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Chapter Text

The magic communication orb flashed a red light, a mage nearby hastily turned it on.

"Your Highness."

Choi Han called solemnly while bowing to the person inside the communication orb.

- Choi Han, how is it? I believe we can proceed to the plan without any problem?

Alberu looked majestic even though fatigue was clear on his face.

"Yes, sir. We will be ready to move by midnight."

- Good, I hope we can get the target safely.

"Yes."

'Click', the conversation between the 2 leading heroes ended just like that, time had becomes such precious assets that they can't afford to have even a small talk.

Alberu closes his eyes for a second before reopening them again, their resources already starting to run out, too many of his people have died, with so many failed attemps from their side, he really can't drag this war any longer.

No.

Can't it be called a war in the first place? It can be called a one-sided beating with how many times they are losing, they are practically playing with him. Alberu really hates the fact that he can't do anything about it. He had learnt to never set his hopes too high, however this time, he really hopes there someone, anyone out there, that will reach his hand to help them. He didn't really like sorted to such backhanded trick, but the reality is always proven to be cruel, Alberu is running out of option.

***

"How far are we from the target?", Choi Han quietly asked the woman behind him.

"We are getting clo-"

The moment Ron slightly raise his fist, the redhaired woman stopped. There was a few gestures they had decide before, and this particular gestures means 'silent'.

In a distance about 7 to 8 meters away, there's 2 black robbed man chatting, It seems like they are guarding a gigantic door just right behind them. It's a very luxurious golden laced door that is screaming, 'There's something precious inside!'

"We've arrived", Choi Han whispered quietly. "That vampire wasn't lying, something was hidden here."

The three of them continued to observe in silence as the two clueless guard keep talking.

"Anyway! My feets are killing me! When did our shifts end?"

"Be patient! Just two and a half hours to go."

"Why me, a high ranking black mage, have to guard this room in the first place? That thing inside won't wake up anyway."

"Shush! What if someone hears you?!"

"It's fine. This is your first time right? The only one who visit that thing is our liege, and he only visit once a month."

"Whatever, I don't want to take any possibilities. Keep your guards up, got-"

When the latter finally turned his head, he was met with a view of his guard partner on the floor.

Dead.

His expression hasn't change, he was dead without knowing a thing.

'Impossible!'

With a precise slit on his throat, it was clear whoever does it was an expert, a very experienced one. The mage had realize how bad the situation he was in, taking a step back in the process.

"INT-", but, before he could shout another word, the same dagger had already cut his throat in the same motion.

The assassin eyes glimmered, Ron glances coldly at the dead bodies lying on the floor.

Two high ranking black mage, was assigned to guard an unknown room.

'It was suspicious no matter how you looked at it.'

"Let's go." Choi Han approaches Ron, the redhaired women, Rosalyn was right behind him.

Ron nodded silently, his gaze soon fall on Rosalyn, who intently surveyed the golden laced door.

"It's crazy. What's inside must be precious seeing how protected it was, the amount of dark mana is making me feel sick." Rosalyn touched the handle carefully, "Be very careful after opening this door, there's hundreds of magic circle protecting whatever inside here."

Choi Han gave a silent appreciation, he grips tightly the sword in his hand, preparing himself for what's to come. In the next moment, he pushed the door slowly.

And behind that majestic door, was something that the three of them did not expect.

It wasn't an item.

It was a man.

A young red haired man laying on a bed with closed eyes, Ron would thought he was dead if wasn't for the occasional rising on his chest, which indeed prove he was breathing. His deathly pale skin clearly indicates he hadn't been in the sun for months. Thick chains on his limbs was connected securely to the wall.
They soon spotted more disturbing things.

Dead mana.

Restrain magic.

Barrier magic.

And, 'Sleeping inducer.'

Ron furrowed his brows at the strong stench of sleeping gas permeating in the air, it was enough to make a normal knight fell exactly one second after inhaling this amount.

Thankfully, Rosalyn immediately makes a barrier around them, as it will protect them from inhaling too much of the sleeping gas.

That is before he examined the unmoving man more carefully.

Ron eyes widened in shock,

He realise who's the young man was.

He knows.

The assasin knows that person very well.

A memory that Ron tries hard to forget, began to resurface once again.

"Ron, look at this! Mama gave it to me just now! Isn't it pretty?"

"Ron, where did people go after death? Mama said that after we die, we can be happy."

"Hey, Ron. Why does dad doesn't visit me anymore? Did I do something wrong?"

"Ron, father is going to get remarried with lady Violan and..I don't think I feel happy, am I being selfish, Ron?"

"Ron, stop nagging. I know what I'm doing."

"Ron..should I stop being trash? I'm tired."

"You should go, Ron. Beacrox hyung already decided to go with him. Family always stay together, right?"

"Goodbye, Ron. This is your last wages, personally from me. Give my regards to Beacrox, I'll miss his food now."

Ron remembered clearly his gentle smile, a genuine smile directed to him that very day. He and his son had planned to go secretly at night without anyone knowing, but the child had managed to find him right before he leaves the estate.

The 'child', his young charge when Ron and his son, Beacrox still working at the Henituse Estate, whom they had regarded as their own family after he was pretty much abandoned by the Henituse's head when the former countess died of ilness.

Cale Henituse, the trash eldest son of the Henituse household. He was presumed to be missing after the news about his step brother, Basen Henituse's death reached the county, never to be seen again. Many thought that he escape to avoid resposibility as the Henituse eldest son, while others believe he was already dead and the Henituse's was hiding the truth.

Ron endlessly searched for Cale even during the war, however the result have been rather dissapointing. The only clue he had was Cale entering the Molden Kingdom border 11 months ago. Somehow his young charge had managed to cover his tracks entirely after arriving at the Eastern Continent.

And out of all place where Cale could be hiding, Ron had found him, unconcious in the worst place possible.

The deepest part of White Castle in Endable Kingdom, the enemy's territory.

One year after he went missing, Cale Henituse was finally found.

Chapter Text

"I don't have enough mana to destroy all of them, just enough to make a path for 1 person."

Rosalyn, the only mage in this group, had already used most of her mana on the way here. She will only be a burden without her mana, and they couldn't afford that when they're in the center of White Castle. 

"I will go." 

Ron gave a firm nods at Choi Han, he's the only one left who specialized in attack, as Rosalyn need to preserve her mana.

"30 seconds, Choi Han. I can only hold out that much."

"Okay, whenever you're ready." Choi Han lowered his knees, doing something similar to a running stances. He need to run straight, cut the chains, and carry Cale out with him. 

All in 30 seconds.

Rosalyn takes a deep breath, they only got one chance. Mess this up and they won't get a chance like this ever again. Their enemies will be more prepared and they can't let that happen. 

Not when they are barely holding on even at this moment. 

"Go." The moment Rosalyn give the signal, a narrow straight path appeared, directly to the center where Cale are.

Choi Han dashes through without stopping, other than to breaks a few barrier that Rosalyn can't manage. 

8 seconds in. 

Choi Han finally arrived. Now that he takes a closer look, Cale looks fragile, and delicate. His wrist is so thin that Choi Han thought it would break if he hold it too hard, they only give him enough to barely alive. Even though Choi Han doesn't have a good first impression regarding Cale, he as a good natured person couldn't help but to pities him when seeing in this state. 

Locked up. 

And barely alive.

He was just there.

Breathing, yet unconscious.

Choi Han doesn't waste more time to dwell in his thoughts, his hands moved quickly. The chains seems to be reinforced with some kind of energy, presumably dead mana. But Choi Han couldn't care less, he was here to release Cale, nothing more, nothing less. 

19 seconds passed. 

Choi Han face disorted seeing the metallic collar on Cale's neck. It was a different kind of metal. 

More stronger, 

And more durable than any metal Choi Han had ever seen. 

Choi Han can't risk using his aura, it was too close to the neck. One mistake and the consequences would be fatal. 

23 seconds.

"Choi Han!", Rosalyn called out in worry, there wasn't much time left. 

Choi Han needs to go back now or it would be too late.

In the end, he only cut the last chains connected to the wall. 

Done. 

Choi Han carried Cale on his back and rushed through the path once again.

"Punk!" This time, Ron voice is the one reached out, there was urgency in the usual cold tone of his. 

'No!'

The already narrow path forcibly blocked by Rosalyn's magic was getting smaller at a frightening rate. 

He won't make it.

Choi Han can't.

Not with Cale behind him. 

"Choi Han! Just wait there! We will find a way got it?!", Rosalyn cried out for the last time, before the path closed again. 

Choi Han couldn't hear anything after that, only soft breathing owned by redhair behind him. 'There's a noise cancelling barrier too', Choi Han slumped in defeat. He could see the blurry image of Rosalyn, possibly panicking. The raven couldn't see Ron though, maybe he already search for something someone who can help. 'That old man is quick on his feet after all.'

To be honest, Choi Han already removed any hopes of escaping after he got trapped. He knows his allies will try save him, but he didn't want to get his hopes too high. Anything can happen here, Choi Han won't be surprised if he ended up tortured and died meaninglessly,' No, why am I like this?'

"W-who..?" 

Choi Han flinched hearing the hoarse voice right right him, of course he relaxed after realising it was Cale.

"You woke up?" Choi Han turned his head slightly.

"Here..not safe. You leave." Cale slowly extending his shaking hand towards the barrier. 

"Hey! Don't move yet." Choi Han couldn't move as both of his hands were used to support Cale. 

When Cale index finger touched the barrier, a massive shockwave erupted with his hand as the center. The barrier who couldn't keep up with sudden attack collapes, its pieces drop to the ground and disintegrate before it could touch the floor. 

To say Choi Han was surprised was an understatement.

He was ashtonished.

"W-what?" Rosalyn take a step back by reflex. She doesn't sensed any mana, meaning such strong power wasn't magic. 

"D-danger. You go", Cale said for the last time before he went silent. 

Choi Han couldn't see the redhead but he was sure Cale had fall asleep, considering his constant and steady breathing. A complete opposite of his ragged, almost heavy pant. 

"We need to leave, the- What happened here?" Ron have no choice to change his words seeing the barrier was nowhere in sight. Obviously no one answered, they were too shocked or preoccupied with their own thought.

"Think about this later, that bastard knows we're here. Beacrox is waiting for us, we need to leave. Now", The assasin warning awaken them instantly, as they bolted out of there. 

"They're here! Quick!" a voice shouts in distance. The few shoes on the ground getting louder. 

Choi Han furrowed his brows, the assasin beside him Ron, also appeared to be annoyed. "Beacrox joining us in a few seconds, give the young master to him."

"..I'm fine, old man."

Ron clicked his tongue when Choi Han had misunderstood his words, "Who cares about you? I'm talking about the young master."

Rosalyn cautiously asked, "You know him, mister Ron?"

"Yes, I know him well."

Beacrox appeared and greeted the assassin, "Father." 

Ron gave a slight nod to Beacrox, a sign of acknowloging his presence. "Get the 
young master on your back."

Beacrox looked visibly confused, though seeing the redhead on Choi Han's back explain it all. "How?", Beacrox voice sounded stiff, but his hands had carefully moved Cale. However no one can answer Beacrox once again, as they were forced to an abrupt stop. 

Since front of the entrance, there's Lion King Dorph, who's looking visibly irritated. "You crossed the line you should've never cross."

Choi Han had just heard something unbelievable, 'He' just crossed the line? Then, is what they did doesn't cross the line?! 

It was utter nonsense!

"Give me that man, and maybe I let you live. How's that? Not too bad, if I may say-" 

Without warning, Choi Han had swung his sword, which was easily blocked by Dorph. "Really? You think you can beat me just because I'm alone? All of yo-"

"Wrong, there's no need for all of us to fight you."

Dorph looks amused, "Then, how about we test that right no-"

Rosalyn smirks, "Because we have no plans to win." at the same time, she shoots out her remaining mana right in front of him, causing a blinding light. 

The Lion king reflexively closed his eyes. However, when his sight was somehow returned just few seconds later, they were no longer there. His complexion quickly sifted into one of anger, realising he was being played at. 

"Coward!"

"My King! Are you okay?!", A few lions approaches their king in concern, seeing the bright light, but looked relieved when he wasn't hurt. 

Dorph, however doesn't care about that, "Damn it! They should be around here! Find them no matter what!" 

Unfortunately, what the lions didn't know is there's a vampire that teleported them out of that place.

***

"Miss Rosalyn, can you remove that metal from his neck?", Beacrox asked carefully the moment they arrived at the hidden villa owned by Duke Fredo. 

