Chapter Text
Winter is nearing its end. It’ll be spring soon.
The harsh wind bites at his cheeks, leaving an angry red hue in its wake. He buries his face deeper in the wool scarf, the color reminiscent of the ocean. It’s well loved, fraying at the edges and muted in certain areas from sun bleaching and continuous washes. Loose thread from snagging on the zipper of a coat and rough handling in the dryer. Lingering is the comforting scent of the outdoors.
“Hyung!” A voice, far too energetic for the morning, shouts in the distance. The faint crunch of the snow is paired with the drawn out roar of the wind. It is so cold, it makes his face burn.
A boy, brimming with energy, is running towards him. Trailing behind him is one of the estate’s maids. Her hands hover behind the lively child, ready to catch him should he slip on the packed snow.
“Cale?” He tilts his head, squinting at his younger brother. His brother had been confined to the inside of the Count’s estate after he had fallen ill. It seems as though he was able to convince father to lift the ban by offering to be swallowed up by wool. The added bulk to his frame is comical. It has to be a suffocation hazard.
Cale draws out his sigh, his body deflating for added effect. “Rock.” He frowns at him, or tries to at least. The corners of his lips fight the urge to curl upwards. He never did enjoy when his older brother, Rock, would call him by his name instead of dongsaeng. It's too formal, he believes. Every time Rock tried to avoid calling him his dongsaeng, he fired back at him. Well, most of the time. A gentle hand placed on his shoulder by his mother is enough to make Cale let it go. Momentarily. He still has yet to move past Rock addressing Eric Wheelsman as his dongsaeng after meeting him a few times when the Henituse hosted the northeastern faction.
Rock Hentiuse. His elder brother by five years, eleven as of fall. The age difference between the pair of siblings is not extreme. It remains a barrier between them, both going through contrasting life transitions. Mother and father try to cheer him up by reassuring him that they’ll likely have a stronger bond in the future. That was the case for them, before his father's siblings became bitter after he became the Count. He’ll just have to take mother’s word for it, he’s never met her side of the family and he can only assume why.
It's jarring how much of a strain their relationship is under. If it weren’t for Cale's frequent efforts, he’s certain there would be no relationship at all. Cale is unwavering in his belief it's not out of malice. It seems that Rock is unsure on how to interact with him. It appears to be something deeper than struggling to connect with his six year old brother. It’s almost like Rock expects him to act a certain way and Cale can only assume he’s not meeting his expectations with how surprised he is with every conversation. It is only when Cale makes a fuss that Rock seems comfortable. Gone are his widening eyes or tripping over his feet in shock like he does when Cale is sweet. Does Rock think of children as nothing more than brats?
Cale dreams of them, very rarely. Sometimes they’d hug in his dreams, years older than they are now. It doesn't last long, these dreams. Perhaps it's too uncanny, making him wake with a scare. Afterall, he just slaps on their face; round with baby fat, on taller, and muscular bodies.
A smile blooms onto his face, his eyes curved into crescents. There's a twinkle in them, bright and childish. Rock dreads the day when the light is put out. “Hyunggg! We are going to be late!” Cale tugs at Rock’s arm. A determined glint in his eye when he doesn’t budge. He pulls and pulls, planting his feet firmly in the snow. He can’t have Rock miss another picnic. That’d be four in a row. Today it’ll be just father, since mother is sick in bed. She’s always been frail, as Cale has been told by his father. Winter are always rough for their family. “I told father I would come get you!”
Rock appears serene, the wind ruffles his hair, gentle, similar to their father. Cale thinks, not for the first time, that Rock looks like the spitting image of their mother. If she were younger and had shorter hair. Cale understands genetics, or as much as one would if they skipped tutoring every other day. Yet, he does not think he shares the same resemblance as Rock. He has his mother’s colouring and his father’s face.
Cale wonders, for a second, if Rock will grow up to be just as carefree as mother is.
Rock isn't looking at him, nor the maid. Cale follows his line of sight, and dread pools in his stomach. Eric Wheelsman. Eric is the son of Count Wheelsman, one of the northeastern nobles. Count Wheelsman’s territory is found along the Northeastern border. Not to say Cale hates him, but Cale hates him. Eric is kind to a fault; he helps Cale tie his boots, chases him in the garden and calls him donsaeng. There’s no reason for him to hate him besides his building jealousy.
Rock and Eric’s bond is something Cale has grown increasingly envious of, as of late. They share a brotherly bond, more so than the actual blood brothers. Cale was seething when he first heard Rock call Eric his ‘sweet donsaeng’ without any reluctance.
Amusement danced in his parents’ eyes when he told them his frustrations during one of their late afternoon picnics. His parents did well in curbing his jealousy before the resentment became anything more than childish pouting. They also had a chat with Rock behind Cale’s back. Eric has been Rock’s friend since they were babies, having been born a month after the other.
The Countess, Jour, had encouraged this friendship. It’s great for politics, since it’s assumed that the two would take over for their fathers in the future, ruling as Count. Eric is over all the time. It’s a sign of trust in the Counts’ friendship and because the young Wheelsman is lonely. They studied together as the heirs of the County.
