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Chapter Text

Kim Rok Soo halted in his tracks seeing as his surroundings changed. It wasn't destruction crippled buildings, nor his office but a deep and dark forest.

Odd looking bugs and birds.

It was peaceful.

Though he was unsure how to react to this guy speaking to him.

"Can you tie this for me?"

That's what Kim Rok Soo was asked. In a language he never spoke or learned, yet somehow understood. Though the question wasn't much, based on the several bandages and tired look on this man's face, that rope in his hand would be used for something Kim Rok Soo wanted nothing a part of.

"...What?" He spoke the language so easily, yet it felt odd on his tongue.

Kim Rok Soo asked, staring at the person in front of him. He'd never seen him before and yet, he was all too familiar with this guy.

Crimson hair, reddish gray eyes, a young and rather handsome man. Yeah, this person was the real deal.

"Cale Henituse?"

"That is my name." Cale frowned at Kim Rok Soo. A rope in his left hand and a wine bottle in his right. That blank and tired look in Cale's eyes was unsettling to look at. "When I asked earlier, you acted as if you didn't know me."

"I have heard of a person called Cale Henituse, but I am unsure of who you are exactly." Kim Rok Soo lied of course.

It was a typical day off. It had been a while since he had read an actual book instead of on his phone, so he went to the library to check out some books. He borrowed the entire series since he planned to read all day long.
The name of the book was [The Birth of a Hero]. Kim Rok Soo managed to finish the fifth Volume before he fell asleep. But when he woke up he was lying in a dark forest only to meet the individual the main character had mercilessly beaten up in volume 1.

That person was asking him to tie a rope for him.

That much was odd but, the fact he was isolated in a dark forest, a place no one would have the courage to come too…

"How do you want me to tie it?" Kim Rok Soo asked cautiously. If it's what he thinks it is, he'd be leaving immediately.

"Into a noose if you could."
Fuck.

This guy was trying to kill himself.

Cale Henituse, the Trash of the Counts family, was suicidal.
"I refuse."

"I'll pay you."

Tempting offer but, Kim Rok Soo wasn't going to be part of someone else's suicide, besides, from the looks of it Cale has already met the main character, Choi Han. He only wonders how long it's been since then.

"If you want to die so badly, you should work for it. Tie it yourself." Kim Rok Soo frowned at the man in front of him. His life motto was pretty simple.

Living long without pain. Enjoying the small joys of life.

That was why dealing with this person was troublesome.

"It's worth trying." Cale sighed and sat on a nearby rock. Making attempts to tie the rope, ignoring Kim Rok Soo's disappearing presence.

Kim Rok Soo left without uttering a single word. He was almost certain the alcoholic noble would give up after a while and return to his home.
He wandered into town. Unlike his home, buildings were perfectly intact. Wooden and antique, a design that fits historic ages in western countries. Similarly, even the clothing found in those ages is what people were most commonly wearing.

He'd woken up in another world, met a suicidal Count's son and was completely broke.

This was annoying.

Kim Rok Soo found a place to sit down to contemplate where to go from here. He had no connections, no power and worst of all no money. Whatever brought him to this world wanted to piss him off.

"Hey, haven't you heard?"

He listened to the conversation. They had simple and plain clothing which did not stand out much, unlike the man he'd met earlier.

"The Trash Young Master has gone missing."
"Really, how long has it been?"
"It's been 3 days, it's no wonder things have been so peaceful as of late."
"Hasn't Count Henituse sent a search team?"
"Nu-uh! Maybe he's finally realized how trashy his son is!"

'He's been in the woods for 3 days? It's no wonder he looked so frail.' Kim Rok Soo sat back in his chair, his gaze making its way to the forest he saw Cale in.

The son of a Count has been missing for 3 days and no one has bothered to look for him.

"People are so shitty..." He cursed and the two men jumped at his harsh tone. Kim Rok So didn't spare either of them a glance and rushed towards the forest. He didn't know why his body was moving so quickly for someone he'd only met recently.

It could have been that dead look in Cale's eyes or the fact it reminded him of himself but the guy was definitely in need of someone's help.

"You better pay me after this Count Henituse!" He growled, jumping over a broken tree. His brain moved at a speed not humanly possible as he searched for Cale.

He was working hard to find this guy. Why the hell was he working so hard to find him?
He took a moment to catch his breath and rethink the situation he was in. Cale Henituse, the so-called Trash of the Henituse County, has been missing for 3 days. No one has gone to look for him, and everyone seems to be glad he's not here to make a mess of things.

That person is trying to commit suicide.

He'd also be a great wallet if left alive.

Money outweighs everything.

Kim Rok Soo continued his search, recording places he'd already been and finally stumbling upon the same spot he'd met him.

The Trash noble, no, Cale Henituse was about to hang himself.

Surprisingly he'd taken the time to tie the noose properly and over a tree branch.

'Why not use that dedication on something else.' He cursed for the umpteenth time since coming to this world.

Cale stood on top of the rock he had sat on earlier. One hand on top of the knotted part of the noose and the other preparing to pull it over his neck.

Fwip!

"Ah- Wha-"

Kim Rok Soo grabbed Cale by the nap of his white shirt. Only realizing now just how plain Cale's clothes were. A white shirt and black trousers, maybe it's because of how good looking Cale was or he just wasn't thinking about it but, he can remember Cale's description in the novel.

He wore the most expensive and extravagant clothes, flaunting his wealth wherever he went.

"What are you doing?" Cale asked with an annoyed expression. Falling onto his butt when Kim Rok Soo finished dragging him.

"I need a job." Kim Rok Soo responded.

"That doesn't answer my question." Cale retorted.

"I need a job and you're a noble right?"

"Again, does not answer my question."

"I want you to hire me."

Cale stood up from the ground and looked at Kim Rok Soo. The raven haired wasn't that much taller than Cale, just more defined muscles and broader shoulders. However he didn't look too much older than Cale. Maybe six years. Or more.

"Your actions and words contradict each other." Cale sighed, turning to look at the noose hanging on the tree. He turned back to Kim Rok Soo, roughly dragging a hand through his deep red hair and began to walk off, back towards the city.

"You coming?" Cale called out to Kim Rok Soo who quickly followed after him.
All the gazes of the pedestrians fell on the two, making them both the center of attention. They made their way to a familiar street. The people all watching them pass by warily.

Kim Rok Soo glanced at the man he was following.

Cale was walking straight up like a typical noble, yet wore a grim expression. It scared the people around them stiff and they all quickly cleared a way for the two men to pass. A drunk trash noble seemed to be not as scary as a sober one.

That made things easier for Kim Rok Soo regardless.

"You're not from here, are you?" Cale spoke up, not paying any mind to the people watching him.

"I am not." Kim Rok Soo answered truthfully.

Cale figured he wasn't since Kim Rok Soo talked to him like a person. Not out of fear, nor of respect, but as a regular person. He said he knew his name earlier but didn't specify how. The only other people that spoke to him like that were his parents and even they seemed to hate him as well.

Besides, this guy was similar to that guy Choi Han.
Black hair was a rare hair color, not to mention those long scars that stuck out from under his long sleeves. From his own past experiences it made him a bit more perceptive of the things around him.

Funny enough these two men were in similar situations.

One had transmigrated and the other regressed through time.

Cale could have sworn he had just been killed by white star. He could have sworn his entire family had been killed and he was the only one left alive. He could have sworn he jumped in front of Choi Han before he was impaled by White Star.

Just a few days ago he had woken up from being beaten by Choi Han.

No one knew of White Star.
No war had broken out.
His family was alive and well.
And no one had come to visit him after being beaten half to death.

It was the same as before.

Initially he had hoped it was a nightmare but remembered the words of that bastard. That bastard the God of Death.

That is why immediately after waking up he headed to the dark forest.

"My child, I promise you'll live happily in this life. I have sent a gift to you, for your happiness and this world's future.”

He could hear the god's voice loud and clear when he died.

Cale figured the only way to receive this gift was to come close to death or die. He'd receive a peaceful death and his family and world would be saved.

"You know of the future, right?" Cale asked, not sugar coating anything as he stopped and turned to Kim Rok Soo. He watched as the man's eyes wide and return to normal before he opened his mouth to speak

"...That's right." Kim Rok Soo's eyes narrowed suspiciously at Cale.

"Then you'll be helping me out a lot in the future."

Kim Rok Soo looked quietly as Cale spoke to him. There was already something off about this supposed trash noble. The way he spoke to Kim Rok Soo and the fact he didn't act, or even make an attempt to pretend to be trash in front of him.

"What is it you need from me?" Kim Rok Soo was always one to get to the point quickly.

"You."

"Excuse me?"

"I need you."

Chapter Text

Cale didn't bother to elaborate further and turned to continue to walk, finally stopping once they reached a large gate.

"Y-young Master!"

"You've returned!"

The guards timidly called out. Such awkwardness and wariness was to be expected when others talked with Cale.

Kim Rok Soo could not decide if it was funny or annoying. Cale had never hit anyone, the worst he did was break a few things but all items were always replaced with something of better quality.

Though the annoyed expression on Cale's face was worth seeing.

"This man..."

"He's with me, move out the way."

They moved instantly when Cale's foot stepped forward and Kim Rok Soo quietly followed. Though the guards let them by one followed a bit far behind. Kim Rok Soo commended the guard's diligence.

Eventually they were inside the mansion, making their way down the long halls. Ron wasn't there which kept Kim Rok Soo from a heart attack. No one dared to approach or greet Cale or Kim Rok Soo, well everyone except his newly assigned butler Hans. He was quickly ordered away the second he came to Cale's side.

Everyone feared Cale.

That was probably why they got to Cale's room so easily.

Too easily in fact.

The Young Master, who was only 18, brought a strange man into the estate.

The young master, who was only 18, brought a strange man into his room.
Alone.

Yet no one cared, even after he'd been gone for 3 days.

Just as Kim Rok Soo closed the door, Cale sat on his bed in one swift yet somehow elegant movement.

He messed with his hair gently, a somehow comfortable silence making itself home in the large room.

Now that he's looking at it.

Kim Rok Soo found Cale's room to be odd. Not that there was anything strange in it but rather it looked too... normal.

It was large, very large in fact but the contents of the room were so... plain. In the novel [The Birth of a Hero] Cale Henituse was described as someone who enjoyed extravagant and expensive things of all kinds. His room should have been an exact replica of such taste but it was not.

The furniture was all made of high quality materials. The highest in fact yet the room looked so plain. There were no luxurious paintings, or elegant colors or even expensive jewels. It was just a large bed, two long lounge chairs and a bookshelf.

It was empty.

That made Kim Rok Soo slightly uncomfortable. He wasn't one to find things uncomfortable if they didn't involve him but this... much like earlier this day, was unsettling to look at.
Kim Rok Soo leaned on the door, keeping it from being opened from the outside and locking Cale in from the inside.

He needed to know just what the hell was going on.

The silence was soon cut from the larger man. "Our conversation from earlier..."
Cale sighed and leaned back onto his bed. "It's as I said." He pulled at the ruffled fabric around his neck, loosening the plain black tie. "I need you."

"Right..."

Cale didn't elaborate further. 'I need you.' That was all.
Kim Rok Soo was free to interpret it anyway that made the most sense. His body? Mind? Maybe his soul. It could be anything at this point. He was just transported into a novel and now this guy was telling him in the most vague way possible what he wanted.

Cale turned his head to the man leaning against the door. His face may have been emotionless but his mind was obviously chaotic.

"I regressed in time so I know bits of the future," Cale sighed. "You know what I don't."

That made more sense. He needed help stopping the war in the future and needed more brain power to do so. Considering he's already met Choi Han in the worst way possible, Cale would have a hard time going to different places to gather information and even allies.
That would be Kim Rok Soo's job then. Since Cale was the only one who knew where Kim Rok Soo came from it's not like he could do much protesting. He had money and Kim Rok Soo wanted it.

Truthfully he'd much rather hide away in another continent but he lacked information.
Rok Soo nodded then finally spoke up. It would be best if they could avoid a war all together. "Alright, I'll help but don't think I'm doing this for free, I-"

"Of course not, who the hell do you think I am?" Cale quickly sat up and frowned, waving a dismissive hand in the air. "You'll share funds with me and I can assure you I have more than enough."

Kim Rok Soo had to admit he was surprised at all of this, though much calmer than any other person would be in this situation. After all, he was brought to an unfamiliar place just to learn he would need to help save the world. Though all of this was do-able and he'd be able to slack off in the end.

"It's not like we'll be the center of attention. The goal is to gather enough allies and power to get rid of the main source of headache. There's no need to go out of our way to make ourselves heroes in all this." Cale explained while kicking off his shoes. "After all this is over I'd prefer to take all my money and live off in a more closed off area and become a slacker."

To that Rok Soo's ears perked up with a newfound excitement.

"Slacker..."He mumbled. "Right, we'll find a nice quiet place to live." He nodded and kicked off his shoes as well, walking away from the door. Cale didn't question the 'we' in that sentence nor did he complain. Having company would be worth it. Even though he's only known the man for a few hours, Cale has come to enjoy Rok Soo's company. The man was quiet and didn't ask for too much. He was easy to talk to and seemed to just understand everything about Cale.

It was pleasant.

"But if we want that to happen we'll have to be careful."

Kim Rok Soo continued to listen to the redhead.

"When I was forty the Rowoon Kingdom was razed to the ground."

Kim Rok Soo's eyes widened in shock. That was a damn large scale.

"Our King Zed Crossman died in the battle against white star, while the first prince, Alberu Crossman, fought in many battles against the enemy to recover the kingdom's Western borders. Choi Han, Rosalyn and Lock all helped with that. I was in charge of the Eastern border but had to leave to the capital per the Prince's request. He needed assistance planning and raising defenses."

Kim Rok Soo nodded, taking in all the information. Cale's knowledge confirmed the regression story considering he wouldn't know about these other characters otherwise.

"And this White Star...?" He asked.

"White Shit is the enemy and leader of the organization called 'Arm'"

Fuck. Remembering the contents of the novel Kim Rok Soo cursed inwardly. Choi Han was unaware of how strong his opponent truly was. He clenched his fist to brace himself the question he needed to ask.

"How long?"

"The War continued for 20 years."

Kim Rok Soo groaned and held a hand to his head.

"As the war went on the kingdom began to recruit more people. Since I had taken on the duties of the Henituse territory, us being a Northeastern territory we utilized the Forest of Darkness, gaining the upper hand against enemies for a long while. Even with the attack I was able to subdue and gain control over the wyverns in the long run."
That was good to know.

'Wyverns?'

"However, things didn't stay that way. Not many were able to fight against the main forces of Arm so we spread out in a way to keep them at bay for just enough time. But... White Star is strong. Even Choi Han struggled against him."

"You were on the frontlines?"

"Yes, I ended up buried under a pile of corpses for a while. I needed to get my revenge."

To this Kim Rok Soo raised a brow. Wasn't the Henistuse territory doing alright.

"The Bastard sent people from the Western borders to the east. They destroyed the territory while I was away in the capital."

Cale gripped the sheets recounting the memory. Kim Rok Soo could see how much Cale treasured his family.

"I was stripped of the chance to even lift a finger. So I joined the frontlines to save the future of my world."

That was when Cale began to smile. His cold eyes looked like Kim Rok Soo's.

"I was stripped of my family... So I stripped him of the only thing keeping him alive. The only thing letting him come close to the so-called godhood he wanted so badly. He might have killed me but I can't wait to see his face when I murder him."

Cale laughed. His hands now folded in his lap as he sat straight up. He sat so elegantly as he laughed about killing someone.

Kim Rok Soo only agreed, focusing on Cale's androgynous look. Even with short hair he was as pretty as a girl but still a handsome man. He began to like the redhead a bit more. He wanted to become a slacker, not try to become a hero. Not to mention his family was his first priority.

"Well If he's strong," Kim Rok Soo added. Remembering the ancient powers, he smiled. Getting that shield will definitely prove useful. He was going to live off Cale's money he needed to make sure they didn't die.
"We just have to get stronger," Cale concluded, smiling back. Just how was he gifted with such a perfect human.

Kim Rok Soo scanned the empty room looking for something. Upon not finding it he spoke up. "I... need a pen and paper."

"Shall I have my study opened up for you?" Cale suggested.

"You won't be with me?"

"I'll go shopping to get you some new clothes. You really stick out wearing clothes like... that." Cale motioned his hand circling Kim Rok Soo's entire body. He took a few glances at Kim Rok Soo, figuring out his measurements.

The two men continued on in silence neither speaking up to break it. The only other sound being Kim Rok Soo walking towards the bed.

He plopped down on the bed without much thought. Pulled off his shirt and immediately fell asleep.

Cale looked at him impressed. He's never met a person able to sleep instantaneously like that. It was a skill he wished he had. Any other person would have protested against the form of disrespect but Cale seemed to think it was normal. He often slept in the same proximity as other men. Not to mention the several times he'd fallen asleep next to the first prince while dealing with different documents after staying awake for 6 days straight. He'd take 30 minutes out of each day to sleep but that was about it.

He simply undid his shirt and pulled it off exposing his bandaged pale skin and went to sleep not long after.

It was extremely odd.

Nevertheless, the Earth continued its cycle and the Rowoon Kingdom fell asleep.

No one questioned Cale's disappearance.
No one questioned the guest in the estate.
No one questioned the Young Master disappearing into his room with the stranger.
And neither man questioned why they chose to sleep together that night.

—
It was a new day and Hans urgently made his way to Cale's bedroom.

He'd been worried sick after learning the tail on Cale lost him. He should have followed Cale himself.

Hans inwardly cursed at his negligence.

The poor boy had just woken up from being beaten on his mother's death date. The look of horror and betrayal on his face after learning Ron had left with the same person that beat him broke Hans' heart. Not to mention the people that didn't bother to look for him didn't even react when he came home.

His young master had finally returned home after 3 days.

"What the hell is wrong with these people?" He cussed under his breath. Finally arriving at Cale's room he regained his composure and knocked on the door.

"Young Master, it is time to wake up!" He may have spoken with a cheerful voice but Hans was still upset.

Hans heard a subtle rustling and his young master speak to someone, gaining a short, almost tired response in return.

"I'm up." Cale responded, his voice still sounded sleepy.

It was amazing that Cale had woken up with just a few knocks.

That was merely due to his heightened senses from the war.

"The Count wishes for you to dine with them for breakfast since it's been a while."

"I'll go." He gave a short response yet again.

"I shall send the maids to assist you with dressing--"

"No need." Cale's words felt like a knife. It wasn't angry or full of hatred but it was sharp and quick.

"Then I shall report to the Count... I do hope you're doing alright Young Master." He stood by the door in hopes of hearing something. Anything.

"I am... I am fine Hans. Be sure to eat well today." Cale responded with sincerity. Hans had found a special place in his heart after staying with him all throughout the war. Making sure he didn't starve himself while working and just doing the simple things to keep Cale from losing his mind, not like he still had it after Arm destroyed the territory.

But Hans stayed with him.

Cale thought fondly of the ginger butler before rising from the bed. He massaged his shoulder and stretched his arms over his head from either side.

"Then I shall report to the Count! Have a lovely breakfast young master!"

"You can use the bathroom after me, I'll have Hans open the study for you. You should come to breakfast." Cale stood up from the bed. The raven haired's eyes lingered on his pale bareback, making their way down to the bandages around the redhead's waist.

'He's so thin.'

"Rok Soo."

"Excuse me?" Cale turned just as he reached the bathroom.

"My name is Kim Rok Soo. Feel free to call me Rok Soo."

Cale merely nodded and headed into the bathroom.

Chapter Text

In the years Cale spent with his family. Eating breakfast was one of the many few things he did with them.

It wasn't because he hated them.

Far from it actually.

He wanted them to enjoy themselves, together, like a true family. His presence only seemed to make them uncomfortable.

After his mother's death, Cale saw how broken his father was from it. He did his very best to comfort the man but found it was of no use very shortly after.

He'd wait for his father at different meals for hours, hoping and praying the man would come out of his office and finally speak to him again. He studied relentlessly in hopes he'd be able to lessen his father's workload, going through tutor after tutor until no one was able to teach him anything new and yet this did not bring his father any closer to him. He practiced dance and weaponry of all kinds to hear some kinds of praises. Some kind of attention. Yet all of his efforts proved to be vain.

So Cale cut his hair.

Much like his mother, Cale had long Crimson hair that he'd often braid flowers into. But everyday he'd look in the mirror and see his mother. Her beautiful and elegant smile that washed all the negative emotion away, her long and flowing red locks she'd often have in a bun unless the two played in the garden and the fact that this was why his father could no longer look at him.

So he cut it, he wished he could have dyed his hair any color but red.

And yet never did he get his father's attention.

It wasn't until the Count called Cale to greet the new Countess did he actually see his father smile after a year. With the new Countess and her son did he finally see his father smile.

Not at him but at the people he'd brought into the County only a year after his mother's death.
Any other person would have screamed and cried at this. Bringing another woman into his life without even properly mourning his own mother should have angered him. Yet Cale couldn't find any hatred in his heart towards them.

The new Countess was an elegant and smart lady. And her son, Basen, was an adorable kid with a big heart and personality. Who in their right mind would hate them?

So he welcomed them into the family with no anger or hatred and promptly left.

Considering all the servants seemed to think they were happier without Cale there, the boy began to take it to heart. He himself noticed the difference between when he was around and was not so he made the executive decision to keep his family a family.

Even if he wasn't in the picture.

Even if everyone hated him.

But now he was standing in front of the dining room doors after so many years. After having watched them all die without being able to save them.

He took a deep breath hesitating to open the door.

"What's wrong?" Kim Rok Soo asked. The look of worry on his face was directed towards Cale.

It's been a long time since someone's been worried about him.

That made Cale subconsciously start to smile. "I'm fine..." He answered meekly.

"You sure?"
"Very."

"Young master!" Hans shouted, rushing down the hallway. "I should have led you here, please excuse my negligence."

Right. It was customary for servants to lead nobles. This was a fact long forgotten since Cale was more focused on the war efforts than acting like a noble.

"Hans, have my study opened and cleaned. Lead him there after breakfast." Cale gave a simple order, lifting a hand in Kim Rok Soo's direction.
Hans looked between Cale and Kim Rok Soo. A slightly suspicious look in his eyes only to smile at Cale once again. "Of course, young master!"

He gave one more look at Kim Rok Soo before opening the door to the dining room.

Cale walked past Hans and saw them. He wasn't sure he'd be able to sit through this.

Cale sat at the opposite end, his father directly across from him. With Kim Rok Soo to his left.

As their meals came to the table Cale could feel his father's gaze boring into him as he looked down at his food. Purposefully avoiding eye contact.

Deruth was questioning himself right now.

Often, in the solitude of his office, he'd think about his eldest son. Usually Hans would deliver a bill with a small smile and nervous laugh to him. It was always compensation for something Cale broke. Though it never really mattered to him since Cale listened and stayed within the territory.

However Deruth's insecurities and regret are finally falling into play.

Even after Cale had been gravely injured by that black haired boy, Deruth couldn't bring himself to see his son. It was as if he were afraid he'd hurt him any more. He knows it was a terrible thing to do but out of his own fear, he'd abandoned the child he'd loved so dearly.
Afterall any form of contact he had with Cale had dwindled to the point he'd only ever see him at breakfast, and even that was a rarity. Cale hardly ever went and when he did the redhead would leave early, only eating a few things off his plate.

So when he first heard Cale had arrived home with someone and had gone to Cale's room he was surprised but felt it was good his son was meeting people. Though it scared him as he thought of Cale's reputation.

He abruptly let it go, figuring it was for the best.

However... Deruth had made the assumption that this person was around his son's age. But seeing as this person was about ten years older than Cale sent something off. He wanted to ask so many questions but out of fear of pushing his son away further Deruth kept his mouth shut.

With their relationship already hanging by a thread, what the hell was he supposed to do?
With that calm look on his son's face he couldn't help but feel this way. Could they have been dating for a while? Was this just a way of introducing him? It must have been. Cale was relaxed without any traces of anger or disgust.

Was it because of them?

Did they make Cale so uncomfortable he'd rather eat alone?

Were they the problem?

Cale's face shifted causing the other's to flinch. Kim Rok Soo, off in his own world, did not notice.

His eyes met with Deruth's. "Is there something you need to say, father?"
"...No I do not."

Cale looked at his other family members, all of which turned away to avoid eye contact. He finally turned to Kim Rok Soo. The man seemed happy at the delicious food.

"You look like you're enjoying yourself." Cale said, once again impressed with this man's ability to ignore everything and be able to eat with this atmosphere.

"Of course, the food is delicious." Kim Rok Soo calmly answered, not noticing the piercing stares he got from Cale's family.

"That is true. You should try the broiled shrimp and cocktail sauce. It's quite good." Cale had casually let it slip in conversation. Not thinking much about what he was saying.

"Do you prefer seafood?" Kim Rok Soo asked, taking a bite of the sausage.

"Yes, certain one's at least. I'm not too keen on oily or garlicky foods. Eating it tends to give me a headache almost immediately." Cale answered, taking a bite of his sausage. Almost shocked at the delicious flavor. "Mn, though now I can eat it without too much problem. I still get headaches every so often but it's no big deal."

"That's no good."

"Is it?"
"Don't eat too much, have this." Kim Rok Soo placed a small fruit on his fork, moving it in Cale's direction to feed him. Cale once again didn't question it and accepted the fruit without hassle. It was sweet and had a soft texture.

Clank

The sound of metal hitting the ground made Cale freeze. He looked in the direction of the sound and made eye contact with Basen. He had dropped his fork on the floor.

"My apologies." He quickly but calmly apologized.

A servant quickly gave him a new fork and the meal continued.

Cale had looked back at Kim Rok Soo, realizing the man's gaze had never left him. He stared at Cale's face, taking another piece of fruit onto his fork and pushing it towards Cale.
Cale accepted it and smiled yet again.

"You have a pretty smile." Kim Rok Soo complimented, going back back to eating his meal.
"I think it's average." Cale answered back.

"No, it's very pretty. You remind me of a jewel"
"Such a comparison?"
"Why not, jewels are very pretty."
"And expensive."
"As such are the best jewels"

To that Cale smiled. He was glad this man had somewhat similar tastes to him. He enjoyed expensive things, just not extravagant clothing. Money was deemed best to him.

"...Ho."

As they continued to eat Cale could hear a gasp. He ignored the noise this time. He was enjoying himself for the first time in a long while. Even though 20 years of war his noble elegance managed to stay with him.

It was probably because he drilled the hell out of his mind and body. Remembering all types of information. From noble houses, greetings, etiquette, history of not only the Rowoon Kingdom but the other's as well. To complicated dances, strategization, war tactics and all kinds of weaponry.

He's an amazing person.

People only realized how competent he was when it was too late.

"Cale,"

Cale looked towards his father.

"Is there anything you need?"

Cale took a second, gently wiping his mouth and looking back at his father. "Money. Please give me money."

Deruth smiled in return. "Sure I'll give you a lot."

The meal continued on in silence until Cale finished his meal. The sound of his chair dragging on the ground caught the attention of everyone, an increasing panic filling Deruth as he looked at his son. He made a gentle movement with his hand, making Kim Rok Soo the center of attention.

"This is Kim Rok Soo. He is staying with me."

He looked around the room. All eyes back on Cale. The red head made eye contact with his father, slightly frowning at his expression. Cale wasn't the same child that had comforted his parents in the past. He had seen the unspeakable.

Comforting his parents?

That seemed to be normal for Cale. He'd done it several times before.

'Even after that, I couldn't think of mom any differently.'

Maybe it was because Cale was always so mature for his age. Well that's what those perverted old vassal's always said to him. He'd never trusted the creepy geezers any way, which led to him threatening one. She hasn't returned to the territory, even after Basen came around.

That was one less person he'd have to deal with.
Cale didn't bother to elaborate and left the dining room quietly. He could feel the gazes on his back as he walked out the room. It was somewhat suffocating to see them again but he was more than happy to see them alive.

"Hans."

The butler arrived by Cale's side in an instant.

"Yes young master?"

"I will be leaving out today. Do not report my whereabouts to my father, understand?"
"As you command, sir."

Hans smiled and began to lead Cale through the estate.

He was a good butler and easy to deal with. Not to mention he was loyal and genuinely liked Cale. Even when he'd initially fallen victim to the rumors surrounding his young master, Hans never truly thought bad about Cale. Sure he'd hollar each time Cale handed a wine bottle to him but it always got a quiet laugh in the end.

They arrived at the study. It'd been left unused for several years now but was cleaned so well it was as good as new.

This place had been abandoned for several years. Once Cale started acting as trash to protect Basen and Countess Violan he had closed off his study, pretending as if he had dropped his studies. It's not like there was any studying he needed to do anyway.

'There was never any need to come back here...'

He took a good look around the room. So many bookshelves and that portrait in the center of the back wall. Hans had kept it covered.

It was the last remaining portrait of Cale and his mother Jour.

The other one's were quickly removed from the halls and rooms of the estate, only one remaining on the wall of faces; it contained portraits of all the family members of the Henituse family.

Cale couldn't help himself and walked to the covered portrait. With a gentle tug he removed the large white cloth, revealing him and his mother. That elegant smile he missed so dearly was captured perfectly on this canvas.

"I miss my long hair..." Cale stared at the younger version of himself in the portrait. His long red hair was tied with a milk white bow and covered in pearls. His mother was the same. Their white outfits matched one another, as did their smiles.

'I had stopped cutting it because of the war.' Cale's hand had moved up to his head. It made him think back to his family, at least his mother's side of the family. The Thames aren't normal. They have amazing power, usually unique to each individual but there are very few that exist.

A family line blessed by the god's.

A lineage that no one knows of.

The Thames are beings that tend to have long Crimson hair, cutting it was like throwing away your bloodline. Not that it took away your power but your long hair was a sign you belonged and you were thriving. It usually grew extremely quickly and as a result Cale always had Ron cut it.

"Y-young master!"

Hans' frightened voice drew Cale out of his thoughts. The red-head turned around.

"I should have removed this I-"

"It is fine, leave the portrait where it is."

"And you."

Cale moved in Kim Rok Soo's general direction.

"What is it?" Kim Rok Soo's head cocked to the side. He raised an eyebrow slightly at the red-head. Cale didn't speak. His gaze on Rok Soo moved up and down, taking in every inch of the man's body.

Paat

Cale placed his hands on Kim Rok Soo's chest.

"Hm." Cale hummed. His hands caressed the man's broad chest. To Cale it was like a pillow, perfect to lay on.

"Alright, do as you need. We'll be leaving soon".

Chapter Text

Kim Rok Soo watched as Cale walked away.

He'd just been groped with no explanation.

'Just what the fuck has my life come to?’

Kim Rok Soo couldn't help but question himself. He didn't stop Cale. In fact he quite enjoyed the sudden touch.

He seriously just wishes he knew what the red-head was thinking.

Rok Soo sighed and turned around to see the ginger butler staring at him with an incomprehensible expression. It could have been confusion, or down right hatred but one thing for sure, Kim Rok Soo didn't like it.

"Shouldn't you be following your master?"
Getting rid of him would put Rok Soo's heart at ease.

Hans didn't like Kim Rok Soo at all. Immediate worry fell onto him when the man first came to County out of the blue. He was thinking how to get rid of this man but didn't want to make Cale upset. If this was love that would mean Cale isn't lonely anymore.

But...

If this guy did something to his young master there will be hell to pay.
"Of course, please call for a servant if you need anything, sir..."

It was a pretty obvious dislike but there was nothing else said. Hans handed some paper and a pen to Kim Rok Soo before hurrying out of the study and to Cale.

-
Kim Rok Soo sat at the desk in the room. He wrote down every detail from [The Birth of a Hero]. He wrote in Korean so no one else would be able to read, that is unless Choi Han suddenly appeared in the room behind him.

Chills went down his back at the thought.

Something of the sort couldn't happen.

After he'd finished writing, Kim Rok Soo quickly stood up from the desk and gathered the papers he'd written on.

"You're finished?"

Kim Rok Soo flinched at the sudden voice from behind him. He spun around to see Cale. The red head was staring at the large portrait on the wall. It was a woman and child, both with long red hair and beautiful smiles.

The child was very obviously Cale and Kim Rok could have guessed who the woman was.

"When did you get here?" Rok Soo asked, crumpling the papers in his hand.

Cale turned halfway to look at Rok Soo. His eyes seemed to tell a story. A story of regret and neglect, of sadness and resentment, anger and depression but most importantly.

His eyes held a need for revenge.

The look in Cale's eyes changed almost instantly.

"A few minutes ago, I believe. I took a look at your writing... Well, I should probably ask a bit later." Cale cut himself short and walked towards Rok Soo. "Anyway, you didn't see me?" He questioned.

"No... I didn't," Rok Soo walked with the crumpled papers in hand. "You should have said something.

"I got distracted..."

Kim Rok Soo stopped in front of the fireplace and threw the papers in. Cale stared in shock at the burning embers of paper. He'd been following closely behind Kim Rok Soo like a duckling. When Cale first came into the room he looked at the pages fixed neatly on the desk. They were written in a language Cale was somewhat familiar with. Though that didn't matter, what caught his eye was the fact that Venion Stan was abusing a dragon.

A baby dragon.

A child.

"Wh,Why did you...?" Cale began to ask, turning to Rok Soo with wide eyes and a small pout. He wanted to read and study the language.

'How cute.'

Kim Rok Soo walked away with a small smile on his face, ignoring the adorable rambling coming from Cale.

"So..." Kim Rok Soo began, leaning against the desk. He needed to get this over with. "Who's she and why are you scared of her?" He asked, turning his attention to the woman in the portrait.

"Ha!" Cale exclaimed. His eyes moved from Rok Soo to the painting.

"I need to know if we're going to work together." Not really. Rok Soo wasn't one to be involved in other people's lives but when it came down to Cale, it seemed a bit different.

"She is my mother." Cale answered with a soft yet cold voice. There wasn't any resentment but the pain was uncomfortable. That look in his eyes came back. The story Kim Rok Soo wanted to read.

"She was an amazing person and mother." Cale gave a sad smile to the raven haired. For some reason that made Rok Soo anxious for what the redhead would say next.

She's dead.

Rok Soo knew that much but there was nothing about Cale's mother in [The Birth of a Hero] she could have been the whole cause of this world's destruction but Kim Rok Soo wasn't going to assume that. Besides, he's already found out that the enemy organization is called 'Arm': its leader being that White Star bastard.

"She tried to kill me a year before she died."

Oh.

Oh.

That's quite the bomb to drop.

"Her ability allowed her to see the future and in that future... I guess seeing her child die brutally would have driven any parent mad." Cale covered his face with a hand letting out a restrained sigh. It was pretty obvious that she was someone Cale cared for dearly, even after she attempted to murder him. "She must have thought that killing me then would save me a terrible life full of nothing but misery.”

"She doesn't scare me, I just wish..."Cale moved his hand to cover his mouth. He was unsure what else he could say. Kim Rok Soo on the other hand didn't seem to react much. He wasn't one to ever care for people's life stories , as long as they were useful it didn't matter to him but Cale was different. He didn't know why he asked but now that he did, Rok Soo was slowly understanding Cale Henituse more and more.

Just like him, he lost the people he cared about.

Just like him, he worked his ass off to get things he wanted, to keep himself from dying.

Just like him, he hates himself for not being able to save those people.

Him and Cale were so similar it was scary.

"It's alright.” Kim Rok Soo moved slowly to Cale. He placed a hand on the red-heads waist and another on his cheek. It was an intimate form of contact but his body just moved on his own. Rok Soo had always liked Cale, he found him an interesting person and wanted to know more about him. [The Birth of a Hero] never mentioned Cale again. Considering he only read up to the fifth volume, Kim Rok Soo figured he'd have gotten to read more about Cale if he hadn't fallen asleep.

"Cale."

"What..." "Let's kick White Shits ass."

"Of course."

They stayed in each other's hold for another five minutes, sitting in a comfortable silence that neither realized made its way into the room.

"Young Master! Young Master I've-" Hans came into the study. The giant smile on his face dropped immediately as he saw the two men in each other's arms.

"What is it Hans?"

Cale looked at the butler with uninterested eyes. He leaned forward and pressed his cheek against Rok Soo's chest. It was very soft and comfortable to lay on.

"T,the Count, ah here is your allowance Young Master."

"Great, thanks."

Cale spoke without thinking, forgetting he was the trash of the Count's family.

"Let's get going."
"Alright, let's go."

—

"Take this."

Cale handed a bag of coins to Kim Rok Soo before stepping into the carriage, using Rok Soo's opposite hand to help him up. Technically he was still the injured son of the Count, acting weak every now and again would make sense. However he wasn't aware of the misunderstanding he'd created. Rok Soo climbed in behind Cale and sat on the opposite side.

"There will be a few things sent to the estate, Hans. Put them in my room.”

"Yes, Young Master. Have a good time, Young Master"

Hans smiled at Cale and gave a forced smile to Rok Soo before closing the door to the carriage.

The trip to the center of the territory did not take long. Kim Rok Soo held the bag of coins tightly, smiling to himself at the large quantity he was given. The Henituse's were a very wealthy family.

"Young master. Is this the right place?"

The driver cautiously asked as he opened the door. He then peeked toward the shop in front of him. The driver's face was clearly filled with confusion.

Cale looked towards Kim Rok Soo who nodded his head.

"Yes it is."

Rok Soo, who was wearing clothes that did not fit in with that of the people around him, walked out of the carriage. Nobody was around them, as they had moved away as soon as they saw the carriage with the count's crest on it.

[The Fragrance of Tea with Poetry]

It was a tea shop that allowed you to read poems while drinking tea. This clean three story building looked to be pretty expensive. It was true that the owner of the shop was very wealthy. In fact, as the bastard son of a concubine of a large merchant guild, he was even wealthier than Cale. The only thing was that he was living here while hiding that identity.

'If I recall correctly, the owner goes to the capital around volume 3 to meet Choi Han there. It is there that he claims that he may be a bastard son of a concubine of the merchant guild, but that he will become the owner of the merchant guild.'

The man who shouts and swears to Choi Han that he will become the owner of the merchant guild. Kim Rok Soo only read the first five volumes, and thus did not know if the man ever ended up becoming the owner of that merchant guild, but since he was one of the main character's partners, he probably will succeed.

