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Chapter Text

Hello, Senamin here!

I am here again to present you a new fanfiction and this time we will have some family-feel story between our beloved Og!Cale and Choi Han with their three children. A lot of messy events and misunderstandings will happen in the story so bear with me! (⁄ ⁄>⁄ ▽ ⁄<⁄ ⁄)

I love Og!ChoiCale so if this is not your tea, feel free not to read this. I just wrote this because it has been on my mind for a while now. And I wanted to share it with everyone who loves the same ship as me. Hehe (´｡• ω •｡`) ♡

This is an alternate universe where the White Star, the organization and the Hunters do not exist. Some changes occurred for this story and here are some: 

• Instead of “The Birth of a Hero”, the book Rok Soo and his friends read is “The Adventures of a Transmigrator”.
• Choi Han transmigrated in the world as an adventurer. 
• Cale Henituse didn’t regress, he’s just simply living his normal (drunken) teenage life.
• Cale’s mother didn’t die of an accident but an illness.
• The ancient powers will be called Kings of Spirits instead.
• The black dragon and red dragon are still alive since they were not taken from their castle when they were still an egg.
• Ron and Vicross do not serve Henituse County since their household was not annihilated.
• On and Hong got lost and met Cale in the villa where he was staying instead of loitering around the Henituse Territory.

Enjoy and let me know your thoughts by leaving some comments! Thank you for reading! ( ´ ▽ ` ).｡ｏ♡

This fanfiction is inspired from the following stories:

• Scarred Hearts, Tiny Hands by @MilkyMiks (AO3)

• Cale's Life as a Father of Unique Children by @OliveTeal006D5B (Wattpad)

Chapter Text

Darkness. 

That was what Kim Rok Soo, Choi Jung Soo and Lee Soo Hyuk saw as soon as they opened their eyes. All they knew was they were supposed to be going out of the country for their company business trip. But their luck sucked as soon as they were flying, their plane suddenly crashed which led them to the sea of darkness. They didn’t know what will happen to them now they are dead. They just let themselves float freely and without any restrictions.

Damn, I died even before achieving my slacker life. I was looking forward to retiring and doing some farming in a remote place, Lee Soo Hyuk sighed.

I feel bad for the family I left behind. Good thing, Father has another son who will inherit the dojo, Choi Jung Soo thought as he let the darkness take him wherever it wanted.

I don’t have anyone who will mourn for me since my parents died right after I finished college and my friends also died with me, Kim Rok Soo thought indifferently.

They didn’t know how much time passed as their sense of time came to a halt after they died. They couldn’t feel anything or hear anything, as if they became one with the darkness. Suddenly, chuckles of children, men and women combined were heard all around them. They felt creeped out with the sound.

“Hmm, good good. They’re here!” suddenly a voice could be heard all around them. They couldn’t point out if the person talking was a man or a woman.

Welcome! Welcome! You must be wondering who I am, right? Right? Hahaha. I am the Goddess of Fertility, you can call me Aite instead! They introduced.

You see, you see … I am bored. Then! I see your souls lost and wandering this place! Did you stray away from the path to the afterlife? Hmmm? They continued. 

The three souls remained quiet, after all they couldn't speak. 

But it’s okay! Fun still awaits you, my dear! I will give you another chance in life … but in another place! Aite added.

You have to be patient though, your parents are not that mature and I don’t know if they could take good care of you … BUT I assure you, you will not suffer from hunger! Aite laughed as bright light began to be in sight. 

The three didn’t know if it was bright or not but they knew it was a light. Before they could process everything, the three could finally feel and hear everything. When they opened their eyes, the surroundings were a little blurry. Then, they could hear a soft breathing beside them. 

Kim Rok Soo, Choi Jung Soo and Lee Soo Hyuk stretched their tiny arms and legs then they proceeded looking at one another. 

“Oooh gaaa,” was the only thing they could say.

What? I did reincarnate as a baby? How inconvenient! Jung Soo thought.

Oh, so reincarnation does exist and I am a prime example of that, Soo Hyuk calmly commented in his mind.

Wait, the goddess said our parents are a little immature … fuck, I can’t complain if I can’t produce proper words, Rok Soo cursed. 

Their thoughts stopped when another person moved on the bed where the three of them were lying. The other person sat up as they scratched their eyes and yawned.

“Huh?” was what they said. 

“There really are babies!” he gasped as he gently caressed the faces of his children.

This person could be their mother. His voice and actions were gentle. The three sneezed simultaneously and the other person scurried to get something in his closet. Without a minute, he came back and wrapped the three gently with a warm and soft blanket.

“I’m sorry, my babies. I don’t have anything for you to wear tonight, I’ll make sure to prepare some things for you tomorrow morning,” he said as he gently patted the three babies.

Somehow, the gentle touch of the person was soothing it made the three of them sleepy. Before they could register the face of their mother, the three of them fell into deep slumber. 

The next morning, the three of them awoke and they were now properly dressed. The clothes they were wearing looked hand-made from the highest quality of fabric. That was why the three of them believed that their mother was poor and couldn't afford buying made clothes. But they do wonder how their mother got ahold of such high quality fabrics. The gloves  and socks they were wearing were made from high quality wool which makes it comfortable and warm. The three children concluded that it might have come from their father.

“My babies are awake now,” their mother spoke. 

Now they could finally see their mother’s face clearly. He had red hair and reddish-brown eyes, he looked young but he was certainly a beauty. His smile was gentle and his voice was relaxing. 

Wait he looks familiar, Rok Soo thought. 

“Young Master Cale,” a middle aged woman spoke. 

“Ah, auntie look. My babies are born,” their mother named Cale said.

Ah , the three of them finally recognized the face and the name. 

Of all people who would become their mother, he was none other than: Cale Henituse. The drunkard first born son of the Henituse Family from the novel they have read before titled, “The Adventures of the Transmigrator.” Then, it sunk in, they were reincarnated inside the novel they read before they died.

Would we be alright in his care? They thought.

❀❀❀ to be continued ❀❀❀

Chapter Text

Cale Henituse, first born of the Henituse Family, son of Deruth Henituse with the late Countess Jour. Cale lost his biological mother at the age of eight due to an incurable illness his mother always had. On one rainy day, his mother went to the Harris Village to do her regular visitation in their County. When his mother came home, her illness suddenly got worse. Cale’s young mind couldn’t process what was happening after seeing his mother’s illness take a turn for the worse. The attending physician that time told him his mother was dying and she didn’t have any more time. The young child thought his mother caught some sort of deadly virus from the small and remote village she last visited. As a result, when his mother died, the young Cale solely blamed the Harris Village for it.

Deruth and Cale mourned for their beloved Jour. Deruth succumbed to his heart ache which resulted in neglect for his child’s well-being. However, Cale was understanding. He knew it was painful for his father so he waited for his father to heal. Contrary to his expectations, Deruth’s heart ache lasted for so many days. His father refused to see, dine, and speak with him. No matter how much he showed how he excelled with his studies, it was in vain. Cale was completely ignored, as if he didn’t exist in their house. The young child couldn’t let himself complain of what was happening during this time because the adults told him he should be understanding. 

Cale did. He didn’t impose or force his father to see him. He would always wait for him … for him to open his door for Cale again. He waited to see his father’s smile again for him. However, things didn’t go as Cale had planned. 

A year after his mother’s death, Deruth came home with strangers alongside him. It was a woman and a young boy. Cale’s heart broke into smaller pieces seeing how his father immediately replaced his mother and him in his heart. 

His beloved father finally smiled … but not for him. His love and care were not for him. His attention was not for him. His father stood up on his own feet again … but not because of him.

Cale felt everything he did was useless. Every single thing came rushing inside his mind, his emotions started to swirl. Before his father could see, Cale managed to fake a smile and congratulate his father and his new wife and son. His father thanked him whole-heartedly.

Cale ran as fast as he could and went back to his room. Finally, the fragile foundation he created to move forward came crashing down as if they had been stomped over and over again, like a sand castle when sea water washed it away. It hurt him … so much he could barely breathe. The heart he tried to mend in any way he could was destroyed by the person he yearned the most … by the person he loved the most after his mother … by the person he trusted the most … by his one and only father. That day, Cale learned what betrayal meant.

Years went by, Cale stopped attending his classes and he no longer yearned to dine with his father. He hid himself inside his room and the servants would only bring his food to him. No matter how much his father called for him, he never joined them. Cale was afraid of breaking down in front of his father’s newfound happiness. After all, Cale was understanding. The adults told him to prioritize his father’s happiness.

When Cale was eleven, the collateral family began harassing his father’s new family. He knew his father was a little weak towards his family, Cale made sure to do something to protect his father’s happiness. He acted spoiled and bratty, so unbecoming of an elegant noble like him. He acted selfishly, he did something he didn’t know he could do. He cursed and acted like a lout. He did every shameless act to push his younger brother as a successor of the title. To protect his siblings and his father’s greatest joy.

Deruth never reprimanded his son, he believed it was his son’s way of dealing with his heartache too and he thought he didn’t have the right to stop his son. He enabled his son’s behavior. Cale believed his father didn’t care about him at all.

Cale then became known as the lout of the County … as a disgrace to his family … an embarrassment of nobility … a disappointment to his father. Little did they know, Cale stopped attending his classes because he finished his studies early on. When his father was mentally absent, Cale took upon the duties of his mother to help his father in managing their county but not all efforts would be recognized.

As Cale reached the age of fifteen, he began drowning himself with alcohol. He jumped from taverns to taverns. He picked a fight with the hooligans in their territory. He caused a mess in the city. He threatened the people. What they didn’t know, Cale never hurt anyone except for the gangsters loitering in their territory.

Cale became known as the lout among louts. 

Presently, Cale is now seventeen. His drunken escapades continued, he spoke rude words and threw bottles. His father never cared for him so he did whatever he wanted. Deruth only gave him money to spend every day. The people pitied Deruth for having Cale as a disgraceful son. They hailed the Count as merciful for not kicking out his firstborn.

One day, Cale was in his regular tavern when an unknown man entered. He never took a glance and only continued to drink his liquor.

“Oh, young man! You came from Harris Village? You must be new here, what's your name?” a man asked. 

"Ah, I am Choi Han," the black-haired man answered and smiled.

One of the friends of the man hushed him as they looked at the red-haired Young Master. It was well-known how much Cale despised the Harris Village due to his mother's death. 

Hearing the name of that goddamn village, Cale raised a brow and turned to the person who spoke that wretched place.

“Harris Village?” Cale asked as he stood and walked over towards the person who spoke.

Cale examined the newcomer. He looked unsanitary, though his hair color was rare. Even then, this man in front of him came from a filthy village.

“What the hell does a person coming from a wretched place doing here? You look filthy as fuck,” Cale asked, his face was red as his hair. The people inside the tavern believed the young master was drunk.

The newcomer was irked with the noble looking kid in front of him.

“What do I expect from a place filled with good-for-nothing savages? Ha," Cale added as he let out a sigh to mock the people of Harris Village.

Because of this, the newcomer grabbed Cale's collar and the latter stared at the black-haired man without fear in his eyes. 

"You say some funny things," Choi Han gritted his teeth. 

What irritated Choi Han more was the look the red-haired noble was giving him.

"Then you should laugh," Cale smirked. 

Choi Han flung Cale forward and the latter met the floor. The black-haired man couldn't accept the person who was making fun of his newly found family and friends. When he came into this world, he had no one. What greeted him was monsters and he had to fight to survive. Years passed after venturing into the forest filled with monsters, he found the way out. He was welcomed by the filthy savages this red-haired noble was speaking of. 

"How dare you! You don't have any right to make fun of my friends," Choi Han said, full of rage.

Seeing a fight was about to spark, some of the customers of the tavern ran away and some went to call for the knights. It was known in the territory that even though Cale Henituse is a lout, he was well favored by the Count. They didn't want to make the Count sad by bringing his son back to him filled with injuries, after all they have seen how devastated the Count looked when his first wife died. The black-haired young man looked incredibly strong. 

"Young man, stop that," the owner butted in. "He's the son of the territory's lord."

"Being a territory's lord doesn't warrant him to speak ill of humble people!" Choi Han yelled. This was the first time he met such a terrible person. 

Cale stood and laughed. The people wanted to make the redhead shut up so he wouldn't be beaten up but he was looking for a fight. 

Is he too drunk today? The owner worriedly thought. 

"Why should I care for a mere peasant's feelings? Their lives aren't worth that much, this wine is even more valuable than all of your lives combined," Cale said as if he was spewing poison.

"I see, that foul mouth of yours needed to be disciplined," angered, Choi Han rushed and punched Cale with all his might. 

The people who remained screamed and tried to stop the black-haired young man but he was too strong. He continued punching Cale until he was bloodied up. The redhead couldn't care less what would happen to him as he let out a soft smile while closing his eyes. This gesture made Choi Han stop from what he was doing.

What the hell is he? Why is he smiling? Does he enjoy getting beaten up? Why isn't he moving? Choi Han's thoughts suddenly came rushing to him. 

Choi Han looked closely and he heard the soft breathing of the redhead. Even though the redhead was beaten to a pulp, he looked strangely calm. 

Did he pass out? Choi Han thought. 

The knights came and pulled Choi Han away and some restrained him. The Vice Captain of the Henituse' Knights checked the young noble's condition as they carried him back to the estate. Choi Han was also dragged back. 

The whole Henituse mansion was in chaos after the firstborn came home bloodied all over his body. The unknown man the knights dragged back was sent to the cell to question him later. The Count heard the news and he immediately went to his son's side. Seeing Cale's bloody figure made his knees go weak, he sat beside his son as the healers and physicians did their work.

After thirty minutes of tending to the Young Master, the physicians told them the young noble needed plenty of rest and he would be sleeping for a while. Deruth held his son's hand. 

Choi Han was interrogated by the Count himself, after he beat up his firstborn son. Deruth understood where the young man was coming even so it doesn't mean his son deserved that kind of beating. Plus, his son was a noble. 

"I will let this slide today but there will be no next time," Deruth sighed. 

Choi Han was set free. He went back to his adventures to discover more about the world he was sent in. 

Three days later, Cale finally awoke. He was bruised all over and his body ached. He sat up and leaned on his headboard. 

That goddamn bastard, Cale cursed. 

Then, the deputy butler named Hans entered his room. 

"Young Master! I'm glad you're finally awake, the Count would be happy to hear this news," Hans cheerily said. Cale just rolled his eyes. 

Hans was such a peculiar person for Cale. He looked incredibly wimpy but he was capable as hell. He was one of the few Cale trusted in this household. 

"Hans, bring me some food. Make sure to thoroughly check what you're bringing me," Cale said as he stood to sit on his couch. Due to his unstable standing, he fell but Hans caught him in time. 

"You need to be careful, Young Master. You haven't recovered yet," Hans sighed as he guided the redhead to where he wanted to go. 

"Whatever, hurry up! I am hungry," Cale said. 

Hans went out and adhered to his order. For him, Cale's orders were his priority. After all, he had seen something before that most of the people didn't know. Additionally, Deruth made him his butler. Hans would tell the news later after Cale had given something to eat. 

After  Hans checked and delivered Cale's food, he proceeded to the Count's office to tell that the Young Master was awake. Due to this, Deruth stood and immediately went to his son's room.

"Cale, it's me, your Father," Deruth said outside his room. 

Cale paused for a while before letting his father enter. 

"Oh, you're eating? That's good. How's your body?" Deruth asked. Cale didn't spare him any glance. 

"I'm alright now," Cale answered. 

The atmosphere was slightly awkward, Cale had built a wall and Deruth was too scared to climb over that wall.

"Do you have anything you want to say to me, Father?" Cale asked. 

"Nothing, I am just checking your well-being. Come to the dining hall later at dinner, join us once in a while," Deruth nervously smiled as he gently patted his son's head which surprised the latter. 

Deruth went out without hearing Cale's response. The latter certainly didn't want to join them but since he was personally invited by his father, it wouldn't hurt to join them once in a while. 

Cale sighed inwardly and felt nervous for the first time in a while.

Chapter Text

Dinner came and Cale went down to join his father's family today. His father, step mother, his step brother and half sister were already there. Deruth greeted him with a smile and Cale subconsciously bowed in return. He proceeded to sit in the empty space right next to his father. That was where he always sat when his father hadn't ignored him yet. 

"I am glad you made it today," Deruth smiled. His father's attitude was throwing him off. 

"Orabeoni, are you alright now?" Lily asked. 

"H-Huh? Ah, yeah," Cale answered. 

Even though he was still covered with bandages, his family believed Cale made an effort for them today. Cale really did. 

When dinner was served, the family ate uneventfully. Though Deruth's new family spoke with one another, catching up what happened to them during the day and updates regarding their studies and duties, Cale remained quiet all throughout that. He didn't have anything to say, more less his family didn't even ask him. 

They were having desserts when Deruth decided to address the issue with the person named Choi Han the other day. 

“Cale, I am greatly concerned with what happened three days ago. I hope something like that won't happen again," Deruth said. Cale stopped from what he was doing and looked at his father. 

"I know I've given you so much freedom, enough for you to do whatever you want as long as you stay in our territory. But what happened the other day was too much," Deruth continued. He didn't want any harm coming to his son.

"Because of this, your mother and I decided to let you recuperate in one of our villas in the countryside," Deruth added. 

Deruth looked at Cale, the other members of the family did the same, and they were surprised to see the expression painted on the redhead's face. Cale was crestfallen and he couldn't control his facial expression.

"Am I being kicked out?" Cale asked.

"W-What? Of course not, son. Why would you think that?” Deruth responded, however Cale didn’t pay attention.

Of course Father would kick me out eventually. Haha, who am I kidding? You think Father would mind about us? Just because he showed little concern to you today, he’d continue to do so? Wake up, Cale! Stop deluding yourself Father would look our way ever again, Cale spoke to his mind. 

His family was speaking with him yet he didn’t hear any of it since he was too engrossed with his conversation with himself. Because of this, Cale made a sad expression. Unknowingly, Cale’s tears fell from his eyes which surprised everyone in the dining hall—even Cale himself was surprised. 

“C-Cale? Are you okay?” Deruth asked as he stood and approached his son. He was hesitating to touch his son ‘coz he looked delicate.

Cale touched his falling tears and wondered why he was crying. Then he realized that somewhere deep inside his heart, he still sought for his Father’s warmth. Coming to a realization that his father would never do, his heart laments for it.

“Excuse me, I’ll go back to my room,” Cale said but his voice cracked which worsened his family’s concern towards him.

“Cale,” Deruth called but Cale never looked back. 

He ran fast so he could reach his room immediately. The servants looked at him in shock, he didn’t want to know what was going on with their minds, all he wanted was to hide himself. 

As soon as he entered his room, he slumped down and leaned on his door, muffling the sound of his cries so it wouldn't escape from his mouth. 

What was I hoping for? Cale cried. 

After calming down a little, Cale moved to his bed and hid under his blanket. A knock was heard and Hans entered his room.

"Young Mas—"

"Hans, prepare for my departure tomorrow. I will leave quietly at dawn," Cale said, he didn't listen to what the deputy butler would say nor was he interested in anything anymore. 

All he wanted was to adhere to his father's choices.

Hans hesitated to speak and just let out a resigned smile. 

"As you wish, Young Master," Hans responded.

Hans finished packing Cale's things right before midnight and he resigned for the day. Using this cue, Cale stood up and took his cloak. He wanted to visit his birth mother's grave before he went away. He knew what villa his father was speaking about, it was his mother's favorite. 

A wind blew which knocked off the hood of his cloak, revealing his red hair glistening under the moonlight. Due to this, a certain man saw him and ended up following Cale. 

The redhead entered the Henituse' Family grave. He kneeled in front of his mother's grave. 

"It's been a while, Mom," Cale said in a mellow voice. 

The man who followed Cale hid behind the tree near where the redhead was. He could clearly hear what Cale was saying. 

"Mom, I am tired," Cale began to speak again. He was sobbing.

"I am tired living this way … I know I was the one who made the decision to do this but it was tiring," the man could hear the sobbing of the redhead trash.

"I wanted to keep Father's happiness because I know you wanted it too … but how about me? Nobody cared what I did, nobody asked what I wanted," Cale continued. 

The man looked at the fragile figure in front of him. When he first saw Cale, he had this strong look and confident smile. A demeanor fitting for a noble like him, however, seeing him looking so delicate somehow made his heart ache. His voice was filled with sorrow as if he had given up with what was ahead of him. If he had seen him years ago, he might relate to him but he found something precious called family and friends that made all his laments go away as if it didn't exist. 

However, the redhead in front of him looked so lonely and alone. He was known as trash, was that the reason why he didn't have any friends? Was that the reason why his family didn't care about him?

"If I didn't do any of it, the nobles and the collateral family would bring our name down," Cale spoke once again. "I didn't want my Father to be sad again … that's why I acted trash, it was difficult but I got used to it. I was proud that I managed to protect them that way, but it hurt me when they looked at me like that and when they talked about me like that."

The redhead continued to cry. 

So he was just acting, the man thought. That person became a lout since he was a kid yet he shouldered everything for the sake of his father's happiness. How admirable, but there is something I don't understand.

"Mom, Father is sending me away this time. He must have found me tiring too. I won't be able to visit you for a while, mom. But when I have a chance to go back to this territory, you'll be the first one I'll visit. I promise," Cale said as he sniffled.

Sending him away? To where? The man thought. His eyes were shaking as if he couldn't believe what he just heard. 

He knew for certain the Lord of the Territory dotes on his son. Though, he didn't know in what way. But he saw how worried the Count was when the firstborn was bloodied and passed out. He wondered why.

Cale stayed there for a while and the man kept watching him not far from him. Then, after a good ten minutes, the redhead laid on the ground. The man immediately approached him, he sighed a breath of relief when he found the redhead just fell asleep.

"Ha, why can't I take my eyes off of you ever since I saw you that day?" The man said as he brushed the tears from Cale's eyes and brought him to his arms. 

He couldn't let the young noble sleep outside without anyone looking after him. So he decided to bring him home. The knights saw him and their young master. They questioned what happened and the man just told them he fell asleep. 

Deruth came out immediately after he was alerted of what happened. He personally took Cale from the knights and he saw how red his son's eyes were. He suddenly felt bad about what he said to his son earlier seeing Cale might have misunderstood his intentions. He decided to talk to his son first thing in the morning, totally unaware of his son's decision. 

That night, Cale dreamt of something that would totally change his life. 

Chapter Text

The night before Cale's departure, he had a strange dream. He found himself in a flower meadow, at the center stood a beautiful, friendly-looking woman. She had long, wavy, golden brown hair and pale skin. She turned around and welcomed Cale with a smile. 

Am I dead? Cale thought after remembering he might have fallen asleep on his mother's grave. 

"Welcome, child! I am glad you found me," she spoke while approaching him. 

"I've been waiting for you!" She added. 

"Who?" Cale asked. 

"I am Aite, just a bored goddess," she smiled. 

Huh? Cale thought. 

"You are a Thames, I can see it clearly with my eyes. But a Thames who stray away from the path for their lives, that's a little odd. It's been several centuries since I found someone lost in his life," Aite said as she circled around the redhead.

Cale remained silent because it was true. He was lost. This was not the life he envisioned to be doing in his future but what choice does he have? He didn't know what else to do, acting trash was the only thing he could do to prevent others from bullying and discriminating against his loved ones. 

"It's alright, nothing is too late yet!" She giggled. "You still have a chance!"

"What do you mean?" Cale asked. 

"Oh? You haven't heard about your bloodline? It's a thing with the Thames, you know," Aite responded. "When someone from that bloodline has gone astray from their morals, one of the gods would bless them."

"And I am here to bless you! I am giving you a child !" She enthusiastically said. 

"What? I am too young to have a child and I don't think I am mentally and emotionally capable of having one!" Cale rebuked. 

The goddess laughed. 

"Do you think I care about that? Anyway, you'll be fine! Maybe you will finally find the happiness you are seeking for!" The goddess continued to laugh as she disappeared leaving Cale with a lot of questions. 

"Oh, one more thing, you'll be the one bearing it so good luck!"

Cale jolted awake as he panted and placed his hand on his chest. His heart was beating fast.

Was that dream for real? Cale thought as he tried to collect his thoughts. 

Looking around, he noticed he was inside his room. 

Oh, did Hans bring me home? Cale sighed as he brushed his hair upwards. He stood and stretched his limbs. 

Cale needed to prepare for his departure. He dressed simply and went downstairs. He bumped into his father and Deruth had this questioning gaze. 

"Where are you going this early in the morning, Cale?" He asked. 

"I am going to the villa just like you said," Cale answered as he continued to walk towards the carriage. 

Cale frowned seeing a handful of servants. 

"I don't need anyone aside from Hans," Cale said in a cold tone. "Get out."

The servants who weren't Hans scurried away. They didn't want to get yelled at by the redhead. 

"Cale, son," Deruth called but the redhead didn't turn around. He sighed. 

"Will you please listen first, Cale?" Deruth commanded.

"How funny, father. When I asked you to listen to me, you never did. When I asked you to look at me, you never did. Now, you're asking me the same thing. Why are you upset that I am not listening to you?" Cale questioned. 

Violan and his siblings went out, still in their nightwear as if they were trying to stop him.

"I am tired, Father. Maybe this separation is a good thing, this way this whole household won't get awkward whenever they see me. Maybe, this way everyone would be at ease since the trash will take himself out," Cale continued as he turned his back on them.

"And, oh, I only need Hans with me. I don't want to take the same servants who keep slandering me everyday as if it's part of their jobs," Cale added as he entered the carriage and Hans closed its door as he bowed to the Henituse' Family. 

Deruth and everyone were speechless from what they just heard. They just watched the carriage as Hans drove it away to go to the villa. Angered by this, Deruth and Violan called their trusted servants. Basen also did the same thing. Lily wanted to go into her training first things first and to straighten some cowardly knights. 

Meanwhile, Cale's journey will be long since the villa was far from the Henituse Territory so Hans told his Young Master to rest for a while and he would wake him up when it's time to eat. Cale adhered and slept inside the carriage. 

At noon, Cale and Hans stopped over to have lunch. The deputy butler woke up the sleeping Cale after setting up their simple camp. 

"You didn't have to do this," Cale said as soon as he saw what Hans set up. 

"No, Young Master. I wanted to, just eat since you haven't eaten breakfast yet," Hans responded with a smile. 

The two ate their meals and Hans kept talking while Cale quietly listened. 

"Don't worry, Young Master, I am sure the Lord would send you money every week for your spending in the villa. I will also ensure to properly attend to you and will keep the place clean," Hans said, seeing the worried expression of his young master. 

Certainly, Cale's decision was rash but the redhead didn't regret it. Since his father opened it up, it would be good to just obey him. Money was the least of his worries, he knew his father would send him anyway. 

After eating and resting, the two were about to continue their travels when they heard a horse galloping to their way. 

"Hans! Young Master!" He was the Vice-Captain of the Knights.

"What are you doing here?" Cale asked.

"The Lord asked me to accompany you to keep you safe, Young Master. I hope you let me do it," Hilsman responded.

"Do what you want," Cale sighed as he closed the carriage doors.

The Vice-Captain was used to Cale's temperament so he just smiled and Hans hopped on to drive the carriage. The travel going to the villa will take them a week for them to arrive so when they reached a city, they lodged in to spend the night. 

Cale's reputation was well-known throughout the kingdom so a lot of people were afraid of him. When he got out of the carriage, his eyes looked solemn which made the people in town talk about him. 

So it's true he's being kicked out by the Lord. 

About time! The Lord is too merciful towards him. 

I heard he got beaten up by a commoner.

Was what they were saying. They said it loud enough for Cale to hear. Due to this, Hans angrily stared at them. 

"Let them be, it's the truth anyway," Cale said. Hans wanted to refute but the redhead didn't want to talk anymore. 

When they finally settled in one of the luxurious rooms in the inn, Cale took his bath, after Hans prepared it. He went in for a soak in a bathtub filled with warm water and flower oils. He had always liked the smell of flower oils in his body especially when he was about to sleep or when he went out. The flower oils he was using depend on the time he was bathing. He couldn't risk bathing in strong scented flower oils when he's about to sleep. It poses difficulty in sleeping after all. 

Once he was done, Cale proceeded to sleep. 

The next day, they continued their journey and six days later: they finally arrived at their destination. 

The villa was located at the mountaintop and it was a small castle with the height of three floors, the roof was painted blue. There was a small lake and a garden with a gazebo. They were welcomed by the servants keeping the villa clean and they unloaded all their Young Master's things.  

The butler of the villa guided Cale to his room. Looking around, Cale nodded in satisfaction seeing how neat and proper the place was. 

"You did a great job managing this place," Cale praised.

The servants here have heard their Young Master's reputation and they couldn't believe it at first since they knew him since he was a child. They all wondered how come the sweet and lovable child had become trash. 

"It's my pleasure, Young Master. This place is the late Countess' favorite villa so we take pride in keeping this place the way it was years ago," the villa's butler responded. 

"It's great, thank you for keeping my mother's memory," Cale solemnly said.

The redhead entered his room and he immediately laid his back on the bed. The servants placed every luggage Cale had and sorted it out. Cale fell asleep due to exhaustion. 

Night came, Cale woke up due to another weird dream. He was seeing three sparks of lights in his dream and it was swirling around him in a garden filled with camellia, lilies, sunflower, tulips, dahlia, daffodil and wisteria. He didn't know what it was. He sighed as he tried to sleep once again. 

Two months after that weird dream, Cale woke up a little sluggish. He sat up and leaned on the headboard, then Hans entered. 

"Young Master, good morning. Did you sleep well?" Hans asked as he handed him a morning tea.

"Weird, I still feel tired even though I just woke up," Cale responded as he took the tea but as soon as he smelled it, he pushed it aside. He didn't like it even though he always drinks it. 

"Hans, I'm going for a walk in the town today," Cale said. 

"You should eat first, Young Master," Hans told him. 

"Bring me a light meal," He responded.

Hans gladly adhered and went out. Not more than half an hour, Hans came back with a crab soup and a grilled cheese. As soon as Cale smelled the aroma of seafood, he gagged and ran towards the bathroom which baffled Hans.

Cale couldn't understand what was happening to him. Last time he was too lethargic and had slept all the time. He was incredibly moody and prickly compared to before. Now, he was gagging and no bile would come out. Then he heard a knock from the bathroom door.

"Young Master, are you alright? Do you feel sick?" Hans asked. 

"Ugh, yes. I'm alright. I don't like the food you brought, replace it with another," Cale answered as he came out of the bathroom looking haggard. 

Hans immediately put the food outside Cale's room as he guided the latter to his bed. The Young Master was certainly acting weird lately. Cale was sometimes feverish and would sleep most of the time.

The deputy butler went to the kitchen and told the kitchen staffs the Young Master didn't like the food. The middle-aged woman was disheartened. 

"Why? It's my specialty," the woman asked. 

"I do not know. The Young Master vomited as soon as he smelled the food," Hans answered. 

"Come to think of it, the Young Master is acting strangely lately," one of the staff said. "His actions lately were the same as those of pregnant women."

"Right, if he is a woman, I might think the Young Master is pregnant," the chef added. 

One of the oldest staff in the kitchen stopped what she was doing. The staff was named Melissa, she formerly worked as a maid for the Thames Household and moved with Jour when she was still alive. She, more or less, knew what was happening to the Young Master since it was known among the servants the myth about the Thames bloodline. 

"Where's the Young Master, right now?" Melissa asked. 

"He's in his room. I think I should call for a physician," Hans responded.

