Chapter Text
- - - -
Looking out with no sign of Choi han was proof that this was not the novel. Even if the novel didn’t have an Academy, you can never be too sure.
Cale sipped the bottle he got from the bar, a roasted chicken in his other hand. By the city wall, there was no Choi han, but he noticed multiple other things.
A meow can be heard as he approached two cats.
Just like in the novel, a kitten by this wall was injured and the older cat was licking it. He placed the chicken on the floor.
“You can have it.”
The cat looked at him seriously but growled out a warning making him chuckle.
‘They must have sensed my dislike for cats.’
He gave the cat a gentle pet and stood up, taking a big swig of alcohol. He walked back to his estate.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
When he entered the mansion, Ron was waiting for him. His eyes looked him up and down, probably noticing all the little things like the poor state his shoes are in, the unusual smell of trash, animals, and bread mixing with the familiar scent of alcohol and roasted chicken, and the way Cales eyes were in more focus than usual.
“Welcome back. Have you eaten anything young master?”
Cale gives Ron a glare. “I recall having told you not to wait.” Cale brushed past him walking slowly down the halls of the estate.
Ron silently walked behind him, ignoring the drunken young master's jab.
“I'm hungary. Have your son cook me some steak and bring it up to me. I will be in my room.”
Ron stopped walking and watched Cale ascend the stairs, slightly tripping at the last step.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Late at night, when Cale had returned, Deputy Butler had stood in front of the Count. He reported the day's events while Deruth quietly listened.
“He is now currently sleeping in his room.” Hans had finished with, as Deruth was looking down with thought.
Deruth started to speak.
“The driver reported that he went to the Flynn Merchant Guild’s illegitimate son’s tea shop. Today, he went out of his way and bought a roasted chicken just to feed two stray cats. In terms of drinking, he only drank a little bit and kept a clear head.”
Hans’s report was short, but Deruth found that short report interesting.
Hans waited for an order.
“As long as he is in the city, anything he does is under my authority to handle.”
Deruth cherished Hans the most out of all the young deputy butlers. It was because he fulfilled orders well and was a good person.
“Do what you have been doing in terms of observing Cale inside the house and reporting what you see. His recent activity doesn’t seem dangerous, but continue to report anything of concern.”
“I understand.”
Hans did not say anything else as he bowed his head.
Deruth. He was someone who did not have any special abilities nor any solid networks. However, just like the previous Count, he was able to rule over the Henituse territory and grow his wealth by selling marble and wine. He was someone who was able to protect his territory properly and will give everything to protect his family as well.
‘Cale has changed.’
Cale felt different than normal. It wasn’t that he suddenly got smarter or stronger, but that his actions were clearly different from before.
“Ah, Hans.”
“Yes, Count-nim?”
“Bring me some information about the Flynn Merchant Guild.”
Tea shop owner, Billos. Deruth knew about this bastard son of the Flynn Merchant Guild. This was because the Henituse’s largest trading partner for wine was the Flynn Merchant Guild.
“I will get right on it.”
“Great.”
Deruth watched Hans walk out of his office as he started to think. There were a lot of things for him to think about other than the change in Cale’s demeanor.
The atmosphere around the continent was dangerous. It was like a volcano right before it erupts. Deruth could clearly feel the dangerous atmosphere despite the fact that he was in the corner of the kingdom. It was because he was always receiving an endless amount of information about it. But the message from the Imperial Court that he received today made Deruth even more certain about the current atmosphere of the continent.
The former Counts of the Henituse territory always passed on a single piece of advice to the next in power.
There is no need to be recorded in history. Just live for peace and happiness.
“Should I add more protection to the city walls?”
He may not be a good fighter, but Deruth was always thinking about ways to protect himself and his family.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
“Young master, you were sleeping so soundly that I did not wake you up.”
Cale had slept in. The fact that Ron brought lemonade instead of cold water again made things even worse. However, Cale did not say anything about it. He refused to even acknowledge that the lemonade was there.
