Chapter Text
“Maybe if you actually talked to us, we would’ve been able to help you earlier!” Alberu shouted. He glared at Cale with anger and frustration. His hands were clenched into fists, one in his pocket, the other by his side.
Choi Han and Rosalyn took a step forward. Despite the distance between Cale and Alberu, they were still carefully watching Alberu for any signs of a potential attack.
The pale man glared right back at Alberu. His red hair ruffled and messy from running his hands through it too many times. “I did! I told you over and over again! I asked for help but you never listened!”
“Oh yeah? And when did you do that?” As though dealing with an immature toddler, Alberu cocked his head to the side and bent forward slightly. With one eyebrow raised, his posture only showed impatience.
On, Hong and Raon glared deeply at Alberu.
“Last Thursday, 11:34pm.“
“I was busy preparing for the ambassador meeting!” Alberu rolled his eyes.
“Last Monday, 4:25pm.”
“I was trying to settle the marquis’ request!”
“Two weeks ago, Wednesday, 10:48pm.” Cale narrowed his eyes with every event he mentioned.
“How am I even supposed to remember then? I was probably busy too!” Alberu threw his hands into the air before staring at the other people in the room as if Cale was acting incredulous.
Eruhaben closed his eyes and inhaled deeply while gently pushing the weapons of the father and son assassin duo down. This caused the two to look at him sharply but he ignored them.
“You’re always busy!” Cale trembled with anger. “No matter what, no matter when!”
“I’m busy for the sake of this empire! Our empire!” Alberu removed his hand from his pocket and gestured vaguely at their surroundings.
“Oh yeah, then what about me?” Cale moved one hand to his chest and took a step closer to Alberu. His body slouched down but head cocked up as if a servant bowing rebelliously at their master.
“What about you?” Alberu stood his ground.
“Do I matter less than your paperwork? Should you be spending more time with your paperwork than me?” Two more steps towards Alberu.
“No! But I can’t do anything about that! Why don’t you stop causing trouble so that I have less paper work, huh?!” Alberu stood his ground.
“What trouble have I even caused?” Cale straightened his body.
Alberu brought up his hand and started counting. “Snapping at important leaders, ignoring social etiquette, not attending meetings, just to list a few!”
“Well I’m sorry that I’m not willing to be patient especially when my husband spends more time in his workroom than our bedroom!” The red-head looked ready to burst.
“Guys! Stop it! Both of you!” Rosalyn stepped in and put her hands up between the two to set a safe distance. “On, bring Raon and Hong out the room please.”
On hesitantly does as she says and led her brothers out the room. Right as she was closing the door, she peeked at her father who gave her a small smile in reassurance.
Rosalyn cast a soundproof barrier to prevent the kids from listening in.
“*sigh*, Cale, are you still feeling okay?” Rosalyn dragged her hand across her face in exasperation.
“…Yes.” Cale’s body relaxed and he nodded.
Rosalyn nodded back at him. “Let me know if you feel unwell at any point of this conversation. Now, Alberu…”
“What.” Alberu snapped. His hands were now crossed on his chest.
“Your husband is dying and the only thing you’re capable of doing is shouting at him? Do you really think that’s going to help?” Rosalyn put a hand on her waist and pointed at him.
“…” Alberu’s arms fell to his sides.
“You know what Cale is like, better than me, better than any of us. He doesn’t speak about his problems, just let’s them brood and brood. Especially when it concerns his health.”
“…”
“He sucks at understanding how much he matters to us already. His survival instinct? Basically non-existent.”
“Hey-“ Cale tried to argue back.
“No. You know it’s true.” Rosalyn redirected her glare to him.
“…”
“Our current objective is to see if we can find a cure for Cale. Which we will at any cost.” Eruhaben cut in.
“You don’t have to,” Cale awkwardly smiled at them before mumbling under his breath. “It’s not like it’s possible…”
“Don’t. We will do it.” Rosalyn was resolute.