Chapter Text
"Mama!" A cheerful and childish voice rang from the corriders of the Henituse household, as rapid footsteps intensified.
A beautiful youthful lady perked up at the sudden noise - her response being to that of a raised eyebrow.
But when reddish brown eyes met with eachother, they both smiled as their gazes softened.
"Aww my baby! Have you finished your sword training?" A sweet, melodic voice came out from the lady's mouth as the little red beamed.
"Yes mama! But did you know that there are different types of sword art?"
An innocent question was asked, the youthful lady perked up and made a thinking position- eyes closed forcefully and her chin laying on her right hand-turned-fist.
"Oh my! Is that true, cutie?"
"Yes!"
"Do you want to talk about it with mama?"
The little red's face shone even harder as stars practically were in his eyes.
The youthful lady smiled as she sipped her tea in an elegant manner while listening to the little red's ramblings.
______________________________________
"Psst! Hurry up! The young master will wake up soon!!!"
"I'm also done with the decor! Annie, news about the cake?"
"Mr. Vicross has it all handled, Anne!"
A flurry of hushed yet urgent whispers spread the household in a rushed manner.
The dinner table was adorned with numerous upon numerous plates of food, ranging from meat to vegatables and even dessert on the go.
Maids and butlers were running, decorating, and cooking while still remaining to be as quiet as a mouse.
A birthday party is about to commence.
And for the countess and count, its the most important birthdays of all - even more important than the king's!
The birthday boy is still in dreamland, tossing and turning are frequent but a groan has yet to escape from his little mouth.
The countess, Jour sat right next to him.
A sentimental yet soft gaze plastered the woman's face as she ran her hand gently to the boy's crimson red hair.
She didn't want to do this but unfortunately if she doesn't wake him up. He'll throw a fuss.
"Cale..? Hi cutie... its time to wake up." Soft and gentle was her approach, which always seemed to work.
And it also worked this time.
A groan was finally heard, "M-Mom..?" Jour cooed as she rubbed his plump cheek to which he responded to by leaning even closer to her hand.
"Yes its me baby... now time to wake up, do you know what day it is?"
Cale's form stirred and he finally opened his eyes, not fully registering her question - he answered with his mind half asleep.
"Birthday...?"
"Hehe, yes you're right. But whose birthday it is?"
That made him really think. The gears in his head finally moved and his sleepiness gone as he abruptly stood up.
"My Birthday!?" He exclaimed excitedly as Jour lightly chuckled.
"Exactly, cutie. Now, I'll call Ron here ok? He's going to get you dressed cutely for your birthday okay?"
Cale cutely nodded as the other just chuckled again as she patted his head.
She leaned over to his bedside and picked up Ron's servant bell.
Ting ting.
Cale hasn't even blinked once yet Ron, his personal butler already arrived.
Not even the sound of a closing door was heard.
Jour just smiled, "Ron please dress Cale up for our outing to the Henituse Territory."
Ron smiled benignly as he bowed - not too low, not too high. Just the perfect one, suited for someone of nobility, a countess.
"Yes, countess."
The other's smile widened as she turned over to Cale and pecked his forehead.
"Ok cutie, I'll go now okay? I'll let Ron handle you and I'll head to the dining room, is that clear?"
Again, he responded with a nod.
Jour left his room.
"Let's get you ready, young master Cale."
"Okay!!"
____________
Ron dressed Cale neatly in a cream-colored silk shirt trimmed with delicate golden lace, and a maroon velvet vest embroidered with the Henituse crest in faint threadwork. The vest shimmered subtly under the morning light. His dark trousers were pressed and spotless, and his small black boots polished to a mirror shine.
A soft white ribbon was tied neatly around his collar - a finishing touch that made him look like a little noble straight out of a portrait.
Cale grinned at his reflection - his crimson-reddish hair slightly tousled but charming in a boyish way. "Ron! Do I look like a grown-up now?"
The butler's lips curved into a faint smile. "Indeed, young master. You look most distinguished. The countess will surely be pleased."
Cale puffed his small chest proudly, brushing imaginary dust off his vest. "Hehe, I knew it!"
"Shall we go, young master?" Ron asked, straightening the boy's collar one last time.
Cale nodded, excitement radiating off him. He followed Ron down the hallway, his boots tapping lightly against the marble floor. The faint smell of roasted meat and pastries reached him first - and soon, the distant sound of hurried whispers and soft laughter.
When he stepped into the grand dining hall, a burst of color greeted him. Golden streamers hung across the chandelier, and the long table was covered with countless dishes - roasted venison, fruit tarts, and even a mountain of strawberries glazed in honey.
Then, all at once- maids, butlers, and Cale's family all shouted:
"Happy 8th Birthday, young master Cale!"
Cale froze in surprise before breaking into a bright smile, his plump and rosy cheeks glowing with delight.