"I..i'm not sure. I never seen anything like this before, it deflect my mana and Choi Han's aura." 

Ron intently examined the metal, frowned upon seeing a faint crack formed at the back. "I believe this is crack wasn't here before?"

Rosalyn examined closely and nods, "You're right, mister Ron! I wonder what caused it to break, magic and aura doesn work, so..does it need a supply of some energy-" 

"If its true then you better get him out of here as soon as you can."

The master of the house, Fredo Von Ellejan replied as he stroll closer, not to close though. As Ron and Beacrox are pointing their weapons, dagger and a greatswords respectively, towards the vampire. 

Fredo raises both of his hands as a sign of surrender. "Easy there, I'm not going to do anything." He huffs, seeing both Molan's doesn't intent to move one bit. "If what you said is true, then the whole White Castle must be filled with dead mana. Getting him a priest with divine power is the best you can do for now."

Rosalyn looked down as she was lost in thought, "He's correct, if that metal is supplied by dead mana then we should return quickly for now and ask Cage to check it."

Ron nodded, "Then let's do as Miss Rosalyn said and leave as soon as we rest enough. Miss Rosalyn, please inform Choi Han about this. I will take care of the young master."

Rosalyn nodded. She marched outside, presumably looking for Choi Han. 

Fredo was confused, "Hmm? Aren't I'm the one-"

Beacrox also left the room, "Father, I will make dinner." 

"Wait, don't cut me in..the middle." No one answered him though, as Beacrox already left. While Ron, 

"Get out."

When Fredo ask him, "..This is my house, though?"

"So? Do i need to repeat myself? Get out", Was Ron cold reply. 

Fredo finally left the room with a dejected expression, grumbling some, "Not even a single thank you." and "How can they act like I didn't exist?" 

When the only one left in the room was Ron and currently unconcious Cale, the butler sad gaze went to the latter. 

The second he saw that familiar shade of red, Ron had many questions he wants to ask. How did he get here? Why is he being confined? Since when? And.. 

How much did Cale hide from him?

Ron knows that Cale had many secrets even when he was a child. The assassin noticed Cale already realized his identity as a former assasin. He doesn't know exactly when however, the all knowing eyes that Cale had doesn't appears something that a child would have. 

Yes.

Cale maybe was a child, but his mind clearly proven him otherwise. Hiding his true emotions behind layers of masks and never letting it out under no circumstances. Even Ron, his closest person, cannot clearly says that he know the true Cale. 

Ron knew what an experienced actor is like when he sees one. But Cale,

Cale was different.

He was special.

That much is clear, so.. 

The assassin believes he should re-evaluate it back, as it seems Cale was hiding a greater secret than he suspected. 

One that makes that damn White Star kept him like a valuable item. 

***

Cale slowly opened his eyes, but frowned when dizziness started to kicked in. 

"Ugh.."

he squirms to find a more comfortable position, but soon realized something amiss.

'Why is the bed so fucking comfortable?!'

And then he found something else.. there's a fucking CHAIN in his hands!

Cale tried to pull it.

Okay, forget that, he doesn't have nowhere near enough strength at the moment.

Cale looked around his vicinity, there's a glassy window leading to the terrace, but Cale doubts that he can reach it, considering the 'not' very long chains in his limbs. 

Cale yelped at that moment when the door suddenly opened, revealing an old man with a butler suits.

"..Ron." 

It was his former butler back in the Henituse estate, the one who's taking care of him since he was a toddler. Cale never saw him again after the butler and his son left one night, and..

He planned to keep it that way. 

Well...

Now that plan is ruined.

Ron let a benign smile, "This servant is glad that the young master-nim had finally wake up."

'Why is he being so vicious first thing in the morning?'

"What is today's date?"

"It is the 16th day of the 5th month in the 782nd year of the Felix calendar."

Cale freeze, "..What? So it's been a year?"

"That's correct , this butler recommends to rest an-" Ron doesn't get to finish his 
sentence as his hands reached out.

He could see Cale starting to stumble after taking the first step, fortunately Ron was able to support him before Cale hit the floor. 

Cale gritted his teeth," What the hell?! Why am I this weak?"

"Please rest, young master nim. You had been drugged for a long time when we found you." Ron carefully carried Cale back to bed.

"..Drugged, huh? No wonder."

Ron eyes glints coldly hearing Cale response.

"Where am I, Ron? And this chains... What they are for?"

"Young Master-nim, we are currently in Your Highness, the Crown Prince hidden villa. As for the chains, we only used is as a precaution method. I can promise that it will not hurt you in any way, please rest assured."

Cale chuckled silently at the 'not so vague' but vague answer, but he let it go, "You don't trust me. What am I, Ron? An enemy? Prisone-no, a hostage?" 

Ron smile doesn't falter, "You are too calm for someone who knows he's a hostage, Young Master."

Cale hufted, "Really now? You know me better than anyone else, Ron. There's no point in playing as trash anymore." 

From his tone, Ron could see Cale was starting to get annoyed. The assasin held his smile, 'He doesn't change at all.'

"Of course, that's what I thought too, Young Master-nim. Before we found you in the Endable Kingdom."

The temperature in the room dropped several degrees in that split second.

Cales slightly tilted his head, "..Are you interrogating me, Ron? Things like this won't work, you know that very well."

"I wonder, you are very weak at the moment, young master-nim. Do you truly think you can act like that?"

'Truly vicious..' Cale held his internal flinches and continued,

"Don't ask the obvious, Ron."

The door opened for the second time and Cale turned his gaze to the brown haired man. 

"Beacrox hyung."

Beacrox approach him with a tray of cream soup and warm lemonade. "You need something in your system. Please eat, young master."

Cale nods, he only realize it now that he had not eat a proper food in over a year. The White Star must have given him something since he was still alive while unconcious.

But.. a proper food? 

..Not a chance.

Extra :

Cale couldn't hold his smile as a spoonful of soup entered his mouth. The warm savoury soup tasted as amazing as it looked. 

'Damn it. I'm going to cry.'

Cale's sight is starting to get blurry with tears, which he tries so hard to hold. 

It worked, thankfully. 

Apparently, he had underestimated the greatness of Beacrox hyung cooking after not eating it for over a year. 

'Should I pay him to cook for me? He won't mind right?', Cale pondered with his hands on his chin. 

"Young master Cale."

Ron gentle voice called him.

"Yes, what is it?" Cale turned his head briefly at Ron. Upon noticing a certain teacup, he instantly averted his eyes. 

'I did not see anything, I did-'

"Please have some tea, young master." Ron with his usual benign smile passed the lemonade to Cale. 

'Fuck, let's try it.'

"..I'm not very fond-"

"Lemon is good for your health, young master", Ron cut Cale before he finish his sentence. Usually, it would be disrespectful for a butler to cut his master words, however they both know Cale wouldn't mind.

Cale stared the cup with disgust.

'One more time.'

"Ron, how about adding some sug-"

"Unfortunately, we have just run out of sugar."

'Bullshits!' Cale stare at his butler with a look of disbelief.

"..Then, some honey-"

"I'm sorry to inform you that we had run out of honey as well, young master."

Cale sighed, he drink the cursed lemonade in one gulp and immediately grimaced at the sour taste.

Ron smile in satisfaction seeing that, he receive the empty teacup that's harshly handed back to him.

Cale swears the butler seems to take pleasure in his suffering. 

Chapter Text

Ron watched Beacrox leaving in a distance, he ask- No more like forced Cale to rest right after he finished eating. He held a sigh before re-entered his room. The reason is, because there a certain raven haired swordsman that is standing beside Cale's bed. 

The door leading to the terrace had been forced open. Ron will need to ask his son to fix it soon if he doesn't want his young master to get sick.

"Get out, punk."

"He's much more like a guest rather than a hostage, don't you think? I still don't think he can be trus-"

"That's for me to decide. His highness had given me full authority in this matter until he wakes up." Ron gave a threatening glare.

"He's the one you've been taking care huh? Is this because of that?" Choi Han unsheath his sword in a flash, just in time to deflect a dagger from Ron. 

"Leave." Ron doesn't even tried to hide his murderous aura towards Choi Han. He glanced slightly, "The young master wake up because of you."

Laying on the bed, Cale flinched, he slowly sat up on the headboard. "You know." 

Somehow any murderous aura was nonexistent when Ron turned his head, "Of course, this old man eyes is quite keen, young master."

Cale hufts, "Just control that aura of yours." Earning himself a polite bow, Cale looked towards the swordsman. "Choi Han right? I believe I owed you an apology for our first meeting, but this is not an appropriate time. I need rest, and I can see that you need one too."

Choi Han frowned, "..I'm healthy. The injury I had was healed instantly with high ranking potion."

"Mentally, Choi Han. You're tired, you will break down at some point if you doesn't let yourself to rest."

Choi Han retorted coldly, "Don't act like you know me, Cale."

Ron frowned, he definitely wasn't happy how Choi Han talks to his young master, "Watch it, punk."

'So stubborn.' 

"Fine, because you saved me, I will do my best to return this favor, so you don't need to worry about me escaping." Cale raise his left hand, showing the cuffs connected to the headboard. "See? I'm weak, so this kind of thing is more than enough to keep me in place." 

'Well, not that I want to escape. This place is heaven compared to that place', The last two sentences remains unspoken. 

'He's..different', Choi Han felt the man he saw one year ago and the man in front of him was totally different. Of course, it doesn't mean Choi Han will forgive him, but Choi Han was willing to at least reason with him. "Then.. I will see you tommorow with everyone else."

"Good. Ron, please see him ou- No wait." Cale looked straight at Choi Han before he squints his eyes. "Can you come closer?"

"Young master, he's dangerous."

"It's fine."

Choi Han wordlessly takes a few step closer, "What do you want?"

Cale started to inspect  the raven closely.

"What's wrong?", Choi Han couldn't help but ask seeing the unreadable expression on the redhead face. 

"You.. Have you experienced nightmares recently?"

"How did you know?" The reply was almost instantaneous.

"It was as clear as day, they must be blind if they couldn't realise it." 

Choi Han decide to ignore the sarcastic remarks and ask once more, seeing Cale weirdly clenched his right hand.

"What are you doing?

"My power." Not 5 seconds later, white smoke escaped from his hands and find its way up, leaving a small pearl formed in Cale's hand.

"Young master, he's not worth it." Ron immediately announced his discontent, seeing what Cale want to give to the raven swordsman.

"No, my benefactor suffering doesn't sit well with me. This is the least I can do."

Cale's other hand grabbed Choi Han's wrist and put the pearl in his palm. "Eat this tonight. This pill can block your nightmares."

Choi Han stared at the pearl in his palm, it sounded sketchy no matter how he thinks about it. I mean who would drinks a suspicious looking pill from a person he had a bad relationship with? Moreover, this is only the first time they meet and actually civilly talking. 

Ron and Beacrox seems to trust him a lot though. Choi Han accepted the fact that he trusted Ron to be his allies, to fight together, and to never betrayed him. Of course, Choi Han would rather die than saying all of that out loud.

Back to the point, the continuous nightmares had been burdening him more than he thought it would, furthermore it get worse in the past couple days. The idea of pills that could stop his nightmares at least for a night interest him. A lot.

Cale bluntly spoke when they made eye contact.

"..You can eat it, or throw it away if you want to. I need to sleep now."

The butler react quickly, he etched his hands firmly at Choi Han's shoulder and pulled him behind. "Please rest, young master." 

They left the room in an instant. Choi Han looked down at his palm, he can't bring himself to throw it away. 

The very suspicious looking pearl. 

Choi Han swears to himself to never eat it no matter how bad his nightmare is. 

At least until he can trust Cale a little bit more. "..Does this pill can really block nightmares?", Choi Han mumbled slowly, the assasin beside him of course, could hear it clearly.

"Yes." 

'Oh!', It was then Choi Han realised Ron seemed unhappy when Cale gave the pill to him."You know this pill?"

"It was given to me years ago, by the late countess of Henituse County."

"..I see."

Choi Han doesn't need to think hard to connect the dot on why Ron was given this pills to block nightmares, that's why he doesn't pry any further. 

"So..? How effective is this?" Choi Han examined the pearl closer. 

Ron looked lost in thought for a moment. "You won't remember anything."

Choi Han looked visibly confused, "Huh?"

"You know that you have a nightmare but.. You won't remember any of it. That's how effective that pill is."

'How do you know you have nightmares if you don't even remember anything?!'

Choi Han furrowed his brows, "I don't understand."

