Chapter Text
The Roan Kingdom. It is the place where the final battle against the White Star occurred. Cale and company have worked together and was finally able to destroy the villain that have been terrorizing the two continents. All of them become heroes for the two continents.
Half a year has passed since then.
However, the battle that have gone beyond human capability is still fresh in everyone's mind. There were video recordings present at that time, the battle was seen live on the two continents.
All of them were in awe and in fright at the inhuman battle they have witnessed through the screen. They witness the gathering of powerful human beings and other creatures that worked together to take down the White Star. And the one who is in the center of the battle and leading this heroes is the one and only, Cale Henituse.
Cale Henituse's glory have been spreading ever since his first victory against the Indomitable Alliance on the Henituse Territory. It continue to spread after news of his successful win on the northeast shores, the Caro kingdom, even what he have done to help the people on the Empire were also spread.
The final battle has shown why and how Cale Henituse is able to achieve all the glory he has. To say they were surprised was an understatement, not only was he able to gather strong humans, beast tribes and dark elves and elves, he was also able to get the Dragons, the prideful and most terrifying existence to ever exist, to work together with him. They have seen how he shouted orders to the people around him and even ordered the Dragons what they needed to do, but those Dragons that are said to be arrogant, obediently did whatever he says.
Because of the battle, another existence was revealed. Beside Cale Henituse was a little black dragon, from the start to the end of the battle, that little dragon never leave the red-head's side, as if protecting him. What surprised them even more is the powers that the red-head have; wood, shield, water, earth, fire, and wind. All of Cale Henituse's ancient powers were revealed, and Cale Henituse is the person who have exchange attacks with the White Star the most using those powers.
At that time, they wondered if he really is a human. Just by looking at the different existence that surrounded that person and how they move according to his will as if it was only natural...they then remembered what the White Star have said when he fought against his royal highness, Alberu Crossman at the Stan territory.
'you are someone who has received the will of a god'
After remembering those words, everyone seemed to have confirmed something, that is until they witness how the red-haired commander cough out huge amount of blood after White Star's defeat. The back of that person that looked sturdy and reliable during the battle become fragile as it tremble from pain, it made them remember that this is young man is only in his 20's. Choi Han, the knight of the commander was immediately by his side and supported him, the whole action is so natural as if he have done it a lot of times. They were once again reminded about how the young noble needed a long time rest after using his powers. Looking at how fragile and small he looked through the screen of the video recording device, they come to a conclusion
'he's a human'
However, once doubts were placed, it is difficult to erase.
Cale Henituse, was bed ridden for almost two months after that battle. No celebration was held during that time even if victory was presented in everyone's eyes. They all feel like its wrong to celebrate especially when their heroes have such somber expression while looking at the red head who is still recuperating on bed with no signs of waking up soon.
During the duration of two months, the people also realised
'a new empire will be born'
There's no need to tell which new empire it is, although the leaders of the different nations from the two continents become wary of the rising of a new empire, they can't do anything about it especially when the proof is presented for their own eyes to see. It will take time for that nation to be called as an official Empire, however in everyone's mind, they have already acknowledge that title to that nation.
The nobles, especially the ones from the Roan kingdom have also realised something, this is especially so for those nobles who have tried to oppose Cale Henituse a lot of times. Cale Henituse, a human being actually have such frightening existences around him, aside from the sword master and the necromancer. They can't help but regret their past decisions, and they also realised that Cale Henituse is going easy on them.
After two months of laying on the bed, Cale Henituse finally opened his eyes. His family, however, didn't allow him to move much. They are worried, two months is the longest time the red head have fallen unconscious, during that time they were constantly wondering why it is taking a long time, to the point that they even begun to think if he'll ever wake up.
Although Cale assured them that he is fine, this doesn't stop them from worrying especially when Cale tried to stand up the second day he woke up only to be catch by Choi Han after almost falling down. It took all of them one week before allowing the young noble to walk outside of his bedroom, however one of them would be always seen by his side, ready to support him when needed.
News about the young master silver shield waking up, soon spread from the Roan Kingdom to the whole western continent and eventually even to the eastern continent. The citizens demand to reward the young noble, however the young noble rejected the decision and instead want the reward to be given to the people who have died while in the battle and to provide the citizens their needs because of what they have suffered after the battle.