Cale looked toward the driver who was sweating like a hog and gave an order.

"You can leave now."

"Excuse me?"

"Are you going to make me repeat myself?"

"No, that, do I not need to wait for Sir Kim Rok Soo?”

Kim Rok Soo casually answered as he opened the door to the tea shop.

"We will meet here later."

"That is fine."

Gulp. He could hear the driver's gulp behind him, but a much clearer and pleasurable noise filled Rok Soo's ears. Clang. A quiet but clear bell sound announced Kim Rok Soo's entrance into the tea shop.

He stood at the entrance and looked around the tea shop. It was still early, and there were not many people there.

"Let's go."

Cale ordered and the driver quickly sped off.

Cale arrived at his destination a bit later.

—
"Welcome."

The owner of this shop warmly welcomed Kim Rok Soo in. He looked toward the baby pig-like man who welcomed him in from the counter.

'He must be the owner.'

The wealthy bastard, Billos. His round face and full body definitely looked like a baby pig like the novel described. His charm was his extremely bright smile.

'He looks like a piggy bank.'

Rok Soo took out a gold coin and put it on the counter as he ordered.

"I plan on staying on the third floor all day today. Young Master Cale will arrive here sometime later to meet me."

Clang. The sound of someone putting their teacup down rang through the shop. Rok Soo just thought of it as someone putting the teacup down hard and looked toward Billos.

Billos stared at Rok Soo with a smile on his face. The Raven-haired pretended not to notice as he pointed to the bookshelf.

"Any specific tea that you prefer, Sir?

"Any tea that is not bitter. Do you have novels here too or just poems?"

He preferred novels to poems.

"Of course. We have a lot of novels as well, Sir.”

"Really? Then send up the most interesting book and a cup of tea."

"Yes. I understand."

Rok Soo's gold coin fell onto Billos's chubby hands. He turned away as Billos tried to give him change.

"I'll drink more tea later so just keep it."

"...But it is still too much, Sir."

A gold coin was worth 1 million gallon. Having that coin, that was worth 1 million Korean won, Kim Rok Soo did something that he had always wanted to try.

"I have a lot of money. Consider it as your tip."

Talking about how rich you are. Who cares if Billos actually has more money than he does? He also knew about many fateful encounters that would earn him a lot of money. Kim Rok Soo tried to look cool as he pointed toward the tables on the first floor with his chin.

"Well, if it is too much, you can treat everyone here to a cup of tea on me."

Golden Bell. He wanted to do something like this once. After telling, he received three gold coins which were worth a total of 3 million gallon.

"Sir, still..."

"Ah, enough. Just bring my tea."

It really was good to be related to trash. People don't expect much if you're known to be around such a person. Rok Soo did not care about being respectful as he headed up to the third floor. He could hear whispers coming from behind him, but he did not need to care because there were bound to be rumors about him.

Screech. Since Kim Rok Soo was alone, the sound of the chair being pushed as he stood up sounded pretty loud. He went downstairs and informed Billos who was at the counter.

"I'll be back soon. Don't clear my spot."

"Yes, Sir. I look forward to your return."

Rok Soo ignored the smile on Billos's chubby face as he walked out of the tea shop.

He left the building with only one thing on his mind.

The Indestructible Shield.

It is not talking about a physical item. The best comparison might be a mage's mana shield. Something that does not actually have a physical form. However, it was very different from a mana shield, as it was closer to superpower than magic.

The funny thing was that the human who created the power, but ended up dying, was someone who served a god but ended up being excommunicated.

'All sorts of weird things are in this novel.'

As with the history of any fantasy world, this world also had its ancient history. During that ancient time, neither magic nor weaponry was developed.

Instead, it was a society where your own innate talent or talents gathered from supernatural occurrences played a pivotal role. The strongest powers in that society were superpowers, divine powers, and natural forces. It was a very primitive time.

Some of those powers have lasted all the way until now, staying hidden in certain locations or items. It was possible to take those powers for yourself if you met the right conditions.

Ancient powers.

The heroes would find these powers, however, these powers were all supporting powers, not strong enough to be used as a hero's mainstay.

These were the powers that Kim Rok Soo was looking to find.

'Everything but the divine powers.'

Whether it be god or angels or devils, he did not want to get involved with any of them.

That was why Rok Soo was looking for the powers that people naturally developed or came from nature.

'That is the way to make sure I don't need to put in any effort.'

Those were the types of powers he was looking for. Something like sword art or magic would require him to put in effort to practice. He didn't want to do something like that.

Unlike other books, the ancient civilization in the novel, [The Birth of a Hero], was not that strong.

As civilization developed, the magic and summoning skills that were developed outshined the natural powers left behind by the ancient civilization. Superpowers were the same way. Most subtle superpowers would be blown away by a single hit from the, 'Aura,' that was used in present day.

It wasn't like the heroes just used these powers sparingly for no reason.

'And my goal is to collect these subtle superpowers to become decently strong.'

It was a satisfying goal. Especially because he also knew the ancient power that could strengthen these subtle super powers.

In order to take the first step in his plan, Kim Rok Soo started to look for the ancient power that was hidden in Western City. He knew the requirement to earn that power.

"How can I help you, Sir?"

”I want some bread"

"Excuse me?"

The older man looked warily at Rok Soo, who stood in front of him. Rok Soo deliberately ignored him as he pointed out all the bread in the bakery.

”Everything from here to here."

Clang. The gold coin Kim Rok Soo took out began to spin on the counter.

The look in the baker's eyes changed. There was still an obvious wariness in his eyes but now he was looking more intensely. It made sense, in this world a single gold coin was equivalent to 1 million gallon. In his current attire, Kim Rok Soo looked nothing like a noble, or someone who could casually hand out millions of gallon like candy on halloween.

'This isn't going to work.'

Rok Soo looked at the man then out of the corner of his eye he saw familiar red hair out the window.

It was Cale of course. The redhead stood with his arms crossed, directing several men carrying large wooden crates. He wore a bored expression, looking tired as he shook his head.

"You see," Kim Rok Soo began, looking the baker in the eyes. "My partner, Young Master Cale, had given me this money.”

As soon as the redhead's name was mentioned the baker stiffened his body in fear. Kim Rok Soo looked towards Cale and waved. The man didn't think much of it and waved back with a soft expression.

Neither realized yet another misunderstanding was created.

"I can go somewhere else if you don't want it."

"No, it's nothing like that! I will pack it up as fast as possible, Sir!"

The baker was extremely respectful now as he moved around quickly. After a few minutes, Roo Soo left the bakery with a bag full of bread over his shoulder.

Feeling satisfied, Kim Rok Soo took the bag of bread and stepped into the street, ignoring the baker who watched him leave.

He leisurely walked down the street, noticing that anyone who made eye contact with him would quickly turn and walk away. It seemed like rumors really do travel fast. Considering he walked to the estate with Cale just the other evening it made sense several people knew what he looked like.

'It truly is a fantasy world'

Kim Roo Soo walked past the market and into the Western part of the city.

The slum is located to the west. No matter how wealthy a territory may be, there are always going to be poor people. In a situation like this, most people would probably expect something along these lines to happen.

'Ah, it is a fateful encounter you can earn by sharing food with the poor.'

Unfortunately that is far from the case.

He could feel people peeking at him as soon as he entered the slums. This was the place where both the idlest and the most vicious people lived together.

Kim Rok Soo watched in satisfaction as the people of the slums actively avoided him. He was sure that tales of Cale's reputation had reached even here. It really was great to be known as trash. Being known as Cale's partner would prove to be beneficial for him.

He ignored the muddy water, dirty his shoes and hurried through the slums. He felt the gazes and footsteps of people following gradually decrease as he approached the hill.

After being freed from the stench, Kim Rok Soo stood at the top of the hill and turned around to look down at Western City. Of course, this hill was not as high as the count's estate. There was no way that they would allow the lord of the territory to live somewhere that was lower than that slums.

Rok Soo came back to his senses as he headed toward a tree that was fenced off in all directions. The fence, which was made of planks the width of Cale's body, had an entrance that had rotted. It was easily broken once Rok Soo pushed at the fence.

This large tree seemed to have lasted for hundreds of years. Trees in the slums were usually chopped into firewood or had its layers peeled off to make it useless, but this tree was not like that.

The reason was simple. The reason could be heard in Rok Soo's ear. These two were the only two who had followed him until the end from the slums.

"You can't approach that t-tree!"

Rok Soo ignored that warning. He heard another worried voice as well.

"You can't go there! It's a man-eating tree!"

A man-eating tree. Anyone who hung themselves on this tree became mummies overnight. Furthermore, any blood that landed on this tree instantly disappeared.

Finally, there was only dirt around this tree. Grass, and even weeds, were nowhere to be found.

This was the tree that he was looking for.

A long time ago, during ancient times, there was a person who loved food so much that his gluttony in the place of worship got him kicked out. That person ended up starving to death.

This tree is said to have grown on top of his body, and that person's grudge and strength were both in this tree. The Indestructible Shield that Kim Rok Soo was looking for was here.

Kim Rok Soo took bread out of the bag and carefully observed a hole that was the size of an adult's head. He needed to first send away the owner of that voice before starting his work. However, before he could even say anything, the voice was even louder this time as they could no longer see Rok Soo from outside the fence because he crouched down. The voice was shaking quite a bit.

"You're going to die! Don't do it!"

Kim Rok Soo pressed his temples with his fingers.

"Sigh."

The number of people following him decreased the closer he got to the man-eating tree at the top of the hill, however, the owner of that voice continued to follow him.

'There are always nosy punks no matter where you go.'

He frowned as he turned his head around. When he did, he noticed a girl who seemed to be around 10 years old, holding her younger brother's hand while looking at him. Her eyes were full of concern.

Seeing that Kim Rok Soo was frowning and staring at her, the young girl stumbled on her words and started to mumble.

"It's a man-eating tree. You're going to d, die.”

"I'm not going to die."

He took two pieces of bread out of the bag and threw it toward the little girl. It didn't matter if it rolled on the ground because they were all individually wrapped.

"Take that and get lost."

The young boy instantly grabbed the bread, but the young girl was still hesitating. Kim Rok Soo figured he'd just use Cale's reputation. He stood up and pushed his head outside of the fence, a frown adorning his features.

"You two don't know about Cale the trash? He's my partner, I'm running an errand for him."

The young girl's face turned pale. Her brother just looked towards Kim Rok Soo before picking up the other bread for his sister and started to tug on her arm.

"Noona."

"Uh... huh."

The young girl looked back and forth from the tree and Rok Soo before being pulled away.

You can't die."

Kim Rok Soo clicked his tongue at the young girl who continued to say that, before making sure nobody else was around as he sat down underneath the tree. Nobody would be able to see what he was doing unless they came right up to the fence.

"Let's get started."

He started by taking a loaf of bread out of the bag and putting it into that hole. His hand soon disappeared into the darkness underneath the tree, and Rok Soo could feel a cold sensation as the bread in his hand disappeared.

He felt like his whole hand might be sucked in, and quickly took it out.

The darkness in the hole underneath the tree was still the same.

"If you die with a grudge, you have to resolve that grudge."

This man-eating tree wasn't actually a man-eating tree. It was a tree that would eat anything. It was the side effect of the power that was left behind by the person who starved to death. But for such a thing to be related to an ancient strength...it was comical, but made it seem more realistic.

'I remember it said I need to feed it until the darkness disappears.'

The darkness in the hole underneath the tree was not the result of shade. It was darkness formed by the grudge.

This could not be done with other people. One person had to continue to provide a large amount of food until the darkness disappeared. Once the darkness finally disappears, the light that was hiding underneath would appear.

Once he eats that light, the, 'Indestructible Shield,' will become his.

"Eat all you want."

Kim Rok Soo put the opening of the bag into the hole and emptied all of the bread into it. In a normal situation, that small hole should have become filled with bread, however, only the darkness continued to remain once he removed the bag.

"I guess I'll need about ten more large bags."

The darkness in the hole was slightly fainter than before.

He was more than happy to have someone like Cale on his side. Someone who received millions of gallon as an allowance.

Rumble-

An odd cry seemed to resonate from the tree. It seemed to be saying that it was hungry and asking for more food. Kim Rok Soo felt like the darkness might suddenly reach out and grab him.

"...It is a bit scary."

Rok Soo quickly got up. He felt like he should not be here for a long time.

"Just what can a stupid grudge do?"

Gluttony was a scary thing.

"I'll come back tomorrow."<

Kim Rok Soo said goodbye to the rumbling tree as if it was a person and exited the fenced area. He noticed the siblings eating the bread as soon as he entered the slums.

For someone who was claiming that he should not go there because it was a man-eating tree, they seemed to be enjoying the bread. They must be liking the flavor, because both of them seemed very happy.

"My my."

Kim Rok Soo snorted at the siblings before ignoring their gazes. However, their gazes were not on him, but on the bag that was filled with bread earlier but was now empty. They were probably curious.

But what could they do? They couldn't do anything.

The children were probably too scared to even go near the man-eating tree. However, it is always good to be on the safe side. It would be bad if they went up to the tree and put their head into the hole and got eaten.

[The children of the slums have no fear. It was because they treasured a single grain of rice more than a blade coming their way. Death is always around them, so they do not fear death. They fear being hungry more than death.]

It was something that was written in [The Birth of a Hero].

That was why Kim Rok Soo decided to speak to the pair of siblings.

"If you want to eat bread again tomorrow, don't say a thing."

The two siblings did not say anything. They were immediately following Rok Soo's order. The young girl, who seemed hesitant earlier, put her hand on her brother's mouth and pretended to not see Kim Rok Soo. Rok Soo smiled and thought that she was pretty smart, as he quickly left the slums.

The people in the slums who knew he had gone to the top of the hill were looking at him wondering what crazy thing he was doing now, but Kim Rok Soo liked that kind of gaze.

Kim Rok Soo only wondered what Cale was doing.

Chapter Text

Cale dropped a few coins on the counter. All of which were gold. He's spent a majority of his day shopping for this guy with a pillow for a chest.

Cale's presence made the tea shop fall silent.

"Welcome Young Master. The third floor has been reserved for you and your partner."

"He's not back yet?"

Cale stood with a hand on his hip. The redhead was beyond tired and could really use a drink or two. He'd have bought the entire store with how long they were taking to process his order. It's not like he asked for anything difficult, in fact Cale had given them the proper measurements and colors he was looking for.

Cale has always had a special eye for things.

He knew what colors or styles went together and the worth of jewels at just a glance. That was why he could win the best dressed noble, if such a competition existed.

'Earlier he was heading in the direction of that tree with the dark energy around it.'

That tree in the slum had been there for a long time. During Cale's first life the dark tree had mysteriously become green. It was flowing with life as if it had suddenly been healed.

"I'm afraid not, Young Master but I can bring you some tea while you wait."

"Give me something that's not bitter or sour and, ah and a list of your best novels. You do have those here, yes?"

"Yes, we have a wide selection of novels, Young Master. Is there a specific genre you prefer?"

Billos smiled widely at Cale. The people within the shop were tense the second Cale had entered, bodies shaking like a leaf on a windy day. Cale had grown accustomed to ignoring people like that.

"I'm an avid reader so I'll read just about anything. If it's too difficult just bring me something you like. I promise not to judge your tastes too harshly."

Cale joked with a small smile. Billos would become head of the merchant guild. He also had something Cale wanted.

"Haha, I will do my best."

"Great, thanks."

It was at that moment Billos looked at Cale with an odd expression and a man within the tea shop broke into a coughing fit. From the suffocating atmosphere and dead silence anyone could have understood the sudden fear coming from the people.

The woman next him rushed to his side and patted his back in an attempt to stop the coughing.

Cale turned around with a frown on his face and the blood of the people ran cold.

"Are you sick?"

"H, huh?"

"Well?"

"No Y, young Master. I just got something stuck in my throat, I'm sorry for being a disturbance."

Cale's frown deepened.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"E, excuse me?"

"You're excused. Why are you apologizing? You should just be glad you're not sick, don't apologize for something so trivial."

Cale scoffed and waved a hand in the air at the man. He shook his head in disbelief of the man's words. Who apologizes for being well?

Clang-

The quiet bell rang, the person who walked in drew Cale's attention. To this everyone gave a collective sigh of relief with hints of confusion.

"Ah, Sir. You're back."

Once Kim Rok Soo returned to the tea shop, Billos greeted him happily.

"Yes, bring me a new cup of tea. A refreshing one this time."

Rok Soo turned his attention to the frowning redhead. It was pretty obvious he was tired, it was a long day after all.

"You look tired."

Kim Rok Soo walked to Cale's side, a hand snaking its way to his hip.

"Beyond tired at this point. I need something sweet."

"Let's take a seat then."

"Alright."

Kim Rok Soo headed back to his seat on the third floor with Cale. It should have been pretty busy at this time, but there was nobody else on the third floor. They were all avoiding the trash of the Count's family. That was why Cale could relax.

"Here is your tea and the book you requested, Young Master. I also brought up some desserts."

"Ah, great. Thanks."

Cale took the book in hand and opened it to the first page as he took a sip of his tea. Billos observed Cale's face with an odd expression before he quietly left the third floor. It was really weird to hear Cale thanking someone.

"So... what have you been up to?"

Cale took another sip of his tea, extending his pinky as he placed it down so it wouldn't make a lot of noise.

'He's insanely elegant with everything he does.'

"Getting ancient powers is not easy."

Kim Rok Soo answered shifting from his thoughts and looking back down at his own novel.

"It's not meant to be easy. That's why we call them ancient powers and not everyday powers. They're powers that stem from nature."

"You know about them?"

"A bit."

Cale sat the novel in his hand down onto the table. His reddish gray eyes met Rok Soo's reddish brown. The way Cale drops everything to pay attention to a person was amazing. He'd stop and give his undivided attention to you. It was nice.

'I like Cale.'

Kim Rok Soo thought for a moment, feeling his ears heat up.

"I spoke with my father this morning."

Cale spoke up. This time his tone was serious.

"I'll be going to the capital. I'm sure you understand why, right?"

"The terror plaza incident."

Kim Rok Soo mumbled. His mind thought back to the terrible incident that happened on the King's birthday.

"Exactly. Unfortunately I wasn't able to switch places with my brother, Basen, but I was allowed to head to the capital. Since I'm technically the injured son of the Count, it is kind of a recuperation for me."

"When in reality you plan to stop the bombing."

"Something like that, I just want to protect my brother. He needs to become head of the Henituse family."

"Alright, when do we leave?"

"In three days."

"Then I'll need to get this ancient power quickly."

Cale and Rok Soo continued to order tea and desserts as they read their novels until the sky slowly turned orange and the sun set. They only got up when night arrived and it was dark outside.

"Are you heading out?"

"Yes."

There were not many people left in the tea shop.

It was past 9pm. This was the time when there were more people in the bars than tea shops. Since this was the time that the people mining in the pits went to drink, the bar should be full of people.

"I look forward to your next visit, Sir, Young Master."

Rok Soo nodded his head at Billos' statement.

"The tea was great."

Kim Rok Soo shared his observations with Billos.

"And the book was good even though I only got through half of it. I especially liked the main character whose abilities are appreciated and the way he grows."

"I see, did you enjoy the novel, Young Master."

Billos looked towards Cale; Cale wasn't paying much mind to him.

"It's interesting."

Cale said, turning to look Billos in the eyes.

"I want to see if the son takes over the business or not. I hope he succeeds, he deserves it after all he's been through."

Cale concluded. In that instant, the corner of Billos's eyebrows frowned for a moment before returning to normal. His eyes were cloudy as he observed Cale.

However, Cale did not notice, as he was trying to remember the contents of the book. The son in the story, was the illegitimate son of a merchant guild owner. Cale found him to be in the same situation as Billos, which could be why it was liked by the piggy bank like man.

"Don't let anyone else read that book, so that I can read it whenever I come."

This truly was the immature son of the Count, who was trying to monopolize someone else's property. Billos, the bastard son of a wealthy merchant guild might not like it, but what could he do? Cale was the son of the Count.

"Yes! I will reserve this book only for young master Cale!"

However, Billos's response was different from what Cale expected. Billos smiled brightly as he urged Cale to come back soon.

"Please come again soon. I will be waiting for you."

"Sure, whatever."

Clang. The bell rang once more and it suddenly felt like the tea shop became louder once the two left.

However, it was even louder outside the tea shop than it was inside. Even though this territory was far from the capital, the fact that a lot of artists resided here and that they had a special product made it a popular location. These individuals, as well as the miners who were looking to relax after a long day in the mines, all were out late to drink.

The two men quietly left the tea shop, both with their minds barely present in reality.

Kim Rok Soo's mind set back to his thoughts from before.

'I like Cale.'

That fact should have been a no brainer. He liked Cale even before he was brought to this world.

He'd never really had a fictional crush like most people but Cale was a character he liked a lot. It's like Kim Rok Soo saw through the mask from the first time he read about Cale. Maybe that's why he read the novel wholeheartedly in hopes he'd get to read and learn more about the redhead.

'I like Cale.'

That fact was true.

"You can head back to the estate if you want."

Cale and Rok Soo walked side by side down the emptying street. Most people were avoiding Cale.

"I'll stick with you for a bit."

Cale nodded and continued walking with Kim Rok Soo by his side. They walked together silently enjoying each other's company.

That was until Cale stopped in at a bar.

"Aigoo, young master, you're here?"

The owner of the bar was extremely afraid of Cale. It was because of that one day when Cale broke pretty much everything around where he was sitting to drink. In fact, Cale was probably number one on the blacklist for Western City bars.

He did not respond to the owner's greeting and just threw a gold coin at him.

"Bring me a bottle of my usual. Oh, Rok Soo, do you want anything?"

"Not really, I'll just share with you."

"Excuse me? Y, you don't want to find a seat first?"

Cale started to frown. The owner immediately waved his hands and bowed his head.

"Immediately! I will bring it immediately!"

The owner was moving quickly, but it looked like he was smiling. It was because it looked like Cale was not planning on sitting down. Cale looked around the bar that became quiet once he walked in. Everyone was avoiding his gaze and turned their heads. It was like they were wondering why he had to choose this bar of all bars in the city. The gangsters and scammers in the bar were all extremely nervous right now.

"Tsk."

The sound of Cale clicking his tongue could be heard through the silence in the bar.

'If you think about it, he really is a unique person.'

Kim Rok Soo's gaze fell onto the annoyed looking Cale.

Normally in fantasies or martial arts novels, the trash of the family tends to hang out with the gangsters or bad crowds. They drink, fool around with women, and cause a ruckus on the streets or stores.

The funny thing was that Cale Henituse actually hates gangsters and scammers. In fact, he despised them.

'He thinks that they're all scumbags.'

The worst of all scumbags. It was better to at least be the citizens who worked hard even though there was no hope for a better future.

That was why he never beat people up when he was drunk but had no issues throwing things at the gangsters he saw. Well, attempted to throw things, since his aim when drunk was terrible.

"Young Master, here is the bottle you requested.

"Great."

Cale reached for the bottle but it was swiftly taken by Kim Rok Soo. The raven hair moved his free hand to Cale's waist and gently moved him out the bar.

"What are you doing?"

Cale raised a brow. He did not yell at Rok Soo when he stole his bottle of wine nor fight against him when taken out of the bar with him

"Let's go on a walk."

Kim Rok Soo suggested while opening the bottle of wine and immediately downing a quarter of the bottle.

"Oh."

The alcohol tasted pretty good.

He passes the bottle to Cale, who in turn drinks what would be half of the bottle. Since Cale had a high tolerance to alcohol, it did not affect him at all to drink half of the bottle at once. He just flushed easily, making people think he was a lightweight.

Cale walked along with the bottle in his hand. His head had fallen onto Kim Rok Soo's bicep as they walked close together.

The two men walked back past the tea shop they stayed in all day until they saw the guards stiffen up after seeing Cale. Seeing them acting like that made him want to go out of the gate.

"Ah, I'm starting to get hot."

Kim Rok Soo felt himself heating up as he continued to drink. They walked a bit further until he reached the city wall not too far away. The tall city wall that started at the gate seemed to defend against any potential intruders.

'Well it depends on the person.'

Rok Soo recalled the information from the book.

'Approximately 100 steps from the city gate.'

That was the location where Choi Han jumped over the city wall. There were not many people on the streets because it was a residential area.

Kim Rok Soo was pretty glad Choi Han wasn't in the territory anymore.

"Oh... I guess there's no moon tonight."

Cale looked up at the dark sky, eyes filled with disappointment.

"You know," Cale started up, moving to stand in front of Kim Rok Soo. "I haven't seen the moon properly in so long.

"Why not?"

"Well, I haven't been allowed out of the Henituse territory for ten years. And during the war there was too much smoke in the air even at night." Cale's gaze looked back up at the sky. " I don't go out much."

In one extremely smooth motion, Cale spun around like a dance he was performing for Rok Soo to see.

"I hear the Moon in the capital looks beautiful."

Cale clenched the bottle in his hand as he looked towards Rok Soo who was walking towards him. He took another chug from the bottle of wine before speaking again.

"I want to see the moon, Kim Rok Soo"

'Damn it, he looks so pretty.'

Kim Rok Soo could hear his heart going crazy. He thought that it was a good idea to drink.

Rok Soo congratulated himself for making such a smart decision and calmed himself down as much as possible.

Rok Soo took a deep breath as he started to speak to Cale who was staring at him.

"I'll show you the moon, Cale."

To that Cale's already flushed face seemed to grow redder. It was one of the very few occasions he was relieved that drinking made his face flush so easily. Cale was also glad it was dark.

Cale took another gulp from the wine bottle downing the rest of it in an attempt to divert his attention elsewhere.

"Shall we keep going?"

Kim Rok Soo looked at Cale with a curious gaze. The man was as dense as rock and as blunt as a hammer. He wouldn't realize he was unintentionally seducing Cale if it slapped him in the face and shot him in the leg.

Maybe that's why some things are easier for him to do than others.

He was quick to realize his feelings for Cale. Quicker than most people anyway.

"Yes, let's keep going. Just for a bit longer at least."

Rok Soo nodded, placing a hand on Cale's waist and pulling him close. He was so subtle with his feelings. You never would have guessed he liked Cale.

Cale, however, did not pay much attention to the man's action. Seeing as Rok Soo has liked his hips and waist since they met he had no problem with the touch.

The men continued their late evening stroll, eye's having adjusted to the darkness surrounding them.

Kim Rok Soo's heartbeat began to speed up as they moved further away from the city gates, closing in on where Choi Han would have spent some time resting his body. He knew the increased speed was due to Cale rather than the terrifying main character.

The beauty the redhead had was unmatched. If only Cale was his, they could run away together with a bunch of money.

'Did I drink too much?'

Such thoughts were an oddity coming from someone like Kim Rok Soo. Of course it could have been because of the influence Cale seemed to have on his brain but even that was a bit of a stretch.

Rok Soo was no lightweight. The man couldn't drink as much as Cale but he was able to hold his alcohol rather well. His body may have changed because of his transmigration, still it shouldn't have changed his alcohol consumption ability.

'I like Cale.'

That's true.

'I like Cale.'

He likes him a lot.

'I like Cale.'

Right, you should probably tell him.

"Cale."

Kim Rok Soo spoke aloud. His eyes fell onto Cale's. They were clouded as the redhead was lost in thought.

"...Y, yes?"

Cale answered with a stutter. He'd been busy thinking about the past. He was unsure if he'd be able to stop the terror plaza incident. He was unsure he'd be able to save his little brother.

Though if it came to it, Cale would throw himself in front of Basen if he needed to.

When he looked at the man next to him however, he felt so strong. It was an unexplainable feeling. Cale felt like all of his problems went away the second he met Rok Soo. He knew this would be the person to save the world.

'If it comes to it, I'll do the same for Rok Soo. He'll definitely succeed.'

It would seem Cale has a habit of throwing himself in front of others to protect them.

"Cale, we... don't know much about each other,"

Kim Rok Soo stated while looking into Cale's reddish gray eyes. Unsure on how to go about this, he just went with whatever came to mind.

"That is... true. We don't know almost anything about each other."

'Ah, that's right... I can't just say I like him then.'

Kim Rok Soo thought for a moment before speaking again.

"You were 40 when you regressed. I'm 36 but my body is that of my late 20s."

"That makes me your hyung." Cale smirked, pulling himself closer to Rok Soo.

"Well physically I'm older--" Kim Rok Soo attempted to retort this but was quickly shut down

"Mentally I'm still 40."

Kim Rok Soo couldn't come up with a good argument to counteract that statement so he continued on with his original plan.

"Well, what do you like, Cale?"

"That's a new one. Most people ask if I'm a virgin."

"..."

"A joke. I like money."

Kim Rok Soo nodded with a small smile. He liked money too.

"I like reading and painting."

Cale continued.

'I like you.'

"I like dancing and singing.'

"You can sing?"

"Rather well, actually."

Rok Soo nodded again with a smile. He was going to remember that and have Cale sing for him at some point.

"Mm... I like learning new things. Like that language you wrote in. I'd like to learn it. So when we have the time, please teach me."

"I will."

"I like men."

'That's great. I like you.'

Rok Soo could feel his chances of being accepted growing in proportion. Cale likes men. He was a man meaning he might have a shot. It seemed likely Cale would accept his proposal before and now that he knows Cale likes men the chances have raised exponentially.

He needed to confess but he needed to do it in a way Cale won't forget.

Afterall every shot not taken is a shot missed.

Cale moved in front of Kim Rok Soo to stop the man from walking any further. He looked Rok Soo in the eyes.

He tilted his head before cutely asking, "What is it that you like, Kim Rok Soo?"

'He's hot.'

Rok Soo felt his face heat up while looking at the beautiful redhead in front of him.

Cale stood and patiently waited as the raven haired opened his mouth to speak. Rok Soo placed a hand on Cale's waist as he moved closer to answer the question.

"I like money."

Cale smiled.

"I like reading."

Kim Rok Soo continued his answer, gently pushing Cale towards the territory walls. The alcohol might be getting to him but he could have sworn heard someone cheering for him.

"I like sitting around doing nothing but,"

Cale allowed his body to be manipulated and now he found himself being gently pushed against the wall. With one arm above Cale and the other on his waist, Rok Soo had successfully pinned him to the wall making for a great view. It was the perfect position for Cale to view his perfectly plump and pillowy pecs. Not to mention the face chiseled by the gods.

Cale was an atheist. He knew of the gods of course but did not practice any religion but he thanks whatever god that created this masterpiece of a man.

"I like you the most."

Chapter Text

Cale wasn't sure what he looked like at that moment but he was sure he was glowing red.

He was flirting. He was doing a damn good job at it too but he sure as hell wasn't expecting a confession.

'How should I respond.'

With honesty of course! Say you like him back.

'Right.'

"I... like you too."

Cale felt his body grow hotter than before. His heartbeat was moving much faster too. In the 40 years he's been alive, Cale is sure he'd never met someone like Kim Rok Soo. The man could make his heart flutter with just a word.

"Cale."

"Yes?"

"I like you."

Cale smiled. This time he answered without hesitation.

"I like you too."

Kimo Rok Soo leaned in closer, his face merely inches from Cale's. It was getting really hot. Cale couldn't help but squeal inwardly. His and Rok Soo's faces were barely inches apart. The feeling of the raven haired's breath on him made him shiver.

"Cale."

"Yes?"

"I want to date you."

"Then let's date."

The redhead couldn't contain his smile. He grinned openly and wrapped his arms around Kim Rok Soo's neck. As of that moment Cale felt as if all the suffering in his life was worth it.

Everything he's done from this point has been worth it.

"Cale."

"Mm..."

Cale leaned forward and placed his soft lips on Rok Soo's. His lips and eyes curved with his soft smile. In all the years Cale has been alive, he can't remember smiling so much after his mother's passing.

He was going to kill White Shit.

He was going to save the Rowoon Kingdom.

He was most definitely going to slack off with Kim Rok Soo with a bunch of money.

"Do that again."

Huh?

Cale's eyes widened towards Kim Rok Soo. Rok Soo leaned in, pushing their bodies together. There was a subtle anticipation on the man's face, it was rather cute seeing such an expression on a person who is usually so stoic.

Cale kissed him again, this time holding it for a bit longer. Cale could feel the hand on his waist pull him in closer. With Kim Rok Soo being taller, Cale was practically trapped underneath the man; not that he was complaining, Rok Soo's chest is extremely comfortable.

As they parted, Cale could see the tinge of red on Kim Rok Soo's ears grow more prominent.

"Aga—"

Meeeeeeeow

Kim Rok Soo stopped leaning against the wall and moved back slightly allowing Cale a bit more room to move around. They looked at each other then in the direction of the noise.

Two delicate looking things shaking and meowing at them as if to stop the PDA. These two kittens must have recently arrived because there wasn't anyone else in the area earlier. It must be the spot they claimed as their home.

Cale gazed at the kittens whose eyes very obviously said to leave.

Cale smiled at the small animals and shifted himself from the space between the wall and Kim Rok Soo.

In one elegantly smooth and gentle motion, in Kim Rok Soo's opinion, he squatted down and began to pet the red furred kitten.

To be honest, Kim Rok Soo did not like cats. However, from what it looks like, Cale did.

Grrooooowl. Groooooowl.

The silver kitten must have understood Rok Soo's dislike for cats, as it showed its teeth and started to growl, but Cale started to pet the kitten's silver fur as he looked into its golden eyes. They did attempt to resist his affection only to fall over and play with his hands as they pet him.

'Does it seriously feel that nice?'

Kim Rok Soo mentally questioned as he looked at the cute cats.

"How sad, you must be freezing out here."

Cale began to speak. He stopped petting the small kittens and then reached into his coat pocket. He pulled out a folded red handkerchief with gold embroidery and smiled as he showed it to the small kittens.

"I know it's not much but I hope you'll find it comfortable tonight."

He unfolded the soft handkerchief and laid it on the backs of the small animals. The two were cuddled together under it taking in the smell of flowers.

"Have a good night you two and let's meet again soon."

Cale stood up and turned from the kittens. He walked to Kim Rok Soo's side and smiled. He'd been smiling a lot lately.

"Are you ready to go?"

Kim Rok Soo, as usual, snaked a hand onto Cale's waist. He had remembered something from the novel.

The moment Choi Han jumps over the wall, a baby kitten is body slammed by the alpha cat of the neighborhood and gets sent tumbling to the city wall. Choi Han quickly twists his body to avoid landing on the kitten.

These two were most definitely those cats.

"Yeah," Cale leaned against Rok Soo. "Let's go to bed."

The two began their journey back to the estate.

Meow, meoooooooow.

The sad cries of the kittens were getting farther away. Cale took a peek backwards, he felt bad but wasn't in a position to take care of any pets.

They passed the residential area and Cale yawned.

The bars. Market. Plaza. They then passed the residences of the wealthy and finally arrived at the Count's estate located in the rear of the city.

"Y, young master and honored guest Sir. Kim Rok Soo!"

"Welcome back!"

As soon as they stood at the main entrance of the estate, the guards and knights stumbled over their words as they greeted them. They learned from last time to move from Cale's way immediately but were still annoying.

'Enough with this, Y, young master. I want to take a hot bath.'

Cale scoffed and walked in through the gate, still leaning on Rok Soo tiredly. And soon they walked through the entrance of the Count's residence.

The estate was busier than normal, it was most likely because Basen would be heading out tomorrow after breakfast. He'd be going to the capital before Cale.

Kim Rok Soo looked at the redhead leaning on him. His eyes watched Cale's eyelashes flick tiredly as he watched the servants prepare for Basen's departure. His gaze admired Cale's face, watching as his soft pink lips morphed into a frown.

His mind fell back to earlier.

'It's kind of addicting.'

Kisses from Cale were sweet and alluring. It was hard to just take one and not get anymore.

"Cale."

The redhead sat up and looked Kim Rok Soo straight in the eyes. Rok Soo brought a hand to Cale's chin, lifting it slightly before leaning in for a kiss.

It was as if the world stopped moving because the entire estate went quiet.

"Young master, you're back."

It was Hans. He'd come from down the hallway with two other servants. He walked quickly down the stairs and to Cale.

"....Yes, Hans."

The butler smiled at him but his gaze seemed fixated on Rok Soo. It was like his eyes were knives carving into Kim Rok Soo.

"Don't do that."

"My apologies, Young Master..."

Hans looked away, with a slightly regretful expression. His body flinched as Cale began to walk up the stairs. He hurriedly followed behind with Kim Rok Soo in front.

Cale was walking quickly so the other two had to put haste in their steps.

"Did you do as I asked?"

For whatever reason Hans moved from behind Rok Soo and walked next to him.

"Yes, young master. All outfits and accessories have been moved into your room and sorted accordingly. Yours being on the left and Sir. Kim Rok Soo's on the right, as requested."

"Perfect, thanks."

Hans stiffened at Cale's words at first. Hearing Cale say thanks was odd to hear but he smiled proudly.

Soon Cale stopped in front of his room and turned around to look at the two men behind him. Both had stood silently, Hans was most likely waiting for further instructions.

"Tsk."

Cale clicked his tongue and shifted his gaze to Hans. He lifted up the alcohol bottle and pointed toward Hans, having forgotten he'd had it. It was at that moment.

"Aaack!"

Hans covered his face with both of his arms as he curled up. Silence filled the air.

"Heh."

Cale let out a soft laugh and Hans looked up with a face completely red from embarrassment as he looked back at Cale.

"Put this away."

"Yes."

Hans received the alcohol bottle from Cale with a smirk on his face.

"I will actually throw it at you next time."

Hans turned pale at Cale's words. Cale did not seem to care at all as he continued to speak.

"Also, bring us some dinner." Cale's eyes looked from Hans to Kim Rok Soo. "I'm hungry," His eyes flashed back to Hans. " So bring something delicious."

"Right away, Young Master."

Hans bowed and walked away to the nearest kitchen. He still held a not very well hidden hostility towards Kim Rok Soo, Cale ignored it. It wasn't unwarranted. Hans, after Cale opened up to him, became rather protective towards the redhead.

In Cale's first life, when he'd met Ron again, Hans would not leave his side while Ron was around. He wasn't anywhere as friendly as he was before and made it quite clear Ron wasn't welcome near Cale.

It was a kind gesture really.

While Hans was tending to him the butler would ramble on and on about how he wished he could smack the old man a few times for what he did. It's not like he couldn't. Hans was a skilled butler, almost as skilled as Ron.