Ron clicks his tounge, "I won't explain more than that, you'll understand if you try it out yourself. 

Anyway, don't let me catch you again, punk. He's not someone you're worthy to meet."

Choi Han gave up thinking about the pills for a moment and looked toward the butler, "..Why are you both protecting him so much?"

Both. 

Him and Beacrox.

Even though his son had tried his best to hide how much he cared for the young master. He must be dissapointed if it was known that he couldn't fool Choi Han.

'Well- I don't think he fooled anyone either?'

At least, Ron hasn't seen anyone who's truly fooled by Beacrox 'I don't care but, I actually do care a lot' antics.

Ron had learned that Beacrox is surprisingly naive in this kind of thing. Considering it was Cale. 

No. 

Precisely because it was Cale, the only one who's capable of making Beacrox act like this. 

"Old man." 

Ron's gaze moved toward the raven swordmaster.

"Won't you answer?" Choi Han called him once again.

Cale Henituse.

'Why did I protect him?' Ron sighs, "There's no need for a reason to protect my family isn't it, Choi Han?"

Chapter Text

The White Star turned around, staring at the figure kneeling down on the ground. His eyes were calm as usual yet, the raging anger hidden within them could not be masked. 

"Lion King."

"Yes, your majesty."

The wine glass filled with black liquid was carelessly thrown, grazing the cheeks of the Lion King, Dorph. "How stupid can you be, to let him be taken away so easily? Is the guards I placed there not enough?"

Dorph flinched, "..That, sire."

"Speak."

"It's been over a year since you captured him, and it seems, the guards I've ordered.. have pointed a representative to guard it for them, as we can only found 2 guar-"

In just a second, the White Star stabbed his fire sword into Dorph's shoulder. 

Siiiizzle.

The fire of disaster started to burn slowly, making the area stabbed with it turn black. Dorph's hands started to tremble because of the pain, however he knew better than let a scream and risk getting his liege angrier.

"Did you never realise this before, Lion King? Or.. did you choose to hide it from me?"

"N-no, sire! Never! I'll take him back! I swear with my life, sire! Please, you can rest assured!"

The White Star hummed as he removed his sword. "Good, I'll pardon your mistake this time but,.. make sure to bring him back. If he wasn't here by the time we've finished the last preparation.. You know what will happen, right?" 

Dorph bowed his head even lower, he was just grateful he wasn't to be killed yet. "Yes, your majesty. Thank you for your mercy."

"Leave. The remaining guards who abandon their duty. Kill them. Every single one of them."

"Understood, sire."

Dorph left the room silently, his mind was in utter chaos at the moment, he need to bring that bastard back. No matter how. 

***

Choi Han tossed around on the bed. They  conversation earlier occupied his mind, making him doesn't even get an ounce of sleep. 

Cale Henituse.

Their first meeting certainly isn't one of the best. Choi Han had to admit, he wasn't on the right mind at that time. Filled with rage after losing the second family he had, one that takes him decades to get. 

Choi Han still thinks it was fate that day, when he had apparently fainted close enough, that someone found and brought him to Harris village. There, he finally received the warmness of a family he had forget ages ago. Choi Han closed his eyes once again, he recalled their first meeting, in the slums of Henituse territory. 

'Why did the lord's son even there in the first place?' This question had been bugging him for a long time, but he never got the chance to ask them. 

Choi Han can remember what the redhead said that day with a flushed face and a bottle of wine in his left hand. 

'I always hate that village you know? That village itself is a curse'

'..Wait', Choi Han eyes widened at the realisation, "He never hate the peoples, but the.. village?"

'I don't understand why those weak ass villagers was being so stubborn to stay there, even though it was right next the forest of darkness, so stupid right? Hahaha!'

Choi Han slowly sit up on the bed, "He wants them to move.. because it was dangerous."

'They said it because of their ancestor, What an idiot! Who cares about the dead if it means you will be in danger? Aren't they missing the most important thing there? Being alive is the best! Don't you think the same, Choi Han? Now that they were massacred, that village is finally gone!'

Choi Han looked up and repeats Cale's words, "Being alive is the best." Choi Han let out a satisfied hum, the memory run freely in his mind, however Choi Han soon crease his eyebrows. 

'What did he say after that? Did I tell him my name?'

It's strange that how he's able to vividly remember Cale's bad talking Harris Village with Choi Han proceeded to beat the shit out of him right after, and yet.. He can't even remember what happened the next second, no matter how hard he tried, it just like someone had cut that very section from his memory. 

'That's weird.'

Choi Han also never remember tellling Cale his name before. 

Wait..

Wait, wait, wait.

'What happened after I beat that bastard? How did he walk to the Henituse estate? Did he walk by himself? 

No.

He didn't walk alone, there someone beside him, the one who kindly take him directly to the Henituse's lord. 

'But who?'

It doesn't make sense for Choi Han to not remember someone who helped him after he had been struggling to enter the Henituse estate.

Another memory clicked his mind, 
'Okay, because you're the person that Cale brings, I decided to trust you for now. I will order the knights to inspect tommorow at dawn. You can rest assured.'

The person that Cale brings? Him? 

Bullshits! 

He practically beat his son half to death just an hour earlier!

'What is this..?'

There are so many clash that doesn't make any sense. 

A blurry part that he never known it was exist before.

And a straight cut out section which he never realise before until now. 

'How can it be? How.. can I never realise all of this before? Did I get sick?-'

Then, realisation hits his brain. 

Choi Han was convinced by that, he himself don't know why he was so sure about it, but-

"Someone has been messing with my memories." 

***

Knock. Knock. 

"This is Choi Han, Your highness." Choi Han greetings can be heard outside the door. 

"Come in." Alberu Crossman, the Roan Kingdom's crown prince was inside, looking rather preoccupied with the stacks of documents on his desk. 

Choi Han silently entered at Alberu's signal. 

Alberu looked up, "Did you not sleep again, Choi Han?"

"Ah? Is it too obvious?" Choi Han tiredly meet Alberu's eyes. "Rather than that, Ron informed me that Cale Henituse is ready to talk. We should go, your highness."

Alberu frowned at Choi Han very obvious attempt to change the subject, but he let it go. 

For now. 

And only because they have more important matters at hand. 

"I have been informed as well." Alberu put his pen down, he had been working here practically all night with little to no sleep at all. "Let's go then."

Choi Han bowed politely without saying a word, he opened the door for Alberu and followed half a step behind him like usual. 

Alberu smiled brightly as the redhead entered the room, "Good morning, young master Cale!  I hope you don't mind having a small chat on this pleasant day?"

Alberu noticed how his eyes twitched in annoyance and couldn't help but held a smirk of his own. 'This is going to be fun.'

Oh. How Alberu would regret that.

Chapter Text

"Good morning, young master-nim." Ron had been standing next to his bed the moment Cale opened his eyes, he didn't want to know how long Ron had been standing there.Yup. Cale didn't need to know such things.

"His highness wishes for a meeting with you, young master." Ron informed as he poured the lemonade from the kettle into a teacup and handed it to Cale. The latter didn’t feel like drinking it, but he lifted the teacup up anyway without saying anything else.

'Ugh.'
 
"Okay." Cale felt Ron’s gaze on him as he took a sip of the lemonade. Even though what his thoughts and mouth saying are a complete opposite, Cale still held onto his stoic expression.

It was then that Ron started to move.

Clank. 

"..Ron?" When Cale turned his head, he was confused on why would Ron take the chains off his wrist. 

"Young master-nim won't just stay in bed all day, right? This Ron would be sad if the young master health deteriorates because of that." 

'But.. I want to sleep.' 

"I thought I'm a hostage, Ron? Shouldn't I stay here then?"

"Yes, that is why my son, Beacrox would keep an eye on you, young master-nim."

Cale really doesn't want to leave, he already plans to just laze around for today. "Hmm.." He also needs to meet the two-faced prince later as well, that means, more reasons for him not to go.

'How about not leaving at all? Beacrox hyung is probably busy, I shouldn't bother him.'

"Or would you like this old man better to accompany you on your day, young master-nim?"

"No, Beacrox is fine." The answer was immediate, apparently 'not leaving' was not an option for Cale. 

'Okay, Beacrox hyung probably won't mind having with me around for a day.'

***

As soon as Cale entered the room, he was met with a sight of a blonde haired man smiling brightly at him. 

"Good morning, young master Cale! I hope you don't mind having a little chat on this pleasant day?"

Cale furrowed his brows, 'I haven't sleep enough for this shit.' Thankfully, Beacrox is here with him, beca-

"I will be back with some refreshments", Beacrox slightly bowed and left.

No, scratch that. 

'Traitor', Cale watched Beacrox's leaving figure with slight contempt. Why did Beacrox leave him alone the moment he need him the most?!

"Young master Cale?" A concerned voice called him from behind, which makes Cale directed his attention back to the blonde haired man. 

Alberu Crossman. 

It's not even 10 seconds and Cale already hated this guy. That fake smile annoys him a lot, still Cale bowed slightly and started to use his own glib tongue. 

His calm voice filled the air. “Yes, your highness the Crown Prince. The Sun of the Roan Kingdom. One who will shine over the night to watch over the citizens at night. It is a honor of mine to meet you on this eventful day.”

Cale’s voice was calm and relaxed, and he looked very confident.

“… Is that so?”

The crown prince went stiff for a moment, before his expression returned to normal. Cale did not miss this change.

Cale continued on a sincere voice, “Indeed, your highness. I may not be able to sleep at night now that I have personally met you, the star in the mind of our citizens.”

Alberu smiled gently, "Young master Cale seems to be a bit like me- ah, please have a seat." He pointed his hand to a seat across him. "I can't force a patient to stand, do I?"

Cale bowed once more and proceed to take a seat, "Thank you, such statement is the biggest honor of my life, your highness." 

Alberu smiled, "By any chance, do you need any healing, young master Cale? I can certainly get you a priest, if you'd like."

Cale looked lost in thought for a moment, he nodded slightly," Then, I'll have to trouble you and ask for a priest of the God of Death, your highness."

That's it.

Gone was the act as a benevolent prince. Right now, Alberu was- and still- is smiling gently, however his eyes are definitely not smiling.

Cale leaned in closer, "Your highness, I presume you can already tell what I'm about to say?"

Alberu scoffed, he doesn't like the way Cale treated him like some idiot. "Ha! I don't think you can make it more clearer, young master Cale."

"The vow of death. You want to make a deal with me."

The Vow of Death.

It was the only reason for a priestess of the God of Death to be called to a meeting.

Cale smiles brighten, "As expected, we are the same type of person, don't you think so, your highness?"

Alberu doesn't know if he should be happy about that, but agreed nonetheless. He nodded, "The vow of death is certainly more trustable, young master Cale."

Cale smirked, now leaning on his chair, being as comfortable as possible. No words were said anymore as both were at a staring contest.  

"Very well, I will sent a request to the church of God of Death soon." Alberu stood up from his chair.

'The conversation won't have any meaning at least until the priest arrived', at least, that's what Alberu thought before Cale cut him. 

"Ah you don't need to, your highness." Cale statement made Alberu stopped in his track. 

Blink.

"..Yes?"

Cale continued nonchalantly without paying any attention to Alberu's confusion. "The God of Death will notice me the second I left the demon world. So it's very likely he will sent his people soon."

Alberu doesn't even have the time to fully comprehend what Cale had said because Choi Han knocked the door.

Knock. Knock.

"Your highness, I apologize for interrupting but miss Cage had requested for an audience, sir. She said she received a message from the God of Death."

"Please bring her in, she's my guest."

Choi Han silently gazed the prince, asking for a confirmation.

"..Let her in." 

"Yes, your highness." 

Alberu let himself fall back to the chair in an very un-princely manner, not that both of the care at this point. "What are you hiding young master Cale? That even a god would keep his eye on you. I'm very curious." 

At the piercing gaze, Cale only showed his gentle smile, and Alberu can't differentiate if its a good sign or bad. 

Before long, a woman with short brown hair entered the room, followed by Choi Han, Rosalyn, Lock, Ron, and Beacrox with a jar of cookies with he promptly put on the table.

The ex-communicated priestess Cage, she was someone who cursed the god extremely frequently, but was still loved by the lord.

As usual, she was wearing a black priestess robe without any crest, her robe fluttered slightly as she greeted everyone.

"This Cage greets Your Highness, the Crown Prince."

"Long time no see, miss Cage. I suppose that bastard is still bothering you?" Cale greets her casually, his hands had already made its way to the jar of cookies. 

