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Kim Roksoo—formerly the head of the Kim Marquisate, now elevated to the rank of Duke for his pivotal role in a massive war spanning two continents. Though only twenty-three, this young man played a crucial part in orchestrating war strategies and commanding military forces, all while keeping casualties to a minimum. He was a young man willing to sacrifice himself solely for the sake of his people's peace.
It was impossible not to respect someone like Roksoo.
He was regarded as a genius. He was the sole survivor of the Kim family following a tragic massacre fifteen years prior—an event that had claimed the lives of all his relatives, leaving him entirely alone.
From the age of eight, he had proven himself a competent leader, handling responsibilities far beyond what should be expected of a child.
Of course, he hadn't done it all alone. He was deeply grateful that he hadn't been by himself; his two best friends, Lee Soohyuk and Choi Jungsoo, had always been there for him. Through thick and thin, they remained steadfast supporters by his side.
They were the friends who always offered practical advice whenever he truly didn't know which path to take.
"In that case, just propose to her directly at the upcoming royal banquet."
Roksoo looked at Jungsoo uncertainly before shifting his gaze to his older friend.
"It wouldn't hurt to try." Soohyuk shrugged, as if Jungsoo’s suggestion made perfect sense. "You know, she’d surely be delighted by a straightforward proposal made with everyone watching. Especially since it’s coming from a hero respected by the kingdom—I’m certain she’d love it," Soohyuk reasoned.
"I'm not a hero," Roksoo muttered, sighing wearily at the title attached to him—a title his two friends simply chose to ignore. They clearly disliked it when their younger brother-figure belittled himself.
"Little brother." Jungsoo gripped Roksoo’s shoulder firmly.
"I'm not your little brother." This, too, was ignored by both of them.
"Trust us. This plan will be perfect. We’ll always back you up—you remember that, right?" Roksoo nodded, fully resolving to propose to the person he had long admired.
Soohyuk nodded in agreement, then ruffled his younger brother's short hair. "We pray for your happiness. My little brother has grown up; he is now ready to propose to the love of his life." Soohyuk delivered this heartfelt speech, followed by a dramatic nod from Jungsoo.
Roksoo nodded slowly, brushing aside his anxiety and ignoring his annoyance at his two friends' behavior.
'I hope he says yes.' Roksoo felt nervous as he awaited the victory celebration and the coronation of the new King of the Roan Kingdom.
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"I hear my little brother wants to announce something." Alberu, the new king, approached Roksoo with a wide smile.
"Your Majesty—"
"Hyung."
Roksoo sighed, humoring his hyung's request.
"Hyung, I don't want to announce anything." That was true enough; he still needed to ask for their consent before making any official announcement.
"So, who is it? How lucky they are to catch the eye of my steadfast little brother." Alberu teased Roksoo, satisfied to see the tips of his ears turn red.
"Stop teasing me like that." Roksoo frowned in displeasure.
"Alright, alright. I think this is the perfect time to step out." Alberu smiled, glancing around the hall.
That night, the nobles' attention was fixed not only on him—the newly crowned king—but also on the figure standing beside him.
Kim Roksoo—the former commander who had led the troops through two years of war, securing victory for the kingdom alongside its allies.
His name was on everyone's lips across the land and even the continent, though he himself seemed indifferent to the fame.
If not for Roksoo, he might not have attained his current title so easily. As his hyung, Alberu would always support all his dreams and desires.
Even if it meant forcibly dragging the person his younger brother adored into marrying him.
Alberu gave his younger brother a gentle pat on the back, urging the young man to take a step forward.
"May I have your attention, everyone?" Alberu’s voice echoed through the hall, causing the nobles' conversations to gradually die down. The music that had previously filled the room also faded away. All eyes were now fixed on the two adoptive brothers standing in the center of the hall.
"The hero who brought victory to our kingdom, Duke Kim, wishes to share something with you all." Alberu moved with elegant grace, a smile playing on his lips that hinted at a hidden agenda. "And, with all the guests present tonight as witnesses, he intends to propose to one of you here."
Whispers immediately rippled through the hall.