He changed the direction of his thoughts.
“I will be heading out again. “
“Will you be heading out right away?”
“Yes. Don’t look for me.”
“I understand.”
Cale took a sip of the lemonade, controlling his face this time. He got up to head out the door.
“Young Master.”
Cale stopped to look at his butler. “What is it?”
“What do you think of lemonade?”
“Great,” Cale continued to walk out, obviously without much care for the current conversation. “It was delicious.”
Cale missed the face Ron made as he walked out, barely hearing Ron’s voice drop, low and deep.
“Is that so?”
Cale slammed the door. Chills went up his spin. ‘What kind of conversation is this?’
- - - - - - - - - - -
Cale had a bag twice as big as the one he had yesterday. The two sad looking children from the slums were there once again.
They kept their mouths shut as they observed Cale. Cale smiled and lowered his bag to pull out two small bags and pushed it to the kids.
The older of the two approached slowly. Cale frowned as the silver haired girl limped closer. He looked towards the younger one.
“Hey.”
He pushed the bags towards him instead.
“You, come over and take it.”
As ordered, the young boy quickly ran over and grabbed the bags before returning to his spot.
Cale turned, leaving the two kids, walking up the small hill to the man eating tree, his bag of bread dragging behind.
“Wow!”
“It’s not bread today, it's meat cake.”
Cale heard the children and felt their gaze, but he ignored them. After all he had a goal in mind, and he will not fail.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Cale needed to rush things. He needed more bread to get the power, but the baker he went to is out of stock. He looks around the shops, but a voice calls out to him first.
“Young master!”
Cale turned his attention to her. A shaking middle aged woman full of fear, but approached him in confidence.
“We have lots of bread.”
Cale looked her in the eye as she shook. He began to smile. ‘This is someone who knows how to do business. Saves me the work.’
“Alright. Give it to me. Pack it all up quickly.”
Her face beamed a smile and quickly went to work. Shewent into the store and came out just as fast with a bag full of bread. She had packed in advance.
“Here it is, young master.”
‘Hah!’ Cale handed her a gold coin, grabbing the bag from her.
“I can also prepare some more.”
Cale liked this woman even more. However, at that instant…
“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.
“I will head to your shop next. Have a bag ready.”
“Thank you very much!”
Cale was amazed by these vendors. They were still afraid of him because of his identity as the trash of the Count’s family, but they had no issues coming up to him 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.
Cale will feed his tree in no time.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Beacrox watched this from afar. The young master bought all the baker's stocks with a gold coin and the shaking vendors approached him happily.
He watched him by bread and medical herbs before returning to the slums he came from.
‘Has he gone mad?’
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Cale was returning late. A long day of feeding the tree and giving to the red and silver haired children. He had done something stupid, which he hated. People who get involved with others' business, but he had just done that to help the kids who reminded him of himself as Kim Rok Soo.
He needed to be back by dinner time because his father had asked him to come to his office later that day and he could only assume he ment right after dinner. Besides, he was getting hungry.
- - - - - - - - - - -
“Excuse me?… Could you please say that one more time.”
“Yes. Cale.”
Basen was standing next to Cale as well. An event that was not mentioned in the novel or story was happening in front of Cale’s eyes.
“You shall go to the King's Ceremony as our family’s representative.”
Cale could feel a headache coming.
“Originally, Basen was supposed to go. However, you are the first born of our family.”
After a while of shock, Cale schooled his face. He wasn’t exactly expecting this. Of course Cale in the story was late to the academy and caused a big ruckus on the first day of school, but because he was going on time, he figured he might go to the capital with his brother. To be the Henituse representative would mean being the heir. Cale might as well run away now.
“The event hosted by the crown is attended by the noble families representative every year, and while Basenhas been going for two years now, I thought it would be nice for you to go this time. You are already headed to the capital for the Academy, it wouldn’t hurt to go early and spend time with Eric Wheelsman while representing the Henituse family.”