"Ah! It's great to see you too, young master Cale!" Cage looked extremely happy to see the redhead as she the wiped her non-existent tear, "As expected, young master Cale is one who truly knows me best."

"Ahem, you know each other- no please forget that. Miss Cage, you said the God of Death had a message for us?"

Cage shakes her head, "Actually, it's a message for young master Cale."

"..For me?" Cale pointed to himself. 

"Yes. Cale Henituse, on the behalf of my lord, the God of Death, I, Cage sincerely congratulate you on your return."

Cale nodded without saying a word, he was sitting in a respectful way and looked like a proper noble while eating his cookie.

Crunch. Crunch.

If you're asking, he did try eating the cookie as quietly as possible in order to follow proper etiquette but of course, the crunching noises could still be heard throughout the room.

Alberu wants to ask why nobody else is even bothered to question why their -supposed to be hostage, is looking so comfortable, eating his jar of cookies in the middle of receiving a congratulation message from a God. 'No, are gods supposed to give a congratulations card in the first place?' because he certainly never heard of a case like this before. 

"I'm done, your highness."

Cage voice wakes Alberu from his little thoughts. "..That's it?" Alberu ask in confusion.

"Well yes, he's hardly get useful. Half of the things the lord says is bullshit. Complete bullshit.” The woman with short brown hair vented with annoyance.

"That's true." Cale agreed nonchalantly, he looked happy for some reason. 

Seeing the conversation that's getting sidetracked once again, Alberu coughed the second time. "It's great that miss Cage is here, we can proceed with the vow of death immediately."

"Yes? Right now?"

"Is there a problem?"

Cage shakes her head, "No, it's fine. Who will proceed with the vow?"

"Just me and your highness."

"Excuse me? Why am I included-"

Cale smiled, "Your highness, you need to keep this a secret."

"How about the other?" Alberu glanced to the people beside him. "Will they need to make a vow of death too?"

"A subordinate's mistake is leader's responsibility, no?"

Meaning, he would be held responsible if this conversation gets out, accidental or not, "..I understand."

Cale gave the signal for Cage, which received with a nod. She closed her eyes and gathered her hands together in front of her. 

Oooooong.

A small vibration filled the air. At the same time, a black smoke started to come out of Cage’s fingertips and surrounded the all of them.

Cage opened her eyes, "You can start."

"I, Cale Henituse wishes to borrow the name of the night to make a vow alongside Alberu Crossman. A vow that is made with our life, as anyone who breaks this vow will descend into eternal darkness.

First I, Cale Henituse, vow to speak the truth in front of the God of Eternal Rest, and, if what I say is even slightly a lie, I will immediately die in this spot to pay the price. It will only be shared with the witness Cage, a daughter of Eternal Rest and everyone who is currently present in this room."

I, Alberu Crossman, vow that everything said in this discussion are to be kept secret. And will only be shared with the witness Cage, a daughter of Eternal Night and everyone who is currently present in this room. Should anyone who is currently present in this room share it with anyone else, I will immediately die on the spot to pay the price."

The black smoke surrounded the three of them once again. And then,

Ooooong.

With another vibration, the smoke disappeared. The vow was finished.

"Then.. let's start." Now, it was Alberu's turn to gave Cale his own gentle smile. 

Cale felt iffy seeing that, so he closed his eyes and take a deep, deep breath. From the outside, it could be seen as Cale trying to calm himself down, and.. it was true to some point. Starting now, if Cale doesn't want a pathetic death, he really needs to be very careful with his words.

Extra : 

Cale hands slipped inside the jar of cookies once more, he frowned when no cookies were caught by his hands. Cale eyed the jar for a better look, only to find little bits of crumbs left. 

'I want more.' Cale glanced to the young man behind him."Beacrox, more cookie-"

That's it. 

Cale opened his mouth and closed it again without saying any words. One look from the father and son duo was enough to make Cale's mouth shut. Somehow, there's a disapproving look on their face, Beacrox in particular, look quite.. angry? 

'Where did that came from?!'

Cale only wants to ask for some cookies, dammit! There's no way they're angry just beause he finished the jar of cookies right? 

Ron looked back and forth between the jar of cookies and Cale. 

Right?

"That's enough sugar for the day, young master." 

Cale furrowed his brows, "I haven't eaten any sugar for the past year, Ron. A year, surely I can eat more than than usual?" He make sure to emphasize the word 'year'.

Ron's benign smile got wider, "Is that so, young master?"

"..Yeah, I think so." Cale answered a beat late. 

"Then I've presume you also must've missed your favorite drink, young master. Please wait, I will prepare it shortly."

"No! Ron, wait-" 

However, Ron already left the room before Cale could finish his words.

No.

Ron make sure that he already left Cale's sight before Cale could show his refusal.

Cale clearly knows that and it do nothing but makes him angrier, 'That cunning old man!'

"I will take that, young master." Taking advantage of Cale's little anger, Beacrox easily took the empty jar of cookies and resigned to the kitchen, saying he's no longer needed there, and therefore doesn't need to stay there much longer. 

That's what Cale calls bullshits right there.

Chapter Text

"First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude after saving me from the demon world. I regret letting my guard down while entering Molden kingdom one year ago, that resulted me to be captured." Cale bowed slightly longer than usual, showing his sincerity to make a good first impression to people like Rosalyn and Lock, who he haven't met yet. 

Alberu waved his hands as if he was embarrased, "There's no need to thank us, young master Cale. It is already our duty so long as you are Roan's Kingdom citizen." 

So long as you are Roan's Kingdom citizen. 

Translate : Don't expect us to be merciful if you turned out to be a spy. 

Cale smiled, clearly understand the subtle threat behind his words, "I, Cale Henituse despise the White Star, its organization and wished for it dissapear. I sincerely wished to cooperate with you to defeat the White Star and that is why I initiated this mutually pact under the eyes of eternal rest. I have no other hidden intentions."

Ron and Beacrox didn't even realize how tense their shoulder was before relief washed over them. 

Cale isn't an enemy.

They didn't have to kill him. 

It was all that's matter for the father and son duo. 

Alberu was different, he doesn't have a relation with Cale, thus he can get rid of Cale if he was proven to be an obstacle without much thought. "Mutually pact? What exactly can you give us, young master Cale? 

Cale tone was confident, "Details regarding the White Star and it's subordinates. I can say for sure there no one knew them better than me."

There was a beat of silence. 

Alberu smirked, seeing Cale is still alive and well, "That's very assuring, young master Cale. I wonder where did you get that information from? Does it have trustable source?"

"I will choose to remain silent, however I can guarantee its credibility. Please continue with the next question."

Alberu examined Cale's stoic expression, feeling suspicious but decided to continue. "What is the White Star want from you? For what reason you are being kept in the White castle? "

Cale closed his eyes, thinking how to explain it in the simplest way, "I was going to be sacrificed for the sealed god in his place as he and I, both have the same wavelength."

A surprised gasps could be heard, Rosalyn muttered quietly, "Sacrificed? As in an offering?"

"..Yes." Cale looked a little hesitant, but still affirmed nonetheless.

'Offering. His young master is going to be sacrificed for a bastard god.' That statement alone made Ron fuming. He gently caress the cold blade hidden carefully in his pocket as a way to calm himself down. Habit he picked up long ago. 

Alberu thought for a while before asking, "..The same wavelength? What does it actually mean?"

"It literally meant that he and I have the same thought process, as our way to act and thinks is too identical to each other."

Choi Han interrupted at that moment, "Doesn't it mean you're the same as him? You thinks the same as that bastard right? Then, isn't it better if we get rid of you?"

Then, murderous aura quickly grabbed everyone's attention. 

"Stop."

"Young master."

"It's fine, Ron." Even though Cale stopped Ron because he doesn't want any trouble, it doesn't mean he was okay with it. How can Choi Han compare him to that white thing?!

Trying to stay amicable as possible, Cale continued, "Having the same wavelength doesn't fully mean we will act the same, because in the end we both are two different people. Yes, I can pretty much understand his desire to be a god, but I have no reason to justify his action or even worse, assist him in any way just because our way of thinking is the same. Moreover, I was going to be sacrificed for a damn bastard of a god dammit! He said 'It was great honor?!' Damn with honor! Who would willingly-!" He suddenly stopped mid sentence. 

'Ah.' Cale ended up getting angry, even though the people here didn't do any wrong. This is one of the rare moments where his emotions were so pent up, it started to explode. 'Really, what a bad timing.'

"..I apologise, let's stop here. I do hope my explanation satisfy your curiosity, Esteemed Hero." Cale was definitely did not try to be sarcastic when he called Choi Han. Definitely. 

Choi Han seemed to realize that, seeing the little frown in his face, however he stayed silent.

"That is fine, young master Cale." Alberu, who's probably aware of Choi Han's annoyance, quickly answered on his behalf. "Let's proceed with the next question". He glanced to the other redhead behind him, "Miss Rosalyn, if you would?"

Rosalyn nodded and stepped forward, " Young master Cale, when we first found you, there was.. this metal collar that couldn't be cut with Choi Han's aura, so we could only leave it untouched when we escaped the Endable castle. However, by the time we left the demon world, the necklace around your neck had already started disintegrate and left nothing behind. Do you perhaps know anything about that?"

"This is more of a curiosity i believe?"

Rosalyn nodded, "Yes, that's correct. Is this not allowed, young master Cale?"

"I will answer it since it does have a connection with the White Star.. I have been researching the moment I realized of its existence. First, that metal contained dead mana. As of now, I do not know what kind of metal they used in order for the dead mana to be fused without corroding the metal."

Everyone nodded solemnly. A metal that contained dead mana, it would be dangerous if they had accidentally touch it without knowing. That's why even a littlest bits of informations was crucial in war. 

Alberu half-expected Cale would stop there and even if he did, Alberu would still be grateful for that piece of information. So imagine his surprise when Cale resume his explanation.

"My hypothesis are that metal have been somehow blessed by the Sealed God. There is no conclusive evidence pointing to this, however, there's no known metal strong enough that could handle dead mana yet. So my hypothesis proven to be true are quite high. 

"As expected from an item that contained god's blessing, its durability are exceptional, however it needs a lot of dead mana as it source of power, according to the previous encounter. This kind of metal is very effective against ancient power user. That's all."

Everyone looked at Cale in shock. That's a lot of details for a metal they had only seen for the first time, and only heard for a few. 

'What about the White Star, their greatest enemy? How much did he know about them?' This thought had filled everyone minds. 

"..You don't lie when you said no one knew them better than you", Alberu commented first. 

Cale frowned as if that was the most obvious things in the world, "I already sweared, your highness. I can't lie."

"Yeah, you're right." Alberu's eyes looked at Cale with interest, "It is a grave mistake of mine to underestimate your capabilities, young master."

Cale shake his head slowly, "No. In the first place, I've only research for it because dead mana is the biggest weakness of an ancient power users such as myself, who used the power of nature. The pain we received after being hit by dead mana is several times more than that of norm-  Why are you all looking at me like that?"

Cale couldn't help but ask after seeing the bewildered looks they gave him. 

Standing behind him, Ron implored patiently, "Young master-nim, you haven't told them yet."

"Oh, that's right", Cale added nonchalantly, "I inherited a wood attribute ancient power that is passed through generations in the Thames Household. It allows a person to see all living things time and its innate fate. Be it the past, present, or the future."

The shoking relevation managed to silence all of them, exclude Ron and Beacrox who doesn't seem to surprised. 

"Hmm, it's a little bit hard to understand." Because of their exceptional hearing, all of them can hear Cale even though the latter muttered softly.

"I can give you an example." Cale suddenly pointed his finger towards Choi Han. "After meeting you this time, I have concluded the fact that you are a single-lifer."

Not stopping there Cale, being the dense person he is, obviously misunderstand the situation, took their silence as his nonverbal queue to continue. 

"Single-lifers are people who only have one life in this world. They might seem to have a terrible fate as they cannot reincarnate. 

However, according to the record of my mother's family, the Thames Household, we believe that a single-lifer’s soul does not perish after it finishes its single life- 

Choi Han knitted his brows. 

Maybe it's just his feeling but, even though there had been no changes in his expressions, from his tone alone, Cale seems to be very exited, way too exited for someone who taking his life on the line.

Cale, who's not aware of Choi Han's internal thought, continue his explanation without worry. 

-It is possible that the souls of the single-lifers ascend to a higher world after their death. We are only about ten percent sure about it, but we believe it is possible. 

The higher world could be the Divine World or the Demon World. It could also be something even higher, most likely the World of the Gods.