"Okay, I'll go to the Young Master to inquire of what is going on with him," Melissa said. 

Hans immediately went to fetch a physician and Melissa, along with the villa's butler, went to Cale's room. 

As soon as they entered his room, they didn’t find him so they searched the whole room and they found him passed out inside the bathroom floor.

“Young Master?!” the villa’s butler said as they went and checked Cale’s condition.

The butler carried Cale to his bed and Melissa took some change of clothes since he got dirty. When Hans arrived with the villa’s physician, they were alerted to seeing the young master’s condition. The physician immediately checked his condition and Hans kept telling him all the symptoms he has been showing these past few days.

A moment later, Cale woke up. He saw the worried and confused expression of the people around him. He sluggishly sat up as he leaned on the headboard.

“How’s your feeling, Young Master?” the physician asked. 

Confused, Cale answered, “I am fine, just a little hungry.”

"By the way, what are you all doing here?"

The physician cleared his throat and began to speak. 

"I came to check on you, Young Master since Hans told me you are sick … This is the first time I handled this kind of case, Young Master, so I am a bit uncertain due to the fact that you are a man."

Cale raised his brow and looked at their eyes confusedly. 

"And?"

"The Young Master is showing signs of pregnancy," the physician sweat-dropped from his findings. "I know this is a strange thing to say to a man, but you really are."

"W-What? How the fuck did that happen?" Cale asked.

"I don't know, that's why I found it strange," the physician answered. "For the meantime, do not consume alcohol and eat healthily. I'll come back to check on you every week, please tell me if you show other symptoms, okay?"

Cale was speechless. He didn't know how to process that information. He just watched the physician go out of his room after instructing Hans what to do. Then, Melissa approached Cale. 

"Young Master, did you have a strange dream recently?" Melissa asked. 

Cale blinked a few times before he recalled that strange dream with the so-called goddess. Judging from the expression Cale was showing, the people waiting for his answer affirmed he really had a dream about it. 

“Young Master, I am Melissa. I used to serve the Thames Household and I came here with your mother when she came to the Henituse’. I just requested the Count to station me here in this villa since lady Jour loved this place,” Melissa spoke. Cale turned to her and listened.

“There is a particular myth with the bloodline, all the servants were informed about it just in case the myth came true. Most of the servants didn’t believe it since it was too far-fetched, but now that I am seeing it with my own eyes, the myth is real,” she added.

“What’s this myth all about?” Cale asked, he already knew the answer but he wanted to know whether it was true or not.

“When a person with the blood of Thames strayed away from the path they needed to take, a god or a goddess would give them blessings. It depends on what kind of god they are, if you are blessed by the god of poverty, they will be suffering poverty all their life. If they are blessed by a god of misery, misfortune will come their way," Melissa explained. "I presume, you are blessed by the goddess of fertility?"

"S-She did appear in my dreams talking about me carrying a child," Cale quietly answered. Due to his body gestures, they could infer that Cale was anxious.

"I see. Lady Jour didn't live long enough for you to grow older and to tell you this myth, but I hope you believe this old lady," Melissa said as she gently patted the redhead's back. 

"But I am too young for this, I do not know how to care for a small child. My siblings don't even like me," Cale said sadly. "What if my child would hate me too?"

Melissa shook her head, "Your child won't hate you. The employees in this villa know your heart, Young Master. The trashy act you're doing didn't have any effect on us because we know what kind of person you are."

"I-If anything, Young Master we will be here to support you," Hans tried to reassure. 

"That's right, Young Master. Do not worry, I know this is frightening for you, but we ensure you will not go through this alone," the butler smiled kindly.

Unknowingly, Cale's tears began to fall. He frantically wiped away his tears. He wasn't an emotional person but his mood changes too fast. The three comforted the young redhead as he cried his heart out. They weren't sure if it was gratitude or relief. Their Young Master has been carrying such a heavy burden.

"Oh, please don't tell the main house about my condition," Cale said as soon as he calmed down. "I don't want them to hate my child. They kicked me out of the house, I don't want them to know. I'll keep my child and live here for the rest of our lives."

"If that is what our Young Master wishes," the three said in unison.

News about the Young Master spread throughout the villa and they were all given a missive not to tell his condition which everybody agreed on. They didn't like the main house's servants and knights since they made their precious young master do things he was reluctant to do.

Cale was accepting of his fate and didn't question so much. Now, all he needed to do was gather information as to how to care for a child. He was a novice in terms of child care. Luckily, the mothers and grandmothers, who were still working in the villa, helped him learn a thing or two.

For some reasons, Cale was gladly anticipating the arrival of his child .

Chapter Text

From time to time, Cale would go to the town on the foot of the mountain to look around and mingle with the common people. Hans and Hilsman would go with him to keep him safe.

Few months later, Cale's pregnancy was in its second trimester. Though nothing changed in his appearance, his belly didn't grow, but the physician was now certain the redhead had babies inside him. The physician didn't know how and where but he was sure there were heartbeats along with Cale's.

Cale's morning sickness and tiredness were lessened compared to the first few months. Now he was enjoying his days without worrying when he would pass out—his morning sickness was so severe his body was forced to pass out. Cale's appetite had increased as well and his palate completely changed. 

Hans was beginning to worry since some of the foods Cale was asking were unknown. The redhead didn't know the name as well, he would just describe them but it sounded foreign, so some of the things he craved for, they couldn't provide which disheartened Cale a lot. Whenever he couldn't eat what he craved for, he would sulk the whole day. 

Now, Cale was on the way to the town to stroll around again. At first, they didn't receive him well due to his reputation, but Cale proved them wrong. Currently, Cale has become the most wanted grandchild by the elderly. Due to this, when Cale visits the town, they would give him a variety of fruits and vegetables. The town didn't know his condition, only the people working inside the villa. 

Consequently, a party of adventurers also visited the town in time of Cale's visit. The adventurers were quite well-known due to their achievements and strengths on the field. There was a swordmaster, an assassin or a cook, a mage and a fighter. 

"Choi Han-hyung," the gray-haired boy called. Choi Han turned to him. 

"What's the purpose of visiting this place?" He asked. The red-haired mage huffed at that question. 

"Ha, Choi Han here is looking for the love of his life. He has been searching for that person since we got together," the red-haired mage was the one who answered.

"Stop, Rosalyn. It's not like that," Choi Han refuted his friend.

"Eh? Is that the reason why you've been rejecting all the offers and proposals of the noble ladies in the Capital?" Lock asked. 

"This punk here is totally smitten to that person, whoever they are," the assassin/cook said.

Choi Han stopped his tracks and his eyes widened when he saw the familiar redhead he was looking for this whole time. His party members stopped as well and they followed his line of sight. They all saw the infamous trash of the Count Henituse.

The trash they saw here was completely different to the one in the rumors. They said people feared him but in this place he was well-received and was laughing alongside the common people. They said this redhead trash bothers the merchants, but the one in front of them was getting along with them. 

Choi Han's party members all turned to Choi Han and they saw his expression. 

"Hey, can you change my hair color so he won't recognize me," Choi Han said to their red haired mage. 

The three made an inexplicable expression. All of them now changed their hair and eye colors, in case people would start recognizing them. 

Is Choi Han-hyung getting shy? Lock thought as they walked towards the infamous trash. 

That's what you get beating up the person you like, Rosalyn inwardly smiled, making fun of their leader.

Hmm, so that's Cale Henituse, Vicross thought.

Cale was casually strolling, without Hans, since he snuck out. He couldn't take it anymore, he really wanted to eat that strange food he saw in his dreams. The elderly flocked around him once again and gave him a lot of treats. 

A group of running children accidentally bumped into Cale which made him trip. Luckily, a stranger caught him.

"T-Thank you," Cale said as he clutched his chest, he almost harmed the beings inside him. I need to be careful.

"You're welcome, are you hurt?" A white-haired man asked. 

Cale studied his face for a while. He has white hair and silver eyes. The person in front of him was indeed good-looking. 

"I-I'm alright," Cale smiled kindly.

"Are you looking for something? You looked like you were searching for some things," a purple haired woman asked. 

She must be his companion, there are two more at the back, Cale examined his group. There was a pink-haired teenage boy and a scary looking grown man with blue hair.

"Ah, yes. I am looking for some food. I don't know its name but I know what it looked like," Cale said as he continued looking around. 

"Hmm, is that so? Then, could you describe it to us? We have a cook in our group, maybe he could prepare it for you," the white-haired said. 

Observing Cale's reaction, they knew he had suspicion. 

"Oh, where are my manners, I am Ch—," the white-haired stopped what he was about to say and cleared his throat. "I am Solaris."

"I am Rosie," the purple haired woman said, playing along with their leader.

"My name's Key," the pink haired boy said.

"I am Cross," the blue haired man said. 

"Oh, nice to meet you. I am Cale," he smiled.

"So … what food are you searching for?" Solaris asked. 

"Ah … I don't know what it's called. But it is wrapped in a black or dark green thin paper like? Uhh … inside are white grains? There are some things inside too but I don't know them? I am not familiar with the taste but I really would like to eat that," Cale explained as he tried to recall the food that appeared inside his dream.

Ugh, my children wanted some weird food, Cale thought.

"Ah, is it rolled?" Solaris asked. Cale's face brightened. 

"Yes! It is rolled. The black wrap is on the outside and the white grains are inside!" Cale enthusiastically responded. 

Solaris chuckled softly upon seeing Cale's expression. 

He must have been wanting to eat that, Solaris, no, Choi Han thought. 

"I know that food. We could prepare it for you if you want," Solaris said. "It's a food from my hometown, so you won't find it here."

Cale's face lightened but he hesitated. 

"Would it be alright?" Cale asked.

Choi Han looked at Vicross and the latter just sighed.

"Yes, that would be alright," the blue-haired answered.

Cale smiled widely and held Solaris' hand, "Then, let's go to my house!"

Choi Han's group questioned Cale's level of trust to strangers. He didn't even question where they came from, he just accepted them. 

The moment they entered the villa, several servants came and separated the Young Master and the strangers. 

"Young Master, who are they?" Hans asked. "Did you sneak out and go to the town again?”

"Hans! I found someone who could cook the food I am craving for!" Cale gladly said. Hans gently massaged his temples and sighed.

"Young Master, where did you find these people? We can't just let them enter your place," Hans reminded. He felt he might get older faster if their Young Master was too lenient with his security. Cale wasn't like this back in the Henituse Territory. 

"They are travelers, one of them came from the place where the food I am looking for is common. That's why can you lead them to the kitchen, as for the others, give them a room? They're my guest," Cale smiled. 

"As you wish, Young Master," Hans sighed.

The villa's butler, named Marley, guided the guest to where they should be. Hans dragged Cale back to his room. 

Ugh, the Young Master is different from the usual Cale. I didn't know he IS this carefree … or is it a side effect of being pregnant? Hans thought as he prepared Cale's bath. 

Unbeknownst to them, Cale was showing his carefree side when he was surrounded by people he trusts. He felt so liberated and could finally breathe after staying in the villa for months now. His guard was no longer up since he knew he IS safe around the servants and knights in the villa.

In Choi Han's part, Vicross was in charge of cooking whatever the redhead was asking. Choi Han was just instructing what to do with the ingredients since it was his first time learning that kind of meal. It was called a kimbap . 

Luckily for them, when they spotted some ingredients similar to the seaweed sheet, they bought it. Vicross prepared the meal flawlessly despite cooking it for the first time.

After two hours, it was done. It was easier to prepare as long as the ingredients were available. Choi Han was the one who would be bringing the food to Cale's room.

Choi Han, or Solaris, came knocking on his door—he was guided by one of the servants. 

"Young Master, Sir Solaris is here," the maid said.

"Ah, you may enter," Cale said inside his room. 

The maid opened the door and Cale was sitting on the bed while reading a book about childcare . Solaris wondered why he was reading that.

"Young Master, is this the food you are searching for?" Solaris asked.

There, he saw Cale's eyes twinkled as he closed the book and smiled happily upon seeing the food he was holding. Due to this, Solaris couldn't help but smile as well.

T-This is the Cale I know, Solaris—Choi Han—thought.

"Yes! That's the one," Cale said. "Sorry I can't stand since my legs fell asleep."

"It's alright, Young Master. Here, I hope you enjoy your meal," Solaris responded as he laid the bed tray in front of Cale.

"Thank you."

Solaris was about to go out when Cale grabbed his sleeve. 

"I don't want to eat this alone, eat here with me," Cale said.

"I can't do that, Young Mas—"

"Please?"

Solaris yielded. They ate the meal his group prepared. It consisted of kimbap and mushroom soup. 

"By the way, Young Master, how did you know about this food? This one is not common in the Western Continent," Solaris asked. 

"It just popped in my dreams. You see, I always had this weird cravings towards weird foods. I didn't even know what they were called!" Cale answered.

"I see," Solaris said. "Is there anything you'd like to eat aside from this?"

"Oh, a strange looking rice cake drenched in red sauce? Along with a flat sheet cut into squares?" Cale said as he tilted his head, recalling the food that popped inside his dream. 

"I see, I think I know them. The preparation is kind of long since the ingredients are not available in the market. But I can ask my chef friend to make them for you," Solaris responded. 

"What? No, it's okay. You, bringing this to me is enough," Cale refused. "I really appreciate it, thank you."

Cale took a 360° turn from his personality back in the Henituse Territory. This was the usual Cale Solaris, Choi Han, knew of. The one he saw from his village two years ago. Unknowingly, Solaris reached his hand out and gently caressed Cale's cheek which surprised the redhead.

The two stared at each other's eyes for a while before Solaris felt his face start to get hot. Cale averted his eyes as he hung his head low.

"Sorry, there were crumbs on your cheeks," Solaris said as an excuse. 

"Mm, thanks," Cale bashfully said. 

The two quietly ate the food until it was gone. They didn't speak a word after that. Solaris excused himself as he took the tray with him. As soon as Solaris left, Cale buried his face on his pillows and silently screamed. 

W-What the hell was that? I felt my heart was leaping all over the place, Cale thought as he touched his flushed cheeks.

Are you crazy Cale Henituse? AAHH, Cale rolled in his bed, then he felt something move inside his belly.

Cale sat up and he placed his hand on his abdomen. He felt his heart swelled, he could feel his children inside. 

"You must be happy after I ate those, hmm?" Cale giggled as he rubbed his belly. He was glad his children were healthy.

Choi Han's group departed that night and he snuck inside Cale's room first before going back. The redhead was peacefully sleeping inside his room. He approached him and carefully caressed his hair.

"I know I hurt you before and I totally regretted it. I hope you'd forgive me someday," Choi Han whispered and then left afterwards.

Once every week, Cale would visit the town and he would meet Solaris there. In turn, Solaris would also bring him food from his dreams which made Cale feeling fulfilled after tasting the food he was craving for. The two would always chat about how their days went and sometimes Solaris would share his adventures.

"By the way, your friends aren't with you?" Cale asked. 

"Yes, they told me I should just visit this place alone," Solaris answered. 

"Oh, I see. Now that you've mentioned it, why do you visit this place?" 

"This place became my escape from all those exasperating nobles in the Capital.”

“Oh, so you’re from the Capital. I bet you already know who I was haha.”

“Yeah, contrary to what I heard you seem different here.”

“Well, this place is my mom’s favorite vacation spot. I didn’t want to do something that would sully her only memory.” 

There, Cale looked sad despite smiling. Solaris didn’t know why the redhead was sad given that his mother was still alive. 

"More importantly, thank you for bringing me these everytime you come to visit," Cale smiled. 

"Anything for you," Solaris responded. 

Their meeting in town continued until Cale's seventh month. His eighteenth birthday was also coming up. It was almost a year since he came to the villa and during his ninth month stay, he received a letter from his father telling him to go back. However, Cale doesn't have any intention of going back. 

Cale's appearance began to change as he gained a lot of weight, his belly was still the same though. It didn't get bigger like how pregnant women were. When Cale reached the third trimester of his pregnancy, he stopped visiting the town since he felt his body heavy and had difficulty moving. Instead, Cale strolled around the villa.

Months passed by and Cale’s children were about to be born. Nobody knew the signs of it. Cale began experiencing cramps around his belly. He didn’t know why. The physician just advised him to rest, they were all informed that Cale might be giving birth, though no one knew how.

“Young Master, just lie your back here. I know it is painful but you have to endure it. Your children might be born today too. We will be here when you need us,” Melissa said.

“Ugh,” Cale wanted to say something but he was feeling so much pain all he could say was a groan.

Cale curled up holding his belly under his blanket. He cries from the physical pain he was feeling. This was more painful compared to being beaten up by that commoner . Even though he was feeling intense pain, he couldn’t help but be glad. He was glad he could finally meet his children. 

I wonder what they would be like, Cale thought as tears kept falling from his eyes. 

Will they have the same appearance as me? Will they also have red hair like me? Are they a boy or a girl? Ah, I haven’t finalized their names yet, Cale’s train of thought continued until he fell asleep.

Cale once again found himself inside a dream. The same dream he had when the goddess blessed him. This time the location was quite different, he was on a beach. Then, he found carvings of names on the sand. There were three names. He wasn’t familiar with the language, luckily there was a translation near to it.

Myeong Jin means bright sun … Soleil

Eun Ha means milky way … Etoile

Ha Neul means heaven and sky … Ciel

That was what was written. Cale read it and remembered them. He didn’t understand why there were two names for each child. A language he didn’t recognize and a language he knew of. Either way, he loved the name. His children will have two names.

Once they grow older, I’ll let them choose their name, Cale thought.

On the night of the 3rd day of the 10th month of Felix Calendar, three beautiful newborn baby boys appeared. Nobody saw how they came out, even Cale wasn’t aware. The redhead was asleep the whole ordeal nor someone was beside him when it happened. 

Cale awoke when he heard babies crying. He was in pain but he never minded it, he sat up and teared up seeing his children. Cale gently touched them one by one, feeling whether they were real or not. Upon feeling his touch, the babies stopped crying and made a grinning expression which warmed up Cale’s heart.

“There really are babies!” Cale excitedly said despite his tiredness. He gave them a light peck on each cheek.

One of them sneezed so Cale immediately wrapped them with his blanket. 

“I’m sorry, my babies. I don’t have anything for you to wear tonight, I’ll make sure to prepare some things for you tomorrow morning,” he said as he gently patted the three babies.

The babies fell asleep.

“I will make sure you three will grow up healthily filled with love and comfort, I may be lacking but I will always be here,” Cale said as he tried to reach the bell on his bedside table.

When the servants heard the bell, they immediately went to Cale’s room. They were surprised to see three children in the arms of their Young Master.

“Auntie, Hans, look, they are finally here,” Cale said with a smile on his face.

A month before Cale’s eighteenth birthday, he gave birth to three children.

Chapter Text

Morning came and the whole villa was delighted due to the arrival of their young master’s offspring. The maids always snuck a peek whenever they got the chance, Melissa would always scold them if they were caught. Cale was sitting beside his children, watching them fondly.

Last night, when Melissa, Hans, the physician and Marley entered his room, they immediately helped the Young Master. The physician checked the condition of the Young Master and his children, he brought them good news telling them that both of them were in a great condition. Cale was advised to settle down and rest for a while before moving around. Even though he didn’t give birth to his children the way women do, the pain Cale was feeling was the same which baffled the old physician. That’s why he was monitoring his condition. Good thing, Cale was recovering well.

Now, the children were placed in a big crib so the three would fit. It seems his children wanted to be with each other. 

“What’s their name, Young Master?” asked Melissa.

“This one with the same hair color as me with black-colored eyes will be called Soleil. The one with black hair is Etoile and this one who looked exactly like me is Ciel,” Cale answered as he pointed to each of his sons.

“Those are really pretty names, Young Master,” Melissa said. 

Hans and Marley were crying beside them seeing mini human beings beside their Young Master. The two still couldn’t believe what happened, the same with Hilsman. Even if he has a loose tongue, Hilsman respected Cale’s wishes of not letting the main house know about what was happening in the villa.

Moments later, the babies woke up and cried. 

"Oh no, the babies must be hungry. Here, take this bottle to feed them," Melissa said as she carefully instructed how to feed Cale's baby. 

Learning in theory was different from practice. Cale might know how to feed his babies but it takes a lot of practice for him to master the skill. After all, babies cry a lot whenever they feel discomfort.

The adults surrounding Cale and his babies squealed from the scene before them.

Cale giggled as he observed his children. Soleil loved to drink a lot, Etoile seemed to have a lot of energy to spare every time he woke up and Ciel liked to sleep. 

"Hmn, I didn't expect to have a child. I thought I would be living my life aimlessly, spending my money and time drinking alone," Cale softly said as he played with his babies.

"I hope for the three of you to grow up healthily and not to take after me," he said as his eyes threatened to close. 

Cale was tired and sleepy. He couldn't sleep well after his babies came out. He was lucky his babies did not cause so much mess like any other babies. They behave so well.

Lee Soo Hyuk, Choi Jung Soo and Kim Rok Soo were finally born as babies in their new life. The three didn't know yet who they were aside from the name given to them by their mother. 

Soleil. That name sounded foreign, Soo Hyuk thought. 

Etoile? What does it mean? My name sounds cool, Jung Soo thought.

Ciel … mother could just call me Sky though, Rok Soo thought. 

Anyway, the three of them loved their new name.

The moment the three of them could finally see clearly, the first thing they saw was red hair. Then, when they could finally hear their surroundings, what they heard first was their mother's gentle voice. When they could finally feel their surroundings, what they felt first was their mother's gentle touch and kisses.

Ah, I wonder what kind of person is our mother, Soleil thought as he stared at the ceiling.

The people around mother call him 'Cale', the same Cale in the story my friends and I read before I died, Etoile thought as he tried to stretch his arms. 

Cale … Cale Henituse? Our mom is a trash? I just hope he won't throw us out if he finds us annoying, Ciel thought.

But it's a good thing, mom isn't poor, the three of them thought. 

They were afraid they reincarnated into a poor family. They couldn't imagine how difficult it would be for their mother if they were poor.

The three babies were deep in thought. When the day came, the maids were fussing around them. Always saying how cute they were. Then, their mother would always greet them with a smile. 

Hmm …

Yes, their mother's smile was pretty but their mom's too inexperienced with handling them. Soleil and Etoile would always cry from his touch. Ciel was a quiet baby so he did not make a fuss. Their mother would always show a disheartened expression whenever they cry. But! The old lady beside their mother was patient and would teach their mother how to carry them properly.

Two months after their birth, the three began to crawl. They had enough strength on their limbs to actually turn over and crawl. Their mother recorded every firsts they made.

How unusual … the Cale Henituse in front of us is different from the story, Ciel thought as he crawled fast enough to reach his mother so he could cuddle with him.

But before Ciel could reach him, Etoile pulled him so he would be the first one to sit on their mother's lap. Etoile looked back to Ciel and made a proud expression. Due to their age, this kind of action made Ciel mad which resulted in him pulling Etoile's clothes. Seeing a fight would occur from the two brothers, Soleil immediately came in between them.

"Oh, my sons are so smart yet they're still two months old!" Their mother gasped, feeling proud of his sons. 

Ha, mommy you don't know we are older than you, the three thought.

"Young Masters, it's time to eat!" Hans said as he brought a trolley filled with food and milk for the babies.

"Gaaah!" The children squealed.

Their mother still needed someone to help him feed them. Compared to before, their mother's technique improved which made them happy since it won't be as uncomfortable as before. 

Cale took turns on carrying and feeding his children personally, since he couldn't carry them now at the same time. The old lady who always came to help their mother kept praising how much improvement he had. Even the children praised him internally, since they were no longer uncomfortable with his way of carrying them.

Occasionally, their mother would read them books which helped them greatly in understanding their new language. They usually lounged in the garden as their mother tells them stories about legends and fairy tales. They loved their new mother, since their previous mothers were always busy with their work, they loved how attentive Cale was to them. 

Eighth months after they were born, the three began walking around. Soleil and Etoile were active children while Ciel loved sitting around. They began running around, luckily the floor was carpeted and even if they went outside the ground was cushioned by well-maintained grass.

As the three children observed their surroundings and the people, they learned that their mother wasn't in the main house. Rather, he was staying in one of the villas.

"Maaa, whew ith thewe no gwandpa and gwanma?" Etoile asked. From the novel he read before, he knew their mother has his own parents. 

"Hm, you're asking for your grandfather and grandmother? They are currently working and they are busy so meeting them might be difficult," Cale answered. 

"Mamaa, wead dish. Shiel wansh cho wead dissh," Ciel said as he pushed the book in front of his mother. 

Cale brought his three children on his lap and began to read, with actions and proper dictions, the story Ciel brought him. 

Ciel was a little annoyed with Etoile for asking questions with obvious answers. He then sighed inwardly believing his two brothers were merely children. Etoile, on the other hand, wanted to know more about their mother but Ciel kept interfering. He swore he would get back at him once they get older. Soleil was like a mediator of the two, acting like the eldest brother which made their mother proud of him. But from time to time, Soleil would show Cale his childish side which made their mother dote on him too.

All in all, the three children were quite happy with their new mother. Aside from him being rich, Cale was hands-on and was willing to learn. He was attentive and caring too, which was totally different from how he was portrayed inside that book. 

Hmp, the book was lying. Mommy's the best person, the three of them thought.

Several months passed by, and the relationship between the children and their mother was great. Now, there was only a week before their first birthday. Although Cale wanted to celebrate it in a grand way, their budget was slightly limited. After all, his parents didn't know he was raising children in the villa.

Cale began planning his children's baby. The three developed faster compared to babies their age. Even though they were eleven months old, they could speak and read fluently now—though they still have trouble pronouncing some words but they could even hold conversations now. The villa's staff believed it was due to Cale's constant story telling and speaking with them.

Right now, the three were in the living room while Cale was attending to some things regarding their birthday celebration. Only an attendant was watching them outside the room since the three didn't want others to hear what they were about to speak of.

"Hm, now dat mommy'sh not hewe, I am in chwage hewe. You chu should caw me hyung !" Ciel declared as he pointed to his two brothers. He cursed how he couldn't help but lisped.

Soleil and Etoile looked at each other then stared at their smaller brother blankly.

“Huuh?” the two said as they tilted their heads.

“Why aww you ze hyung ? You should be the youngesh since you aww the smallesh!" Etoile said.

Ciel shook his head while looking at the pitiful children in front of him.

"Calm down, you chu. We awe twiplets so we do not know who the eldest and youngest ish," Soleil intervened.

Somehow, Ciel and Etoile felt a sense of familiarity towards their brother. He seemed like …

"Wee Soo Hyuk (-hyung) ?" Both of them said, Soleil was surprised. Ciel and Etoile looked at each other.

"Don tell me you'we Jung Soo and Wok Soo?" Soleil asked.

The two nodded. 

"So the thwee of ush got weincawnated and became mommy'sh—I mean Cale's children?" Etoile said.

"Seemsh wike it, you heawd a stwange voice before when we died wight?" Ciel asked.

"That's wight," Soleil and Etoile answered.

"I wondew what's the puwposh of ouw weincawnation?" Soleil wondered.

The three gloomily looked down as they couldn't straighten their tongues. They kept tripping with their words.

When will I be free of this lisping? The three of them thought.

Before they could come up with answers, the sound of horses could be heard downstairs. The three took a peek from the window and they saw their mother speaking with some merchants. The three felt rage seeing how the young merchants eyed their mother.

How dare them , the three thought as they ran towards the door.

"Young Masters, where are you going?" The attendant asked them.

"We wan to shee mommy," Etoile responded.

"Ah, the Young Master is quite busy right now. You can come to him later," the attendant said.

"No! We wan chu go wight now!" Ciel said stubbornly.

Then Ciel took the hands of his brothers and pulled them as they ran towards where their mother was.

"Young Masters! Don't run, you'll trip!" Some of the servants said.

After minutes of running, they burst open the door and as soon as they saw their mother, they clutched on his legs which made Cale almost lose his balance.

"Woah, babies?" Cale looked surprised but he smiled and crouched down to meet them on their eye level.

"Did you miss me already?" Cale said as he gently caressed their cheeks.

Instead of answering, the three just hugged Cale and snuck a peek towards the young merchants looking at their mother. They glared as they tightened their embrace, this made the young merchants flinch and looked the other way.

"Mommy, awe you stiw not done?" Etoile asked.

"Play with us! We'we bowed now, we want to play in the garden," Soleil added.

"Yes! Then wead Ciew this book I found!" Ciel said.

Cale giggled, the three wanted to cover their mother's face so he wouldn't show that expression to just anyone. The three glared at the people behind their mother again.

"Alright, alright. Let's go," Cale said, then the three children raised their arms telling Cale they wanted to be carried.

Cale carefully carried the three, luckily for him he trained his upper body so he could lift them up.

"Hihi, mommy ish strong," the three squealed as they wrapped their arms around Cale's shoulder and neck. 

"Of course, who would protect my babies if I am weak?" Cale said, then Cale turned to Hans.

"Hans, you know what to get, right? I'm counting on you," he said. 

"Yes, Young Master," Hans responded. 

"Melissa, can you bring us some sweets and refreshments in the garden?" Cale asked.

"Of course, Young Master. I'll be right back," Melissa responded.

Cale and his children went to the garden, leaving the merchants speechless. They didn't expect the famed trash of Henituse' would be smiling like that. All throughout their conversation, Cale's face was serious—far from his reputation. And what do his children call him?

Mommy? The merchants thought.

So the Young Master is the mommy , one of the young merchants said.

Don' the Young Master have a husband yet? Should I pose as one? Another young merchant thought.

"Whatever you are thinking is painted on your faces and I advise you not to do whatever is on your mind," Hans warned.

"O-Of course! Don't worry," they all said.

Cale and the children played in the garden. Melissa followed them with sweets and refreshments. Etoile and Soleil were playing with the flowers while Ciel was sitting on his lap. 

"Mommy, when can we go out?" Etoile asked as he ran towards his mother.

"That's wight, mommy. When can we go out? I wan chu shee ze town," Soleil added as he hugged his mother. Cale unconsciously wrapped his right arm on Soleil's torso.

The three children observed their mother's reaction. They could see their mother was reluctant in letting them go out. They didn't want to sneak out, that's why they were asking.

"Do you want to go around the town?" Cale asked as he wiped the sweat off Soleil and Etoile.

The three children's eyes twinkled. They certainly wanted to go out.

"Yes, mommy!" The three said in unison.

"Alright, once you turn 1 year old, we will go to town," Cale giggled. 

"Weawy? Woo mean it?" Etoile asked.

"Of course, when did I ever lie to my babies?" Cale said as he wrapped his arms around them for a hug. 

The children squealed.

"Woo pwomish, oke?" The three said in unison as they lifted their pinky fingers.

Cale titled his head for a second then he raised his pinky too and the three locked their pinkies to their mother.

"Thew, ze pwomish ish sheald. Mommy can' bweak ich," Ciel said.

"Of course, I promise, Soleil … Etoile … Ciel," Cale responded as he planted kisses on their foreheads.

The three children went to the flower beds to make flower crowns for their mother. Cale silently watched his children.

Now that I think about it … who is their other parent? I am the one who bore them, that's why they call me 'mother'. Then … who is the 'father'? Cale thought.

"But there is only one person I know who has black hair and eyes like Etoile's," Cale mumbled.

"Mommy!" The three called as they quickly walked towards their mother. 

"Be careful, you might trip," Cale said. 

"Mommy, wook! I made you a fwowew cwown!" Ciel said as he lifted his flower crown made of hibiscus. Cale lowered his head so Ciel could place the flower crown.