Cale can’t decide if he should go or try to convince them to make Besan go like usual. In the story, nothing dangerous happens like the novel. So Deruth is right, it wouldn’t hurt for him to go. He just doesn't want to. He looks over at Basen. He hasn't made a comment yet.
Deruth continued, not noticing Cales inner dilemma. “You will leave in five days.” He paused, making eye contact with Cale. ‘Cale, you have attended all these ceremonies before Basen started to. Think back to those times when you participated. Have a relaxed journey before attending the academy.``
Cale took his turn to talk. “Father, let me think about it. As you said, I stopped attending these two years ago. I don’t understand this sudden development.”
Count Deruth agreed. “Just inform us beforehand, so we can prepare accordingly.
Both sons are dismissed.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Hyung-nim.”
Cale had been deep in thought when Basen called out. He should cause a scene, because if he were to throw a tantrum, Deruth would probably end up sending Basen instead of him. He really didn’t want to attend these bothersome events. He had already been pushed out of the successor's spot, and he didn’t even have to do it himself.
Cale turned to look at his younger brother. Basen looked at him without fear unlike most people, nor had he looked down at him in dislike. Basen looked at him like he was important, just like Deruth.
“There is no reason you can not go.”
Cale let out a sigh.
‘What is he talking about?’ One of the most important reasons he shouldn’t go was because House Representatives are their Heirs. Before Cale could get a word in, Basen walked away, probably towards his study.
“... It’s not supposed to go like this.”
- - - - - - - - - - - -
It's been four days of suspicious looks and comments from Ron, feeding a tree that got more loud and annoying every visit, getting cat calls from greedy bakers, and feeding the children. The first thing Cale did when he woke up was head to the slums. The Baker was more relaxed after seeing him for a while.
“This is your last day?”
“Yes. The bread?”
The baker smiled as he handed him the bag.
“Of course, I already have it ready. Are you really not coming back?”
“Why? Greedy for more money?”
“Yes. I definitely am.”
Cale smiled. He liked honest people. ‘Money is a good reason after all.’
Cale headed out to the slums giving a soft hum. He might come back when he is hungry to eat bread.
The baker starts to pray for Cale Henituse to come again and spend a lot of money.
His shoes start to dirty the longer he walks up to the hill. The gazes of the poor are back on him. They have seen him come before, so they might be daring, so he makes sure to wear a glare on his face. Walking up the hill, he spots the siblings once again.
‘Do these kids not have a home?’
He had come earlier than usual. The kids were already there, curled up together by the gate, like they have been waiting all night. A cute sight, really, with the younger brother huddled tight in the embrace of his older sister.
‘Damn, orphans?’
The pair glanced at Cale calmly. Their clothes and hair damp from the morning fog, like sad, wet kittens.
Cale sighed.
He dropped the food closer to them and waited until the brother took both bags before entering the gate and heading up the rest of the way to the tree.
‘I’m glad it's foggy this morning.’
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 Cale is doing, or more importantly, what Cale receives from the tree.
– More, give me more. Please.
Cale 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 gray to white. Cale started to smile, thinking that all his efforts were not for naught. It was at that moment.
– More, more, more!
‘What?’
Cale flinched and stepped backwards at the voice that now turned into a shriek.
‘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 Cale’s eyes start to sparkle.
“Just wait.”
The black branch started to sway, as if nodding at him. Cale shivered at the sight, but quickly moved back through the fog. It was the middle of the morning now, but the sun was not out, and the fog continued to get thicker.
The siblings were nowhere in sight, but Cale suspected they went to dodge the rain that was no doubt coming. He put the third bag of bread in front of the man-eating tree.
‘This should be the last of it.’
The light inside the hole was now as white as the fog surrounding Cale.
‘It should become transparent after I put this last bag of bread in.’
He poured the last bag into the tree with anticipation.
‘Finally.’
A rumble can be heard.