If you're wondering why I know all of this, that's because the Thames Household has been researching ‘time and life’ for generations-"

Seeing Cale doesn't seems to stop his explanation anytime soon, Alberu immediately interrupted.

"Please wait, young master Cale. As much as I want to know more about this.. single-lifer thing-" Alberu has never, ever heard of that phrase before, "You need to calm down. There's only so much information we could comprehend at once."

"Oh." 

"..."

"I apologize."

***

Now, everyone other than Ron have already seated, each making themselves comfortable while lost in their own thoughts. 

Beacrox choose the seat right next to Cale, much to the younger dismay. 

Choi Han took the 3-seated couch along with the mage, Rosalyn and the Wolf King, Lock.

It was only now, when the information that Cale spitted out at once was slowly being digested, that they realize how dangerous those informations are. No humans could meddle with higher beings's work. Gods, being the prime example of that. So hearing Cale reveal such secret easily had shocked them.

Still, they could barely understand a thing. They simply know.

This is similar to a child who had just start learning how to count and suddenly finding things like algebra is even exist.

In particular Choi Han, who was said to be a single-lifer out of nowhere. Choi Han would strongly suspect Cale was out of his mind, if not for the fact that Cale has vowed to only speak truth under the eye of God of Death. 

The Crown Prince, Alberu Crossman had his eyes closed as looked lost in thought.

'The Thames Household.'

Alberu only remember it swiftly mentioned during one of his history lesson years ago, but with dozens of barony in Roan Kingdom alone, the younger him, at that time saw no importance in remembering such simple household. 

It was because the only living descendant, chose not to continue her household. With nobody left to continue the family, the name was naturally removed from the list of nobles and eventually disappeared from people’s memories.

‘It’s really fishy.’

For some reason, just thinking about the Thames household gave him chills.

They were researching ‘time and life.’ Just that alone made it extremely mysterious.

A family pretending to be a simple Baron’s household was researching this in secret before they all perished except for one living descendant.

'And that living descendant is Cale Henituse's mother.'

"..."

'Damn it!'

Alberu hates the sound where this is going. He needs someone who would help with his source of headaches, not adding them!

Extra :
"Young master Cale, I've been wanting to say this earlier, but you really are knowledgeable about gods."

"Thank you for the compliment, miss Cage."

"Say..", Cage's voice trailed off to something more similar to that of a priest. Something rare considering it was Cage, who's known for her brute language despite being a priestess. "What should I do if I want to kill a God, young master-nim." Cage's shining eyes looked intently at the redhead. "Is that possible?"

"Miss Cage." Cale grabbed both of Cage shoulder. "The undergoing project I currently worked on is '101 ways to make God suffers', and If you're interested-"

"I'm in!" Without having Cale to finish his words, Cage had eagerly raised her hands. 

Cale smirked, "Glad to have you here, miss Cage. Having a priestess will surely made a big leaps to the project."

"I'll do anything you asked me, sir!" Cage made an exaggerated gesture similar to that of a soldier giving salute to his superior. 

"Great! I think we will have a great time, miss Cage." Cale put a hand on his chin as he pondered, "Let's start with something simple, yes? Hmm.. How does blowing up a temple in the capital sounds? I heard the land around it has extraordinary view, and I couldn't help but wanting to built a mansion there."

Cage darkly chuckled," Young master-nim. That sounds fabulous."

The crown prince, Alberu Crossman watched them with tired eyes.

"Both of you do know that you're planning for arson in the Roan Kingdom's capital in front of its crown prince.. Right?"

The ex-priestess brightly smiled, "Are there any problem with that, sir?"

"..Any problem?" Alberu looked baffled. 

'Are there any problem with arson in the capital? Everything!'

Cale turned toward Alberu, "Care for a part, your highness?"

"Haaa..", Alberu wanted to facepalm himself, "..Just.. Just get out." the blond prince waved his hands carelessly, " Please."

Chapter Text

Cale was bombarded with so many questions afterwards, with few really pushing the line within his privacy, but haven't quite reach there yet. 

'As expected-'

The crown prince is troublesome.

'He and his damn mouth.'

Cale had a few close calls here and there. Questions asked by the prince had been rather elaborate, few were feints, used to deceive him, to mislead him, and directing him to the actual question. And others were tricky, answering them wrong could make him suspicious. 

And if Cale could include something else. 

"Why do you even do to the Eastern Continent in the first place?"

Cale sighed heavily for the umpteenth time that day, "As I've said earlier, I'm looking for traces left by Arm. Since I know they have some connections there-"

Choi Han cut him, again, also for the umpteenth time that day, "How did you know Arm started from the Eastern Continent, when you've spent all your time drinking?"

Cale's hand was shaking in anger ' Listen to me until the end, bastard.' He really wants to hit some sense into the raven however, since he doesn't want to get killed he have to somehow hold it in. 

"Since I know, for a fact that Ron and Beacrox's house got ransacked by Arm 16 years ago-"

"Then why aren't you being careful there-"

"What didn't I expect is, that somehow the queen of Molden Kingdom, Elisneh the First was actually that damn White Star's subordinate!"

This time, Choi Han didn't argue back, and nor did anyone else.

"No way.. She showed her support-!" Rosalyn put her hand over her mouth. 

"Who do you trust more? Her or me, who put his life on the line?" Cale raises his eyebrows. "I will die if I lie." The noble had still alive could only means he spoke the truth all this time. Seriously, did they even think properly with that brain of theirs?

"I trust you, young master-nim", The assassin's firm answer came from behind. Not a second later his son Beacrox, also nodded as his aggrement to his father's response.

Cale shot a glance, "Thank you." He then turned around, and clapped his hands once to get their attention, which immediately made everyone's eyes on him. 

After hours of tortureous questioning, the redhead finally decided this couldn't go on. With Choi Han provoking him and Alberu's little mind games, he was bound to get careless later on. Spewing something he shouldn't have, not even Ron and Beacrox could defend him if that situation arrives. So, upon finding a chance, he immediately proposed something they can't refuse. 

"Should I tell you how we can kill that White thing?" Cale slightly tilted his head, vicious smile appeared on his face.

The thing everyone's been dying to hear. 

The most important part on this operation. 

How to kill the White Star.

Alberu straighen his posture and nodded solemnly, " Let's do that." Of course, not only him, but all of them unconsciously paying attention to Cale's word more than ever. 

Cale examined everyone before he opened his mouth, "..You all must've got the hint by now that he couldn't be killed by normal means, and.. I'm afraid to inform you that it's correct."

If the situation couldn't get any more colder, then Cale somehow managed to to it by several degree at once. 

"After breaking the vow of death with the Dragon Lord, he is condemned to live a life of solitude. In which case, he will be unable to die as he will always moved into a new body each time he dies, that of course while regaining all of his memories." Cale's explained a little more slowly this time, in a more understandable manner.  

"That's why he can hide for so long." Alberu instantly connected the dot himself without having Cale to explain more. The concept of moving bodies sounds unbelievable however, everything make sense if the gods were involved.

"In short, he's a reincarnator?", Choi Han mumbles out absentmindedly, clearly unaware he just said that part outloud. 

Cale blinks in surprise, "Oh?" his mouth slowly curved up, sending an amused smile at the raven, interesting, "How do you know about that, Choi Han? That's not a word many people knows about."

Choi Han's gaze shot towards reddish brown eyes, Cale's looking calm as ever. He hopes his eyes weren't trembling as he quickly reasoned out, "I.. read it. Somewhere. A long time ago."

'In Korea.' That is. He didn't lie. Just not the whole truth. 

"What book is it, Choi Han?", Rosalyn asks quickly, her eyes gleam in interest. Rosalyn being a mage, always longs for new knowledge. 

"I-I don't remember. Sorry." Choi Han felt guilty, seeing Rosalyn's depressed face, but he really doesn't remember anything else apart from it. Why would he remember a damn book in a monster-infested forest, when he barely remember anything apart from his name? 'Well, its not like I could bring the book here either.'

"Please tell me if you remember it, Choi Han. The data of Thames's family research leaking out could be dangerous if it fall into the wrong hands." 

And that successfully made Choi Han flinched. 

Cale's tone sounded worried, however Choi Han weren't dumb enough to not understand the hidden meaning behind it, plus-

'It was a guarded research record owned by my mother's family. And you says you read it in a book?!'

That would be what a currently glaring Cale was saying according to his expressions right now. Still, Choi Han continued to pretend as if he knows nothing.

"Young master Cale." 

Alberu called the redhead at that moment, something the raven thankful for after being under heavy scrutinized gaze.

"Yes, your highness?" Cale turned his attention back to the prince, polite smile was kept the whole time. 

"In that record-" Alberu slightly leaned in,  "Are there anything that could be helpful? This rencarnator's.. weakness, maybe?" The way he pronounce it sounded odd, especially with the missing 'I'. 

The redhead chuckles, wanting to laugh but managed to hold it in, "Reincarnators. Even with the Thames's family extensive research, there isn't much known about them."

Sensing the mood turn even uglier, Cale elaborates. "However what I do know, are how their whole existence solely relies on their first life, as it works as their foundation." He soon frowned, expecting them to brighten after getting the answer they wanted but instead, was met yet again with bewildered face.

Someone clicked his tongue, and the redhead turned his head to the owner of that voice. 

Beacrox Molan. 

"You don't expect them to understand that, do you?"

"What's wrong? At that time, you and Ron can understand just fine, isn't it?" The Thames's research records are by far the most complicated thing Cale has ever read. Even with his perfect memory, almost-like record skill, he spent months just deciphering them into a somewhat readable text. 

Beacrox scoffs, "No. You woke me up at 2 AM and started blabbering all of that. What am I supposed to say?" In his defense, Beacrox have just finished his training that night, and barely 1 hour later Cale had come barging into his room and spewing things about how single-lifers could become god, and hunters who can travel between dimensions. 

Will Beacrox answered that he didn't understand all of that? Of course not! That would be the same with asking Cale to repeat it once again. And that's a big no-no for Beacrox who just want to get some sleep in the last bit of his rest time before waking up again just after sunrise. 

Heck. Beacrox even had the guts to look so shameless as if he didn't do anything wrong.

He didn't.

Oh that's it. He will ignore Beacrox for the next week, the older always hated that since they were little. 

No. This is not Cale being petty. And definitely not Cale taking revenge for Beacrox putting too much vegetables on his breakfast this morning. 

"..Young master-nim?" Perhaps sensing something was wrong, Beacrox quickly get into his 'respectful' mode. 

Cale huffs, the operation 'ignoring Beacrox' starts now. "The conclusion is, we can completely kill a reincarnator if we were to destroy the reincarnator’s largest ring of life." This time, a hopeful smile appeared on their face. Exclude for the brown haired man beside Cale.

"It requires two things-"

Cale raises one of his finger, "First, the power of an immortal was required to destroy that annual ring."

And another, "Second, a person needed the ability to see annual rings in order to do that." Cale smirks, looking confident as he points to himself, "Like me."

"..Does this means the only one who is capable of killing the White Star is you, young master Cale?", Alberu furrowed his brows, "Using a weapon with the power on an.. immortal?" He was starting to doubts what he's hearing because how obnoxious it sounds.

"Correct."

"How can we find this weapon? I don't think it's something a living beings can make." Lock voiced his opinion for the first time. 

Which was quickly rebuted by Rosalyn, "No, no. First, we need to know what an immortal's power mean in this context." 

"Miss Rosalyn is correct-"

'..Regarding the weapon, I already have a clue..' Cale didn't said it outloud, he had no plans to say anything unless they asked him directly. The redhead calmly drank the lemon tea in front of him, finishing it in few big gulps. 

The raven watched how intently Rosalyn and Alberu's disscusion goes. Somehow, it grows to the point where they told the history of their respective kingdom. Not being able to comprehend their conversation any longer, he turned his head back to Cale, "..How long have you known about this? To surveil all of this in a matter of 1 year sounds a little too far-fetched, even for me." Choi Han asks, eyes demanding for answer.

'You again?' Cale's lips pursed into a thin line, barely refrain himself from swearing. "..I would appreciate it if you would refrain asking any personal questions about me. Please keep in mind that this is no longer an interrogation, but a mutual deal."

"Isn't it a reasonable question? You also need to remember that we're the one who saved you from that hellhole and if this is how you-"

"Esteemed Hero." The redhaired noble called him with intimidating tone. "I have tried to be polite considering our not very pleasant first meeting, however I have no reason to do so if you keep being so hostile, Hero."

At one point, Rosalyn and Alberu had stop their disscusion midway. 