"Me chuu, mommy. I made woo a fwowee wing," Soleil said as he took his mother's right hand and put the flower ring on Cale's ring finger.

"Mommy, I made woo one chu! Ish a necklashe," Etoile smiled and placed the flower necklace on his mother. 

The three children were a little stunned seeing their mother. They already knew Cale was good looking, what they didn't expect was he was too beautiful. They could even dare say their mother's beauty was on par of those dragons. 

"Wow, thank you babies. I love them," Cale smiled gently as he tugged a strand of hair on the back of his ear.

His children suddenly became quiet and he looked at them. Cale didn't know what kind of expression his children had. 

"D-Does mommy look bad with the flowers you gave me?" Cale asked.

The three shook their heads in disapproval then they hugged Cale and buried their faces.

"Mommy's weawy pwetty," Soleil said shyly.

"Mommy's the pwettiesh," Etoile added.

Ciel nodded in approval. Due to their gestures, Cale laughed and returned their hugs. 

Ah, my children are so adorable, Cale thought.

Then, Marley came and told them dinner was ready. After eating, the four went to take a bath together. Cale helped wash his children first. When they were done, Cale was drying their hair.

"Mommy, I wove yo haiw," Ciel commented. "Itsh wed wike mine."

"Me choo. My haiw'sh wed wike Ciel and mommy," Soleil added. 

Due to this, Etoile looked at his reflection and hung his head low. Upon noticing this, Cale scooped his son and placed him on his lap as he dried his hair.

"I am ze ownwi diffewent. I hab bwack haiw," Etoile said. "I wan wed haiw wike mommy's."

"Hmm, but I like your hair, Etoile. Even if our hair color is different, you are my son. No one could change that fact," Cale said. Soleil and Ciel also patted Etoile's thigh to tell him they were brothers even if their hair color was different.

"Maybe you inherited your black hair from your father," Cale whispered but didn't go unheard to the three.

Now, the three children were curious. Who might be their father? And how in hell were they created? For the meantime, they didn't ask the question. They'll ask once they are a little older.

"Now that everyone's hair is dry now, let's sleep," Cale said as he carried his children to their bed. 

"Weeeei! Wead ush a shtowi!" The three said in unison. 

"Okay!" Cale responded happily as he began telling a bedtime story.

Meanwhile, Hans went back to the Henituse Estate to speak to the Count regarding Cale's finances. Their Young Master's budget should increase, especially Cale has three sons to take care of.

Even though it's night, the Henituse Territory was still thriving and operating. Upon arrival at the Estate, Hans immediately went to the Count's office. 

"Greetings, Lord Deruth, Lady Violan, Young Master Basen and Young Miss Lily," Hans greeted. 

"It's been a while, Hans. How's Cale?" Deruth asked.

"The Young Master is doing fine, my Lord. It's just …" Hans said, trailing off from his words. 

"Just … what?" Deruth asked as he raised a brow.

"The Young Master needed an increase of his allowance," Hans said. Observing their silent responses, he continued.

"The Young Master was dating someon—"

"What kind of bitch—?!" Lily said, slamming the table.

"Lily! Watch your words," Violan reprimanded which earned an apologetic look from the youngest.

"But that was in the past … they broke up. And the Young Master is heartbroken so he wanted more money to spend on some … things," Hans responded.

"What?! Who dared break my brother's heart?!" Basen growled. "What if they were just using him for his money?!"

Hans flinched from Basen's words. After all, it was a lie. Cale wasn't dating anyone and he never did. However, there was another matter—he didn't date anyone but he had three children. Deruth sighed. He knew Cale would start dating someone but for him to love that person enough to get heartbroken was something Deruth didn't expect.

"Tell my son he could come back to us," Deruth said. "When will he come back?"

"I'm afraid I don't know the answer. Only the Young Master decides on this matter, my Lord," Hans responded.

"For the meantime, while Cale is staying at the villa, I will increase his allowance. Is 500 million gallons enough per month?" Deruth pondered.

"Will that be enough for a month?" Lily asked. 

"Hyung deserved only the best, I suggest increasing it more by half," Basen suggested. 

Hans sweatdropped from how casually this family says about money. After debating for a while, the Henituse Family finally reached a decision.

"A billion gallons per month should be enough," Deruth said as he handed Hans a check.

"I hope you'll convince my son to come back here," Deruth added. 

Hans gulped seeing how many zeroes this check had. He will go to the villa the next day since he needs to exchange the check first. Since it was night time, it'll be difficult to find a merchant guild enough to exchange the check.

Next day, Cale was surprised to see how much his allowance increased. The redhead was happy since he could spend more money for his sons. Now, their 1st birthday was coming up, all the preparations were all set.

Chapter Text

Three days before the children's birthday, the outfit they would wear finally arrived. Soleil would be wearing a cream colored outfit. Its top was a long, ruffled sleeve with big ribbon on the collar paired with shorts and knee high white socks and boots. For Etoile, he would be wearing a combination of cream and red sailor outfit. The top was long sleeves as well with ribbons on the collar, the pattern of the color was red on the sides and cream on the middle. This outfit was paired with red and cream shorts with matching white socks and shoes. Lastly, for Ciel, he would be wearing a combination of baby blue and white colored outfit. His top was plain white and the collar was baby blue with a big ribbon in the middle. It was also paired with baby blue shorts with ribbon on the sides. For his footwear, he would be wearing knee high socks and shoes. All of them have berets matching the color of their outfits to finish their looks.

The children wore the outfit to see if it fits so that the tailor could adjust the size if it wasn’t. Good thing that the size of the outfits was a perfect fit. The servants squealed from how adorable the little masters were. Cale felt proud since he was the one who chose the outfits.

"Did you like your new clothes?" Cale asked. 

"Mmn, we love it!" The three nodded in unison.

Cale was glad. His children came to hug him. After making sure the clothes fit, they changed their attire so they could play with their mother. Cale, on the other hand, was waiting in the garden while talking with Hans.

"Did the gifts arrive?" Cale asked. 

"Yes, Young Master! Right on time," Hans enthusiastically answered.

"That's good. By the way … how's everyone in the main house?" Cale asked after pausing for a while. Hans could see the young master's low-spirited eyes.

"They're all doing great, Young Master. There are many changes in the mansion and the Lord was asking for you to come back," Hans responded. Cale hummed softly.

"I don't know if I will come back, you know my reputation there. I am afraid my children will be subjected to malicious rumors because of me," Cale answered with a pained look.

"I know I brought upon those rumors myself … but I don't think I can let my children experience the same thing that tormented me through the years," Cale added.

"It's alright, Young Master. I understand your worries, it's what parents do," Hans said as he gently patted Cale's back.

"I am aware I can't hide my children forever … but while they are still young, I want them to enjoy their life playing around and learning about the world first," Cale gently smiled as he saw his children walking towards him with their servants.

"I don't want them to get wrapped up with the nobles' games," Cale continued. Hans smiled and nodded in understanding. 

"Ah! Wai ish mommy sad? Did Hansh make him sad?" Etoile said as he pointed at Hans. Soleil and Ciel stared at him with a bothered expression.

"Eeh?! Young Masters, I didn't do anything to the Young Master," Hans cried. Cale chuckled.

"That's right, my babies. Hans did nothing wrong and mommy isn't sad," Cale said as he kneeled to match their eye level then the three immediately hugged him.

"Weally? Hansh didn't huwt woo?" Soleil asked. Cale gently caressed Soleil's head.

"Yes, he didn't do anything to me. Don't worry," Cale kissed their foreheads. The three smiled. 

"Okee, mommy. Wet's pway thewe mommy!" Etoile said as he and Ciel pulled their mother near the flowerbeds where the assortment of red flowers were planted.

"Etoile and Ciel really love this part of the garden," Cale commented. 

"Of coursh mommy, they'we pwetty wike yo' haiw," Etoile responded. "They'we wike Ciel's an' Soweiw's haiw choo."

"Bu' wook Echoile, wed wooksh gweat on woo choo!" Soleil said as he put on the red flower crown on Etoile's head. Ciel nodded too.

"My! That's right, Etoile. Red suits you too," Cale said as he tucked the strand of Etoile's hair on the back of his ear. "It looks beautiful on you."

"Weally? Evwen tho' my haiw'sh diffewent, I shtill wook gud in wed?" Etoile asked.

"Thwat'sh wight, Etoiwe. Wed wooks bewootifool on woo choo, wike how pwetty it ish fo' ush," Ciel was the one who responded and Etoile saw how their mother nodded happily with that statement.

"Aww, how come my babies are so smart despite their young age?" Cale cooed.

"Becash mommy'sh ouw mommy! We twake aftew mommy," The three said in unison, it seemed they didn't expect to be saying the same thing which made the four of them laugh.

Cale made them flower crowns, each of them. He was an expert in making one since this was the first thing he learned when he was as young as his sons. Once he was done, he placed them on their heads. Since Etoile has his own flower crown, he made him a flower bracelet.

"By the way, babies, once you turn 1, where do you want to go first?" Cale asked then the three turned their heads on him. 

"I wanna go choo ze twown!" Soleil excitedly said.

"I wan choo shee ze bookshtorsh!" Ciel raised his hand and yelled his wants.

"I wan choo go choo ze sheaaa!" Etoile took Cale's hand and shook it up and down.

The three of them answered simultaneously which made it difficult for Cale to understand what they said since their voices overlapped with one another.

Hm, they're too excited, Cale thought.

"Babies, I won't be able to understand you if you speak all at the same time," Cale said, showing a sad expression. Then the three became quiet. Cale chuckled at how smart his children were.

"I want to hear all of your wishes, so my Soleil, where do you want to go?" Cale asked. 

"Mommy, I wan' choo go choo ze twown," Soleil answered as his eyes twinkled and as he tried to contain his excitement which Cale found endearing.

"Okay, okay. I'll take note of that, how about my Etoile? Where does he want to go, hmm?" 

"Oh! I wanna go choo ze sheeaaa, mommy!" Etoile blatantly expressed his excitement as he jumped multiple times.

Cale chuckled at his actions, "Then, how about my baby Ciel? Where do you want to go?"

"I wan' choo gow choo libwawy," Ciel answered, though he might not be as excited as his two brothers but Cale could see the excitement in his eyes.

"Okay! Hmm, since the three of you wanted to go to different places, let mommy organize our schedules first, okay?" Cale said and the three nodded. "Since the town is near us and there will be a festival coming, we will start with Soleil's first, is that alright?"

"Yesh, mommy!" The three said in unison.

"A feshtival?" Ciel mumbled which didn't go unheard to Cale. 

"Yes, there will be a harvest festival in the town … umm festivals are people do to celebrate something," Cale explained, since he thought his children didn't know what festivals were.

"Oh, I shee," Ciel responded.

"We need to be extra careful during the festival since there will be many people attending so we will take Hans and Melissa with us, okay?" 

"Yesh, mommy!" The three answered in unison. 

"Then, after going with Soleil's wishes, we will go to the library next. Since there is no library in the town, we will need to go to the Capital."

"Ze Cwapitaw?!" The three excitedly stood up and clung on their mother. 

"Yes, the Capital. That is the only place where we can access a library," Cale responded as he gently placed his arms on their backs to support them so they wouldn't fall.

The three then spoke with each other, which was incomprehensible for Cale since they were talking really fast. The redhead just chuckled at their cuteness.

They really looked excited, Cale thought. I shouldn't have kept them here, I should have brought them outside from time to time.

"After fulfilling Ciel's wishes, we will go to the sea next!" Cale said in an excited tone.

"Waaaiiii!!" The three cheered.

Their conversation came to a stop when Hans informed them their meal was ready. Cale carried them with the help of Hans inside their mansion. They ate heartily and conversed for a while.

That night, the three were so excited they couldn't sleep.

"Mommy, how many nwights awe thewe befow ze festwivaw?" Soleil asked.

"Hmm? … let's see," Cale drowsily said as he counted how many days left. The festival will be held for the next few weeks so …

"20 nights more, Soleil. That's why all of you need to sleep, good night my babies," Cale gave them a light kiss on their foreheads which made them giggled. 

"Otay! Good nwight, mommy!"

Three days later, the three children celebrated their birthday. They wore the clothes their mother chose for them. Their baquet was simple since there were no visitors aside from the staff in the mansion. Even then, Soleil, Etoile and Ciel enjoyed their party. Cale was happy seeing his children enjoying the party they prepared. 

Cale then called them to open their gifts. The three were exhilarated seeing how many gifts they received. The children opened the gift Cale gave them and they loved it. It was a variety of toys, books, clothes and shoes matching the children's taste. The staff gave them cookies and candies. Hans gave them toys as well.

"Soleil, Etoile, Ciel," Cale called. The three immediately turned and ran to their mother. Cale instantly caught them when they were about to fall off. 

"I told you to be careful, right?" Cale let out a resigned laugh. The three just giggled. 

"Soleil, Etoile, Ciel," he called once again as he planted a loving kiss on their foreheads. "Thank you for being born and thank you for choosing me."

The words were so sincere and filled with love. It was something the three of them never heard when they were still alive in their previous world. Yes, they might have parents but they were too busy to care for them. That was why having someone thank them for their existence was a first.

"Mommy," the three called. They were smiling … a gentle smile that does not seem to belong to one year old children.

"We wuv woo!!" The three attacked Cale with hugs and a bunch of kisses which made their mother laugh heartily.

The people watching the scene couldn't help but feel warm inside their hearts, most especially Hans. This might be the first time he has seen the Young Master laugh this happily. Back in the Henituse Territory, day by day Cale always looked like he was lost. Cale, for him, was like someone who was walking aimlessly not knowing which road to take. 

Cale was too immersed with acting trash in the territory that he was slowly forgetting his true self. It was painful seeing him like that. It was heartbreaking hearing him say things he never meant. Despite serving under the Henituse', Hans couldn't help but feel disappointment because they never did anything to stop nor took notice of what was happening. They just let Cale do whatever he wanted even if the things he had been doing was destroying him.

When they confirmed the existence of Cale's children, all Hans could see was how Cale was anticipating their arrival despite being anxious and frightened at first. He studied real hard to learn how to care for small children. He listened well to the advice of old ladies in the mansion. He also stopped drinking alcohol, he changed his unhealthy habits so the babies would remain healthy. Cale would also speak with them every night when they were still inside him. It was a new experience observing Cale's behavior. 

If Hans would go to the Henituse Territory and brag about what and how Cale was doing here in the villa, nobody would believe him. After all, Cale was known as a notorious trash not only to the Henituse Territory but to the whole kingdom.

That was why Hans was thankful for the existence of the Young Master's children. Cale's little sun, sky and stars.

Hans captured this moment in a recording device so Cale would have something to look back into when the children grew older. It was heartwarming seeing Cale's children adore him as much as Cale adored them.

Aren't they the best, Young Master? Now you won't get lonely and you can finally direct your love to them, I am sure they will never put your love to waste, Hans thought. 

This is the real Cale Henituse.

Hans walked towards them and assisted Cale to stand up. He whispered apologies then turned to hug their precious Young Master. The three immediately perked up as they started pulling Hans away from their mother. 

"Han' you can' do thwat!" They yelled as they kept pulling him. 

"Hans?" Cale called.

"I'm sorry about this Young Master. I am just too happy for you and your children," Hans responded as he let him go. 

"I know I am late to say this but … Congratulations, Young Master," Hans added as he smiled.

Cale laughed, "Thank you, Hans."

"Woo stoobid Hansh! Woo can' hug mommy wike thwat!" Etoile said as he turned to push the butler away from their mother. Their frowning faces were so cute they couldn't take them seriously.

"Thwat's wight! Onwi we awe alwowed choo hug mommy wike that!" Soleil seconded.

"Mommy'sh hugsh an' kishes awe fo' ush onwee! Woo can' hab thwem!" Ciel added.

"Eh? I will not do something like that to the Young Master!" Hans defended. 

"Woo alweady did," the three glared at him.

"Eek! Young Master!" Hans cried. Cale laughed at their interactions.

"Babies, come here. Don't worry, no one will take me from you," Cale kneeled again and spread his arms. The children threw themselves into his arms and felt comfort once again.

"Mommy, I wuv woo," Ciel said as he kissed Cale's cheeks.

"Me chooo, mommy. I wuv woo sooo mush ash big ash wooniversh," Etoile followed as he hugged his mother tightly.

"Mee chooo mommy, me chooo. Das why woo don' need anyone but ush," Soleil gently placed both his palms on Cale's cheeks.

"Aww, of course, my babies," Cale laughed and kissed them once again.

My children are so possessive. Well, they are at that age, Cale laughed internally.

🌸🌸 to be continued 🌸🌸

A/Note: Heloooo, Senamin here.
This is what the children looked like. I drew them to the best of my ability hehe. 😅

Chapter Text

Several days after Soleil, Etoile and Ciel's birthday, Cale and his children were preparing for their outing to the town. They dressed the children in simple yet high quality clothing, same with Cale. Since Cale decided to grow out his hair, Melissa tied it in a half-ponytail. The redhead always wanted to keep it short but when they were about to cut it, Ciel saw it and said he loved Cale's long hair so they kept it that way.

“Mommy! Up!” the three said in unison. 

“Young Masters, your mother can’t carry you all,” Hans said. The three children made an incomprehensible expression and spoke in an incoherent manner. Cale kneeled to match his children’s eye level.

“Babies, mommy is sorry. I can’t carry all of you at the same time anymore,” Cale said. Then the three pouted.

“Otay, mommy wiw cawwy Ciew fiwst,” Soleil responded. “Then mommy wiw cawwy Etoiwe next an’ I’ww be wast.” 

“Aww such an understanding brother,” Cale gently ruffled his head.

“Of kors, I’m ze hyung!” Soleil proudly said, his hands were on his hips. 

“Hmm, if Soleil’s the hyung, then …?” 

“I’m ze othew owdew bwothew, mommy!” Etoile raised his hand. 

“Oh! I see, then Ciel is the youngest?” 

“Yesh! Ciew’s ze smawwest sho he’sh ze dongsaeng ,” Soleil reasoned. 

“Eeeh! Nwot faiw!” Ciel protested.

Cale giggled at them then he carried Ciel in his arms, the other two were with Hans and Melissa. 

“Mommy sho unfaiw,” Ciel said as he buried his face on his neck. Cale kissed his temples and rubbed his back.

“It’s alright, Ciel. There’s nothing wrong being the youngest, people will spoil you,” Cale said. 

“Bu’ I onwi wan’ mommy choo spoiw me,” Ciel responded. 

“Of course, I’ll spoil you lots!” Cale cheerily said. Ciel giggled while covering his mouth with his two hands. 

The group went down the mountain to see the festival in town. As soon as they entered the small town, the three children’s eyes sparkled and they could see how much excitement they were suppressing inside their small bodies which made Cale laughed internally.

“Mommy! Down!” Ciel said, the other two said the same thing. Cale lowered him and the three immediately held hands.

“Don’t stray too far from us, okay? There are a lot of people today since it is the festival. Do not walk away without anyone escorting you, okay?” Cale reminded.

“Otay, mommy!” the three responded obediently.

The group strolled following the three children in front. Cale thought they would get overwhelmed with the amount of people but they didn’t. He was happy seeing how they look after one another. 

“Mommy! I wan’ zhat!” Etoile pointed at the sweet stall.

“Be careful not to overeat, okay?” Cale said as he gestured to Hans to go with Etoile which the butler followed.

“Mommy! I wan’ zhat choo!” Soleil said as he saw something from the toy’s peddler. Cale just nodded and Melissa went to buy what Soleil wanted.

“Mommy, Ciew wan’ thwat," Ciel said as he pointed out towards the traveling merchant selling lots of books. 

Cale and Ciel moved closer to check out the books the merchant was selling. Cale patiently told Ciel about the books they had so he could choose what he wanted. Oblivious to their surroundings, the people were looking at them in curiosity and awe. They applaud the young child in choosing and reading books not matched his age. Additionally, they were admiring the redhead beauty next to the child. 

"I heard the child calling him mommy , but isn't he a man?" One of the people whispered.

"Yes, but even so, the Young Master wasn't bothered at all," another spoke in a quiet manner.

"Is that his child? They looked alike!" Another said.

"Have you seen there are two other children with the Young Master's servants. The other kids have red hair and black hair," another said. 

"Really? Where?" 

"There!" He said as he pointed to the kid eating a cotton candy and the other carrying an expensive looking toy. 

"Oh! They're so cute!" They cooed. 

Cale then carried Ciel after buying the book he fancied. Soleil and Etoile clutched on his pants. Seeing Etoile's messy face, Cale crouched down to wipe the mess on his face.

"Should I carry you too?" Cale asked. The two nodded shyly which made their mother chuckle. 

Cale spread his arms out and the two clung on to him. It was certainly difficult to carry three, heavy children but Cale persevered.

The four strolled around the town and the elderlies gave Cale and his children a lot of treats. The children were enjoying their time as well. Cale bought everything his children laid their eyes upon and this made the three children carried away. They kept asking to buy this and that, of course Cale bought everything they wanted.

“Mommy! Wook! Thwis ish pwetty!” Soleil said as he picked up a gem in one of the caravans.

“Woaaah! Thwat’sh wight, mommy! Wook!” Etoile said as he aligned Soleil’s hand with the gem to Cale’s collar.

“Wet’s buy thwis, Hansh!” Etoile demanded. 

“Okay, okay, Young Masters,” Hans chuckled.

Cale just smiled on the sidelines while carrying Ciel who got tired of their walk. Everytime they walked around, the people would stare at the children and the person they were calling their mother. Hans and Melissa heard some of the things they were saying but the four were oblivious of it. They got worried that maybe the children might have inherited Cale’s denseness, if that was inheritable. They just sighed and hoped it wasn't the case. 

Unbeknownst to the two, Soleil and Etoile were sharp. Of course they noticed how everybody perceived them. The reaction of the people was a mixture of awe, admiration, curiosity, confusion. The two were glad their mother didn't notice. After all, Cale's first priority was to keep them safe, emotionally, mentally and physically.

"Mommy, wiw thewe be a perwfowmansh?" Ciel asked after seeing people preparing for a stage in the middle of the town.

"Yes, people would always dance in the afternoon to thank the gods in bringing them abundance this year," Cale answered.

"Cwan we watsh choo?" Etoile asked. 

"Hm, yes, we can. That is if the three of you don't fall asleep," Cale responded then the three giggled.

"Mommy! I wan' gwet down," Etoile said so he lowered his body to put him down, Soleil followed then Ciel. 

Cale stretched his arms and back since it started hurting. 

Poor me, I should've kept exercising when I was younger, Cale thought in his mind as if he was twenty years older than his current age.

The three held each other's hands so they wouldn't get separated from one another.

"Don't stray away from us, Ciel, Etoile, Soleil," Cale reminded them as soon as he noticed people started increasing in number.

This place may be in the countryside but it was well-known for its Harvest Festival.

"Yesh, mommy!" The three responded as they raised their one arm.

Etoile was looking around with his two other brothers, Cale and the other adults were behind them. Then, Etoile spotted something from a caravan slightly in the distance from him.

"Soweiw, Ciew, wet's wook awt thwat!" Etoile said as he pointed towards the caravan. 

Unknowingly, Etoile had let go of Ciel's hand and began walking towards the caravan. He didn't even notice he got separated.

"Oh, little one, welcome!" The vendor said. 

"I wan' thwat!" Etoile said as he pointed on the red brooch hanging in the stall. 

"Ooh! You have a good eye, young man! This cost 2 gold coins."

"Hansh, he shaid it'sh 2 gold—" when Etoile turned around he found no one. 

That was when he realized he got separated. He looked around and he couldn't find his mother and even his brothers. He began walking to search for his mother and brothers.

"Mommy? Showeiw? Ciew? Hansh? Mewisha?" Etoile called. 

Being young made him sensitive with his emotions. It becomes shallow so it gets released if he feels too much tension. 

"M-Mommy!! Uwaaah!!" Etoile cried loudly. 

The people around him noticed him and they began approaching him. Being in an unknown place made him nervous so he cried even louder which made the people reluctant in approaching him.

"Mommy! Hic—waah! Whewe awe woo!? Waah!!" He continued to cry as he searched for them. 

Etoile never felt alone since he had his brothers with him and his mother, Cale, never made him feel alone. That's why not having them by his side made him anxious. 

Etoile was starting to feel tired. He stopped and rested but his tears kept flowing. Then, a white-haired man approached him.

"Hello, kid, did you get lost?" He asked. 

Etoile looked up and his cries stopped upon seeing a familiar face. Even if the man changed his hair color, Etoile could certainly recognize the face. He was the protagonist from the novel they read before dying.

Choi Han? Etoile thought as he maintained eye contact with the protagonist.

Choi Han was melancholic. His party was currently resting at the Capital after subjugating a settlement of high ranking monsters near the Gyerre Territory. He wanted to go to the countryside where he found that redhead . He sighed for the nth time and Rosalyn was reaching the peak of her patience.

“If you want to go there, just go! Stop bothering people here with your sighing!” Rosalyn yelled after her string of patience broke.

“But—”

“No buts! Just go, we will deal with the Crown Prince if he looks for you, just go! Hearing you sigh endlessly annoys me,” she said.

Choi Han immediately stood and departed. He wanted to visit the place again even if he wouldn't see him there. He hasn’t seen him for a year now, he didn’t know why he suddenly stopped coming into the town. It just happened one day and after that, he never saw him again.

Week after week, Choi Han would always, without fail, go there in hopes they could meet again. Hoping they could talk again like always. He ripped the teleportation scroll Rosalyn gave him and bright light occupied the room.

When Choi Han opened his eyes, he was in the town. The people were busy with their stalls and merchants from all over the Rowoon Kingdom gathered. The harvest of this season was abundant and people gathered to celebrate. There was music and people were dancing. Choi Han felt nostalgic to how vibrant and full of life this place is. It reminded him of his old world.

Choi Han walked around in hopes of seeing that person once again.

When I went to the Henituse Territory, the people there told me Cale hadn't come back. The servants who were working in the estate said that he doesn't have any intention of going back. If so, where is he? Why haven't I seen him for the past year? Choi Han thought as he clenched his fists.

Did he realize I am the same person who hurt him? Did he discover Solaris and Choi Han are the same? Choi Han thought as he closed his eyes. 

He couldn't help but feel a pang on his heart from his thoughts. He shook his head realizing there was no use beating himself for answers he couldn't give. 

His inner monologue came to a halt when he heard a child crying. He searched for the child then he spotted a small, black-haired child.

Did he get lost? He thought.

"Hello, kid, did you get lost?" He asked.

Strangely, they said black hair is rare in this continent. What is this child doing here? Upon looking closer, he has the same features as people from my world, Choi Han thought upon observation.

Where did this child come from?

The child stopped crying and stared at his face. The child's face started to get pale which made Choi Han panicked.

"L-Let's look for your parents," Choi Han offered.

The child nodded as he raised his arms asking for Choi Han to carry him. Choi Han smiled and gently scooped up the child who seemed tired from crying a lot.

Etoile was a little dumbfounded after being carried by the protagonist. He was certainly tired and sleepy but he can't fall asleep yet. They still need to find his mother. 

Choi Han in the novel was supposed to hurt my mother in a pub back in their territory but since mommy had us, it didn't happen? Etoile thought. 

Why is he here anyway? And what's with the color of his hair? Etoile thought, frowning from the whiteness of the other's hair.

Upon feeling his gaze, Choi Han looked at him and smiled. 

Hmm, well, his hold is certainly comfortable. Is it because of his wide and muscular upper body? Mommy has a petite figure but it is softer compared to this, Etoile continued his thoughts. Still, mommy's hold is better.

"By the way, what's your name? And why are you alone?" Choi Han asked.

"I wam Etoiwe, I gwot sepawated fwom my mommy and bwothas," Etoile answered.

"Hm, I see. What's your mother's appearance so I'll know who I should be looking for," Choi Han said.

"Mommy ish ze pwettiest! Mommy hash wed haiw an' hash wong haiw. Mommy ish chall ash well," Etoile described his mother to the best of his abilities using his bodily gestures. 

In Choi Han's mind, there was only one person he considered prettiest yet that person is a man so he ruled out that thought. Every mothers is beautiful in the eyes of their children. But red hair? That color was also rare. The only redhead he knew was Cale and Rosalyn.

"Etoile!" A person called out, his voice was in distress.

Choi Han turned to the direction where the voice was heard and Etoile perked up hearing his name. There, he saw his mother. His expression brightened up. 

It's mommy's voice! Etoile thought.

"Mommy!! Mommy! I'm hewe!" Etoile yelled on top of his lungs as he waved his hands so his mother could see him. 

Choi Han's eyes widened seeing the person he was missing coming in their direction. 

"Mommy!!" Etoile cried as Choi Han lowered him so he could go to his mother .

"Etoile!" Cale called as he kneeled and opened his arms to embrace his son.

"Where the hell did you go? You made mommy worry," Cale cried. 

He embraced the child tightly. Etoile could hear his mother's heart beating wildly. Hans and Melissa were also out of breath while carrying his two brothers.

"Schoopid Etoiwe!" Soleil said as he cried as well.

Feeling the tension finally eased up, Ciel cried as well. It took them ten minutes to finally calm down.

"Mommy, I'wm sowwy," Etoile hiccuped. 

"It's alright. Mommy's sorry for not paying attention," Cale comforted as he carried Etoile in his arms, gently patting his back.

Choi Han stared at their interaction dumbfoundedly. He didn't know what to say or react. That child called him mommy . But how?

Cale, finally noticing the existence of the person who brought his son, spoke.

"Thank you for keeping my child safe and bringing him to us," Cale bowed. He hasn't taken a good look at the other person. When he raised his head, he was surprised.

"Solaris?" Cale said.

"Young Master Cale, it's been a while," Choi Han responded. "I didn't know that this child was yours."

"Yes, I had them last year and I've been looking after them."

"I see."

Choi Han didn't know what to say. He didn't know Cale married someone at a young age.

Etoile gestured his brothers towards the person their mother was calling Solaris. Ciel and Soleil nodded since they were also familiar with that face. He was definitely Choi Han. The person who will hurt their mother. They can't have that. They already hated how friendly their mommy is towards that person. And they hated how Choi Han looked at their mother more.

Mommy should stay away from that , the three squinted their eyes.

"Mommy, I wan' go home! I'wm sweepy!" Etoile said as he pouted.

"Oh, I see. I apologize, Solaris. We need to go back now," Cale said in an apologetic tone.

"N-No! It's alright. I can visit you at your home if you would permit," Choi Han smiled.

Noo! The three children thought.

"It's alright," Cale responded as he bid farewell.

Their group went back to the villa. Choi Han watched their backs disappearing among the crowds.

"Even though the Young Master is young, he's certainly good at handling his children," one of the townsfolk said.

"That's right. Strange enough, he isn't married yet," another said. 

Choi Han's ears perked up hearing that. 

Did he make someone pregnant and she left him with a child? Choi Han thought. That seems impossible.

Choi Han believed it was impossible since it was a well-known fact in the kingdom that even though Cale Henituse gets drunk every single day, the people never saw him with anyone. He was always alone and the servants attested this testimony that their Young Master wasn't interested in that. 

Looking back, the child with black hair resembled the Choi Family in his world. Etoile has a resemblance to him. His hair and his eyes. The same with the other child with obsidian eyes, he may have the same hair color as Cale but his eyes resembled Choi Han. 

Don't tell me …? Nah, how could that be, Choi Han thought. But what if?

Choi Han needed more information about Cale Henituse. But before he gathers information, he'll definitely visit them in their home. He'll make sure to bring gifts for them. 

