Chapter Text
“Cale.”
Kim Rok Soo called out to his fiance as he walked towards the count’s office. The red head was currently occupied talking to his father- but as soon as Cale saw him, his serious expression was replaced by a love-stricken expression that became a constant whenever the two interacted.
“Hello, beloved!”
Cale exclaimed as he quickly ran to his side- disregarding the conversation with his father entirely. Unbeknownst to the redhead but very much visible to his perspective, the people within the room looked on with befuddlement- with the exception of the count and Ron- Frankly, it was a bit weird that the rest of servants were still very much uncomfortable with the sudden shift within their young master but he just thinks that they adapt rather slowly.
It was quite puzzling if Rok Soo were to be honest. In a few months after the announcement of engagement, Cale had frankly calmed down- He was rational, eating properly and even spent time away from Rok Soo; In fact, if it wasn’t for Cale’s reaction whenever he sees Rok Soo then everyone would have thought he was back to normal- or even improved from his trashy self…but once he sees Rok Soo, it would be back to his spellbound, love struck and clingy self.
In fact, he and the count thought that perhaps separation would be a perfect solution for this- specifically he would leave for a bit while Cale was still in a rational mood- and well, it did not end up well since it lead to Cale’s reputation possibly sinking lower as the young master was seen yelling out Rok Soo’s name all around town and crying once they were reunited. The second attempt led to Cale spending days once again, trying to find his “beloved”- entering private property and multiple houses to attempt finding Rok Soo when Deruth did not tell him of his location. And before the two could try to do a third attempt, Cale exclaimed that he would run away with Rok Soo- which led to Deruth backing off the plan significantly.
Although Rok Soo had never met the rational side of Cale, he had heard about him- he was a bit different from the Cale that he had read about in the novel. According to the servants. Cale was a lot more calm and responsible whenever Rok Soo was out of sight- almost coming to his role as a proper heir. Rok Soo even attempted to observe that side of Cale while staying out of sight- and it was true, Cale was different, but he noticed something that people were disregarding: Cale was a lot more cold- almost bordering apathetic to everyone except his family, as though he was preparing for something especially since Cale was really preoccupied with discussing the increase of defenses for the County.
As someone who had experience in battle and leading teams, it felt like listening in to the plans of another good leader- a battle worn and torn sort, someone who had already experienced the pain of loss and was unwilling to lose anyone again. Nobody quite noticed or at least took note of this shift of behavior (though perhaps Ron has- but what does that vicious old man never notices) so he let it go for now…especially since he has never had a conversation with that side of him yet-
“My love, are you ignoring me? I can feel my heart breaking into pieces, please, at least look into my eyes”
…As he was always like that whenever the two were in contact.
How many more months until the main plot starts?
Rosalyn, Anyone, please come sooner and clean up this mess.
Eric Wheelsman was currency rushing toward Henituse County
You may ask yourself why this particular nobleman was heading towards the county- well the answer was obviously because of his dongsaeng!
In all his years of knowing Cale, he had always been worried for him- they were friends afterall- so he was well-aware of the consequences that came along with befriending him. Not because of the trouble that other people say that Cale brought through his behavior but Eric’s stress levels for worrying about him.
He was worried for Cale when the former countess died
He was concerned for Cale when he started to ruin his reputation
And Now…He was stressed out because his dongsaeng just got engaged! Not only did he have find out from his parents- that troublesome dongsaeng of his didn’t even mention that he was courting someone-
When his carriage finally reached the county, Eric tried to appear outwardly calm- even if he felt a storm of emotions within himself- he still had a reputation to uphold as a noble afterall. Scanning the entrance, the one to greet him was ginger haired butler- if he recalled, that person was named Hans.
“Where is the young master Cale? I have a lot to discuss with him”
“Greeting Young Master Wheelsman, the young master is currently with his fiancee, might I suggest that you wait within the guest room while I tell the him of your presence”
“ No need- I would prefer to go directly to him- afterall, it would be bad manners to not congratulate my dearest dongsaeng over his engagement”
“...If you would follow me, I will lead you to them”
Eric followed Hans as the two made their way to the estate’s garden. As they were passing by, Eric was hard not to reminisce over his shared childhood with Cale- the two used to be much closer before like how they used to play within the garden- chasing each other and pretending to be two knights in battle.
How time has changed.
He had no idea that Cale had an interest in someone.
In the few letters that he had exchanged with his dongsaeng, there was not even an inkling that Cale was interested in anyone. Rather it mostly consisted of ramblings of his day and how Eric should stop pestering him by sending letters all the time.
It was obvious that Cale fell for someone
After all, that could only be the case since it caught the entire southwest in surprise. There were no rumors or basis for the Henituse family to consider arranging a marriage as well since they were a family that prides themselves of valuing happiness above all. Additionally, Cale’s reputation led to other families not wanting to associate with him.
When they finally reached Cale, he was with a man that Eric could only describe as “stoic and intimidating”- a new guard perhaps? But with the way that Cale looked at the man like he hung the stars…it could only mean one thing. Eric tried to keep his expression composed- even if he felt like shaking his dongsaeng.
“Young Master Cale, Young Master Wheelsman has arrived- He stated that he had some affairs to talk about with you.”
“Oh, Eric-hyung, it’s you…Let’s discuss it over later- I’m currently with my beloved fiance afterall; unfortunately I wouldn’t miss this time with him for anything.”
“No Cale, I’m going. Have fun with him for while”
“But love- it has been a while…I have yearned to spend more time with you-”
It was as if Eric and the butler were left forgotten as Cale continued to plead with his fiancee. It was eerie to see how much Cale had changed- since he had never behaved like this in the past especially compared to how he was just a few months ago.
Sure, it reminded Eric a bit of a younger version of Cale when he used to ask Eric to stay so that they would play together more but even then it was different from how Cale was asking this complete stranger to stay with him- while offering words and promises of adoration.
Eric didn’t like it.
“I’m leaving, but it was nice to meet you, young master Wheelsman”
“Please, the fiancee of my dongsaeng can just call me ‘Eric’. Might I inquire about your name?”
“It’s Kim Rok Soo.”
“Duly noted, Congratulations on your engagement.”
“Thank you. I hope that your conversation with my fiance will prove to be eventful. Goodbye”
As soon as Kim Rok Soo left with the butler following close behind. Eric rushed towards his oldest friend- and began to shake him by the shoulders.
“I can’t believe you! How could you have gotten yourself engaged without telling me anything!”
“Isn’t he just the loveliest? I swear nobody can compare”
“You….