The nobles exchanged glances. Some began to speculate about who the lucky person might be—the one who had captured the Duke's heart.
A few young ladies even unconsciously adjusting their hair and gowns, while the young men also showed interest. Many secretly hoped that they were the one being referred to.
Beneath his calm exterior, Roksoo was suffering a minor panic attack.
He turned slowly toward Alberu, gazing at his older brother with eyes that clearly betrayed his shock.
Alberu simply responded with a broad smile.
“So, my dear brother, please go ahead. Don’t keep our guests waiting too long.”
Roksoo clenched his teeth.
He should have known Alberu would pull something like this.
But what was the point of backing out now? He was already standing here in the center of the hall, with everyone’s attention fixed upon him. Besides, hadn't he intended to convey his feelings to someone tonight anyway?
Roksoo took a slow breath, trying to calm a mind suddenly crowded with a whirlwind of possibilities.
Then, he swept his gaze across the hall.
Amidst the throng of nobles, his eyes searched for the one person who had held his undivided attention all evening. He didn't spot him immediately; moving heads and other nobles blocked his view.
But when he finally caught sight of that silhouette, his mind instantly locked onto that single figure.
The same young man.
The young noble he had first glimpsed from afar, without ever once exchanging a word.
The figure he had observed in silence—coming to know his habits, thoughts, and personality better than anyone else, even better than the many people out there, or perhaps even his own family.
Roksoo tore his gaze away from that figure and turned back to face the guests.
"As His Majesty the King has said—" He paused, glancing at Alberu with a look that held a subtle rebuke. "—my hyung, after the war ends and peace is restored to this kingdom, I wish to express my feelings to someone." Roksoo took a slow breath.
He was unaccustomed to being the center of attention, especially for a matter like this. Yet, having come this far, there was no turning back. "From the moment I first saw him, I held him in high regard. As time passed, I realized that feeling had deepened into something more." His raven-black eyes swept across the room briefly.
Some of the young women in the hall held their breath. Others lowered their heads in disappointment upon realizing that the duke’s declaration was not meant for them.
"we never even met in person. I merely saw her from a distance, without ever speaking to her. She probably wasn't even aware of my presence."
Roksoo paid no heed to the murmurs that began to rise. His thoughts were focused on only one person.
"Amidst the war, I found another reason to hope for victory. Not merely for the sake of the kingdom and its people, but for the sake of someone I wished to see live in peace."
He thought back to the young man’s actions that had so captivated him—the way his voice softened when speaking to the wild animals he fed, and the vulnerable side he revealed only when alone. Those lonely eyes—he wanted to banish that sorrow from them forever.
"I know him better than most people do. Yet, I am aware that such knowledge does not automatically entitle me to his affections." Roksoo bowed his head slightly.
He deserved affection, love, and protection.
"Everyone has the right to choose whom they share their life with. Therefore, I will not ask for a return of my feelings, nor would I ever compel him to accept me simply because of my status."
He deserved to choose his own destiny.
Free from the constraints of the reputation had spent years upholding.
"I only wish for the chance to approach him and get to know him properly. If he is willing, I would be honored. If not, I will respect his decision." Roksoo then shifted his gaze toward the crowd of nobles.
His eyes settled on a figure with red hair that shimmered beneath the glow of the crystal chandeliers.
Roksoo wanted to see that young noble smile freely and be happy forever; he wanted to devote all his affection solely to him.
"So, would you be willing to give me the chance to get to know you better—" Roksoo gazed intently into eyes that mirrored his own.
"—Cale Henituse?"
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Cale stifled a groan, holding back a curse at his current predicament.
Here he was, at the royal banquet celebrating the new king's coronation and the Kingdom of Roan's victory.
Just how reluctant was he to be here?
His entire family was attending because they were among the households that had supported the war effort with finances and other resources.
It was common knowledge just how wealthy the Henituse family was; they had, in fact, contributed the largest sum of funds in the entire Kingdom of Roan.
Cale sighed.
He loathed social gatherings like this.
Especially with someone watching his every move.
Cale turned to look at Eric, who hadn't left his side for even a second.