That night, Choi Han went back to the Capital happily. Rosalyn saw him and rolled her eyes seeing how hopeless romantic her friend was.

"It seems you met him again," Rosalyn said.

"Hm? Is it that obvious?" Choi Han asked, his smile never leaving his face.

"Choi Han, you never made that expression when you were here. It looks like flowers are coming out of your head!" Rosalyn responded. 

Rosalyn just shook her head. 

The children were fast asleep after getting a bath. Cale tucked them in and he would sleep with them later. He gently caressed Etoile's face, Cale's heart was still beating loudly and his skin still felt cold. He was terrified of losing one of his children. It's been a while since he got frightened like this.

"I don't know what I'd do if I lose any of you," Cale whispered as tears fell from his eyes.

The children who somehow woke up after feeling something cold heard their weeping mother. The three still do not know why their mother was staying here in the villa instead of their territory. The novel didn't write much details about their mother. All they knew was he started acting trash when he was eleven and continued until 18 when he got beaten up by the protagonist. Other than that, no more information about him.

That night, the three children vowed within their hearts they will protect their mother's heart forever. 

"Mommy, i wuv woo," Etoile said. Cale heard it and wiped away his tears, seeing his son was just sleep-talking, he smiled and planted kisses on their foreheads.

"Soleil, Etoile, Ciel, I love you too," Cale said as he laid his back on the bed and fell asleep. As soon as Cale laid down, he ventured deep in his slumber.

The three children sat up and stared at one another.

"Fow mommy choo hab a happy lwife," Soleil said as he stretched his arms in front.

"Choo pwotect mommy fwom thwose who mwight huwt him," Etoile followed as he stretched his arms in front as well.

"Choo wive a happiwy swackew lwife wid mommy an' wuv mommy foweva," Ciel said as he stretched his arms as well. 

"We wuv woo mow mommy!" The three said as they snuggled close to him.

Chapter Text

The day after the Harvest Festival, Cale was bedridden due to exhaustion and too much stress. It seemed the outing yesterday took a toll on his weak body. The children were crying so much, especially Etoile since he felt responsible for making his mother sick.

“Mommy! Waaah, i’wm showweee!” Etoile cried. Soleil and Ciel were also the same. “We’d be gwood shoo gwet bettew! Waaah—” (Trans: Mommy! Waaah, I’m sorry! We’d be good so get better! Waaah—)

Hans and Melissa had to separate the children from Cale by force since they might catch Cale’s sickness. But the children kept struggling and kicking them so they could go beside their mother. Due to this, Cale forced himself to sit up to talk things out.

“Babies,” Cale called. The three children immediately climbed on the bed and clutched on to their mother.

“Mommy! Awe woo otay? Hic,” Ciel asked. (Trans: Mommy! Are you okay? Hic)

“Hm, mommy’s not okay today, I’m sorry babies. I know I promised you that we’ll be playing today,” Cale answered.

“It’sh otay, mommy!” Soleil said. “Mommy hash choo gwet heawthy, we wiw nuwse mommy untiw woo gwet bettew.” (Trans: It’s okay, mommy. Mommy has to get healthy, we will nurse mommy until you get better.)

Cale’s heart felt warm seeing how concerned his children were to him. But …

“Hmm, I appreciate the thoughts, my babies but you can’t stay with mommy right now. I’m afraid you might get sick if you are here with me,” Cale responded.

“Nooo! Mommy we hab choo stway hewe!” Etoile protested. (Trans: Nooo! Mommy we have to stay here!)

“Hm, let’s do this instead, if you follow mommy’s wishes, we’ll do everything you want once I get better. We can travel or go anywhere you want,” Cale said.

Just by hearing the word travel, the three nodded at one another.

“Otay, mommy! Bu’ woo hab choo gwet bettew tozay!” the three said in unison. (Trans: Okay, mommy! But you have to get better today!)

Cale chuckled, “Okay, babies. I’ll see you later.”

Cale turned to Hans and Melissa, the two used this cue to pick up the three children. 

“Mommy, gwet wewl shoon,” Ciel said as he waved his little hand. (Trans: Mommy, get well soon.)

Cale waved back and finally he could relax. All that noise made his ear ring and worsened his headache. He closed his eyes, hoping the moment he wakes up again he’ll be better.

Soleil, Ciel and Etoile were inside their playroom. Ciel was reading the book he bought from the festival while Soleil and Etoile were playing with swords. Hans came back with a trolley filled with snacks and refreshments for the little young masters.

“Hansh, when ish mommy’sh bowtdei? Woo shaid mommy’s bowtdei ish neaw,” Ciel asked, this made his other two brothers approach them as well. (Trans: Hans, when is mommy’s birthday? You said mommy’s birthday is near)

“Wyeah! When’sh mommy’sh bowtdei?” Etoile repeated. (Trans: Yeah! When is mommy’s birthday?)

“Oh, right. The Young Master’s birthday is on Nov. 8,” Hans responded.

“Thwen it’sh in a week!” Soleil said. (Trans: Then it’s in a week!)

“That’s right.”

“Thwen, why awen’t woo pwepawing fo’ ich?” Soleil asked. (Trans: Then, why aren’t you preparing?)

“Ah, the Young Master doesn’t celebrate his birthday that much. He wanted it that way,” Hans answered. And he always celebrates it alone back in the main house too.

The three nodded at one another and proceeded to sit in one corner of the playroom. Hans inwardly chuckled and went outside the room to stay there. The little young masters always liked it when the servants waited for them outside the room instead of inside. 

They’re just like the Young Master, Hans laughed. Like mother, like sons, really.

Soleil, Etoile and Ciel were having an emergency meeting inside their playroom. They never thought that their mother’s birthday is coming soon 

“Wha’ shuwd we dwo?” Soleil asked. (Trans: What should we do?)

“Sinsh mommy’sh shick, I dun wan’ him choo wowwy iv we ashk Hansh choo wook fo’ a gwift,” Etoile responded. (Trans: Since mommy’s sick, I don’t want him to worry if we ask Hans to look for a gift.)

“Thwat’s wight, Etoiwe wash schoopid yeshtadei sho we shwouwd nowt do ich choo,” Ciel followed. (Trans: That’s right, Etoile was stupid yesterday so we should not do it too.)

“Yesh, I wash schoopid an’ I wegwet ich,” Etoile crossed his arms and nodded in agreement to Ciel. (Trans: Yes, I was stupid and I regret it)

“Sinsh we can’ gow owt, shouwd we ashk cwook gwandma choo cwook fo’ mommy?” Soleil asked. (Trans: Since we can’t go out, should we ask cook grandma to cook for mommy?)

“Thwen wet’s pwan abou’ ich, Etoiwe gwet a papew an’ pwen,” Ciel said. (Trans: Then, let’s plan about it.)

“Otay!” Etoile stood and looked for a paper and pen in one of the cabinets in their playroom. (Trans: Okay!)

Their mother ensured they have everything inside the room. From books to toys, from art materials to paper and pen. They basically have everything, if it’s not available there, they’ll just ask Hans to buy them—courtesy of their mom. Etoile found the sketchbook and a crayon then he went back to where the two were.

“Shoo wha’ now?” Etoile asked. (Trans: So what now?)

“Wet’sh ashk gwanma choo cwook mommy miweok-gwuk (miyeok-guk*). Mommy wiw eat thwis in ze mowning,” Soleil said then Ciel wrote it down. (Trans: Let’s ask grandma to cook mommy miyeok-guk. Mommy will eat this in the morning.)

Since their hands were not yet that strong for writing, they had a difficult time writing it. It looked incomprehensible.

"Iwf gwanma doeshn't undwewshtan', we wiw jush expwain," Etoile said after seeing their writing. The two nodded. (Trans: If grandma doesn’t understand, we will just explain.)

"Thwen wet'sh incwude cawke! A bowtdei can’ be cawwed a bowtdei iwf thewe’sh no cawke!” Etoile added. (Trans: Then let’s include cake! A birthday can’t be called a birthday if there’s no cake!)

The two nodded and Ciel wrote it down as well. Their notes looked like a bunch of doodles. The three just stared at their writings and sighed.

Before they could continue what they were doing, a visitor alerted them. The three of them quietly left their playroom since Hans couldn’t be found. They went to the foyer to the main entrance to see the said visitor.

The moment they reached the main door, what greeted them was the same white-haired man from the festival.

“Wha’ ish thwat doin’ hewe?!” Ciel asked, pointing at the man their mother called Solaris . (Trans: What is that doing here?!)

“Ah, I was permitted by your mother to visit you here. Um, where is he?” Choi Han asked.

“Mommy’sh nwot hewe. He’s westing!” Soleil answered. (Trans: Mommy’s not here.)

“That’s right, Sir Solaris. The Young Master is currently resting since he got sick,” Hans followed.

“Thwat’sh wight! No one’sh awolled choo vishit mommy,” Etoile said while his hands were on his hips. (Trans: That’s right! No one’s allowed to visit mommy.)

“The Young Master has a weak constitution so simple exhaustion could make him sick. I know you came from a long journey so I could suggest you stay with us for a while,” Hans said, this statement made the three children look at the butler menacingly.

“I see, is he alright now?” Solaris asked.

“Yes, the medicine is working wonders. The Young Master just needed rest,” Hans answered as he guided the visitor.

Stupid Hans! The three thoughts.

“Thwen ze vishitor nweed choo be entewtained, wight?” Ciel asked as he smiled innocently. (Trans: Then the visitor need to be entertained, right?)

“Thwat’s wight. Mommy shaid when thewe’s a vwisitor, we shouwd do ouw besht choo be hoshpitabew,” Soleil added. (Trans: That’s right. Mommy said when there’s a visitor, we should do our best to be hospitable.)

Etoile nodded, “Sho we wiw entewtain him, folwol ush in ouw pwaywoom.” (Trans: So we will entertain him, follow us in our playroom.)

“Your mom educates you really well,” Solaris complimented. 

“Ov coursh, mommy’s shmawt,” Ciel responded. (Trans: Of course, mommy’s smart)

Soleil and Etoile nodded proudly. Solaris—Choi Han—inwardly chuckled. Cale’s children were certainly cute, like him. Then they reached the room. 

The playroom shouts luxury. Everything inside was of the highest quality. From furniture to lighting, even the carpeted floor! The toys and books inside looked expensive and rare. Cale was certainly a rich person.

I really need to work hard, Solaris thought.

For him to make up with him and for him to accept his proposal, he needed to reach his wealth. But that seemed so far-fetched. If nothing could make Cale his by using a normal way, Solaris, no Choi Han would just ask the royals for a wish. A wish that no one could refute. In order to do that, he needed a bigger achievement.

“Wha’ awe woo thinking?” Soleil asked. (Trans: What are you thinking?)

Choi Han’s thoughts came to a halt after hearing his question. The way the child was looking at him felt like he could see what he was thinking.

Soleil was the oldest among the three of them even from their previous life so he knew the looks of a bastard. He had a bad feeling from whatever Choi Han was thinking. He still couldn’t fathom why he was here in the first place.

“Sowawis, do woo wike mommy?” Soleil asked once again. Hearing that question made Etoile and Ciel approach them. (Trans: Solaris, do you like mommy?)

“Hm, yes since he is my friend,” Solaris answered, showing his innocent smile. Soleil squinted his eyes, judging him from head to toe. This sent shivers down Solaris' spine since their gazes didn't look like it belonged to a one year old child.

“Wha’ I meant wash, iv woo wike mommy ze shame way ash a pwince wike a pwincess,” Soleil corrected. This made Solaris stop. He stared at the child in front of him. (Trans: What I meant was, if you like mommy the same way as a prince like a princess.)

They are sharp. Are they really one year old? Aren’t they too smart for their age? Solaris thought.

Noticing how Solaris—Choi Han—paused made Soleil understand why this person is here. It was making his blood boil.

“Woo …,” Ciel said, staring at Solaris intently. Soleil and Etoile were looking at him the same way. (Trans: You …)

“Woo can’ hab mommy,” Ciel continued. (Trans: You can’t have mommy.)

“Mommy’s wove ish fo’ ush onwi, thewe’s no woom fo’ woo thewe,” Etoile said, his hands were on his back while he swung his right leg. (Trans: Mommy’s love is for us only, there’s no room for you there.)

Solaris chuckled as he gently patted their heads.

“Don’t worry, I will not take your mother away from you,” Solaris said. “You love your mother so much.”

“Ov coursh! Mommy’sh ze besht! We wuv him biggew thwan ze wooniversh!” The three smiled as they raised their arms to emphasize how big their love was. (Trans: Of course! Mommy’s the best! We love him bigger than the universe.)

“I see, I can see that as well,” Solaris smiled. “You three are so smart for your age, I guess that’s also from your mom’s teachings.”

“Ov coursh!” the three proudly said. (Trans: Of course!)

Since Solaris had greater vision, he spotted the sketchbook the three were using to write. Upon initial look, one might think they were just a bunch of random doodles. However, looking at it carefully, it looked like a plan. 

“Are you thinking of surprising your mother?” Solaris asked. The three panicked and hurriedly took the sketchbook.

Solaris was shocked to see a familiar word there. 

“Are you thinking of making a miyeok-guk ? And how did you know about this dish?” Solaris asked.

“Hmp! Ov corsh by weading!” Ciel said. (Trans: Hmp! Of course by reading!)

The three didn’t want him to know they also came from the same world as him. They didn’t want him to get attached to them. Having him eyeing their mother was already annoying for them, what more if he learned they were Koreans as well. They didn’t want to think about it.

“I see, so there’s a similar dish with this name as well,” Solaris muttered. 

“Then should we prepare more food for your mother?” Solaris suggested.

“Thwat’s ouw pwan,” Soleil said. (Trans: That’s our plan.)

Hans entered the playroom and informed them that lunch was ready. Solaris joined them for lunch and he helped the children wipe away the mess from their faces. Seeing this scene made the servants think that Solaris was fit to be their father.

After eating, the three children went back to the playroom after asking the physician about their mother. They sighed a breath of relief when they heard that, the same with Solaris too. 

Solaris and the three children went back to Cale’s birthday plan. They included a lot of delicacies from their world. The three children thought it was bad they couldn’t eat any of those yet. Somehow, even though the three children were so opposed to Solaris, well Choi Han, they felt some kind of kinship in him. After all, the four of them came from the same country and world.

He’s not that bad, The three of them thought. Still, Choi Han can’t have our mommy.

Night came, Hans went to the playroom to check on the little young masters and the visitor. He was attending to Cale earlier and he was glad that he was recovering well. The moment Hans entered, he froze. 

The visitor who was supposed to be named Solaris, with white-hair, turned out to be the person who beat up the young master a year ago. Hans felt his blood boil seeing that same person sleeping peacefully beside the little young masters. One might think this scene could fill your heart with warmth, if they didn’t know what happened between him and the Young Master. 

Hans left the room after putting blankets on top of them. He didn’t want to wake up the little young masters. He didn’t know what to do, he was sure Cale would feel betrayed if he learned the person he trusted was the person who hurt him.

What is he doing here? What’s his goal? Hans gritted his teeth.

Choi Han woke up after feeling a presence, then he saw his reflection on one of the mirrors and he immediately checked the disguise necklace. Then his hair turned white again, he breathed a sigh of relief thinking no one saw him like that. If they managed to see him in that appearance, he would no longer be allowed to come back here. 

The children were sleeping soundly and comfortably beside them. He gently stroked their hairs. For some unknown reasons, he felt warm around them. As if their existence finally completed him. It was a strange feeling and he didn’t have enough knowledge and experience to determine it.

The door opened and Cale entered. He was wearing his comfortable nightgown and a shawl.

“Solaris?” Cale said. “You’re still here, I thought you left already.”

“Ah, these children were so hospitable that I forgot about the time,” Solaris responded.

Cale chuckled, “they are, right?”

Cale attempted to carry his children but since his body was still weak he couldn’t. Solaris helped him by carrying Ciel and Soleil, Cale carried Etoile.

“Thank you, Solaris,” Cale smiled.

“Your welcome,” Solaris responded.

The two conversed while walking towards their room. 

“How have you been? It’s been a while since we last met properly, right?” Cale asked. 

“I’m doing well, how about you?”

“Well, since I had them last year, my days have never been better. They are a bunch of sunshines.”

“I can see that. They are also smart for their age.”

“Right? Haha, sometimes I also get surprised about it, but Melissa told me it was because I kept speaking with them when I was still carrying them.”

Solaris stopped his tracks.

“What’s wrong?” Cale asked.

“Y-You carried them? What do you mean?” Solaris questioned.

“It’s surprising isn’t it? I was fairly surprised and frightened at first,” Cale answered bashfully. “I accidentally revealed it since I trusted you. When I was craving for some things last year, you gladly brought them to me.”

Choi Han couldn’t process what he had heard. Back in his own world, when his own mother was pregnant with his brother, his mother also craved for some things and his father would always get them. If not, his mother would get upset. What Cale was saying was also the same. And that sounded like …

Isn’t it like a wife asking his husband to get him some things? Choi Han couldn’t help but get shy with that thought.

“Are you okay?” Cale asked after noticing he stopped.

“Ahh! Yes, I-I am alright,” Solaris responded.

“You must be tired, I’ll ask Hans to give you a room to stay tonight,” Cale smiled.

They reached their room and they placed the children on the bed. Before joining his children, Cale ensured Solaris would have a room to sleep in. Once Solaris reached his room, he sat on the bed.

I really have to investigate this matter about Cale. Now I know the children are definitely his, not as a father but a mother. So that’s why his children call him “mommy”. Choi Han thought.

That night, Choi Han dreamt of having a family with him in the territory he owned. It was filled with smiles and warmth which he never dreamt of having since coming into this world. Now, he thought it was possible.

Chapter Text

As the dawn breaks, Choi Han went back to the Capital once again. As soon as he got back to the mansion given to him by the Crown Prince, he plopped down on his bed. He sighed happily at his dream last night. Suddenly, a knock on his door was heard.

"Choi Han? Are you back?" It was Rosalyn.

"What is it?" Choi Han asked, not bothering to let her enter the room.

"Crown Prince Alver reminds you about the banquet later. I hope you don't forget," Rosalyn responded. 

Choi Han didn't answer and Rosalyn sighed. She left and Choi Han stared silently at the ceiling. He definitely needed money and power to take Cale and the children with him. If he could select his territory, he would gladly take the land where Cale was located at the moment. 

Ah, I miss them already, Choi Han thought. 

Afternoon came, the banquet started. Noble families were gathered at the hall. The King gave his speech, praising the achievement of their youngest swordmaster. 

Then, the opera singers named Lulu and Lala came to perform. Choi Han greeted them since he knew them. When their performance ended, the two approached Choi Han. 

"Oh! It's been a while, Choi Han!" Lala waved. 

"Yes, it's been a while," Choi Han responded. 

"You know them, Choi Han?" Rosalyn asked. 

"Yes, they are from Harris Village too," Choi Han responded. 

"Oh, you should move to a different location so you could talk freely," Rosalyn said. 

The four went to the empty balcony on the west side of the hall. Rosalyn was also dragged since Lulu and Lala liked pretty people. 

"How have you been? Did you make any progress wooing the person you love?" Lulu asked. Choi Han looked down.

"Ah, if we're talking about the first Young Master of Henituse … Well, he beat him up," Rosalyn was the one who responded since Choi Han didn't answer. 

"What?!" Lulu and Lala exclaimed.

"What's the point of polishing your acting skills if instead of impressing him, you beat him up!?" Lala asked. 

"Polishing his acting skills?" Rosalyn wondered.

"You see, the first Young Master loved theater and opera. Choi Han first met the Young Master when we performed in their manor during his 15th birthday," Lulu responded.

"The Young Master loved our group's performance and met us right before we went back. I guess, Choi Han began liking him when he smiled. Because of that, he practiced real hard to be great at acting too," Lala followed

"The Young Master is truly soft and pretty!" The two cooed. 

"It was painstaking training Choi Han in improving his acting skills because he was shit at it!"

"Right! He's like a fucking donkey trying to act like a human! Even a donkey was better Hahahaha!"

Rosalyn suppressed her laughter. She wondered how bad Choi Han's acting was before. He's great at it now.

"Oh. Young. Master. May. I. Take. This. Dance," Lala imitates Choi Han's acting before. Lulu laughed and Rosalyn couldn't take it anymore. 

"He was so bad at it we wanted to give up training him," Lulu said as she wiped her tears of joy.

"Then, what made you continue teaching him?" Rosalyn asked. 

"His passion and dedication to get better at it so he could impress the Young Master," Lala responded. 

"Stop reminiscing about it," Choi Han butted in.

"What happened anyway, why did you do it?" Lala asked. 

Choi Han couldn't answer since his reason was too immature for him as he looked back on his actions. He was older than him so he should have tried to understand him first.

"You should apologize to him. What if you kept dilly dallying here the Young Master would find someone he wanted to marry?" Lulu said. Choi Han's face darkened. 

"I don't want that," Choi Han responded. "There is no one beside him except me!"

"Huh? What do you mean? I thought you beat up the Young Master?" 

"Well, our good friend Choi Han here kept approaching the Young Master after he went to the countryside, well in disguise," Rosalyn answered. 

"Wow, you made use of what we taught you and probably tricked the Young Master," Lala said. 

"No, I am not tricking him!" Choi Han refuted.

"Don't hurt the Young Master's emotion, Choi Han. If you were able to get close to him using your disguise, it is better to let him know who you really are," Lulu said. 

"The Young Master knows full well what betrayal means, we don't want you to do the same," Lala added. 

"I know about that," Choi Han responded.

The four remained silent. Lulu and Lala hoped Choi Han would become honest with who he is to the Young Master. The redhead had already experienced several betrayals; they didn't want Choi Han to do the same. 

☆ ☆ ☆

Meanwhile, on Cale's side. The three children were preparing to sleep as Cale was choosing a book for their bedtime story. 

"Mommy, I dun' wike Sowawis," Ciel said. (Trans: Mommy, I don't like Solaris.)

"Hm, why baby? Did he do something?" Cale asked worriedly. Did he hurt my children? 

Ciel covered his face with a blanket. His small hands tightly gripped it.

"He wooksh wike he wud steaw mommy fwom me," Ciel answered. (Trans: He looks like he would steal mommy from me.)

"Thwat's wight, mommy!" Etoile seconded. (Trans: That's right, mommy!)

"Mommy ish oursh. We wun gib woo choo anyone," Soleil nodded. (Trans: Mommy is ours. We won't give you to anyone.)

Cale chuckled then gently patted their heads.

"How would you know about that?" Cale asked.

"We cud feew iwt in ouw jewwies," the three said in unison as they rubbed their bellies. (Trans: We could feel it in our jellies.)

Cale laughed, "I see. Hahaha. Don't worry, my babies, I won't be stolen by anyone."

"Pwomish ush!" The three said as they stuck their pinky fingers. (Trans: Promise us!)

Cale locked his pinky finger to his children's pinkies, "I promise."

The next day, Solaris came to play with them again and he brought a bouquet of red tulips. 

"You came again," Cale said and smiled shyly as he took the red tulips Solaris handed him. 

"Thank you, these are pretty," Cale added.

The three children gripped on Cale's legs and glared at Choi Han. They didn't like him.

How dare he bring mommy flowers!? The three thoughts. 

The three children ran towards the garden and picked out the prettiest flowers they could find. After that, they went back to where their mother was and raised their hands covered with dirt while holding some slightly crushed flowers.

"Mommy! I hab fwowewsh choo!!" Etoile said, his sweat drips from his face. He brought a beautiful white calla lilies. (Trans: Mommy! I have flowers too!!)

"Me choo! Mommy! My fwowews awe ze pwettiesh!" Soleil said as he raised his two hands holding white gardenias. (Me too! Mommy! My flowers are the prettiest!)

"Ha! Mine'sh ze pwettiesh! Wook mommy! I bwout woo sweech peash," Ciel said as he brought Cale a bunch of half-crushed sweet peas. (Trans: Ha! Mine's the prettiest! Look mommy! I brought you sweet peas!)

"Aw, thank you my babies," Cale said as he passed the red tulips to Hans and took the flowers brought by his children. 

The three children side eyed Solaris as they gave him a mocking grin. 

See! Mommy will prioritize our gifts instead of yours, the three thoughts as they proudly smiled at their mother.

Solaris laughed at how cute the children were. 

Ah, they think of me as their competition. They're really cute, Solaris thought. 

"Shall we head inside? I've made you wait for too long," Cale said.

"It's alright," Solaris responded as he felt his heart flutter everytime Cale looked at him straight in his eyes. 

That straightforward and kind gaze always draws me in, Solaris thought as they went inside the villa. 

The children were currently sitting on the carpeted floor while doing some drawings. Cale and Solaris were sitting on the couch, casually having tea while talking. Solaris quietly noted everything he saw in this house so he could incorporate everything in their future house as well.

Seems like every room has carpeted floors. I'm sure that's to prevent the children having injuries if they fell, Solaris thought as he sipped the tea.

"You seem to have a lot of time in your hands, Solaris. You have been visiting us everyday," Cale said. Solaris turned to him. 

"Ah, yes. We just finished subjugating a monster settlement so my party had time to spend for ourselves," Solaris calmly said. He almost panicked at how Cale phrased it. 

"Oh, you're an adventurer?" Cale asked. Because of this, Etoile and Soleil turned to them. 

The two children were intrigued about adventures, monsters and fighting. In their past lives, Soleil was always curious about what he had read and played before. The world they were currently living in was a fantasy one, so he wanted to at least experience going on an adventure. Etoile, on the other hand, was a famous kendoka. During their school days, he had won several national awards for it. Etoile wanted to use his skills in defeating monsters too.

"Yes, I am an adventurer. You already met my other party members a long time ago," Solaris answered.

"Oh, yes. I remember them," Cale beamed.

Before the two adults could say something, Etoile and Soleil climbed up the couch. The two turned to Solaris and Ciel walked towards Cale, he was leaning on Cale's thigh. 

"An advwenchoowa?!" The two children said at the same time, their eyes were sparkling with interest. (Trans: An adventurer?!)

"Wut dwo woo ushawi dwo?!" Soleil asked, he was shaking in excitement. (Trans: What do you usually do?!)

"Ish it twue thwat monsta awe stwong?!" Etoile asked too, his eyes were sparkling. (Trans: Is it true that monsters are strong?!)

Solaris chuckled, "When the kingdom spotted dangerous monsters, we would usually get called. We go to different places to meet different people of race and nationality. If the people encountered problems caused by monsters, we would be the first one to respond."

"There are monsters that are strong but they are all no match for me," Solaris added. 

What's this? Is he trying to impress my children? How cute, Cale chuckled.

"Hmp! Advwentuwing'sh twoo mush wowk," Ciel commented. Soleil and Etoile turned to him. (Trans: Adventuring is too much work.)

"Wut jid woo shay? Advwencha'sh fwun!" Etoile argued. (Trans: What did you say? Adventure is fun!)

Etoile climbed down from Cale's lap and faced Ciel. Soleil followed and placed his hand in between his two brothers. Ciel and Etoile were glaring at one another. 

"Babies, don't fight," Cale said as he tried to separate the two. He applauded Soleil's big brotherly act.

"Mommy! Ciew shaid advwencha isnh't fwun. Bu' it ish! I wead it in a bwook!" Etoile said. (Trans: Mommy! Ciel said adventure isn't fun. But it is! I read it in a book!)

"Nuu! It ishn't, it huwtsh when woo gwet huwt!" Ciel raised his voice as he buried his face on Cale's thigh. (Trans: No! It isn't, it hurts when you get hurt!)

Cale and Solaris looked at one another then they silently chuckled. Soleil also smiled, Etoile felt bashful.

"I see, so you're worried they might get hurt?" Cale asked as he picked up Ciel and placed him on his lap. Ciel continued to bury his face on Cale's chest. 

"Ciew, I wun gwet huwt. I'w bwe stwong!" Etoile said as he pulled Ciel's clothes. (Trans: Ciel, I won't get hurt. I'll be strong!)

"That's right. With proper training, your brothers will be strong enough to defend themselves and prevent themselves from getting hurt," Solaris added.

Cale let out a quiet laugh and hugged his Ciel then kissed his temple.

"Solaris is right, baby. All of you will get stronger when you grow older. The three of you will choose what you will do and mommy will always be here to support you," Cale said as he caressed his children's head.

"If Soleil and Etoile want to become an adventurer, then mommy will arrange a teacher to teach you how to wield a sword," Cale added as he planted a kiss on top of their heads. Soleil and Etoile giggled and hugged their mother's thigh.

Solaris felt warm watching the interaction between the mother and sons, his selfish self was screaming inside that he wanted to be included in that space too. Cale was too affectionate to his children and if anyone would learn about this side of him, he bet no one would believe him. Even if he was slightly envious, he still felt lucky he could see this side of his beloved Cale.

"Iwf I'm stwong … I cwan bweat woo!" Etoile declared as he pointed at Solaris. (Trans: If I'm strong … I can beat you!)

"Yeah! An' I wiw pwotect mommy an' my bwothas," Soleil added and grinned. (Trans: Yeah! And I will protect mommy and my brothers.)

"Aww, why are my children so cute?" Cale cooed as he scooped up his three children and hugged them tightly which earned a heartful giggle from the children.

A knock interrupted their bonding and Hans opened the door. He has a dark expression, not from seeing Solaris, but from another reason.

"Young Master Cale, may I excuse you for a bit?" Hans asked. The three children noticed how glum the butler looked.

"Okay," Cale responded as he placed the children on the couch. "I'll be back, my babies … and Solaris."

The three children waved their tiny hands as they watched their mother leave the room. The three stared at Solaris.

"How's your preparation for your surprise to your mother?" Solaris asked.

"It'sh goin' wew. Woo dun hab choo wowy," Soleil answered as he carefully climbed down the couch. Solaris stood to assist him. (Trans: It's going well. You don't have to worry.)

"Can I also join you to that surprise?" Solaris asked.

"Ha? WHY?" The three exclaimed as they turned their heads to him.

"Your mom is my friend, remember?"

The three children looked at one another. They don't know what decision they should make. Their mother likes Solaris because he is Solaris and he values him as his friend, their mommy didn't know he is Choi Han as well. 

"Did you know, back in the Henituse Territory, a festival would always be held in time for your mother's birthday?" Solaris said. The three children listened to him. 

"According to the elders in my village, it started when Young Master Cale was eleven years old. The Count started to celebrate a festival for his first child," Solaris continued. "Every year, without fail, the festival was held. The festivity spanned for a week, there was a lot of music and plays, food and merchants around the city to celebrate his birthday."

"Weawy?" The three asked. Solaris nodded. He just learned about it recently. (Trans: Really?)

"Yes, it's true. Even when they haven't seen the Young Master for almost two years, they continue to celebrate it," Solaris added.

Then why did the book say that mommy is hated by everyone? Ciel thought as he looked at his brothers. Soleil and Etoile held each other's hands.

Mommy is loved by his family, so what is mommy doing here? Soleil wondered. Etoile's grip tightened and his two brothers looked at him.

"Woo cwan jwoin ush in ze surprish!" Etoile said. The two nodded. (Trans: You can join us in the surprise!)

"Thank you, kids," Solaris smiled as he gently patted their heads.

After a while, Melissa entered and reminded the little Young Masters that they needed to take a nap. Solaris stood and went to where Cale was and bid farewell. 

"I'm sorry I left you alone there," Cale said.

"It's alright. Hanging out with your children is fun too," Solaris responded.

"You're so understanding," Cale smiled fondly. Solaris blushed.

"I'll be back again," Solaris said as he bashfully walked away.

