't help but sigh, "And, may we know what your plan is?"
"Nope!" Cale shook his head, "I want to try them out first. See if I like how they move. I know how swords work, but a sword is a lot harder to hide. Especially a longsword. That thing stood out a ton back then!"
"A rapier is a type of sword," Beacrox pointed out.
"Yes, but it's a sword that favors duxtility and is quick. Something with a blade sharp enough to hurt someone, but thin enough to be hidden,"
'Hurt someone?'
"...young master-nim," Ron began slowly, "I will dutifully assist you to the best of my abilities, however, I must question you, once more. What are you and Young Master Rok Soo doing to require any of this?"
Cale looked at the Molan duo.
He wants to tell them, he does.
It'll be easier to convince Ron to let him go out. It'll be easier for Cale to work without having to hide everything from Ron, who was around him most hours of the day.
But there's a part of Cale that can't bring himself to. Does not wish to drag them into this complicated mess he and Rok Soo are trying to navigate.
It's hard enough trying to keep Ron unaware of his nightmares by holding back every scream, every sob, every flinch when he stares at his family breathing. Cale's dreams, visions of the future, as Rok Soo calls them, are things Cale doesn't know why he of all people has. He doesn't know why Rok Soo knows of the future too. Or how.
He cannot explain completely to these two assassins who have had their home taken and family killed. He can't bring himself to burden them with it.
So, Cale simply smiles, as bright and as convincing as always. He has acted for years, fooling both of them. He can easily do so again, "It's not anything big, really. Rok Soo taught me because I kept getting in fights with gangsters and other nobles. I was simply inspired by the adrenaline rush,"
Beacrox and Ron share another look, before dropping the subject. Ron says simply, "I will help you with your dagger and butterfly knife. Beacrox can help you with the basics of rapiers and longswords as both them and a greatsword fall under swords,"
Beacrox nods, "It's good you chose a sword. You've got experience with it,"
Cale grinned, thrilled about his training and thrilled about his lie working once again.