Skill wise, Ron's were more honed but Hans was both younger and a diligent worker. He'd be able to hold his own against Ron.

Cale would prefer if Hans just stayed by his side instead. There was no need to interact with Ron in this life. He'd do things quietly. He did not plan to be a hero.

"Cale."

Kim Rok Soo walked forward, attempting to touch the redhead but Cale opened the door to his room and walked in.

"Ah."

He looked at Cale through the doorway frozen in place. He had been rejected merely an hour after he confessed.

'Did I make him angry when I kissed him earlier? I should apologize.'

Kim Rok Soo walked through the door, shutting it behind him. Cale hung his coat in the closet and took off his shoes.

"Cale."

Kim Rok Soo walked towards Cale who was walking from his closet. Cale walked past him and into the bathroom. Rok Soo's gaze followed him, the sound of filling the bathtub filled his ears.

With an odd plunk the redhead walked out of the bathroom and stood in front of Kim Rok Soo. Cale stared at Rok Soo curiously while fumbling with his collar. Rok Soo's eyes were drawn to the sight.

"Well?"

Cale cocked his head to the side with a brow raised.

"You're really pretty."

That's not what Kim Rok Soo meant to say but it's what he was thinking at that moment.

Cale snorted at the comment. He refrained from bursting out in laughter and instead faked a cough before speaking.

"You think so? I thought you wanted to take a bath with me."

"..."

"A joke. Though I'm sorry I ignored you, I'm a bit tired and didn't want to miss what you said, so I figured I'd wake myself up a bit. I'm glad I got to hear such kind words from you Mr. Soo, I promise I won't forget you think I'm pretty."

Cale giggled to himself before turning around and heading back into the bathroom. Kim Rok Soo stood in place feeling himself heat up.

'Fuck.'

He brought a hand up to his face, gaze landing on the bed.

'I feel like I'm being tested.'

He is not.

Kim Rok Soo sat on a lounge and waited for Cale to get out.

Usually he'd have gone to sleep while waiting for his turn. Why was he still awake right now?

When Cale did come out of the bathroom, in Kim Rok Soo's eyes, the redhead was glowing. As if enshrouded in a divine light, Cale walked out of the bathroom glowing like the Sun Goddess blessed him.

'Is that normal?'

No, it's not.

Cale's skin looked healthier, if that was even possible. His hair looked softer too.

'That robe is tied pretty loosely.'

Rok Soo couldn't help but observe Cale. From his seat he watched Cale walk from the bathroom and into the closet. With a bit of rustling Cale came back out fully dressed and with some folded clothes in his hand.

"Here."

He handed the clothes to Rok Soo.

"What's this?"

"I bought clothes for you Mr. Soo," Cale's face morphed into what Kim Rok Soo was sure was supposed to be a pout but it was rather cute in his eyes. " I figured your style was something more... er-, comfortable. Tell me if you like it, if not, there's other's you can try."

Rok Soo looked from Cale and the clothes now in his hands. They looked comfortable and were the same color as the one's Cale had on.

'Does he want to match? The fabric feels really soft, I bet it's perfect loungewear.'

"Thank you, Cale. I'll take a bath and then we can eat together."

Cale nodded and smiled. He should probably sit down before he uses up the energy he got from his bath.

Truthfully he was rather excited to see the clothes on Rok Soo.

Cale carefully selected the most expensive and best quality items, taking into consideration the man's comfort while accentuating his features and using colors that compliment him.

After several hours of carefully handpicking the most suitable items to wear he moved to accessories. That was less of a challenge and more of not going overboard.

Cale was someone who enjoyed wearing casual clothes. They were simple and highlighted his natural beauty. He also felt that since he was practically trapped in the Henituse territory buying himself pretty clothes was worth his time.

He did use those clothes as a sort of shield when dealing with gangsters, though in reality it was more of protecting the gangster from doing anything to get themselves killed. Be it by either Cale or his terribly violent butlers.

However Cale has a habit of buying anything he thought suited a person. His siblings have quickly caught onto this habit after finding several random gifts in their rooms or studies.

Knock. Knock.

"I've brought your meal, Young Master!"

It was Hans. He cheerily spoke from the other side of the door.

"Come in."

Cale said while adjusting himself on the lounge chair. Moving himself from his previously laid down position to one sat up right.

The door silently opened. The first thing that made it in Cale's view was the butler's ginger hair. Soon his whole body emerged from behind the door with his signature cheery smile.

"Is he not here?"

Hans asked, eyes floating around the room suspiciously.

"Bathroom and please refer to him by name."

"My apologies, young master..."

Hans wore a grimace on his face as he placed the meals onto the table. This butler was worried for his young master.

Cale did not yell at him like he'd expected.

They used to go for walks in the garden where Cale would vent his frustrations as he took great care of the numerous plants that grew in his private garden. But this young master changed drastically in such a short period of time.

Hans knows that being trash was just an act but he also knew Cale would do anything to achieve what he wanted. That is why when he brought this man called Kim Rok Soo into the estate he could not help but become worried.

Did this man promise him something he could not refuse?

He initially wanted to believe that it was just love, he wanted to act as if he were just some protective older brother but Hans can no longer hide his dislike for the man.

'I think I should kill him.'

Hans thought for a second before bowing to Cale and pushing the cart to leave.

"Hans."

He stopped and turned at the call of his name. He watched as Cale gently patted his lap and closed his eyes as he waited for a response.

"Sigh."

Step

Step

"Omph."

Hans let out a groan as he laid his head on the redhead's lap and felt soft fingers run through his hair. When in doubt, it's best to be honest.

"I do not trust him, young master."

"Why's that?"

"He's strong..."

"Is that it?"

Cale stopped his hand movement as he asked. That was a stupid reason.

"Sigh. He's strong, stronger than that stupid black haired boy who-"

"-Beat me. Mm, well that's an odd reason."

Cale hummed and continued to play with the ginger's hair. He will never admit this but he loved how fluff Han's hair was even without it being washed for a few days.

"I just don't trust him... yet." Hans huffed

"You want to kill him."

"I want to kill him."

Cale hummed again and kept playing with the butler's hair.

Hans is a Henituse family servant loyal to his master. His master is the eldest of the Henituse children.

"Young master, please answer this question with honesty.

"Alright."

"Do you love him?"

"More than anything."

Chapter Text

Cale woke up the next morning in the most amazing spot to lie down.

Kim Rok Soo's chest.

That night was probably the best night of his life. He's dating his soulmate, his closest companion and butler, Hans, is starting to come around and accept his relationship. He saw how amazing Rok Soo looked in the clothes he'd bought and he's got the best sleep of his life.

Cale would kill to live like this everyday.

'I don't want to get up yet.'

Knock. Knock.

'Damn it all to hell.'

"Young Master, the Count wishes for you to dine with them for breakfast. I... I can tell him you wish to pass this ti--"

"It's fine," Cale answered groggily, shifting himself off Kim Rok Soo's chest and towards the edge of the bed. "Call in the maids, I'm too tired right now."

"As you've instructed, Young Master! I shall inform them that you and Sir. Kim Rok Soo will be joining them for breakfast."

Cale listened as Hans' footsteps quickly left his room door. He yawned and looked at the sleeping man.

'To think such a handsome man is all mine. I didn't think my regression would lead to this. Haha, I think my mother would have loved you.'

Cale smiled to himself in pure bliss. He's never been so happy before.

"Hey~"

Cale had to keep himself from giggling like an idiot. He slid his hands over the sleeping male's chest to his shoulders, gently shaking him to wake Rok Soo up.

Wake up, come on. You promised to show me the source of that ancient power, remember?"

Cale smiled softly as Kim Rok Soo's eyes tiredly fluttered open. His smile only widened as he watched Rok Soo's eyes soften when they reached Cale.

"Hey..."

Kim Rok Soo' voice was low and soothing. It was sweet like honey. Such a deep and sultry tone.

'What a nice morning voice.'

Rok Soo shifted himself in the bed. He quite obviously was still sleepy but he slowly reached for Cale's closest hand. He rubbed his thumb over Cale's pale knuckles and gave a small smile to the beautiful redhead he had the pleasure to wake up seeing.

'All mine, haha, he's all mine.'

Cale chuckled lightly. He smiled as he took Kim Rok Soo's hand in his. He took the large rough hand up to his lips and kissed the man's knuckles in return.

"Good morning, Mr. Soo."

"Mm...Morning, Cale."

Cale was tempted to lie back down next to Kim Rok Soo. He was used to early mornings and late nights during his time in the military.

Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.

Cale's smile seemed to disappear in an instant. His face morphed into something akin to a frown, though that just seemed to be Cale's neutral expression.

"Fucking, fuckers and their fucking—" Knock. Knock "I swear to—"

Cale had mumbled his usual swears before calling for the servants to come in.

Hans was the first to walk through the door, shaking his head. It was obvious to Cale he'd only arrive to the room just now. He was the only one that seemed to have the sense of not being loud when waking a sleeping person.

The other two that came in behind held faces that could have been something from confusion to surprise. Cale very obviously paid them no attention. He could tell just from their faces that they were tempted to ask as many questions as possible. Considering Cale's reputation they were too scared to.

"A, ahm... Y, young Master--"

One of the maids began to speak, looking from Cale to the sleeping person next to him in pure wonder. She only stopped as Kim Rok Soo began to move. His arms moved around Cale's waist.

The maids inwardly squealed at the scene. They were practically vibrating with excitement.

Cale shook his head at them before speaking to his butler.

"Hans, something casual," Cale paused and looked at Rok Soo who was clinging to him. He gave a loving smile before turning back to Hans. "Something casual for both of us."

"Of course, Young Master!"

By the time Hans came out of the closet the two maids were unable to contain themselves properly. They were too busy staring and giggling to each other. Truth be told Cale found it quite hilarious. They spoke cautiously to each other, each time Cale looked at them they'd freeze in fear and attempt to get back to work.

As they buttoned the sleeves on Cale's white dress shirt, the redhead watched as Kim Rok Soo let out a yawn.

"Are you having trouble sleeping?"

Cale raised an eyebrow, cutely cocking his head to the side as he asked the question.

He honestly wondered if sleeping in the same bed was uncomfortable for Rok Soo. The first night he marked it off as him being tired but maybe he felt he needed to sleep in the same bed as Cale now that they were dating.

"It's not that it's just-" The raven haired yawned yet again as a maid fixed the ascot around his neck. "The quality of sleep I get after nights with you is just too good. I want more."

Kim Rok Soo drug a hand through his hair and yawned yet again.

Cale could hear the soft gasps from the maids and the not so subtle sneer from Hans. He had to admit he wanted to laugh at them. Cale was enjoying how painful it was for the maids to not drop onto their knees and beg him to answer the several questions they had.

Was it sadistic?

Only a little.

"What's the surprise? Is it not normal for couples to spend the night together?"

Kim Rok Soo looked at the maid that was tying the red ribbon around Cale's wrist into a bow. He found that Cale had a deep fondness for the color red. Many of the articles of clothing were a shade of red, though it didn't seem like Cale really wore the color out of the estate.

The maid had jumped at Rok Soo's words slowly looking up with a completely flustered look on her face.

"That! That, I, um..."

"You were mumbling something earlier, what was it?"

It was the maid dressing Kim Rok Soo's turn to flinch hearing this. She looked at Cale with wide eyes and a red face.

"Ahm... It was a rather popular book, Young Master..."

"What about it?"

"You and Sir. Kim Rok Soo reminded us of a scene in the book."

"What's it called?"

Cale spoke with only a tinge of curiosity. He did enjoy messing with people. It was probably one the only joys he got acting as trash for so long. Seeing the scandalized faces of other nobles as he proved his point of different subjects even before his trash act was fun to him.

"My Noble... Darling..."

"Is that so? I hear it's quite popular among young women, though I guess I can see the appeal."

"You've read it, Young Master?!"

"It's a good book, of course I have."

Cale left it at that and made his way to the door with Hans. Kim Rok Soo yawned yet again and tiredly followed behind.

"Y, young Master!"

The maid that dressed Cale shouted from down the hallway.

"Why—What makes you like that story?"

Cale looked at her with a blank expression while the other servants in the hallway looked as if they'd witnessed a murder. Though in this case it was more of a suicide.

"It's simple. Mika and I are similar. When I read it I could understand exactly how he felt."

The maids had no idea how to feel about that explanation. At that moment all of their distaste for the young noble had disappeared and was instead replaced with a terrible ache and regret.

In the Novel, My Noble Darling, the main character Mika was a young noble with great potential.

However.

Mika was cursed by a demon.

It was a curse that greatly affected not only his social life but mental health.

A curse that forced him to distance himself from the world. He was forced to make others hate him for their own safety.

He had abandoned his family and fought in a war.

He wasn't given a choice to be himself and could do nothing but follow the curses restrictions. If he showed even an ounce of love or care to anyone they would suffer a terrible death.

His lover was the only person immune to the curse.

He was an orphaned knight from a fallen nation. After being given an opportunity to live, he'd become a knight under imperial order and brought to Mika's estate.

He was patient with Mika and didn't leave no matter how rude the noble was.

Some say the novel is ahead of its time.

'Why do I feel I've been misunderstood...'

That wasn't why Cale liked Mika.

He only enjoyed the book because Mika didn't care what the other nobles said about him and enjoyed money and jewels.

The novel was written by someone called G.D. Many believed the story was used to promote true love within noble societies, allowing children to choose who they love.

The law of the Kingdom was rather freeing and allowed relationships of all types and seeing as the gods themselves were known to have such relationships the churches saw no problem in them.

"Hans."

The two maids were quickly snapped from their dazes. The lump in their throats kept them from speaking anymore.

"Right this way young master!"

__

Breakfast, as usual, was an anomaly.

The couple arrived late and quickly became the center of attention. Kim Rok Soo was dressed much better than when he'd first presented himself to the Henituse family. Cale was in more casual clothes than normal.

The two sat at the same seats as before, were served their meals and ate quietly.

The Henituse family had a single thought cross their minds as they watched to two on the other end of the table.

They'd definitely be seeing that man more often, that's if they want Cale to eat breakfast with them.

Lily, the youngest Henituse, was the first to break the awkward silence between them.

"O, Orabeoni!"

You could feel the room grow tense at the sudden exclamation.

Cale elegantly placed his tea cup down. He looked at his little sister with a blank expression.

'Orabeoni! I won't cry! I, I will work hard, I promise! Mom, dad and Oppa might be gone but—'

'I'm sorry I wasn't here, Lily.'

The memory of his little sister's promise during the war made Cale feel anxious. She did work hard. She always worked hard, it was just her nature.

The way she broke down when he apologized. She was the one on the verge of death and yet...

'Lily is a great little sister. Why was I such an idiot in the past?'

"What is it?"

He asked back with a sudden interest. Cale had always enjoyed listening to his siblings talk about their day or something interesting they'd seen. Of course he never showed it on his face but if they wanted it, Cale made sure they had it.

"You look very pretty!"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

That woke Kim Rok Soo up. Finally he was mentally sober and following the conversation properly.

Lily just called Cale pretty.

"...Huh?"

Lily thinks Cale is pretty.

I get that.

I don't think you do.

No, I got...

"I think Orabeoni looks pretty..."

She suddenly turned shy at her own statement.

Cale looked healthier than normal. He might have broad shoulders and a nice figure but it didn't hide that fact he was usually sick looking from alcohol and moving around.

No matter how naturally handsome the man is, he can't hide the fact that his drinking habits did have an effect. No amount of Thames power will hide that.

"...Thank you. I think... Lily is very cool."

That was a nice compliment. Cale's adorable little sister was very cool.

Good job Cale!

"He's very pretty."

Kim Rok Soo decided to speak. The man didn't seem to think about what he said so much that Deruth and Basen almost choked on the air.

'He's even prettier when he smiles.'

In fact, Kim Rok Soo thought Cale was pretty even when he frowned or looked expressionless.

"You're very handsome."

Cale complimented and continued to eat his breakfast.

Were they flirting at the breakfast table?

Again?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure they're flirting.

As breakfast came to a silent end, Cale and Rok Soo prepared to leave for the day. The couple headed back to their bedroom to gather the supplies needed for the day. By supplies, what I really mean is a heavy bag of gold coins.

As he watched Cale dig around the chest that was suddenly sitting in the corner of the room, Rok Soo couldn't help but take another look at the room.

'It's not as empty as before.'

Since the room now had two occupants there was more to suit both their needs. Two more bookshelves and a variety of jewelry boxes and accessories.

Perfume bottles sat on one of the shelves. One was red and had a glass top in the shape of a rose and another was a simple black with a diamond shaped top.

Kim Rok Soo made the quick assumption Cale liked the scents and bought them. Cale did smell nice even when he was missing for 3 days.

Is everything about Cale just nice to him?

Yes, absolutely.

"I must see Basen off before we leave. If you don't mind, please wait for me."

"I do not mind at all. I will always wait for you."

Kim Rok Soo spoke with honesty. This is the man he's decided to spend the rest of his life with. His intention wasn't to be sentimental but to properly express his love in a quick and concise manner.

"Thank you."

Chapter Text

Kim Rok Soo held a bag that was twice the size of yesterday's bag as he headed back up to the top of the slums. The two siblings were there to greet him once again. This time however, Cale had joined him in the slums. A noble here was bound to attract attention.

The children kept their mouths shut as they looked toward Cale.

Rok Soo smiled as he took out two small bags and pushed them toward the children.

"Take it."

The young girl slowly approached him. Cale frowned as he watched the girl with coarse gray hair approach him. She had a hand on her side as she limped over to them.

"Hey."

Cale took the bags from Kim Rok Soo and pushed them toward the young boy.

"You come here and take it."

The young boy quickly rushed over and snatched the bags before quickly running back. Compared to Cale's bright red hair, the boy had coarse dark red hair that shook as he ran.

Cale and Kim Rok Soo then turned around and headed toward the man-eating tree.

"Wow."

"It's not bread. It's meat and cake."

They could hear the siblings talking about the food, but they did not care. The couple continued to walk toward the man-eating tree's territory.

Oooooooooooooong-

"How pretty..."

"...It's a bit scary."

The black tree without any leaves seemed to be moving its branches to welcome them and thank Cale for the compliment. This eerie feeling made Kim Rok Soo nervous, but he still poured the contents of the bag into the hole underneath the tree.

The bread quickly disappeared.

It was at that moment.

"...More, give me more."

'...It's driving me crazy.'

The response he read about in the novel showed up. It was the voice of a weak girl. Yes, the person who starved to death was a priestess who served a god. However, unlike the present day priestesses of the temples or churches, the ancient priestesses were shamans. The majority of the ancient shamans could be considered people who had superpowers or natural forces under their command.

"I wonder if she can remember me..."

Kim Rok Soo heard Cale voice his wonders as the redhead walked beside him.

"You've come here before?"

Cale hummed an answer before speaking again.

"For the longest time I'd wondered why I couldn't heal this tree." Cale grinned as he spoke, quickly adding onto his statement with a new found curiosity. "I guess as I got older I should have realized it was the work of an ancient power."

The bright curiosity made Kim Rok Soo subconsciously start to smile. Though the smile quickly disappeared as he watched Cale drag a hand over the sick tree trunk. The look of infatuation and amusement as the redhead studied the tree was very nice to look at but...why touch it?

He couldn't judge his lover for being curious about the tree and the power he'd planned to collect from it.

"You... tried to heal the tree?"

Cale turned to Kim Rok Soo and nodded.

"I made a few attempts when I was younger. After a kidnapping I ended up here and I fell through the branches. That was the first time I tried."

Kidnapped?

Just what kind of life did Cale live before the start of the novel?

It's common for noble children to fight for the position of heir, though none of the Henituse children seemed to care about such a thing. They only seemed to care for their own interests. Their interests being, not to become the heir.

Was it one of the vassals?

"It was one of the vassals. She was a pervert and thought getting close to me after the death of my mother was a good idea." Cale seemed to be able to read Kim Rok Soo's thoughts. He sighed before continuing on. "I was in charge of different work since my father fell into a depression and tried to work himself to death. She made an attempt to scare me in order to get closer and gain a more prominent position."

Rok Soo watched as Cale grew irritated at the memories.

'Cale you're such a handsome young man. You'd make such a great husband.'

'What?'

'It's such a shame you were born ten years too late. I can always wait for you.'

'I'd rather die.'

A scowl, a grumble and then a sigh. Cale calmed himself quickly and finished his statement.

"She sent a couple of brutes after me and I escaped through the dark forest. While they were after me I unlocked a new ability and well, I ended up here."

"Which ability is this?"

Rok Soo turned his head and questioned.

"I call it Blink. I can move certain distances in the blink of an eye. Simple."

"Does this fall under the same category as the elemental control or Eyes of Heaven?"

"Eyes of Heaven. It's what would be considered a heavenly blessing rather than a familial trait."

Cale watched as Kim Rok Soo raised a curious brow.

"We didn't discuss this for long so," Rok Soo stood up from his crouching position. He grabbed the empty bag and let his hand fall onto Cale's waist. "Please explain in full detail."

Rok Soo would have liked to have gone into more detail at the time but felt Cale may have needed space. He tested the waters to see how comfortable the redhead was and decided to dive in.

Cale, come to my study tonight.'

That was what Cale's father, Deruth, had said to Cale when he went to get some allowance. That was why he had to leave here before evening at the latest. He wished to return to the estate with Cale.

'Half.'

He came here with the intention of taking care of half of the gluttony of the tree today. That meant he'd be able to make the three day deadline. With Cale in his arms and the empty bag they went back down the hill to get more bread. He listened to Cale explain and could see the two siblings look at them with cake on their lips.

Their gazes seemed more focused on Cale

"Hey."

Cale reached into his pocket and carelessly let a few gold coins fall out. He ignored them and reached out his hand towards the children.

"Take this.

It was a black handkerchief. It would seem the redhead has adopted a new habit. That being giving random children and cats his expensive silk handkerchiefs like candy.

"This is..."

"...Very expensive"

"Does that matter? I have a lot of money so I can afford hundreds, even thousands of others if I so choose."

That didn't seem to convince the children into taking the handkerchief. So Cale of course used other methods.

With a click of his tongue the children's gazes shot up to his frowning expression.

"I don't have all day."

Hurriedly the young girl took the handkerchief from Cale's hand and wiped her and her brother's mouths. She stood unsure if she should keep the expensive accessory or give it back though it's been dirtied. Cale didn't give her the time to think as he'd already begun walking away with Kim Rok Soo.

The couple then walked to the street where there were a lot of bakeries. Kim Roo Soo had already swept the stock of the bakery he went to yesterday this morning, so it would take them some time to restock. That was why he needed to look for another bakery. It was at that moment.

"Y, young master."

A woman's voice made Cale turn his head. A middle-aged woman smiled awkwardly as she pointed to her shop. Her hand was shaking and she was full of fear, but she still had some confidence.

"We have a lot of bread."

Cale looked at Rok Soo then back at the woman and started to smile. Now this was a woman who knew how to do business. The other vendors were peeking their way while looking at what was going on.

Cale threw her a gold coin and the woman quickly picked it up.

"Give me everything you have. Pack it quickly."

In that instant, the smile on the middle-aged woman's face grew wider. She instantly went into the store and immediately came back out with a large bag full of bread. She had already packed it all up in advance.

"Here it is, young master."

'Wow. She really is a good merchant.'

Kim Rok Soo gave an impressed look at the woman. She was really good at her job. This was someone who knew how to make money.

"I can also prepare some more."

Kim Rok Soo liked this woman even more. However another voice called out to Cale.

"Young master! We can make even more bread than that!"

An old man across the street raised his hand as he rushed over. He was wearing a baker's uniform. Cale liked his fitting outfit and threw a gold coin to him as well.

"We will head to your shop next. Have a bag ready."

"Thank you very much!"

Kim Rok Soo was amazed by these vendors. They were still afraid of Cale because of his identity as the trash of the Count's family and seemed rather hesitant to speak to Rok Soo, but they had no issues coming up to them to make some easy money. It was probably because they knew that Cale did not hit anybody who was not a gangster, but he still could see why the Henituse territory was doing so well.

The fact that Cale had spent a gold coin to buy a bag of bread yesterday had already spread like wildfire. 1 million gallons. The others gasped at the week's worth of profit while their eyes started to sparkle.

'I can go around to those three places tomorrow to get bread.'

Since Cale gave each of them a gold coin, Roo Soo should be able to get another bag from them tomorrow. He was happy that things were going so smoothly.

They made and extra stop before heading back to the tree

"Not bread, not bread, not bread—"

"Ointment, it's ointment."

Cale turned to Rok Soo, having nothing else to say.

Seeing the young girl who was mumbling, 'isn't bread,' over and over as she held the medicinal herbs in her hand, Rok Soo just snorted as they headed back to the man-eating tree. However, the young boy got in their way.

"You cannot die."

It was the young boy saying he cannot die now. Kim Rok Soo did not even frown as he just walked past the young boy.

He was an orphan and didn't have anything to his name. That was why there were a lot of people who showed the poor Kim Rok Soo a lot of sympathy.

'Is there a reason to show sympathy for the needy?'

That was something he heard all the time when he was younger.

'Young beggar.'

'Poor orphan.'

'You don't need a reason to show sympathy.'

There was a time he just took that at face value, but he started to understand the real meaning of it as he got older.

There wasn't a logical reason for the things your heart draws you to do. You didn't need a reason.

"So annoying."

He wasn't just living for himself now. He planned to live a long life with his lover. They'd defeat the enemy and live a peaceful life till old age.

'I've never looked forward to something so much.'

Cale on the other hand found it laughable .

He'd made a deal and woke up two decades in the past as a result. In a sense he was dead. He has died and come back for the sole purpose of destroying White Star once and for all.

He can't die. Not yet at least.

Coming back gave him a new hope for the future. A reason to not end his life in exchange for some godly power.

He had a reason to keep going. One being revenge. And the other of course love.

Cale hated to see young children being hurt. However, he didn't have any thoughts about nursing the young girl nor thoughts of consoling her. He frowned toward the young girl who was limping toward him and the young boy next to her as he answered them.

"He won't die. And neither will I."

The siblings finally stopped following them once he said that.

Oooooooooooong.

-More, give me more.

"Yes. Eat it all."

Kim Rok Soo dumped the whole bag into the man-eating tree without caring about how it landed. He was not afraid. The bread instantly disappeared into the darkness that was now too light to be called darkness. He could now see a new gray light. However, it would only seem gray to him.

'I guess it is paying off for the money I spent.'

The money was technically Cale's.

He poured the other bag of bread into the hole as he headed back home with Cale, as always finding a free hand to wrap around Cale's waist. He didn't see the siblings anymore, but that was better for them.

However, he saw the two struggling cats on his way back home and flinched.

'It's the cats from yesterday. They shouldn't remember us, right? They didn't like me much anyway.'

Silver fur and golden eyes, dark red fur and golden eyes. The two cats did not even meow as they stared at Cale.

They were only paying attention to Cale?

Cale did not pay attention to the two kittens and simply walked with Kim Rok Soo in silence.

As soon as they returned to the Henituse estate Cale was directed to his father's office.

"I'll be in the room."

Kim Rok Soo kissed Cale's cheek before walking off in the direction of their shared room.

Cale now stood in front of his father's desk, inwardly cursing he didn't grab a drink before coming here. Maybe he'd be able to sit through this without feeling so uneasy.

It was unfortunate Rok Soo wasn't there as emotional support this time.

"... Could you please say that one more time."

"Yes, Cale."

"I'd like you to take care of business while in the capital. There are a few documents and ledgers being sent to the house you and your brother will be staying in. Please be sure to carefully look through them and have them sent to the estate. I will intercept them upon arrival."

Cale's eyes had widened in shock. He couldn't feel uncomfortable with this news.

He had to work when he got in the capital?

"As I've explained, Basen will be attending the Crown event. Usually as the eldest you would have gone but your physical condition isn't the best currently and I wouldn't want you to overexert yourself. Please just fill out the documents, have them sent and rest well."

Cale had thought back to the terror plaza incident. His poor younger brother had come back injured with severe mental scars. It hurt Cale and the rest of his family seeing Basen in such a state.

"Of course. I'll... see that it's done, Father."

"Is... that man—ahm, Kim Rok Soo departing with you, Cale?"

"Yes, the two of us actually have some plans in the capital while I make a full recovery. Most of it might just be in bed but we plan to go on a few dates as well."

Deruth sat with an almost scandalized expression. It quickly morphed into discomfort and regret.

In bed?

Did his son just tell him he'd be having intercourse while away during his recuperation.

At least Cale is honest.

Deruth took a deep break and let out a long exhale.

"I see... if there are any items you need... please write out a list and hand it to Hans. I'll have some people bring them to the estate before your departure."

'Items?'

Cale sat in thought for a moment. There were a few things he'd need from Billos but regular items could be stored separately.

"Some binding rope would be nice. Not too much, just enough to tie down a per— ah, suitcase."

Deruth felt a lump grow in his throat. Who knew Cale had such hobbies.

"Isn't... that... a bit much? You're still recovering..."

Cale raised a brow before shaking his head.

"It's not for me."

At that Deruth could feel his brain shatter like a glass thrown at a brick wall. Conversations with Cale's mother, Jour, usually went like this when regarding her hobbies. As her husband he indulged in them every so often.

'Is this hereditary...? What is it with the Thames and ropes? I have no idea what to do anymore.'

"...R, right. I'll... package some other things as well."

"Alright, thank you, Father. Please rest well."

Cale almost booked it for the door but was stopped by Deruth's voice.

"Yes... and Cale,"

"Make sure you stay hydrated..."

Cale quirked an eyebrow as he reached for the door handle. He looked at his father with a confused stare before speaking up to leave.

"Okay...?"

When Cale made it back to his room he feared he might be shaking after such a long conversation with his father. One, two, three minutes passed before he finally calmed down enough to open the door and greet his lover.

"That took longer than expected."

Cale walked into the room. He almost immediately sat on the sofa in the room. Cale's body fell elegantly against the sofa. His crimson hair flaring out as he leaned against the arm rest.

Kim Rok Soo watched the whole scene in awe.

Each light and soundless step Cale took to the sofa. The way he pressed his lips together from tiredness. How his body fell and was pressed against the expensive material. Maybe because it was late and the lighting was just right. Or maybe it was the fact Cale's aura was nothing less than powerful nobility.

Kim Rok Soo, he'd never seen such a visage of effortless grace and elegance.

Even the way Cale brought his legs up where his body covered the sofa, a prevalent gracefulness showed itself to Rok Soo.

'I'm dating my fictional crush. Well... since I'm in his world, I don't think it counts as a fictional crush anymore.'

He made no attempt to hide his staring. Call him shameless but he was officially dating Cale. Who wouldn't stare with the privilege?

As the two finally made eye contact Kim Rok Soo watched a smirk form on Cale's beautiful face.

"See something you like."

Cale's sugar and sultry lace voice made Rok Soo's mind go numb. The divine figure that laid as if were the muse for an artist's painting. The redhead's pink lips that curled into a grin drew him forward.

"Yes." Kim Rok Soo has answered without hesitation.

"Oh? Aren't the decorations I've added lovely?" Cale wondered, he gained a rather satisfying response from his lover who thought he was the most beautiful person to exist.

"..."

Cale laughed at the pouting man hovering over him. The reddened ears and endearing expression presented to Cale was too hard not to enjoy.

"...You're teasing me."

"Am I? I simply wanted your opinion on my design choices."

"..."

Kim Rok Soo's frown deepened as did his reddened ears. The Korean moved himself in between Cale's legs and pulled the redhead into his lap.

"Don't tease me, kiss me instead."

Cale did just that. He quit his teasing and kissed the man with a smile. He really was smiling a lot lately. Rok Soo pulled Cale in not planning to let him go.

His fervent desire had grown. He heard the redhead wait outside the door, he watched as Cale's body shook slightly before he finally laid down, he even saw how the disgruntled and worried expression disappeared almost instantly when they made eye contact.

Kim Rok Soo had an addiction.

One that no amount of time, money or medicine can cure.

It was a strange addiction.

Chapter Text

The second they pulled away Cale could clearly see that hazy look in Kim Rok Soo's eyes. It was filled with an emotion Cale hadn't seen. Unlike most people, Kim Rok Soo did not look at him with resentment or disgust. He knew those looks all too well. The gentle and caring expression that made its way onto Rok Soo's face every time he looked at Cale caused the redhead's heart to flutter with anticipation.

"Hah... Cale,"

He shivered at the call of his name. Each passing second seemed like an eternity until Kim Rok Soo kissed him again. A deep and passionate kiss that transcended all of Cale's current understanding.

Rok Soo, as big as he is, was gentle. A rough hand caressed Cale's waist while the other pulled him deeper into the heartfelt exchange of intimate kisses.

"Cale you—"

Kim Rok Soo pulled away again, chests heaving with each pant for air. He never looked away, eyes stayed stuck on the beauty on top of him.

'Oh? Has my teasing been too much?'

"Cale, you make me go crazy."

So the teasing made Rok Soo horny?

A grin stretched across Cale's perfectly plump lips: Rok Soo would have kissed him harder if it weren't for the look on the redhead's face.

"You're so cute Mr. Soo, ah~, I think I could eat you."

Cale's whole demeanor changed in an instant. He repositioned himself over Kim Rok Soo, grinding down the forming tent in the korean's pants.

That soft groan that came from Rok Soo's lips was music to Cale's ears. A beautiful noise he could hear again and again, never getting tired of it.

"Haha! Oh, you're just so cute, so cute I can't get enough."

Though a delicate man, Cale looked as if he were a starved beast in Rok Soo's eyes. He wasn't someone that would be called cute often. In fact the only other people that called him that were his hyungs.

If Cale finds him cute then he's cute.

With no warning, Cale laces his arms around Rok Soo's neck and grinds down on his hard-on. A kiss to muffle the groan from the man's lips and lust filled eyes, Cale enjoyed every second.

"Cale–" Kim Rok Soo moaned. The kiss became much fiercer than before, full of tongues, hot, passionate and full of sexual tension. The terribly hot feeling that covered Rok Soo made his body tremble with pleasure.

"Cale, you're so pretty."

Cale laughs and kisses Kim Rok Soo's cheek, then nibbles at the man's ear. His hot breath falling against his ear like a sigh. "And you're so cute under me."

Kim Rok Soo's heart makes a valiant attempt to eject itself via his throat. Cale is dangerously attractive and even more so in this current situation.

"I'm going to kiss you, okay?" Cale adjusted himself, this time hands fondled with the Korean's chest. He brushed a thumb over the man's nipples as he grinded down yet again on Rok Soo's painfully hard cock.

His mouth is soft and warm, Kim Rok Soo feels heat well inside him from the gentle pressure alone. Cale moves against him slowly, nibbling at his bottom lip with the barest hint of teeth, then pressing a few pecks to the corner of his mouth, his chin, before finding his lips again.

"Cale, please–" He breathed, lips slowly becoming swollen from the assault of kisses from Cale. " Cale, Cale I want to– Fuck!" Cale lifted himself up and plopped back down Kim Rok Soo's lap. He found pleasure in pulling sound after sound from the korean.

"Hm? Want to what, Mr. Soo?"

"Fuck, Shit— Cale I want to fuck you."

"Bed." Cale muttered sweetly. Enjoying his teasing but slowly pushing Rok Soo to his limits.

Cale wasn't sure what to expect but one thing for certain, Kim Rok Soo really is cute, especially when teased.

The man lifted Cale into his arms. The redhead let out a startled yelp and wrapped himself around Rok Soo. With the position he was being carried his crotch rubbed against his lover's boner. An interesting flush came across Kim Rok Soo's face before he laid Cale down on the bed.

Cale half expected to be turned flat on his stomach and pinned to the bed. The other half expected to pin Kim Rok Soo to the bed and drain the man till there was nothing left.

He was not expecting his pants to be torn from his body. Granted, he was horny but he wasn't one to get too ahead of himself. His pants were thrown aside as was Rok Soo pajama shirt.

Cale was happily graced with the amazing view that is Kim Rok Soo's chest. He'd noticed it before but the man really did have a lot of scars.

The next to go was his underwear. The only remaining article of clothing on Cale was his white shirt which he was sure would be torn off too by the end of the night.

Two of Kim Rok Soo's teasing fingers, large but gentle, made themselves right at home, caressing Cale's entrance agonizingly slow. Cale almost assumed his lover was stalling.

Almost.

Kim Rok Soo's gaze traced Cale's body. He leans forward with his free hand caressing Cale's cheek and hair. "Is it alright if I keep going?"

"Of course," Cale laughs, grinning as he kisses his lover's hand, lust filling his eyes. "Be gentle Mr. Soo"

The look sent off warning signals in Rok Soo. His face had turned red and caused Cale's beautiful smile to spread across his own flushed face. Tonight would be a long, pleasure filled night.

"Relax." Rok Soo says, setting a firm but gentle hold on Cale's meaty thighs. Seeing as Cale was already a bit wet, saliva wasn't needed. The word, no command, has Cale biting his lip to hide a smile.

Cale lets out a quiet gasp when Kim Rok Soo starts to press a finger past his rim. He got even more excited than before. Cale lets his body relax more allowing his body to take the sudden intrusion, and Kim Rok Soo continues pushing a finger inside, groaning at how tight and warm Cale is.

"You alright?" Kim Rok Soo's voice was low and breathtakingly sexy.

"Mmm yeah, keep going."

Rok Soo doesn't miss the way Cale's half lidded eyes look him up and down. The hard part was over. Now he needed to be patient until Cale was loose enough.

He begins thrusting it in and out enjoying the hiss that came from Cale's mouth, elegant fingers grip the sheet as he lets himself be prepped.

Kim Rok Soo adds a second finger and starts scissoring him. Cale wiggles his hips trying to take the delicious feeling in. While his cock was leaking with pleasure, Kim Rok Soo's was soaking his pants as he felt around the inside of Cale's hole, memorizing how soft and hot it is, stretching him out.

The blush on either of their faces never subsides. Cale lets out teasing moans and whimpers, noticing the pattern of harsher thrusts with each reaction.

"Hngh~ Careful, ah!, this body of mine is a virgin,"

"Then that means I get to be the one to pop your cherry," Kim Rok Soo scissors his fingers out before thrusting them back in, curling and placing pressure against Cale's prostate.