It’s different from the rumbles in the past, but that's not what caught Cale's attention. The hole created up, but was too bright to be a hole, no shadow in sight, until he noticed the transparent bright orb at the bottom of it.
That's the Ancient Power.
The moment Cale 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 Cale.
‘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. Cale 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.
‘It's no mystery. If the new ancient power was loud and crazy, no one would try to get it. Is this what happens when you get an ancient power? Why wasn’t something like this mentioned in the novel.’
-all the bread you gave me finally became full. It was so 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 Cale had brought, Cale nodded his head and decided to try to either cut the voice off or hurry up the narrative, but…
– 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.
Cales interest peaked, deciding 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. Cale 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!
“Yes, it was an amazing and professional evaluation. You’re a bit lou-“
The spirit cut Cale off.
– Do you understand my evaluation? You are a really good guy! Thanks!
Cale really could not figure out the situation at hand. At least the voice stopped after telling him thanks. Called and looked toward the tree in front of him.
“How interesting.”
The man-eating tree, the originally black man-eating tree, had started to turn white when the ancient power was removed. It then started to slowly grow some green leaves. The scene looked even more mystical because he was surrounded by fog.
Like it was straight out of a fantasy movie. Very majestic.’
the strange rumble sound was then heard.
The noise held some heaviness compared to before. Cale kneeled on one side and sat down underneath the trunk of the tree where the bright white light was pouring out from the hole.
Cale put his hand into the light. He then closed his eyes.
‘This must be it.’
A warm and strong power that wrapped around his hand. He started to smile before hearing the voice one more time. It was a pure and warm voice.
– It will protect you.
…
For a very short moment, a bright light wrapped around Cale. The light was silver in color, and the light started to become absorbed by his body. The absorbed light all gathered at Cale’s heart.
“Huuuuuuuh.”
Cale 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.
Cale 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 Cale’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 Cale until his heart stops beating. ‘It's nice.’ Cale 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.
Cale quickly used the method that was written in the novel to trigger the Ancient Power. Holding up his hands and passing out the feeling in his heart, a light shone, shooting out from his heart.
The ‘Indestructible Shield’ appeared in front of Cale’s eyes.
It was a silver shield that was just large enough to cover Cale’s upper body. There were two silver wings on both sides of the shield, which allowed the shield to move within a certain radius from Cale. The size of the shield was also controllable.
Cale started to control the size of this shield that already felt like it was a part of his body. 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.
‘The strength of this shield is stronger than I expected. Why would the heroes not use it all the time?’
He smirked to himself, ‘Of course this could block at least two of Choi Hans' attacks if it comes down to it.’
The Indestructible Shield, unlike its name, actually is capable of breaking. However, it does not disappear upon breaking. If the shield receives an attack stronger than its abilities, it will store as much of its strength as possible to protect the owner’s heart before it breaks. After a while, the shield will recover its strength and can be used again. 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? The shield will get even stronger.
There were many ways to strengthen Ancient Powers. Cale will be strengthening this shield on the way to the capital. Once that happens, he should be able to make a shield that can last 10, no, at least 5 minutes when someone of Choi Han’s caliber tries to kill him with all of their strength.
Ancient Powers, as seen with this man-eating tree, are difficult to earn unless you, ‘coincidentally run into them.’ The person who knows the most about these ‘coincidences’ in the first five volumes is probably Cale Henituse, well, the current Cale Henituse.
Cale 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’s too divine.”
At full strength, it looked like a Holy Shield that the Knights of God carry with their swords in myths.
Of course, the former owner of this shield was a priestess who was tired of the term god, and the current owner, Cale, just didn’t like gods.
‘What a pain. At least I don’t have many reasons to use this. If things go to plan, I won’t have to use it at all.’
- - - - - - - - - - -
Cale quickie went down the hill, making his way back to the estate. While he liked the fog, Cale was not a big fan of wind.
The sound of two meows stopped him.
A chill ran down his spine as he looked into the alley right next to the estate. He can see two pairs of golden eyes.
Cales face deepens to a frown.