"I can't trust you. You are hiding something."

Cale closes his eyes in annoyance, "Hero, what more do you want me to do? Is vowing with my life does not satisfy you?"

"No. It's not like that, but-" Choi Han replied, "I think there's more to your story than what you've told us."

"So?" 

"..What?" Choi Han scrunched his nose at the unexpected answer.

"Tell me how is that any of your business, Hero." Cale's tone was calm, but firm as to not allow any objections. "Our agreement only stated any informations that will be beneficial to kill the White Star, hence I see no reason to say anything outside of that." 

"That is exactly why I couldn't trust you. You should have no problem when you have nothing to hide. Or, do you have any specific reason-"

Cale stared at the raven with deadpanned eyes as if he was some kind of idiot. 'Oh, I don't know. Maybe it's because some people just so happens to be awfully curious about my past. Which, has nothing to do with them.' 

Cale, very much want to answer him that way. However, for the sake of peaceful partnerships, he opted for a safer choice of response.

"Don't. Cross. The line. Hero." Cale threatened, "You have no rights to demand anything from me. Shall I remind you that your questions I've been answering since earlier were already beyond our aggrement and more towards my privacy? Surely the smart Hero understand that, yes? Or are your brain too small to even comprehend it?"

Which, weren't any better either. 

Choi Han raise his brows, a sarcastic remarks wasn't something Choi Han liked very much, "Is that so? Then, what should I do to make you talk without forcing you?" But he doesn't want to give up this early. 

'Fuck peaceful partnership.' Choi Han being too dense and stupid at the same time. Definitely not a good combination.

"Make a bet with me, Hero. Who knows? If you win, maybe I'll be merciful for once and tell you what you wished for."

"No." Beacrox frantic act confused them. "Cale, please."

"What bet?"

"Whoever gets angry first, lose. Very simple isn't it?" 

Beside the redhead, Beacrox had already bury his face with his palm, "Cale." Sadly, that said person doesn't even spare him a glance. 

"Ah! You can't refuse either, whatever it may be. You understand?" Earning himself a nod, Cale gave a satisfied smile. "Stand up then."

Choi Han wordlessly stood from his seat. Following him was Rosalyn and Lock's worried gazes. 

"Oh? Very similar, indeed."

"Similar?"

"Yes. Exactly like a dog."

"..Ha?"

"Do you know what I thought about you when we first met, Hero?" Cale cut him. 

"What."

"A dog." Cale smiled, "A feroucious one at that."

"..."

"..You're being rude, young master Cale."

"You've turned a blind eye on Choi Han all this time. Continue that." Cale easily counter the prince without breaking his gaze. Alberu doesn't care at all when Choi Han continue to provoke him and now, he asks him to stop when Cale was only being a little rude? Nope. 

Cale smirked, "A dog who's patiently waiting for its master's call. I think you are very similar."

"..Don't think you're any different yourself-"

"I've never once think of that."

"Huh?"

"I was and still is, a trash."

"..."

It was safe to say Choi Han is stunned, either by his shamelessness, or his confident, self depricating words that is actually true (for him). Or even both, the raven doesn't know anymore.

"..Ha! It seems you've got some conscience left-"

"Of course. Don't compare me with you, Choi Han."

The raven eyes twitched, "What a spoiled brat." He should've known Cale had been adept in this kind of things. The noble had angered a lot of people and it too, takes skills to anger that many of people. 

"Oh? Did I hit a mark?" Cale crossed his arms, "Now, now. Don't get angry, Choi Han. The game won't be as much fun if you do."

He thought he would be fine. But this is affecting him more than he thought. His attitude, his words, and even the way he smile, annoys Choi Han to the point of no end. This is the first time he could despise a person so bad in such a short amount of time. 

Time felt like eternity in that silence. Worried looks had been thrown back and forth between both men. 

"Hmm.. Did cat got your tounge?" A victorious smile had been eched deeply to his face. "Why are you being silent all of a sudden?" Cale continue to provoke him every chance he got. 

'You've made a mistake, Cale.' The noble had made mistake if he tought Choi Han would submit to his temper so easily, "Unlike you, I'm not very good with words-"

"So?"

Choi Han exhaled deeply, "..So I will show you something else, one of my strong points. Can I do that, Cale?"

"Sure." Cale easily complied, he's not one who backs down at a fight he started.

"Punk."

"Choi Han."

Ron and Alberu called out at the same time toward the raven, who had already gripped the hilt of his sword, ready to unsheath it at any moment.

Beacrox frowned, "Young master-nim, that's enough." This is starting to get out of control. Common sense doesn't work on angry Choi Han and his young master doesn't seems to stop his taunting anytime soon. 

"..."

Beacrox's face worsened seeing Cale still blatantly ignored him. 

"Oh? Going with force now, are we? That's good. Definitely one of Hero's strong point." Cale lazily rested his chin on his palm. Not even the slightest fear was visible in his voice. Maybe a little amused, but nothing more. 

Choi Han smiled innocently the whole time, that if you ignore how Rosalyn and Lock, both holding one of his arm. Trying to calm him down somehow, not working  well though.

"My strong points are that I can kill people really fast. I'll be more than happy to give a simple demonstration if you weren't satisfied, but.. I not sure if you'll be able to talk when that time arrives. What do you say, Cale?" 

'Smart.' Cale would have no choice but to refuse if he doesn't want to get killed by Choi Han's blade. Then again, it is not Cale's type to give up first, "Well, I'm not sure you can, Choi Han?"

"Shall we test it out?"

The redhaired noble leans back on the couch, reddish brown eyes calmly stared toward the raven haired man. Even though Cale is scared to death, the phrase, "Sure." easily left his mouth. 

As soon as Cale gave his confirmation, Choi Han immediately raise his sword.

Clang! 

Ron quickly intercept with his own dagger, resulting in a loud clash just inches from where Cale's shoulder used to be. Fortunately, Beacrox had moved just in time, dragging Cale out of the couch to behind his back, out of sight from the raven before the latter even realize it. 

"Put your sword away." Ron muttered coldly, his benign smile was long gone. 

"Old man, don't interfere."

"Enough, both of you! Choi Han, sir Ron! Put your weapons away." Seeing the situation that started getting out of control, the crown prince have no choice but to step in. 

'Damn it.' 

They were wrong if they thought this meeting would go smoothly with Choi Han and Cale here. 

They were wrong if they thought both Choi Han and Cale wouldn't provoke each other, because apparently this meeting is very important.

They were so wrong if they thought both Choi Han and Cale were smart enough, to even fall for the other's provocations, because apparently they clearly did not. Resulting in this..

Terribly messy situation.

'How they should've known.'

Because really, Cale never did care for any of that shit. Yes, Cale did actually felt some gratitude towards the raven, to the point where he's willing to put aside his trashy act. However, all of that dissapear when Choi Han kept provoke him, everytime he opened his damn fucking mouth. 

Choi Han silently lowered his swords at Alberu's order. The assassin, Ron does the same with his dagger. 'Good.' Judging the situation has calm down at least a little, Alberu sharply turned his head to a raven haired man who already has his head lowered. 

"What's wrong with you, Choi Han? It is not right to just points your sword like that to our potential ally."

"I apologize, your highness."

'Potential ally, huh?' The crown prince with his glib tounge. And the Hero Choi Han, who follows him unconditionally. Cale made sure to keep a mental note in his mind.

Alberu massage his temple, he was already feeling tired before this and now, something like this happened. "Let's just apologize to each other and end this matter right here, understood?" It feels like he's taking care of a fighting toddler.

Choi Han looked beyond unhappy, but  still oblige the prince's words, "..I apologize.. Cale."

It was barely acceptable in Cale's opinion.  
Still, it's not his place to comment on how people's apolo-

"You too, young master-nim." Beacrox side-eyed Choi Han as he turned his body facing Cale. His eyes demanding Cale to apologize as well.

Cale pointed to himself, "Me? But I ha-"

"Cale Henituse." Beacrox's low tone silenced Cale in an instant, his patience is running out and it won't be going back anytime soon. "Apologize." He was then met with a trembling gaze right after. 

'No way.'

Beacrox called his full name.

The Beacrox that Cale knew, never calls him by his full name. Much preferred to use the usual 'young master-nim' or just 'Cale'. But he was never called by his full name, unless-

"Be-"

'Beacrox, are you mad?'

When the younger made eye contact with Beacrox, he immediately looked down without any word. The question he's wanting to ask left unsaid.There's no need to, as he already knew the answer.

Yes.

'Beacrox is angry.'

Definitely so, not only that.

He looks pissed. 

And by that, Cale means super angry. 

Like extra angry.

"Apologize." Beacrox repeated, still having the same demanding tone. 

'Ugh', An incomprehensible grumbles left Cale's mouth, while his eyes searched for the man he had just provoke. 

Choi Han. 

Making eye contact with the said man, Cale gave him a curt nod, "Apologies.. sir. It appears I have been too direct with my words-"

Since the vow of death's effect is still in motion, everyone knows Cale will never felt apologetic for what he says, only to apologize for being too insensitive for his choice of words. 

"I hope the Hero's kind heart would be able to forgive this trash un-nobly act."

His apology was all but sincere, however finding Cale, who is seemingly a wild beast, could be forced to apologize had amazes them even more, and maybe thankful for some. 

From the sidelines, watching all of this with an amused smile on his face was Ron, the assassin. 

'I was and still is, a trash.'

Hearing Cale says himself as trash, with the vow of death at that.. It seems he need to give Cale a piece of his mind later. 'But for now', he didn't feel the need to intervene as having Beacrox here is enough. 

"This will be a favor, Cale."

Choi Han turned towards the redhaired noble beside Beacrox, his anger was replaced by something more cold, serious expression.

"There's a question I want to ask since last night, and I want you to answer them truthfully."

The redhead shots an irritated glare, "I don't want to. Why sho-" Only to receive a quick side-nudge from Beacrox, "..Fine."

The split-second change of attitude managed to surprise everyone once again, giving obvious hints that this kind of incident, is certainly not the first.

***

They are seated, once again. This time, finally talking like the civil person they are, as if the whole fiasco earlier with Choi Han trying to kill Cale was just a speck of dream. 

"Do you know an ancient powers who can manipulate the mind?"

A frustated sigh left the redhead's mouth, "Just because I have an ancient power doesn't mean I don't know every single ancient powers out there, just finding one meant you were extremely lucky." 

"..Let me repeat that. Do you know any ancient powers that can alter memories, Cale?"

Silence. 

Cale's smile faltered for a split second, he regained his composure back just as quickly . Unfortunately, it didn't go unnoticed by Choi Han, who was watching his every move from the start.

Choi Han could see how his eyes slightly trembled, and how Cale tried to hide it in his neutral- almost stoic expression of his. 

"I will not answer."

'He knows.'

That's the only conclusion Choi Han had. And correspondingly, the only thing he needs. 

Chapter Text

The raven quietly observed Cale. There are many questions he'd been wanting to ask, few which he's been willing to get, even by force. 

'Why that memory? What is so special about it that someone made his way to alter that very part of his memory? Why did he only realize it until now?'

For that whole night, Choi Han couldn't get rid of the feeling that red haired noble was somehow connected. That he maybe the reason on him suddenly having— whatever happening to him right now. 

Cale Henituse.

It was his first encounter with Cale Henituse, and now one year later, after he and Cale finally met again, Choi Han suddenly regained his memory? 

That's an obvious red flag.

Still.. 

It is possible, that Choi Han is being paranoid and all of this are no more than just a simple but weird, coincidence. But maybe, and only -maybe, did Cale know something about it — Then Choi Han would made him pay, to whoever that dares to play with his memories. 

"This matter directly relate to me. I have the rights to know if you, accidental or not, knows something about it." Choi Han calmly stared at Cale, "No need to dwell on it too much, you just need to answer with yes or no. That's all I need for now."

'-For now.' 

It means he wouldn't pry further if Cale answered 'no'. But, if Cale tells the truth, in the worst case scenario he would be forced to spill everything, the same goes if he kept silent or even try to dodge the question.  

Cale lowered his head, lips forming a thin line as he pondered, 'Should I told him? He would surely bother me less that way.'

No. Just thinking about it made him shudder.

He couldn't risk that. Cale doesn't know what they would do after that. Too many uncertainty means more unpredictable outcomes. Even Cale being here had change a lot to his original plans. 

"I remember it all, Cale. Also, you're the one who brought me to the Henituse's estate." Choi Han added. He doesn't ask, it was a statement.

Cale raised his head hearing that. 

A prove. 

'I remember it all.'