Cale would have asked where that odd term came from but noted it down to it being otherworldly slang. Popping someone's cherry meant to take another's virginity, simple to understand with context clues.

What wasn't easy to understand was why Kim Rok Soo's hands were so big and why his fingers seemed to reach so deep into Cale.

"Ngh— What, Oh, fuck—!" Cale gasps, his toes curl and back arches at the new found pleasure. He could have indulged in the feeling for the rest of the night, wordlessly letting Kim Rok Soo's fingers stretch him open. Each deep thrust sent a shock through his body.

"Why, nngh, are your hands so big—! Augh~"

Kim Rok Soo shows off his grin. i'm 

A third finger was added and Cale almost lost it. He moans, attempting to use a hand to muffle himself. Oh, it felt so good, so good it almost hurt.

Rok Soo is forced to ignore the cries of pleasure and focuses on spreading him open, making sure Cale's hole was prepared to receive something bigger than his fingers.

Those pleasurable cries resonate in Kim Rok Soo's ears like a harmonious melody. He did ask Cale to sing for him. The cries only die down as his puckering hole is emptied of any stranger presence and clenches around nothing.

Cale whined as those large fingers pulled out of him. He wanted to be filled again. He needed Kim Rok Soo in him, and Rok Soo can easily tell from that craving look on Cale's face. He loses no time in unbuttoning his pants just enough to have full access to his clothed neglected cock, a groan escapes his lips as strokes himself, coating the whole length in precum.

Cale takes the moment to catch his breath as he waits for Kim Rok Soo to penetrate him. He looked at the man with infatuation, mesmerized by the effort put in to prepare him for... that.

Cale himself thought his cock was a pleasant size. Based on his past classes it was larger than average but Kim Rok Soo wasn't a normal person. This man wielded a weapon.

He did his best to hide it but, oh was he trembling with excitement. How is it so big and yet Rok Soo can still hold it with one hand? Cale was sure if his own hands were wrapped around the man's cock they'd just barely fit around it.

His pale fingers moving up and down Kim Rok Soo's shaft, bringing his cock up to the redheads mouth for him to go down and swallow that thick and delicious—

Stop it Cale.

At this moment he's only getting filled with Rok Soo's seed, so we can save that snack for another time.

"Are you okay to continue?" Rok Soo's low and caring voice made the redhead's heart flutter. He was surprised the man was still so considerate after that.

'Oh... shit ,'

Cale's heart was racing so fast it was on the verge of exploding.

"Yes, please fuck me, Mr. Soo."

Cale's lustful gaze was no good. Kim Rok Soo was already painfully hard, he did his best to be patient but this was pushing his limits:

With Cale's approval Rok Soo carefully pushes the tip inside his hole, which causes Cale to grasp and grip the sheets under him. Kim Rok Soo lifts his lower body with a firm grip on his hips and pushes the full length in, a groan and sigh.

Cale is full. He's so fucking full. The pain that came with the first thrust, which seemed unbearable at first, gradually became nothing less than absolute pleasure.

Each thrust hit every crevice of Cale's insides. The bulge from his stomach was just as painfully delightful as the way Kim Rok Soo's cock felt each time his prostate was hit.

Breathy moans escape from Cale and Kim Rok Soo, the latter repeating the redhead's name like a broken record. Seeing how Cale's body twitches makes him lose his remaining rationality and much to Cale's pleasure the thrusts get harsher as does Rok Soo's grip on his waist.

His gaze moves the pale neck and then to the cherry lips that seemed to be begging for a kiss and Kim Rok Soo, of course, accomplishes the request, leaning on him while Cale's hands move to cups his face as he's kissed.

Cale moans into his lover's mouth, hands beginning to wander and roam across the black haired man's back, arms finding their home around his neck and pulling them closer.

The two part lips and Cale doesn't miss the chance to mark the raven haired, leaving hickeys on his neck and shoulders. A trail of wet kisses leading to and from.

"Fuck, Soo... Rok Soo," He whines, a hand lacing into his lover's jet black hair. Their face's close he leans in for a quick kiss before letting out a moan much louder than the others caused by the increase in pace.

"Cale, you feel so good, I could fuck you forever..." Rok Soo groans and smiles. "You take me so well, go on just a bit more, I'm close."

Cale whines at the praises and nods in anticipation.

"Me... too ah!, inside, please cum inside." The pleas almost sound like a scream as a thrust hits Cale's prostate. He moans in a broken sentence as he grips his lover's hair tighter. "Rok Soo, please, fill me!"

With a few more thrusts Cale's hole tightens around Kim Rok Soo while he pounds harder inside. He doesn't let up for even a second.

Neither can recall a time where they experienced such pure pleasure and need for another person like this. They only come from their highs as they finish together. Warm spills from Cale hard dick and Kim Rok Soo fills the redhead as requested.

Cale whimpers when Rok Soo pulls out. The warm liquid leaks out his ruined hole, Cale makes another sound, almost of disappointment.

"Cale," Kim Rok Soo leans over Cale, pushing back his hair with a smirk. "Care for another round?"

Cale looks surprised but nods eagerly, and here he thought Rok Soo enjoyed sitting around doing nothing. People can change when they're horny and from the looks of the raven's still hard cock, he was very horny.

Kim Rok Soo pulls Cale up into his arms, the latter wrapping his legs around the man's waist only to be penetrated by his cock yet again, thus beginning round two.

He fucks Cale senselessly in his arms. The redhead claws at his back, leaving bites and hickeys all across his neck and shoulders. His back now looks as if he battled with a cat.

Each time Cale is lifted and dropped back onto Rok Soo's cock, he was sure his guts were being rearranged. Moving to fit around the wondrous dick that continued to fill him.

By round four the two were back on the bed. This time Cale was riding Rok Soo with a lustrous grin. Beads of sweat rolled off his skin. His and Rok Soo's hands intertwined as the lover's moaned each other's names in the heat of sex.

He sucked on the man's chest leaving his mark there as well. Enjoying each second, Kim Rok Soo uses his large hands to push him down on his cock.

And by the final round Rok Soo fucks Cale from behind. Cale moans and grips the headboard, panting as he gets pounded into with the same vigor as the start.

Kim Rok Soo, a man who claimed to enjoy doing nothing, surely seemed to enjoy doing Cale. It was as if he gained endless stamina just to have sex with him.

Cale of course was no different, in fact, by morning he was sure they'd both be reaping the benefits.

—

The activities of the night continued into early morning. No more moaning, no more whining, just the two of them catching their breaths after the night of activities.

Cale is laid out on the bed and Rok Soo falls down next to him, hugging him close. He admires the heaving chest as Cale cuddles into him and brushes away the red locks that seem longer(?) than before. He's so in love he can almost feel himself getting hard again.

Almost.

"Pretty." He whispers. Cale smiles and places a soft kiss on his lips, now laying on his bicep, using it as a pillow. The raven haired quickly provides cover to Cale's and his own naked body with a warm blanket.

"Pretty cute." Cale giggles softly, fucked out and giddy with delight.

Kim Rok Soo lets out a light chuckle, softly squeezing the hand intertwined with Cale's. Cale's shaky fingers squeeze back.

"I love you, Kim Rok Soo." Cale murmurs, nuzzling into the marked up neck of his lover.

"I love you too, Cale." He replies with a small smile.

Though their bodies were too tired to move a bit more, they cuddled together for the rest of the night. The stillness brings with it silence and soon after a sleepiness that takes over both of them.

An almost inaudible 'Goodnight' leads the two lovers to sweet dreams.

——

The bed broke.

For starters, Cale and Rok Soo had a peaceful sleep. Their naked bodies cuddled together as they slept and dreamt happily.

When Kim Rok Soo woke up he first found that his body was fully refreshed. There were no aches or pain or even a tiredness that lingered. Instead, he was very awake. Though sleeping with Cale was comfortable it always meant he wanted to go back to sleep with Cale in his arms.

Today he felt he could probably go another five rounds with Cale without feeling tired.

His second discovery was that Cale's hair did in fact grow. The red locks fell across his arms like a vibrant red flame. It was much longer, a few inches past his shoulders now.

'It wasn't this long... It grew so much as we slept.'

His third discovery was learning how early he woke up. It was his initial intention of course. Waking up early to bring the final offering to the tree and gaining the ancient power he'd been working so hard for but he didn't think he'd do it after doing that with Cale.

His fourth and final discovery was that the room smelled of roses. It wasn't strong enough to be overwhelming but was just enough to catch a person's attention.

It was pleasant

Rok Soo attempted to wake Cale. It was an attempt but the redhead quickly mumbled 'Nooo... sleepy' half asleep and shifted off of Kim Rok Soo's arm.

Well, at least he was free.

He kissed his lover and made way to the bathroom. Using one of the many soaps Cale had prepared for him, Rok Soo washed his body, recalling the events of last night and walked out in his bathrobe.

He finds Cale standing beside the bed, the blanket wrapped around him as he tiredly rubs his eye.

Cale, of course, looks ethereal. The redhead stood with dewy eyes, red in the corners and full glossy lips. A delicate yet powerful aura surrounded him whenever Rok Soo saw him in the morning. The divine glow that gloriously shined around Cale always made his heart beat faster.

He did what any person would and walked over to hug Cale. His arms wrapped firmly around the latter's waist.

"Good Morning , Cale." He greets gaining a soft peck on the lips in return.

"G'morning, Mr. Soo..."

Cale rubbed his eyes a bit before nuzzling into the gentle touch of his lover. He leaned his face onto the man's chest, closing his eyes to listen to the quickening heartbeat.

Badump, Badump.

The sound brought a soft smile to Cale's face. Rok Soo tried to bring Cale closer than he already was, leaning in and breathing Cale's scent in acting as if there was nothing else he needed to do.

'The smell of roses is him...'

He hugs Cale with passing impure thoughts, mind coming hazy as he doesn't think of anything but the redhead.

'We could go a few rounds before leaving...I could get Cale to have Hans get the items he'd order while we do it.'

Creeeeak

"Ahn, Rok Soo..."

Creeeeeak—

'What if I fuck him on the sofa this time—'

Craaaaash—

He flinches, looking at Cale then the source of the loud noise.

"Ah."

"Ah."

The bed... it broke.

—

Hans came rushing to their room claiming he felt a disturbance bothering his Young Master. He was rather mortified at the sight of the broken bed. Hans looked ready to kill at any given moment but kept his cool after seeing the look Cale gave him.

'Young Master, you're supposed to be recovering...'

The ginger butler scowled at the man who sat beside his Young Master, arm draped over the redhead's shoulder with no regard for what he'd done.

That was not true.

He was currently in deep thought and was struck with a terrible worry.

Could he have possibly... hurt Cale?

He thought he was being gentle but could he have been hurting Cale the entire... time. The cause of the bed break was his grip on the headboard from the night before.

'I got superhuman strength when coming to this world...'

Kim Rok Soo did not feel any different when coming to this world which is why he didn't know. He didn't even realize it in the heat of the moment.

He furrowed his eyebrows and glanced at his lover. Cale looked normal. He didn't show any resentment towards him and wasn't avoiding his touch, even when he pulled Cale close the noble didn't make any attempts to pull or push away from him.

"Hans, we'll be eating breakfast in our room today. Go and bring it back quickly, there's a few errands I need you to run for me before we leave."

Cale spoke leisurely with the butler who Rok Soo believed did not act completely like a butler at times. Of course he has to be skilled to be capable of taking care of Count Henituse's eldest son.

"I shall return quickly, Master. I swear to not keep you waiting for long."

Hans bolted out the room and down the halls to Kitchen #1, at such a speed Kim Rok Soo wondered how long Hans had served Cale directly.

"Cale," He says, quickly catching the noble's attention. "Cale, are you alright?"

"I will be fine." Not the answer he truly wanted but an answer nonetheless.

'I really did hurt him...'

"Cale, I'm so sorry..." Kim Rok Soo felt a large wave of guilt wash over him. He couldn't believe he even thought of having sex again this morning.

"Why are you apologizing for something you can't control?"

Cale gave a dumbfounded expression. How is he so smart yet so dumb?

The Korean furrowed his brows even further looking at Cale if he'd lost his mind.

Cale did live most of his life acting as trash and even spent 20 years in war so of course he's not used to people treating him as a human. However, any person is capable of controlling themselves. If they hurt their partner like this how is it any different from ra—

"Bursts happen all the time for us Thames. They're spontaneous and we can't feel them coming so our bodies automatically adjust to the hormonal and power fluctuations."

"...Huh?"

"I haven't had one since I was sixteen so the hormonal fluctuations are slightly more severe. Ah, and by severe I mean I'm more tired than it'd normally make me."

"Oh... so I didn't hurt you?"

"Of course not. I enjoy every second of our time together," A smile flashed across Cale's face and he leaned in to kiss his lover's bare neck. A warm, white light enveloped Rok Soo's body and the marks on his neck, shoulders and back all disappeared without a trace.

Kim Rok Soo was pleased with the development. At least he was able to not hurt his beloved. The problem now was that he didn't know how strong he was.

Hans returned to their room with breakfast. He placed the plates onto the table and awaited his next commands.

"Hans."

"Yes, Master?"

"Sit."

Chapter Text

Hans hit the floor in record time. He sat straight up heeling in front of Cale like an obedient dog. It raised several flags and questions but Roo Soo couldn't think of a reason to question it.

Hans was loyal to Cale. That much is obvious. The butler was protective and followed Cale's order's to the T. He rarely talked back, and if he did, well, the look Cale sent shut him up quickly. He usually looked at Rok Soo with disdain, but the second Cale came around he acted as if nothing was wrong.

Their relationship was much deeper than Kim Rok Soo initially realized. Hans was very protective of Cale and was obviously trained better than what the novel suggested.

He didn't abandon his master in the dead of night with no warning.

In Rok Soo's humble opinion, Hans was better than Ron.

"Hans, I have a job for you. It's nothing beyond your skill set of course, I just need you to retrieve some items from Billos while I'm out today." Cale lifted the butler's chin with an index finger, he stayed leaned onto Kim Rok Soo.

From the get go, it was obvious Cale was a villain in a novel. Maybe if he had a different goal or personality he'd be the ultimate villain of this world.

'He's so pretty.'

Kim Rok Soo couldn't think of anything other than Cale's pretty face.

Oh, to be an idiot in love.

"As my butler, I expect nothing less than perfection."

Cale continued his orders explaining the detour that was needed during their trip. Hans nodded eagerly as the redhead relayed the strategy.

Hans was to swap the map directly before their departure. Explaining to the coachmen Cale's interest in the rock formations and eagerness to explore the outside of the Henituse County. Catching them off guard would be the best course of action, avoiding his father's worrying at the same time.

He'd also need to pack whatever Count Henituse decided to buy for him.

"You understand?"

"Yes, of course, Master."

Hans smiled widely as Cale patted his head. A smirk formed on the redhead face as he stared down at the ginger butler.

Cale moved his hand away, leaning his arm on his lover's thigh.

"Good boy. You'll get your rewards when I return."

Hans grinned and stood up abruptly, almost catching Kim Rok Soo off guard. Cale didn't react, as expected, he was used to his butler's sudden excitement.

He bowed and rushed out the door leaving the couple alone.

"He's more excited than normal." Cale's gaze lingered on the door before nodding and reaching for his breakfast.

He made a move to lift the metal cover off of his food only pausing as he noticed Rok Soo did not do the same.

Cale looked at Kim Rok Soo, staring at the frown on the man's face.

"Hm..."

Cale hums curiously, shifting to face his lover. He leans in close, placing a hand on the Korean's upper thigh. He's shorter and thinner than Rok Soo making it easy for the man to cover him.

He stares a minute in silence and Rok Soo's frown never subsides.

Cale leans in closer. Slowly he drags a hand up Kim Rok Soo's chest and to the latter's face. Cale's eyes glitter in interest, gaze searching Rok Soo for something. Upon not finding it he leans in, gently pressing their lips together in a chaste kiss.

He pulls away with a small smile on his lips, smiling in satisfaction as a red blush paints his lover's ears.

"Are you alright?" Cale asks. He keeps a hand on Kim Rok Soo's cheek. His features present concern to Rok Soo who can barely hold himself back.

Cale's fingers feel like cotton and each kiss is sugary sweet. Kim Rok Soo feels his lips burn with desire. He wants to kiss him again.

To kiss Cale longer, harder, to never stop.

"I'm...alright."

Why did he always get like this when Cale kissed him?

Jealousy was an emotion he didn't often experience. More like he had no time to be jealous. His life wasn't peaceful, he didn't have the time to envy others. No one had a life worth envying.

That being said, jealousy was a normal human emotion.

...

He should also remember that there was no reason to be jealous of his lover's butler, after all Cale is in his bed and not Hans'.

Cale was his and he is Cale's there was nothing more to it.

"What's on your mind, Darling?" Cale asks, his voice low like a whisper. The redhead's gaze was so...painfully captivating.

"Cale..." Kim Rok Soo mumbled, pulling Cale in close.

"Let's do it just once before we leave."

The redhead nodded. He let out a noise of understanding and once again reached for the metal covering.

"Only after we eat."

Cale was more than willing to have sex again. In fact his libido was rather high because of his burst but it's always been high regardless. However, Cale needed to eat. He needed to be full, otherwise it wouldn't just be one round.

—

The couple walked through the foggy Western City. Many stared at the sight of the infamous Trash of the Counts family and his lover.

Many came to the assumption that Cale's attitude changed because his lover had officially come to the Henituse territory.

Though the redhead's face remained as unfriendly as always towards the citizens, he seemed slightly kinder now that his older, dark haired lover was with him.

"Sir, Young master, you are here early today."

The baker seemed to be pretty relaxed around Kim Rok Soo and much calmer than he would be around Cale after knowing he hadn't made a mess of things lately. Cale just leaned onto Rok Soo, who's hand was of course on his waist and stoically asked the baker.

"The bread?"

The baker smiled as he handed Kim Rok Soo a bag full of bread.

"Of course, I have it all ready. But is today really the last day?" The baker then asked Kim Rok Soo.

"Why? Greedy for more money?" The Korean throws the bag of bread over his shoulder as he speaks.

"Yes, I definitely am."

Cale and Rok Soo started to smile. They quite liked honest answers like this. Cale patted the shoulder of the baker, who tensed a bit only to relax as he realized he wouldn't be hit. He seemed to be a bit more relaxed around the redhead.

The two then headed to the slums.

"We'll come back when we want to eat it again."

The redhead looked back with a smile while he and Kim Rok Soo walked away. The baker longingly watched as Cale disappeared into the fog and then started to pray. He was praying for them to come back and spend a ton of money.

could only stare in awe as the redhead and his lover were soon out of view.

"Truely, love can change a person.".

As they arrived at the slums the siblings were already there waiting for them. Or more specifically, the bread Kim Rok Soo regularly delivered.

Rok Soo had come much earlier than usual. However, the siblings were curled up together and waiting for him, as if they had been waiting at the top of the hill all night. The younger brother seemed to be leaning into his older sister's embrace.

The siblings were quietly looking up at Cale. Their hair and clothes seemed damp, probably because they stayed here through the foggy morning.

Cale pretended not to notice.

"Here, take it."

The young boy took both of their shares from Cale. Cale waited until the boy picked it up before turning around and heading to the man-eating tree with Rok Soo.

Cale stood off to the side as they arrived, watching as Kim Rok Soo approached the tree.

'I'm glad it is foggy.'

The fog made it difficult to see. Since this hill was the highest point in Western City, other than the Count's estate, the fog was even thicker up here. Nobody else would be able to see what Kim Rok Soo is doing, or more importantly, what he receives from the tree.

—More, give me more. Please.

He poured a bag of bread into the hole while listening to the eerie voice of the grudge-filled soul as usual. The darkness inside the hole was slowly turning from grey to white. Rok Soo started to smile, thinking that all his efforts were not for naught. It was at that moment.

—More, more, more!

'What?'

Kim Rok Soo flinched and stepped backwards at the voice that now turned into a shriek. Cale reacted similarly, seeing the way his lover moved from the tree. He looked cautiously between the two.

'The novel didn't mention something like this.'

—More, more! I will give you a present if you bring me more. A present.

Present. That word made Kim Rok Soo's eyes start to sparkle. Although he didn't expect the soul to go crazy like this, the end was near.

"Just wait."

Cale stood back, embers flew up into the air as he held his hands behind his back with a smile.

The black branch started to shake, as if scared of something near it. It felt like a scene out of a horror movie. Kim Rok Soo shivered as he started to move back through the fog. Cale followed behind, waving at the tree whose branches drooped in relief. It was the middle of the morning now, but the sun was not out, and the fog continued to get thicker.

It looked like it would start to rain soon. Would they be able to leave today?

The siblings must have gone somewhere, as he did not see them, but Rok Soo just thought they went to dodge the rain and put the third bag of bread in front of the man-eating tree.

'This should be the last bunch.'

The light inside the hole was now as white as the fog surrounding him.

'It should become transparent after I put this last bag of bread in.'

Kim Rok Soo was full of anticipation as he poured the last bag into the tree.

And finally.

Ooooooooooong-

A rumbling that was worlds different than the past rumblings poured out from the tree toward Rok Soo. This rumbling, that was only aimed at him, did not catch his attention because of the hole that was starting to turn transparent. It should be dark inside the hole because of the shadow of the tree, but such a realistic situation did not occur.

That was the Ancient Power.

The moment Kim Rok Soo saw the Ancient Power, he could hear the voice that had been asking him for more food until now.

—It was so, so good!

That voice was ... obnoxious.

—That soft texture of bread! I especially liked the third bag of bread you brought. I guess even food develops as time goes by. There was no such thing as bread back in my days! The wheat itself must grow on a really fertile land! Yes, not all wheat is the same –...The voice was evaluating the taste of the bread.

A storm caused by the voice started to rush toward him.

'This wasn't in the novel!'

The spirit that was tied down to the earth because of its grudge was resolving that grudge by evaluating the taste of the bread. Kim Rok Soo started to frown further. He was only thinking about the Ancient Power in 'The Birth of a Hero.' This Indestructible Shield was the only Ancient Power that was written about in the novel but never claimed by anyone.

'No wonder nobody ended up taking control of it. But then why would the author mention something that could be useful but was never actually taken by anybody? Is it the same reason Cale's abilities weren't talked about?'

That was the thought in his head, however, the obnoxious voice continued to chatter away, making him unable to focus.

—...That's why I am so full! It was delicious!

Chatter chatter. It felt like the grudge was from not being able to speak instead of not being able to eat.

After hearing the spirit chat on and on for a couple of minutes, evaluating all of the different types of bread that he and Cale had brought, Kim Rok Soo nodded his head and tried to cut the voice off.

—Things like this were not available in ancient times. The people of the Forest of Darkness claimed to be servants of a god yet only gave me tasteless things.

However, he decided to wait a little longer after hearing the spirit mention the ancient times.

—I was, naturally, banished from that place. They said I was a glutton. A glutton my ass. Of course, I left with my friends. We were planning on putting the world back on the right track.

For someone like him who needed Ancient Powers, it was important to listen to stories about the ancient times. However, the story soon ended, and the spirit went back to talking about food and other useless things. Rok Soo quickly cut it off.

—I don't think I could give up this taste even if I got fat. It's so unfair that I had to eat dirt and ended up dying! Truthfully it was scary when your partner threatened me after coming back after all these years but the bread was too good to pass up!

"Yes, it was an amazing and professional evaluation. You're a bit lou—"

The spirit cut him off.

—You understand my evaluation. You are a really good guy! Thanks!

...He couldn't tell whether he could really communicate with the spirit or not.

Kim Rok Soo really could not figure out the situation at hand. At least the voice stopped after telling him thanks. Rok Soo looked toward the tree in front of him.

"How interesting." He heard Cale speak from behind him. When did the redhead move to be this close? Well he was still far enough away but earlier Cale was sure he was standing at the gate.

The man-eating tree, the originally black man-eating tree, was starting to turn white. It then started to slowly grow some green leaves. The scene looked even more mystical because he was surrounded by fog right now.

Ooooooooong-

The noise held some heaviness compared to before. Kim Rok Soo kneeled on one side and sat down underneath the trunk of the tree. A bright white light was pouring out from the hole. He put his hand into the light and then closed his eyes.

'This must be it.'

Cale watched scene, expression remaining unchanged.

A warm and strong power that wrapped around Rok Soo's hand. Kim Rok Soo started to smile before hearing the voice one more time. It was a pure and warm voice.

—It will protect you

.

Shiiiiiine.

For a very short moment, a bright light wrapped around him. The light was silver in color, and the light started to become absorbed by his body. The absorbed light all gathered at Kim Rok Soo's heart.

"Huuuuuuuh."

Kim Rok Soo let out a long sigh as he opened his eyes. It did not hurt. It was warm, and the pure power was making him feel happy.

He quickly lifted up the shirt that he was wearing.

'I did it.'

There was a small silver shield inscribed over his heart. It was different from a tattoo. Such a beautiful and fancy shield left its mark over Kim Rok Soo's heart.

The shield will prioritize its owner's safety above anything else. The location of that promise was at the heart. This shield will be with Rok Soo until his heart stops beating.

"How nice."

Cale peaked from behind him, moving around to look at the beautiful mark left on his lover's body. It was nice. Very nice in fact.

He was almost tempted to bite it.

Almost.

Kim Roo Soo could feel the strength wrapping around his heart. It was not causing any issues. In fact, it felt like the shield had surrounded his heart, and was doing its best to protect him.

Ancient Powers like this left their unique mark when they are activated.

Rok Soo quickly used the method that was written in the novel to trigger the Ancient Power.

Paaaaaat.

The 'Indestructible Shield' appeared in front of their eyes.

It was a silver shield that was just large enough to cover his upper body. There were two silver wings on both sides of the shield, which allowed the shield to move within a certain radius from Roo Soo. The size of the shield was also controllable.

Kim Rok started to control the size of this shield that already felt like it was a part of his body. It became the same size as Cale. This immediate familiarity was one of the special traits of Ancient Powers. That was why heroes used it, even if it was just as a support.

He started to smile.

'A maximum of four times.'

Rok Soo was thinking in terms of Choi Han, the main character of this world. The shield should be able to block four of Choi Han's attacks.

'The strength of this shield is much stronger than I expected. It's definitely reacting to the strength I've gained because of the transmigration. Why would the heroes not use it all the time?'

The strength of the shield comes from the owner's heart.

The beating heart. That heart becomes the strength of the shield. The heart strengthens the shield while the shield protects the heart. So, what would happen if the heart gets stronger?

'It will get even stronger.'

There were many ways to strengthen Ancient Powers. He and Cale planned to be strengthening this shield on the way to the capital.

Once that happens, he should be able to make a shield that can last almost 20 minutes when someone of Choi Han's caliber tries to kill him with all of their strength.

Kim Rok Soo started to smile. He reached out and touched the shield. It felt nice. However, there was one thing he didn't like about it.

"...It seems too divine."

Cale snorted and turned away. Kim Rok Soo watched the redhead's shoulders shake as he held in a laugh.

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it. I certainly have."

The Holy looking shield reminded him of the description of one of Cale's abilities. A white light that enshrouded its targets. It removed any pain or injury one may have endured during their battle. A light that felt safe and warm and calmed the mind, like you found salvation.

Salvation.

Truely a name fit for such an ability. Its potency was far greater than any magical healing.

Kim Rok Soo returned the shield to his heart and patted the now white tree as he took Cale by the waist and started to walk away.

It was raining but they did not get wet. Kim Roo Soo looked at Cale whose face was blank. He then looked as the falling rain drops rolled off instead of soaking their clothes. Cale used his ability to prevent them from getting wet.

Kim Rok Soo liked the fog, but did not like rain. Cale liked the rain but he did not want to get wet, that is why he used his ability. That is also why he matched Roo Soo's quick pace and headed back to the estate.

It was at that moment.

Meeoooooow.

Meow.

Kim Rok Soo suddenly felt a chill on the back of his neck. It was the alley right outside the Count's Estate. He could see two pairs of round, golden eyes.

Cale started to frown.

There were two kittens who looked extremely pitiful and drenched in the rain. They continued to meow as they approached the couple. They then started to rub their cheeks on Cale's legs.

Cale looked at the two and saw two dirty cloths wrapped around either of the two's hind legs

"Sigh."

Cale let out a sigh and started to walk. The two little kittens followed behind them. The tiny things somehow managed to keep up, even with their short legs.

—

"Young master, what is going on?"

The person who greeted them at home was Cale's favorite butler Hans. Hans had a confused expression as his eyes opened wide. He seemed to be shocked. Cale clicked his tongue and handed Hans the things in his hands.

"Take them."

Hans's eyes started to shake.

"W, what cute and lovely kittens!"

Cale carefully put the two kittens in the hands of the extremely excited Hans.

The two kittens, who were dangling in Hans's hands, continued to look at Cale, even when they were in Hans's arms.

"Young master, may I take care of these two lovely kitten-nims?"

"That is why I gave them specifically to you."

Hans began to smile in joy. Cale and Rok Soo started to walk past the excited Hans as the redhead added on.

"Ah, for your information, they become quiet if you give them food. The two of them are also siblings."

The two kittens flinched and started to shake. Their golden eyes opened widely as they looked toward Cale.

"Excuse me?"

The moment Hans asked in confusion, Cale moved back toward Hans. He then lowered his head and caressed the two kittens.

He had wondered about it for the last few days, but how could he not know by now?

The silver kitten had a faint smell of the medicinal herbs he had given to the girl. When he picked the two kittens up earlier, he could also smell the beef steak and bacon cream pasta that he had given them this morning as well.

That made Cale certain. The events of the last few days were finally resolved in Cale's head. His lover had come to the same conclusion.

"Did you think we wouldn't know?"

The two kitten's golden eyes continued to shake. Cale looked at the siblings Kim Rok Soo had been feeding the last few days and started to smile.

Tap. Tap.

Even at the rough patting, the baby kittens could only stiffly stare at Cale.

'The silver kitten should be the older sister with grey hair and the younger brother must be the red kitten.'

Cale had a bright smile on his face. He looked toward the kittens and started to speak.

"We'll talk later."

The siblings who seemed to be beast people avoided his gaze and Hans confusingly replied.

"...Young Master, these are...?"

"Yes. Get them cleaned up and those handkerchiefs as well. Bring them to our room when you're done."

Hans looked at Cale and the two kittens and nodded before holding the kittens even tighter. It was a movement that seemed to show that he was debating what he should say. However, he soon had to approach Cale once again.

"Are you heading back out?"

"Yes."

It was because Cale changed his coat and kissed his partner. He was preparing to leave again.

"Where will you be going?"

"I have a promise to keep and someone to meet."

"...Young master, you are going to keep a promise?"

Hans looked to be shocked again, as he questioned Cale.

"I keep my promises to you. You seem to be ruder, hmph."

"My apologies."

Hans' apology was very quick.

'They really are close.'

Rok Soo watched the interaction from behind having savored the kiss from earlier.

'Cale is going to take him to the capital as well.'

"I'm leaving now, we'll all talk later, seeing as we can't leave today. And Hans," The ginger butler, as well as the two kittens and Kim Rok Soo looked at Cale as he stood by the door. "Be a good boy while I'm out."

"...Yes, Young Master."

Cale left the four alone and prepared to leave by carriage. The four stared at the closed doors. Some hoped for Cale's quick return and other's wished he never left at all.

A passing thought made Rok Soo speak up.

"Um, Hans. Don't the deputy butlers learn basic martial arts?"

"Of course."

"And you are the greatest Head Butler candidate?"

The corner of Hans's lips started to move up and down. Count Deruth cherished Hans because he took care of things well and had the best personality as well. Cale never complained about him which is why he was directly assigned to the eldest son of the Henituse family.

"Yes sir. I know three different styles: martial arts, dagger arts, and spear arts."

A good butler needed to learn a couple different basic fighting styles, just in case something happened and the family members needed to run away.

"Amazing."

"I guess I am a bit amazing. I'm also proficient in the usage of poisoned needles.

That made Rok Soo worry. Hans definitely said as a threat. The two kittens could only shake their heads as they watched Hans and Kim Rok Soo converse.

[The Fragrance of Tea with Poetry]

Cale looked up at the sign before opening the door.

Ring.

The clear ringing of the bell and a desolate shop welcomed Cale.

"I guess nobody is here because of the rain."

"Welcome, young master."

Billos. The bastard of the Flynn Merchant Guild. He welcomed Cale as if they had known each other for a long time. Cale sat in front of the counter and made eye contact with Billos.

"I promised to come back. I needed to keep my promise."

"Of course. Promises need to be kept. Should I prepare the book and tea from last time?"

"Yes. 2 cups, we have things to discuss. Surely you haven't forgotten."

"Haha! Of course not, Young Master. Which teas should I make?"

Cale ordered and set a time for Billos to bring the teas up before turning around and heading up to the third floor.

Drip drip-

The rain was getting even worse. Tsk. Cale clicked his tongue and went back to sit at the same spot near the third floor window and looked out.

"The rain is pretty strong, isn't it?"

Billos came up and sat across from him and put down a single cup of tea. Cale remembered Kim Rok Soo talking about important individuals they'd most likely need to be acquainted with.

'Choi Han, Beacrox, Ron. And finally, Billos.'

Choi Han, Beacrox and Ron were all individuals he never needed to meet again. They'd of course do their own thing and become heroes of the kingdom.

Billos was someone he planned to meet regardless. He was a person Cale had befriended in his first life, even if the man was loyal to Choi Han.

Billos was not sad that he could not call his father, 'father,' or his brother, 'brother.' In fact, he was just trying to beat them.

He wanted to make it so that they had no choice but to accept him. He wanted to create a situation where they will have no choice but to introduce him as son, to introduce him as the younger brother.

'He must be exhausted.'

Cale thought Billos lived an exhausting life. However, he did not hate that. In fact, having that type of greed made him seem more human.

He didn't like the people who had the abilities and strength, but said things like, 'Hoho, I'm just going to give up. I have no choice.' Why would you give up on something that could be yours? You should always take what is yours.

Cale could hear Billos's voice breaking his train of thought.

"Young master, I heard that you are going to head to the capital."

"I leave tomorrow. Unfortunately the rain is a hindrance with travel"

Seeing Cale pretending to be annoyed made Billos smile. He did not even try to hide it. This really was a very, very interesting young master. However, Billos could tell that he had a pretty sharp mind.

"I will be heading to the capital as well. I guess I will be following after you."

"And?"

Cale already knew about it.In order for Billos and Choi Han to meet each other he'd need to head to the capital.

Billos had a stoic expression as he asked Cale, who was sipping his tea and looking out the window, a question.

"Young master, it seems like you have changed."

"Don't tell me you've only realized this now?"

Seeing Cale turn to look at him, Billos started to smile. Cale motioned with his chin for Billos to continue.

"You seem different from your nickname."

"Which one? Trash?"

Billos could see the corners of Cale's lips starting to go up. He definitely was different. This Cale was not the trash that he knew about. That trash did not know how to make such an expression. It was a slightly villainous smile.

'I don't want to talk but it seems he wants to chat. Should I humor him for a while?'

Billos did not know what Cale was thinking.

"Yes. You are right. Trash. Haven't you always been a trashy young master?"

Did he not have any fear? Cale could not help but wonder, as Billos said such a thing to the Count's son, the first born of the ruler of the territory. Could he have drunk a bit before Cale's arrival?

But Cale did not want to fight with Billos. Billos was someone who was going to take over a large merchant guild. And Billos was being sincere. He was not smiling, he was actually sincerely asking the question.

'Haven't you always been a trashy young master?'

Cale decided to answer the question. It was not a hard question to answer anyways. It was easier than figuring out how to make money when you have no money.

"Billos."

Cale had a smile on his face, but did not laugh as he called out to Billos.

"You can't call your father, 'father.' You can't call your brother, 'brother.'"

Billos's gaze turned chilly. He started to take notice of the young master in front of him who had no problem touching his sore spot. Just like he had touched Cale's sore spot, he was returning the favor by touching his most painful sore spot. Cale just silently made eye contact with Billos for a bit.

The rain started to pour even harder outside. Cale broke the silence and started to smile as he asked.

"Are you going to keep being the bastard? Are you satisfied with that?"

Billos could feel Cale's sharp gaze on him.

"I know you're not."

Cale leaned back on the chair and continued on with an expression that seemed to be thinking about the past.

"I've acted like trash for about ten years, since I started when I was 8."

'I think I'm a bit amazing. Keeping up that trash act for so long and no one suspected me? Hell, I'm more surprised my liver lasted as long as it did. Drinking since I was 15 and surprisingly there have been no problems.'

Cale thought about the past, and started to smile. That smile looked scary to Billos.

At that moment, a small noise cut through the rain to reach Cale and Billos.

"Billos."

Billos's stoic face felt pretty chilly.

"It's okay to throw away something you've been doing for around ten years."

Cale's eyes started to look more alive as he continued.

"As a merchant it's your job to assess and decide whether a client will be beneficial to you. Seeing as we've been doing business for some time now, I'm sure you understand by now."

Cale truly looked like a villainous young master in the eyes of Billos.

"I can't live as trash forever,"

Chapter Text

Cale returned home to an interesting view. Hans was attempting to play with the red furred kitten and Kim Rok Soo was holding the silver one. Well from the looks of it, the situation was forced. She sat on his lap and looked as if the world might come to an end. Rok Soo didn't look any better. He looked unbothered but his lips were in a thin line and his jaw was so obviously tightened.

However the air around the two was much better than earlier.

'Looks like they got along.'

His meeting with Billos went well and he'd got exactly what he'd wanted.

An old tomb of the Thames family. It wasn't anything too special. Seeing as it could only be opened by someone of Thames descent it was useless to Billos.

It was something Cale's uncle had told him to find.

And Cale spent quite a lot of money and resources to find it in the past. Finding it in this life was much easier seeing how the lands weren't in ruin and were already close by.

'I can't live as trash forever.'

That is what he told Billos earlier.

Of course, Cale would still spend all the money he wants and do whatever pleases him, even if he wasn't a trash. He was going to live peacefully and enjoy life and save the world. Although that was different from the direction of Billos' life, what mattered was that both of them were not going to continue living the way they had been living.

'Aren't you the same?'

The corner of Billos's lips started to slowly move upward. He then bowed and started to snicker.

After silently snickering for a bit, Billos raised his head up and looked toward Cale.

'I am indeed tired of it.'

Billos was laughing as he said he was tired of it.