The people then recalled another title that the red haired was called
Just noble.
A noble who cares more about the lives of the people within the kingdom and doesn't want any rewards for all the sacrifices he has done.
'Young Master Cale is a very kind person'
Of course, unknown to everyone, behind close doors, the brightest sun of the Roan kingdom, have given this 'just noble' a hefty sum of money, as well as another golden plaque, just like what the red head wanted.
Alberu also doesn't agree with just this kind of reward, because he has also seen how the young noble work hard, he have worked hard more than anyone else. However he also understand the young noble's decision, he also doesn't want Cale to be burdened by having a medal that will tie him down for his responsibilities.
He give Cale another plaque which made the young noble to look at him in surprise and suspicion but still happily accepted the additional golden plaque.
So, just like what he have promised before, he will make it so that this dongsaeng of his will have the slacker life he wanted, although he doubt that his dongsaeng knows the real definition of being a slacker, he confirmed this after hearing Cale's decision about farming in the forest of darkness. The Cale he knew would always somehow make everything into a big scale, he doubt that it will be just a 'small scale' farming. He fears that the Roan kingdom will loss a forbidden region in the future.
Somehow, the matter of Cale settling in the forest of darkness, spread like wildfire, all of them were baffled, why would the just noble live in such a dangerous place? Then another rumor appeared, the young noble wanted to farm inside the forest of darkness. Instead of criticizing the young noble for wanting to farm, which is something that a noble will never do, they instead were once again filled with reverence
'the young master-nim wanted to farm to provide food for the kingdom! He wanted everyone to live at peace and at ease by directly living inside the forest of darkness to protect everyone from the monsters!'
Cale suddenly got the chills. It is the chill similar to what he have felt when they parade for the kingdom's citizen to see the heroes that save the two continents from the White Star, of course Cale is inside the carriage with Mary as he let Choi Han and the others be the center of attention.
He felt the chill after briefly looking outside the carriage, the number of silver shield have increased drastically. Not only that, he have also seen a cardboard with drawing, Cale could immediately tell that it was a child's drawing after seeing the stick man figure drawn in the cardboard.
However that wasn't the only problem, Cale could immediately recognize the person in the drawing even if it was only a stick man figure, it was him.
The stick man was colored black, at first he thought it could be Choi Han or Mary or even one of the dark elves, until he saw the background. He can see red zigzags coming from the top of the cardboard to the bottom, behind the black stick man.
The stick man have it's hands spread, on the right arm was a small whirlwind, or at least that's what Cale thinks after seeing the white colored spiral. On the stick man's left arm was a poorly drawn shield, Cale didn't see the rest of the drawing, he didn't want to traumatized himself more.
Just thinking about that event causes Cale to have nightmares, and now he is feeling the same chill he have felt after that event
'is...is someone talking shit about me?'
Cale rub his arms, slightly shivering from the goosebumps he felt. Raon took notice of his actions.
"Human, are you cold? Are you sick? You're really a weak human! You should go to rest if you don't feel well! I'll explain it to grandpa and grandma for you!"
On and Hong also spoke
"Grandpa and grandma will understand if you don't go there because you don't feel well"
"Yeah! Being healthy is more important!"
After Raon's existence was revealed, Cale have to explain everything to his family, that also includes On and Hong being children from the Cat Tribe. He is kinda surprise that they accepted it quickly and look at him as if having a dragon was only natural.
After knowing the age's of the three children, Deruth and Violan immediately demanded to be called grandpa and grandma which the three children happily obliged.
"I'm fine, where is Ron and Beacrox? What about Choi Han?"
The children look at him suspiciously, before confirming that he is fine and answered
"Choi Han is helping Beacrox and lemonade gramps to carry some things that we will bring to the estate! They'll be here soon!"
Cale let out a hum. They are currently at the entrance of Harris Village, preparing to teleport to the Henituse Estate.
After the final battle, Cale 'somehow' manage to convince his family to make Basen the next Duke, of course this cause a lot of disagreement not only from his family but other nobles and the Roan citizens who caught wind of his decision were also bewildered.