"Hyung—"
"Cale." Eric fixed him with a sharp stare from behind his round glasses. "I’m warning you to—"
"—'Stay quiet,' is that what you wanted to say? Come on, Hyung, we’ve just been standing in the corner of the hall since the banquet started." Cale rolled his eyes lazily at Eric. "Lady Amiru and Young Master Gilbert are waiting for you over there. I’m sure they want you to join them."
Cale simply wanted to escape the stifling, noisy crowd of nobles. The clashing scents of their perfumes were making him dizzy.
At the very least, let him step outside for some fresh air!
"Cale. No, I know you’re planning something. You promised to—"
"—Stay quiet and stay by your side throughout the banquet. Not drink a single drop of wine or alcohol, and not cause a scene. Yes! I know!" Once again, Cale cut Eric off, frowning in annoyance.
He felt a sudden urge to vent his frustration by messing up his hair—an act hardly befitting a noble.
Eric sighed, deciding to drag Cale off to get some sweet desserts and juice to soothe his younger brother. Cale groaned in dissatisfaction, merely dragging his feet as he followed the other, blending into the crowd of nobles. They approached the dessert corner, where a spread of the sweet treats Cale loved was piled high.
"Here, eat quietly. I’ll get you a glass of juice, so stay right here and eat. Understood?" Eric narrowed his eyes, trying to get his younger brother to listen.
Cale pouted and nodded, happily accepting a plate filled with mouth-watering desserts. He readily complied, eating the sweets slowly.
Meanwhile, Eric turned away to fetch him some juice.
True to his word, he remained quiet just as his older brother had asked.
Despite his reputation as trash, he always kept his promises.
"May I have your attention, everyone?" The new king’s voice echoed through the hall.
Cale glanced disinterestedly toward the source of the sound—where the new king and the leader of the heroes stood in the center of the hall.
As usual, he ignored whatever announcement they were making. Yet, his eyes couldn't help but drift to the young man standing beside the new king.
Duke Kim—or rather, the man better known as the leader of the heroes.
He led an extraordinary life. He had saved the world from invasion and slain their greatest enemy.
That young man—three years his senior—had achieved so much at such a young age.
He cared for others, prioritizing the lives of the many over his own.
His skills attracted the interest of powerful figures.
He was surrounded by people who loved, protected, and respected him.
Extraordinary.
Unlike him.
Cale gripped the edge of his dessert plate tightly, lowering his head as the realization of his own worthless existence washed over him.
"As His Majesty the King has said— my hyung, after the war ends and peace is restored to this kingdom, I wish to express my feelings to someone."
Ah. Right—considering Roksoo's age, Cale realized the young man had reached the age where marriage was expected. Especially considering the world peace he had secured.
'The person Duke Kim fancies must be someone exactly like himself. Kind-hearted and caring toward everyone. That person must be just as much of a genius.' Cale nodded—almost imperceptibly—for he had always believed that good people naturally gravitate toward other good people.
That remarkable young man would always get whatever he desired.
Because he deserved it.
Unlike himself—destined to always be alone. Slowly destroying himself.
Ignored.
Abandoned.
Cale suppressed a sigh. He lifted his gaze to take in the scene before him.
Roksoo was looking at him.
Their eyes met.
Cale couldn't be entirely certain, given that he was standing far off to the side, away from the central hall; yet, it was no accidental meeting of gazes.
They stared at one another, neither willing to be the first to look away.
"So, would you be willing to give me the chance to get to know you better—" Roksoo spoke again, never once tearing his eyes away from Cale.
"—Cale Henituse?"
Crash—!
The sound of shattering glass broke the silence born of sheer surprise.
All eyes turned to Cale, who stood frozen in disbelief, glancing at the shards of the glass his hyung, Eric, had just dropped.
Cale dared not look around him; instead, he gazed at Roksoo with a complex mix of emotions.
Roksoo was smiling there, looking only at him.
A gentle gaze.
A warm smile.
Only him.
Focused solely on him.
Truly centering all his attention on Cale alone.
Patiently waiting for Cale’s answer.