'See? I told you. Throw it away and get what you've worked for.'

Cale recalled his prior conversation, he smiled at his rewards for keeping a conversation and greeted the people in the room.

"Young master."

Hans approached Cale as he was staring at the kittens.

"Young master, what do you think? Aren't they even cuter, lovelier, and more adorable now? They are so mean though, they wouldn't even let me pet them. Haha!"

Hans crouched next to the kitten and looked up at Cale with satisfaction.

"Don't you agree?"

This person liked cat's quite a bit.

"They're small. Make sure they're fed well"

The two kittens definitely looked fuller and healthier. What kind of magic did Hans do in that short amount of time? However, the two kittens continued to avoid Hans's gaze. It seemed to be a very stereotypical relationship between a butler and a cat.

"Then I will be heading out now, young master. Please call me if there is anything you need for the kitten-nims."

"Stay and sit down. You need to hear this too."

Hans nodded and sat on the opposite end of the sofa Kim Rok Soo sat on. Both men stayed at the very edge not wanting anything to do with the other. Cale avoided the sparkling eyes of the kittens as he went into the bathroom. At that moment, the kittens' ears fell down.

Once Cale came out of the bathroom, he picked the red furred kitten up off the floor, the same way a mother cat would pick up her child and sat him beside Rok Soo to be near his sister.

"Stop looking at me."

They immediately stopped looking at him once he said that.

Cale sat down on the couch and looked toward the two kittens. He then spoke to the two kittens who were whining as if the world were going to end.

"You two are part of the Cat Tribe, aren't you?"

The two kittens nodded their heads without making eye contact with Cale.

"Are you planning on following us?"

There were no responses to this question.

Instead, the red kitten hopped from his place on the opposite sofa and slowly walked over and rubbed its cheek on Cale's leg, while the silver kitten approached Cale soon after and started to tap Cale's foot with her front paw.

"Then make yourselves useful."

The kittens immediately responded.

Meeeow.

Meow!

Cale responded to both of them, somehow understanding what they'd said.

"I'll have Hans get you something to eat. You'll have lots of meat and cake, so you know what to do, right?"

Meow!

Meow!

"In human language, I'm the only one that understands you."

Cale had noticed the confused expressions on his butler and lover's face. He concluded that his innate ability to understand animals was still prevalent.

This was something Cale did not inherit as a member of the Thames bloodline but as Cale Henituse. An odd child that confused his even odder uncle.

"Be useful!"

"Be useful!"

The kittens immediately replied, and that was how the two siblings became a part of Count Henituse's household.

"Well then, time for business."

—

The next morning, Cale and Kim Rok Soo joined the Henituse family for breakfast. Count Deruth looked at his son, who was wearing simple yet elegant clothes, and started to smile.

"I guess you are leaving today."

Today was the day that Cale would leave the Henituse territory and head toward the capital.

"It doesn't look like you are nervous."

Cale smiled instead of responding to his father's statement. Cale's life had been turned around and now he was worrying about the work he'd need to do in the capital. It's not like it would be hard but work is still work.

His complexion was paler but he did look healthier than his time in the forest.

The effects of his recent burst was still in effect and he was physically tired though he wanted to have sex.

Cale didn't have any choice but to bear it and act as if he were happy.

"Father."

Cale looked at the breakfast spread that was fancier than ever before, as he asked.

"It looks like the number of people in the envoy has grown again. I asked you to reduce the number."

He had asked his father to decrease the number of servants accompanying him to help with his needs. He said that Hans was enough. After all several servants had already left with Basen.

"Ah, about that..."

For some reason, Deruth stopped his sentence without finishing. At that moment, someone else's voice interjected itself into their conversation.

"That was my decision."

It was the Count's wife and Cale's stepmother, Violan.

Her hair was perfectly formed in a bun, without a single stray hair, as she was looking down at her plate. She looked so similar to her son, Basen. Even the way they both did not make eye contact with Cale and had a stoic expression was the same.

"We can't have someone from our family looking poor and terrible just because you want to go with such a small envoy."

It was an extremely stoic voice. Violan then lifted up her gaze to look in Cale's direction before continuing on.

"... I am not saying you are terrible."

"I know."

Violan hesitated for a moment after hearing Cale's response, before taking another bite of her food and continuing to speak.

"People, especially nobles, care a lot about appearances."

The Countess Violan. Kim Rok Soo quietly watched her.

She was born as the eldest daughter of a poor artist's family, and had dreamt about being the head of a merchant guild when she grew up. She was influenced by the luxury items being sold to the nobles and came to the Henituse territory. Once she got here, she fell in love with the art of sculpting.

Eventually, she met Count Deruth and fell in love, living as the director for the territory's cultural business operations.

In Kim Rok Soo's opinion, she had a lot of pride for herself and her life, which was why she had a lot of pride for this family as well.

Even though she knew that Rok Soo was silently observing her, she continued on without a single change in her expression.

"Art is not for those human tras- mm."

She was a bit of a coarse speaker because she worked in the merchant world for a while.

"Anyways, there are a lot of people who think that appearances reveal everything about a person."

That was her way of telling Cale to take a lot of servants with him. Her goal was for Cale to not be judged negatively just because he only took a few servants with him.

Naturally, Kim Rok Soo wanted to take a lot of people to do his biddings for him as well. He would have preferred to sit and relax with Cale.

'How nice and relaxing would it be?'

He was finding it difficult to get changed without a servant now. Kim Rok Soo had been in this world with Cale for barely a week, but he already could not let go of that easy life.

However, a few days into their future was a crazy Black Dragon.

If they cannot release this crazy dragon in advance, it might go wild and kill a lot of people. Although he didn't care about what happened to other people, he still did not want to see people dying in front of his eyes.

Furthermore, he also didn't want to take responsibility for those people who will be injured because of the dragon.

Responsibility was a heavy burden, and for someone like Kim Rok Soo, who had taken responsibility for his own life since he was a young boy, he knew that responsibility related to people and people's lives was the scariest and heaviest burden.

That was why he was shocked as Cale began to speak.

"Art is the mirror of the soul."

Violan lifted her gaze off of her plate and looked toward Cale. This was the first time in a long while that the two of them had made eye contact with each other.

"...You do know about that."

"Yes. I do know."

Cale had roamed around the entire territory these past few days as well as in the past. He just recited one of the things he saw on one of those trips.

"Sculpting is not just cutting into a chunk of marble. It is creating a reflection of what is in your heart."

This time, it was Cale who looked at his plate and continued to eat while Violan was watching him.

"I read that on the plaque at the Gallery."

The Gallery in the Henituse territory displayed the works of new sculptors. That statement that was written on the plaque in the Gallery was something that Violan had personally written.

"...Do as you wish. I will reduce the number of people going with you, but, in return, the carriage and everything in it shall be of the highest quality. That is how it should be for us Henituse people."

"That is fine with me. Please give me the most expensive stuff."

"Great. I will make sure you have a carriage that won't even hurt your butt as you travel across bumpy roads."

"Only the best."

Cale could not see it because he was looking at his plate, but there was a slight smile on Violan's face, before it disappeared. Count Deruth, who had been watching this from the start, let out a fake cough to cover up his slowly rising smile, and asked Cale.

"Did you verify the information from Hans regarding the personalities of all the nobles who will be going to the capital?"

Deruth had used his own network, as well as the information guild to purchase information on the other nobles, and had handed it to Hans to give to Cale.

"Yes. It was pretty entertaining. Though I won't need it seeing as I will not be attending the birthday banquet for The King."

It was probably difficult to purchase that file. In fact, it probably cost a fortune. Although it only had about three or four lines about each person, it was precious and expensive to purchase information on nobles.

"There are some petty ones, some stupid ones, some smart and scary ones, even some who are desperate for power. Looks like all sorts of people are coming this time."

'Basen will be fine, he's a tactful child.'

Of course, there were also some stupidly nice people, villains, and trash as well.

"You read the file I sent you. Ahem. Anyways, do as you please. But Cale."

"Yes, father."

"I heard a strange rumor."

Cale did not react as he continued to eat his breakfast. Kim Rok Soo's shoulders flinched ever so slightly.

"Apparently the man-eating tree, that black tree, has changed. It is now a white three with beautiful blue leaves. There is even grass growing in that spot where nothing used to grow."

The place that had changed the most in the last few days was none other than the top of the hill in the slums. It was a location where only the black tree had resided, however, that tree turned white with blue leaves after Kim Rok Soo had resolved its grudge, and it was now a beautiful tree that looked almost divine.

"Isn't it an interesting rumor?"

"Hm...It is."

Cale saw how Rok Soo had no intentions of revealing his Ancient Power right now, so he simply pretended to have no knowledge of it.

There was no way that his father did not know about the fact that they went to the slums. However, he would not have any knowledge of the Ancient Power. He would just suspect that something happened with Cale and the man-eating tree.

"Yes, but it isn't that big of a deal. However, you need to pay attention to rumors no matter what you do. There is nothing scarier than human eyes and mouths. However, anything that happens inside the territory is fine for members of our household."

Rumors have surrounded Cale for years now. Something like a measly rumor couldn't do anything to scare him. In fact he'd like to meet the fucker that tries.

"I will... keep that in mind."

The luxurious breakfast that was made for Cale, who was leaving for the capital, finally came to an end. He received goodbyes from the Count and Countess, who couldn't watch him leave because they had work to do, and then made eye contact with his younger sister, who was awkwardly standing there.

"What?"

His younger sister, Lily, slowly approached him. 7 years old. This youngest sibling was 11 years apart from him.

"P, please have a safe trip."

"Thanks. You be safe here too."

Lily vigorously nodded her head.

"Yes!"

She then quietly looked at Cale. Cale just casually asked in response to her gaze.

"Should I buy you a present while on my trip?"

"Really?"

'As I thought. She wanted a present.'

Cale nodded his head as he watched the surprised, amazed, and happy expressions all taking turns showing up on Lily's face.

"How about a sword?"

"Really?."

Lily's eyes widened with excitement.

"...What?" Kim Roo Soo looked from beside his lover with an expression of confusion.

"Please buy me a sword."

'A 7 year old wants a sword?'

Seeing the shock on Rok Soo's face, Cale started to speak.

"Darling, Lily's dream is to become a swordsman."

"Is that so?"

Rok Soo seriously looked toward Lily. The people of this household all had long arms, long legs, and a good physique. Lily was only 7 years old, but she was tall for her age and could easily become a good swordsman if she put in the effort.

"I guess it would suit her."

"It would."

Lily's eyes started to sparkle seeing her brother and his lover agree with each other.

"I will buy you an expensive one."

Lily started to smile as she lowered her head in embarrassment instead of responding. Cale did not see this as he turned away, thinking about a present for his younger brother as well.

'A fountain pen and leather book. He'd like something like that.'

***

Cale's expression was odd as he stood in front of the carriage that would take them to the capital.

'How odd.'

He had an odd expression as he asked the person standing next to him.

"Why is it that their seat is better than my seat?"

Cale was looking at the expensive and soft cushion next to him, as well as the two kittens sitting on the cushion.

"Young master, shouldn't our precious cats travel comfortably on this trip? They are so small and precious."

Hans answered as he put the special treats he prepared for the cats in the carriage as well. Cale and Kim Rok Soo both had blank expressions on their faces.

'It's because he would definitely get along with them seeing as they could create fog and fill it with poison.'

It didn't matter if they were regular cats or beastmen cats. Hans thought they were cute.

Cale spoke to On and Hong during their meeting the other day.

'What can you do?'

In response to his question, On created fog while in her cat form, while Hong used a bit of his blood to spread poison into the air. Of course, On was able to control the poisonous fog to prevent the group from dying. Furthermore, the poison Hong could spread was only at the level of paralysis right now.

'You two are quite useful.'

On and Hong proudly answered back after hearing Kim Roo Soo's praise.

'We were able to run away because of our poisonous fog!'

'We are quite useful!'

Starting from that day, On and Hong would be able to eat delicious food all day long. Naturally, Hans was happy to provide for them.

"Young master, I will be sitting with the driver up top."

"Okay."

Hans jumped up next to the driver, and Cale was about to board as well, when the Vice Captain for the knights arrived.

"Young master, shall we leave now?"

The Vice Captain asked Cale. Cale hopped into the carriage using Rok Soo's hand to balance himself in the same manner most noble ladies would, Rok Soo got in after and closed the carriage door as Cale answered.

"Yes. Let's go."

15 soldiers and 5 knights. Cale's envoy, which consisted of this protection squad and then some other people, finally started to head toward the capital.

Of course, as with most fantasy world travels, it was not a very uneventful trip.

Nobody dared to touch Cale's carriage in the Henituse territory. The carriage did not have the flag that represented the family, but the carriage itself had the Golden Turtle, the symbol of the Henituse family, drawn on it. It was representative of the Henituse family's love for wealth and longevity.

However, as soon as they left the Henituse territory, they ran into a situation.

'As expected, they really do show up.'

While they were rushing through a mountain range, tens of people suddenly showed up in the valley.

"Pay the toll if you want to cross this mountain!"

"Take out everything you have! If we find anything after you claim to have taken everything out, it will be 1 slap for every 1 bronze we find!"

Yes, it was the bandits.

There were bound to be bandits in a fantasy story, but the fact that there were tens of them was surprising. They probably relied on their numbers to attack this carriage, which only had 5 knights. Rok Soo looked toward the kitten On, who was yawning and asked.

"You think they can't see the symbol on my carriage?"

"I guess so."

"Idiots! Beginners!"

Cale nodded his head at Hong's assessment. He was not afraid of bandits. Why would he be?

Knock Knock.

The knocking came from the small window by the driver's seat before the window slightly opened, and Hans looked inside.

"Young master, it looks like we will need to take a break. There seems to be quite a lot of idiots here."

"I see... I think It'd be fastest if I took care of this myself.

Hans understood Cale's statement and hopped from the front of the carriage to open the door for Cale.

"Young Master! You shouldn't get out the—"

"Shut up."

Cale walked to the center of the new playground for him. He eyed the bandits, measuring their worth as his Knights stood behind them ready for battle.

"Seems the rich kid thinks he has power! Hahaha!"

One of the bandits, looking and sounding stupid, boldly insulted Cale who did not bat an eye.

"I'll give you two choices. You can leave peacefully or continue to fuck around and find out."

Seeing the bandits didn't back down and seem to take it as an empty threat made Cale sigh.

'This is why I don't say shit when I fight, they don't just fucking leave when I give them a decent chance to save their asses.'

Cale got an immediate headache and raised his hand.

"Your knights can't he— COLD!"

Cale flicked his wrist and the bandits were soon encased in icy prisons. Each one was frozen up to their necks, shivering from the painful cold that came with Cale's attack. They all were rendered immobile from a single wave of Cale's hand.

The knights stared with wide eyes. They were shocked to see their trashy young master use magic—

"It's not magic."

Okay, not use magic, to take out so many bandits at once. They were certain the Cale had no affinity for magic.

"It's still not magic."

The knights were amazed at the sight they just witnessed. Who knew their young master was so... cool.

"Don't make stupid jokes like that."

Could it be... he can read minds as well.

"Heh."

He didn't answer.

Cale ignored the gawking eyes of the knights and turned from the bandits. He waved at them as he made his way back to the carriage. He then called out to the frozen bandits.

"Don't get frostbite."

The road split as Cale got back into the carriage, with the help of Kim Rok Soo who got out to help him back in, and a rocky wall pushed the bandits that blocked their path out of the way.

As the door to the carriage closed and Kim Rok Soo sat down he could see the widened eyes of On and Hong were directed at Cale. They listened to the sound of the bandits' screams coming from outside the carriage, eyes asking several questions.

Cale looked unsure of what he should say, he thought for a moment before opening his mouth to speak.

"...They found out."

Chapter Text

About a day and a half."

In about a day and a half, they would arrive around the area where the Black Dragon was being tortured. They didn't have much time. This was the reason he had made them rush forward without taking any breaks.

"Let's cut that time. I'll make it half a day."

"Is it okay to use your abilities like that? You're pretty tired."

"I will be fine."

"Cale."

Cale sighed and placed a hand on the carriage wall. He closed his eyes and soon a white light enveloped them and their surroundings.

The redhead leaned on Roo Soo's shoulder, looking up at the man with calm eyes and yawned.

"See, I'm fine."

Cale closed his eyes ignoring the confused shouts of the Knights from outside the carriage and took a nap.

Sigh. Kim Rok Soo looked at Cale and shook his head. He looked at the two kittens that looked physically confused and slightly excited.

To them such an ability was kind of like a game or toy. It was fun to experience.

Cale used blink. It was super effective.

* * *

Cale's envoy entered the village.

Kim Rok Soo caressed the smooth pale hand of his sleeping lover. The redhead's hair was tied in a half up, half down hairstyle that was easy to manage. It kept his hair out his face, while shaping it and enhancing his beauty.

'He's pretty sleeping on me like this.'

Unfortunately, Kim Rok Soo couldn't keep his attention an Cale for long.

'The Black Dragon will cause a mana explosion in less than a day. Probably.'

They were now in a Viscount's territory that was right next to the Henituse territory. A villa belonging to the Viscount was built in the mountain on the right side of this village a few years ago.

Naturally, while it was labeled as the Viscount's villa on the outside, in reality, it belonged to Marquis Stan, the person responsible for making the Black Dragon go crazy. The viscount of this territory was nothing more than a dog of the Marquis.

'And in the mountain behind the villa hides the cave with the Black Dragon.'

The Black Dragon causes a mana explosion and sends the cave and the mountain flying. Rok Soo looked at the small peak to the right of the mountain he crossed, and clicked his tongue.

Venion of Marquis Stan's family. Kim Rok Soo was thinking about the Marquis's second son. He was a crazy psycho who crippled his own older brother to rise to the position of heir. That psycho visits the villa every so often to torture the Black Dragon for fun.

They needed to find an Inn to stay so they could proceed with plans.

"Tsk."

Hans flinched at Cale clicking his tongue. The redhead had woken up and stepped out of the carriage, holding Kim Rok Soo's hand as he stepped down. Hans quickly brought a soldier over.

"Young master, We will quickly look for an inn. Please wait a moment."

The carriage was currently stopped outside of the village entrance.

"Don't cause trouble."

"Of course. We will be right back."

Cale nodded his head at Hans's statement. Just why would Choi Han fight with an existence that caused a mana explosion? It was because he could not throw this small and quiet village away.

Harris Village. This village was similar to the village his mother died at. That was why he made a move to save the lives of these village people that he did not even know so no child would resent a place they may have considered their home. Cale started to frown as he remembered the place he'd spent so many years hating.

They should still be in this area.

"Hans."

"Yes, young master?"

"Be careful and hurry back. And keep your hood on."

Ah. A small gasp came out of Hans' mouth. This butler who was saved by Cale Henituse held a pleased look on his face as he nodded his head.

"Yes sir. I will be right back."

Cale motioned as if he was annoyed, but Hans bowed before pulling on his hood and quickly starting to walk toward the village with the soldier.

"How do you feel?"

"I feel okay, still a bit tired but otherwise fine."

"As long as you're okay."

Kim Rok Soo held Cale's hand and kissed it. He smiled at the redhead and kissed his hand again.

'I'm glad we're a bit incognito.'

Cale's hair was longer and he wore clothes that were simpler than when he'd met Choi Han. He looked soft in Kim Rok Soo's eyes. Rok Soo even matched Cale. While Cale wore a coat that hung off his shoulders like a shawl, his sat on his shoulders with a hood to cover his head.

As Kim Rok Soo looked away from Cale he could see a carriage quickly heading in the direction Hans and the soldier went.

'I have a bad feeling about this.'

Kim Roo Soo felt like someone with extremely sweaty hands was handing him a poisoned apple. It was a really bitter feeling. The cause of that bitter feeling was soon to be revealed.

"Such-"

He couldn't believe it.

He could see an old man who could not manage to avoid the carriage, fall down on the road. He could also see a black hooded figure and Hans rushing toward the old man, as well as the carriage continuing to travel down the road like it was not going to stop.

'Such a cliche!'

There was a flag hanging on that carriage. A red snake. It was the symbol of Marquis Stan. His eyes started to shake. It was about to happen. An incident was about to happen.

Bang!

The hooded figure flung themselves to rescue the old man, and the momentum forced him to smash into a building wall. Only then did the black carriage belonging to Marquis Stan finally stop.

"Sigh."

Cale let out a sigh as he looked towards the incident. It looked like he had no choice but to head over to the site of that cliche event.

"Young master, are you heading over there?"

The Vice captain approached him as soon as he began to walk forward.

"Who will go if I don't?"

The Vice Captain started to chase after Cale, who was heading toward the incident location without any hesitation.

A man slowly walked out of the other carriage. Venion Stan.

Cale started to frown deeply as soon as he saw him. There was only one line in the file that his father Count Deruth gave him regarding Venion Stan's personality.

[A typical and authoritative noble]

Kim Rok Soo, who watched from afar could also use the information from, 'The Birth of a Hero,' to evaluate Venion.

Your typical villain.

However, it was quite a headache to meet that typical villain in real life, than it was as a character in a novel. Cale could not beat someone up for doing something bad or because he didn't like them like Choi Han could.

The situation had already escalated a bit by the time Cale arrived. In those few short moments, the hooded person had already become so angry that their shoulders were shaking violently.

"How can you get in the way of a noble person like that?"

"What the hell are you saying when someone could have gotten hurt? Who was in the way? This only happened because you were driving the carriage like a maniac!"

"Peasants should move out of the way when they see a noble's carriage. It is not my fault that this peasant was so stupid he just stood there without moving!"

The hooded person was arguing with one of Venion's lackeys, and Hans, who had been standing next to the old man with the soldier, had a frown on his face as he approached Cale and whispered into his ear.

"This man is extremely agitated, Young Master."

Hans seemed to have already noticed that the owner of the carriage belonged to the Marquis's family. He also seemed to have realized that the person standing behind that lackey was none other than Venion Stan.

That narcissist probably only stepped out of the carriage because he saw the symbol of the Henituse family on Cale's carriage.

"Enough."

Venion, the man with beautiful blonde hair, gently spoke to his lackey. As soon as Venion's words came out, the lackey quickly moved behind Venion, as if he had never been angry in the first place. Only the hooded man was left huffing and puffing while consoling the scared old man.

Tsk. Cale clicked his tongue.

The lackey wasn't actually angry. He was pretty far away from Cale's carriage, but just like Venion, he probably saw the Golden Turtle on Cale's carriage. That was why he was exaggerating, being extremely loud while scolding the old man's savior, so that it would draw Cale out to the scene. He must have assumed this man was one of his servants seeing as the regular servants of the envoy wore short hooded capes. Hans knew what the lackey was doing, which led him to frown while waiting for Cale to arrive.

Cale looked blankly at Venion and the lackey before turning to the hooded person.

"You too."

"Excuse—!"

Cale knew why this person was angry. He was angry at the fact that these people put someone else's life in danger but didn't show even an iota of remorse, or any signs of apologizing.

However, the victim in this, the old man, was unable to get angry. It was because he did not have anything to support him.

"They could have used another road, but decided not to do so and could have hurt someone. How can I just let this be."

"Shut up and calm down.."

Cale could not act nice to this person nor did he have an intention to. His eyes told him things would be fine and to let him handle it. All this person needed to do was shut up and behave like a good dog.

The person's black pupils looked directly at Cale. Cale could see the angry hooded person starting to calm down.

After verifying that this person was calming down, Cale turned his gaze to look at Venion Stan.

Blonde hair and a slight smile on his lips. Perfectly ironed attire without a single wrinkle. Boots without a single scuff mark. However, the thing that caught Cale's attention was the small amount of red at the tip of Venion's white dress shirt.

'Some blood must have landed on him while he was enjoying watching the Black Dragon being tortured.'

A crazy bastard.

Well Cale was fully prepared to use his past knowledge to his advantage.

"Nice to meet you. Are you someone from Count Henituse's household?"

"Yes. Nice to meet you, I don't believe we've met before."

As expected, the other party knew of Cale. Venion was not someone who had an easy life in reaching the heir position. The problem was that he was quite a bit rude.

Cale did not care. He held a smile on his lips, still satisfied with the hooded man's compliance. He just needed to sit back and let Cale work, Venion would soon get what was coming for him.

"Mm."

Venion Stan was the type that could gently smile at you, but you still feel nothing but disgust for him.

"I have not had any reason to come to this area, and have only heard stories, but I heard there was someone in the Count's family who was a free spirit and did not seem like a noble."

Venion smiled as he observed Cale. It was a very annoying look, as if he was trying to start something.

"I heard that young master Basen Henituse had been taking part in all of the gatherings of the nobles since last year-."

Why ask something you already know about?'

Cale was very talented in these kinds of small talk. That was why he smiled brightly and answered.

"That is correct! My younger brother has been attending noble events instead of myself. I just can't be bothered."

"Oh?"

"I don't mean to be rude but some people are utterly... pitiful," Cale locked eyes with Venion, who had been looking Cale up and down since he'd arrived. Cale could tell the gaze had taken interest in him, or rather, taken interest in his body. "During such events, I mean."

"You understand, don't you? Dealing with incompetent people and having to sit through conversations, listening to them speak about trivialities that you couldn't care less about."

"Oh, that I do. Sometimes you wish to just up and leave the very second they walk over, am I right?"

"Truly!"

Cale could feel the damned Marquis Stan's son's gaze begin to wander.

Cale knew he was beautiful. He quite indulged in his beauty and wore clothes and accessories that would enhance it.

He tied his hair in a way that made his face look fuller and cheeks rounder. He wore elegant and simple clothes, that were his prefered taste, to show off how naturally pretty he was. He stood tall and gracefully, swaying his hips slightly, just enough to catch the attention of those that wanted it. He'd flick his eyelashes as he made eye contact and press his soft, pink lips together when he finished talking.

Cale was beautiful in his own right.

This fucker Venion didn't hold a candle to him.

The corner of Venion's mouth started to twist up. His expression seemed to say that he had never met such an interesting person before, but Cale did not care.

Marquis Stan was someone who was strong enough to lead a faction, but Venion could not do as he pleased with other nobles until he was officially proclaimed as the future successor of the Marquis title.

A Marquis would normally officially proclaim a child as their successor in order to provide protection to that child, as well as have that child start building their network at an early age. However, Marquis Stan had not done that yet.

'There are still three other children.'

Venion had two younger sisters and one younger brother. The Marquis enjoyed watching the competition between the siblings. Venion enjoyed watching the Black Dragon being tortured in order to destress from the competition with his siblings. The Marquis considered the competition between his children to be like an exciting sport. Naturally, the crippled eldest son was the result of this competition.

It was a completely crazy household.

'Our Henituse family is an extremely great family in comparison.'

"You're a very interesting person."

Venion just casually responded to Cale.

The wealthy Count, who resided in the outskirts of the northeast without being a part of any faction. Who would try to develop a relationship with that family? If anything, people would just be greedy to take that land as their own.

However, Venion seemed to think of Cale as a future play thing. The trash eldest son who was easy on the eyes and held no power outside of the Henituse territory. A pretty doll that he'd be able to play with until he didn't want him anymore.

Cale knew exactly what the bastard was thinking because he's not only stupid but made an attempt to try something similar in the past. Cale never liked him and liked him even less knowing this shiteater was abusing a child, and for four years at that.

And yet, Venion kept up the act of a proper noble, and handed the reins of this incident to Cale.

"An unexpected obstacle has made me waste time, but I guess it was a pretty good thing since I got to make your acquaintance, young master Cale."

An unexpected obstacle. Venion was referring to the old man. He was disappointed at the fact that his time was wasted because of this old man, and wanted to finish this on a happy note.

"But it looks like you need to teach your subordinate to clearly distinguish between the people who have the right to travel across this road and this earth, as well as the people who have the right to make them stop."

As a well-known Marquis's unofficial successor, this was the most he could do to the trash of a Count's family. His tone was saying that, although they were both young masters, their statuses were completely different.

I can own you given the chance.

Of course, Cale was quietly listening, but he wasn't the type to pay attention to a dog's yapping.

Venion finished what he had to say and looked toward the most uncomfortable looking person in the group.

Plop. The old man kneeled on the ground once Venion looked in his direction and bowed his head.

"M, my apologies."

The hands of the old man, who was bowing so low that his head could touch the ground, were shaking. The hooded man's hands were shaking as he watched the old man apologize.

Each territory's residents would be shaped by the personality of the reigning noble. With the Viscount of this territory being one of Marquis Stan's dogs, they were also very authoritative and looked down on the commoners.

The corners of Venion's lips started to go up. He was satisfied. After observing Venion, Cale called out to him.

"We should have tea and chat one day."

"Young master Venion."

Once Venion turned his head, Cale asked him a question.

"Are you done?"

"...What?"

"Don't take this the wrong way but, I have very expensive tastes, are you sure you'd be able to entertain me?"

Venion looked slightly offended but kept his mouth shut as Cale continued.

"I'm just kidding, though going forward it'd be best if you got a new driver. What if they'd hit another noble, that would be no good."

Cale crouched down. His expensive clothes started to touch the ground. He then looked toward the shaking hands of the old man.

'It'll be troublesome if this continues.'

Cale was certain that he heard it.

"Huuuuuuuu~."

The sound of the hooded man taking a deep breath. That had to be the sound of him holding back his anger. The moment Cale heard it he could feel a headache coming on, and felt that if this continued any longer, the one to get beaten to a pulp would not be himself, but Venion. It didn't matter to him whether or not Venion was beaten to a pulp, but this person could not punch a noble, even if it's Venion, while he was around him.

Of course such rules did not apply when Cale and his envoy were gone.

Cale put a hand on the old man's shoulder. Venion's eyebrow started to twitch. A noble's hand was on a commoner's shoulder.

"Old man."

The old man seemed to be extremely shocked as he lifted his head to look at Cale.

"Y, yes?"

Cale casually asked.

"Where's the bar?"

"Excuse me?"

"Where can I get some delicious alcohol? As you've heard, I am trash. I need a drink after such a long ride. I need to drink to make sure tomorrow is another great day. So."

Hans lifted the old man's upper body up. Venion, who had been watching Cale, quietly judged Cale and shook his head after hearing Cale mention alcohol.

I'll break that habit.

I just might indulge him.

Keep your hands off dirty commoners .

"Lead the way."

Making eye contact with the shaking pupils of the old man, Cale started to frown as he continued.

"Are you not going to get up?"

The old man hesitated and looked back and forth between Venion and Cale. Cale just ignored him as he got back up and reached out the hand that had been on a commoner's shoulder toward Venion.

"It was nice meeting you today, Young master Venion."

Cale was asking for a handshake.

Venion quietly stood there and looked at Cale. At that moment, one of Venion's servants urgently approached them and whispered quietly to Venion. However, it was loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Young master, we have been delayed enough already."

"Do not interrupt a conversation between nobles."

Venion looked down at his servant without a smile on his face, and the servant quickly bowed. Venion smiled once again as he grabbed Cale's hand.

"I will just be on my way then, as I am very busy."

He then let go. It was a very odd handshake. Venion held Cale's hand tighter than the average handshake and ran a thumb over the redhead pale knuckles.

Cale started to smile beautifully, as he responded back.

"If we happen to meet in the capital, let's have a drink together."

"I do not think we would appreciate the same thing, but sure."

Venion's smile was lukewarm. Cale decided to do something big to finish this conversation.

"Yes. Based on our interaction today, it truly looks like only young master Venion deserves to be the future patriarch of the Stan family. You are a very cool person."

Patriarch. That word made Venion's eyes get cloudy. As Cale expected, Venion started to smile brightly once again, and offered praises for Cale as well.

"Young master Cale is also a very interesting and amazing person. Let us meet again in the future."

'No. I have no desire to see you ever again. Even if I do, it will be in a dungeon cell as you get what's yours mother fucker.'

Cale hid his true feelings and nodded his head. Venion quickly got back on his carriage, as if he was truly busy, and disappeared.

Cale watched the carriage disappear before reaching for the plain white handkerchief Hans took from his coat pocket and wiped his hands, cursing under his breath. His friendly smile was replaced with an utterly disgusted and displeased frown.

He threw the cloth to the ground and sneered. Hans picked it up off the ground with gloved hands.

"I shall have this burned, young master."

"I'd prefer if we just burned that bastard but, another time I guess."

Cale sighed and looked at the hooded man that still stood there.

"Half of the nobles are like that."

The hooded man's shoulders flinched at Cale's words, but Cale was already crouching in front of the old man again.

"Old man. Are you unable to get up? Did you hurt your leg?"

Pat pat.

Cale inspected the old man's body as he said that. He did not seem to be injured. Cale started to observe the man with a confused expression. He then called the man over.

"Come here."

The hooded man did not respond but walked over hesitantly.

"You take this old man home."

"N, no, I am okay. That bar you were talking about."

"No need. I'm not in the mood to drink."

Cale stopped the old man from trying to lead him to a bar, and looked toward the man, who was standing next to him.

"Since you saved him, might as well do it all the way and take him safely back home."

The man's mouth opened and closed a couple of times, but he could not say anything. At that moment, the old man's voice filled Cale's ears.

"My place sells alcohol."

"Hmm? Your place was a bar?"

Cale's eyes showed that he was really surprised. The old man awkwardly smiled, but continued to speak in a slightly more relaxed expression.

"Yes, young master. It is this village's only inn. It has a bar and a restaurant as well."

"Since it is the only inn, that must be the best place. Hans!"

Even without Cale saying anything else, Hans quickly approached the old man and helped him up, before starting to ask about the inn. Once the two of them started to move, things started to get rowdy around them.

Two maid servants quickly approached Cale and brushed the dirt off Cale's clothes. The Vice Captain and the rest of the group headed toward the village entrance. The only people left there were Cale and the hooded man..

"...You were Cale Henituse?"

"Yes, you've probably heard of me."

"Are... are you not angry?"

"About what?"

The man hesitated for a moment, and could not continue speaking. Cale shrugged his shoulders as he started to speak.

"The fact that he looked down on me? Or how he made such an unbelievable statement to you? How he almost killed that old man and, instead of apologizing, said that he was an obstacle?"

Cale's voice was calm and firm. He did not seem angry at all. In fact, it sounded indifferent. Cale continued to speak.

"Do you have to keep moving when you see someone in front of you? Why didn't you try to avoid him? Don't you see that you could have hurt the old man? How can you casually say that a person was an obstacle when you almost killed him?"

The hooded man paid attention to Cale, who was looking at a faraway mountain range. At the same time, he made sure to listen to Cale's every word. Cale continued to speak firmly.

"Venion, why is the old man apologizing to you? You should properly apologize to him."

Cale could understand what the hooded man was thinking, and there were times he wanted to do that or even punch the person one good time. But.

"I am not someone who cares to speak like that. Nor am I such a good person. I'm also not that angry."

The old man wasn't injured, and he didn't do anything that would get the blade pointed toward his family. The fact that he himself looked bad would be beneficial to Basen, so it was good anyways.

"Also."

Cale was someone who always returned the favor, no matter how long it took. If someone looks down on him or does something to him, he will always get his revenge.

"That bastard will probably soon be kicked out of his house."

"...Huh?"

The man could tell that the bastard Cale was referring to was Venion. That was why he stayed and listened, as he looked toward Cale.

Cale had a mischievous smile on his face. The two kittens, who were approaching him silently, halted their movement.

Cale's smile grew larger as he continued to look toward the mountain to the right of the village. He thought to himself the thing he could not tell this hooded person.

'I plan on snatching that bastard's dragon.'

Once the dragon is gone, Venion will have to face the wrath of the Marquis, and would have a new obstacle in his way of becoming the family patriarch. Shouldn't someone who doesn't know when to stop on the road face at least one obstacle?

Cale was willing to put a large obstacle in Venion's way. Of course, it would be done in secret. He casually spoke to the man, who was looking at him with curiosity.

"We'll be staying here, if you need you're free to stay with us."

"Uh well..."

"Your friends can stay as well."

Cale motioned to the nearby forest. The hooded man turned as two more hooded people appeared.

"If you're curious you can help use out."

"I... would like to speak with you first."

Cale looked toward the mountain that was supposed to blow up in barely a days time, and started to mumble. The fact that he was looked down upon by Venion, as well as the blood on Venion's sleeves and the sight of the old man bowing to Venion were all still on Cale's mind.

"That's fine"

He will be able to pay him back for it.

Chapter Text

"Young master, this is the best room we have."

"Seems comfortable."

Cale was so tired even the bed he'd often make on the floor seemed luxurious.

The old man led Cale and the hooded man's group to his inn. The exterior of the inn looked as rustic as the village, but it had everything you would need, probably because the merchants visiting the Henituse territory stayed at this inn on their travels.

"This is the first time we have had a noble staying with us. Please look favorably upon us, even if it is lacking quite a bit, and just consider it as a place where lesser beings live."

Cale stared at the old man. He was definitely more comfortable than when talking to Venion Stan, but he still seemed scared at the fact that a noble would be staying at his inn.

It was fine for him to have a little bit of anxiety, but too much was uncomfortable for Cale as well.

'Well, that's no good.'

Cale patted the old man's shoulder and tried to calm him down.

"Relax. I don't like people who put themselves down like that. This is the place that people who come and go from our territory stay to rest. There is no way such a place will be lacking. We'll be out of your hair soon, so call down."

The old man's pupils started to shake. He wet his upper lip with his tongue, before finally starting to speak after a bit of hesitation.

"Young master, are there a lot of good people like you in the Henituse territory?"

"What the hell are you talking about?"

Cale looked like he wanted to laugh.

"Excuse me?"

"You're excused. I am the biggest trash in our territory. Almost anybody you find will have a better personality than me."

"Ah."

The old man let out a gasp. On and Hong, who had taken control of the couch in the room, were meowing and shaking their heads, but nobody seemed to notice.

"You can go."

The old man bowed deeply at Cale's dismissal and left the room.

Knock knock knock.

Someone else was knocking on the door.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Hans brought a small box inside with Kim Rok Soo behind him.

"Young master, you asked only for this box, right?"

"Yes. Hand it over."

Hans showed curiosity as he handed the box to Cale. It was the only luggage Rok Soo and Cale had personally brought with them. He would just assume there was something like Cale's floral perfumes but this box was not normal.

It was the highest quality magic box with a magic lock on it. The seal on the magic box was the logo of the Flynn Merchant Guild, one of the three large merchant guilds, and one that had an intimate relationship with the Henituse family.

