Chapter Text
Kim Rok Soo knew that death was a companion in his line of work, people were dying around him and as much as he tried to avoid it, it was more than obvious that at some point, death would catch up with him and his companions. But unlike his peers, he had no one. So when he got in the way of one of the unranked monsters and his teammate, he had no regrets in mind. Well, only one.
'I should have built the farm when I had time.'
It was a bit of a bitter thought, but he couldn't do anything about it. Now, ideally, he will experience the much-feared death. But that was not the case, Kim Rok Soo only felt a searing warmth that filled his entire body for a moment before disappearing as quickly as it appeared. The darkness was the only thing that filled his senses right now.
'what the hell, is dying so slow?'
That was the first coherent thought that came to his mind, yet the sensation of a cold hand caressing his face was enough to make him open his eyes in annoyance, ready to curse whoever had interrupted his sleep. Only to pause when her eyes focused on a childish face.
"Oh, Mom! Cale is awake!"
'Cale? Why does that name sound so familiar to me?'
Looking at the little girl (maybe) in front of him, he suddenly felt confused. A child of about five years (probably) looked at him with big reddish-brown eyes, the reddish hair pulled back in a small ponytail. Even if the child was still an infant, Rok Soo could tell the little child's feminine and delicate features. In the midst of his ramblings, Rok Soo curiously watched as a red-haired woman approached the little boy, gently stroking the red-haired head.
"Kartien, did you wake up Cale?"
"I didn't! Cale started complaining and I thought he had a nightmare"
'Oh, it's a boy. Not a girl'
As 'Cale' took in the information that was thrown at him, he missed how the red-haired woman gently scooped him up in her arms. A pair of ringed brown eyes looked up at him with obvious confusion before returning to normal.
"My little Cale, Cale Henituse."
Oh. That was why it was so familiar to him.
***
In the following year, he was able to gather a large amount of information. Which was easy, no one was wary of a baby. Somehow, Rok Soo was able to get a complete picture of things.
First, he was somehow transmigrated into the novel 'the birth of a hero'.
Second, the timeline went back about 18 years, after the birth of the firstborn of the Henituse family.
Third, somehow, the person who should be 'Cale Henituse' was now 'Kartien Henituse' , his five years older brother.
Most of the mansion staff said that Young Master Kartien was a carbon copy of his mother, while according to Countess Jour, Cale had inherited his father's 'stupid expression' but was still as cute as her. Which Cale hadn't understood at the time, but he could agree that Cale's and Deruth Henituse's faces had a certain degree of similarity, something that couldn't be found in his older brother.
“The teachers are so annoying! They keep increase more topics since I finish with the previous material. But that means more hours of study! Can you believe it? If they do that I won't be able to spend as much time with you, Cale!."
Ah, yes. His older brother who was skipping his lessons just to spend time with him (Although Cale was still a baby and couldn't communicate properly). Still, that didn't seem to discourage Kartien, who had something to talk to him about every day. With this little boy, Cale had spent a considerable amount of time by his side
"I will go to this meeting with the sons of the nobles from other territories. My teacher said it's good to make connections, since I'm your hyung, it means I'll be the next count… Unless you want the position, of course!"
That innocent statement nearly gave him a heart attack.
'How the fuck I wish be the next Count.'
His previous life had been hectic enough that he wanted to impose such a responsibility on himself. Also, didn't his older brother understand how important his position was? Even if Cale didn't fully understand the matter of being the heir, he knew that title belonged to Kartien. It was his hyung's birthright, he would have the responsibility, the luxuries, the money and everything that came with being the lord of the territory.
So, his older brother was willing to throw that away for his little brother?
That realization sent chills down his spine, Cale, no. Kim Rok Soo was a selfish person, He cared about nothing but his well-being. He couldn't give up his comfort for someone else's sake. That was the kind of person he was, after all.
He was so deep in thought that he missed the the soft footsteps approaching, soon another young presence entered the room.