"Hans, placed the tulips I received from him in our room," Cale said. Hans bowed.

Meanwhile, inside their room, the three children were sitting on top of their bed.

"Ish it ouw fauwt mommy'sh here?" Etoile asked, his head was hanging low. (Trans: Is it our fault mommy's here?)

"Ze sherban' shaid mommy shtayed hewe wen he wash cawwying ush," Ciel added as he played with his fingers. (Trans: The servants said mommy stayed here when he was carrying us.)

"Ish mommy embawassh with ush?" Etoile followed as he buried his face on his knees. (Trans: Is mommy embarrassed with us?)

Soleil couldn't help but feel sad about it. Thinking back, anyone would feel embarrassed having children when you're not married yet. Additionally, they didn't know who their father was. They felt bad holding Cale back.

Their mother always made them feel that he was okay. What if their mommy wanted to go back but he couldn't because of them? What if their grandparents wouldn't accept them and therefore would make their mother isolate more from his family?

Unknowingly, their tears started to fall. It was painful to think after getting attached to their mommy. Their meeting was short yet they were in love with him. They loved how Cale cared for them. They loved how much effort he made for them. They adored how Cale poured his love for them. They couldn't imagine getting separated from him. Their mommy was too kind and caring. 

"Why awe woo cwyin'?" Etoile asked his two brothers. (Trans: Why are you crying?)

The two touched their faces and wiped their tears. Their cheeks were wet from the liquid coming out from their eyes.

"Woo awe cwyin' choo," Ciel said. (Trans: You are crying too.)

The three children cried silently. They didn't want to worry the servant outside their room.

In their previous life, their tears weren't shallow. Maybe because they were children right now, they easily cry. Thinking about the possibility that their mother stayed in the countryside for them breaks their heart, after hearing their mommy's family loved him so much. They couldn't help but think that they were selfish from holding their mommy back.

"Hic … hic," the three hiccuped. 

"Mommy," they called as their cries occupied the quiet, spacious room. 

☆ ☆ ☆

After seeing off Solaris, Cale remained in the drawing room. He was sitting there silently, staring off blankly. He once again received a call from the main house asking him to go back. However, Cale doesn't have any intention of going back. 

How can I go back to the place where I am hurting the most? Cale thought. 

Cale loved his home back in the Henituse Territory, but that was when his mother was still alive. After her death, all he felt was loneliness. Now that he's in the countryside, he feels more free compared to before. He wasn't too stressed with the people around him. And he could live peacefully with his children here. He is happy staying here.

"Young Master, are you thinking of going back?" Hans asked. 

"No, I don't want to go back to that place," Cale answered. 

Hans didn't say anymore. If Cale decides on things, it'll be difficult to change his mind. He hoped his stubbornness won't be passed down to his children too.

Cale stood and walked towards their room. Before going inside the bedroom, Hans helped Cale in washing himself and dressing up. The butler dismissed himself when Cale finished preparing for the night. 

Before entering the bedroom, Cale heard his children crying. 

"Mommy," they said. 

Cale immediately opened the door and found his three little sunshines crying so much. He hurriedly went to their side and hugged them. The three children clutched on their mother's clothes. 

"What happened? Why are you crying?" Cale asked worriedly.

"Mommy, awe we ze weashon wai woo awen't goin' howm?" Etoile asked. Their cries were getting louder. (Trans: Mommy, are we the reason why you aren't going home?)

"Awe woo embawast ov ush?" Etoile added. This made his two brothers cry even more. (Trans: Are you embarrassed of us?)

"Dosh mommy'sh mommy an' zaddy hatsh ush?" Soleil followed. (Trans: Does mommy's mommy and daddy hates us?)

Cale hugged his children tightly as he gently patted their backs. 

"Of course not. I am proud that I carried and gave birth to the three of you. I am happy that I became your mother," Cale said. "Mother and Father still don't know about you so it's impossible for them to hate you. If they knew about your existence, they'll definitely love you too."

Upon hearing his words, the three children stopped crying. Cale faced his children and the three could see their mommy was holding back his tears.

"You three are definitely not the reason why I chose to stay here. I don't know if you will understand my reason but it is definitely not you, my babies," Cale continued as he wiped their tears.

"Mommy stayed here in the countryside because I had to recuperate here," Cale added. Soleil stood and cupped their mommy's face with his small hands.

"Wai mommy? Awe woo shik?" Soleil asked, his face filled with worries. (Trans: Why mommy? Are you sick?)

Cale brushed Soleil's hair with his finger.

"I was, but I am alright now. I am happy in this place that's why I stayed here," Cale answered as he smiled to ease his children's worry.

"You see, mommy's reputation isn't good in the main house. And mommy didn't want you to get hurt because of it, that's why I stayed here," Cale continued.

The three knew about it, after all they've read the novel. Their mother was called trash and now they realized Cale was protecting them from his reputation.

"Mommy, nu matew wut weputashon woo hab, I am aways on mommy's shide," Ciel said as he placed his tiny hands on the back of Cale's hand. (Trans: Mommy, no matter what reputation you have, I am always on mommy's side.)

Cale was surprised, definitely. He sometimes thinks his children are mature compared to their age. He was worried his way of raising them was forcing them to mature.

"Me choo, mommy! I towd woo, wight? I'w be stwong so I cwan pwtec mommy!" Etoile stood and declared. (Me too, mommy! I told you, right? I'll be strong so I can protect mommy!)

"Me choo, iv I gwet owdew no wan cwan huwt mommy," Soleil added. (Trans: Me too, if I get older no one can hurt mommy.)

Cale smiles fondly, "thank you, my babies. Me too, mommy will protect you now and forever."

The three children giggled. Strangely, they were just crying earlier but just hearing a few things from their mother eased their worried hearts. The three felt sleepy as they yawned and stretched their bodies.

Cale carried them one by one and placed them comfortably on their bed. He gently patted them as he sang a lullaby so they could sleep deeply.

Cale was ashamed of himself. He failed to notice his children's worries. He didn't know they were thinking about it.

Ugh, I failed as their mother, Cale thought. 

He stared at his children fondly. They were definitely beautiful children. Now he couldn't imagine what his life would be without them anymore. His eyes then trailed to where the red tulips were placed. He somehow became at ease and smiled.

Cale fell asleep beside them thinking how he would introduce his children to his family. Well, even if they disowned them, Cale would go back to this place. After all, this is their new home now.

//TBC …

Note: 

Red tulips - evokes passion, love, lust. 

Calla lilies - symbolizes magnificence and beauty

Gardenia - represents joy and sweetness

Sweet peas - flower of bliss

Chapter Text

Morning came and the three children woke up early. Cale was still fast asleep as the three quietly climbed off the bed. 

"Shh!" Ciel hushed when he heard Etoile's feet.

"Awm showee," Etoile whispered. (Trans: I'm sorry)

The three tiptoed to exit their room. Before going out, they snuck a peek towards their sleeping mother then they slowly closed the door.

"Shushes!" The three triumphantly exclaimed, in a low voice. (Trans: Success!)

The three children spotted Hans and they hurriedly treaded towards him. 

"Young Masters?!" Hans said. 

"Shh!!" The three said as they placed their index finger in front of their lips.

"Dun be choo woud!" Soleil said in a hush voice. (Trans: Don't be too loud!)

"I'm sorry," Hans whispered.

"Choodei's mommy's bowtdei, we ashked Mewisha choo buy ush shom twingsh," Ciel said. (Trans: Today's mommy's birthday, we asked Melissa to buy us some things.)

"That's right, it's today," Hans responded. The three children nodded.

"Twat's wai we wiw suwpwise him!" Soleil said. (Trans: That's why we will surprise him.)

"Hewp ush, Hansh!" Etoile said. (Trans: Help us, Hans!)

"Alright, what should we do?" Hans asked.

The three explained what they have in mind. Hans did his best to understand what they were saying. It was obvious they were excited. Sometimes, Hans would forget their little young masters were still a year old since they think like they were a lot older.

Hans, along with Marley, carried the three towards the other room and changed their clothes first. They made sure the three children ate their breakfast first before doing anything. Cale would be mad to them if they didn't feed his children first.

Next, Etoile instructed some of the servants what they needed to do. Ciel and Soleil, on the other hand, were in the kitchen telling the staff what they should prepare. Good thing they were preparing for a week now so the materials and ingredients they needed were in their hands now. 

The only problem would be how they will make their mother leave their house. If their mommy stayed at home, he would know what they were planning. It was midday when Cale awoke and this alerted the three children. 

"Wut shud we joo?" Etoile asked. "Mommy wud wewn ouw supwish." (Trans: What should we do? Mommy would learn our surprise.)

"I hab an izea," Ciel said as he whispered his plan, he knew Solaris would visit them today. (Trans: I have an idea.)

"Otay! I heyt zis izea bu' we dun hab a choish," Soleil responded after hearing what their brother had in plan as he crossed his arms and nodded. (Trans: Okay! I hate this idea but we don't have a choice.)

Then, Hans and the others were notified of Solaris' arrival. The three children nodded at one another. Ciel and Etoile went to their mother while Soleil went to Solaris. Marley carried Soleil since he had short legs and couldn't run fast.

"Woo! Sowawis, teyk ouw mommy choo dayte!" Soleil declared pointing his finger to Solaris. (Trans: You! Solaris, take our mommy to date.)

Mommy?! Key, Rosie and Cross thought.

Solaris and his other companions were surprised. Initially, Solaris, no, Choi Han and his party would just drop by to congratulate Cale. His party members were curious how Cale changed throughout the year they haven't seen him. Now, a child who looked like Cale told Choi Han to take their mother on a date?

"Wa-Wait, did you knock up some woman while you were wooing the young master? What the hell is this?" Rosalyn whispered. She was under the guise of Rosie. 

"No, of course I didn't. Just how do you perceive me!" Choi Han responded in a low voice too. "And that's Young Master Cale's child."

The three were bewildered. Young Master Cale had a child. Since Choi Han was wooing him, the redhead must be single.

"Soleil? What do you mean?" Choi Han, in Solaris mode, asked. Soleil instructed Marley to get closer to the group. 

"We wew sinking ov supwishin' mommy, das wai I nweed woo choo dishtwak mommy," Soleil said as he tried to be secretive as much as possible. (Trans: We were thinking of surprising mommy, that's why I need you to distract mommy.)

"Oh, I see. I understand," Solaris nodded in understanding. Then, a small pouch flew towards him and it was filled with gold coins.

"Zis ish nowt a fwee wabow. Ushe zis mowney sho mommy wud hab a gowd chaim," Soleil said as he crossed his arms and looked at Solaris. (Trans: This is not a free labor. Use this money so mommy would have a good time.)

Solaris' companions held back a laugh at this. Solaris was also dumbfounded.

"Wait, I have my own money. I don't want to take a child's money," Solaris said.

But before Soleil could respond. He could hear his other brothers. The two other children came rushing out while dragging the said redhead. Choi Han's companions were even more surprised to see more children. 

"Mommy! Sowawish shaid he'sh chaking woo own a deyt!" Ciel declared. This took Cale by surprise as he turned his head to where Solaris was standing. (Mommy! Solaris said he's taking you on a date!)

"W-What?" Cale questioned, his ears were getting red.

"He shaid he wike mommy, shoo he wan' choo chake woo own a deyt," Etoile said. (Trans: He said he likes mommy, so he wants to take you on a date.)

Solaris flinched from the child's words and his three companions just watched this interesting thing happening in front of them.

Ciel and Etoile pulled Cale, then he tripped and almost fell down when Solaris caught him. Cale stared at Solaris' face, the two got embarrassed and Cale turned to his children again.

"Where in heck did you learn that word, Ciel, Soleil, Etoile?" Cale asked.

"Hilshman wew ashking ze maidsh hewe fwom taim choo taim," Ciel answered. I'm sorry, Hilsman. (Trans: Hilsman were asking the maids here from time to time.)

"Thwat's wight, he shaid iv woo wike sumeone, woo hab choo chaik zem own a deyt," Soleil explained while nodding his head. (Trans: That's right, he said if you like someone, you have to take them on a date.)

"What? Hilsman? What are you teaching my children?" Cale turned to the poor knight. Hilsman shook his head since he was innocent and he looked at the three children and they were glaring at him. 

Young masters, Hilsman cried inside.

"I'm so sorry about this, Solaris. Don't mind what my children said," Cale sighed. He just woke up and he's dealing with his children's whims.

"Oh, it's been a while Miss Rosie, Key and Cross," Cale greeted. He was clearly embarrassed of what had happened.

"We should get insi—"

"Shall we go?" Solaris asked as he pulled Cale away from the house. 

"What?" Cale said as he looked back to see his children waving their hands. 

Cale just sighed and turned to look at Solaris. The latter looked back and he saw that Cale's children were glaring at him. He laughed.

"Iv Sowawish gabe ouw mommy back wid injuwies, I'w smak hish head!" Soleil said as he was being carried by Marley. (Trans: If Solaris gave our mommy back with injuries, I'll smack his head.)

"Uh-huh! Hisman pwepew a wope. We wiw chie him iv he huwtsh mommy," Ciel added. (Trans: Uh-huh! Hilsman prepare a rope. We will tie him if he hurts mommy.)

"We wiw beach him up!" Etoile exclaimed. (Trans: We will beat him up!)

"Um, excuse me," Rosie interrupted. The three children turned to them.

"Wah! Ozer peopow. Hu awe woo?" Soleil asked. (Trans: Wah! Other people. Who are you?)

"Ah, sorry for the late introduction. We are Solaris' party members. I am Rosie, this is Key and Cross," Rosie answered.

The three children nodded. 

"Iwam Soweiw." (Trans: I am Soleil.)

"Iwm Etoiwe." (Trans: I'm Etoile.)

"Ciew." (Trans: Ciel.)

"Nice to meet you," Rosie smiled and the other two nodded.

"Sinsh woo'we hewe, we neez wouw hewp," Ciel said. (Trans: Since you're here, we need your help.)

"Alright, we'll help you," Rosie responded. She smiled thinking how adorable these children are. 

As expected of Young Master Cale's children, they are so adorable, Rosie thought. But why are they calling him 'mommy'? 

Hans led the group to where the preparation was being done. Cross helped the kitchen staff while Rosie and Key helped with the decorations.

Hmm, these children have the same feeling as Choi Han-hyung, Key thought as he observed Etoile instructing them where to put the decorations. Especially this black-haired child.

They are mature at this age, they also know how to lead, Rosie chuckled.

"Hey, little master Etoile, the Young Master is your mommy, may I know who your father is?" Rosie asked. 

The servants stopped with their work and Etoile turned to Rosie with widened eyes. Then, the child instructed the servants to continue what they were doing. 

"I dunno. We hab no fazew. We onwi hab mommy," Etoile responded. (Trans: I don't know. We have no father. We only have mommy.)

Etoile and his brothers do not know who their father is. They didn't want to know. After all, Cale is enough for them. They don't want anyone except for Cale.

"Mow bwozas an' I awe happi wid mommy onwi. We dun need a zaddy," Etoile smiled. (Trans: My brothers and I are happy with mommy only. We don't need a daddy.)

"Oh, I see. That was insensitive of me, my apologies," Rosie responded.

There was an awkward silence in the hall. The only thing they could hear were the movements of people. No one spoke after that conversation. Etoile noticed this. He sighed internally. They knew the servants were pitying their mommy from time to time since he was raising them alone. 

However, if their mommy would be asked about it, Cale would definitely say that everyone was with him so he was not alone. Even so, these adults might have thought that a child needs a father too. But Etoile and his brothers were different. It was true that Cale is enough for them.

Meanwhile, on Solaris and Cale's side, the two were taking a stroll in the town. Solaris and Ciel were walking hand in hand since the white-haired was focused on taking Cale away from the house. Then, a gurgling sound was heard. 

"Ah, I'm sorry about this. I haven't eaten anything this morning," Cale said, then he noticed his hand was still connected to Solaris.

Upon realization, Solaris blushed and let him go. He scratched his nape and looked up. 

"I'm sorry," Solaris said, the tip of his ears were red. "Let's go find you something to eat."

"Y-Yeah, haha. Let's do that," Cale awkwardly said.

The two went to the only pub in town. Since Solaris was familiar with the food there, he ordered for them. Of course, Solaris paid—using his own money.

"I'm really sorry about this, I don't carry money with me," Cale said as he ate the food they ordered.

"It's alright," Solaris smiled.

"It's been a while since we last did this."

"Yes, it's been a year? You suddenly stopped coming to this town last year."

"Ah, yes. I was having trouble moving at that time. My due date was coming close so I couldn't come down here."

"Ah … about your children, you said you carried them yourself, what do you mean by it?"

Solaris couldn't find the answer in the Henituse Territory. Nobody knew details about their first Young Master. No, to be more accurate, nobody cared enough to know more about him—most especially the people inside the Estate.

"Yes, I shared it with you last time. It is true that I am the one who gave birth to them. Strange, right?" Cale laughed softly. 

"I was afraid at first. I didn't know how it happened, all I knew was that I was already carrying them," Cale added as his gaze turned soft. Solaris still couldn't believe it.

"Is it alright to ask who their other parent is?" Solaris asked. Cale looked at him.

"That … I actually don't know. I just had a really weird dream and I was told that I was having babies," Cale answered.

"And there is only one person I knew who shared the same eye and hair color as my Etoile and Soleil, but that's just speculation," Cale mumbled but Solaris heard him loud and clear.

Solaris' heart began to beat louder. He knew it was him. He wasn't that stupid, he already knew their resemblance. He just couldn't believe it.

"Anyway, I can handle raising my children just fine. And I think my babies don't need their other parent as well," Cale continued.

"But what will you say if they asked you for their father?"

"Hmmm … I'll deal with that when the time comes."

Solaris went deep into his thoughts. He was now sure that he is the father of Cale's children. 

My god! I haven't started dating him yet. Now, we have children instead, Solaris could feel the heat going into his head.

Solaris watched Cale as he ate his meal heartily, but Cale doesn't like me. I was the reason why he was sent here, away from his family.

Then, a person bumped into them and a newspaper fell off. Cale took it and he managed to see Choi Han's face in the paper. He gave the paper to the owner and the latter thanked him. Cale sighed.

"Is something the matter?" Solaris asked.

"No, I just saw Choi Han's face in the paper," Cale responded, which made Solaris flinch.

"What about him?"

"Well, since you are from the Capital, you must have heard what happened between me and Choi Han."

"Hmm?"

"He made a name in the Capital as an esteemed adventurer that even the Royals count on him. He is even revered as a hero due to his accomplishments. Due to our fight, people might have pitied him and hated me even more," Cale laughed weakly. After all, he understood that kind of reaction.

"Choi Han must have hated me too," Cale added as he drank his apple juice.

"What if Choi Han doesn't hate you?"

"Huh? That's impossible. I insulted him and his village enough to be beaten almost to death. I don't think he would take being in the same place as me," Cale answered as he rubbed his arms, feeling scared of a possible encounter with Choi Han.

Seeing this made Solaris sad. Of course he doesn't hate Cale. It was the opposite. He loved him enough to wish for his hand if he cannot make him his own. He had been waiting for this moment to talk with him, to spend his time with him. He was waiting and training for this moment. If he could, he would punch his past self who hurt Cale.

"I am just saying some what ifs," Solaris said, making a sad expression which made Cale chuckle.

"Even if Choi Han doesn't hate me, he doesn't have anything to do with me. Besides, having you is enough," Cale responded.

This made Solaris perk up and blush. He wanted to reveal himself that he is Choi Han but now isn't the right time. If Cale likes him right now, that should do for now.

"You are my precious friend after all," Cale continued.

"I didn't expect a Young Master like you would treat me, a commoner, his precious friend."

"Why? Does the title matter? Maybe to some other nobles, but not with me."

Cale's smile was too bright for Solaris. He wished that Cale would also show this smile to Choi Han instead of Solaris. 

After their meal, Solaris and Cale went for a stroll around the town again. They spoke about so many things. Solaris' adventures, Cale's moments with his children and some other mundane things.

"Your children are really lovely, I was actually surprised by how smart they are," Solaris chuckled.

"Right? I sometimes get surprised," Cale laughed. "They often read books I ordered for them, maybe that's why."

"They are exceptional for a year old child. The children I knew were so loud, messy and their words were incomprehensible but your children are different," Solaris said.

"I know right? I am proud of my sons," Cale said as he wore his soft and fond gaze.

Solaris smiled gently. It was nice seeing this side of Cale.

"Oh, let's go somewhere else. It is near this place, it is my favorite spot," Solaris said as he took Cale's hand.

At a distance, a pair of two eyes were watching them. 

"Hyung?" Basen said as he spotted his brother he hadn't seen in two years.

"Orabeoni, what is it?" Lily asked.

Basen and Lily were pestering their parents to visit their eldest brother. Both were worried for their brother. Their father kept writing letters and calling their eldest brother to come home but Cale doesn't have any intention of going back.

"I just saw Hyung, he's with another person," Basen responded. Lily turned to the direction where Basen was looking.

There was only one redhead they knew of and that was their eldest brother. That only shade of red belonged to their beloved brother.

"Who's that person with him?" Lily asked as her eyebrow twitched upward. 

The two could see their brother laughing alongside that unknown person. It was the first time they've seen their brother with that kind of expression. 

"Is that Orabeoni's lover?" Lily asked as she clenched her fist.

Basen remained silent. They didn't hear about their brother's new lover. They were walking away and they can't follow them since they have been traveling for a week. 

"We should go to the villa first. We can ask Hyung when he gets back later," Basen said as they went on top of the mountain since the villa was located there.

Inside the Henituse Villa, the preparation was now complete. They were only waiting for Solaris and Cale to come back. The children also changed their clothes as they waited on the arms of Hans, Marley and Melissa.

"Ugh, wut'sh chakin' zem sho wong!" Etoile said as he crossed his arms. (Trans: Ugh, what's taking them so long!)

"Wut iv sumcing happun' choo mommy?" Soleil asked. (Trans: What if something happened to mommy?)

"Don't worry, little masters. Solaris is with him, I'm sure he'll keep your mommy safe," Rosie reassured.

"Iv a tweeny bwit woun' appeawsh on mommy'sh shkin, I'w punish hiwm," Ciel said as he clenched his small fists. (Trans: If a teeny bit wound appears on mommy's skin, I'll punish him.)

The adults chuckled softly. Then, Hans was informed of the arrival of the two children of Henituse'. The moment the door opened, Basen and Lily saw a lot of people in the hall. What's more surprising was the appearance of three little children with heavy resemblance to their eldest brother.

"W-What? Who are those kids?" Basen and Lily asked.

//TBC …

Chapter Text

"W-What? Who are those kids?" Basen and Lily asked.

The three children were also surprised. They knew those two even though they hadn't seen them. They were their mother's siblings. One of the people their mommy sacrificed his youth for.

"Young Master Basen, Young Miss Lily," Hans were definitely surprised.

Basen and Lily could notice the appearance of the three children. Two of them shared the same hair color with their eldest brother and one of them shared the same hair color as the hero adventurer.

"Hans, whose children are they?" Basen asked sternly.

The three children flinched. They didn't know and understand but they felt hurt from how their mommy's siblings looked at them.

"They are Young Master Cale's," Hans responded.

Ciel gripped on Hans' clothes tighter. He didn't like how the mood was going.

"What?! Hyung had children and nobody even told Father and Mother?!" Basen raised his voice which made the three children surprised.

Soleil, Etoile and Ciel simultaneously looked at their mommy's siblings. They couldn't make out what kind of expression the two have on their faces. Confusion? Anger? Disappointment? Awe? They don't know.

"We were just following the Young Master's orders," Marley answered.

"Even then, Hans Father trusted you to tell whatever was going on in my brother's life. Yet you never tell us anything!" Basen said.

"Young Master, please refrain from raising your voice. The children are getting startled," Melissa intervened after noticing the three children were shaking.

"What? How will I know that their mother won't use these children to take advantage of my brother?!" Basen continued.

"What if they are just using these children to get money from my brother?!" He added. "If their mother suddenly came and separated them with my brother, Hyung would only get hurt!"

Separate? Who would separate us from mommy? The three thought.

They knew their mommy's siblings were only worried for their mommy. But hearing them say that someone will separate them from their mommy was something they couldn't slide. It was painful. And the way they were raising their voices was too scary for a year old children.

Ciel, among the children, have always been sensitive with the mood inside the room. Slight discomfort makes him uncomfortable and he usually cries.

"Nhhnng, mommy," Ciel said as sobs escaped from his small mouth.

The other two children followed through. They were shaking and sobbing. Ciel turned around and looked at their mommy's brother but Basen still had this angry look. Because of this, Ciel cried loudly.

"WAAAH! MOMMY!" Ciel screeched.. Soleil and Etoile cried as well.

On Cale's side, Solaris brought him to an open field where varieties of flowers bloom. The view was also overlooking the whole land where they were staying. It was a wide land yet it was lordless due to how difficult it was to raise a crop and monsters infested the majority of the area. The only safe place was where the town and the villa were located. The King himself manages this land.

Cale was in awe of the scenery, he could see the mountain where the villa was built and the town on its foot. The flower fields were also beautiful.

Solaris turned to Cale and he saw how his expression softened and smiled.

"You know, when I was young, my mom, my dad and I would always come here for a picnic," Cale said.

"Don't you still do it?" Solaris asked. Cale smiled at him sadly.

"Unfortunately, after my mom died, we stopped doing that," Cale said as he returned his gaze to the flower field.

His mother died? Then the Countess isn't his biological mother? Solaris thought.

"I see, I'm sorry," Solaris responded. Cale chuckled.

"Don't be," Cale said. "It's been a long time since that happened. I didn't know I missed it until I came here."

There was a silence between them. Solaris respected the time as Cale reminisced about his past. He didn't know much about him except what he had seen and heard already. He wished Cale would open up more.

Cale turned to Solaris and the latter was surprised to see an expression he hadn't seen before. It was the softest smile and gentlest gaze. The wind blew as if to caress Cale.

"Thank you for taking me here," Cale smiled as he tucked his hair behind his ears.

Solaris' heart beat faster, his whole body started to feel hot. He didn't know but he was sure his face was flushed. He unknowingly reached his hand out to caress the redhead's face which made the latter surprised as he stared at Solaris' eyes.

The two stared at each other's eyes and it felt like time had stopped for them. No one was saying anything. Only the wind and their heartbeats seemed to resonate around them. Cale subconsciously looked at Solaris' lips. The latter took this cue to reduce the gap between them.

Solaris slowly brought his face closer as he locked his gaze to Cale's. The redhead's eyes shook as he tightly closed his eyes. He didn't know why but it felt right to close his eyes. He didn't feel anything touch his lips, instead he felt that Solaris placed something on his neck.

Cale opened his eyes and what he saw was the most beautiful jewel he had seen. It was a diamond, not just a simple diamond but a hope diamond. Its unusual blue color made it stand out among the rest of its kind. It was beautifully cut into a smaller chunk to match Cale and was placed in a well-adorned base then a highest quality of gold and small pieces of diamond made up the whole necklace.

Solaris gently combed Cale's hair as he brought the red locks to his lips—Solaris planted a gentle kiss on his strands of hair. This made Cale's heart race. His face was flushed. It was the first time he felt this way.

"Happy birthday, Cale," Solaris said in a husky tone.

Cale was speechless. A whole new Solaris appeared before him. This wasn't the Solaris he was used to. The Solaris he knew was cute but the Solaris in front of him was different from usual.

"T-Thank you," Cale muttered as he tried to hide his blush. "How did you know it is my birthday today?"

"Your children told me," Solaris responded. I always knew when, after all, it is one of the biggest festivals back in the Henituse Territory.

"I-I see, thank you for this gift," Cale said. "But where did you get this?"

"This is a reward from a certain quest and I wanted to give it to you the moment I saw it," Solaris replied. "I knew it would suit you best."

Cale couldn't refuse anymore if he was shown that kind smile Solaris would always give him. He clasped the necklace as he looked down. Solaris became worried that Cale would throw it away.

"Thank you, Solaris. I'll treasure this," Cale smiled.

Cale stretched his arms and placed his left hand on the ground to support his body. Solaris slowly placed his right hand on top of Cale's. The latter looked at him in surprise but Solaris didn't look back. The two enjoyed their moment for the meantime.

Solaris was a patient person, there's no use in rushing Cale. While the latter was new to the feeling. He didn't know whether what he was feeling was real or was he just caught up in the moment. Hmm, well, there was plenty of time for him to discover his feelings later on.

After a while, Cale suddenly felt uneasy. He didn't know what caused it. All he knew was he needed to go back to their home.

"Solaris, I think we should go back now," Cale said. There was a sense of urgency in his expression.

"Yeah, I think we should," Solaris replied and they immediately went off.

They finally reached the villa after thirty minutes. As soon as they entered the villa, the two could hear the children crying. Cale ran as fast as he could and the moment he reached the hall, he saw Hans and the others trying to calm the children.

Ciel, Soleil and Etoile saw their mommy and they struggled from the adults' hold.

"MOMMY!" they cried as they ran towards Cale.

The redhead immediately welcomed them in his arms as the three cried uncontrollably. Cale was definitely worried, he observed the people around them and he saw his two siblings. He was surprised but making his children calm was his priority.

"Shh, it's okay. It's okay, mommy's here," Cale comforted his children, gently tapping their backs.

Slowly, the three calmed down. The three children still had their faces buried on their mommy's chest. Cale then hugged them softly. Hans went beside Cale to help him with his children.

"Shall we go to our room, hmm?" Cale asked his children.

The three looked sullen as they nodded their heads. Cale softly ruffled their hair as he carried them.

"Hans, provide rooms for our guests. Basen and Lily, I'll talk to you later. Miss Rosie and everyone, I apologize for this commotion. Please excuse us, Melissa bring us food upstairs," Cale ordered as he exited the hall.

When they reached their room, Cale placed them on top of their bed. He then proceeded to take a clean, wet towel and a dry one to wipe their messy faces.

"Mommy, wiw we be sheparated?" Soleil asked as Cale wiped his face. (Trans: Mommy, will we be separated?)

"Hmm? Who said that?" Cale asked, then wiped Etoile's face.

"Ze choo stwanga shaid shumone wiw sehparate woo and ush," Ciel said as Cale turned to clean his face. (Trans: The two strangers said someone will separate you and us.)

"No one can separate me from the three of you, Ciel, Soleil, Etoile. Wherever you are, I am always there," Cale said as he ruffled his sons' hair gently.

"That's why you don't have to worry. Mommy will always be here by your side, no matter what," Cale continued. The three children raised their pinky fingers.

"Pwomish ush, mommy!" The three said in unison. (Trans: Promise us, mommy!)

"Woo'we no' awowed choo ve away fwom us!" Ciel added. (Trans: You're not allowed to be away from us!)

Cale chuckled as he entwined his pinky finger to his sons, "I promise."

When the food arrived, Cale brought his children to their table and began eating. The food served was the meal his children asked the chefs to prepare for Cale.

"It's been a while since I had these," Cale commented.

"Mommy, hab woo eachen zis kin' ov fwood?" Ciel asked. (Trans: Mommy, have you eaten this kind of food?)

"That's right. When you three were still in my belly, Solaris would often visit me and bring me these foods," Cale answered as he happily recalled one of his memorable encounters with the adventurer.

"Sho mommy kne' Sowawish befo' we wew bown?" Soleil asked. (Trans: So mommy knew Solaris before we were born?)

"Yes, he's been visiting me since I got sent here to recover," Cale responded as he wiped the mess of his children.