Rok Soo casually commented while looking at Hans.

"Isn't a butler not supposed to show their emotion on their face? Especially curiosity?"

"One of the proper etiquettes of a butler is to show all of their emotions to their master."

"Funny man."

"I am funny. Young master finds me very entertaining."

Hans looked towards Cale, eyes expecting some form of praises.

For someone who owed his life to Cale, Hans was a bit impudent, but Kim Rok Soo still thought he was much more personable than any other servant of the Henituse county.

At least Hans and Rok Soo we're getting along. Sort of.

"Go make some tea."

"Yes, sir."

And Hans left immediately, as usual. However, he had a question about their travels before closing the door.

"Will we leave the day after tomorrow night?"

"Yes. Take care of everything."

"Yes, sir."

Hans responded as he closed the door. Other than the Vice Captain taking charge of the envoy's safety, Hans was responsible for everything else. However, he did not show any struggles in doing so, and efficiently took care of everything.

"He seems like a good butler."

The silver kitten, On, said that as she approached Cale. Cale nodded his head. Then, the red kitten, Hong, followed behind.

"It doesn't seem that hard for him either."

Cale agreed with that statement as well. Other than his former butler Ron, Hans was the one who had the least difficulty dealing with him. He was both scared of and indebted to Cale, but did not find him to be difficult.

"I personally taught him what would make his life as a butler easier. It was solely up to him to decide whether or not he'd listen to my teachings."

Cale looks at the two kittens who stare back in interest.

"Huh, but you two are so close, it's kinda like you're brothers or maybe it's because he's such a great butler.

"Ah... We just got closer as time progressed and he admitted he thought of me in the same sense one would think of a younger brother, friend and a... god."

"He thinks of you as a god?"

Kim Rok Soo stood beside Cale with an expression of utter shock. His hood was off now that they were alone in the room, with the kittens, and away from the joining party. That group surely consisted of Choi Han, Ron and Beacrox.

When he spoke to Hans the day Cale left to meet with Billos, they'd gone over their own personal relationships with Cale, telling the other he'd be around whether they wanted it or not.

However, Hans seemed to have conveniently left out the fact that Cale was something like a god to him.

"Mainly a friend."

"Why would he think of you as a god?"

When they were younger, during one of Cale's trips to the, formerly, dark tree, he'd met Hans being beaten by a couple of thugs. Cale used his status to scare the group off. After that Cale would often come visit Hans bringing delicious foods, clothes and supplies for him.

This continued for months. Even with Cale's 'trash' personality Hans did his best to keep Cale entertained.

'I wish to serve you, Master!'

That is what Hans declared to Cale with blood splattered on his face and clothes. He'd declared his undying love and loyalty for the young Cale Henituse moments after brutally cutting the necks and limbs of eight fully grown bandits.

'How can you wish to serve me when you can hardly look me in the eyes without shaking like a terribly wet dog.'

'Please, please Master!'

Hans had fallen to the ground and begged at the little Cale's feet like some lunatic worshiper.

'Master I want to serve you for the rest of my life. I want to be a weapon for you, a loyal dog for you and you alone.'

Cale had thought Hans was funny.

He did find Hans entertaining. He'd watch the ginger squirm around trying to find something to say each time Cale would visit him.

Though their relationship was set on the pretense of a loyal dog and master, Cale did care for Hans.

That is why Hans was the only servant allowed in his private garden, a privilege not even Ron possessed.

"I am just an amazing master."

Cale spoke his narcissistic words with a blank expression. He even expected the kittens to sigh or shake their heads but no one in the room tried to refute his statement.

Cale brushed aside the kittens and opened the box. The method of opening a box with a magic lock was simple. Cale's fingerprint. That was the only key that could open this particular box. Cale put his index finger on the center of the magic seal.

Beep. Click.

The box made a small noise before opening.

Inside the box were the items Kim Rok Soo had prepared prior to leaving for the capital.

"I'm really curious about what this is."

"Really curious."

Cale ignored the two pairs of golden pupils looking at him, and Rok Soo just vaguely answered.

"Things that will help rescue a poor soul and screw over some douchebags."

On and Hong looked up at him with curiosity, but he just caressed the items inside the box with satisfaction. He recalled the conversation he had with Billos, the Flynn Merchant Guild's bastard, before he left.

'Sir, just where do you plan on using these things?'

'I don't see why I have to explain that to you.'

'...I see. But it is going to cost quite a bit to purchase all of these items.'

'...Is it possible to rent them?'

'For you, well the Young Master, of course, it is possible.'

The majority of the items inside the box were magic tools. Kim Rok Soo had expected them to be expensive, but it really was too much. He had to use up all of the funds he had received from Cale. He also had to return it all to Billos once they got to the capital.

'Annoying. I didn't want to get involved with him at the capital, but I have no other choice.'

'Two of the items are not able to be rented out to outsiders. I rented them in my name, for you. So you must return these to me at the capital. In person with the Young Master.'

'Sure.'

Kim Rok Soo grabbed one of the items in the box. It was a round, black orb with a lot of symbols engraved on it. The red kitten Hong put his paws on Cale's knee to ask Rok Soo.

"I'm really really curious about this."

"A Mana Disturbance Tool. It is worth almost a billion gallon."

Gasp. Both On and Hong let out a gasp.

"It cost 20 million gallons just to rent it."

Hong slowly lowered the paws that were on Cale's knee, before going toward the corner of the bed with his sister, On. They were trying to keep as much distance as possible from the black orb.

"If it's that cheap you should have just bought it. I would have given you the proper funds if you'd told me."

Gasp. This time the kittens and even Kim Rok Soo looked at Cale as if they'd witnessed a murder.

"Next time I will give you five billion gallons just in case."

Wow.

Kim Rok Soo really is lucky to be the lover of such an amazing person.

He then recalled the information about the orb. Billos had found exactly the item Rok Soo was looking for.

'It causes a disturbance in the flow of mana within a certain range, making all magic tools stop working. It is also sturdy enough that, even if something like a mountain blowing up happens, it will not break.'

'Something like a surveillance tool will break right away then?'

'Of course. However, you do need to install this 27 hours in advance. It is created to slowly infuse a force that will disrupt the mana flow so that it will not be noticed by mages.'

'How long will it last?'

'40 minutes. Isn't it great? Of course, if there are mages nearby, they will be able to resolve the issue within 5 – 10 minutes.'

'I will keep that in mind.'

The corner of Kim Rok Soo's lips started to go up. It was the most expensive item he rented from Billos, but he will have many uses for it on this trip.

'I really like how durable it is.'

The Flynn Merchant Guild was a very useful place. He smiled with satisfaction, before throwing this black orb, that was smaller than the size of a toddler's fist, toward the kittens crouching in the corner.

"Huk!"

Meeeow!

One of them gasped, while the other meowed and avoided the black orb, but in the end, they had to sit quietly in front of Kim Rok Soo with the black orb in front of their eyes.

"You know how to read a map right?"

On tapped her tail on the ground in response.

"Of course. We were potential successors to the Fog Cat Tribe at one point."

"Right. My sister is right."

He took out another important item, a map, from the box. It wasn't very detailed, just having the general landmarks around the Henituse territory. Most of the merchants going to and from the Henituse territory used this map.

"We are in this village right now."

Rok Soo pointed to the mountain to the right of the village.

"You see this mountain?"

"I see it."

"Very easy to see."

This was what Billos had said.

'Ah. The range is similar to the durability.'

One mountain.

"If you go toward this mountain, you will see a villa in the distance. Behind that is a cave."

There were no mages around the Black Dragon right now. The people of the Magic Tower respected Dragons as the greatest magic race, and did not wish for humans to torture and domesticate a dragon. They considered it to be a big disgrace to magic.

The people around the cave and the villa were knights and soldiers that the Marquis trusted, as well as the people who do the dirty work for them.

"Don't go near there at all. You cannot get caught."

Kim Rok Soo had heard about these two children's situation. That was why he was confident they could do this, but he still wanted to give them a warning. It would be bad if their curiosity led them to go around the cave.

"There is something being tortured in there. We're going to rescue him, so you have to be careful."

"Something?"

"Yes. It is even younger than you, Hong."

"...Even younger than me?"

"Yes. 4 years old."

Of course, that 4 year old was strong enough to send On or Hong flying once the mana restriction chains were removed.

"We're going to save him?"

On and Hong's eyes lit up as they pressed down on the bed with their paws.

"Save? Sure. Just stay in your cat form and go bury this orb in the mountain without getting caught."

There should be close to no chance of getting caught in their cat forms. He put the black orb in a small pouch, before putting it over On's neck like a necklace.

"Where should we bury it?"

"Anywhere on the mountain."

"Really, anywhere?"

"Yes."

The siblings looked at each other before nodding their heads.

"Easy."

"We even managed to get past our Cat Tribe's elders to escape."

Cale agreed with them.

"It should be easy for the two of you. You two have enough skill for it. We wouldn't ask someone useless to do something like this in the first place."

The two kittens looked up at Cale with their golden pupils again. This pair of siblings, who were almost killed by their own tribe for not having abilities, even though they never got a chance to learn, were starting to get emotional. Their tails were wagging, and they crunched their noses to hold back their tears.

Cale understood what these two were thinking and sternly continued.

"I will give you as much beef as you want once you successfully return."

The two siblings immediately jumped through the window and stealthily headed into the mountain.

Naturally, the siblings did as the couple expected and earned their reward. They were able to have a 10-tier beef steak to themselves.

Cale's eyes lingered on the window, he really did have a soft spot for children, even if he did not show it directly.

He did not worry because his— ah, the cat children were very skilled. They would not get caught and in the chance they did he would blow the mountain up himself and rescue them and baby dragon.

But he won't need to. He is very sure they will do their job well.

Kim Rok Soo sat beside Cale who looked at him immediately. He places a hand on Cale's face and asks.

"How are you feeling?"

The redhead head leans into the touch and closes his eyes. He relished in the domestic feelings he had with Kim Rok Soo. His heart rate always seemed to be dangerously high with this man. He always felt like he would start smiling like an idiot to the point it was a daily reminder to control his expressions.

He always had a terrible sense of jealousy with the man.

Cale absolutely did not want anyone else to have Kim Rok Soo but himself.

Call him obsessive or selfish but Rok Soo is the only thing he's ever wanted. He'd be an idiot to let someone just take what he wants.

"I feel much better."

He was lying.

Kim Rok Soo on the other hand did not believe Cale at all. He understood Cale must not have wanted to worry him but he was worrying him far more now.

Not to mention, he was still pissed off at Venion. The bastard was practically all over Cale as they spoke. He almost became irrational and walked over to them.

He managed to keep a level head and waited and watched. He couldn't come near Choi Han just yet.

"Are you alright? You had disappeared earlier."

Cale opens his reddish gray eyes to look at Rok Soo's reddish brown ones. Kim Rok Soo does not respond, he instead holds Cale's hand, the same one that shook Venion's.

The very thought of that bastard made him angry.

Kim Rok Soo has to close his eyes and recall his own actions from earlier. He stood at the sidelines and watched Venion get too close. He got so upset walked away and into the nearby forest. He punched a tree and watched it split in half.

To his shock and horror, he finally learned how strong he'd actually gotten. Well not the full extent but he was much stronger then he initially realized.

If he had gone over to that bastard, Kim Rok Soo surely would have killed the man.

"Darling please, look at me."

Kim Rok Soo did not hear Cale. He was angry at every memory of that interaction; he didn't even realize what he was doing.

Kim Rok Soo kissed Cale's hand. His palms, knuckles, fingers, anywhere to claim Cale as his once again. Each time he remembered the incident was another kiss, soon he wasn't just kissing Cale's hand but his neck and face as well.

"Darling—"

Another kiss.

"Rok Soo."

And Another.

"Kim Rok Soo—"

CRAASH

Well that certainly caught his attention.

When he finally came to his senses, a very flushed redhead was laid out underneath him. He still held Cale's wrist in his hand, his thumb tracing circles on the redhead's palm.

" Ah ."

He got up and moved quickly away, ears reddening as he noticed Cale's wide eyes and surprised expression.

Cale was very confused.

Whenever he and Rok Soo did anything together, it was usually him provoking or leading their intimacy.

Well, you're supposed to learn something new everyday.

He really likes it when Rok Soo takes control.

"Ah, ahm... We should... go see what's happened."

Kim Rok Soo couldn't come up with a response and simply followed Cale out of the room.

—

As they got to the source of the commotion they found Hans in the center.

It was exactly what Cale had expected.

Choi Han, Ron and Beacrox, the group all stood in the main area closest to the stairs. Hans was opposite of them, having come from the kitchen with tea ready for Cale and Rok Soo.

Well, said tea was now a ceramic mess on the floor.

Vice Captain Hilsman was standing beside the upset Hans trying to calm the ginger down.

He was doing a rather poor job.

Choi Han's group was the first to notice Cale and his hooded partner, Kim Rok Soo. Ron looked at the two suspiciously, making eye contact with Rok Soo, who held his head down at an angle to hide his face better.

They saw Cale, in fact they were right in front of him. But Cale's gaze was deadlocked on the upset Hans.

'I told him we'd probably meet them again, I guess he didn't think I'd be so soon.'

This is my fault.

Hans and Hilsman had only noticed Cale when the redhead walked right past Choi Han's group, right past Ron, and straight towards Hans.

"Hans."

"Y, young Master!"

"Master..."

Hans looked distraught. Even in his time serving Cale, the redhead had rarely seen him this upset. Maybe because it hasn't been long since Ron left. Maybe he just wasn't mentally prepared to see them so soon.

Whatever the case, as this dog's master, it's Cale's job to calm him down before there's bloodshed.

"Hans, calm down."

"Master.... why....?

Hans did not calm down. No matter how great a butler he was, his protectiveness was both his greatest strength and flaw.

Cale lifted a hand in the air. Servants and soldiers alike held their breath, some even yelped and turned not wanting to see the outcome.

"Y, young Master—!"

Vice Captain Hilsman yelled out, cutting off mid sentence as Cale's hand landed on Hans. More specifically the butler's very soft ginger hair. Cale caressed Hans' head the same way a mother would console her sad child.

Cale had ignored the Vice Captain's cry and spoke to Hans.

"Hans."

Cale said his name yet again, this time his butler made eye contact. He saw Cale's calm and unbothered eyes and immediately followed his master's previous order.

He calmed down instantly.

"Young Master, were you aware..." 'That these bastards were the one's you brought with us' was swiftly left to his own thoughts to avoid conflict.

"No."

That's not a complete lie. He hadn't initially when the scene had played out because he didn't really care. He was familiar with Choi Han's voice enough to know that it was him, and could feel the presence of the other two waiting in the forest.

"Then you brought them here out of hospitality?"

"Is that so strange?"

"Young Master, you normally would have had a knight speak to them about accommodations rather than speak to them yourself."

"It would have been a waste of time to bring a knight over when I had already given orders."

"Yes but—"

"Enough."

Cale cut him off not wanting to continue this meaningless conversation any longer.

"It doesn't matter who they are or where they came from. Just act as if they do not exist and continue your work as normal."

"I don't believe I can Master."

Ho. A gasp came from many around the room. It was so odd to see Hans act like this, and for their young master to be so gentle.

Wait. When have they ever seen their young master speak with any servant other than Hans or Ron? They couldn't remember. Most had never actually spoken to Cale directly. In fact the maids didn't usually speak to Cale when dressing him in the morning.

"Is that so?"

Cale's tone did not change even when Hans claimed he wouldn't be able to carry out his order.

"Yes, Master. I would definitely try to kill them instead."

Oh wow. How honest this butler, Hans, was. It was strange to see a servant speak so openly to their master like this.

"I see," Cale then nodded, his hand still on top of Hans' head as if they were the only two in the room. "Then kill them if you need but get rid of the bodies before we leave this place. If you need to, have a knight help you dispose of them properly."

Eyes widened in shock. Kill, how can they speak like this, and in front of Ron, who had taken care of the Young Master since he was young.

The two seemed to finally notice the deafening silence around the room and Hans spoke with a smile.

"Of course, I am only kidding."

"Partially." Cale had quickly corrected.

"Yes, of course young master. If you order me to kill them, you will have their heads on a silver platter."

"Mm." Cale hummed in agreement.

This was Cale's order when Hans first began to serve him.

'From today and forever more I shall remain solely by your side, Master.'

That is what Hans so happily announced kneeling at Cale's feet in his new butler uniform.

'Forever you say? Well, you shall obey these orders of mine until the day you die.'

The butler nodded with eagerness.

'Trust me and be honest in your words and actions, otherwise I will get rid of you.'

Hans remained faithful to Cale even to this day.

"You're treating me so kindly today young master!"

Hans had giggled seeing how Cale really did not seem to care that others knew they were close.

"You have always received special treatment from me, do not act so surprised."

Cale had huffed acting as if his actions were normal. He gave a look to two maids and they cleaned the mess while Cale continued to pet Hans's hair.

Is his arm not tired?

"Tea."

Cale spoke and Hans immediately bowed and turned away to prepare tea.

Cale sat down and the servants hesitantly continued their duties as if everything was normal. They listened to Cale's request, though directed to Hans, and acted as if the group did not exist.

The knight's left to train. The servants went to their quarters to finish setting up for the knights and soldiers as well as remove any other baggage.

And the group that consisted of Choi Han, Ron, and Beacrox stood off to the side to discuss their own plans. That did not stop them from constantly looking over at the redhead young master who now sat alone at a table in the empty room.

Cale was tired and horny.

A terrible combination.

The effects of that stupid burst were still lingering. He didn't realize it until he sat down but he's so sensitive its like all of his nerves were on edge.

His body was so overwhelmingly sensitive that even a small graze put him on edge. He could feel everything. The cool air tickled his skin though no one else had any problems. His throat felt dry even though he'd drank more than enough water.

Cale sat with his legs crossed, hands seated elegantly in his lap as he leaned back in his chair and waited for his tea.

His body ached. His dick throbbed from the sudden touch from earlier and his nipples were hard, he could feel them as they brushed against his shirt. That is why he sat so still.

'Calm down, dammit. Now is not the time for this bullshit."

He cursed at his body as he took silent deep breaths.

I can control this, I always have.

There's too much to do.

This is not a situation to act in such a way.

He could feel the eyes of the group settle on him. All of them. Choi Han, Ron, Beacrox and even Kim Rok Soo. They were all looking at him at this moment.

He hated it.

He wanted to do something but he knows himself too well. Too much to do with too little time. At this moment in time he could care less about how he felt.

'Bear it.'

He could handle this much.

He's been through hell, there's no way something like being sexually frustrated would hinder him.

Fake it.

Act as if nothing is wrong and soon enough nothing will be wrong.

Cale took one final deep breath and then a long, tired exhale. He was fine. The eyes on him did not leave so kept his own eyes closed. He planned to sit in this awkward silence until he got his tea. He couldn't trust himself to try and move.

It seemed the others in the room understood this and Choi Han made an attempt to approach Cale.

An attempt.

The very second he took a step in Cale's direction another made their way to him. A tall hooded man. A white dress shirt, the same kind as Cale's, only this man's wasn't tied at the neck with a ribbon. Instead his shirt, that was cuffed at the sleeves showing off his scar covered arms, was opened widely exposing his chest.

He looked rather rugged even with the coat draped over his shoulders.

"Cale."

He called the redhead 'Cale' rather than Young Master, which made it rather obvious he was no servant. He could be another noble but there were no known nobles heading to the Henituse County, even then, he should still refer to Cale as Young Master and Cale would do the same.

Ron had no memory of Cale having someone this close to him before he'd left. He had seen a lot of interesting things today and this, rather than interesting, he had an urge to stab the man. It was a feeling to protect the young master he had abandoned through the night.

He couldn't act rash, especially after seeing the redhead not acting 'normal'. Cale was far too calm considering his personality.

That is why this old man stood back and watched as Choi Han stopped in his tracks and watched the hooded man approach Cale.

He watched as Cale flinched rather hard at the call of his own name. That expression on his face looked worried unlike his usual scowl or blank expression.

Cale moved .

He was too sensitive.

"D, darling,"

'Fuck me...'

Cale inwardly whined as he heard himself stutter. This, unfortunately, was the worst possible time for Rok Soo to decide to talk to him. He can feel his body reacting to just this mans voice.

"Let's head upstairs." Kim Rok Soo was now standing in front of Cale. He looked down, making eye contact with his lover who's face looked rather... pale.

Cale had made the assumption this was to discuss the plan to free the young dragon. Something like that could probably wait until he got his tea.

"Ah, that can wait until later, Ro—Mph!"

Cale's mouth was quickly covered by Kim Rok Soo's hand.

Ron could feel himself pulling a knife out of his sleeve. It felt like every moment of this interaction something was just slipping away.

Kim Rok Soo covered Cale's mouth to avoid letting the redhead out him as Korean so early on.

His name would give it away instantly, in fact that was the whole reason he was wearing this hood to begin with.

"Cale, don't say my name."

The redhead blinked a few times.

He can't say Kim Rok Soo? Ah, was his name a dead giveaway. He should have thought about this earlier.

Cale slowly nodded his head.

He can't call Kim Rok Soo, Kim Rok Soo because that would surely give away that he's from the same place as Choi Han. It was too early to reveal that and it would completely detour their plans.

Rok Soo leaned in close to whisper in Cale's ear.

His breath was so hot against Cale's skin.

"Just call me your darling instead."

Oh. Oh .

This was so unfair.

Cale's eyes became cloudy for a few moments. Not trusting his voice he nodded and got up to leave with Rok Soo.

Fortunately for Cale and unfortunately for Kim Rok Soo this interaction caused a misunderstanding.

The couple headed upstairs and not long after the beloved ginger butler came prancing out of the kitchen.

A giant grin plastered across his face as he made his way past the group.

"Butler Hans."

Hans stopped and slowly turned to the old man that called him.

"What."

It was not a question but a statement telling the old man to back off. Such a ruthless assassin did not care or feel threatened. Ron was actually more surprised to find out just how close he and the puppy young master were. That is why he decided to ask.

"Just what kind of magic did that bastard use on you and the young master?"

Chapter Text

The next morning things were surprisingly peaceful. Kim Rok Soo had many items for their little adventure. Cale took a bit of time to gather a few things of his own.

The night passed by quicker than Cale would have liked. Of course when he woke up Kim Rok Soo wrapped his arms tight around his waist not wanting the redhead to leave.

"Darling, please... We have work to do."

It didn't work.

The stubborn redhead managed to coax his tired lover out of bed with soft kisses all over his face and neck. It made Rok Soo follow Cale out of bed for more.

Mission success.

Cale went over the simple logistics once more to the kittens. The children gave him odd looks but he chalked it down to them not understanding and explained it once more, changing his wording in a way children their age should understand. Maybe he was too used to speaking to the first prince in such manners.

However the children had no trouble understanding him. The odd looks we directed at the man whose lap he was currently sitting on.

Having managed to get Kim Rok Soo out of bed, Cale quickly found himself trapped in the man's embrace. He wasn't going to complain, in fact, Cale quite enjoyed Rok Soo's clinginess.

The kittens on the other hand were having trouble understanding how he can still talk about working with his lover wrapped around him like that.

Maybe it's because they both were weird.

Meeeow

Meeow

"Weird? The plan or Venion believing he could get away with this without suffering any consequence?"

Cale smirked as he watched the two kittens freeze up before meowing again. He knew exactly what they were thinking and decided to play with them a bit. After all, he was weird. Very weird. Cale was odd in almost every sense but it made no difference what others thought of him as.

These two kittens seemed to have forgotten Cale was so weird he understood animal languages.

On and Hong meowed again, this time agreeing that Venion was weird for thinking he could torture a dragon and not suffer in any way.

'I plan to screw you over ten times, you bastard.'

Cale's expression became villainous for a moment before returning to his neutral, blank, expression. He then spoke to the kittens as he tapped on Rok Soo for the man to let him go.

"Alright, time for breakfast."

On and Hong meowed with excitement.

"Breakfast time, nya!"

"It's time for breakfast, nya!"

The children jumped around before prancing over to the door with Cale following from behind. The redhead couldn't help but look fondly at the two children.

"I'll have a servant bring your breakfast up to you."

"Mm..."

Kim Rok Soo tiredly hummed a response. Since their plan involved revealing he was Korean, at some point, he couldn't just move around as he pleased for the time they shared the same residence as Choi Han.

Cale and the cat siblings headed to the common area where very few servants were. It looked like the knights were already up training.

Meeeow

On had meowed a question. She was a child good at adapting. Muffled yelling was heard from the kitchen

Cale made way for the kitchen seeing the nervous faces of the servants and Hans nowhere to be found.

Sigh. Cale sighed and frowned when he opened the door and found, of course, Hans and Choi Han's group in a messed up kitchen.

From the looks of it, the fighting wasn't just verbal but rather physical in certain aspects.

A cut on Ron's neck, blood dripping from Hans' cheek and a few cuts along Beacrox's arm.

"Hans..."

Cale stood in the doorway with the two kittens peeking at the scene from behind him.

"My apologies young master, breakfast is being delayed due to some unexpected... issues—" Hans took a look at the group and then back at Cale. "With the kitchen. It will only be a moment."

Cale's frown did not subside and the redhead walked further in the kitchen. He saw the chef he'd brought with them in the common area with the other servants. Guess he ran out when these dogs decided to start fighting in a public space like this.

"I'd prefer if you didn't start fights like this while we're out of the territory."

"They threw the first knife."

"If there was a problem you should have just come to me rather than get injured for trivialities such as this."

The butler pouted but nodded at his master's words.

The kittens hopped on the counter both pouting as they hoped for another delicious meal. Unfortunately those dreams were delayed because of this action.

Cale took a moment to look at the injuries of everyone around the room and sighed once more.

"Blood and a kitchen don't mix. You used to be servants for the Henituse County but you seem to have forgotten that fact."

He gave a cold look to Beacrox and Ron, both were still gripping the knives in their hand rather tightly.

"All of you out. I'll call my people to have this mess cleaned up. I expect you to apologize to the poor old man that allowed us to stay here as well."

"Of course, young master."

Hans immediately agreed and was ready to walk out of the kitchen, however he stopped as he heard the two kittens begin to meow and paw at a covered silver platter on the counter.

Meeeeow

Meeeow

What's this? They both meowed trying to remove the cover.

Cale had walked over and pulled the cover off watching steam escape from the still very hot dish.

The redhead picked up a fork and knife and cut a piece off to eat.

"Ah! Young master that-"

"That dish is very popular on the Eastern continent."

Ron presented a benign smile to the young master. He didn't know why but he felt pain when Cale mentioned being former servants. He left for good reason, so why did it hurt so much?

"...I see."

These two kittens were from the Eastern continent, could this be a dish they enjoyed? Cale guessed he'd have to do research on dishes from the eastern continent and have them made more often in the County.

He sighed and took a bite of the food. A few seconds passed and it felt as if everyone in the room was holding their breath in anticipation.

Cale swallowed the food and turned to the children. He gave his honest review.

"It's good."

They meowed in satisfaction and moved towards the dish only for Cale to cover it up from them yet again.

"It's too hot now, your tongues will be burnt. Besides, we should clear the kitchen for the servants to clean this... mess."

Cale picked up the silver platter and left the kitchen with the kittens following quietly behind him. They could feel Cale was slowly growing uncomfortable but the redhead didn't seem to notice it himself.

The kittens were forced to wait until their meal had cooled before Cale allowed them to dig in.

"Slow down, you'll choke."

Cale had requested that Rok Soo's breakfast be delivered first. The young master was considering what he should say to Choi Han. He wanted to apologize and relieve the bad blood between the two of them but wasn't sure what he should say.

I'm sorry I called those people useless?

I'm sorry I was being such a prick to someone who was grieving?

"I'm sorry."

The room went silent. The two kittens looked up at Cale, frozen in place. The redhead had not noticed the young looking man that was standing merely a foot or two away from him.

Cale looks at the two, then turns to be met with a wide eyed Choi Han. He looked almost bewildered, maybe just caught off guard from the sudden words said to him.

"Ah- no, that's... Ahem."

Cale cleared his throat and turned back to Choi Han.

"Feel free to have a seat here."

He gestures to a seat across from himself, of course acting as if nothing had happened. As the young Korean awkwardly took a seat the kittens growled and hissed at him. Cale could only sigh and pull their food closer to himself and watch as Choi Han looked panicked at their reactions.

"Don't worry, they're just wary of new people."

"A, ah... these two kittens, they um..."

"They're siblings."

"I, I... see. Did... you take them in?"

"Yes, not that long ago."

'He's having such a hard time talking to me. I guess he hates me a lot.'

Choi Han was having a hard time understanding his own feelings.

When he first met this person, Cale was like a thorn to him. He had a prickly personality. He claimed the lives of the villagers he held so dear were more insignificant than a bottle of wine. He thought the redhead was a snobbish sheltered rich kid that needed a good beating.

Well, he was wrong.

Cale would better be described as a rose. Once pricked by the thorns a person would usually back off, scared of further injury. However, the redhead was beautiful. A delicate flower that did what it took to protect itself.

He wanted to get to know the young master better. He wanted to understand why Cale said what he said.

It felt rude to compare Cale to a flower but it was the only analogy Choi Han could come up with in his mind.

Cale wasn't a bad person, that much was evident from the way he protected the old man from Venion. The way he despised what Venion had said and the way he cares for his servants. Even these two kittens love him.

Though he did not get along with Ron, he'd listen to the old man and Beacrox complaints for beating Cale. He'd listened to them and felt guilty for his actions, it made him wish he could change the past and act as the bigger person.

'I should definitely apologize.'

There was an awkward silence that surrounded the two. Cale remained unsure on how he should approach Choi Han to apologize while Choi Han was having an even harder time understanding his own feelings regarding the redhead.

"I..." Choi Han began to break the silence. He'd been awkwardly staring at the table the whole time. "I apologized to the owner-nim."

"Is that so? Good, don't cause any more disturbances like that. You are a good person, don't ruin that image by causing problems for that old man."

Choi Han flinched and looked back down at the table. He didn't even fight but was being scolded and told he was called a good person. He was called good by a person he'd beaten half to death.

Cale leaned against his arm and looked at the young man in front of him. He was currently looking at the korean.

'He looks so young... it's almost hard to believe he's actually an old man. Its been about 100 years, right? Hm...'

Cale's gaze suddenly became intense.

'He's got such a baby face, my darling has sharp features that make him look mature and sexy.'

"Hm..."

'Rok Soo has a nice bone structure and sharp jawline. His nose is nice and pointed too. He has full lips that look good even when his neutral expression is a frown and muscles that bump and curve all over his body.'

Cale's gaze became hazy as thought of Rok Soo.

'My darling is cute and sexy. He's really handsome too. Nice face, good body and personality, I think I won the lover lottery.'

Cale took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"Hans."

He called the name of this butler, Hans, who had just arrived with his breakfast.

"Yes, young master?"

"Tea....bring me a different tea. Something bitter."

Cale Henituse hates bitter things. Be it memories, food or medicine, he hates anything bitter.

He especially hates lemons.

'Dammit.'

Hans worriedly looked at Cale. Why was his Master asking for something bitter all of the sudden?

"Bring me lemon tea."

Oh dear lord.

"Right away, Young Master!"

Sweat drops from Choi Han's face as he watches the ginger butler rush back to the kitchen after placing down Cale's food.

'Well, now that Hans is occupied for a while...'

Cale looked back at Choi Han and cleared his throat. He was unsure on how to apologize. Cale wanted to apologize for everything but really didn't think Choi Han would listen to him.

"May we talk outside?"

Choi Han's eyes widened as his eyes shot up to Cale. The Korean took a moment to stare into Cale's eyes, still unsure of his own thoughts of the redhead. He wanted to understand why Cale disrespected the lives of the villagers.

If Choi Han could be considered a good person in the eyes of someone he'd beaten half to death then he can suck up his own feelings and at least listen to what the redhead had to say.

He didn't say anything but abruptly stood up from the table, the noise of the chair moving back causing the kittens to jump.

Cale did the same and followed the man out of the Inn.

Now the two stood face to face on the side of the building in absolute silence.

Sigh.

"I'm sorry."

He heard it earlier but to hear it directly to his face felt way better than Choi Han had thought. Choi Han stared into Cale's eyes. The calm and apologetic gaze that looked at him made his heart feel like it was exploding.

He didn't realize it before but it really felt good to have someone apologize to you. Even after he was brought to this world no one had apologized to him for the pain and suffering he was forced to go through.

"I'm sorry I said such horrible things about the lives of those people. I'm sorry I disrespected the lives of not only the dead but of the people you cared about."

Choi Han was so confused about his current emotions. He couldn't tell what it was exactly but he was sure he was happy. Happy that Cale Henituse had apologized to him.

It didn't feel like just an apology for the disrespect but an apology for everything.

It felt good.

"...Thank you..."

Choi Han forgot words for a moment and could only say thanks.

Cale snorted and smiled sweetly at Choi Han. He felt much better being able to apologize properly to Choi Han, his guilty concious finally began to clear.

'I should apologize too.'

"C—"

"About yesterday—"

"Ah, I'm sorry please continue..."

"Yesterday's offer still stands. If you'd like, you're welcome to come with us tonight, though we'd need to talk to you about the plan."

"I see, then...?"

"I will call for you when it is time."

Chapter Text

Cale drank the lemon tea that he had both despised and asked for and sat at a separate small table within his and Rok Soo's room. Choi Han was sitting on a couch across from Kim Rok Soo, whose hair and face were once again covered by a hood.

Cale continued to drink the demonic tea and waited patiently in the awkward silence.

"Have you ever seen a dragon?" Kim Rok Soo finally began. He crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat.

"...A dragon?"

"Yes."

"I've seen something similar once."

'Similar, my ass.'

"Similar, my ass."

Cale had said exactly what Rok Soo was thinking and continued to sip his tea quietly. Kim Rok Soo knew what Choi Han was talking about when he said something similar.

Forest of Darkness. He was talking about the vicious monsters deep inside the Forest of Darkness. Among those terrifying monsters were creatures that were somewhere between lizards and dragons.

Choi Han had killed that dragon-like monster as soon as he advanced from the middle stage to the final stage of his Dark Destruction Sword Art.

"You did? How was it?"

He pretended to not know about the event, and asked Choi Han.

"...It was a monster."

"How so?"

"Its appearance, its strength, everything. It was a monster in all aspects."

"Is that so?"

Cale had spoken up yet again, turning his gaze to Choi Han. His eyes seemed stern yet caring. Cale nodded his head and continued to speak. But his actions and his words were completely opposite.

"Then you have not seen a dragon."

"Excuse me?"

"You're excused."

Clack. Cale put the cup with the lemon tea that was painfully bitter as well as sour down on the table. He then responded to Choi Han, who was looking at him with confusion and curiosity.

"Dragons, Beast people, Dwarves, Elves, they are all like humans. As for why? Well that is simply because they also have emotions and lives."

That aspect wasn't important to Cale. His main point started from here.

"However."

Choi Han might have noticed Cale's sudden change in demeanor. He sat up straight and focused on what Cale had to say.

"Such an existence has fallen into darkness since it was born. The only thing currently lighting up the darkness in its life is torches, and it has never even seen the light of the sun. What kind of life do you think it is having?"

Tap.

Cale tapped the table with his index finger.

"It is being forced to become an existence without rationality."

Tap.

He tapped on the table once again.

"It has had to suffer through its loneliness, without any family or anything to lean on."

Tap.

Choi Han's gaze fell every time Cale's finger tapped the table. Choi Han's fists were clenched underneath the table, to the point you could see his veins starting to flare up. Cale did not know about this, as he continued on.

"It is tortured and abused every day, and is only left alone when it is barely alive. Might I add that such an existence is merely a child."

'A child that can most definitely murder Venion once freed.'

Choi Han's expression stiffened, and anger was in his eyes. Cale knew Choi Han would react this way. There was no way a good person like this would not get angry after hearing such a story. He should also have figured out why Cale brought up such a story in the first place.

Cale took another sip of his lemon tea, before finishing up his story.

"And that existence is nearby."

A short silence filled the room. Cale looked out the window, before slowly turning his gaze to look at Choi Han. He didn't know what Choi Han was thinking about, but his whole body was surrounded by a bloody aura.

'Is he getting angry at the fact that the young dragon is abused because he is a good person?'

Contrary to Cale's hypothesis, Choi Han was currently recalling the tens of years he had to survive on his own in the Forest of Darkness.

That was why the silence continued for a while. Finally, Choi Han looked between Cale and Kim Rok Soo and asked.

"Will you save it and try to tame it?"

"...Are you possibly crazy?"

"Are you crazy?"

"Excuse me?"

Cale and Kim Rok Soo acted on reflex, and asked back in shock. Choi Han also became shocked at the two questioning his sanity.

"Why would we try to tame it?"

Kim Rok Soo waved his hand around like Choi Han was crazy.

There was no way that a dragon that was abused by humans would be willing to serve a human. In fact, it probably was full of hate and disgust for any and all humans. Even if that human was the person that saved it.

Dragons believe that they are above all creatures, including humans. This is a natural instinct for dragons, so, even without being in contact with any other Dragon in its whole life, it will still feel this way.

That was why dragons cannot grow under humans. This attitude makes it impossible to domesticate and train Dragons without using torture and abuse to break down its mind.

'Dragons are born extremely arrogant. But, most importantly, if we raise a dragon...'

Rok Soo could feel it. He felt like they would get wrapped up in some annoying incidents if they raised a dragon.

There were less than twenty total dragons in the Eastern and Western continents combined. Raise one of those dragons? That was pretty much the same as saying, 'I will be at the center of all the happenings of the continents.'

It was also a dragon that was supposed to die. It would be better for it to go off into its own little world and not get in anyone's way.

Kim Rok Soo was definitely against this dragon coming with them and Cale did not believe it was any good to try and raise a dragon, let alone a tortured dragon. As long as they get rid of the mana restriction chains, this four year old dragon will live a much better life than both Rok Soo and Cale. Dragons weren't called the kings of the world since birth for no reason.

"Then?"

"Why are you asking such an obvious question?"

Kim Rok Soo laughed at Choi Han's question before he answered.

"Let it go so it can live a free and peaceful life. Shouldn't a dragon live like a dragon?"

"...I see."

Choi Han's clenched fists slowly started to relax.

"Then will we be saving that dragon?"