"Young Master Kartien, here you were."
Shifting his gaze from his younger brother to the entrance, Kartien smiled at the new person in the room, who did not return the gesture. Still, that didn't discourage him. Cale, on the other hand, just ignored both older boys.
"Oh, Beacrox!"
"Young master, your etiquette teacher is looking for you."
Ignoring the older Henituse's salute, Beacrox advanced on his young master before grabbing a handful of the redhead's clothing, just as animals would their young.
"I'm still talking to Cale! I haven't told him about your new dish yet! Ah- Wait, hyung, wait!"
Despite Kartien's complaints, Beacrox kept walking with his young master even as the latter tried in vain to hold on to things.
"Kartien, your tutor said that if you kept skipping your lessons, he would triple the material of your classes."
"Agh. Good. Cale, Hyung will be back soon!"
Bidding farewell to his little brother energetically, Kartien allowed himself to be dragged along. Somehow he felt like a little cat being carried by his mother.
"You already said goodbye, now let's go."
"Hyung, sometimes you are very aggressive. You won't get a wife that way, mom said that women prefer sensitive men."
"I'll drop you."
"I am sorry".
Cale watched unimpressed as the thirteen-year-old led a fidgety redheaded six-year-old by his clothes. It was a sight that had surprised him greatly at first, even to the point where he had gurgled in concern at one point. In his defense, the first time it happened he had just woken up and the first thing he saw was his brother being dragged away by a stranger. (Even if the stranger was also a child).
However, he quickly got used to it when he realized that it was Beacrox who was dragging his older brother back to his lessons and not killing him.
"Your older brother is no doubt quite funny."
The only bad thing is that I leave him alone with Ron. Which made sense, given that this man had been the one to take care of 'Cale Henituse'.
Knowing that fact didn't lessen his fear, of course. Being a baby, he didn't stand a chance against the killer.
A few months after his birth, the father-son duo had arrived at the Henituse mansion. Cale wasn't present at the time, but his parents had had a meeting with Ron while Beacrox and Kartien were waiting together. At that time, Cale had been in the arms of his older brother.
"What's your name?"
"...Beacrox"
"Nice to meet you! I'm Kartien and this little one is Cale, he's three months old. Ah, I'm five years old. How old are you?"
"... Twelve years.”
"Oh, you're seven years older than me. That makes you my hyung."
"..."
"I'm sure your dad will get the job, he looks different from the other butler wannabes."
"..."
"What's your favorite color? Mine is red since Cale and my mom's hair is that color. Oh, but don't tell my father that, he'll feel sad."
That day Cale had witnessed firsthand how his older brother had their first one-sided conversation.
If Cale was in his previous body as a 36-year-old man, he probably would have found a boy like Kartien cute. His older brother was quite calm, he knew when he should talk a lot and when not. When Cale was teething and the pain in his gums was becoming unbearable, his older brother hadn't complained when he bit him. In contrast, Kartien had only stroked his hair while searching for a servant.
It must have been a funny sight, seeing a baby bite his older brother's arm while that brother just walked without wincing or grimacing.
Ah, actually he already missed his older brother.
"Don't worry, darling. Kartien will be back soon. He always does."
At what time did his mother arrive in the room? He felt the woman's arms wrap around him gently before being enveloped in a soft hug.
'Right. No matter how busy he is, hyung always takes any opportunity to be by my side.'
His mother, Countess Jour, had once said that other babies might become stressed if they felt overwhelmed by the presence of people other than their parents. Instead, she had said that Cale seemed to be the opposite case.
"You always seem sad when Kartien doesn't come to see you."
Looking at his mother, he suddenly felt strangely embarrassed. As much as his brother wanted to spend time with him, Cale was barely a year old and that meant he slept most of the time. And even so, Kartien was busy with his education, plus he was still a little boy. It was normal for a six-year-old to take naps. There were days when his older brother seemed so tired and just lay down next to him.