The two kittens who had been running into him on the way back to the estate looked extremely pitiful drenched in the rain. They continued to meow as they approached Cale. Looking up at him, they started to rub their cheeks on Cale’s legs.
Cale let out a sigh and started to walk. The two little kittens followed behind him. The tiny things managed to keep up with Cale, even with their short legs.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
“Young master, what is going on?”
Once at the entrance of the estate, the person who greeted Cale at home was deputy butler Hans. Hans seemed to have a mix of a confused expression and shock, eyes opened wide. Cale clicked his tongue, picking up the two by the scruffs of their necks.
“Don’t ask stupid questions and just take them.”
Hans’s eyes started to shake.
“W, what cute and lovely kittens!”
This deputy butler really did seem to be butler material. Cale put the two kittens in the hands of the extremely excited Hans.
The two kittens, who were awkwardly positioned 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?”
“Whatever you want.”
Hans started to smile in joy. Cale walked past them as he 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 squirmed a bit. Their shaking, 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 as he 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 medicinal herbs, like the pack 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. No doubt the duo had resemblance even when completely different species.
That made Cale certain. The events of the last few days were finally resolved in Cale’s head.
“Did you think I wouldn’t know?”
Cale looked at the siblings he had taken to care for in the last few days. Looking so flabbergasted at him figuring it out, Cale couldn’t help but smile, a small snicker escaping his lips.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
The next day, when Cale woke up, he was heading out. Ron had got him up and maids came into the room to dress him and pack his bag.
At breakfast, his father was the first to talk. “I guess you're leaving today. You don’t look nervous.”
He smiled. His complexion was great, improving over the last few days. ‘Probably because I wasn’t beaten to a pulp and stopped filling my stomach with alcohol.’
He can sleep with ease now. He has managed to live well in the last few days. Feeling the indestructible shield always surrounding his heart puts him at ease. If he does something disrespectful to someone like Ron or Beacrox, he can sleep at night knowing his shield will protect him.
The breakfast in front of him looked fancier than other days. He took a bite of bread and located the usual stuff like fruits, eggs, sausage, steak, and other various meats at the table. Though the cooks out did themselves, filling the table with pastries like jam filled biscuits, strawberry shortcake, or the fact that there's a turkey in the middle of the table. ‘Who had time to make that? Were they up all night?’
Cales focus returned to Count Deruth. “Father. It looks like the number of people has increased since the last time we talked. Could you 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 and Ron were enough. Of course, Hans turned pale at first, however, he started to pack right away after hearing that the kittens will be traveling with them as well.
“Ah, um, about that-”
Deruth stopped talking mid sentence, waiting for someone else to intervene. The sound of someone clearing their throat sent Cale’s attention to Countess Violan. Deruths wife, or his step mother.
“That was my decision.”
Her hair was perfectly formed in a bun, without a single stray hair, as she was looking down at her plate. She looked similar to her son, Basen, including the way they both did not make eye contact with Cale and holding a stoic expression on their faces.
“We can’t have someone from our family looking poor and terrible just because you want to go with such a small envoy.”
Cale noted she had an extremely stoic voice to match her face. Violan then lifted up her gaze to look in Cale’s direction before continuing on.
“… I am not saying you are terrible.”
“Even I know that much.”
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.”
Cale silently observed her during their conversion.
The novel, now Cales best friend (information source), had introduced a small part of her background in the beginning of the story.
She was born as the eldest daughter of a poor artist’s family, and had wanted to be 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, because she was curious about the market and its large production of marble. 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 Cale, no, 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. ‘Quite literally living her dream life.’
Even though she knew that Cale was silently observing her, she continued on without a single change in her expression.
“Art is not for those human tra- mm.” Violan cut herself off.
‘Nice save. Calling people human trash in front of her son who is known for being trash, is not good for this relationship. Luckly, I don’t give a flying fuck.’ Cale thought to himself, silently in amusement, but kept eye contact with a poker face.