"Yes. So we need your help."

"Anything. I really will do anything to help."

Kim Rok Soo was worried that Choi Han would escalate the situation, and shook his head.

"No need to go overboard. I have no plans to kill anybody, if possible, either. We will do it as quietly as possible."

"Ah Sunsaeng-nim, Cale-nim, you really-"

Choi Han started to speak with admiration, but Cale looked at the clock, before cutting him off and saying what he needed to say.

"Go tell Hans to prepare some alcohol on the first floor."

"Are diff- what?"

Cale was prepared to drink first.

He started drinking even though it was the middle of the day. Choi Han just sat there with confusion on his face while looking around. Everybody other than himself looked peaceful.

In the middle of that peaceful environment was Cale Henituse, drinking bottle after bottle. The growing flush on his face made anybody who was watching him know that he was drunk.

"...Is it okay to let him drink so much?"

Choi Han looked toward Hans, who was next to him, and asked. Hans was delivering food to On and Hong, who were in their cat form. He then refreshingly answered Choi Han's question.

"Yes. The Young Master hasn't had alcohol in a while and wanted to try the drinks here but something like that shouldn't matter to you."

Choi Han could feel the hostility coming from Hans even without the ginger butler saying anything but he really did want to make sure Cale was okay. Choi Han just shut up after seeing the conversation take a poor turn, and moved away from Hans. It was better to leave Hans alone since he seemed to not like him anyway. Instead, Choi Han looked toward Cale to make sure he was safe.

"Owner. Your alcohol tastes great!"

Cale didn't seem to know that Choi Han was looking at him, instead focusing on just praising the alcohol. They had been drinking for two hours already. There were some who were not drinking, just in case something happened, but the majority of the envoy were enjoying the festive atmosphere.

'They were all so nervous for the first hour, tsk.'

Kim Rok Soo had looked around the room seeing everyone enjoying themselves and inwardly clicked his tongue. He had not left Cale's side since the redhead started drinking.

When Cale had ordered them to gather, as he would be drinking, the soldiers showed up with their helmets on. Kim Rok Soo couldn't believe it, but Cale told them that he will not throw any bottles to help them relax.

"This village may be small, but there are a lot of mountains around it. The alcohol is a special alcohol I made with fruit and herbs from the mountain. That is why it is a bit expensive."

As the old man mentioned, the alcohol really did taste great. Cale admired the alcohol, and lifted the bottle up to the old man, being sure to sway his body slightly, which was too elegant to really claim he was drunk.

"Do you have a lot of these?"

"Yes. Quite a bit."

"Then get some more and send it around to everybody here."

"Young master, you don't need to-"

The Vice Captain shouted out with a flushed face, but his eyes were focused on the bottle in Cale's hand. The rest of the soldiers were looking at the same thing. Naturally, Cale was aware of what they were thinking.

"Just drink. I'm telling you to drink. Got it?"

The eyes of the soldiers who were present all started to sparkle. It was the first time they became excited to see a bottle in Cale's hands.

Cale watched the excited inn owner bring alcohol and snacks for everyone there with a sharp gaze.

Cale Henituse. This human had a strong alcohol tolerance. Everybody thought he had a low tolerance because his face flushed easily and he caused a ruckus whenever he drank, but the truth was that he did all those things without being drunk at all.

He continued to drink and handed the bottle he was drinking from to Kim Rok Soo with a playful grin. It didn't help that the look in Cale's eyes was the same look he'd given Rok Soo when they had sex.

"Hm..."

Cale leaned in close, whispering into Kim Rok Soo's ear. The older appearing man had placed a hand on Cale's waist being sure the redhead wouldn't fall over. Kim Rok Soo suddenly began to question if Cale was drunk or not.

He knows the redhead has a strong alcohol tolerance but could Cale have possibly drunk too much.

"You don't have to drink a lot, we just need to make it look like the two of us plan to have a good time tonight."

Oh. Oh .

Cale was trying to make it look like they'd be having drunk sex after this.

Wow. That'd be kind of hot.

Though how would they have that effect just by drinking, if anything people would think they're going to pass out from the alcohol.

"Mm... darling..."

"Yes, Cale?"

"Tell me..." Cale's face was suddenly so close to Rok Soo's he could feel the man's breath. It felt as if the world suddenly became still because all the conversations lost their interest and all eyes were on Cale, who was now kissing his lover.

Some blushed and averted their eyes, others covered their eyes, only to peak at the scene that played out before them.

Two men, boldly kissing one another as if no one was watching. It wasn't as if it was just a soft kiss on the lips, no, there was definitely tongue being used that others couldn't help but blush at the two.

Cale pulled away and smiled smugly. He then asked Rok Soo.

"How do I taste?"

Though the redhead couldn't see it, Cale knew his lover's ears were a flaming red.

"Well?"

Cale began to grin widely awaiting an answer.

"...Sweet."

Cale always tasted sweet to Kim Rok Soo but he guessed the Alcohol made him sweeter.

"That's good."

Cale laughed at Rok Soo's response and turned away just as Kim Rok Soo took a drink from the bottle.

They continued to drink for another ten minutes before Cale did something else unexpected.

He began to hum.

It was a reflective and dreamy tune. Like you've heard it before a long, long time ago. It was a rather catchy melody, so much so everyone continued to pay attention to the drinking Young Master.

Ron was familiar with the melody.

He was surprised to hear it again after so many years. Years after the redhead decided to close his heart to everyone.

Cale was humming a song his mother used to sing.

"Darling..."

Cale had abruptly stopped humming, much to everyone's disappointment.

"Y, yes Cale?"

Rok Soo had been so lost in the melody, he was surprised when Cale stopped to talk to him.

"Darling, do you know how to dance?"

No. Kim Rok Soo had never danced a day in his life. He did watch his hyungs dance around him every so often, but he wouldn't really say they were any good at it.

"...No."

"That is fine. Just follow my lead."

Cale got up and pulled Rok Soo out onto the open floor. He seemed rather cheerful but Cale definitely wasn't drunk, his eyes were too focused for him to be drunk, he moved too elegantly and Cale's eyes were giving him signals he wasn't sure when to take.

Well it looked like Cale would be taking him dancing.

"Put your hand here."

Cale pulled their bodies close, placing Rok Soo's hand to his side, just a few inches underneath his under arm. He then slid both of their hands together, interlocking their fingers.

"Move one leg back, it doesn't matter which."

Kim Rok Soo moved his left leg back, tightening his hold on Cale as he saw the redhead look up at him with such dreamy eyes.

"...And my hand goes here."

Cale smiled, placing his left hand on Rok Soo's upper arm.

"Now then... follow my lead."

Cale moved a foot forward and Rok Soo followed suit. And then a simple step out and the turn. And again, some movements changing, some staying the same but it did not matter, Kim Rok Soo and Cale danced together as if they were the only things to exist.

Soon their feet moved effortlessly across the wooden floor, every step turn and twirl became a testament of raw and effortless grace and elegance. Though Kim Rok Soo's foot work was slightly sloppy he made up for it with the ability to adapt instantly. He moved with Cale perfectly, spinning the redhead and watching the red locks flair and spin with him.

Onlookers watch in awe. It was as if a story was being played out before their very eyes. They watched and listened to the Young Master hum the sweet melody as they spun together while the envoy watched.

It was then the words of a song began to be sung by Cale.

The same song he'd been humming all this time, finally the words were added to the beautiful melody.

"Across my memory~"

"Far away, long ago, glowing dim as an ember."

"Things my heart used to know."

"Things it yearns to remember."

"And a song someone sings."

"Once upon a december."

Ron, though this old man liked to drink, he did not have any alcohol as he could only watch the young master he'd practically raised. He could watch and remember the times when the redhead was young and danced to this song while his mother sang.

He could remember his own life he had spent with his wife and son before the fall of their family.

This was a song Cale had loved dearly. It was something he cherished even the day he died.

He wanted to sing this song to someone he could call his . To Someone he loved deeply and wished to spend the rest of his life with.

Well, he finally has. He's finally gotten the chance to dance and sing this song to his beloved.

As the dance came to an end, the viewers were far too stunned to clap immediately. After a moment of silence and processing the room erupted into cheers of awe and admiration. Who knew Cale could sing so well?

"Darling. Let's head back to our room."

Cale looked up at his lover with loving eyes, his cheek pressed up against the man's chest.

"A,ah! Young master, I will support you.."

"It's okay. Vice Captain, rest a bit today. The rest of the soldiers as well. Didn't you fight in a battle yesterday? This is not a dangerous area, and I feel bad for the soldiers on guard duty, but the rest of you can relax and enjoy yourselves."

"Young master-"

"I said to relax, my darling will take care of me.

"He has drunk too, young master–"

"If it's such a big deal then–" Cale paused mid sentence, his eyes lazily searching the crowd until they landed on Choi Han, who was actually much closer than Cale realized. " Hans and you there, come support us, please."

Hans had immediately walked over and took Cale from Rok Soo and though hesitant, Choi Han came to Rok Soo's side and awkwardly tried to assist him. They were around the same height anyway.

"Bye."

Chapter Text

“Hans, we’re going out to play. Of course you’ll tell anyone that needs me that we’re resting.”

“Of course, young master. Please have fun. Though I’m jealous you’re taking that brute instead of me.”

Hans huffed and glared at Choi Han who stepped away in an attempt to seem less threatening in Hans’ eyes.

Cale’s expression softened at Hans’ response, but he watched the ginger leave, before giving an order to Choi Han. 

“Use the windows to quietly come back to our room.”

Choi Han nodded his head and quickly followed Hans out of the room and closed the door.

Meeeeeow.

“Is it time now?”

Cale nodded his head at On and Hong, who followed  them up to the room, and immediately opened the box.

Click.

The magic lock clicked open, and Cale removed an outfit from inside the box. Once he and Rok Soo finished changing, Choi Han entered through the window, and then his eyes opened wide in shock.

“Sunsaeng-nim, Cale-nim?”

Before putting on the mask, Cale handed the black outfit in his hand to Choi Han.

“You wear it too.”

The orb from yesterday should temporarily stop the magic recording devices, but that was not enough. Kim Rok Soo absolutely did not want to get caught. That was why Cale had been drinking since the middle of the day and prepared these outfits.

“What is this?”

The black outfit had a single red star and five smaller white stars surrounding it on the chest area. It was made exactly how Cale remembered it.

‘What is it? The outfit of the secret organization.’

‘The Birth of a Hero’ novel clearly and accurately explained the outfit of the secret organization that Choi Han runs into time after time. This outfit was specially ordered by Kim Rok Soo following the explanation as accurately as possible. Just to be on the safe side, Rok Soo even had the outfit created separately, and Cale personally added the stars.

Seeing how Cale was very familiar with sewing and stitching from a young age he was in charge of making the outfits. In fact their clothes looked exactly like the ones he’d remembered.

‘A black outfit with one red star and five white stars.’ For Venion, who has not personally met the secret organization like the Marquis did, the report from the subordinates who saw this outfit will definitely give him a significant headache and anger.

“…Are we doing something bad?”

Choi Han asked once more after seeing either Cale or Rok Soo respond. Though seeing Cale with the black mask on as well definitely made him seem like a villain.

“Yes. We are doing something bad.”

Cale started to smile underneath the mask.

“We’re doing something bad to Venion.”

“Ah.”

Choi Han seemed to finally understand, as he quickly pointed to the other mask in Cale’s hand.

“Please give it to me.”

Even good people will have someone they don’t like and want to screw over. That was no different for this 17 year old, who spent tens of years alone in this world.

“Ah, and these children are from the Cat Tribe. They are beast people.”

Cale casually introduced On and Hong to Choi Han as if it was nothing, and they just simply exchanged greetings as well. The Cat Tribe children, who were sensitive to a person’s true character, already had a good idea about Choi Han’s strength, and Choi Han had noticed they were not your average cats when they first met.

“This is On, that is Hong. He is…” Cale had  never asked for Choi Han’s name and purposely paused to look at Choi Han.

“Ah! My name is Choi Han!”

“He is Choi Han. End of introductions. Everybody get ready.”

There was a short time to get ready before Cale ordered Choi Han, who had just come out of the restroom wearing the same black outfit and black mask.

“Let’s go.”

Cale leaned over the window edge and thought for a moment.

‘I haven’t jumped out a window since I was twelve… well the estate floors are higher than these anyway. I should be able to jump and only sprain an ankle, at best.’

“Hm…”

‘I could use blink… but that feels more like a waste of energy and I want to tie up those so-called guards.’

In the short moment Cale took to pier over the edge of the windowsill Choi Han seemed to have his own idea of what Cale was thinking 

In one swift and careful movement he places a hand on Cale’s waist and another around his legs and lifts the redhead into the air.

“Huh- ah.”

“I shall carry you”

“…What?”

“I said I will carry you out of the window.”

Cale had to blink a few times to fully process what Choi Han had said. Of course he’s heard plenty of strange shit in his life but somehow this was the first to catch him this off guard.

Though his eyes were calm, his mind was currently in a state of chaos.

‘I know a simple apology wouldn’t be enough but to think he doesn’t trust me this much… It was a given, he really doesn’t like me.’

Cale seemed to think Choi Han believed he was a liability in this mission. Well, that’s a load of bullshit.

This was an odd position to be in but he really didn’t have a reason to refuse. If this will keep himself from another future beating then so be it. Though he slightly wishes the one carrying him was his darling rather than this baby faced swordmaster.

“…Okay.”

Cale urged them on once again.

“Let’s hurry.”

The group that safely exited the inn headed for the mountain with the Viscount’s Villa and the Dragon’s prison.

The location that the kittens, On and Hong, buried the black orb was out of Rok Soo’s expectations.

The Viscount’s villa was 30 meters away from the dragon’s cave. On and Hong had buried the black orb 50 meters away from that cave, in an area filled with trees and shrubs, making it very difficult for the orb to be located.

“You two are kind of amazing.”

“Something like this is a piece of cake.”

On was saying it was easy, but Rok Soo could see On’s nose twitching in joy.

Kim Rok Soo, Cale, Choi Han, On, and Hong crouched around the location that the black orb, officially known as the Mana Disturbance Tool, was located, and looked toward the cave entrance that was 50 meters away, as well as the Viscount’s villa that was farther away.

“You remember the plan?”

Kim Rok Soo had explained the plan on their way over. Realistically speaking, there wasn’t much of a plan.

“There are a total of 6 people on guard at this time.”

He then recalled the information he read in, ‘The Birth of a Hero.’ The Black Dragon was smart, like most dragons. It had been gathering information for the four long years it was held captive, and there was a reason it attempted its escape two days later at around this time.

There were, approximately, a total of 30 people residing in the villa. Originally, there were close to 100 people, but it slowly went down as they realized during the last four years that nobody really came to this area.

Of course, among the 30 people, there were 3 high-leveled knights at the Vice Captain’s level, as well as 7 mid-leveled knights. There were also soldiers, the torturer, and random laborers. The number of people here showed just how much attention the Marquis has been putting onto this location.

However, they had Choi Han. Choi Han was someone who could take down the strongest knight in the Rowoon Kingdom in 10 moves. Someone like that was currently on their side. Not to mention his own new strength that came with being brought to this world. 

Though Kim Rok Soo hadn’t really planned to fight.

“Let me explain one more time. There is one high-leveled knight and two mid-leveled knights at the cave entrance, as well as two soldiers. Inside the cave, there is just one high-leveled knight, and the torturer is at the end of the cave.”

Choi Han flinched after hearing the word torturer, but neither Cale nor Kim Rok Soo could care. The important thing was that the black orb would activate soon, and that they needed to move quickly in response.

“The magic recording devices located from the villa to the cave entrance will not work for 40 minutes thanks to the black orb that On and Hong buried. That is the same for the alarms, magic traps, and anything else. Nothing will work for 40 minutes.”

They needed to domesticate this dragon, the greatest magic using creature in the world, but they could not ask any mages for help. That was why Marquis Stan chose to fill this area with magic items instead. The reason that there were only a few guards around the entrance was also because they trusted their magic items.

That was why the dragon had no choice but to cause a mana explosion to escape.

‘An eye for an eye, and money for money.’

Since the Marquis used money, Cale used money as well. Lots of it. Cale patted the magic bag on his waist. This was a magic bag that allowed you to store a lot of items. Inside this bag were all sorts of magic items, useful tools, and objects.

He didn’t need them per say but it definitely made work much easier to have them rather than to not. 

“I just need to take out the guards?”

Naturally, Choi Han would be doing the battling. Cale hadn’t had much plans to fight, his only goal was to tie them up for a fun little time for when their bodies are found. However Kim Rok Soo decided to take this time to test his current abilities. It would be a pain if by some unfortunate circumstances he accidentally broke something not understanding his own strength.

He was able to survive this long without knowing the full extent but it was definitely best to be safe than sorry.

“Yes. You and I will be in charge of the guards.”

‘Just so I can know what the hell is going on.’

Rok Soo looked at Choi Han with a serious expression, and Choi Han nodded his head and sincerely responded back. He really wanted to get rid of Choi Han quickly.

“I will definitely live up to your expectations.”

“Yes. As I mentioned, make sure they see our outfit and then knock them out. Don’t kill them, and don’t show them your sword art. You remember what to do after that, right?”

Choi Han’s unique transparent black aura should be easily camouflaged by the darkness, if he uses it carefully.  Rok Soo believed Choi Han should understand, since he had already told him many times.

“Yes, I remember it all.”

“Good, I’ll leave it to you two.”

Cale tapped Choi Han’s shoulder, before handing him the voice changing device. It would be bad if he had to talk during the fight and they recognized his voice.

“It’s expensive, do not break it.”

“Got it. You do not need to worry about it.”

Cale then looked toward the kittens. Cale responded to their wagging tails, that seemed to be asking for something.

“You two have already done well, you’ll be with me until the mission is over. I will give you meat once it is over.”

That did not seem to be the right answer but it was close enough, as they sighed and continued to wag their tails. 

‘Five minutes left.’

Kim Rok Soo took a look at the very expensive clock Cale had gifted him. It was the same one Cale had hanging off his waist except the pattern. While Cale’s was the moon, his was the sun.

The sky had already gotten dark, and it was night time. Rok Soo then recalled the conversation he had with Billos.

‘The magic items that have been influenced by the Mana Disturbance Tool will instantly stop working, and most of them will turn off to prevent it from blowing up. However, the highest quality magic items will start beeping to signal that they are broken. It isn’t like alarm magic, instead, it is more like a clock alarm.’

‘It will probably be loud?’

‘I don’t know where you plan on using it, but it should be loud enough for the enemy to hear.’

Billos started to smirk and continued on.

‘However, if there are a lot of magic items in the area, it will probably get chaotic with all of the alarms going off at the same time.’

Chaotic was enough for Cale to be satisfied.

“Get ready.”

The kittens also covered themselves with charcoal to cover the color of their furs. They then left Cale’s side and disappeared into the darkness. The two of them would not be showing themselves in front of the enemies today.

Choi Han folded up the handkerchief Cale gave him that he was using to clean his blade, and put it in his pocket.

Once all of the preparations were finished, Cale stood up.

Brrrrrrrrrrrring.

Something started to vibrate right underneath where Cale had been sitting. The black orb had started to activate.

Click. Click.

The seconds hand of their watches slowly approached the set time.

And finally, the last click.

“Let’s go.”

At Kim Rok Soo’s order, Choi Han followed the plan and ran ahead quickly with him, while On started to create fog in the area. Cale was at the center of the fog, making it difficult to see him. At the same time,

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrring-

The black orb finally activated.

“I guess they aren’t all the highest quality magic items.”

Some of the magic items started to ring loudly to sound their status. Cale followed behind the two with the fog surrounding him, and headed toward the cave.

Starting now, it was a battle against time.

The two Koreans were already fighting against the knights in front of the cave.

‘He just has random bursts of energy.’

In that short amount of time, the soldiers already had injuries on their arms and legs, and were knocked out on the floor.

Cale watched the two fight with hidden interest. He was very familiar with Choi Han’s fighting style and seeing his darling in action made him realize…

Kim Rok Soo seemed to take joy in hitting people with his bare hands. At least he looked as if he were having fun punching and throwing the knights into each other and watching them pile up on the ground.

“Who are you? How dare you come to this place!”

Choi Han easily dodged the attack of the high-leveled knight. He then took a step forward and made a deep cut on the side of the knight. He then avoided the blood spurting out of the cut, and used his elbow to attack the knight’s back, followed by the back of the knight’s neck. The knight fainted instantly.

“Shit! What the hell is going on?!”

The high-leveled knight inside the cave soon showed up as well.

“Poison.”

Cale spoke through the voice changing device. The fog surrounding him started to expand, and Hong started to stealthily move around and spread the poison to paralyze the enemy. The fainted individuals would not be able to move for a while, even if they did wake up.

Cale then made eye contact with the high-leveled knight and said one word.

“Cover.”

Kim Rok Soo instantly stood in front of Cale and darted toward the cave entrance. Cale followed behind him.

“Block them!”

At the high-leveled knight’s shout, two mid-leveled knights immediately charged toward Kim Rok Soo. Their swords started to glow, showing that the knights had inputted their aura into their swords. However, those two swords were instantly put down.

Clang. Clang. Both swords fell down to the ground and soon shattered like glass.

“W, what the? What is he?”

Both shock and despair was in the voice of the high-leveled knight. For an aura filled sword to be destroyed so easily, this person wasn’t anything close to a normal human. After instantly disarming the enemy and destroying their weapons Kim Rok Soo knee’d the mid-leveled knight in the stomach and then kicked him in the head.

“Ugh!”

“Guuh!”

‘Oh my...’

Cale could not hide his amazement as he brazenly watched and continued to move. At that moment, they could hear some ruckus from far behind them.

“Intruders!”

It was coming from the villa. Cale turned his gaze back forward.

The mid-leveled knights staggered before falling down. Cale made eye contact with them. They had been poisoned by Hong’s paralysis poison.

“P, poison…!”

“A, assassin!”

Cale couldn’t help but smile amidst the chaos. He wanted to be sure to absolutely screw over Venion and save this child from a life of continued misery.

Choi Han made them faint before quickly rushing toward the charging high-leveled knight and swinging his sword. Cale used that opening to go through the cave entrance. Even while he was doing that, he made sure the mid-leveled knights who called him an assassin saw the six stars on his outfit before fainting.

“Ugh! Where did these people come from!”

“So loud.”

Choi Han easily avoided the mana-filled sword of the high-leveled knight. He was dragging this out on purpose.

While Choi Han and Rok Soo were acting as the distraction, Cale entered the cave behind the Cat Tribe children, who had stealthily entered earlier on. After verifying that Cale had entered, the two Koreans moved to the front of the cave entrance.

Choi Han then called out to the high-leveled knight.

“Come.”

Of course, his gaze was not looking at the knight, but all of the enemies coming from the villa with torches. Kim Rok Soo felt he did not need to continue to fight but pressed on seeing as the mission was close to over.

“I will be quick.”

Choi Han could hear Cale’s changed, yet still calm voice behind him, and started to smile. However, he quickly focused on releasing only some of his strength. Dark Destruction Sword Art. This sword art consisted of two components, darkness and destruction. Of the two, the force of destruction started to surround Choi Han.

“Nobody can get past this spot.”

He was someone who always kept his word.

While those two were protecting the entrance, there was someone else protecting something in a different manner in the cave. That person was none other than the torturer. He was the one to protect the dragon’s prison. By the time Cale arrived inside, he was already in a state of chaos.

“Why, why?! Why is the Magic Crystal Ball not working?!”

The Magic Crystal Ball that the torturer held onto was one of the emergency backups that Venion had prepared in case something went wrong.

“D, don’t come here! Do you know what is in here?!”

The torturer was shaking violently while looking at Cale. He had no choice but to be scared. If the torturer received an attack higher than an average person’s strength, he would instantly blow up.

It was one of Venion’s safety measures as well. The strength of the blast would make the prison key and the prison itself blow up with the torturer as well. Naturally, the torturer knew about this.

“If you come, everyone here will die!”

Ha. Cale continued to walk leisurely, grinning widely behind his mask. He  waved his hand while looking at the shaking torturer. Once he did, fog started to form in the air and headed for the torturer. On, the owner of the fog, was hidden in the shadows of the cave and still hidden.

“A, aaaaaah! Go away!”

The sounds of battle from the cave entrance. The approaching fog. Of course, the inside of the fog was completely filled with poison. The paralyzing fog quickly surrounded the torturer.

“Just what, ugh, p, poison…!”

Ugh. The torturer’s body started to shake as he fell to the ground. The torturer looked so terrible, being unable to speak or move as he forcibly shook on the floor. Cale approached the torturer and walked over him, taking a look around the prison.

If you could not attack him, you just had to hit him with poison. Either that, or make a deal with him to hand the key over. He had no plans to use the latter method. However there was a third method Cale could use.

“Ugh…”

A pitiful groan came from the torturer, who was starting to lose consciousness from the poison. Cale wondered if they had used too much of the poison, but didn’t really care.

‘I don’t think he will die, but if he dies, oh well.’

Cale snapped his fingers. Two little black bundles fell from the ceiling almost instantly. It was On and Hong. Once they came under the torch that Cale was holding, he could finally see the two of them clearly.

Cale verified that On and Hong were safe before heading to the farthest corner of the cave.

Once he arrived, he could see a curled up black existence inside this now-useless magic prison. It was the dragon. The thing that shocked Cale more than the dragon itself was the blood covering the dragon and the scent of blood in the air.

Cale quickly approached the prison.

The dragon continued to keep its eyes closed, even as Cale approached. The dragon was probably in a state of chaos right now.

Cale placed a hand on the iron door and soon the metal bars began to freeze over. He then backed away, being sure the kittens were behind him.

As Cale stood a far enough distance away the ground began to break and four vines shot out of it and wrapped around the metal bars of the prison. Cale pointed a finger out to the side and made a reeling motion with it, watching as the thick vines pulled tightly on the metal bars.

CLAANG

The iron door was completely torn off and set to the side with what looked like no effort.

Cale had then entered the prison.

It was pretty large to be called a prison. There were whips and other torture tools, as well as the luxurious couch that Venion sat on to watch. Cale headed to the corner of the prison.

A small figure about 1 meter long was laying on a stack of hay in the corner. The inner eyelids of the dragon were shaking as it laid there with its eyes closed. There were chains on all of its limbs, and the mana restriction chain was on its neck, making it unable to use any strength.

“Hello.”

Cale crouched in front of the dragon. The dragon did not open its eyes even after Cale greeted it. Cale verified his watch. It was time to leave. He continued to speak to the dragon.

“Let’s leave.”

A vine snaked its way to Cale and dropped a key in his hand. This key could have been used to unlock the door but Cale was feeling rather petty, so he decided to take the whole thing off instead.

Cale used the key he had obtained from the torturer to undo the chains.

The dragon opened its eyes at that moment. Cale started to smile after looking at the dragon’s eyes.

It was still a very strong gaze. It had not lost its will to live just yet.

It was not a dying gaze but rather it was still a gaze with a strong desire to live. That was why it was filled with energy, anger, and resistance.

It was the gaze of a dragon.

“What a nice gaze.”

Cale lifted the dragon into his arms and smiled.

After coming out of the prison, Cale put the dragon down in front of the two kittens.

“That looks like it hurts.”

“So sad.”

On and Hong circled around the still silent dragon. The dragon started to show its teeth and growl at them. This was probably the first time in its life it ever saw anything other than humans.

Cale verified the time on his watch. It looked like they had just enough time to escape.

“It looks like it hurts.”

On approached Cale and tapped his leg. She seemed to be thinking about the potion Cale brought in his magic box. She couldn’t ask him for it, so she could only act this way.

“Hold on.”

Cale crouched down and placed his hands in the air above the young dragon, who looked as if it wanted to bite his hands clean off. Soon a warm light enshrouded the dragon and Cale couldn’t help but smile as he watched the young dragon close its eyes and embrace the warmth.

Salvation. 

It was the first ability Cale got when he bloomed as a young Thames, alongside his second ability, Eyes of Heaven. Unfortunately both abilities were not something he had the choice in naming.

This power, though extremely effective, would not bring salvation to this young dragon. The dragon would only be healed once it had access to its mana. Mana was practically as important as a dragon’s heart. That is why he brought this potion to use on the dragon. However, he needed to wait until the mana restriction chains were off. The potion would only work properly if the mana was no longer restricted.

Cale started to head toward the opposite side of the prison, the location the torturer seemed to be guarding. It wasn’t very loud, but he could hear Choi Han and Kim Rok Soo fighting in the distance. Cale presumed that their battle would end soon as well.

“Let’s see.”

Cale started to pat the cave wall with his hands. He kicked the torturer with his foot to get him out of the way, and continued to pat every aspect of the wall. The dragon growled after seeing the torturer, but stayed still and continued to focus on Cale.

‘Venion’s supposed last line of defense should be around here somewhere.’

Like all of the members of Marquis Stan’s family, Venion was extremely worried about someone intruding while he was inside. He had created a secret tunnel to use as an escape route if something like that ever happened. If the torturer knew about it, he probably would have used it to escape earlier, but, sadly, even the torturer did not know about this escape route.

‘Darling said there would be a flat area on this bumpy wall-, ah here it is.’

There was a flat area about the size of a person’s hand on this bumpy cave wall. Although Venion looked like he had OCD and would never do anything like training, everyone in the Marquis’s family had learned martial arts.

‘If you hit it hard enough, the wall will magically open haha.’

It was not a magic device. Instead, the force of the impact made the device move. Cale turned his head to look toward the people who entered and asked.

“All done?”

“Yes.”

Choi Han lightly swung his sword in the air to get rid of the blood on it and then approached Cale. His gaze soon turned toward the dragon, and started to frown. It was a natural reaction to seeing such a small creature being covered in blood. The glare in Choi Han’s eyes as he stared at the torturer was vicious.

“Choi Han.”

That was why Cale had called out to Choi Han. Choi Han was still glaring at the torturer as he reported.

“As ordered, we left the escaping workers alone. I also made sure that all of the strong individuals would not be able to fight.”

“Good job.”

Cale praised Choi Han before pointing to the flat area on the wall.

“Punch this spot.”

“As strong as I can?”

“No.”

“No.”

It was an immediate and flat response from both Cale and Kim Rok Soo. It sounded almost like tired parents trying to prevent their kid from doing dumb shit. That is probably why Choi Han’s body immediately stiffened and he stepped back.

‘Are you planning on destroying the cave?’

‘You’ll destroy everything, you damn brute.’

It was thanks to the mask Choi Han could not see the incredulous looks on their faces.

To not waste time Rok Soo had abruptly approached the wall and punched through it with little to no effort. Though the power horrified him, he had to admit it was very useful in some situations. The hole came out slightly bigger than intended.

Boom!

“Wow.”

“Oh.”

“Like that. Just pretend you are creating a 10cm dent in the wall.”

“Mm. So, very lightly.”

“Sure.”

Cale sighed and picked the dragon back up while the kitten siblings were admiring what happened.

Screeeeeeeech-

A chilling screeching noise came out of the wall, and an area the size of an adult male appeared to one side of the cave wall. Choi Han quickly picked up the torch.

“Let’s go.”

At Rok Soo’s command, the kittens got on Choi Han’s back, as Choi Han stepped into the tunnel first, Cale followed behind him and Rok Soo followed behind Cale. The dragon remained quiet in Cale’s arms, with only the sound of its breathing coming out of it. However, the eyes that were staring at Cale were still extremely vicious.

Rather than any gratitude for saving him, it seemed to be filled with thoughts of terror about being tortured by someone else, as well as anger and resentment toward humans.

“Do not stare at me like that. I’m not going to eat you.”

Cale casually talked to the dragon in his arms.

‘Ah, I did not tie anyone up tonight. Oh well, I had fun anyway.’

Cale was currently thinking back to the knights from earlier. He had wanted to tie a few up but became increasingly focused on the young dragon as time progressed.

‘Should I have swapped places with Rok Soo? Since Choi Han does not like me this was probably for the best.’

Cale held the dragon tightly in his arms, so that he would not drop it. There was no way he could leave it here after spending all that effort to rescue it.

The dragon just continued to watch him. Cale’s black clothes started to become covered in the dragon’s blood that had remained on its body.

After running through that dark and narrow tunnel for a few minutes, Choi Han suddenly called out.

“There is a wall in front of us.”

“Hit the center of the wall with your fist as I described before. Then we will continue to run as discussed.”

“I understand!”

The kittens jumped off of Choi Han’s shoulder and started to run. Choi Han put some strength into his fist and hit the center of the wall.

Boom!

The wall almost instantly collapsed, and they could see the night sky. They were outside the cave. This time, Kim Rok Soo took the lead as he looked around.

This was the reason they needed the Mana Disturbance Tool to work on the entire mountain. Venion had put a magic recording device on this secret tunnel entrance as well. He was a surprisingly thorough person.

‘Obsessive and compulsive dumbass, he’s still dumber than a plate of rocks.’

Cale found himself cursing at Venion for one reason or another.

They did not have much time left. They needed to get out of the range of the magic recording device in the next one or two minutes. But it should not be a problem.

Choi Han had now followed behind Cale and made new traces of their presence, or erased some traces as they passed. After surviving in the Forest of Darkness on his own for so long, he was an expert at creating and following tracks. After running away from the secret tunnel entrance for about two minutes, Rok Soo looked at his watch.

“Stop.”

The alarms that were going off in the area suddenly stopped blaring. The Mana Disturbance Tool had stopped working.

“Huuuu~.”

Kim Rok Soo took a deep breath, calming his rapidly beating heart. The Indestructible Shield around his heart was gathering strength every time his heart beat like that, just in case an emergency situation happened.

‘I have no plans to use it right now.’

However, Rok Soo was not planning on using this shield just yet. After freeing this dragon and saying goodbye to Choi Han in the next city, he was planning on gaining the ancient power, ‘Vitality of the Heart,’ To strengthen this shield. Only then would he use the shield.

Now that he had the time to look around, Cale looked down toward the dragon. He then started to smile.

The rebellious gaze was gone, and the dragon was looking up at the night sky in admiration. This was the first time the dragon saw anything other than the cave walls in its four years of life. Cale understood what the dragon was feeling, and wanted to give it some more time, but he could not do that.

He put the dragon down on the grass and continued to look at it. The dragon looked right back at him. Its eyes were once again filled with anger and resentment, as it curled its body up and looked ready to attack.

‘It’s a rather cute dragon.’

 Cale liked this dragon.

Though it continued to be abused for years because it would not back down at all, this small dragon was different from himself. Growing up being neglected and treated as nothing more than trash in his own home Cale had given in. It was the same for Kim Rok Soo, who grew up orphaned and abused. 

They’d both given in at a place they called home, they didn’t think they had the strength to fight against the world.

Chapter Text

“Hey.”

Kim Rok Soo called out to the dragon and made sure the dragon was looking at him, then he took out a pair of gloves and a scissors-shaped cutting tool. There were a lot of magic seals on both of the blades for cutting. He then put on the electricity-resistant gloves.

This cutter was one of the two items that had to be rented in Billos’s name. This was not something you could borrow with money.

‘I don’t know why you need this, but, Sir, I hope to see you and the young master alive in the capital.’

‘You think we’re going to die?’

‘All I know is that you plan to cause a commotion.’

‘…Whatever.’

Rok Soo was thinking about the conversation he had with Billos, before realizing that his surroundings suddenly became extremely quiet. Choi Han was looking at the cutter with chaotic eyes, while the kitten siblings had moved away from him and were hiding behind Choi Han.

The dragon was still just staring at him.

That little dragon’s gaze then moved to Cale who had moved to its side. He could only look at the redhead’s eyes, the eyes that remained gentle and kind since he was brought from that cave.

“Tsk.”

Kim Rok Soo clicked his tongue at their response and approached the dragon. The mana restriction chain was made with something similar to rubber. If it was made of metal, it would not have fit the growing dragon. That was why it was made of something with some elasticity.

He then grabbed the dragon’s neck.

“Gasp.”

The kittens took in a deep breath. However, Rok Soo ignored them as he continued onward, since it was better to do this as fast as possible. The cutter headed for the dragon’s neck. The sharp blade shone under the moonlight, and the dragon just paid attention to Cale’s eyes. Cale’s eyes were soft and peaceful.

The dragon closed its eyes.

At that moment, they all heard the snapping noise of something getting cut.

Sizzle. Sizzle.

The mana restriction chain was causing sparks in Rok Soo’s hands.

“What are you looking at?”

Cale laughed at the dragon that had opened its eyes back to look at him and Kim Rok Soo. He could clearly see the confused expression of the young dragon and could not help but laugh. This dragon really was cute.

Rok Soo took off one of the gloves and handed it to Choi Han. Choi Han put the glove on and Kim Rok Soo handed the chain to him.

Cale then took out the potion from his pocket.

It was a highest grade potion. Even this cost quite a bit to purchase. It almost made Cale feel bad for asking for a larger allowance the last few days before they left. Cale hummed and smiled, then sharply stared at the dragon.

“Do you know how much money I spent on you?”

The dragon could hear the same words he heard quite often. He had heard it almost every day since he was born. Why do you not listen to me when I spent so much money on you? Guess you need to be beaten some more. Then he was beaten. They said that he needed to stop thinking for himself and listen to them as they continued to beat him.

However.

“Since I spent so much money on you, you better heal properly, you little fool.”

The dragon did not feel any pain.

Cale poured about half of the potion onto the dragon’s back, and poured the rest into its mouth. Thankfully, the dragon did not resist, and swallowed it down.

After a few minutes, one could only think that it really was a dragon. The mana, which was the equivalent to the dragon’s heart and the source of all of its power, started to move in its body.

All of the injuries on the dragon’s body instantly disappeared, and a blue aura that seemed to be the dragon’s mana surrounded its body like the wind.

This change that occurred in an instant made Kim Rok Soo think about just how scary and powerful of an existence dragons really were in this world.

“Hey.”

The dragon should have no reason to get injured anymore. The smart dragon seemed to understand what had happened to its body, as its eyes came completely back to life.

Kim Rok Soo took a step toward the dragon. The baby dragon curled up while continuing to observe Cale, its gaze moving towards Rok Soo as the man approached. He ignored the dragon and asked.

“What do you want to do now?”

Cale smiles while looking at the dragon that remained silent.

“You are a dragon. The most intelligent and strongest existence in the world.”

This time Cale was the one to ask .