The three children then turned to one another and through their eyes, they were communicating. The three have a great understanding of one another so they more or less knew what the other was thinking.

"Mommy, do woo wike Sowawis?" Etoile asked. (Mommy, do you like Solaris?)

This question made him remember what happened to them earlier in the field. He couldn’t help but feel his face become hot. This didn’t go unnoticed to his sensible children. The three children somewhat felt dejected from that.

"Hmm? Yes, I like him since he's my only friend here," Cale replied after composing himself.

“Hmn, mommy, woo becha keep zat pwomish. Evwen woo gewt a wovew, we awe woor pwiowichi,” Ciel said as he played with his fingers. (Trans: Hmn, mommy, you better keep that promise. Even when you get a lover, we are your priority.)

“We pwefow nu wovew,” Soleil added. (Trans: We prefer it if you don’t have a lover.)

“Where are you getting these ideas?” Cale sighed, then he gently cupped his sons’ cheeks alternately. “Mommy only loves the three of you. I don’t think anyone would even take me as their lover. That’s why I will always be here.”

After they're done eating, Cale puts the children to sleep. The three were out cold, because they got up early and were exhausted. Cale gently stroked their faces, one by one, then he kissed them gently on their foreheads.

"Melissa, please look after my babies. I'll go meet the guests," Cale said. Melissa nodded and bowed.

Hans guided Cale where his two siblings were. His siblings and the servants from the main house saw his children. It wouldn't be good if his parents learned about his children.

Hans knocked on the door and announced the arrival of Cale. Basen opened the door and he was greeted by his older brother wearing a cold look on his face.

"Hyung," Basen called. Cale entered the room.

"Get all your servants out of this room," Cale said. The servants flinched as they scurried away.

"Orabeoni," Lily called as she fidgeted.

"What are you two doing here?" Cale asked as he sat on one of the couches.

"We came to visit you because you are not coming home," Basen answered as he sat across Cale.

"And also today is your birthday! We already missed not celebrating your birthday again," Lily added. Cale sighed which made his two siblings flinch.

"I understand your reason but why didn't you inform us ahead of time? My children got surprised," Cale said as he folded his arms.

"Children? Those kids really are your children?" Basen asked. The tone of his voice somehow irked Cale.

"Wait, am I an aunt now?" Lily excitedly asked.

"Wait a minute, Lily. There are more pressing matters about this," Basen interrupted. "Why didn't you tell mother or father you have children? How long do you plan on keeping this a secret?"

"I plan on telling them, I just don't know when."

"Is this the reason why you're not coming back?"

"Yes, my children are still young for long travels. I don't want to stress them out."

"I see. Who is the mother?"

"I am."

"What?!" Basen and Lily asked in a surprised tone.

"What? I am their mother whether you believe it or not. I am the one who carried and gave birth to them," Cale responded.

"Huh? How did that happen? Are you just trying to trick us? We are no longer children, Hyung!" Basen slightly raised his voice as he stood and slammed the table.

"Whether you believe it or not, it is the truth. I carried them and I gave birth to my beautiful children," Cale sighed.

Basen could feel his legs getting weak as plopped down the couch. He massaged his temples as he couldn't figure out the hows and whys.

Sensing the atmosphere inside the room, Lily brought out the gifts they prepared for their eldest brother.

"Orabeoni, Oppa and I prepared this for you," Lily said as she timidly gave the gift. Her demeanor right now was a complete opposite of what she usually was. Basen looked at Lily and she nodded.

"Happy birthday, Hyung/Orabeoni," the two said with a blush on their faces.

Cale sighed and looked at them. He opened the gift. He could see the most expensive ruby brooch. It was his style. Cale's eyes softened as he closed the box.

"Thank you. I'll keep this," Cale said.

Lily smiled happily, Basen too.

"Orabeoni, can I play with my nephews when they wake up?" Lily asked as she sat beside Cale.

"Sure but let me introduce you two first," Cale answered.

"Yay! Your children are so cute, Orabeoni! They looked a lot like you!" Cale could see hearts in Lily's eyes which made him chuckle.

Cale ruffled Lily's hair which made the latter happy and the other one felt envy. Lily glanced at Basen and showed a smug look.

"Hyung!" Basen called. Cale looked at him.

"Umm, is your budget enough for the four of you? I guess Hans asked to increase your allowance because of the children, is it enough?" Basen asked.

"Yes, as long as we don't spend so much," Cale replied.

"I'll ask Father to increase it again," Basen had a determined look in his eyes which made Cale laugh.

"The children should always get the best, right?" Basen added.

"Right," Cale smiled.

"A Henituse should never settle for less," the three said in unison. The three looked at each other and laughed.

Basen was worried and Cale could somehow sense it from his brother. It was good that his two siblings were doing great.

Maybe it is really for the best that I'd live far from them, Cale thought.

//TBC …

Chapter Text

After catching up for a while, Cale and his two siblings went to the hall where he left his guests. It was rude to leave the guests unattended but he was trash so he didn't have to feel bad about it, right?

When they entered the hall, Solaris and his party members were still there.

"Young Master Cale," Rosie greeted with a smile. "It's been a while since we've last seen each other."

Rosie glanced a smile at Solaris after seeing the necklace they knew he would give to Cale.

"Miss Rosie, yes, it's been a while," Cale smiled. 

Basen and Lily stared at them suspiciously since they looked so familiar. Key felt their hot gazes and he hid behind Cross.

"I hope our Solaris didn't do anything weird to the Young Master while they were out earlier," Rosie smiled. 

Cale suddenly blushed and all of the people inside the hall saw it. After all, it was visible to his pretty, pale face. Basen and Lily glared at Solaris who just averted his gaze, the tip of his ears were also red.

"Solaris! Don't tell me you've put your hands on him?!" Cross asked, surprised and irritated. He may be an assassin but he has manners and he knows the proper order in courting a person he likes.

"HAA?? How dare you put your dirty hands on my brother?!" Basen growled.

Lily was beside Basen as she took out her small dagger hidden under her coat. She was looking at Solaris like she was about to kill him. 

"Calm down all of you!" Cale shouted before things got out of hand. 

"S-Solaris did nothing, we just took a stroll in the town," Cale replied as he tried to hide his embarrassment. 

Solaris' party looked at the white-haired menacingly. He must've done something to make the redhead Young Master talk like he was shy. Basen and Lily were also the same.

"B-By the way, thank you all for coming today. It's been a while since I celebrated my birthday beside my children and the servants in this villa," Cale clapped his hands. 

"I heard Rosie and the others helped my children in preparing everything," Cale commented as he looked around. 

Seeing how much his children made an effort to celebrate his birthday moved his heart. 

My babies are really sweet, Cale thought as he walked towards the table filled with food.

Cale began trying the food laid in front of them. He even urged the others to eat with him.

"It'll be shameful if I didn't appreciate what my children prepared for me," Cale smiled happily.

Cale knew his children got helped by Solaris' companions and he was grateful for that. Too bad his children weren't present right now. 

"These delicacies are certainly weird looking but they do taste great," Basen commented. He was reluctant at first but when he took a bite, he liked the taste.

"Oh, you're right, Oppa," Lily happily said.

"You helped my kids in preparing this, Cross?" Cale asked. The quiet cook/assassin nodded.

"Thank you," Cale smiled. Seeing how bashful Cross became, Solaris stood in between them.

"You should try this too, you liked it the last time you ate this," Solaris said as he poured a fish cake soup on a bowl and gave it to Cale.

"Yeah, you're right. You still remembered it," Cale smiled shyly. Basen and Lily noticed this as they glared at Solaris.

Greetings and catching up occupied the hall, after a while Melissa came with Marley with Cale's children in their arms.

"Mommy!" The three called as the two adults lowered their body so the three could go to their mother.

The three children jumped and latched on Cale's legs which made him lose balance, good thing Solaris helped him regain his balance before the four of them got hurt.

"Didn't I tell you it's dangerous to run like that?" Cale said as he crouched down to meet his children's eyes.

"Mommy'sh unfaew!" Soleil exclaimed. (Trans: Mommy's unfair!)

"Hmm? Why?" Cale asked, slightly confused.

"Woo weft ush zer," Soleil responded. (Trans: You left us there.)

"Ah, sorry about that. You three were sleeping soundly," Cale chuckled.

"Ish oke mommy. I unzeshchand," Ciel tapped Cale's thighs. (Trans: It's okay, mommy. I understand.)

Cale just hugged the three and the three giggled in return.

"Mommy, appi bowtdei!" The three said as they simultaneously kissed their mommy's face. (Trans: Mommy, happy birthday!)

Cale giggled at their action. Their audience, except for Solaris, was in awe of what they were seeing, most especially Cale's siblings. This was the first time they have seen their eldest brother laughing like that. It was really nice seeing that expression on their eldest brother.

"Oh, that's right. Babies, this is Uncle Basen and Aunt Lily," Cale turned to his siblings and pointed to each of them so they could get to know one another.

"Ah! Za scawi woong!" Ciel pointed at Basen. (Trans: Ah! The scary hyung!)

"I'm really sorry about that, I was just surprised. Will you give Uncle Basen a chance?" Basen approached the three children in Cale's arms.

The three looked at each other then they smiled, a smile that sent shivers down their spines—except for Cale of course.

"Otay!" The three said in unison. (Trans: Okay!)

Then the three all spoke at the same time. Cale could guess they were trying to introduce themselves.

"Babies, one at a time. Your uncle and aunt won't be able to understand you," Cale said. The children nodded and hugged their mother.

"Iw go fiwsh, Iwam Soweiw. Iwm ze hwoong," Soleil said as he placed his right palm on his chest. (Trans: I'll go first, I am Soleil. I'm the hyung.)

"So…leil?" Lily tilted her head. Cale nodded and Lily smiled.

"Iwm Etoiwe! I wuv mommy and awdbwencha!" Etoile energetically exclaimed, raising his tiny fist in the air. (Trans: I'm Etoile! I love mommy and adventure!)

Soleil gasped and raised his hand, "I awsho wuv mommy!" (Trans: I also love mommy!)

Cale and the others chuckled at how cute they were.

"Ch, ch, mow bwozas awe sho immachu. Oh, Iwm Ciew. I wuv mommy mush mow zan zis," Ciel said, acting like a mature child, as he motioned his arms to be bigger than the universe. (Trans: Tsk, tsk, my brothers are so immature. Oh, I'm Ciel. I love my mommy much more than this.)

"Soleil, Etoile, Ciel," Basen and Lily repeated. 

"Yash!" The three said.

"Nice to meet you, Soleil, Etoile, Ciel," Basen nervously smiled. 

The three children looked at one another again and nodded, as if they came to an agreement of some sort.

“Mommy! We wud wike cho pway wid scawi woong,” Ciel said as he pointed at Basen. (Trans: Mommy! We would like to play with scary hyung.)

Soleil and Etoile looked at Ciel, the latter just smirked and the two just nodded in understanding as the three pulled Basen and Lily to another room. Cale and the others remained confused but the redhead was glad they seemed to be getting along well. Hans followed the children and their masters.

Contrary to what Cale imagined, the three children were now standing on top of the couch as Cale’s two siblings were sitting in a kneeling position. The three children had their arms crossed as they looked down upon the two older siblings kneeling in front of them.

“Now, mommy ish no’ hew. I wan woo choo wisen cawfuwi,” Ciel said as he pointed towards Cale's siblings. “Wut happened eawier won’ reach mommy, BU’ ze chwo ov woo wiw wok unza ush.” (Trans: Now, mommy is not here. I want you to listen carefully. What happened earlier won’t reach mommy, but the two of you will work under us.)

Hans coughed and cleared his throat, preventing himself from laughing. Basen and Lily couldn’t believe what they just heard.

“Das wight. Mommy ish scawi when he getsh mad, mommy wiw hate ya if he knew wha’ woo did,” Soleil added in all seriousness, which made Basen and Lily gulped since they also knew how their eldest brother gets mad. (Trans: That's right. Mommy is scart when he gets mad, mommy will hate you if he knew what you did.)

"Uh-huh! Das why woo chwoo hab choo wok fow ush. Do evewycha we wan'," Etoile added as he nodded. (Trans: Uh-huh! That's why you two have to work for us. Do everything we want.)

Ah, they really are brothers' children, Basen internally smiled. He could remember his older brother acting like this when they were kids, especially if Cale learned the bullying he got from other noble kids.

"Hmm, I see. So, what do you want us to do?" Basen humored the children. 

This time, the three children finally sat down.

"Hansh, we wan shum juice an' cawk," Etoile smiled. (Trans: Hans, we want some juice and cake.)

Hans adhered and bowed then he left the five inside the room.

"Wew zen, chell ush how mommy wash when he wash shtiw wiving wid hish family," Soleil asked, looking at their mother's sibling with eyes that doesn't belong to children. (Trans: Well then, tell us how mommy was when he was still living with his family.)

Basen and Lily clench their fists instinctively. That topic is sensitive to both of them, they have a clue as to why these children asked them instead of the servants living with them. That might also be the reason why they asked Hans to get them things so he wouldn't hear it.

The three children sighed. Judging from the expression of their mother's sibling, they could guess it. All of their servants and their mother seemed to avoid how he lived before they came to this world. From the novel they read, there were only a few words about their mother. 

[Cale Henituse' mother died when he was young and became a trash that was beaten up by Choi Han.]

Aside from that, there was nothing else. They saw how kind and warm their mother was, they were grateful for that. Cale never talked about his life before they were born. The servants were also tight-lipped, so it was obvious that they would wonder. Was he living up to his persona written in the novel? Or was there something else? They wanted to know. 

"Iv woo can' chell ush, zen ansha zis: Wash mommy happy when he wash wid hish family?" Etoile asked. (Trans: If you can't tell us, then answer this: Was mommy happy when he was with hjs family?)

Again, there was silence. Soleil, Etoile and Ciel just watched Cale's siblings expression turned to guilt as they clench their fist so hard their nails dug into their skin. Their bodies were slightly trembling and they were biting their lips. That alone was enough to answer their question.

The three children frowned upon this. Their mother was still young. If this was their world, their mother would be someone who just graduated from high school, entering their freshman year in college. The three of them were observant, they saw how teary both Basen and Lily were when they saw their mother smile and laugh. Just how long did their mother have to be sad that it would garner surprise and awe from other people?

The three felt bitter. However, there was nothing they could do aside from staying by Cale's side. 

Hm, that should be enough for now, Soleil nodded.

We are still children, we still can't do anything aside from staying by his side, Etoile sighed. 

We will just make Cale happy if that's how it is, Ciel looked towards the window. There was another thing that bothers him. 

"Anoza thin', did sumthin' happen between mommy an' Chou Han?" Ciel asked. Soleil and Etoile turned their heads towards the younger. (Trans: Another thing, did something happen between mommy and Choi Han?)

//TBC …

Chapter Text

"Anoza thin', did sumthin' happen between mommy an' Chou Han?" Ciel asked. Soleil and Etoile turned their heads towards the younger. (Trans: Another thing, did something happen between mommy and Choi Han?)

The question made Basen and Lily look at them. They were curious. They wondered if they met Choi Han and posed a threat to their eldest brother.

"That's ... all I knew was they had a fight which led to Choi Han beating up Orabeoni," Lily answered. She didn't know why, but she had to answer the children. That's what their demeanor was telling her.

Basen and Lily looked at the three children. Their expression contorted to that someone who got betrayed and made fun of. The two certainly know that their brother's children were angry, also they were on the verge of crying.

How dare he? What is the reason for approaching my mother after hurting him?! Soleil asked in his mind as he gritted his teeth.

That bastard pretending to be mommy's friend when he is the number one person who my mommy should be avoiding! Etoile clenched his fist so hard his knuckles turned white.

What is that bastard doing here? He's been spending his free time with mommy, Ciel closed his eyes. He didn't want to think how their mother would react once he learned about this.

"Are you three okay?" Basen asked as he approached them upon noticing how their small body was trembling.

Lily immediately gave the three children warm hugs and the three just buried their faces on the girl's body.

Tears fell from their eyes, their faces were turning red as well, muffled sobs occupied the room. When the three couldn't keep their sobs anymore, their cries became louder.

Then Hans entered the room pushing a trolley filled with juice and sweets. After seeing the three children crying, he immediately went to their side.

"Little young masters, what happened?" Hans asked as he lifted the three children in his arms, gently swaying them. The three just wrapped their arms around Hans and buried their faces.

Basen was about to answer Hans but Soleil interrupted him.

"Scawi uncle told ush a shcary stowy," Soleil answered, then the two just nodded. (Trans: Scary uncle told us a scary story.)

I'm sorry, Uncle Basen. But this conversation shouldn't be known to mommy, the three thought as they looked at Basen and Lily.

Lying wasn't Basen's forte, he didn't know why but he felt that the children were so mature compared to their actual age.

"I didn't know it'll scare them," Basen answered.

Hans sighed a breath of relief, "I thought something happened again."

"Don't worry, young masters, ghosts aren't real," Hans added and smiled.

"Ov course, they'w no' real!" Etoile said. (Trans: Of course, they're not real!)

The three just continued to cry until Cale came to check on them. He was surprised to see his children crying again. Cale took his children and went to their room without saying a word. He'll just talk to his siblings tomorrow. It's a good thing, Rosie and the others were called to the Capital so he no longer had to entertain any guests.

"Are you alright?" Cale asked.

The three nodded, their whole faces were puffy after crying so much in one day. Cale gently wiped their faces with warm water and Melissa readied warm drinking milk for the three, then she left so they could talk.

"Mommy, awe woo happy?" Etoile asked. (Trans: Mommy, are you happy?)

"Hmm? Of course, mommy's happy," Cale smiled as he gently ruffled Etoile's hair.

"Weawi?" Etoile squinted his eyes. (Trans: Really?)

"Yes, I am happy since I have the three of you," Cale answered.

"How abou' befow?" Soleil asked as he clung to his mother. (Trans: How about before?)

Cale was a little taken aback but he smiled as he scooped up his sons and placed them on his lap. He planted a kiss on top of their heads.

"Did you hear something about my past from my brother and sister?" Cale asked, while he gently rubbed his cheek on their heads. The three children remained silent.

"I don't know what you heard but I want you to know that whatever happened back then, I was the one who brought it upon myself," Cale added as secured the children on his lap.

"Sure, I maybe got hurt doing all those things, even then it was my choice. You don't have to feel bad or be angry on my behalf."

The three continued to listen to Cale carefully.

"I don't want you to live filled with hatred in your hearts. I want you all to live happily and safely."

"Bu' mommy, zey huwt woo," Ciel responded sadly. (Trans: But mommy, they hurt you.)

"They did but I am also at fault. I am alright now, after all I have the three of you," Cale replied as he hugged his children.

"Dun wowy mommy, we wiw wuv woo," Etoile said as he hugged him back. (Trans: Don't worry mommy, we will love you.)

"Das wight. We wiw pwotecc mommy," Soleil followed as he stood and hugged him too. (Trans: That's right. We will protect mommy.)

"An' we wiw schay by wor shide," Ciel added. (Trans: And we will stay by your side.)

Cale chuckled as he kissed them on the top of their heads.

"Mommy, mommy, I am gwad woo awe ouw mommy," Soleil said, his hug remained. (Trans: Mommy, mommy, I am glad you are our mommy.)

"I am also happy you are my sons," Cale responded.

"Mommy, wet's ve togetha foreva," Ciel said, then Etoile nodded enthusiastically. (Trans: Mommy, let's be together forever.)

"Yes, of course. Mommy will be by your side always," Cale gently caressed their faces.

Then the four bonded before going to bed. Soleil, Etoile, and Ciel told Cale what happened during their day. They were happily telling him stories.

If mommy feels that way, we will follow him, Soleil thought as he clung on Cale's.

What's important is mommy's happiness and safety, Etoile thought as he protested that Cale should keep hugging him.

This might be the reason why we came here, to make Cale, no, to make mommy happy, Ciel was getting sleepy.

Without noticing, the four fell asleep on their bed. Melissa came in and tucked them in for the night. She softly laughed as she remembered how energetic they were. Cale was certainly still a child inside, so they were worried that he might be too immature taking good care of children. Sure, Cale took a time learning how to care for one but he has the capacity of loving his children. He never once neglected them, like how he felt when he was young.

Maybe due to Cale's past, he never wanted his children to suffer the same. He made sure they are provided financially, physically and emotionally. The children didn't also ask for their other parents. Melissa was initially worried since the children were mature, but they loved it when Cale pampered them with hugs and kisses.

"I am happy for you, Young Master. Happy birthday," Melissa softly said as he left the room. 

☆ ☆ ☆

Back at the Henituse Territory, rumors circulated around the Capital and the territory. The rumors said something about the infamous trash of Count Henituse.

Deruth and Violan Henituse were currently in their Capital's manor when they heard about their eldest son.

"Hey did you hear what the merchants have been saying? They said Young Master Cale was spotted during the Harvest Festival along with three small children," one of the servants said.

"Oh my, did the Young Master get laid there?" Another servant responded.

"But they said he was still single, so he must be raising those children alone," another servant said.

"What if the children turned out to be like their father?" Another gasped.

"What are you talking about?" Violan asked as she raised her brow.

The servants frantically bowed and apologized.

"What's this I am hearing?" Deruth asked, a frown was painted on his face.

"A..h, the m-merchants who went to the countryside to celebrate the Harvest Festival said that they saw the First Young Master along with three children who looked like him," the maid responded nervously.

"What nonsense is this?" Deruth questioned. My son has children? Nobody informed me about it so it must be impossible.

"We apologize, it must be false," the servants said.

"Continue your work," Deruth dismissed.

The servants left in a hurry.

"Dear, is it really not true?" Violan asked.

"I don't know, I didn't receive any news about him having children from Hans," Deruth responded. "But Hans did say Cale was in a relationship with someone before, right?"

"Yes, I heard," Violan replied.

"I need to summon Hans and the other servants to know more about it," Deruth mentioned.

☆ ☆ ☆

That morning, the children woke up first. Hans assisted them by washing them up and changing their clothes. Then, Solaris' presence was announced.

"Hansh, chell Sowawish cho wai' fo' ush in ze dwawin' woom," Ciel said. (Trans: Hans, tell Solaris to wait for us in the drawing room.)

"Alright, young master," Hans bowed.

Hans followed what was ordered and Melissa helped dress the little young masters. After a while, the three children went inside the drawing room and they saw Solaris sitting there. The white-haired man smiled at them.

Melissa and Hans assisted them in sitting on the couch. Then, Soleil asked the two to leave the four of them alone. The two servants looked at one another first before leaving.

When Etoile felt that no one was listening in on them, the three children stared intently at Solaris.

"Sowawis, no, Choi Han, wha' ish wor intenshon wid ouw mommy?" Soleil asked. (Trans: Solaris, no, Choi Han, what is your intention with our mommy?)

Choi Han broke his smile and looked at them in surprise.

Uwa, he's not that good at acting. He broke his acting as soon as he was found out, Ciel sighed.

"We new who woo awe," Etoile glared at the person in front of them. (Trans: We know who you are.)

"An' we new wha' woo did," Ciel added. (Trans: And we know what you did.)

"W-Wait, I didn't mean any harm to Cale. I am here to make up with him," Choi Han responded, slightly panicking.

"Mawk up? wid mommy?" Ciel tilted his head. "Bou deshivin' him?" (Trans: Make up? With mommy? By deceiving him?)

"N-No, I know I lied to your mother but I am here to make things right," Choi Han replied.

"Untiw when?" Soleil asked. "Mommy sheesh woo ash a fwend yet woo awe betwawing him." (Trans: Until when? Mommy sees you as a friend yet you are betraying him.)

Choi Han didn't respond.

This bastard doesn't have any intention of revealing himself, Soleil thought.

"We dun wan woo hew, dun ever show wor fæsh in fwont ov ush," Ciel declared. (Trans: We don't want you here, don't ever show your face in front of us.)

"What? I can't do that," Choi Han slightly raised his voice.

"No, we dun wan' woo anywew neaw mommy. Woo awe capabel ov huwtin' him," Soleil added. (Trans: No, we don't want you anywhere near mommy. You are capable of hurting him.)

"We dun caw who woo awe, woo awe no' welkum hew," Soleil continued. (Trans: We don't care who you are, you are not welcome here.)

"Beshids, woo can' offew mommy anythin'. Wor poow," Ciel crossed his arms. (Trans: Besides, you can't offer mommy anything. You're poor.)

"Woo may be stwon' bu' mommy ish a noboul. Mommy wun be happy jush bou pwotectin' him," Etoile huffed. (Trans: You may be strong but mommy is a noble. Mommy won't be happy just by protecting him.)

Choi Han remained silent. These kids won't be a hindrance to what he wants. He wants Cale to be by his side. Sure, they might have started off on a bad note, but he saw it. Choi Han saw how Cale smiled at him. He could feel his heart. This obstacle won't stop him from getting Cale.

Soleil, who could read the room, noticed how stubborn Choi Han would be. Ciel, who already knew what to do to drive Choi Han out, was getting ready. Etoile, who developed his hearing, heard his mother just outside the room. The three children looked at one another and nodded.

If you are not willing to do what we wanted, we will make you, Soleil glared at Choi Han as he assisted his siblings from getting off the couch.

Ciel was the smallest and weakest among them, so he would be the perfect subject for this act. Also, he is incredibly good at acting. Etoile took the smallest vase on the table and Soleil pushed Ciel hard enough he stumbled on the floor. Then, Etoile broke the vase near Ciel. Choi Han watched the three children in horror after realizing what they were planning. There, Ciel cried out loud.

"Ciew!!" Soleil and Etoile screamed while tears were falling from their eyes.

Choi Han abruptly stood and loomed over the children which made them cry even louder.

"Waaaahh!! Mommy!!" The three cried then the door slammed open showing Cale and the other servants.

"Soleil! Ciel! Etoile!" Cale called as he approached his children fast. He immediately hugged them but the children were not stopping.

Cale saw Solaris' expression and he saw his children on the floor crying. Then, he saw the broken vase beside Ciel.

"Solaris, care to explain what happened?" Cale coldly asked.

"No, this is a misunderstanding! The—" Solaris' words were cut off.

"Mommy, Sowawish hit Ciew!" Soleil cried.

I won't feel bad lying like this as long as I can drive Choi Han away, Soleil thought.

The vibe turned cold.

"Solaris, get out," Cale said while he gently comforted his children.

"Wait, Cale, this is a misunderstanding," Choi Han tried to plead but the cries of the children became even louder.

"I said get out!" Cale yelled. "Drag him out of my house!"

The knights near the place dragged Choi Han out the manor. He tried to fight back but Cale wasn't looking at him.

"It's alright now, don't cry," Cale comforted his children.

Basen and Lily immediately went to the drawing room when they heard the commotion. The servants filled them up with what happened and the two siblings knew exactly how their eldest brother was feeling.

"Hans, go get the physician. Melissa, check on the children if they are hurt," Basen ordered.

Lily approached their brother and assisted him so he could sit on the couch. The physician came and he immediately checked on the children.

Luckily, they weren't hurt. The physician told them that the children might have been surprised. When all the check up was done, the physician left.

The three children looked at their mother. They felt guilty after seeing his face. It was the first time their mother made that face. It was filled with sadness and emptiness.

"Mommy," Ciel called. Cale smiled and sat beside him.

"Are you alright now?" Cale asked. Ciel guiltily nodded. Soleil and Etoile felt the same.

"Wiw Sowawis come back?" Ciel asked, looking down. (Trans: Will Solaris come back?)

"No, Solaris won't come back here anymore. I can't have anyone hurting you three," Cale answered as he gently cupped Ciel's face.

Ciel, Soleil and Etoile won but they weren't happy. As their plan of getting rid of Choi Han was successful yet it was also the cause of their mother's pain.

"Awe woo okay, mommy?" Etoile cupped Cale's face. (Trans: Are you okay, mommy?)

Cale just smiled, "of course, I am."

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that," he added.

The three children nodded and they held Cale's hand. The whole room was silent. Cale didn't talk much, the same with the kids. The servants and Cale's siblings were also not talking.

When the children felt sleepy, Cale waited for them to fall asleep before going into another room. It was always a routine that people who are close to him knew. Whenever he feels sad, he always cooped up inside a room and comes out when he's feeling better. Basen and Lily only learned about that after realizing what they did to him.

The two followed him and the three siblings just sat on a spacious couch. Basen had his arms placed on Cale's back while Lily had her arms wrapped on Cale's too. The two leaned their heads on their eldest brother's shoulders.

The three were silent but Basen and Lily won't let their eldest brother be sad all by himself. The gentle tappings from his back and shoulder somehow made Cale at ease as tears fell from his eyes. The silent sobs coming out from him, Basen and Lily bear witness to that.

It's alright Orabeoni/Hyung, I am here, the two thought.

Cale, on the other hand, was thinking how much of a friend he thought of Solaris. He was his first friend after being chased away from their house. He was the first person who helped him and made his stay in this place worthwhile. He trusted him yet he hurt his children. He was so shocked that he didn't listen to what he was about to say.

There must be something else. Solaris looked panicked enough, I don't know what my children were afraid of, Cale sighed.

Cale realized he wasn't acting like himself as he brought his hands on Basen and Lily's head, gently ruffling their hairs. The two younger siblings blushed as it's been a while since Cale had done this.

"I'm alright now, thank you, you two," Cale smiled.

"Orabeoni," Lily hugged Cale.

"Hyung, you really softened up when those children came to your life," Basen was feeling grateful.

He won't force Cale to come back to him this time. If their eldest brother wanted to go back home, he would. However, he hoped that Cale would introduce his children to their parents.

"Well, I can't have my children taking after me," Cale chuckled.

But they took after you, Basen and Lily recalled when the three children interrogated them.

"By the way, Orabeoni, that child Etoile has a really rare hair and eye color, same with Soleil's eyes. Are your children perhaps children of that bastard Choi Han too?" Lily asked.

//TBC ...

Chapter Text

Cale and Basen were surprised with Lily’s question. Sure, Cale has considered it before since he’s the only person he knew who shared the same hair and eye color of Etoile and Soleil. However, the two didn’t have any good interaction between them. Even if Choi Han is indeed their father, whatever god or goddess who blessed him must have been playing with his life.

"That's impossible," Cale responded.

"T-That's right. That should be impossible, Lily. What are you talking about?" Basen laughed nervously.

The thought was never ruled out and plagued the minds of Cale and his two siblings.

Afternoon came and it was time for Basen and Lily to go back home. Cale and his children were seeing them off.

"Basen, Lily, be careful out there. Melissa and Hans, look after them on your journey," Cale said.

"Rest assured, Young Master, we will look after them," Hans responded with a smile. 

After speaking with Cale, Basen received a call from the main house that they should bring Hans and Melissa with them back home.

"Unkew, send ush gifs fwom wor pwash," Etoile said. (Trans: Uncle, send us gifts from your place.)

"Okay, I will," Basen smiled. "And hyung, don't worry about your children, we won't say anything about them. I'll let you be the one to tell them about them."

"Thank you, Basen," Cale ruffled his head.

After saying their farewells, Cale and the children wave their hands. When they couldn't see them, the four went back inside.

☆☆☆

On the other hand, Choi Han came back to their lodging in the Capital. He was melancholy. After thinking about what happened, he couldn't help but feel that the children were right. He has nothing attached to his name plus he is a commoner who can't offer anything to a rich noble like Cale. 

"Oh, what's with the sour mood?" Rosalyn asked. 

Usually, Choi Han was happy and giddy whenever he came back from visiting Cale but this time it was different.

"His children drove me away. He didn't want me to be with their mother," Choi Han responded.