"Mama! Papa!" he called out, dashing toward his family.
Jour laughed and opened her arms, spinning him lightly before setting him down. "Happy birthday, my handsome young noble!"
Deruth, standing proudly beside her, handed him a long box tied with red silk. "You're growing up fast, son. Eight years old already - one step closer to becoming a fine man of the Henituse family."
Cale beamed, though his eyes sparkled more with innocence than pride. "Thank you, Papa!"
Jour crouched down, brushing his hair gently aside. "Cale, do you know what Mama's wish is?"
He tilted his head. "A wish?"
Her smile softened. "That you'll always stay as kind and warm-hearted as you are now."
For a brief moment, Cale blinked - as though something distant tugged at the edges of his thoughts. But then, just as quickly, he smiled again, his childish joy returning in full.
"I will, Mama!" he said brightly with such innocence a child should have.
Then three footsteps were heading the family's way.
Cale turned his head toward the visitors and beamed when he locked eyes with them. "Basen and Auntie Violan!"
A little boy that went by the name "Basen" excitedly ran towards Cale with his hands behind his back, seemingly holding something quite heavy that made him almost topple over.
Cale perked up and turned his attention to the thing Basen was holding behind his back. Basen seem to have noticed and he turned over to Violan who has went and discussed with the adults.
She looked at him and nodded.
"H-Here... present for young master Cale!"
He finally showed Cale what he was hiding. It was actually two presents!
One was wrapped with green and gold gift wrap and the other was wrapped with red gift wrap while a cute pink bow rested on top.
Cale was quite surprised but he recovered quickly and took the two gifts from Basen's extending hand with a smile.
"Thank you Basen! I'll open it after the party, but let's eat first! You and Auntie Violan must've been exhausted after the journey here!"
"But we aren't that far away from here-" Basen stated as Cale tsked to which the younger winced at.
"Hah... excuses excuses Basen! Let's eat some turkey maybe that will clear your mind!"
"Ron!-" the young master called for his butler to escort them both to the dining room but then Cale suddenly turned back, "Are you also coming with us?- Kim Rok Soo."
______________________________________
Gasp!
Cale gasped as he abruptly sat upright to which the kids'-that were sleeping right next to him- response was to the sudden movement was a: "What happened-nya??/Cale are you ok nya?/weak human, is there something wrong?"
A half-asleep and sweaty Cale was something they didn't know that they would see this morning.
Ever since the war with White Star ended, Cale has been glowing with vitality.
And its because of him just lazing around in the villa while some others head back into their daily life. (Which Cale doesn't know why but it seems like visiting him for three times a week is part of things they do in their daily life)
Cale just shook his head and sighed, "nonono, it was nothing. Just a silly dream."
The kids' heads tilted to the side as Cale lightly chuckled as he brought up his hand to pat their heads.
"Its nothing, really. Its just some silly and weird dream. Now go back to bed, its still early."
"Then, where are you going?" Raon, the youngest out of the three asked.
Cale who stood up and is now alking to the door, froze but quickly turned back. "I'm going to the bathroom."
The kids all turned towards eachother, seeming to be using telepathy but Cale knew they can't do that. (Or can they?)
And finally after a couple minutes of staring, they all turned to Cale and gave a nod.
Cale sighed as a light smile adorned his face.
He opened there door and closed it as gentle as he could, there are people still sleeping.
He slowly walked towards the kitchen.
His eyes shifted towards the cookie jar and immediately birghtened.
Of course by then he has already started munching on cookies.
And suddenly he stopped.
Today is November 7, and tomorrow will be november 8....
He hasn't thought about this before but when is Cale Henituse's birthday?
I haven't really asked Rok Soo when his birthday was.
He doesn't hate birthdays or like them, but he just doesn't care.
He could go on about his day without having the need to celebrate it.
(But maybe a little party would be nice?)
This year he would be turning... 21.
A year has already passed huh? Who knew that the 20-year-war that TBOAH faced, would only end up in 2 years here in my stead.
He reminisced to the time where he was first transmigrated as Cale Henituse.
He reminisced when he first met glutton and On and Hong.
Where he was terrified to his wits end(until now) when he met Choi Han.
The time where he freed Raon.
And so much more.
He let out a small chuckle as he let the sun rise and shine its rays to his- no their villa.
Yeah. No need for parties. This is the best present I've had after a while.
After his 9th cookie, he decided to go back to bed now.
______________________________________
"Surprise!!! Happy Birthday Cale!!" A party pooper exploded as fun and colorful confetti flooded the red-head's vision.
Cale groaned.
How the hell did it come to this?
To know why, we need to turn back time A LITTLE WHILE BACK.
______________________________________
"Cale-nim"
A puppy-like voice with the slightest hint of accent called Cale, Choi Han? What the heck does this one need?