Rock shakes Cale’s hands on his sleeve, which does not take much effort at all due to Cale’s surprise at the sudden appearance of Eric.
A hand, gentle and grounding is placed on top of Cale’s head. “Such a cute donsaeng I have, don’t you agree?” His hyung’s voice is smooth, a cheerful tilt to it. Cale blooms under his attention, when he’d normally fuss under anyone else’s teasing.
Eric struggles to fight the amusement off his face. “The cutest.” He confirms, adjusting his silver circle glasses higher on his nose bridge. His light gray hair is tucked behind his ear in an attempt to tame it in the wind. He's carrying a stack of books against his chest.
“Where are you going?” Cale asks, even if he has a hunch. Between those two, it's either to study or to one of the churches in town. Their father, Deruth, has expressed worry over their constant stream of visits to the God of Death’s church. It’d be one thing if it was sparse, children are naturally curious or if they visited other churches as well. Yet, the pair only have their sights on the church of the God of Death. It seems like a bad omen. Jour brushes it off with a wave of a hand and wishes for their safety. Deruth wonders if Jour’s frequent visits to church of the God of Death during her pregnancy with Rock influenced their son’s behavior. It’s foolish thinking. No way, right?
It’s a good thing that this happens in his territory so he can control the spread of information and keep an eye on the two.
It’s Eric who answers him, and you can hear the smile in his voice. “The church of the God of Death. If your father permits you to do so, you should visit with us. It’s not as creepy as you’d think.” Eric had originally thought it’d be gloomy, and haunted. “It's not as large as the Temple in Huiss. A priestess from another church is being hosted here. If you ask me, I believe your hyung has become smitten with her. He can’t stop staring, and he trips over his feet when he sees her. I think they call it love at first sight!”
Rock sighs, his shoulders slump. Here Eric goes again, stuck on the illusion that Rock is in love with Cage, or at least took a liking to her. The priestess has visited the County to resupply the church with winter donations to hand to the citizens. He hadn’t expected her appearance, not so soon before the novel. He knew it was a possibility given he was frequenting the church of the God of Death. They weren’t able to chat, given that she was quite occupied with the other priests and citizens. Rock knew he sparked her curiosity, if she were even slightly knowledgeable of the northeastern nobles, she’d know that the red hair pointed to him being the Count’s son.
He wonders how long it’ll be before the God of Death informs her of him. Her curiosity stemmed more from the fact a child from nobility is praying at the church, despite the stigma. Usually nobility would not be caught dead here unless forming a vow of death.
Rock would like to not be visiting the church of the God of Death every other day. If only he weren't reincarnated into a novel he read before he slept. The Birth of a Hero is a novel he read before he had woken up as Rock Henituse, the eldest son of Jour and Deruth. He only read the first five volumes. He had been three years old when he remembered memories of his previous life as Kim Rok Soo. It's a small blessing he didn't have to experience the newborn phase. It didn't take him long to realize he's been born into a novel, thanks to a certain chatty God. He accepted it quickly, there was nothing left for him as Kim Rok Soo. Everyone and everything he loved is gone.
It is odd being named Rock in the Kingdom of Boulders. He assumed that was his parents’ intention, a nudge at the Kingdom. The God of Death confessed to telling his mother about Rock before his birth, and giving her his old name but it didn't translate over well, having been cut short. Her memory of the God of Death’s conversations with her had been wiped after Rock’s birth but she’s a Thames. She knows more than she lets on but not enough.
The God of Death had been talkative ever since. Unlike Cage in the novel, the God of Death was not confined to his dreams, conversing freely throughout the day. It was strange. Rock pressed him for answers only for the nuisance to be avoidant. It wasn’t until Cale’s birth that Rock got the answer to his question. He’s the God of Death’s saint.
Cale was a sickly newborn, he would not have made it. Apparently that was the God of Death’s fault too, something about touching the soul. Rock did not bother to try to comprehend it then, far too worried instead. The scent of death lingered in the room. Cale had been pried from Jour’s hands and whisked away to another room full of priests and doctors. Rock had snuck in one night, and healed him. Well, the God of Death did the healing, Rock served as the middle man. He was far too young to handle the strain on his body then. Rock has been quite colourful in his vocabulary that day and the days since.
Cale’s jaw drops. “W-W-WHAT?!” He shouts, startling the three, who haven’t heard him yell so loud before. The maid takes a step back, her gaze flickering between the children. “Hyung! It can’t be true! What about lady Amiru?”
“What's this about Amiru?” Eric pitches in, curious. He steps forward with caution, still unfamiliar with the snow despite the years he spent winters in the County. It snows in the Wheelsman territory but never enough for it to linger on the ground. Amiru is the daughter of the Ubarr house in the northeastern faction.
“Hyung is in love! He sends her letters all the time!” Cale insists, throwing his hands up in frustration. “You even sent her Beacrox’s cookies!”