Cale liked to sleep, of course, but sometimes he missed how his older brother would describe the simplest things as if they were a great feat.
"....Hyug..I weant to see hyunog."
As much as he wanted to speak more clearly, his words still sounded a bit garbled. Still, his mother understood his words. Giving an amused laugh, Jour left the room with his son in his arms and his butler close behind.
"Your brother has spoiled you too much."
That was coming from the person who used to spoil him even more than his older brother. Clinging to his mother's clothing, he allowed himself to enjoy these moments in peace.
Seeing the red-haired woman, Cale felt uneasy. In the novel 'the birth of a hero' there was never any mention of Cale Henituse's biological mother. Instead, he was only talking about Countess Violan. It was quite jarring that a woman like his mother, who was well loved in the territory, was not mentioned even once. Not even his name. Which just left a bad taste in his mouth.
'She will die in about seven years'
Even if the novel didn't mention when the countess died, Cale could use the age of Lily, the youngest daughter of Count Deruth and Countess Violan, as a guide. The Cale Henituse of the original novel was 11 years apart from his younger sister. And Cale is currently going to be a year old soon.
'That means Countess Jour dies when Cale is eight years old.'
Making the calculation of time was not difficult, however, calculating the exact dates were complicated. His mother is a very healthy woman, Cale could even tell that she was a very active woman.
Like his brother, his mother loved being by his side. She had even canceled her visits with other noblewomen for the time being.
'This is the best time to be with my children, Deruth! What if Cale says his first word while I'm away? Can you turn back time so I can see that precious moment again?'
'Jour, there are recording devices, you don't have to-'
'I don't care. I will not move from his side, y’all can try to drag me. Ron, help me.'
Cale, who was in his older brother's arms, just watched as the argument between his parents unfolded. Although to be honest, it was just his father futilely trying to win an argument that was already decided by the time his mother came downstairs and confronted his father. The butler, Ron, who had only been on duty a few weeks, only smiled benignly at the count.
"Count-nim, as a parent, I can assure you that it is better to witness your children's moments in person than on a recording device. After all, as they grow up, they are not the same."
Coming from a man like Ron, Cale had to agree with him. Beacrox was once a baby, and even now he was a fairly quiet child. No one would expect him to become an expert in torture.
After that, his father agreed and sent letters of apology to various noble houses.
'She's quite amazing in a way.'
Cale came out of his contemplation when he felt someone pricking his cheek, so he turned his gaze towards that person, bumping into his mother's amused smile and how she pointed to something. Following the direction of that hand, he watched as his brother greeted him excitedly, despite the exasperated expression of the man Cale assumed was the professor. Shyly, Cale returned the greeting.
He hoped that the happiness would continue a little longer.
*****
Cale should know, he, no. His life as Kim Rok Soo was never easy, he was an orphan who had no money, friends or a partner, it could be decided that he had nothing to miss in his former world.
So when he was forcibly transmigrated into this world, he didn't think too much about things. He was reborn as the second son of a wealthy family, he would not have to worry about being the firstborn of the family and could completely depend on his older brother. The only problem was that he let himself get lost in that warmth that he didn't know he missed. Therefore, at this time I was experiencing an internal conflict. The person whom for these eight years he had considered his mother, was walking straight towards his death.
"Countess-nim, your carriage is waiting for you."
The eight years had passed in the blink of an eye, and Cale hadn't come close to finding out when his mother's death would occur. There was no disease that attacked her, nor had anyone killed her, she was not poisoned. So how did Jour Henituse die? The only option Cale had was this, this trip from his mother would be his last.
There was no other way, he was sure. The calculations were exact, this was the only option.
'however, I can't stop her.'
Cale knew that his mother was a stubborn woman, she would not budge, much less with this matter.
"Cale? Are you okay?"
"Hyung."
Looking up from his book, Cale watched as his older brother looked at him curiously from where he was. It didn't take long for Kartien to be at his side.
"Is something wrong? Mom said we couldn't go with her."