"Hmm?" Not even bothering to say a word, Cale hummed while sipping his sweet tea. (No lemon tea... yes!)
"Do you mind accompaning me to the Henituse Territory?"
Cale's ears perked up in surprise as he also felt his eyes widening, "what for?"
"Well... it's Lily."
Lily?
"Today is her evaluation day and I want you to see for yourself on how much she has improved." Choi Han confidently answered.
Not even the slightest bit of hesitance was found on Cale's face as he sighed and stood up, "I'll get the kids, they probably want to watch too."
Choi Han beamed, "Yes Cale-nim!"
"Yeah yeah"
Cale opened the door to his room, knowing that they would probably be here playing(?)
He opened the door and was instantly hit with three stares from three children at once.
"Do you guys want to come with me to see Lily's sword evaluation thingy with Choi Han?"
Again, the three looked at eachother and communicated via telepathy.
(He didn't believe it would be that at first, but after seeing it again. It really does look like they're using telepathy to talk to eachother.)
"Yeah!" A simultaneous response came from the children as Cale ushered them to come out.
They tidied theirselves a bit as hair was all over the place!
And finally after that was done, Cale with the kids met with Choi Han holding a scroll.
"Let's go?" Choi Han asked for confirmation that everything is fine and everyone is ready.
"Mhm"
The other nodded and ripped the scroll in half.
Woosh!
The group of 5 had disappeared into thin air.
They reappeared in front of the Henituse training grounds, where the faint sound of steel meeting steel echoed in rhythmic strikes.
The morning sun painted the sky a delicate shade of gold, glinting off the polished blades as knights moved in synchronized drills.
Cale squinted at the sight.
The faint smell of dirt and sweat hit his nose — nostalgia creeping in, though he’d rather die than admit it.
Choi Han exhaled beside him, looking uncharacteristically proud.
“She’s there,” he said, voice soft with something that almost sounded like brotherly warmth.
Cale followed his gaze.
At the far end of the training yard stood Lily Henituse, her now medium lengthed brown hair has been tied into a little ponytail, a wooden practice sword in hand.
Her stance was firm, her expression serious.
Her expression reminds me of Basen now, hmm..
The knights standing nearby were whispering among themselves.
"She’s gotten faster again."
"Her strong will was from the countess, trust."
"That Choi Han is a harsh teacher, though..."
“Harsh?” Cale muttered under his breath, knowing fully well that he always holds back sometimes in their trainings together. “He spoils her.”
Choi Han didn’t deny it — just smiled.
“Lily!” he called, waving his hand. “Ready?”
She grinned, eager and bright. “Always!”
The knights cleared the center of the training field.
A faint breeze picked up dust as the two took their positions — mentor and student, both poised like drawn blades.
Cale crossed his arms, settling beside Raon, On, and Hong.
Raon had already pulled out popcorn and apple pie. (Don’t ask where he got it.)
“Begin!”
The sound of wood clashing rang sharply through the air. Lily lunged first — quick, confident, aiming straight for Choi Han’s abdomen. He parried easily, sidestepped, and swept low.
She twisted away just in time.
“She’s improved a lot.” Cale admitted quietly, eyes narrowing.
Raon nodded vigorously. “She’s strong, weak human. Even stronger than you! She almost hit Choi Han!”
“Almost,” Cale emphasized dryly.
The match continued, Choi Han increasing his speed little by little — testing her reflexes, forcing her to adapt. Sweat glistened on Lily’s brow, but her eyes burned with determination.
Then, she ducked under his next swing and jabbed straight for his ribs —
Thwack!
Her wooden sword struck true, earning a small grunt from Choi Han.
“Point!” one of the knights shouted.
Lily gasped — she’d actually landed a hit. She landed a hit on Choi Han.
Cale caught the small, astonished smile that flickered across her face.
Choi Han chuckled softly, lowering his sword. “Well done, Lily. You’ve learned to anticipate, not just react.”
Lily’s grin widened. “I did it! Did you see that, orabeoni!?”
Cale, arms still crossed, just gave a lazy nod. “Mm. Acceptable.”
Raon gasped dramatically. “Wow, weak human! That means he’s super duper proud!”
On and Hong nodded like wise elders. “That’s true. He doesn’t say ‘acceptable’ often.” (unless its his family we're talking about)
Choi Han just laughed under his breath. “She’s been waiting to hear that, you know.”
Cale rolled his eyes but didn’t respond. Instead, he turned away, brushing some dust off his sleeve.
"You held back didn't you? Wasn't this supposed to be an evaluation though?"
"Shh... don't be loud, Cale-nim..!" Choi Han put his index finger on his lips and shushed Cale up.
Cale chuckled and shush Choi Han too as he wanted to bid farewell to the count and countess.