"Huh? I thought you're on good terms with them?" Rosalyn asked in confusion.

"They found out I am Choi Han and I had beaten up their mother."

Rosalyn replied with a silent 'o'. 

"They even told me I can't offer Cale anything since I am poor and don't have a title," Choi Han added, Rosalyn quietly listened. "Sure there are some rewards from the quests we took but it wasn't enough. Being regarded as a hero isn't enough."

"Those children are indeed smart for their age. They knew what you lack. And how come they recognized you? They don't know what Choi Han looked like."

“Maybe they’ve seen me in the newspaper.”

Before Rosalyn could say something, an emergency occurred. The Crown Prince's attendant came to their place to tell the news. Choi Han's party prepared for their departure. 

[A corrupted dragon running amok in the villages near the borders was sighted a week ago. The King will give a generous reward to whoever captures the dragon.]

Choi Han's party set off on a journey to capture the dragon.

☆ ☆ ☆

Three years later, the children are now four years old. A lot of things happened during the months. The three children grew up well. Soleil, Etoile and Ciel are now big enough to run around the garden. There were few additions in their family now. 

Two years ago, Cale and his children picked up two stray kittens only to find out they were actually members of the Cat Tribe. Ever since Cale had his children, he has some sort of soft spot towards young ones. So, even after learning their identity, Cale welcomed them in their home. 

The two cat children were treated like Soleil, Etoile and Ciel's new siblings. The silver haired girl was named Ohn, she was around twelve and the red haired boy named Hong was around eight by the time they took them in. Since they were older than Cale's children, they took the liberty to look after them when Cale was busy, which the redhead greatly appreciates. That was why, he somehow dotes on his new adopted children. Even his own came to love the new addition to their family. As the children always say, "the more, the merrier."

A year after Ohn and Hong were adopted to the family, a black haired, blue eyed child around seven years of age was seen loitering around the villa's garden. When Cale asked where he came from, the child just told him he was looking for his older brother who suddenly went missing after he went on an adventure. Feeling bad about what happened to the child, Cale took them in. The boy didn't have a name yet, but he learned he was a dragon which surprised him very much.

Two months after the black dragon was officially adopted, the children gave him a name. Cale was also included in looking for a perfect name for him. They named him, "Raon".

Solaris never came back after what happened with his son. Cale somewhat felt lonely, he was so used to his presence that he was missing him. He knew it was his fault why Solaris never came back after that day. He just hoped that Solaris might come back the next day. 

Basen and Lily occasionally visit them when they aren't busy. Good thing that Basen and Lily managed the rumors going around the Henituse' Territory about his children. Since their eldest brother was not ready to tell the family about it, it was a good decision for them to shut down the rumors. Because of this, their parents no longer suspect Cale anymore.

Back to the present, the villa is now lively with the addition of three children. Ohn is a really good role model and big sister to her new younger brothers. Hong and Raon are both playful and tend to get rough with Soleil and Etoile. Ciel still loves reading books when it's no longer playtime.

"Mommy! You're back!" Soleil and Etoile ran up to Cale as soon as they saw him. Ohn, Hong, Raon and Ciel followed them.

"Yes, I'm back! How's everyone doing when I was out?" Cale asked.

"It was fun as always! Raon showed us new magic this time!" Etoile responded.

"As expected of a mighty dragon!" Hong chimed in. Raon puffed out his chest and triumphantly smiled. 

"I see, my children had fun while I was gone. That's good!" Cale smiled as he ruffled their hair one by one.

"How about, Mother? What did you do?" Ohn asked. Cale still smiled how sweetly his adopted children called him "Mother".

"Well, I actually have some good news for Etoile. We will finally go out and play in the sea!" Cale responded cheerfully.

Due to this, the children were all excited about it. 

"Really, mommy? You mean it!?" Etoile excitedly exclaimed. 

"Yes! I arranged our schedule and the lodging for this trip. We can go as soon as you all are ready," Cale replied as he cupped Etoile's cheeks. 

"Wow! This is my first time going out to sea!" Hong was also excited about it.

"Me too! I only see it in books!" Ciel joined their excitement.

"We should prepare our things! So we can go now!" Soleil was equally excited as well.

Cale chuckled.

"Ask Melissa, Hans, and Marley to help you with your luggage," Cale said. 

"But will it be okay to go as soon as we're done? Won't it trouble the people who will come with us?" Ohn asked, this made the younger ones stop from what they're doing.

"Young lady and young masters, you don't have to worry about us. We have been preparing for this when Young Master Cale told us his plans about this trip," Hans responded to her worries.

"As my sons and daughter, you don't have to worry about it. Us adults, already made preparations for it," Cale added.

The children smiled and they all thanked Cale. Then, all of them went to their rooms with the servants in their tail.

"Everyone is so lively," Cale commented.

You also have brightened up since they came into your life, Young Master, Hans smiled and thought to himself.

Hans was glad that the Young Master is now living happily. Nothing makes the people in the villa happy other than seeing their beloved Cale living his best with his children. All of them never voiced it out, but they were all glad that the goddess blessed him this life.

That night, the children were so excited they couldn't sleep. They kept making noises in the middle of the night. They only got to sleep when Cale scolded them.

The next morning, Cale and his children, along with their servants, went on a journey to the sea.

Soleil, Etoile and Ciel became incredibly prickly during the trip since it was the first time they traveled that far.

"Mommy, I feel sick," Ciel said as he hugged Cale.

Cale gently rubbed Ciel's back to soothe his travel sickness. Raon also helped by giving Ciel a soothing magic for him.

Whenever they go to a town, they stop for the children to rest. All of them have their disguises, after all Cale was well-known in the kingdom.

"Mother, the triplets are currently asleep now. You should rest as well," Ohn approached Cale.

"Thank you, Ohn. Thank you for looking after my sons," Cale said as he ruffled her hair.

"That's the least I can do. I am really grateful to you for taking us in and treating us your real family," Ohn replied.

"Ohn is such a big girl now," Cale said as he picked her up and hugged her.

Ohn just let him hug her as she hugged back. She loves how warm and sweet Cale was. She was aware of the rumors around him, that's why she couldn't understand how a sweet, gentle and caring person like him could be trash?

"AH! Sister is getting huggies from mother! Not fair!" Hong said as soon as he saw them. Cale laughed and he put Ohn down as he welcomed Hong for a hug as well.

Hong gladly jumped and hugged him too. Raon joined them too. These three adopted children never knew how it felt having a parent by their side. Ohn and Hong just did their best to survive. To make sure they could still make it the next day. Raon, on the other hand, came from a mighty race. They were independent even if they were babies. Since his mother died even before he was born, he never knew how warm a presence of a parent could be like this.

"Mother, have we told you that we are glad that we became your adopted children?" Hong asked.

Cale looked at the three.

"We were talking about this ourselves, we really are glad that we got to know you. We are glad that you made us your children and loved us even when we're not related," Raon followed. Cale just listened and his heart swelled.

Just a few years ago, people were cursing him from being trash. Now he has children who loved him and it made him question what he did to deserve such love from these children.

"I am also happy that you chose me," Cale smiled.

It took them eight days to arrive in Ubarr Territory. They were being discreet about their arrival, so they went straight to their inn. They rented the biggest room in that place. They rested for a while.

"Mommy, what are the things we can do here?" Ciel asked.

"I bought a boat for us so we could go to another island. It's better there instead of staying on the mainland," Cale responded.

"I see, I'm so excited to ride a boat!" Etoile was really enthusiastic about this trip. 

The next day, they ventured to the other island to spend their time there. Ohn and Hong were afraid of the waters, so they were trembling the whole journey.

Nobody knew what awaited them on the island. 

Chapter Text

As they arrived on the island, Hans and the others set up a camp there and prepared for the things the children needed. Cale followed the children who went straight to the edge of the cliff to look over the scenery.

“This place looks serene and pretty,” Soleil said as he closed his eyes and felt the ocean breeze.

Cale giggled, “you sound like an old man.”

This statement made the triplets flinch and laughed awkwardly.

“But, indeed. This place is really peaceful,” Cale added.

Cale and his children admired the view at the top of the cliff as they waited for Hans and the other servants to finish setting up their camp. Ohn, Hong and Raon stood and stared quietly as they admired the appearance of the person who took them in. They still couldn't get used to what they were seeing even though they have been together for quite a time already. 

“Do you want to go to the town later at night?” Cale asked his children.

The children excitedly nodded their heads. Due to their consideration towards Cale, Soleil, Etoile and Ciel didn’t really demand going out a lot, even though Soleil and Etoile wanted to go out often. They didn’t want their mother to get uncomfortable, so the three of them decided that they would only go out if their mother was ready. On the other hand, Cale noticed how considerate his children were that’s why he sighed out of disappointment to himself.

What kind of mother would want their children to hold back because of him? Cale sighed.

That night, Cale and his children strolled around the town near the sea. They all tried all the delicacies they could find in the town. Since it’s been a while since the townsfolk saw a red hair, they kept looking at Cale, which annoyed the children with him. As much as they could, they would ignore all those stares and murmurs and urging they could see from the townspeople who wanted to talk to their mother.

Soleil, Etoile, Ciel, Ohn, Hong and Raon looked at one another then nodded as if they had come to one conclusion.

If someone approaches mother, you guys know what to do, all of their eyes seem to communicate to each other.

Contrary to their expectation, there was no brave soul who would dare approach Cale. Aside from being a noble, Cale looked stunning as he grew older. People said once a man becomes a grown adult, their appearances would look manly and mature; however, that’s not the case for Cale. He did become mature but not in a manly way, he still has that petite appearance, his smooth, well-sculpted face, his pretty brown almond eyes, his plump lips and rosy cheeks which gets darker when he laughs or when he is embarrassed, his beautiful, long, red hair that has been taken cared of.

The children could see the blushes and stares of both men and women around them. It was funny that Cale was really oblivious of what was going on around him. Well, that’s how his children perceived it. Of course, Cale could notice the admiration around him. It’s just that he isn’t interested, that's why he didn’t really mind the attention. He was used to attention, but not in a good way.

After walking for like an hour, Cale and the children found a tavern where they could rest. Soleil, Etoile and Ciel sighed.

“Mommy, now I understand why you don’t want to go out often,” Etoile commented as he sipped his orange juice.

“Hmm?” 

“Well, mommy is popular. Everyone is looking at you,” Etoile added, pouting.

“You guys know I have a bad reputation, they’d probably just be curious why I came out now after all the years they haven’t seen me,” Cale laughed.

“No, mommy. You just don’t understand,” Soleil said.

Cale laughed once more, “then you do understand?”

In their past lives, Soleil, Etoile and Ciel—Lee Soohyuk, Choi Jungsoo, and Kim Roksu, were popular. At times, one could see Soohyuk or Jungsoo dating with people. Roksu enjoyed peace so he rarely goes on one. So of course, the three of them understand when a person admires another. How another person would see and try if they could have a chance to their object of affection.

Maybe because mommy is still his early twenties and doesn’t really have a good relationship with people that he does not understand, Etoile sighed.

“Mommy, once we get stronger, you will not have to worry about people who will take you away from us,” Etoile said with a glint in his eyes.

“That’s right, mommy. We’ll be stronger and smarter,” Ciel added.

Ohn, Hong and Raon who did not understand what was going on just agreed and added they would protect him too.

“Thank you, my babies. You guys are so cute,” Cale laughed.

Unbeknownst to them, a certain noble lady and her daughter spotted them.

“J-Jour?” Viscountess Popelina said in shock. No, Jour is dead. If there is anyone who looks like her and with red hair as well, that person would be Cale Henituse.

“Mother, is there something wrong?” Amiru asked.

“No, it seems the Young Master came to visit the town. But I didn’t receive any notice of his visit,” the Viscountess responded.

Because of this, Amiru also looked at where her mother was looking. There she saw Cale with children beside him. He was laughing and tending to the children.

“Wait, who are those children? The three of them look so similar to Young Master Cale!” Amiru said in shock.

“It seems the rumor about Young Master Cale having children is real,” the Viscountess sighed.

I didn’t hear anything from Deruth about this, it seems he doesn’t know about this , the Viscountess sighed.

“Should we greet him, mother?” Amiru asked.

“It seems the young master is here in secret, let’s pretend that we didn’t see him,” she answered.

Amiru reluctantly agreed, but seeing how happy Cale looks made Amiru also happy. She wasn’t that close to him, they would occasionally play with each other when they were younger because they were from the Northeastern region, along with the other two. It’s been a while since she has seen Cale laughing with no care in the world.

An hour later, Ciel nodded off so Cale carried him. All of them went back to their camp, Hans helped Cale with the other children. As soon as they got back, the servants of each child immediately tended to them and changed their clothes. Once they’re done, they all went to sleep. Cale was sitting outside the camp along with Hans. 

“It’s been a while since I went out like this,” Cale inhaled the smell of the ocean.

“Yes, it truly is, Young Master,” Hans, who has been with Cale since he moved out, was happy that Cale is finally going out again.

Hans hasn’t seen Cale this happy ever since he started working in the Henituse Estate. Ever since Cale had the children, he has never been happy. This warmed his heart especially as a person who has watched him crumble, get heartbroken, and now standing up and smiling again.

Cale stood and stretched his body. He suddenly got sleepy so he would resign for the day.

“Young Master,” Hans called. Cale turned to him and before he knew it, he found himself in the butler’s warm embrace. 

Cale understood so he returned the hug. This made Hans tear up a little.

“Are you going senile, Hans?” Cale teased. Hans let him go.

“Of course not, Young Master! I am just happy,” Hans replied.

“You did a lot for me already, Hans. Thank you,” Cale smiled.

Etoile who suddenly woke up, took a peek outside only to see Hans flirting with his mother. He took note of this since he is currently sleepy again, he decided to confront what he saw tomorrow.

The next day, Cale and the children decided to go to the island gifted to him when he was younger. There was a small villa there and the beach was really nice. The children looked happy so they went and played with the sand and sea. Ohn and Hong were slightly reluctant since they were not used to water but they came and played once they settled in.

The adults went fishing because they said that fresh seafood is the best food when people are in the ocean to play. Once everyone got hungry, they ran to the chef and they ate heartily.

Night came, Cale and his three children went to their rooms. Soleil, Etoile, and Ciel had an agreement with Ohn, Hong and Raon that they could make Cale their mother but when night comes, Cale is only theirs alone. The three adopted children agreed to it, Cale was already kind enough to take them in, so they couldn’t disagree more with the fact that Cale should always belong to Soleil, Etoile, and Ciel.

“Mommy, thank you for granting us our wish,” Etoile said.

“The pleasure is mine,” Cale responded as he kissed his forehead.

“I apologize for granting it late,” Cale added.

The three children hugged their mother, “It’s fine, mommy. We have all the time we need to be together so it’s fine!”

The four slept peacefully due to the fatigue they got after playing hard on the beach. As the night quietly went on, three lights came into them and entered the three children, one light for each of them. Nobody knew what it was and nobody knew what would be the effect. For now, Cale and the three children slept like there was no tomorrow.

Chapter Text

The next day, all of them teleported back to their place. Since Raon already knew the coordinates, he could easily transport them back through his teleportation magic. As soon as they got home, Raon asked permission to travel as he finally found a clue as to where his brother was. Cale agreed and gave him some things he could bring for his journey. Hans, the servants and the knights were also called to the Henituse Estate for their monthly meetings. Cale knew why it was being held and the servants reassured the redhead that they were fine. The servants always ensured that Cale and his children had something for them for a week they were away. Hans, Melissa and Marley were worried about leaving them every month for a week but they couldn’t disobey the Lord’s summons. They could lie for the sake of their beloved Young Master but a summon with the Lord’s signature is different.

Back at the Henituse Estate, Deruth once again called for the servants and knights tending to Cale in the villa. Every month, Deruth calls them for a meeting. He wanted to know what’s going on with his son. It’s been four years since Cale left, and not even once he ever tried going home or showing himself. He was worried, the budget consistently increases every year yet he doesn’t know where the money is going. Not that it’s an issue, he just wanted to be with his son again.

Three days after Hans and the others went back to the Henituse estate, a storm rained down on the town. Soleil and his brothers got sick. This was the first time that the three of them got sick at the same time. Ohn and Hong helped Cale in tending them.

Cale placed a cold towel on their foreheads in hopes that it would lessen the pain and heat the children were feeling. Ciel didn’t like pain that much so he teared up in every discomfort he was feeling. Cale couldn’t help but hold their hands when they were in pain.

“What should I do? The servants and Melissa are not here, Hans is also not here. There’s no physician currently in the villa and the bridge connecting this mountain and the town is currently not stable because of the strong winds outside,” Cale muttered.

He was certainly panicking. He didn’t know what to do. He just hoped that his children’s fever would subside at night. However, it didn’t happen. It was the middle of the night and their fever got worse as night came and Cale didn’t know what to do anymore. All he could do is bring them to a physician, but this was a small town so physicians were in the cities. And the only physician he could trust is currently in the Henituse Estate.

“Ohn, Hong, can you look after them for a while. I’ll look for help,” Cale was on the verge of crying. 

He never wanted his children to suffer, Ohn and Hong understood it and nodded.

Cale ran out and as soon as he opened the main door, he bumped into someone. This person caught him before he fell off. When he raised his head, Solaris’ face greeted him.

“Are you okay, Cale?” Solaris asked.

“S-Solaris!” Cale called as he hugged him. He didn’t know but he felt relieved seeing him.

“Please help me, my children are sick and there is no one in this house,” Cale said as he gripped on Solaris’ clothes. “The storm is too strong for me to use a horse since I am not a good rider.”

Cale’s breath started to hitch, he was panicking enough that it caused him to hyperventilate. Solaris’ immediately covered Cale’s mouth and told him to breathe through his nose.

“I understand the situation, don’t worry. I’ll bring you to a physician. But for now, please calm down, everything will be alright,” Solaris soothes Cale.

Cale slowly calmed down and his body limped and leaned on Solaris’.

“Thank you,” Cale said.

His body is already weak, if I didn’t come here … I can’t imagine what would happen to them, Solaris’ thought.

Cale and Solaris immediately went to the children’s room. Cale instructed Ohn and Hong to transform into their cat forms as they needed to come to them. They can’t leave the children alone in a big house. Cale made the three children wear a coat to keep them warm.

Solaris carried Soleil and Etoile, while Cale carried Ciel. Ohn and Hong mounted on Cale. Then all of them went off.

“We can’t use a horse right now since the bridge is very unstable, so we will teleport to the place where I left my horse,” Solaris said.

“Okay,” Cale responded.

Seeing his worried face, Solaris couldn’t help but lean his head onto Cale’s to reassure him.

“They will be alright, don’t worry,” Solaris said. Cale smiled and nodded.

Solaris and the others teleported to where his horse was. It was a little far from Henituse Territory so they still had to travel a little. Solaris mounted the horse and he helped Cale too. 

“Hold on to me,” Solaris said.

Cale held on to him and he made sure his children were safe as well. Even though it was raining heavily and the raindrops hurt his face, Cale didn’t mind. As long as he could treat his children, few pains were fine.

When they got to the gates of the Henituse Territory, the knights stopped them.

“Show your identification first before going inside,” the knight said.

Cale removed his hood and the knights were shocked so they immediately let them enter. The knights were stunned still seeing the Young Master who didn’t show himself for four years, and if their eyes were not tricking them, he was riding a horse with the hero Choi Han who’s supposed to be in a bad relationship with their Young Master.

The Henituse Estate was notified of the arrival of Cale Henituse. Hans immediately went to him, along with Melissa and Marley. Cale frantically told them the condition of the children. Hans ran to call the physician, Melissa and Marley went to an empty room and the other servants went to get clean and dry clothes for the children and Cale.

Cale stood there while his body was trembling from the cold, a servant of the estate was still scared of him to hand off a dry towel. Solaris, whose disguise stopped working since before, took the towel and put it on Cale’s head.

“You should take a bath first, it’ll make your children upset if you get sick too,” Choi Han said. 

Cale, whose adrenaline was still rushing, failed to see who Solaris was. He nodded and Melissa took Cale to take his bath. Hans assisted Cale, and Marley assisted Choi Han. The whole servants of the villa were glaring daggers at Choi Han, as he, in turn, was shocked because the disguise came off. He knew he couldn’t hide who he is, but he isn’t prepared right now either!

Cale came out as soon as he bathed and dried, Choi Han, who’s currently in Solaris’ appearance, came out as well. The two of them were currently waiting outside the room where the children were being treated.

Seeing how Choi Han changed his appearance, the servants felt bad for their Young Master who was being tricked right now. But they don’t have any right to tell Cale. 

“Your children will be alright,” Solaris said. Cale nodded and smiled.

The guilt felt even more real seeing Cale smiled because he didn’t know that Solaris and Choi Han are the same people. The servants didn’t want that smile to fade.

Then the physician came out.

“How are my children?” Cale asked. 

“They are fine now, Young Master,” the physician smiled. “It seems the children were cared for, they are very healthy, Young Master. You don’t have to worry.”

“Thank you,” Cale breathed a sigh of relief. 

“Young Master, I’ll take note of the physician’s instructions. You should rest now,” Hans said. “Solaris-nim, I’ll ask someone to lead you to your room.”

“No, he’ll stay with me. I don’t want to be alone right now,” Cale said as he held Solaris’ hand, which made the latter blush.

Hans' eyes twitched as he knew who Solaris really was. He swallowed his reaction and nodded. Cale and Solaris entered the room next to the children, Ohn and Hong were also staying in another room.

“I’m sorry, Solaris,” Cale said as he buried his face on his knees.

“It’s alright, Cale,” Solaris said as he sat beside him. “I won’t leave you alone.”

Not now, not ever, he wanted to say but he refrained himself.

A moment later, Cale finally slept. Solaris carried him to the bed. He was about to go but Cale held on to his hand. He sat beside him and later on, he fell asleep as well.

The two slept peacefully that night, not knowing Solaris’ necklace finally lost its effectiveness.

Chapter Text

That morning, Cale awoke in someone's embrace. It was warm as he nuzzled his face onto it. Then his eyes fluttered awake, his eyes widened when he saw the face of the man he was hugging. It was the same face of the person who beat him up. 

What is he doing here? And what am I doing here with him? This is our estate— his thoughts stopped when he finally connected the dots.

Choi Han is Solaris? Cale thought. 

Then Choi Han woke up and he immediately sat up as soon as he saw Cale’s expression. He realized the necklace stopped working.

“Cale, let me explain,” Choi Han said.

“What is there to explain? Is it fun?” Cale asked, unknowingly his tears started to fall.

Cale was tired and worried sick for his children, then he felt relieved seeing Solaris. He was happy when he showed himself and helped them. But to think the person who has been helping him was Choi Han, he felt betrayed. He didn’t expect that he was betrayed once more, by the person he trusted.

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to trick you. I just don’t know how to approach you,” Choi Han tried to explain as he tried to get closer to Cale.

“No, stay there. Please,” Cale said as his tears continued falling. 

He couldn’t stop his tears anymore. It was painful. Hans entered the room and he saw what was happening, he understood.

“Choi Han-nim, it’s better for you to stay away from the Young Master,” Hans said.

Seeing how calm Hans is, Cale asked, “Do you already know, Hans?” 

Hans couldn’t answer.

“Please, get out the two of you,” Cale said as he placed his palm on his face.

Hans and Choi Han went out. Cale tried to calm his mind. He didn’t like that he was being tricked. He hated it. He hated how everyone made a fool of him. Right now, that isn’t his priority. His children need him.

Cale fixed himself and went to his children’s room. Soleil, Etoile and Ciel were already awake, they were being fed by Melissa, Marley and another servant. Ohn and Hong were also inside the room, eating with them. Some servants were also inside the room to tend to them.

“Mommy!” the children happily called. The servants unfamiliar with this were shocked that the trashy young master was called mommy by the cutest children they have seen.

Cale immediately hugged them and kissed their foreheads. Their fever subsided and they just needed to rest.

“Mommy, where are we?” Ciel asked.

“This is mommy’s parents’ house,” Cale answered.

“Then grandpa and grandma are here? As well as Uncle and Aunt?!” Etoile asked.

Cale showed a sullen expression, which didn’t go unnoticed.

“Yes, they are here,” Cale forced a smile.

Upon looking closer, Cale’s eyes were red. The children believed their mother cried.

“Mommy, are you okay?” Soleil asked.

“Hmm? Why’d you ask? Of course I am alright,” Cale smiled. “Don’t worry about me, just get well.”

After eating, the servants were dismissed and Cale, along with his children, remained inside the room. After a while, the children slept once again. Ohn and Hong were currently reading in the same room as well.

The two siblings could feel what Cale was feeling right now, not because they understood it but they could feel the tension whenever the redhead sighed or just space out.

“I wonder what’s wrong with Mother,” Hong muttered.

“I don’t know, I am scared to ask,” Ohn responded.

Then a knock on the door jolted Cale awake from his trance. He instructed the person to enter the room and it was Hans.

“Young Master Cale,” Hans called.

Cale wasn’t looking at him.

“What do you want?” Cale asked.

Sensing the tension, Melissa, who was behind Hans, immediately took Ohn and Hong to the greenhouse where Cale used to stay during the daytime when he was still living here.

Once the two children were out, Hans immediately kneeled in front of Cale which surprised the latter.

“I am deeply sorry for not informing you about Solaris, I mean Choi Han, Young Master,” Hans said. The two of them have been together for quite a time now, he couldn’t bear having Cale mad at him.

Cale didn’t respond. He just looked at him and listened to what he had to say.

“You and him got closer than I expected when I learned about his identity, I never meant to hide it from you. I just didn’t know how to break the truth to you,” Hans continued.

“Do you think I will not believe you, Hans?” Cale asked.

“H…That’s not it, Young Master,” Hans hesitated. He didn’t know whether Cale would believe him or not.

“Hans, is that little you think of me?” Cale asked once again. This time Hans raised his head and looked at his young master’s expression.

“Do you think I will not trust what you say? Does your credibility not exist compared to the person I just met? Of course I will believe you. I’ve watched you as much as you’ve watched me, Hans!” Cale continued. His heart hurts that the person he trusted, trusted him so little.

“I know that you always mean well, I know you are always thinking about my well being. I know how much you keep me away from being harmed. I knew how you protected me and kept my secret from my family, even though you are risking yourself into losing your job. You remained loyal to me. I know everything you’ve done for me, Hans. Of course, I will put my trust in you more.”

Cale broke down. Hans knew that Cale seldom cries, and even if he does that means he was really hurting to the point he couldn’t fake his emotions anymore. Hans, who was still kneeling, reached to hold Cale’s hand. 

“I’m so sorry, Young Master,” was the only thing he could say as he placed his forehead unto Cale’s hand. He was begging for his forgiveness. If he told his old self about this, I bet his old self will not believe him.

Cale became an important person to Hans, the same way as Hans is one of Cale’s important people. It was simple yet Hans failed to realize it. Cale trusted Hans the same way as Hans trusted his life to Cale. Maybe he was still too hung up on Cale’s previous reputation that deep inside his head, he was crossing out the possibility that Cale treasured him.

Once both of them calmed down, the two had a proper talk about everything. Hans continued to ask for his forgiveness.

“Young Master, I promise you that my loyalty will be with you. I will never doubt your trust in me ever again,” Hans said.

“We will see. It is easier said than done,” Cale responded. 

Cale’s eyes and nose were swollen from crying so much. So Hans excused himself to get some eyes so he could cool his face down.

Unknowingly, Soleil woke up in the middle of their conversation and heard everything they had talked about.

I see, so mommy learned that Solaris is Choi Han, Soleil thought. That’s why mommy is sad today.

Soleil sighed quietly. He already expected this, that’s why they warned Choi Han. That’s why they drove Choi Han away from them so their mother won’t get hurt once he learned the truth. They failed to protect Cale’s heart. They did everything but it wasn’t enough, but that was the only thing they could do for their age.

Be prepared, Choi Han. You may be a hero but no one is allowed to make my mommy cry, Soleil clenched his small fist.

A small fire was lit inside Soleil’s heart. This fire will try to consume everything that hinders him or threatens the people he loves. He will never allow anyone to hurt any of his siblings and most especially his mother.

Soleil sat up and Cale immediately saw him.

“Did we wake you up?” Cale asked as he approached him. 

Soleil rubbed his eyes and yawned, “no, mommy.”

Cale scooped him up and Soleil wrapped his arms around his neck. 

“Mommy, your eyes are red. Are you okay?” Soleil asked.

“Yes, I am alright,” Cale answered as he gently caressed Soleil’s face and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for your concern, Soleil.”

Soleil giggled.

“Do you want to eat something?” 

“I want something cold, mommy.”

“Alright, I’ll call someone to prepare you something cold.”

Hans came back with ice and a cold dessert. He knew that one of the triplets would be awake by now since it was their habit. He was right when he saw Soleil in the arms of Cale.

Hans gave the cold dessert to Soleil, then he applied the cold compress on Cale’s face. Cale groaned in surprise. Soleil was watching the two. Soleil was glaring daggers at Hans, which he noticed immediately and worded: Don’t worry, young master. I don’t have that kind of intention.

Soleil worded his response in turn: You better be or you’re dead to me.

Hans internally cried at how mature Cale’s children are. He wondered if that would happen if children were exposed to reading at an early age. 

“Haah, it seems Young Master Cale will never get the chance to get married,” Hans blurted out, as soon as he realized he immediately covered his mouth. Soleil looked at Hans with a glint in his eyes.

“I-I didn’t mean anything about it, Young Master,” Hans tried to defend himself.

Cale chuckled, “I wouldn’t mind not marrying anyone. Having my children beside me is enough for me.”

“You wouldn’t know, Young Master. What if someone really wanted to make you their lover and marry you,” Hans replied.

“Who would want me, though? I have a bad reputation,” Cale shrugged and laughed. “The only good thing about me is my face and my money anyway.”

No. There is someone out there who desperately wants you, Mommy/Young Master, Soleil and Hans thought.

They just let Cale think whatever he wanted to think and Soleil just enjoyed his cold dessert. After a while, Soleil wanted to roam around. He was already well enough to move so he wanted to see the manor.

“It’s alright, Young Master. I will look after your children here, you can take Soleil around without any worries,” Hans said.

“Alright, I’m counting on you. We will be back as soon as he gets tired,” Cale responded.

Hans put on Soleil’s coat to keep him warm. 

Soleil wanted to walk by himself so Cale just let him walk, while he was walking behind him. The servants of the main house were cooing at how cute the little master was.

Is it the rumored child of the Young Master? He’s so cute, one of the maids thought.

He’s the young master’s mini self! Oh my gosh, they’re so cute! One of the maids squealed inside her head.

Soleil was walking carefully and not too slow. He was poised and he was carrying himself with dignity, the same way as how Cale walked. Cale didn’t notice it but the majority of his habits and mannerisms were passed down to his children as well.

Then, the two of them walked by the big portrait of the family. Soleil saw Cale’s parents, as well as his siblings, and Cale himself. He was the only one different with the red hair and he stood out the most. Cale didn’t like looking at this portrait as it only showed how different he was from his family.

“Mommy, you are the only one with the red hair,” Soleil said. The maids who heard him jolted and snuck a glance on Cale’s reaction.

“Yes, I am,” Cale responded. “Is it weird?”

Soleil shook his head and lifted his arms, asking to be carried.

“No, mommy. It isn’t weird, you look so beautiful in this painting, mommy,” Soleil said as he tried to reach his mother’s face on the painting.

“You look amazing, mommy. But it would have been better if you were smiling,” Soleil added. The maids quietly watched the interaction between the two.