It was a prove that Choi Han was no longer hidden from the truth as he was supposed to be. 

“…Haha.”

Cale started to laugh awkwardly before slowly avoiding Choi Han’s gaze. The raven seemed to have figured everything out. The fact that he knew about his power alone was enough to show that he had regained back some part of his memories. Furthermore, he seemed to have noticed that Cale is the culprit as well. 

No, it wasn’t that he seemed to have noticed, he knew for sure. 

'Damn it', Cale's gaze slowly met with Choi Han's obsidian, unwavering eyes. He knew that his only choice was to tell the truth now that things were like this, but there was no way that it would be easy to tell something he had been keeping a secret all this time. 

The redhead finally opened his mouth, 

"..We made a deal, Choi Han. You having your memory sealed is part of that deal, the same goes to us keeping everything that happened a secret."

'Oh right', Now that Cale started to thought about it once more, 'Choi Han got his memory sealed, so it only works in my part.'

Click. 

'Huh?' Cale turned his head, and was met with a sight of Choi Han touching his scabbard. His eyes looked deep in thought as well. 

‘’A deal, huh?"

Click. Click. 

Choi Han’s actions made Cale scared. That's why, with his heart beating wildly, the redhead quickly add up, "It's an hereditary ancient power that is transferred only to the direct descendant. The pill I gave you last night was also made with that power. Now — It would be best in our interest if you stop here. Because even I can't tell you anything without permission."

Choi Han didn't expect Cale to answer without him asking, he wasn't going to refuse though. "On whose permission?"

"..." 

After all that, Choi Han had just to ignore his advice, didn't he?

Rather than answering that bastard, the redhead moved his gaze to the priestess, Cage,"Tell me." What Cale had said maybe confuse some of them however, Cage understand exactly what he meant. 

'He can tell what he see fit.'

A voice in her head spoke clearly.

It was the God of Death. 

"The lord said you can tell what you see fit."

That response made Cale clicked his tongue, 'Of course, I should've known.' Having to agree so easily, that motherfucking God of Death wouldn't want to miss such an exciting play. Especially with Cale Henituse as its main performer, 'This is too much, really', He'd just to lament being so unlucky.

"The God of Death permission?" Alberu frowned, "Is he watching us right now?"

"Yes, Gods are probably watching us right now." Knowing his personality, that God was definitely watching this right now. Cale retracted his gaze back to Choi Han, "Still, please understand that even with permission there isn't much I can tell you."

"Why?", Lock asks in confusion, 'Didn't he got the God's permission? What more did he need?'

Cale sighing exasperatedly, he had known this earlier but having to explain every single thing to them is so damn annoying.

"Allow me to explain, young master Cale." Cage intruded, the Vow of Death was her expertise as the priestess of the God of Death, as much as she hates it. 

Great. He made a mental note to get her a high quality wine in the future. The redhead quickly nodded, and at that time, the record of his conversation with the God of Death unconsciously replayed in his mind. 

'Child', The God of death pat his hair softly, 'The Vow of Death is a sacred rule made by the God of Death himself, him breaking that rule is the same as he went against his own existence.'

'But this happens because of you!', a redhaired child screamed in fury, big droplets of tears rolling down to his cheeks. Eyes and nose had long been red due to hours of crying. 'Because of your vow! Because of that stupid vow-! Hyung-nim changed! He-', The child stopped mid-sentence, unable to continue any further. He doesn't love me anymore. 'No. Hyung-nim loves me! But because of your vow, he's changed!'

The God of Death sighs, gaining the child's attention. There's an unreadable look in his eyes that the young child couldn't easily fanthom. Maybe because he's a god? Or does he's too young to understand such complicated things? Just like what his hyung said that time. Either way, the child wouldn't know. 

' Do you want to make a deal with me, child?'

'..What kind of deal?'

'A deal to change your fate.'

The redhead had wake up from his trance not long after. Thankfully nobody seems to notice him getting distracted, currently too immersed in Cage's explanation.

That. Before Beacrox's eyes locked into his, eyebrows raised at Cale's unusual demeanor. the redhead set his gaze to the priestess, not moving even with that pair of brown eyes turning into somewhat akin to a glare of being ignored.

"-Common knowledge that the person who made the vow breaks it, they will instantly die." Cage explained, "Now, quoting back the vow young master said earlier, which is 'keeping everything that happened a secret.' You all should understand what will happen to him if he misspoke, right?" 

He will die.

Alberu, Rosalyn and Lock nodded in understanding. Cale would have to explain it in such roundabout way as not to break his vow. That explain him being so uncomfortable when Choi Han demands for answer.

"..So, what's the use of his permission again?", Lock slowly raise his hand. Young master Cale will die if he said too much, even if he didn't mean to. That. He understand. But, 'I thought the God of Death has give him his permission?' 

"With the lord's permission, he would be excused to some extent—"

"We met by accident in the forest of darkness 3 years ago."

Silence erupted by Cale's seemingly out of nowhere comments. 

"Can you please elaborate it further, young master Cale?", Alberu asks after a few seconds. He can't understand why Cale would say something like that in this situation, or perhaps—

"The fact that I am alive right now after saying that is only possible with the God of Death's permission. You all should understand if I explain it like that, right?" Cale's ever nonchalant attitude does make it seems that it wasn't that big of a deal. 

Which is clearly not, if you see how their eyes darken hearing his words. 

'Oh god.'

'Did he just gamble with his life?!'

Cage's plan to sugarcoat his words had failed so horribly since Cale had said it in the most blunt way possible. And if that weren't enough to add her headache, "You should value your life a little more, young master Cale." Him taking his life too lightly concerned her. A lot.

"It's fine."

The redhead waved his hand dismissively. Cale was confident he would be fine, since he only said the most general part of it. Actually, it would have been a much bigger problem if the vow breaks with that much of information. He was more than ready to strangle the shit out of that motherfucking God of Death if that were the case.

"It's not fine, Cale!", Cage's loud response is what he get. 

"Why are you mad? I'm fine, isn't it?", Cale muttered softly, he was honestly confused. Seriously, what did he do wrong?!

"I apologize, young master-nim. Because of me.." 

"No. Why are you apologizing?" 

'Did Lock does something wrong to him?', but Cale doesn't remember anything close to that.

"Young master Cale. You really-", Now, Rosalyn pitying voice had divert his attention from the wolf. 

Now that he looked around, everyone had looked at him dissaprovingly? Ron, and even Beacrox had also emmited such vicious aura that makes Cale's back shivered. 

Alberu shakes his head, "You’re driving me nuts.”  

Cale flinched.

The prince raises his brows at Cale's reaction, but doesn't think of it much. 

'Great', he's starting to get uncomfortable with all this.. pitying and weird looks he got since earlier. "..Well, it should be okay if nothing were too spesific, however—" Cale's serious gaze locked into the raven,"This will be one hell of a favor."

'This is more important than his own life?', Cale won't even be able to receive his payment if he died before that. Choi Han couldn't understood him at all!

"..I will pay for it."
 

But his answer comes out easily. It would be unreasonable to reject at this point. 

"Good." Cale's gaze moved around, each one of them still had that kind of dissaproving look, which he didn't even understand why, "Then, please get out. Except for Choi Han and miss Cage, anyone who's unrelated needed to leave."

"Can't we listen as well, young master? We already swear to ke—"

"No. You can't on this one."

The less, the better. Cale nods to himself, he had sacrifice a lot to help them. Surely they won't force him again? Before long, Alberu being deep in thoughts catches his sight.

"Your highness?"

Alberu raise an eyebrow, examine Choi Han and Cale with distrust, "Can you promise me not to fight? Both of you?" 

Tap. Tap.

The prince tapped the table with his index finger. 

"Can I trust both of you not to quarrel in my office? — And that everything will stay exactly at the same place even when I left?"

Cale scoffs, the nerve of him, "I will. If he doesn't start anything funny." He was perfectly capable of keeping still. 

"The same goes to me."

Choi Han looked determined as well, but-

"That's.. not a good answer."

Alberu wanted to facepalm himself. That's -exactly what they said before almost going into an all-out war not long after, potentially destroying half of his office. He's having a hard time believing their words now. 

'At least—'

"Have Mr. Ron inside."

From what he can see, Cale listen to the Molan duo well, especially Ron. And the assassin was more than capable to stop Choi Han should anything arise. Perfect! 

Ron nodded his head, satisfied. He agreed with him about not letting both of them alone without supervision. Imagine what that 'thing' can do to harm his puppy young master. 

No way. 

He would never let that happen. 

"The conversation remains unheard", Cale laid out his terms after much thought, having Ron here was beneficial to him as well.

"That's fine", Alberu's approval came almost immediately. From the start, he only needs to keep them out of trouble. "Will a soundproof barrier be enough?"

The redhead nodded, "That's more than enough. Thank you."

"I will prepare for lunch in the meantime", With nothing more to do, Beacrox soon excused himself first to the kitchen. 

"Then, we will take our leaves as well."

Alberu and Lock rise from their chair, and Rosalyn right behind them, casting a soundproof barrier between the three of them. Before long, there's only 4 people left in the room. 

"Young master-nim. I will be right therde if you need anything." 

Ron bowed and stand by the corner silently, not before giving Choi Han a threatening glare not to do anything to Cale, which was received with a scoff. 

"No one eavesdropping, right?"

"No, young master Cale", the priestess immediately answered. Although she was not as sensitive as real mages, using divine powers allowed Cage to be pretty sensitive and perceptive toward her surroundings. 

"Good."

No one seems stupid enough for that. That's great. Cale then raise a questioning look to Choi Han.

"Well? Ask away then."

"What is the content of that deal?"

The raven hadn't waste more time to ask his first question.

"The simplified version would be.. I offered to get you out of the forest and in exchange, got your memory sealed and.. couple other things." 

Choi Han's deadpanned look was all he got. Cale felt offended by it, "Don't give me that look, I told you it wasn't much."  

"Then the price isn't worth it."

Cale huffed. This Choi Han must have stupidly throw his patience out in the deep sea. That's very likely of him. Considering he hadn't seen an ounce of patience inside him. 

'Wars really do makes everyone crazy.'

"Calm down. I will told you something else beside that, or do you want me to return your memories, Hero-nim? Are you satisfied by that?" 

"Oh?", It was so unlike Cale to propose something so beneficial to him first, "What's the catch?" And Choi Han knows he want something as well. 

To his surprise, Cale slowly shakes his head.

"We'll be working together from now on. If that is the price for keeping you out of my sight-", and being so annoying, " Then so be it."

"Okay." Choi Han nodded solemnly. For once, he agreed with Cale. There's no need for him to pester Cale with answer anymore than this, "Then, please return all of my memories."

Cale shows his distaste not one second later, "Let's be reasonable here. There's no need for me to sealed it only for you to ask for it back shortly after, isn't it Choi Han?" 

"But, isn't it you who started all of this in the first place?" 

Regardless of how subtle Choi Han had worded it, the meaning remains the same.

'Isn't this your fault in the first place?'

 
'Smack!'

Cale slammed both of his hand into the table, which formed a crack from the force of his fist. The loud noise made Cage flinch ever so slightly, but the person in question remain unfazed. 

'Ungrateful bastard!'

"You won't be here if not for me, Choi Han", the venomous words spitted out easily in anger. "Do you know why you don't remember anything than your name, Hero?"

Choi Han's eyes finally widen. 

"..Did you-?"

Cale raise his hands to stop Choi Han, "Before you started blaming me again — It was you who begged me to seal your own memory. Feeling to much pain being alone that you're better off without it."

"Young master-nim. Anymore than that would be dangerous", Cage really felt the need to interrupt them. The God of Death's voice in her head had been buzzing for a while now. No doubt working as a little reminder for Cale. 

"I sacrifices part of my soul to seal most of your memory— Cough!", Cale's ignorance towards the priestess's warning immediately showed its effect. He hunched over and started to cough.

“Cough!”

Blood was coming out of Cale’s mouth.

"Cale!"

"Young master-nim!", Cage stood up, one hand quickly grabbed onto the hunched over Cale to support him. 

"-leaving only the bare minimum so you don't lose your mind. And this is how you repay me?"

Cale covered his mouth with one hand.

Drip. Drip.

Blood continued to drip down, but he doesn't care. 

"Please stop! You're hurting yourself!"

Cale doesn't have enough time to respond when a pair of hand latched on his shoulder.

It was Ron. 

"That's enough, Cale." 

Ron carefully guided Cale back to his seat, while wiping some of the blood off the noble's mouth.