Its not like he didn't want to come with Choi Han, but he just wanted to watch Lily a little bit longer. She was laughing around with the knights who started praising her.
"She's really impressive!" Hong exclaimed earning a pat on the head from Cale.
"Mhm."
___________
Once Choi Han returned, he had a faintly puzzled look. “Rosalyn sent a message. She says we should come back immediately.”
Cale blinked. “Back? To the villa?”
“Yes.”
He frowned. “Wasn’t she supposed to come here after the evaluation?”
“She said... there’s something she needs to show you.”
Something to show him?
That didn’t sound suspicious at all.
Raon gasped. “Maybe it’s a new book!”
“Or a new pastry recipe!” Hong chimed in.
“Or an artifact!” On added.
Cale’s eyes narrowed. “...Or trouble.”
Still, he didn’t argue. If Rosalyn said to come back, there was probably a reason — and as long as it didn’t involve paperwork or doing anything troublesome, he didn’t mind.
Lily ran up, beaming. “Goodbye, orabeoni! Thank you for watching!”
Cale reached out, patted her head once, and muttered, “Keep training hard.”
Her smile grew brighter at that one small gesture.
Choi Han and the kids waved back to Lily to which she responded with a wave as she ran back to the manor.
Probably to brag to the countess or Basen.
He turned back to the other.
Choi Han finally ripped the scroll.
Woosh!
The world blurred, light twisting for just a moment before they landed back in Super Rock Villa.
But something was off.
The entire villa was dark.
Not a single light. Not a single sound.
Only the faint creak of floorboards beneath their feet.
Cale blinked, frowning. “...Why is it dark?”
Choi Han tilted his head, equally confused. “Strange. Rosalyn said she would be waiting.”
Raon’s tail twitched nervously. “It’s like a ghost house...”
“Don’t jinx it,” Cale muttered, stepping carefully forward.
The hallways were quiet — eerily so. The air felt different, as though the villa itself was holding its breath.
Even the usual warmth from the magic lamps was gone, leaving only the dim outline of the furniture bathed in moonlight.
“Rosalyn?” Cale called out, suspicious. “If this is some kind of experiment gone wrong, I swear—”
He reached for the door to the main hall—
And the moment he pushed it open—
BOOM!
“SURPRISE!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALE!!!”
Light flooded the villa as confetti exploded like fireworks. A rain of colorful paper filled the air while party horns blared off-key.
Cale froze mid-step, eyes wide as dozens of familiar faces grinned at him — Rosalyn, Eruhaben, Beacrox, Lock, Paseton and Whitira, the wolf children, Alberu, and many more of their allies.
The long dining table was overflowing with food, cake, and gifts — an exact replica of the Henituse manor birthday from his dream.
Ok, maybe this one is a coincidence... unless one of them knows how to infiltrate dreams.
Choi Han blinked beside him, utterly shocked. “Wait... this isn’t the plan— Rosalyn? You said—!”
Rosalyn, who was holding a slice of cake, laughed brightly. “Yes, I did! You suck at acting, Choi Han. It was the only way to make sure Cale came back before sunset, with no suspicion of anything going on atleast!”
Raon leaped into the air, wings fluttering wildly. “We did it! Happy birthday, weak human!!!”
“Yeah!” Hong cheered, tail wagging. “We all helped!”
On smiled softly. “Even Ron baked a part of the cake.”
(He forced his son to include him into the baking, he wanted to help and have some father-son bonding too in the process hehe)
Cale’s mouth opened, then closed.
His brain lagged.
Confetti slid off his shoulder as he exhaled a long, tired sigh — though the faintest smile tugged at his lips.
“...You guys are unbelievable,” he muttered.
Rosalyn crossed her arms with a smirk. “You mean thoughtful.”
Eruhaben chuckled from the corner.
“Unlucky bastard, you should be grateful. This is our apology in a way for not getting to celebrate your birthday for the last 2 years."
“You guys didn't have to.” Cale grumbled.
Raon puffed his chest proudly. “Of course we have to do it! Weak human, did you really think we wouldn’t?”
Cale stared at them all — his family, in every way that mattered — and sighed again, quieter this time.
Then, almost reluctantly, he stepped forward and muttered:
“...Fine. but if anyone decides to pop a party popper right into my face, I’m burning the entire stockpile.”
Raon gasped. “Then let’s eat cake instead!!”
The room erupted in laughter once more.
And just for a moment — as the lights glowed, laughter filled the villa, and a faint warmth curled in his chest — Cale allowed himself to smile, not the tired one he wore every day, but the soft one he hadn’t shown ever.
“Happy birthday, Cale.” Alberu said softly.
He chuckled under his breath, shaking his head.
“Yeah,” he murmured, voice light — almost fond. “Happy birthday to me.”