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, Cale wanted to take a lot of people to do his biddings for him as well. It would be nice and relaxing not having to do anything. Having servants at his every call. He was finding it difficult to get changed without a servant now. Kim Rok Soo had been in this world as Cale for less than a week, but he already could not let go of that easy life.
However, a few days into Cale’s future was a crazy Black Dragon.
‘According to the story, Venon Stan returns to his tarratory on the weekends, which I could only assume to go torture, said dragon, but one day the dragon blows up (Well, the dragon burns and explodes everything, using his life force). The dragon flies away, losing its life force and slowly goes to die in a forest after killing a bunch of people in Vernon Stans territory. Lucky Choi Han and Y/n find the dragon. Y/n sings it to sleep and Choi Han cuts his head and saves him from his misery.’
If he cannot release this crazy dragon in advance, it might go wild and kill a lot of people. Although Cale didn’t care about what happened to other people, he still wanted to avoid conflicts that happen in the original story. Furthermore, he doesn't want to run into the crazy dragon when he runs away, because it will kill him and any human in sight. That includes all his servants.
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 started to speak. ‘Activate art knowledge. Appease Countess Violan.’
“Art is the mirror of the soul.”
Violan lifted her gaze off of her plate and looked toward Cale. A little surprised at his words. This was the first time in a long while that the two of them had made eye contact with each other.
“…You know about that.”
“Yes. I do know.”
Cale had roamed around the entire territory the last four days to prepare the things he needed on this trip. 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.” Cale replied quickly.
“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.”
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, and people who are desperate for power. Looks like all sorts of people are coming this time.”
Of course, there were also some stupidly nice people, villains, and trash as well.
“You read the file I sent you. Ahem. Good. Do as you please. But Cale.”
Cale looked up from his plate once more. “Yes, father.”
“I heard a strange rumor.”
Cale’s shoulders flinched just ever so slightly. ‘Rumor.’
“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 four 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 Cale had resolved its grudge, and it was now a beautiful tree that looked almost divine.
“Isn’t it an interesting rumor?”
“It is quite an interesting rumor.” Cale looked down and resumend eating. “How strange.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cale thought back to what his father said as he got ready to enter his carriage.
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.
As he suspected. He can live like a couch potato as long as he stays in the Territory. Without any war to look out for, he supposes that he could live the rest of his life here. ‘My father is quite the wise man.’
Cale nodded to himself, before noticing his siblings' heads poking around the corner.
Now that they have been spotted, they made their way over to him.
“What?”
His younger brother, Basen, just shook his head at Cale’s question. His younger sister, Lily, slowly approached him. 7 years old. This youngest sibling of his 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.
“You want a present from my trip”
“Can I?”
Cale nods. She's young and he's going away. Of course she would want a souvenir.
“I'll have to come back sometime and I'll bring something with me. What is it you want.”
She shuffled a bit closer in excitement. “A sword!” She didn't hesitate.
“... What?”
“Please buy me a sword.”
A seven year old wants a sword? I suppose fantasy worlds have humans that are a different breed. At least it's not a pony, not saying that he wouldn’t get her one if she had asked.
‘A sword it is.’
Basen stepped up. “Hyung-nim, Lily’s dream is to become a swordsman.”
Cale nods thoughtfully. “Is that so? I suppose I will have to get Lily a really good one then. I guess being a swordsman will suit her.”
Lily’s eyes started to sparkle.
He turned back to Lily. “I will get 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 looked toward his 15 year old younger brother, who was looking at him.
“You want something too?”
“A fountain pen.”
“Yes,” he nods thoughtfully, “Got it.”
(Basen isn’t going to school with Cale anymore)
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Cale looked into the Carriage, before turning to Hans.
“Why does it look like their seats are better than mine?”
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 Ron both had blank expressions on their faces.
Cale sighed.
Ron turned to him, “Young Master, I will be sitting with the driver up top.”
“Alright,” Cale waved him off and stepped into the carriage slamming the door.