A single glance at the frozen man across him was enough to know that Cale had messed up. He'd unknowingly lashed out and said something he weren't supposed to. 

Again. 

"..Goddammit, cough!", Cale closes his eye, the black blood continued to drip down through his fingers. He felt his body starting to heat up now that he'd started to calm down as well. 

"Choi Han."

Cale nearly flinched when the vicious voice caught him off guard. He, for a second glad that it wasn't directed at him. 

"What the fuck did you do?", it was cold voice filled with clear hatred. 

The person in question doesn't respond. No, even his expression haven't even changed from the state of shock since earlier.

'Was it really that shoking?', Cale haven't thought much about it.

'It was you who begged me to seal your own memory.'

'Mm.. Maybe?'

"Choi Han!"

Feeling enough for the unresponsive Choi Han, Ron's hand reaches out to grabs the man's collar. Which thankfully emit some reaction, Choi Han being seamlessly dodging his hand. 

"Answer me. What the fuck did-"

"Ron. Can you get me some water?", Cale wanted to slap himself for that. Why did he did that kind of dangerous thing?! 

"Young master-"

"Please."

"..This Ron will be back", Ron left quickly, black soles on the wood flooring made little noise every step he take, but even that was shocking. 

In all truth, it was unbefitting for an expert assassin like Ron Molan, to make a sound even while running. Especially in the Molan household where he'd grew up in. From early age, they had been teached to do practically everything without much noise. It could range from hiding one tracks, hunting animals, and even killing people. The most basic skills of all — walking, had been drilled the moment children take their first step, and it had became part of their life, something they do easily as breathing, or even unconsciously.

"Father!" 

Beacrox's called him. Considering he hadn't even let go of his beloved kitchen knife, his son must've run as fast as he can the moment he sniffed the faintest smell of blood. 

Cale's blood. 

"Take care of him." 

Ron hadn't spare Beacrox more glance before he bolt past him, leaving him with an important task. 

Damn it! 

He is so having a long talk with his young master after this. 

Extra : 

"It's not even 10 minutes." 

Alberu glared at the 2 perpetrators of the major mess they've made in his office today. One is a hero, and the other is a supposed 'trash' noble that they recently rescued from the enemy's den. 

"10 minutes."

The prince repeats. 

Choi Han looked down, moving nervously at his seat. And, right beside him is Cale, looking as unperturbed as ever, he even had his hand crossed. 

"10 minutes."

"Your Highness, don't you think this is more of Beacrox and Choi Han's fault than mine? I believe he is more to bla—"

"10 minutes." 

Cale's mouth twiched.

"I feel wrongly accussed he—"

"10 minutes."

The prince doesn't budge one bit. If anything, he went even faster than before. 

"10 min—"

"Okay, fine!"

Alberu had been repeating the same word for the past 30 minutes now, possibly for the next hour as well if not stopped. And he don't think that coward Choi Han, who's now looking guilty as hell, would try to speak without at least an apology in his sentence as well. 

"I got it. You were angry at us because we made a mess in your office. We got it."

Alberu scoffs, "No. I believe both of you haven't understand well enough." 

The redhead frowned, "Which part is it that I don't-"

"If you do understand, then I would not be looking at an utter mess I'm seeing right now."

The three gaze unconciously went towards behind them. The mess could only be described as catastrophic. If someone said he had just bombed this place then everyone would've believed him right away. Really, it was a miracle the ceiling haven't been blown off yet. 

"A-at least the table is fine.."

Choi Han finally opened his mouth. 

Their eyes now moved to the last furniture left in the room.

A barely standing table that really looked like it would crumble at the slightest touch. 

The hero flinched at Alberu's obseving glare.

"Yeah, the table looked just fine", Cale shamelessly added, "Well — maybe some repairings, but it is-"

Without waiting Cale to finish speaking, Alberu very lightly kicked a fountain pen lingering on the floor. The fountain pen made a small sound before hitting one of the table legs. As if the timer had run out, the table broke down in that moment as well. Leaving many remants of wood of what-used-to-be a table just this morning.

"..."

"Do you want me to get you a new table, your highness?"

In such a comical, almost humorous situation, Choi Han had the gall to asks such ridiculous question. His denseness was really out of this world. However, at this point anything was fine to help him getting out of this troublesome situation.

"That good, and maybe with a stronger wood as well?", Cale added with a bright smile on his face.

Even if that means playing along with Choi Han's nonsense.

The 20th day of the 5th month in the 782nd year of the Felix calendar.

Today marks the day of one of the most regretful things Alberu had done in his whole life, one that he shall never forget. 

Chapter Text

By the time Ron had managed to return with few highest grade potion, lots of lots of clean cloths, and a glass of water, the room had been turned into an absolute  ball of chaos.

The full tray of cups had been thrown all over the place, now in millions of pieces.

Alberu’s desk had flipped over, and somehow, missing 2 of its legs.

The coffee table had miraculously survived, but he don’t know how long it would hold on.

The stacks of documents are beyond recoverable with some traces of it being burned.

And the couch,

Oh god.

The couch are currently on fire.

Like literally on fire.

How the hell did that happened?!?! Both of them used swords for god’s sake!

His vision moved when he spotted something, or rather someone had been thrown across the room.

That was his son, Beacrox.

‘What the hell is he doing?!’

Ron asked him to take care of Cale!

Beacrox then stood up as if he had not just been blasted into the wall, picked up his kitchen knife and attacked Choi Han again, not even noticing his father had been standing near the door with a shocked face.

Ron’s neck turns at record speed when the corner of his eyes catches the familiar blood red-like hair. The coughing fits had stopped, thankfully. But the lack of movement from the redhead concerned him.

He dashes over.

“Young master!”

Ron kneels down.

“This Ron had returned, sir.” The glass of water immediately positioned right in front of Cale’s lips.

“Mhm. Thanks Ron.”

Cale weakly mutters before taking small sips of water.

“Let’s not speak now, young master Cale. Your throat must’ve hurt from coughing all that blood.”

‘Does she means I will get in danger if i talk?’

The priestess right beside Cale had been spewing some scary curses for a while now, all while cleaning the blood around his mouth with a handkerchief.

‘Vicious.’

Cale stayed silent while letting Ron and Cage do what they want.

“Gasp!”

“What happened here?!?!”

“Hyung!”

Then, three equally shocked face greeted them. Just like Ron, they can only stare in agape in that first few seconds.

The mage Rosalyn, was quick to take action. She immediately casted an ice wall separating Choi Han and Beacrox.

“Choi Han. What happened here?”

Alberu’s calm voice laced with fury scares Choi Han.

“This, this is a self defense, your highness. Beacrox had suddenly—“

Without waiting for Choi Han to finish speaking, Beacrox cuts him, “Bullshits. This is nothing compared to what you’ve done to my young master.”

All eyes then unconsciously looked towards Cale. Who in turn gave them a fake cough.

“I’m fine”, he says.

And of course, get rebuked immediately.

“This. Is not fine. Young master Cale. Definitely not.”

“Young master-nim. You shouldn’t lie to this old man.”

Cale frowned.

He didn’t lie.

“Please drink this, young master.” Ron handed Cale a highest grade potion with a benign smile on his face.

“No. Don’t. Potions won’t work for this.”

Cale refuse to waste potions for something it can’t heal. In the moment of war like now, the use of potions must be limited to the bare minimum.

“This much is nothing more than a simple warning. Don’t worry too much, I will be okay with some rest.”

Both Ron and the priestess was more than ready to scold Cale by his words alone, but the redhead was faster.

He raises his right arm.

“Ron. Help me stand.”

“Are you strong enough to walk, sir?”

“Let me help you, young master-nim.”

Lock seamlessly placed Cale on his back, even before the latter man said anything.

“..Thank you.”

Before Cale, Lock, Cage, and Ron left the room, they were stopped by Alberu.

“Let’s have a talk once you’ve recovered, young master Cale.”

Alberu gently patted Cale on the shoulder.

“Of course. With Mr. Beacrox and Choi Han as well.”

“..Mhm.”

Alberu finally let them go after Cale’s weak acceptance. He turned his head once more, gazing at his former office with sad eyes. He could still see the chef and hero glared at each other, with Rosalyn in between trying to pacify them.

“Now.”

The prince clapped his hands once, gaining everyone’s gaze in the room. He orders them with a bright smile.

“Explain.”

***

“Please rest, young master-nim. I will be right outside if you need anything.”

“Yeah.”

Ron’s long nagging had finally come to an end, and that’s only because Cale said he wants to sleep. Not to mention he had to met the crown prince after this as well.

‘Ugh.’

He could sense a horrible dread creeping in while imagining the extra nagging he’ll probably get later.

“Haaa.”

Cale blankly stared at the ceiling. He already felt this tired and it’s only been a few days since he woke up.

Great.

Just great.

Not to mention he’s now had one more problem to take care of.

Choi Han.

‘Damn that bastard. Running his mouth without even thinking of its consequences.’

Now as compromise, Cale needed to return part of his sealed memories. He can’t even use that power much as not to risk weaken his body even further. But more importantly—

‘How the hell Choi Han could suddenly regain his memories in the first place?’

That certainly never happened in the past before. Did it malfunction somehow?

An ancient power malfunctioning.

‘Is that even possible?’

He really need to do something about that. And the solution as well. It would be troublesome if the same situation occurs again.

“Once is more than enough.”

But for now—

A faint smile appeared on his face.

‘Let’s enjoy my little victory.’

Cale happily closes his eyes. His plans works wonder, after all.

The Vow of Death.

The childish quarrel between Choi Han and himself.

And last, Alberu’s own intervention.

Everything is perfect.

Each pieces falling into the right place like a fitted puzzle, carefully hiding his real  intention that he’s pretty sure none of them had realized yet.

“..Good thing they’re kinda slow.”

He had perfectly divert their attention from himself, to whatever bullshits he’s talking about. Like the metal filled with dead mana, or that Choi Han is actually a single-lifer. There will be a time where they will realize that it’s not even that useful.

‘Oh well.’

That’s not his problem. They can’t force him again to make a vow of death without a valid reason, much less with Ron and Beacrox by his side.

Perfect!

‘...’

For a moment there, he ignores the warm flutter in his heart when he remembers how Ron protected him or how Beacrox got angry for his sake.

It felt nice, you know?

To have someone by your side.

But that’s also why all of this is necessary. To make sure they’ll live and well.

’Even if I had to betray their trust.’

Extra :

Ever since their huge fight this afternoon, that resulted in both of them being lectured by the one and only crown prince Alberu Crossman, Beacrox has been giving him cold shoulder, ignoring him, and even sneering whenever they eyes met.

Before, they didn’t even met that often since Beacrox spent most of his free time in the kitchen. Aside from the casual sparring, meal time, or when he’s needed.

But now,

The raven furrowed his brows when Beacrox had ‘accidentally’ bumped his shoulder for the third time that evening. Not even bothering to apologize as he kept walking to who-knows-where.

“...”

Over the time Choi Han has spent on traveling with the Molan duo, he came to realize that Beacrox is one petty bastard, who would hold a grudges to the people he dislike, no matter how small. And sadly, Choi Han falls right into that category.

That’s why Choi Han has already half-expected Beacrox’s action to annoy him ahead of time, even before the chef started. But he fails to foresee the sheer level of pettiness when they met again for dinner.

‘Clack!’

Choi Han could see his dinner being laid out harshly in front of him, and immediately he noticed something amiss.

A plain looking steak with mashed potatoes.

Of course, Beacrox’s high pride as a chef wouldn’t let him serve Choi Han something inedible to eat.

And yet,

He have this pettiness to decorate the rest of the plates so beautifully that makes his looks like a trash food that doesn’t even belong to a speck of place there.

(In reality, his plates is not that different from the rest, maybe missing a few bits of garnish here and there.)

‘That’s okay though’, Choi Han had never been a person who cares to such things. They’re not even going to eat the garnish, as they only meant as a decoration.

“Have you cooked for Cale’s share, son?”

Ron asks from behind.

“Of course, father. I will deliver it right after this.”

Beacrox pushes the tray slowly after he’s done serving their dinner. That’s when the raven caught a glimpse of Cale’s supposed dinner in the topmost part of the tray.

An even more luxurious meals are shown in front of his eyes.

Choi Han eyed his sad-looking plate, then at Cale’s.

A full course meal made up of freshly made tomato salad, grilled steak that is cooked to perfection, topped with various kind of divine-looking desserts.

‘..What the hell?’

A mix stupefied and bewildered expression then appears in the moment of such incredulous situation.