“What exactly do you plan to do once free?”

“…I.”

The dragon started to speak. The dragon really did know how to speak the human language. It was much smarter than humans. There was no way it did not learn the human language in the last four years.

“I.”

The dragon could feel it in his heart. With his current strength, he possibly could easily kill the man beside him. He was scared of the two taller men, but it would be possible for him to escape alive. He had gained the strength he had waited for so long to obtain.

That was why the dragon finally said the thing he had thought to himself over and over for the last four years. However, this was the first time he had ever said it out loud.

“I will live.”

He will live, no matter what it takes.

“I will go away.”

He was going to go away from here.

He revealed his inner thoughts.

“I will not be tamed.”

“Yes. You do that”

Cale was saying the dragon was right.

“You are a dragon. Have a good life and live it your way.”

Even a four-year-old dragon was stronger than most of the animals in the world. It had enough strength to survive on its own, and, normally, dragons were extremely independent and prideful. They generally wanted to create their own lair once they turned about two years old. It was completely worlds apart than a human two-year-old.

Cale looked into the eyes of the dragon, who still did not trust humans, and sternly started to speak.

“I nor he will not take care of you, so goodbye and I hope we never meet again.”

This dragon was adorable but it was different from the children from the Cat Tribe, On and Hong. A dragon was probably beyond Cale’s limits and his limits stretched many miles in most cases.

Also there was no reason to take care of a dragon who could blow up a mountain on an off day. This small dragon could live his life peacefully now and never worry about being tortured again.

However, the dragon could not trust Cale.

“Liar. Humans are good at lying.”

There was now anger in the dragon’s eyes. That anger was not directed at Cale, however. Dragons were naturally born with a lot of pride. This anger came from the years that his pride was trampled upon by the humans.

“Yes I do agree. I do lie quite a bit as well.”

Cale easily accepted the dragon’s words as did Kim Rok Soo who nodded, and continued to speak.

“Live life as your own little kid. No one shall bother you”

“I-.”

The baby dragon lifted its head to look at the night sky. It was different from the darkness inside the cave. It was dark, but there was still light.

“I hate humans. I want to be free.”

“Good.”

Cale could only smile at this small dragon. He then took out some mid-grade potions and a smaller pouch from his magic bag and put the potions in the bag before handing it to the dragon.

“Live freely and happily.”

The dragon’s black pupils enlarged and started to shake. However, there was still doubt and resentment in its eyes. 

Though he did not tie anyone up tonight, Cale was able to free and speak with a very cute dragon. Cale spoke to his party members in a satisfied tone.

“Let’s go.”

He turned his back to the dragon with no regrets, and started to walk. It was a good night. He was very satisfied because the dragon was safe. 

Kim Rok Soo walked closely beside Cale, very closely in fact. 

“Is something the matter?”

“No.”

That was such a flat answer Cale had already understood what was the intention. Cale had made sure not to look at the sky all night long.

“I will not look. You must keep your promise to me afterall.”

“Okay…”

Choi Han silently followed behind the couple and focused on altering their tracks. The kittens, who hesitated for a moment, saw the dragon turn its gaze away from Cale before following behind him.

Once even the Cat Tribe sibling turned away from it, the dragon lifted its head and watched them walk away.

“…I hate humans…they are evil…”

For some reason, the dragon was paying more attention to the back of the smallest human, the race that he was annoyingly used to and hated, rather than the night sky that it was seeing for the first time.

Hong slowly approached his sister On as they followed behind Cale.

“Noona, I think he’s going to follow us.”

“Uh huh. I think so too.”

“Am I going to get a younger brother?”

“It looks like it.”

The kittens were conversing with themselves, but Rok Soo scoffed at them and retorted back.

“No way. Dragons are extremely prideful and will never accept being under a human. Furthermore, this dragon hates humans.”

On’s expression seemed to disagree. If a cat had a mocking expression, it would probably be the one of On’s face right now. On shook her head and quietly mumbled.

“…I don’t think so.”

“…Uh huh.”

Hong looked behind him before agreeing with his sister. The Black Dragon was still looking in their direction. Hong was now sure. This dragon will enjoy its freedom for a bit, before sharing some beef with him in the future.

Cale ordered the two kittens who were whispering to each other.

“Go get the orb back.”

The two siblings went to get the orb so that they could eat some more beef. Cale did not even look at the siblings, as he looked at Choi Han.

“You did well, good work.”

“Cale-nim.”

“What.”

Choi Han was silent for a while after calling out to Cale’s name, before he finally started to speak once again.

“What if… the dragon decided that living as it wants was to follow you, Cale-nim?”

“Crazy. Something like that could not happen.”

“What if. Just…hypothetically speaking.”

‘Hypothetical? Why would I think hypothetically about such a situation?’

Cale thought about it for a while, before lightly responding.

“I have come to learn that there is absolutely no point in caring for what ifs or the past.”

Why should he? Too much shit has happened for him to be focused on the one percent chance possibilities. Especially if that possibility was a dragon, a being called the king of the world, decided it liked him and his lover so much it decided to follow them.

His life had gone to shit too many times for that to be the only thing on his mind right now. He needed to continue traveling and not listen to whatever nonsense this baby-faced swordmaster was talking about.

Cale did not even look back as they walked away. It was unfortunate he could still feel the presence of the dragon around them. 

It was no surprise that when they’d gotten back Rok Soo had hit the bed in record time. He threw off his shirt and was probably off to sleep before Cale completely processed everything that had happened.

He’d met a dragon.

Okay.

He held a dragon.

Even better.

Said dragon had followed them back to the inn and was now sitting in his window sill.

‘Well… there goes that one percent chance.’

Cale looked at the windowsill where the moonlight fell in and sighed. He really did not understand this dragon at all. It was staring at him with such a curious gaze that it seemed to Cale he was being studied.

It was unfortunate that his ability, Eyes of Heaven allowed him to see through what would be invisible to the normal human.

Cale could only ignore the dragon and change his clothes for the night and head to bed.

Only when the redhead was fast asleep did the invisible young dragon, who had used magic for the first time to become invisible and sat at his window sill for a long time, finally leave. The dragon was tightly clutching the bag of potions that Cale had given him.

The next day, Cale had to deal with Choi Han’s questions from early in the morning.

“Cale-nim. There is a city coming up in a few days. Is that the middle point?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Will your group be stopping there, in that city?”

“Why does it matter?”

Choi Han remained silent for a moment as Cale could not help but question him. Why did he need to know?

“I would like to pay you back.

“What the fuck?”

Cale had accidently let his thoughts slip out and frowned as he looked at Choi Han with an incredulous gaze. The reason they had invited Choi Han to help rescue the baby dragon was so he could understand what it meant to save another’s life. It would be beneficial in the future so Cale ‘happily’ invited him but what was this crazy bastard saying now?

Pay him back? He’s already beat him once before.

‘I haven’t done or said anything…’

“...I wish to pay you back for allowing us to stay with you.”

“Oh. I do not care what you do.”

“Thank you, Cale-nim.”

“...Whatever.

Cale just casually nodded toward Choi Han on this early morning and picked up the glass of cold water that Hans had prepared for him. Cale recalled what Hans had said earlier, as he felt the cold water flow through his body.

‘Master, it would seem those Molans have decided to wander close to your room all night. I of course did not fight them but politely told them to head to bed. After all, that man, Ron, is reaching a senile age.’

Cale really was a terrible influence on Hans through the years. Though he had kept his usually bubbly personality and charm, Cale could not help but realize the ginger acted too much like his trashy self at times.

It made his mind clear up, even without the cold water for some reason. Cale carefully put the water back down and started to speak to Choi Han.

“You took care of everything properly?”

“Yes, Cale-nim.”

‘When did he become so respectful?’

Cale did not notice until now, just how respectful Choi Han spoke with him. 

After Choi Han had brought Cale back to the inn, he immediately went back to erase their tracks and create a new set of fake tracks heading toward the west.

“But Cale-nim.”

“What?”

“I went to check the Viscount’s villa on my way back.”

“Okay, and?”

Looking at Cale’s blank expression, Choi Han had a slightly bitter expression as he responded.

“They all seemed to be in a state of chaos. There were also soldiers and knights leaving the village.”

“I’m sure they went to report.”

After regaining their consciousness, they probably sent people to Venion and investigated the area around the cave. However, that did not seem to be the end of Choi Han’s report.

However.”

“Sigh. Just say it.”

Cale started to frown, and bluntly retorted to Choi Han. Choi Han still seemed to have a bitter expression, and slowly started to speak.

“A part of the exit route we took from the cave was blown up. Even the trees, grass, ground, and everything around it was a mess.”

Plop.

The kittens dropped the jerkies that were in their mouths. However, Cale was still relaxed.

“It was obviously the dragon’s doing.”

Choi Han just stood there silently. Cale saw that, and started to smile as he stood up from his seat.

Even if it is only 4 years old, the dragon was still extremely smart. It knew someone may come to the escape route, and probably decided to blow it up. Since dragons are also very sensitive to mana, it probably destroyed everything around it to destroy the magic tools in the area as well.

“It’s good enough that it didn’t kill all of the fainted people. It’s probably holding back because it is still young and still has some fear.”

“I see. I did feel a strong amount of mana there.”

“Do not look down on the dragon just because of its small size. You’ll surely regret it.”

Dragons were said to be large animals that were extremely petty. Cale could not help but mentally sigh as he remembered the dragon following them, before asking Choi Han a question.

“Well, since you plan to follow us, are you going to be sleeping until we leave?”

“No. I need to go help Beacrox out.”

“Hm? Beacrox?”

Cale hummed in shock, and quickly asked.

“Oh, I guess you are close now?”

In the past they continued to travel together for a long time, so they must be close now. At that moment, Cale saw Choi Han have a stoic expression for the first time. Choi Han answered very sternly.

“No. We are not close at all.”

“… I see… okay then.”

Cale responded back with a similar expression on his face, and Choi Han silently bowed before heading out of the room. Cale gave Choi Han an order as he was opening the door to leave.

“Ah. Tell Hans to prepare some drinks on your way out.”

“Excuse me?”

Choi Han’s eyes opened widely in shock as he looked back at Cale. He looked back and forth at the relaxed Cale and the clock that showed 7:00 am. Cale refreshingly answered Choi Han’s silent question.

“Haven’t you ever heard of a hangover drink?”

Choi Han left without saying anything else, but Cale did not care. Even On and Hong were looking at him and seemed to be asking if he really was going to start drinking this early, but he also ignored them, and looked into the mirror.

“What a wonderful expression.”

His face seemed to be extremely tired, and still slightly drunk. Cale nodded in satisfaction, before heading down to the first floor.

‘As I expected.’

7:00 am was early, but the day was not yet over for some people. The Vice Captain was standing there, looking like he had never even drank last night, and was having a serious conversation with someone.

Cale could see a stiff Choi Han nearby. It was because the person speaking with the Vice Captain was one of the knights that Choi Han had defeated yesterday. It was only normal to stiffen up.

Cale approached Choi Han, and kicked Choi Han’s foot.

“Why are you stiffening up like that?”

“Ah.”

Choi Han flinched for a moment at Cale’s stealthy whisper, before smiling awkwardly and quietly responding back.

“I thought I had used enough strength to make them unable to fight for about a day, but they are up and moving much earlier than I expected. I guess I thought the human body was much weaker than it actually is. I guess I can use more strength against humans in the future.”

Cale turned his gaze away from Choi Han. 

On and Hong had followed him downstairs. The kittens had smirks on their faces as they wagged their tails and peeked at the knight. Anybody could see that they were enjoying this situation.

‘…Am I the only one who doesn’t care?’

As Cale was thinking about that and sat down at his table, the inn owner brought a bottle of alcohol to him.

“Young master, I prepared the same alcohol you drank last night.”

“Old man, there is something that keeps coming to my mind whenever I see you.”

“Yes?”

Cale smiled at the nervous old man, and continued to speak.

“You are a really smart vendor. It’s a compliment. This is perfect for a hangover drink.”

Pong.

The alcohol bottle opened with a refreshing sound, and Cale immediately poured a cup and downed it. His face almost instantly started to turn red. Cale purposefully made his eyes only half opened, and looked toward the Vice Captain. The Vice Captain was still talking to the other knight.

“Yesterday, we had a party to relax after a long journey. Everybody was drinking and relaxing. Nobody left the inn. But I still don’t understand why someone from the Viscount’s estate would be curious about that.”

The knight from the Marquis’s estate seems to have introduced himself as someone from the Viscount’s estate. The knight smiled at the Vice Captain’s suspicious gaze, but the knight still answered back with a serious expression.

“There was a thief that broke into the Viscount’s villa yesterday. A couple other knights and myself were on guard, but we lost a few items to the thief. After hearing that people from Count Henituse’s estate were here in the village, we came to see if the thief had stolen from the Count as well.”

‘We snagged a dragon. If Venion was here I’d shove this bottle right up his–’

“What are you looking at?”

At that moment, Cale made eye contact with the knight who was at the Viscount’s villa yesterday.

Cale’s gaze seemed even scarier than that of a typical noble. So much so the knight immediately bowed and turned his gaze away. The Vice Captain looked toward Cale awkwardly, before letting out a fake cough and then confidently and loudly answering.

“Ahem. Our young master is drinking because his day turns out better if he drinks in the morning. Furthermore, it is a hangover drink. He is the type of person who drinks to cure his hangover caused from drinking too much the night before.”

Cale scoffed at the Vice Captain, because he could not tell whether the Vice Captain was mocking him or coming up with an excuse for him, before taking another drink.

“I see. What a beauti— an interesting young master.”

The knight cut himself off, responding to the Vice Captain’s words positively, before respectfully bowing toward Cale. He seemed to think Cale was beautiful rather than scary.

‘I guess this should lessen their suspicion of us.’

Cale felt like they should no longer have any reason to be suspected by the Marquis’s knight who came to the inn so early in the morning. The dragon happened to disappear while Cale’s envoy was here, and they were leaving the morning after, but there weren’t many reasons to suspect them.

Venion’s remaining subordinates here will think about the six starred outfits that the attackers were wearing, the ones that seemed to represent a certain organization, as well as the tracks that were leading to the west. Most importantly, however, is that they would never think that someone like Cale, who was called trash, would be able to do something like that.

“T, then I wish you a safe journey as you continue on today.”

In addition, there was no way they could hold the eldest son of a Count from leaving when they didn’t have the Marquis, Venion, or even the Viscount with them. 

Cale continued to drink with satisfaction.

‘I’m sure Venion would not suspect us, even after finding out what happened.’

Venion and Marquis Stan were probably the people who knew better than anyone else that there was absolutely no relationship between Count Henituse and the secret organization. That was especially the case when it came to the dragon.

Cale watched the knight leave the inn before staring at the honey lemon tea Hans had put in front of him.

“Hans...”

“Yes, young master.”

“What the hell is this?”

“It is a tea gifted to you by that man, Ron.”

A tea made by Ron for Cale. How funny.

“Ah, that man Ron? Not senile old geezer, Ron?”

Hans flinched at Cale’s words and looked around in a small panic. Ron had not delivered the drink himself because he was sure the ginger would get in his way; however, he stayed in the back corner of the room, silently listening to the conversation.

“A, ah young master!”

“What? You said it yourself. He is an old man, reaching a senile age, yes? What brought about this change?”

“You told me to be respectful.”

“I said respectful, not stupid. You shouldn’t serve your master a drink from a stranger, have it disposed of.”

“Do you plan to continue drinking then?”

“Do you care if I do?”

“Yes. You should not drink so much, Master.”

“Then no.

Cale responded casually and placed the wine bottle down.

Cale Henituse, though this person believed himself to be a selfish trashy human being he never realized just how kind he could be at times.

“Go prepare something different to drink.”

Hans couldn’t help but smile at Cale. He took the tea and left without any hassle. If Hans had learned anything while serving Cale was to not believe any rumors surrounding his master.

He had initially feared the redhead. He feared he would be beaten by the young noble and be left to die. That however was not the case. Cale was kind to him even if he tried to mask it as being a trashy young master.

He didn’t reject Hans when the ginger declared his undying loyalty and they have been close ever since.

So even when this ‘selfish’ young master acts rudely or acts as if he does not care, Hans cannot help but love his master more and more.

‘Seriously… am I the only close to normal person here, what the hell is he so giddy about?’

Cale could not wrap his head around anything that regarded his butler and in fact, did not try much. 

He continued to while away the time as many began to gather within the common room. And after even more time it seemed everyone was present. Choi Han, Beacrox, Ron, Hans and even the Vice Captain Hilsman. Everyone was present except, of course, Rok Soo.

It was within Cale expectations. When he’d gotten up because of Choi Han, Rok Soo had been in bed, and turned over the entire conversation. Cale knew the man was half asleep while listening to the conversation but had expected Rok Soo to fall asleep after they’d left.

And his lover probably did but Cale did not care. However,

“Master, is Sir. not up yet?”

Hilsman had come up to Cale who was drinking a sweet apple tea prepared for him by Hans. For him to be asking this meant everything was prepared for them to leave. Hans had even been in and out of their room removing their bags.

“Mm. Hans.”

“Right away, I shall go fetch Sir. Kim Rok Soo.”

Cale could practically hear Choi Han’s neck snapping in their direction. He could see Choi Han’s body freezing and unfreezing as if he couldn’t decide what to do or what to say.

It was a pretty interesting reaction, in fact, Cale had almost assumed Choi Han would yell at him.

Surprisingly, that was not that case.

It wasn’t until Choi Han hurriedly marched over the Cale did the room finally come to understand what was happening. And it was only then did everyone believe their, somewhat, kinder young master might be in danger.

Chapter Text

“C, cale- nim!”

“What?”

“Cale-nim, w, what is–”

Choi Han let out a pained noise. Unable to form a proper sentence he mutters and mumbles, fumbling incoherent words out into something Cale could only assume was a question as to why.

Why did you just mention the name of another Korean? 

Why is there another person from my world here? 

Why are they with you?

There were a number of things Choi Han so obviously wanted to get out but couldn’t. Cale wasn’t sure if Choi Han would tolerate him for any longer so he stood up from his seat and stared into the seemingly young man’s eyes.

“Use your words.”

Cale had spoken sternly to Choi Han. His eyes were sharp yet calm as he spoke.

“That man is–”

“My lover, you can’t tell?”

“Yes but, he’s not–”

Choi Han let out yet another pained noise. Cale could not tell which direction this conversation would go. He might actually see this swordmaster lose it.

‘As terrifying and interesting as that would be, now is not the time.’

“Are you really so surprised that there is someone else here? Someone else like you?

“Why didn’t he say anything when we first met?”

“To protect oneself. The world is cruel and dangerous.’

That wasn’t entirely false. If Rok Soo were to go around claiming to be from another world, people’s eyes would be all over him and Cale really didn’t want that. Of course, Kim Rok Soo wouldn’t do anything to gain the eyes of the people but the idea itself made Cale’s skin crawl.

The idea of revealing to Choi Han that Rok Soo was Korean came by on a whim. The initial plan was to say nothing at all, however, Choi Han was all alone in this world. He survived over a hundred years by himself, fighting to survive. It was hard to just continue to hide something like this from him, especially if they were going to use him to save the destined to fall Wolf Tribe.

Imagine being brought to an unfamiliar place, taken from your family and friends and then used for someone else’s gain.

Cale was selfish but there was an extent to his selfishness. 

He wanted to make sure Choi Han at least knew he was not alone, even if that meant using his own feelings against him.

“That’s…”

Choi Han grew quiet for a moment, finding some form of peace as he looked into Cale’s calm eyes.

“I…see. Alright.”

“Is that all?”

Cale had asked this even though he was well aware of what Choi Han wanted.

“Cale-nim, if there’s anything, and I really do mean anything, you need from me I will be sure that it is done.”

‘What the fuck?’

Cale managed to keep his thoughts to himself this time.

“Whatever. What else did you want?”

“May I talk to him?”

“Only if he wants to talk.”

Cale ended the conversation there. It was useless for him to keep talking when he didn’t need to. Besides, they needed to leave before they’re too late.

Their next destination was Puzzle City. It was the city that was the center of the transportation of goods in the East, and it was pretty famous for the number of rock towers around the city.

Rok Soo needed to find an unfinished rock tower in Puzzle City.

“Are we camping out today?”

On took a bite of the jerky as she asked Cale. Cale nodded his head.

“Yes. Starting today, we will be camping outside every so often. I will do my best to keep us moving larger distances however.”

He’d be using Blink every now and again during this trip to cut the time they spent traveling in half. 

“The name of the next city is Puzzle City. That is the middle point in our journey.”

Kim Rok Soo had entered the conversation, finally appearing in front of everyone without a hood. Once again his clothes matched with Cale’s but he refused to wear his shirt closed.

“Ah, look who decided to wake up.”

Cale smirked while turning to Rok Soo. The man yawned and pushed his hair back while walking over to Cale’s side.

It didn’t take long for him to find a hand around Cale’s waist. 

Kim Rok Soo was getting closer to receiving another ancient power for himself. Originally, in the novel, the eldest son of Marquis Stan’s family, the one who was pushed out by Venion, would find this ancient power in about a month. It was his last glimmer of hope, but, unfortunately, it ended up being a power that he could not use.

Once you get out of the Henituse territory that is surrounded by mountains, all the roads are well-paved from this small city in the Viscount’s territory to the capital.

‘That’s the reason that the Henituse territory has been safe until now, even if it is a bit annoying for the merchants.’

Even if you have a lot of goods to sell, it would be difficult for merchants to travel to buy those goods if the roads were rough. However, the merchants pushed through this inconvenience because the roads were paved as soon as they left the Henituse territory.

Furthermore, these paved roads allowed for the influential powers in the eastern half of the Rowoon Kingdom to gather frequently. That was why people in the capital were able to discuss many of the issues in the east, even though there were no nobles with a higher nobility than the rank of Marquis in the east.

“It was good we got here quickly, usually it would have taken much longer because our territory has a lot of mountains, but it will not take very long from here.”

Puzzle City was not the middle point in terms of distance, but in terms of time.

Cale and Rok Soo had set a pretty filled schedule from here on as well. It was because they needed to have enough time in Puzzle City. He turned away from the kitten siblings, who were whispering quietly to each other, and looked outside the carriage window.

‘The Vitality of the Heart.’

That was the name of the ancient power that would strengthen the Indestructible Shield. This was a power that was focused on restoration and vitality.

‘That was why the eldest son was looking for it.’

Taylor, the eldest son of the Marquis, who had lost his position as heir. He was the only good person in the Marquis’s family, but the lower half of his body had become paralyzed because of Venion’s schemes.

Taylor had rummaged through all sorts of texts to find a power that would cure him. He happens to find an ancient text in an old bookstore in the process, and, although it was difficult to decipher the ancient text, he manages to decipher a few words after putting in a lot of hard work.

Restoration. Rock Tower.

Those two things became clues for Taylor who immediately headed to Puzzle City, which could also be called Rock Tower City. He was probably at Puzzle City right now. In the novel, he would find the ancient power in about a month from now.

‘But it was useless.’

The, ‘Vitality of the Heart,’ was unable to restore an already injured body. It only was able to restore any injuries received after earning the power. There was also a limit on how much could be restored, as well as a cost to pay for any restorations.

Taylor fell into despair after learning about that fact. He had no time, and that ancient power was his last hope. It was because Taylor did not know when Venion would come to kill him.

‘He dies a month after finding the power.’

Taylor ends up dying by White Star while the capital was in a state of chaos from the terror incident. Of course, Venion was responsible for sending them after Taylor.

The reason Kim Rok Soo remembered this side character was because of the strong friendship Taylor had with his friend.

The crazy priestess. She was Taylor’s friend and the only person who survives Taylor’s assassination. She kills half of the assassins in anger, and ends up becoming excommunicated by the temple. She ends up with a large injury on her back from the incident and confidently tells the temple about what she had done.

‘I acted as a human rather than following the will of the lord. I believe that is the right thing to do.’

She then continued on after that.

‘I am now free!’

That is when she starts to be called the crazy priestess by others. Her specialty was using the strength of the God of Death for curses. The temple had excommunicated her, but her god did not throw her away.

When the war broke out in the novel, she became famous, even though she was not a hero, because of how she helped to heal the injured.

‘I think it will be different this time.’

There was a good chance that Taylor would not die in a month. Venion was going to be busy dealing with the dragon incident and sucking up to the Marquis. He probably would need to focus on his younger siblings rather than his paralyzed older brother to maintain his status as the heir to the Marquis title.

‘And since I will be taking Taylor’s last hope away, I will need to give him a new hope.’

Although the Vitality of the Heart was an ancient power that Taylor did not need, Rok Soo was not such a bad guy to take someone’s last hope away.

He was also curious to know about what that combination of Taylor and the Crazy Priestess could achieve if they managed to live longer. He thought that the two of them could change the Marquis’s estate. If that could happen, that would be better for Cale and him in the long run.

However, something that he suddenly thought about made Rok Soo stiffen his expression.

‘Even Beacrox struggled under her curse right?’

Once he thought about the struggles the torture expert Beacrox had with the priestess, he stopped thinking about her right away. He decided to stop thinking about the good-natured and citizen-caring noble Taylor as well.

“The better Stan and that crazy priestess should be there.”

Cale spoke up as Kim Rok Soo helped him up into the carriage.

‘They don’t mesh well with me.’

They were different types of people than Cale. They were good people who were loyal and trusted each other deeply. Cale preferred Ron or Beacrox to those kinds of people.

‘How could I ever think about such stupid thoughts.’

Cale quickly stopped thinking about Ron and Beacrox, they were not close nor did they work for him anymore.

As their journey continued Cale looked down after feeling something tapping at his leg. He could see the golden pupils of the kittens shining, as the kittens started to speak.

“I heard from Hans earlier.”

“Hans said.”

Hans, even though he knew On and Hong were members of the Cat Tribe, continued to say all sorts of things in front of the kittens. The kittens seemed to want to tell him something they had heard Hans say.

“What?”

The siblings seemed to have gotten used to Cale’s rude way of asking, and started to speak.

“If you make a wish at a rock tower, it will come true.”

“He said the rock towers were pretty.”

“I want to go. But it’s okay if it is too annoying.”

“I want to go with you, but it’s okay if it is too difficult.”

Kim Rok soo had interjected, blankly stared at the fidgety kittens before casually asking.

“What kind of wish do you have?”

Hong shook his fur, that was now healthier and shinier thanks to getting good treatment from Hans, and shouted out with excitement.

“That everybody, including my new little brother-”

“Dismissed.”

Rok Soo immediately started to ignore the kittens, and turned away from them. The carriage stopped at the same time. They had arrived at the location of their campsite for the evening.

“Looks like we are camping out starting today.”

“Indeed.”

Cale answered Hans’s statement, before looking around their campsite. The wind from the forest blew by his head. His hair flew gently in the wind making him push his bangs out his face. 

The way the setting sun fell onto Cale’s eyes made the man look ethereal.

Rok Soo couldn’t just stand back on the sidelines when Cale was right there in front of him. He moved to the redheads side and stole a kiss.

Things were moving smoothly so Rok Soo spent the night with a pretty relaxed mind.

The next morning.

“Master.”

“…What is this?”

Rok Soo stared at the dead deer that was at the border of their campsite. It had been hunted recently. Hans reported to Cale, who just sighed at the deer and closed his eyes.

“Someone left it here on our campsite.”

Hans pointed next to the deer. Kim Rok Soo was looking at that spot as well. On the ground was a drawing of a fork and a knife.

It was as if someone had left the deer there for them to eat. Rok Soo suddenly had an odd thought. He then turned his gaze toward his companions. The kitten siblings in Choi Han’s arms, as well as Choi Han himself, were all smiling while looking at them.

‘…I have a bad feeling about this.’

He had a really bad feeling about it.

An individual that could speak, but could not write, had left the deer for them.

Also, it was an individual that Choi Han, the person on watch last night, clearly knew was there, but pretended not to see.

‘…I have a bad feeling it was the dragon.’

He turned to Cale who was shaking his head, he clearly knew what was going on too. Rok Soo turned his head back to look at Choi Han, On, and Hong, who were still looking at him, and seriously warned them.

“We are going to pretend like we don’t know.”

Meeeow.

Meeow.

The two siblings were mocking him, but Cale pretended to not hear it. However, a new ingredient was delivered to them every time the crew camped outside. Wild hogs, rabbits, and all sorts of fruits. was now sure about the existence of the dragon following behind them.

They then arrived at Puzzle City with that confirmation in his mind.

After easily passing through Puzzle City’s gate, the Henituse family’s Golden Turtle carriage followed the lead of deputy butler Hans to the inn.

“It is smaller than Western City.”

“Right. Small.”

Kim Rok Soo nodded at On and Hong’s words, and looked outside the carriage.

‘It won’t follow us into the city, right?’

According to Choi Han, the Black Dragon would follow them from a far distance, even when Cale used Blink, before coming by in the early morning to drop the food off and then running away.

“Isn’t it cute? The dragon seems like a little kid that hasn’t lost its innocence, even after living such a terrible life.”

“It’s so cute it can blow up mountains with a sneeze. Yes, very cute indeed.”

Cale had brought a bit of reality to Choi Han’s thinking with his statement. If Choi Han had seen the dragon blow a mountain away, he would not be saying things like, ‘Cute,’ to describe it.

Rok Soo didn’t know why the dragon was doing this, even though it said that it hated humans. It was really overwhelming. This was not the way he was expecting things to go.

Since it was still young, Cale thought the dragon would stay away from the Marquis’s territory and create its own lair to develop its strength. Cale was hoping that, after growing stronger, that the dragon would destroy the Marquis’s estate before the war broke out in the continent.

That would be helpful in keeping the Henituse territory peaceful for a longer period of time.

“Tsk.”

Cale clicked his tongue, and the kittens, who were excitedly looking out the window, flinched before approaching him. It seemed like they had seen something odd outside, and had come to ask.

“Each house has a rock tower in front of it.”

“Very very weird.”

Cale just casually answered.

“This is the city of rock towers.”

Puzzle City was famous for the ancient ruins with a lot of rock towers, but it was also famous for the fact that each house had small rock towers in front of them.

The people in this city made a small groove outside of their windows to put a small rock tower on top of it. It really shouldn’t be called a rock tower, because it was made with less than ten rocks, but the rock towers were formed in different shapes based on the personality of the home owners.

That was why it was only natural that the luxurious inn that they arrived at also had a rock tower in front of it.

“Will we be staying here?”

Hans quickly responded to Rok Soo’s question, as they followed behind the inn owner. Hans seemed to be very excited, as he was walking with the kitten siblings in his arms.

“Yes sir. We have reserved two days for Choi Han, Ron and Beacrox, and have agreed to pay for the rest of the group depending on how long we end up staying here.”

Ron flinched for a moment at Hans’s words before quickly following behind. Hans continued to speak.

“We arrived right before the Rock Tower Festival season, so the room was not that expensive.”

The Rock Tower Festival. Puzzle City was currently busy preparing for next week’s Rock Tower Festival. Kim Rok Soo just let out what he was thinking without giving it any thought.

“It’s not like there are a lot of rocks here, but the rock towers are quite interesting. Very odd.”

“I know the reason for that.”

‘Huh?’

Rok Soo peeked toward Hans, who had responded to his mumblings.

“There is a sad yet thought provoking story that has been passed down through the ages.”

“Stop right now if it is going to be long.”

Cale really didn’t care about it. However, Hans continued to speak, as he had probably determined that the story was not very long. The group that had entered Cale’s room watched as the attendant stepped out of the room and then had to listen to Hans’s story.

“This story, well, this legend, is about something that happened in ancient times.”

“Ancient times?”

Click.

The attendant had closed the door behind her and only Cale’s group and Choi Han’s group were left in the room. Rok Soo responded to the words, ‘Ancient times.’

“Yes. Ancient times.”

“Go on.”

The kitten siblings in Hans’s arms were wagging their tails, as if they were interested in the story, and looked up at him. Cale knew exactly where this story was going. Cale sat down on the couch with his legs crossed and motioned to Hans with his chin. He was telling Hans to hurry up and speak.

“Ahem. This city supposedly fell out of the grace of a god in the past.”

‘Falling out of grace?’

Kim Rok Soo did not know anything about this story.

“This is my first time hearing about it.”

“That does not matter, though I’m not too sure if the Master knows this from his studies.”

“…You seem to enjoy being rude to me these days. Are you going to keep talking like that? Hmm?”

Hans quickly turned his gaze away from Rok Soo and smiled at Cale.

“It is only natural for a great butler to inform their master about things that the master does not know.”

Hans ignored Rok Soo and  started to speak about the ancient times.

“I do not know why this city fell out of the grace of a god. However, that is apparently when some of the people in this city started to gather together to build rock towers. It seemed to have been an act of worship to reach out to the god that had abandoned them.”

“Did it work?”

Hans sternly responded to Rok Soo’s question.

“No.”

The god did not listen to them.

“Apparently, none of the prayers went through. That is why the present day Puzzle City does not have a single temple.”

“There’s no reason for me to worship a god who has abandoned me. Is that it?”

“Ding ding ding! My Master truly is smart and does not need to study at all.”

“…I will hit you.”

Hans turned away from Cale to look at a far away mountain and continued to speak.

“Ahem. Anyways, they have rock towers instead of temples. The rock towers represent a promise that the people made after all of that. It was a promise between the people, as well as a promise with themselves.”

“What kind of promise?”

Hans started to explain an odd rule that was followed in Puzzle City.

“A human who has had their wish granted will destroy their rock tower.”

Cale and Kim Rok Soo looked at each other and started to smile.

“What an interesting city.”

“Isn’t it? Since they were abandoned by their god, they needed to achieve everything with their own strength. The act of destroying their rock tower represents, ‘overcoming the odds.’

Kim Rok Soo liked the act of destroying the rock tower very much and Cale liked the idea of destroying. Rok Soo then recalled the numerous rock towers in front of the houses.

“The rock towers are not created to seek help from a god.”

“Right. It is more of a representation of their own determination.”

This kind of rock tower held a lot of importance, even if you never got to destroy it.

“I guess it wasn’t the god granting their wish in the end.”

“Yes. You are right. Although it is sad that they were abandoned, this story also gives people a lot of hope.”

Cale casually gave an order to Hans who was responding to him.

“Look down.”

“Excuse me?”

Seeing Hans looking confused, Cale pointed to Hans’s chest with his finger.

“Looks like the kittens are angry.”

“What?”

Gasp. Hans looked down and gasped as his eyes opened widely. The kittens were showing their teeth in anger. The golden pupils staring at Hans were vicious.

“Aigoo. Why are our kitten-nims so angry? Should I go bring you some more jerky?”

Hans started to smile as he put the kittens down from his chest. He had completely forgotten , he just assumed they were angry because they were hungry. However, the kittens were not angry because of that. Cale recalled the things that the siblings had said earlier.

‘I heard from Hans earlier.’

‘Hans said.’

‘If you make a wish at a rock tower, it will come true.’

‘He said the rock towers were pretty.’

Tap. Tap.

On seemed to be angry, as she was tapping on the floor with her paw, while Hong was tapping on the floor with his tail. They were angry that Hans had lied to them about the rock tower, but Hans seemed to have gotten the wrong message.

“Aigoo, our precious kitten-nims. I will go get some delicious snacks for you! Young master, may I go get something for them?”

“Whatever you want.”

“I will be back really quickly.”

Hans said that he would hurry back, but he still made sure the things he brought for Cale were neatly organized, before heading out like the wind as soon as it was done.

“You three can go rest as well.”

Choi Han, Ron and Beacrox were all still left in the room. Ron turned toward Cale and started to smile.

‘I have a bad feeling about this.’

Kim Rok Soo really hated that old man’s smile. His smile made Cale mentally cringe as he remembered all the times Ron had smiled at him like that when he was young. Ron approached the couch Cale was on, before starting to speak.

“Will Choi Han be leaving in two days?”

“Yes, you’ll be leaving. Speak with your team leader if there are any questions.”

Cale had answered smoothly though the words ‘team leader’ made Kim Rok Soo frown a bit. He talked about every now and again when he and Cale were alone. His life as a team leader was pretty much over but Cale listened intently and gave feedback or slight encouraging words when needed.

It was really good to have Cale

Cale suddenly had a thought and started to smile as he asked.

“Why? You don’t want to leave? Aren’t you three traveling companions?”

Ron’s benign smile faltered momentarily.

“We are traveling together, yes. But the Young Master seems different than what I remembered.”

This gave Cale the chills.

“It is just that it is disappointing that we will not be going with you all the way to the capital.”

Cale’s expression became a bit bitter after hearing the rest of Ron’s words. He didn’t really pay attention to it because it was annoying, but it looks like the old man was the same. 

Lying to appease his feelings.

Choi Han was difficult to read, but if he really hated someone, he probably would not even speak to them. So he did not completely hate Cale. Cale thought about the plan, and started to smile mischievously as he answered.

“Well, you will be traveling with your friends so don’t be so disappointed.”

‘Why do you suddenly care so much? The three of you can leave this kingdom and go to Rosalyn’s kingdom and stay far from me. What do you think? Wonderful, right?’

Cale did not say that part out loud, as he started to smirk while Ron started to smile even brighter.

“I look forward to when we are all together in the capital. This old man’s wish is that everybody arrives there safely.”

Cale did not believe anything Ron was saying. ‘Looking forward to it,’ or, ‘wishing that everybody arrives there safely.’ Those types of emotions would not fly with this old man.

The kittens also snorted while looking at Ron. On and Hong found it annoying that Ron kept trying to get close to Cale when he was pretty sure he and his son had left.

Beacrox and Choi Han stayed quiet during the entirety of the conversation.

“You can leave now.”

Cale easily got rid of them from the room.

“Hans is a liar!”

“I trusted that butler!”

The kitten siblings finally let out their anger while Rok Soo ignored them by looking out of the window.

He was looking in the direction of a cave in the corner of Puzzle City. This cave was the location of the incomplete rock tower and the, ‘Vitality of the Heart.’ There should be a small house in that cave.

‘Didn’t it say the person lived until they were 150 years old?’

This was a power that an ancient being left after naturally dying from old age. The deceased person thought his power to be a curse. Kim Rok Soo then walked and opened the door.

“Aigoo!”

Hans happened to be right outside the door. Seeing the deputy butler, who had run back with his arms full of snacks, Cale started to speak from the couch.