Cale can't understand their reactions, sure he have contributed a lot in the war, but he's just a trash, Basen is more fitted for the job.
And when Cale said he 'somehow' convince his family, it mean that he have to give them a 101 reasons why he didn't want to be the next Duke.
He have already told them that he have a house in the forest of darkness but he can't understand what their gazes mean after hearing he want to live in the forest of darkness to farm.
(he refused to admit that their gazes are somewhat similar to the gazes of the citizens that are looking at him while waving their silver shield's)
Beacrox, Ron and Choi Han soon arrived, all of them are carrying boxes. Cale learned that it was supplies for Beacrox to cook at the estate. Cale didn't ask anymore questions and immediately told Raon to teleport them.
His family approved of him living in the forest of darkness under the condition of visiting them in the estate for 1 week every month, today is the start of his 1 week visit at the estate.
They soon arrived at the teleportation circle located at the underground of the Henituse estate, a mage was waiting for them.
"Greetings, young master-nim, the Duke wanted to talk to you as soon as you arrive"
"is that so? I'll be going then"
"I'll walk you out"
Cale step out the teleportation circle with On and Hong on his embrace and started to follow the mage, Choi Han, Beacrox and Ron follow after him. On the way out of the underground, the mage keep glancing at him.
Cale noticed but didn't comment about it, he is a mage after all, he is probably wondering if Raon is with him.
After Raon was revealed, some mages tried to approach him to inquire about the young dragon, of course they are all denied. Even if Raon is revealed, Cale won't take the chances of endangering the little dragon by letting people know more about him. Even if Raon have already gone through his first phase and have gotten stronger, to Cale, he is a 6 year old child, no matter whether he is a dragon or not.
What Cale didn't know is that, the mage isn't only glancing at him because of Raon, but the mage is glancing at him because he is the Cale Henituse.
The mage's sneaky gazes were filled with reverence that only the three people behind Cale, the two beast children in his arms, and an invisible little dragon, notice.
The children let out little snickers and their tails flick left and right in delight, while the three people following behind shared a knowing look and they could see the hint of proud in each others eyes.
The walk on the door to the exit of the underground only took a minute and the mage opened the door for them, Cale could see two knights guarding the door once they opened.
Cale could see the alert backs of the two knights, he could tell that they are doing their jobs well even if there's really nothing to guard in the underground.
Hence, Cale lightly pat the mage's shoulder as he said to both the mage and the two knights
"You've worked hard"
The mage and the two knights lightly flinched at his words, Cale ignore it as he continued to walk
"no need to follow, Ron will guide me from here"
At his words, the two knights that are preparing to follow and guide the young noble immediately stop and return to their positions. Ron is already in front of Cale.
When the backs of the four people couldn't be seen anymore, the two knights and the mage look at each other, their gazes meet and they can see each others shining eyes.
"t-the young master-nim praise us!"
"it's my lucky day to be assigned to guard the underground today!"
"young master-nim is so kind"
A rumor started to spread within the ranks of the knights and servants of the Henituse Duchy.
'the young master-nim recognizes the people's hard work!'
Choi Han and Beacrox separated from Cale and Ron to drop of the boxes in the kitchen. Ron and Cale continue to head on Duke Deruth's office. On the way, servants would line up to bow and greet him. Cale would give a short reply to them, however Cale can't help but be perplex whenever they flinch to his replies.
However, Cale can't but feel relief. Looks like the servants in the Henituse estate still remembers that he is a trash, hence they flinch at him. Cale is more used to this kind of action instead of the warm and enthusiastic shouts and the waving silver shields in the air by the Roan citizens.
'this is good'
Cale thought.
Unknown to Cale, the servants flinch for a different reason. They didn't expect that their young master-nim would greet them back, they can't help but be gratified.
Every now and then, the servants would peek at Cale without him noticing, this is especially for the young maids.
Cale may think that he is well known because of his ancient powers and mostly because of his silver shield. However, there's another reason why he is popular.
Cale or rather Kim Rok Soo knew that Cale Henituse have a handsome appearance, however he didn't knew the effect it had to people.
Ron, who is in front of Cale, is more aware about the meaning of the gazes of the servants. However he just left them alone.