“You look beautiful when you smile, mommy,” Soleil continued. 

This made Cale smile and chuckle. He was actually aware of his own appearance and the people around him knew it too. It’s just that no one would actually dare to say something like this to him.

“Hmm, who knows?” Cale smiled and hugged his son.

Soleil placed both of his palms on Cale’s cheeks and kissed him on the forehead as he smiled after. Cale chuckled at his gesture and kissed him on the cheek in return. This interaction made the maids stare in awe. It was the first. It was the first time they saw their young master smile like that. It was the first they saw how gentle he was. It was really nice seeing him like this.

“Mommy, I want to go outside,” Soleil said.

“Shall we? I think your brothers are still asleep,” Cale responded.

“Yes, they will be sleeping for a while.”

“How do you know that?”

“I don’t know, mommy. I just felt it.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

The two went out and someone was already waiting for Cale.

Chapter Text

As soon as Cale and Soleil stepped out of the manor, Choi Han was waiting for Cale outside. This shocked Cale. Soleil pretended he didn’t know the person.

“Mommy, who is he?” Soleil asked.

Soleil didn’t know whether he was doing the right thing or he was making things worse for the three of them.

“He is Choi Han, he helped me to get here when the three of you got sick,” Cale remained calm as much as possible. “He is revered as a hero in our continent.”

Soleil hummed as he looked at Choi Han from head to toe. 

He still looks like a rag, Soleil thought.

“What is the hero still doing here, mommy?” Soleil asked.

Cale looked at Choi Han. His heart clenched seeing Choi Han’s state. Before he knew his identity, they were friends. Even if he was betrayed by him, they were still once friends.

He looked like he hadn't gotten any sleep since that day, Cale thought.

Cale unconsciously reached his hand and caressed Choi Han’s face. This gesture made Choi Han want to cry, he closed his eyes and tried to feel the warmth of the other.

“Mommy?” Soleil called, he didn’t like what he was seeing. His mother should stay away from Choi Han. That person is capable of hurting my mommy.

Cale retracted his hand after realizing what he’s done. 

“I apologize for my rudeness. I would like to express my gratitude for helping me and my sons to get here,” Cale said.

“I-It’s fine. It was my decision,” Choi Han responded.

“If you please excuse me and my son,” Cale bowed.

“Wait,” Choi Han said. “Can I come with you?” 

Cale looked at Choi Han, if this was Solaris he probably would agree. But Solaris and Choi Han were the same people. It’s just that he didn't understand the motivation behind Choi Han’s disguise. The reason for approaching him in a mask.

“Suit yourself,” Cale responded. He couldn’t fully refute Choi Han, after all he is still Solaris. He couldn’t resist his face. Plus, Choi Han looked exactly like his son, Etoile.

Choi Han smiled innocently and Soleil internally cursed.

Tsk, mommy probably thought that I don’t know about Choi Han so he must be pretending to be in a good relationship with him, Soleil thought.

Cale and Soleil finally went out of the manor, and the people who came across them stared at them. Choi Han was following them behind. The people knew how bad Cale and Choi Han’s relationship was, that’s why they couldn’t comprehend why Choi Han was following him. Then, Soleil caught the attention of the people. They heard about the rumor about Cale having a child. Looking at the child closely, he has red hair like Cale’s and black obsidian eyes like Choi Han’s.

“I thought the Young Master and Choi Han had a bad relationship? Why does that child look exactly like a combination of both of them?” one of the people asked.

“Maybe they finally worked out their relationship and reconciled,” another responded.

“Even then, the Young Master is a man. How would the two of them have a child?” another asked.

“Hmm, that’s the mystery,” another said.

Choi Han and Soleil could hear them loud and clear. Both of them sighed a breath of relief that Cale doesn’t have heightened senses.

“Mommy, that smells good!” Soleil said as he pointed out the bakery.

“Shall we buy something there?” Cale asked.

“Yes, mommy!” Soleil smiled.

“How about you? Do you want something?” Cale turned to ask Choi Han.

“No, I’m al—” Choi Han was about to refuse until his stomach betrayed him. This made him blush out of embarrassment. 

This made Cale chuckle as he remembered Soleil and Etoile doing the same thing when they want to hide their hunger. Choi Han’s eyes sparkled seeing his expression, he didn’t expect he could make him smile as Choi Han.

“Shall we get something to eat?” Cale asked as he walked towards the bakery. 

The onlookers had their jaws dropped seeing the redhead smile towards Choi Han. Their assumption that the two finally reconciled strengthened. 

“They must be lovers,” one of them said.

“Probably, they have that vibes,” another responded.

“Oh my gosh, is this what they call enemies to lovers?” another asked.

Soleil, who heard them, immediately glared at them. The onlookers averted their eyes.

If that child is really the son of the Young Master and Choi Han, that child might have the talent of both of them, some old people thought.

The three of them rested and ate some bread they bought. Soleil enjoyed the bread they bought. Choi Han also ate his share, they were all sitting on the same table since for some reason all the tables were filled.

Choi Han quietly watched Cale with love in his eyes as he helped his son clean himself. The onlookers who were incredibly curious about the development of their relationship watched them quietly and closely. 

Is this the reason why the hero Choi Han kept rejecting the noble ladies who were asking him for a dance or a date? One of the people thought. Well, if the Young Master has a pleasant personality, he would be the best pick for anyone.

Man, the hero really picked the person who is considered as one of the best faces in the continent on par to the royals, one of them thought.

Cale stood up to get something Soleil was asking him to buy, leaving his son and Choi Han alone on their table.

“What are you planning, Choi Han?” Soleil asked.

“What do you mean?” Choi Han asked.

“Don’t play dumb.”

“I just want to get along with the Young Master, that’s all.”

“Really? Is that why you’re looking at him closely as if he is your prey?”

Choi Han was surprised with Soleil’s choice of words. He couldn’t believe that it was coming from a four year old.

“I have no intention to hurt him. I already committed that mistake and I wanted to make up to him. I wanted to apologize to him properly.”

“We already warned you. Mommy’s priority will always be us. Mommy will always believe what we say. What makes you think mommy will choose you?”

“I am not competing with you and your siblings. I know that Cale’s priority will always be the three of you. Are the three of you perhaps trying to enclose Cale to you?”

Choi Han and Soleil stared at one another. Soleil knew what they were doing, Choi Han was actually right. The three of them wanted to monopolize Cale by living with him in the villa. In turn, Choi Han was also aware that Cale would always choose his children and there was no space in between for him to fit in the picture. Still, Choi Han couldn’t just simply forget his feelings towards Cale. He already knew he wanted to be something with Cale, that was why he worked hard to achieve what he had achieved now. His pronouncement will happen soon and he needs to make up with Cale as soon as possible so his plans won’t fall through.

After Cale came back, he noticed the tension between Choi Han and Soleil.

Soleil must’ve been uncomfortable towards strangers. He is amiable towards the townsfolk back in the villa, I didn’t expect him that he would be so against Choi Han, Cale thought.

The three strolled more around the city. Since Cale’s arms started hurting, he couldn’t carry Soleil anymore so Choi Han was the one carrying him. Soleil didn’t want his mother to suffer so he allowed Choi Han to carry him instead.

Watching Soleil and Choi Han made Cale think if he was doing the right thing. His children were smart and intuitive, among the three of them Soleil has the best intuition. Soleil probably realized Choi Han and the three of them have similarities. They might think that Choi Han is their father.

I know I am the one at fault here, I know I’ve said something that angered him that made him beat me up. But I was also tricked, Cale thought. He didn’t know what to do actually.

Because Cale was spacing out, he didn’t notice the carriage that was passing. Choi Han immediately pulled Cale closer to him so he wouldn’t get hit by the carriage, but the three of them got splashed by rain puddles. The onlookers gasped as they saw how gentle Choi Han was and his hand was still on Cale’s waist, while his other arm was carrying their child.

“Are you okay, Cale/Mommy?” Soleil and Choi Han asked in unison.

Cale, who was still in a state of shock, nodded. Then he noticed how the two of them got soaked with water.

“Are you okay, Soleil?” Cale asked as he brought out a clean and dry handkerchief.

He started wiping Soleil, then unconsciously he started drying off Choi Han with his handkerchief. Since Solaris and Choi Han are the same people, Cale couldn’t help but still see Solaris in Choi Han so he couldn’t help but care. The onlookers were having a field day seeing their interaction.

Who would’ve known that my boring life would get exciting just because of the Young Master’s love life? One thought.

Thank you for this blessing! One cried in joy.

Since Cale didn’t get as wet as them, Choi Han just wiped the place where the redhead got wet. Unknown to them, a reporter saw them and took record of what he saw.

This is big news! Big news! Who would’ve thought that the hero Choi Han, who’s supposed to hate the Young Master is actually in a relationship with him!? And there’s more! They have a son! Oh my goodness, the nobles who like to gossip will love this story! He is such an angel, as expected of the Young Master Cale and hero-nim! They will create the best genes! The reporter thought. He immediately disappeared after getting what he needed.

Cale immediately pulled out his hand as soon as he realized what he was doing.

“Thank you, Cale,” Choi Han sweetly smiled at him, which made Soleil internally feel sick.

“We should head back,” Cale said as he turned around, the tips of his ears were red as he walked in front of them.

Choi Han felt giddy as he followed him. Soleil, on the other hand, was ready to explode as he gripped on Choi Han’s hair and pulled it. Since Soleil’s grip is not as strong as an adult, it had no effect on Choi Han who was smiling like a fool following Cale Henituse back to the manor.

As soon as they got back, Deruth who was watching the three of them enter the manor, sighed and told his aide to call Cale to his office once he’s ready. He had a lot of questions and he couldn’t ask them earlier since it was really difficult to approach Cale when he’s not in his best mood. Since Cale looked like his matters are kind of settled, it’s time for him to actually ask him. About his children, and about his relationship with Choi Han.

Choi Han was given spare clothes to change his wet clothes. Cale and Soleil went to the room where his two children were. They were on time since Etoile and Ciel just woke up. 

“Did you have a good sleep?” Cale asked the two. 

“Yes, mommy. I feel a lot better compared to yesterday,” Etoile responded and Ciel nodded.

“Why is Soleil wet, mommy?” Ciel asked.

“We went out earlier and we got splashed by a puddle,” Cale answered. “We will wash first, you can eat your meal first.”

“Okay, mommy,” the two responded. 

Hans immediately went out to get their food. Ohn and Hong also came back with lots of flowers. Melissa put the flowers in the vase in their room. The four children talked while they waited for their food and for their mother and sibling.

Once they were done, the children ate and Cale then was called to the Count’s office. Soleil and his brothers already knew why. They watched their mother who came out as he sighed before closing the door. His family must have been surprised seeing him with children in tow. This was the first time they’ve seen their son who has a bad reputation, and he came back with children with him. The children looked at one another and nodded. They followed Cale.

“Cale, it’s been a while,” Deruth said.

“It really has been, Father,” Cale responded. Violan and his siblings were also there. 

“Have a seat, Cale. We have a lot to talk about,” Deruth smiled as he guided Cale to his seat.

“Cale, I’ll be direct with you. Since when did you have children?”

Cale sighed. He knew this time would come, he just didn’t expect it’ll be today.

“I bore them two months after I left this place,” Cale answered honestly.

“ Bore them? What do you mean, Cale?” Violan asked.

“I was the one who carried and gave birth to them,” Cale responded.

“Wait, what?” 

“I know it’s hard to believe but those children were born from me.”

Deruth and Violan couldn’t believe it, seeing how Basen and Lily reacted they knew this already. Deruth sighed.

“I see, may I know who is the father of the children?” Deruth asked.

"I don't know," Cale answered.

"What do you mean? How did you create these children without their father?"

"I really don't know. One day I woke up and they're there with me."

"There's only one person who comes into my mind seeing the hair of one of your sons," Violan said. Deruth and Cale looked at her. Basen and Lily already knew who their mother was pertaining to.

"But that's impossible, both of you are men. How could that be," Violan muttered. 

"I carried and birthed my children even though I am a man, I think anything is possible," Cale sarcastically laughed.

Cale already knew who it might be. But he didn't want to admit it. The two of them are not on good terms, as he remembered. However, that same person has been on his side ever since his children were still inside him. 

Should I give him a chance to explain? Cale sighed from the thought as he stood from his seat.

Deruth stood and walked towards Cale. His son looks like he was on the verge of breaking once again. That same look he had when he ignored him when he was a child. That look he had when he thought he was being thrown out. It pained him as a father who failed his son countless times.

"It must have been hard all this time," Deruth said as he hugged his son after all these years. “I can’t imagine the fear you had when you had to bear this alone. I am so sorry for not being there to support you.”

Cale, who was taken aback from his father's action, felt something inside his heart. He could hear the sound of his walls breaking just from receiving that warm hug his young self was craving. Cale was too stressed out and a lot of things have been swirling inside his mind. Because of this, tears started to fall as if his tear glands broke. The redhead gripped on his father's clothes as if a child was hanging on to his dear life.

Deruth gently patted Cale's back in hopes he could soothe him. It was heartbreaking hearing his cold and stoic son crying like this.

"It wasn't really hard," Cale said in between his sobs. "Hans … Melissa … Marley and the other servants helped me raise them."

"I see," Deruth responded, continuing to rub his back.

"But I was scared. I was scared that my children wouldn't like me," Cale sobbed. "I'm afraid that once I love them, they will hate me."

"I was afraid of raising them but I still did what I could," Cale added. "I raised them how mom raised me too."

"I know, and I am so sorry that I wasn't there to help you," Deruth replied. "I really am a no-good father to you."

Deruth released Cale from his hug as he wiped the tears of his son. This was the first time Cale and him were talking face to face and heart to heart. Everything that happened might have greatly affected him. The fear of losing his children must have made him break his shell.

Violan stood, same with Basen and Lily. They approached Cale.

"We will not further ask you questions about it, I know that some of these are still a mystery to you," Violan said as she caressed Cale's cheeks. "I may not be your real mother, but I will help you."

"That's right, Hyung. We're here, I will help you with anything," Basen added.

"I can look after your children if ever you're busy, Orabeoni," Lily said.

"But you can't skip your classes," Cale was still sobbing, like a child who finally reconciled with his family.

"Oraboeni! You skipped classes before too! I even heard you stopped attending it!" Lily protested.

Deruth and Violan sighed.

"The reason why he stopped was he didn't need the lessons anymore because he was smarter than the instructors," Violan commented. Deruth and the others nodded their heads. Cale just made a small smile.

Lily made an expression like he was betrayed.

Before anyone could say anything, the door flung open revealing the three children who were still in their pajamas.

"What did you do to our mommy?!" Etoile said in a loud voice.

"Why did you make him cry!?" Soleil asked.

Deruth, Violan, Basen and Lily stepped out of the way and the three children went to Cale.

Cale crouched down to hug them but the children went to wipe his tears.

"I will never forgive people who will make my mommy cry," Ciel said.

"Oh, no. We were just talking," Cale responded.

The three children were still glaring at Cale's family. Cale just softly chuckled, he really appreciates how protective his sons are to him.

"Soleil, Etoile and Ciel, this is mommy's dad. This is mommy's step mom and you already met my brother and sister," Cale introduced them.

"Father, Mother this is Soleil, Etoile and Ciel. They are my children," Cale added.

"I see, what adorable little knights," Deruth smiled warmly. "It's reassuring to know that Cale has you three."

"Knights?" Soleil and Etoile said. "Yes, we are mommy's knights!"

"I don't want to be a knight," Ciel said. "I can protect mommy even if I am not a knight."

Cale laughed at his children, he couldn’t help it. They were cute. Deruth and Violan who saw Cale’s laugh for the first time again couldn’t help but almost tear up.

I see, this is all thanks to his little angels for bringing Cale back with us, Deruth thought. He kneeled to match the eye level of the children.

“Thank you for protecting my son, your mother,” Deruth warmly smiled.

“Uh-huh! You can count on us!” the three said in unison, smiling widely.

“How about those children?” Violan asked.

“Ohn, Hong, come here,” Cale beckoned them to enter the office.

“Father, Mother, this is Ohn, and this is Hong. I adopted them two years ago since they don’t have a home and a guardian. My children found them and I decided to adopt them when they let me,” Cale said as he gently ruffled their hair.

Ohn and Hong were actually nervous since they were not Cale’s real children. They were questions swirling inside their head, a lot of what ifs were asked but didn’t dare to voice it out.

“I see, so you are these munchkins older sister and brother!” Lily smiled.

Ohn and Hong looked at them, they were smiling at them as if they were welcomed in this house. The two smiled shyly.

“You don’t have to be scared, we will not drive you away. Cale decided on taking you in, we won’t have any complaints about it,” Violan gently smiled.

Deruth who was on the verge of crying finally let his tears out. 

“I have such adorable grandchildren, I can’t. My heart can’t take this,” Deruth cried.

“How shameless, compose yourself,” Violan said but she was also tearing up. 

They saw how Cale interacted with these children based on their own observations and the servants' report. They were glad that these children brought light and life to Cale who looked like he was just a living doll and on the verge of breaking.

Violan approached the children and whispered, “Thank you for being born.”

Soleil, Etoile and Ciel smiled while Ohn and Hong grinned. 

What is this…Mommy is loved by his family. That book is a liar and it seems mommy misunderstood his family, the three children thought.

They looked at Cale and he was finally smiling at his family. 

Isn’t it great mommy? You finally know that you also deserve the same love you are showing us, the three couldn’t help but smile.

Chapter Text

That night, when everyone was asleep, Choi Han was about to go somewhere when Deruth saw him.

“Hero-nim,” Deruth called.

Choi Han immediately turned to him and greeted him.

“May I take some of your time? There are things I would like to ask you,” Deruth said as he turned and walked towards one of the parlors in the manor.

Choi Han quietly followed him. As soon as they entered the room, Deruth served the finest wine they had to Choi Han as he gestured to him to sit.

“I will not make this conversation longer, and I am not interested in small talk. There is something I am curious about,” Deruth started.

The tension was making Choi Han nervous. He doesn't usually feel it but this time he could feel it so much he wanted to vomit.

“What is your relationship with my son?”

“I am sure you are very familiar with my relationship with him. Cale hates me.”

“Is that so? I thought you were the one who hated him?”

“N-No! I mean, I didn’t hate him, I never once hated him.”

“Then why did you hurt him before? You beat him up almost to death, then you’re telling me you didn’t hate my son?”

Choi Han bit his lip, his actions were never justifiable. It scared him to think what might have happened if he accidentally killed Cale when he punched him like there’s no tomorrow.

“I didn’t mean that to happen. I don’t know what I could do to atone to my mistake. No excuses could pardon what I did to him,” Choi Han responded. I love Cale, I always have. Ever since that day, I have always adored him.

“If you want to atone to your mistakes, stay away from them. Don’t disturb the peace they have now,” Deruth said.

“No!” Choi Han stood. “I can’t do that, and I will not do that.”

“Then what do you want from him?”

Choi Han couldn’t answer, not because he didn’t know what to say but it was precisely because he knew what he wanted. He didn’t even know whether Cale’s father would accept him or not.

“I need answers, Hero-nim,” Deruth sternly said. His voice was so firm that Choi Han wasn’t used to it.

“I want him,” Choi Han whispered.

“What? I didn’t hear you.”

“I want Cale. I just don’t want to be a friend but rather more than that.”

Deruth wasn’t actually surprised. It was obvious. When it comes to his son, Choi Han is always wearing his heart on his sleeves. It was clear as day that Choi Han felt something for his son. If the event about him beating up his son didn’t occur, the continent probably assumes that these two are lovers.

“You are aware that my son has children. My son has no time for this and I don't know whether he will entertain your love or not.”

“Yes, I know. I know that his children will be his priority, even then I want to stay by his side. There’s nothing that would make me happy but that.”

“I don’t want my son to suffer. I know you are aware of his reputation, your title is just a name only. You can’t fully protect him from people who want to bring harm to him. I don’t even know how prepared you are in building this relationship with my son.”

“I know I am not trustworthy in your eyes but I am willing to do anything to make him happy.”

Deruth stared at Choi Han’s eyes, he was determined and he was serious about his son.

“I don’t have much say about my son’s relationship. What he deems important is up to him. If you want to be something to him, you have to work on your relationship with him.”

“That’s what I’m doing.”

Consequently, Cale was sleeping. In the midst of his dreaming, he met the same goddess who told him about his children.

“Caleeeee! It’s been a while!” Aite said.

“What do you want?” Cale asked.

“Are you curious about the father of your child? It was so much fun choosing him!”

“As much as I am grateful to you, I also hate you. I am not curious about him.”

“Your children are not looking for him because they are kind and considerate towards you. I know you are aware who their father is, so it’s time to let him in the picture.”

“Oh, wait! He is already in the picture, but your issues now made you push him away again! Hahahaha!” Aite laughed at Cale.

“Cale,” Aite approached the redhead as he gently patted his head. “I know your heart. You don’t have to lie and admit it yourself.”

Cale remained silent.

“Make sure your children will accept him as the father and as your husband, or else you will have to face greater consequences,” Aite added.

“The blessing I gave you is for the both of you. It is always for the two people your fate has decided on. If one of you is not happy, there is no use in keeping these blessings,” Aite continued and smiled.

“What do you mean by that?” Cale asked.

“Do you want to experience it to know?”

There, Cale jolted awake. He was sweating and his heart was beating loudly. 

Am I going to lose my children if Choi Han and I don’t get along? Cale asked. His hands were shaking. He was scared.

The next day, Choi Han had to go back to the Capital because of the celebration of his return. As soon as his mission finished, he immediately went to Cale’s place. He didn’t expect his secret would be revealed in the most unconventional way.

“Choi Han, you’re back,” Prince Alver said. “Where have you been? Everyone has been looking for you.”

“He probably went to the love of his life,” Rosalyn nonchalantly answered for Choi Han.

“What? You have a lover?” Prince Alver asked.

“I don’t have such a thing,” Choi Han responded.

Noticing Choi Han’s demeanor, Rosalyn and Alver could deduce that something happened with his lover.

“If you are having trouble getting back with your lover, you can use your reward in subduing the dragon. Aside from the land you will be granted, you can choose someone you will marry in order to govern the land given to you,” Alver said.

“You already choose the countryside where a lot of monsters appear, but that place is abundant in harvest. No Lords would want to take good care of it because it is a hassle driving the monsters off,” Alver added.

“Would that person hate me even more if I make them marry me out of Royal Decree?” Choi Han asked.

“Does she hate you that much? What did you even do, Choi Han?” Alver asked in response.

Choi Han remained silent. Rosalyn felt bad about Choi Han.

“Your highness, can I talk to Choi Han alone?” Rosalyn asked.

“Sure, go ahead.”

Rosalyn dragged Choi Han out of the Prince’s office.

“Choi Han, what’s going on? I thought you went to Young Master Cale to fix your relationship with him?” Rosalyn asked. 

“I do, but he learned I am Choi Han before I could even explain myself,” Choi Han responded frustratingly.

“What do you mean?”

“When we slept together, the necklace stopped working.”

“Wait, you made that much progress without telling him the truth?!”

“No, not in that way. Cale was actually not mad at me, but he did because I hid the truth from him.”

Then before Rosalyn could say something, Lock barged in the room holding a newspaper in his hand.

“Choi Han-hyung! Have you seen the newspaper!?” Lock frantically asked as he extended his arm to give the newspaper to him.

Rosalyn’s eyes grew wider when he saw the front page. 

“Oh my gosh, Choi Han!” Rosalyn exclaimed.

Surprised, Choi Han immediately read the article. The front page showed the image of Choi Han carrying a child while caressing Cale’s cheeks. The child looked exactly like a combination of Choi Han and Cale, plus the two of them looked intimate and close in the picture.

“Oh no,” Choi Han muttered. “How can we stop this from publication?”

“We can’t, it has already spread!” Lock said.

“Choi Han, you are keeping secrets, huh?” Alver interjected. “Cale Henituse is the beloved son of the Henituse. Even if he had that reputation, his family protected him and cared for him. They will not allow you to have this relationship. And what is this child in this picture? The child looks like yours and the Young Master’s son.”

“I already talked to the Count and he knew of my feelings and intentions towards Cale,” Choi Han responded.

“How about the Young Master?”

“He seems to hate me.”

Hate you? Have you ever seen his expression on that paper? He looks like he is in love with you, Alver thought. He didn’t dare share his thoughts. 

Alver looked at the paper again. It was the first time he had seen this expression on the redhead. They really looked like lovers in the picture.

“We need to contact the Henituse’ so we could do something about this,” Alver said. “Since the child in the newspaper looked exactly the same as the both of you, it’ll be better if you two will get married instead of acting like enemies.”

“I know the Young Master will understand the situation, both of you got careless. I don’t know what the two of you are thinking about going out in the open like that,” Alver added.

“It wasn’t our fault that the people here cannot mind their own business,” Choi Han responded.

Later that day, Choi Han and Alver went to the Henituse Estate through a teleportation spell. Deruth’s aide was already waiting for their arrival so he led them to the Count’s office.

As soon as they entered, Deruth sighed at the sight of them. Cale was called to the office as well and he couldn’t understand why the Crown Prince was also there.

“Greetings to the sun of the kingdom,” Cale greeted.

Looking at Cale closely, he indeed became beautiful enough for the majority of the females in the kingdom to envy his looks. 

“Your highness?” Cale said. 

Alver cleared his throat and Choi Han rolled his eyes.

“Are you aware of this, Young Master Cale?” Alver asked as he placed the newspaper in front of him.

Cale was surprised. Not because he was caught in a scandal with the hero but with the fact that his child was also exposed. Cale knew when this happened, he was used to unnecessary attention anyway but his child is different.

“We actually have a solution for this issue, in order to protect you and your child,” Alver added.

“And that is?” 

Deruth already knew what it was. He was there to mediate things just in case Cale decided to flip everything over. It was about his son, he will never force his son to do something he would hate. That’s why he was leaving the decision to his son.

“Marrying the hero Choi Han would be the best choice here, your child will get a lot of attention from the people and some of them especially the women who fancies Choi Han,” Alver said.

Cale clucked his tongue. He didn’t want to get married but he didn’t want to risk his child as well. 

That goddess sure is working hard pairing me with Choi Han, Cale sighed.

Meanwhile, the three children, along with Ohn and Hong, were also looking at the said newspaper.

“This is all my fault,” Soleil said. “If only I didn’t ask mommy to go outside the house, we wouldn’t get caught up in this.”

“What should we do? The Hero is very famous and I think he has a lot of enemies, what will happen if Mother is targeted by them?” Hong asked.

“Soleil, Ciel and I are still weak compared to the adults who might target our mommy,” Etoile responded. “Since we are weak and young, we should formulate a plan in order to protect mommy.”

“But there is an easy way to protect mommy,” Ciel interjected. His siblings looked at him.

“I know you are already aware of it but we are just crossing it out because we hate to do this plan,” Ciel added.

“Tsk, is there no other choice? I don’t want to resort to that,” Soleil said.

“I know, I hate it as well. But mommy might be considering it since he is also thinking about us,” Ciel responded. “He might think that’s the best course of action.”

“I see, you have a point. That person is smitten towards our mommy, I certainly do not want mommy to go near that man. But if our safety is on the line, mommy might be willing to sacrifice his own freedom for us,” Etoile said.

“What are you talking about?” Ohn asked.

“Since we are weak and young, the person who is a perfect candidate in protecting mommy and us is none other than the hero Choi Han,” Soleil responded. “Our Raon is currently not here with us to help us, and he’s the strongest among us as well.”

“We really need to get stronger. Since Choi Han knew a lot of stronger people, we can take advantage of his networking to gain our strength,” Etoile said.

“That’s better and the safest method as we are now,” Ohn responded.

“Shall we go to mommy?” Ciel asked. The other children nodded.

Soleil took the newspaper and they all went to where Cale was. Then, they saw a golden sun and the hero coming out of the Count’s office.

“Choi Han,” Soleil called. 

Alver was surprised to see that Choi Han and Cale not only have one child but five instead.

“We need to talk to you,” Ciel said.

Alver nodded to Choi Han to give him permission. The children and Choi Han went to the nearest room to talk.

“I know what you are planning, and it seems your plans are going well,” Ciel said. 

Ciel wasn’t always the talkative one, but among the three of them, he holds the most intimidating aura a child could have.

“We hate you, Choi Han,” Ciel said coldly. “We hate you because you are capable of hurting our mother.”

Soleil and Etoile quietly listened and observed. Once Ciel starts moving, all they need to do is wait—the same way as what they did in their previous life.

“We hate you because you made mommy cry. We hate you because you deceived him after he opened up his heart to you,” Ciel continued. We hate that mommy is looking at you so fondly. We hate the fact that you are our father.

Choi Han remained silent.

“BUT! We will push that hate aside so you could protect mommy,” Ciel took a deep breath. “We are weak and young so we couldn’t protect him on our own. We are aware of your strength and capability, so we know you could protect him with your life.”

“I know what you are planning, I know what you have talked about with mommy inside grandpa’s office, we know and we hate that idea. But for mommy’s safety and for my siblings safety…” Ciel was starting to tear up. Soleil and Etoile held each of Ciel’s hands.

“We will allow you to get close to him, to do what you think is the right thing to do,” the three of them said in unison. “If even in the slightest you make our mommy cry or hurt him, be prepared for our retaliation. We may be weak now but we are stronger than you.”

Choi Han smiled, not because he finally got permission from Cale’s children but because they are the same. Cale was thinking of agreeing to marry him in order to protect his children, while Cale’s children were thinking of allowing him to marry their mother so they could protect Cale.

Choi Han kneeled to their eye level and gently ruffled each of their hair. 

“Thank you. I will make sure not to betray the trust you put in me,” Choi Han said fondly.

“We don’t trust you, just to be clear. We are closely watching you,” Etoile responded.

“Make a promise!” the three said as they stuck out their pinkies. Choi Han chuckled and entwined his pinkies to the three.

“I promise that I will protect you and your mother with all my strength and life,” Choi Han smiled.

“We will bite you to death if you break your promise, hmp!” Ohn and Hong said. Choi Han laughed and nodded.

After their conversation, Choi Han and Alver went back to the Capital to prepare for the celebration of their return.

That night, Cale and his children were sitting on their bed. 

“Mommy, if you get married, will your love for us lessen?” Etoile asked.

“Where do you get the idea that I will marry someone?” Cale nervously laughed.

Soleil, Etoile and Ciel placed their hand on Cale’s thighs.

“Mommy, we heard about it,” Soleil said. “They said you will marry the hero.”

Cale’s smile faded, he then hugged his three children.

“I’m so sorry for not telling you. Things happened that lead me into marrying him, I am so sorry for not asking you first,” Cale said. “But you don’t have to worry, I will still love you the same as I do right now. My love for you won’t change.”

“We know, mommy. We know how much you love us, hehe,” Ciel giggled then he kissed his mother’s cheeks.

We know you love us so much enough to get married to the person you wanted to avoid. We know that you love us so much that you’re willing to do everything to keep us safe.

“Mommy, I’m sorry I’m not strong enough to protect you,” Etoile said.

“It doesn’t matter. The three of you will get stronger in due time, no need to rush,” Cale responded as he kissed each of their cheeks.

“Mommy will always love you, no matter what happens we will always be together,” Cale said.

The three children leaned on Cale’s chest and listened to his heart beat. It was a very calming sound that they always loved.

“Mommy, I love you,” the three of them said as they started to fall asleep.

“I love you even more, Soleil, Etoile, Ciel,” Cale responded as he tucked them in their blankets, then left forehead kisses on each of them.