Chapter Text
It’s a peaceful morning like any other.
Cale is woken up by the sun’s rays gently filtering through the window. He promptly turns over and covers his face with his blanket, snuggling deeper into the sheets. Time to sleep for a few more hours.
BANG!
Unlike other mornings, however, his door slams wide open with the force of an earthquake. It’s as though whoever came into his room crashed into the door with a full body slam without understanding the concept of door knobs.
Cale doesn’t bother to get up. He knows his friends and family would never let anyone dangerous get this far.
“GOOD MORNING, BEST FRIEND!”
Oh no.
Cale continues playing dead. He doesn’t have the energy to deal with someone so hyperactive so early in the morning.
“BEST FRIEND, COME VISIT THE WHIPPER KINGDOM! WE HAVE A FESTIVAL!” Tunka’s booming voice sounds a lot more excited than usual. “Come on! I know you’re pretending to be asleep!”
Cale peeks his head out from underneath the covers, revealing messy red hair and sleepy red eyes. He looks at Tunka’s bright smile and sighs.
“But I’m too lazy to move,” he mumbles. Walking through the busy crowds sounds like a chore.
“No worries, my friend! I gotchu!” Tunka strides over to Cale’s side and scoops him up into his arms, blanket and all. He grins down at Cale. “You don’t have to move, I’ll carry you everywhere!”
Cale blinks. Wrapped up like this, he’s like a big burrito or a caterpillar in a cocoon. He might be trash who doesn’t care much about his reputation, but this is hardly a presentable look. He’d rather not get in the headlines throughout the continents for looking like this. He can imagine the sensational and nonsensical news in his head already, from ‘IS YOUNG MASTER SILVER LIGHT GETTING KIDNAPPED?’ to something like ‘Gravely injured by the war, Cale Henituse is unable to walk on his own’ or even ‘Cale Henituse is undergoing a transformation to become a beautiful butterfly’.
“Young masters,” Ron interrupts as he enters the room. He gives his trademark benign smile as he takes out a comb from his pocket. “Please let this Ron dress you up for the occasion.”
“Aren’t I heavy?” Cale asks with concern.
“You’re as light as a feather!” Tunka replies cheerfully.
Feather, huh? That’s fitting. Cale feels like a parrot since he’s sitting on Tunka’s shoulder as they enjoy the festival.
The Whipper kingdom citizens do double-takes when they realize just who are walking down the streets. Oh my god, that’s the leader of their kingdom and his best friend, the famous shield hero of the Rowoon kingdom, the recluse who never leaves his house!
They stay a respectful distance away, watching with awed gazes and open mouths.
Cale likes not having to squeeze with the crowd.
He can’t remember the last time he went to a festival, but this one is pretty decent. Floral decorations and bright colors adorn every street, and many booths are set up, selling various types of food, drinks, toys, weapons, and accessories. A vibrant celebration of love and freedom.
He remembers hearing from Alver how much Tunka wanted to learn about how to properly govern a region. Tunka has clearly done a good job of rebuilding the kingdom after the war. Everyone looks happy and healthy as they join in the festivities.
Cale smiles.
Everyone gasps at the sight of his small and pleased smile.
It’s only when the shock dwindles away that they wonder why Cale Henituse is riding on someone’s shoulder like a little child.
And then they come to a realization.
Poor, pitiful young master silver light. He must have gone through so much during the war, suffering so many injuries that it became hard for him to walk. That must be why he rarely leaves his house. It’s so nice of their leader, Tunka, to carry his best friend around so Cale can enjoy the festivities.
And thus they became determined.
They have to do their best to ensure that young master silver light has a nice time at their festival!!!
“Young master, please try some of these!”
“Please wear this flower wreath!”
“Young master shield, welcome to the Whipper Kingdom! This is for you, please enjoy!”
All of the citizens are tripping over themselves to offer more freebies to Cale.
Free things? Cale loves this festival so much.
As he happily eats free chicken skewers, Cale tells Tunka with a pleased smile, “You have a great kingdom.”
Everyone, including Tunka, feels their hearts burst with joy, with such an honored guest praising their kingdom.
“Of course! My people are great!” Tunka agrees with a booming laugh. “You should come to visit more often, Cale! I can carry you anytime! We can also visit other territories. You should stop lying in bed all day long!”
The citizens nod in sympathy.
“Well, I guess it’s not too bad once in a while,” Cale agrees.