Eric tilts his head, his hair swaying with the motion. He blinks slowly, his grey eyes staring at Cale thoughtfully. “If that's your logic, does this mean that Rock is in love with me as well?”
Cale blinks at him, “Huh?” He never thought of it like that. Does that mean that Rock has been pulling everyone along? Or is he just assuming? He had read plenty of romance stories while sitting beside his mother, and the way Rock acts is how male leads try to swoon their partners. Less cookies and more jewels though.
“I receive Beacrox’s cookies and letters from Rock hyung all the time?” Eric continues. He tames his smile from breaking into a wide grin. He wishes he had a younger sibling to tease all the time. He’s lucky Cale exists.
“Wait…”
Eric looks bashful. His hand cupping his mouth in shock, his eyes averting from the two. His cheeks and ears tinted a dusty pink, not from any feelings of admiration but from embarrassment. This is payback from all those times Rock made him ditch class and attend the God of Death’s church at inconvenient hours. “I never realized you felt this way towards me. I can't believe it took Cale spelling it out for me. Forgive me for overlooking your feelings.”
Cale was soaking in all this new information like a sponge. As much as he wanted to cover his own, Rock shields Cale’s eyes from Eric’s acting. “Donsaeng…it's best to forget about this conversation.” Rock scowled, his eyebrows pinched together. It’s going to age him by a few years every time they bring up his love life. Which is nonexistent. He hopes Cale doesn't go around repeating this. “Eric and I will be leaving now. Let father know I’ll be back before dinner.”
Eric blinks innocently, gone is the shy act. He looks offended, only slightly. “What happened to calling me donsaeng?” Though he knew exactly why. He regretted it a tiny bit, but it's not often an opportunity like this fell into his lap. He’s been spending too much time with Rock if that's how he sees it.
Rock’s eye twitches and the smile Eric receives is bright, which wouldn't be a problem if it weren't for the malice he felt in the air. “Understood.” Eric gulps, a chill running down his spine.
. . .
Deruth is not surprised by Cale’s late appearance at their picnic. He had insisted on bringing his elder brother personally, even if he had to drag him. He is, however, surprised that he did not manage to bring his elder brother. He’s aware that Rock has a hard time saying no to Cale. Deruth thought Cale had it in the bag this time.
The two are sitting on a blue checkered picnic blanket, plates of deserts and savory meals around them. It’s quite grand for a small picnic but that is how the Henituse does it.
“Father.” Cale starts, “Hyung is going out with the priestess.”
If Deruth had been consuming food, he would have choked. Did he hear that right? Deruth met the priestess upon her arrival. He doesn't try to get involved with the business of the church but he had to at least greet her especially after her generous donation for the citizens.
Once he regained his composure, he questioned his son. “Where did you hear that from?” It's so specific that Deruth can't help but worry about rumors spreading about his eldest son’s continuous visit to the church. Well, if there had been any rumors, he'd be the first one to know.
“Eric! He said Hyung is madly in love!” Cale exclaims, with a pout. The sandwich he is holding is squished between his fingers, leaving the imprint.
Deruth feels oddly relieved. For a second he thought his son was growing up too fast. He’ll have to push forward the birds and bees talk, maybe even assign Ron to do it. Deruth surely is not going to do it himself. If it's Eric saying this, he’s likely teasing his sons. That child is too polite to air out Rock’s business to his younger brother. “Did he now?”
“But father! What about Lady Amiru?” Cale fretted, his eyes are glassy. He has always favored the young lady of the Ubarr house. She’s one of the few people that don't treat him like a child, and that's enough to win Cale’s favor. If Cale believes that the priestess is coming between Rock and Amiru, of course he’s going to worry.
What about Amiru, Deruth thinks. His son is always thinking of others, but where did the idea of Amiru and Rock originate from? Once upon a time, long before Amiru was named heir to the Viscountcy, there were discussions of an arranged marriage between the two. It fell through before they could flesh it out, neither party liked the idea of marrying off their children.. The idea came after the Viscountcy suffered a harsh winter, lacking the funds and the supplies. If Amiru and Rock were to wed, it would secure their wealth. No one outside of that room should know about it. It was never written down. An alliance was born instead. For a second, Deruth thought it got leaked. But that was impossible. “Where did you get that idea?”
“They look at each other like you and mom do.” Cale looked at him like he was dumb for asking such an obvious question. Deruth feels like this conversation should have Jour present. She's much better at this than he is. She's the one who asked him out after he started stumbling over his words and almost fainted from nerves. He still can't believe it, even after two children. Jour will be over the moon the day that Rock mentions he has a crush on someone.
Deruth knows the way he looks at Jour. He knows the way she looks at him in return. It is very different from how Rock and Amiru share a look. It's not impossible for them to like each other, but Deruth doesn’t think they got over formality yet. “You’ve got a creative mind. I’m sure they think of one another as friends.” Deruth hopes his smile is reassuring. He knows his son wants Amiru as part of the family but Deruth isn't ready for Viscount Popelina.
Cale hums, he’ll revisit it later. His father doesn’t believe him so he’ll have to gather more proof. “What about Eric?”
“Theres more?”