'of course, she would say that.'
"It's nothing."
What should he do? Rok Soo looked for what would be the last time at his mother, clenching the book tightly in his hands before getting up and starting to walk to his room.
A week later, his mother's funeral was held.
"Children so heartless"
"Are them not going to cry for their mother?"
"To think that the countess would have two weirdos as children"
The whispers were annoying. None of these people would say it to his face but they all kept talking shit. Cale, no, Kim Rok Soo had experienced something similar to this in his previous life. So he didn't really care what these people had to say.
The problem was that these people not only spoke ill of him but also of his older brother. Cale had felt annoyed the last week. And all for the same reason.
Count Deruth Henituse.
Cale firmly believed that children should be cared for, they been able to enjoy their childhood, and can depend on an adult. And yet their father had locked himself in his office completely ignoring them.
The original Cale Henituse had to go through this alone? It felt bad in many ways for him.
Even he, like Cale, now had an older brother constantly watching over him. Just like now.
"Hey, it's okay if you don't cry. You don't have to cry to show your pain."
Looking at his older brother, Cale allowed himself to be enveloped in the embrace he had been subjected to. Kartien's words eased the tightness in his chest a bit.
"Everything will be fine"
However, that doesn't remove the discomfort in his chest. Looking at his brother's reddish hair, Cale couldn't help but touch his own hair.
"I guess father really can't stand to see me."
The sudden statement made Kartien momentarily blank. His smile tightened at the corners of his lips.
"Why don't you ask Beacrox to prepare some sandwiches? I'll go see the guests off and come with you."
Kartien watched as his younger brother nodded to his words before left the room, probably towards the second kitchen. With that, he turned his gaze to Cale's butler.
"Ron. Make sure he stays in the kitchen for 15 minutes. I'll go talk to my father."
Ron smiled at his young master's words
"Of course young master Kartien. This Ron will take care of everything."
Nodding at the butler's words, Kartien ignored the rest of the collateral family who was waving goodbye to him or seemed to want to talk to him. It wasn't the time for that. In a few days, he could go and discuss personally where the proper place was for his nonsensical comments.
But not now.
Standing in front of his father's study, Kartien ignored any sense of etiquette and entered the study. The sight of his father with teary eyes and the lost look almost made him hesitate.
Almost, because the image of his younger brother was superimposed. Of course, this man had the right to cry, but was that a reason to ignore Cale and pretend he didn't exist?
"K-Kartien"
The way his father flinched at the sight of him was pathetic. He couldn't find anything in himself to comfort this man, not when he was being so selfish. Hadn't Kartien comforted his father when his mother arrived on the verge of death? Wasn't he the one who made all the arrangements? Kartien did not ask to be comforted, but Cale, his younger brother should not have to go through this situation.
What fault did Cale have that his father was a coward?
None.
And Kartien was not going to let his brother get hurt by his father.
"Father. Are you going to stop ignoring Cale or are you going to go to the summer estate?"
"What? No, I-, why would I do that?"
Deruth felt lost. He couldn't think clearly in this state and his son's question made no sense. His gaze wandered over his desk, not being able to look at his eldest son. However, Kartien's words forced him to look at those reddish-brown eyes that were looking at him harshly. He quickly looked away.
"Cale realized that you don't want to see him. So I'm telling you again, are you going to stop ignoring Cale or are you going to go to the summer estate?"
"....I'll go to the summer estate."
With his father's reply, Kartien just snorted in annoyance and left the office, returning to Cale's room and meeting the little redhead, who had his face covered in crumbs. His younger brother stared at him with those big eyes that felt so calculating before Cale smiled.
"Hyung, you should grow your hair long."
Laughing at that. Kartien just walked into the room while ruffling Cale's unruly locks.
"That sound good."
Well, if his father avoided them because of how much they looked like their mother. Then Kartien would make sure his father had a good reason to ignore them.
After all, most people said that Kartien was the spitting image of his mother.