Cale doesn't like the popularity he has, and his family respects his decision. However unknown to Cale, most of the time, his family just let the rumors about him go, as long as they don't harm Cale in anyway.
They want people to learn about Cale's achievement, it makes them proud for Cale and most importantly, they want people to know just how much Cale works hard.
Of course when they notice Cale being uncomfortable to the rumors, they would immediately take action, but most of the time they just let it be.
Cale's obliviousness to people is one of the reasons why Ron keep thinking of him as his puppy young master. Even if Cale have grown into a tiger, Ron can't help but view him as a puppy still, especially when he sees the confused expression on his young master-nim's face, which reminds him of a lost puppy.
Just like now, he knows that Cale have misunderstood the servants actions. Due to his trained ears, he could hear the hushed praises the servants throw at Cale, as he heard more praises, the benign smile on his face turned into a small satisfied and prideful smile, that Cale couldn't see, and Ron whispered to himself
"that's our young master-nim"
"did you say something Ron?"
Ron could hear the confused voice of Cale behind him, his benign smile returning from his face as he replied
"should I prepare a lemon tea for you later, young master-nim?"
Cale isn't sure, but for some reason he feel like Ron is in a good mood, he doesn't know the reason why, but maybe he can use this chance to bargain with the assassin
"how about we try having a swee-"
"did you say something young master?"
...bargain failed.
"...honey lemon tea..."
"I'll prepare a honey lemon tea immediately for you as soon as we arrive at Duke Deruth's office"
"...sure"
Once the two of them are out of earshot, the servants didn't hesitate to gossip as they huddled together. Most of them are young maids with flushed faces
"our young master-nim is so handsome!!!"
"I'm glad I work here"
"did you know that a friend of mine that work for Viscount Tolz said that she is jealous of me working here in the Henituse estate? Heck I keep flaunting on her face because of that!"
"Hey, hey, did you see young master Cale's clothes today? They look good on him!"
"what do you mean he just looks good today? He looks fine everyday!"
"b-but I like young master-nim's looks more whenever he wears the black uniform! He looks so cool!!"
More than three maids huddled closer to the poor maid who shyly speak out her opinion, with stars on their eyes as they shouted
"COMRADE!!!"
"Young Master-nim's red hair stands out on his back uniform"
They continue to talk about their young master-nim's looks until another maid spoke
"um...I think it's just me, but I really think young master-nim is also handsome when he is still...a trash..."
Silence and then another outburst
"I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks that!!"
"young master-nim doesn't treat us that badly when he was still...you know..."
"yeah, and I think he kinda looks badass..."
"but aren't you guys curious?"
One of them questioned
"curios about what?"
"...well, I understand that our young master-nim is an admirable person now...but I want to know why he act like that in the first place..."
"...now that I think about it, the young master-nim just suddenly change"
"then he now become our kingdom's hero"
A smarter one from their group suddenly said
"I'm not really sure about this but...don't you think that, maybe, young master-nim being trash is only a pretence?"
The maids fall into a deep thought until one of them bravely ask the smart maid
"what do you mean?"
"...I mean, if you think back to it, our young master suddenly stop becoming trashy, and then when he was in the capital he revealed an ancient power to save the people. Originally, our young master-nim isn't trashy, then he suddenly act like one, then he suddenly stop acting like one, then now he become the hero of our Roan kingdom!"
The smart maid stop speaking for a while to let the information get processed by her coworkers
"then there's this rumor of the young master-nim being blessed by a god"
The smart maid gulped and leaned closer as if she's going to tell a secret
"don't you think that the young master-nim act trashy on purpose to not garner attention?"
She paused before continuing her explanation
"I know being a trash also garners attention, but doesn't it make people have a bad impression of you? Maybe....maybe the young master-nim act like a trash so that no one would be suspicious of him"
"I mean...who would expect that a trash will be the one to defeat someone as powerful like the White Star?"
The maids fell into a long silence. They feel like they discovered something they shouldn't have.
A rumor start from the Henituse estate that eventually spread to the Roan kingdom, as well as the neighboring nations.
This rumor solidifies the people's belief; Cale Henituse is a person with a blessing of a god.