‘This whole thing is so bothersome.’
- - - - - - - - - - - -
As Cale is lost in thought while looking out the window, until he feels the carriage be brought slowly to a stop. Looking closer up front, he sees a horde of bandits blocking their path.
“Excuse me, young master.”
Cale, turning his attention to Ron, feels a chill run down his spine.
“It appears we will be taking a short break because some rabbits need to be dealt with.” Ron's smile doesn't move, but his eyes squint in amusement. “Of course, this isn’t the rabbit I was going to catch for you, and these pesky things will be caught by someone else, not me.”
Cale looked away. ‘Yes, I don’t need a reminder for when you decided to explain to me the details of killing and skinning a rabbit.’
- - - - - - - - - - -
As the battle progressed, a figure came up the mountain towards the commotion. Ron moved from the spot he was perched on to watch the battle and moved towards the figure. A young man, dressed in a dark cloak, envelope peeking out from where it was tucked in his shirt, carrying a heavy looking bag, and strapped with a sword and small sack of what one would guess coins to his belt. His shoes were different, well made, but old and he had walked up the mountain fast, seeing how they had yet to pass him by cart earlier.
The boy, noticing the commotion, jogged up. Based on the envelope, time of year, the boy's age, direction they are heading, and the fact he carries a sword, an observant person can tell that it is quite possible that this is a talented scholarship student heading to the Roans Academy.
Ron thinks it’s impressive someone so poor can attend, so he must be quite the swordmaster.
Stepping out and making his presence known, the boy stops and puts his hand on his sword.
“Hello Young man. It appears some bandents have blocked my young master's carriage. We are dealing with it swiftly. I’d advise you to step aside, far from the carriage, and wait till we have cleared the premises.” Ron smiles bright, piercing the boy with his eyes.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Cale casually glanced out the window to see how the fight was progressing, but something in the opposite direction caught his eye.
A Korean boy.
Ron is talking to a Korean boy.
…
Cale is shitting his pants. ‘What the fuck!’
Cale feels as if a bomb has just been dropped. All his calculations have been rearranged.
‘Why the hell is he here? Isn’t he too early?’ Cale knew that Choi Han went to the academy a bit early, but isn’t this too early? Of course Choi Han told Y/n about his journey here, but it never mentions the Henituse. ‘The chances are that of all the people he could have helped out, it was his brother, Basen.’
It had said that Choi Han left the Harris Village with the chief and some money to enter the Henituse territory. With the chief's citizen ID and Choi Hans acceptance letter to the academy (to this day, Kim Rok So still hasn’t figured out how he got it in Harris Village without citizen ID) they were led to a place where you can hire a lift, but no one was willing to leave the territory. The long way being too far and the correct way has been recently taken over by bandits. Choi Han set out by foot up the mountain, only to run in with a Carriage under attack from bandits. He helps them out and is offered a ride to the capital in a servants storage wagon.
‘All this missing information is so unhelpful!’
Cale looked back as he thought of what the best course of action to take would be. He doesn’t want to talk to Choi Han and he doesn't want them to kill each other.
Looking away from the scene, he put his attention onto On and Hong, petting them lightly. “Ron.”
After a few silent seconds, Cale opens his door a bit, only to be stopped by Ron.
“Yes, young master, is there something you need?”
He looked pointedly at Ron befor averting his eyes. He resumes petting the cats, keeps his eyes on them. “How much longer until the commotion is over? The cats are getting restless.”
In response the cats meow, with On climbing onto Cale’s lap.
“... Yes. We will leave in just a second. The soldiers are almost done.”
“Good. Get a move on it.”
Ron quickly turns away, going up to the fight, the opposite direction he came. Cale assumes its where Choi Han went, after he distracted Ron.
‘Choi Han probably just finished the last of them off. The soldiers should be done soon and we will be on our way.’ Cale closes the curtains in the carriage. ‘I just hope Ron sends off that crazy character.’
Things need to go as planned.