#alberu and his paperwork

[crazydaymycrazyway]

Alberu: I stayed up all night and finished more than half of the paperwork. I honestly feel amazing right now.

Also Alberu: *pouring ink into his eyes*

Alberu: ...these are not my eye drops

[blueteller]

Halour, I'm kinda curious... What crimes have Cale done, exactly? I see a number of "crime list" videos about him but the wiki don't really confirm anything💀

— 🌄

...The Time Has Come. 😌

I have long promised this list, so perfect timing! Thank you very much for this question! Allow me to introduce you to:

Cale Henituse's Crime List

(Just for the fun of it, I tried to give a different example for every single one of these. Some events repeat, but not the crimes!)

1) Accessibility of Records for Tax Department

Cale looted significant amounts of money from the Magic Tower and many other places, without leaving any legal trace.

2) Affray

Multiple occasions, like pretty much everything that happened in the Molden Kingdom.

3) Aggravated Assault

Cale rarely gets physically involved in a fight, but I think suddenly strangling Prince Adin qualifies.

4) Aggravated Burglary

Every single time "Real Arm" is in business.

5) Allowing Dog or Cat To Be a Nuisance

How else would you call encouraging your animal shape-shifting kids to be involved in criminal activity? Also Fluffy the Puppy was under Cale's command even if he technically belonged to Princess Jopis, I say it totally counts.

6) Ammunition – Possessing, Acquiring or Carrying

Cale intentionally pocketed magic bombs from the Plaza Terror Incident and used them later on.

7) Animal Cruelty

...Does Cale subjecting On to his "nice act" in front of Litana counts? Oh it definitely counts. That poor child.

8) Armed Robbery

That time Cale & co. robbed the Mercenary Guilds in Leeb-An City, for instance.

9) Arson

Setting the Wind Island on fire.

10) Assaulting or Resisting Police

That time Cale & co. went to Sez Kingdom. Pretty sure the knights trying to stop them from kidnapping the king counts as "resisting law enforcement".

11) Being Disguised With Unlawful Intent

Priest Cale in a nutshell.

12) Blackmail

That time Cale talked to Antonio Gyerre.

13) Breaking and Entering

Cale coming to the Sekka Estate.

14) Careless Driving

Debatable since a fantasy world doesn't own cars – but. I count Cale breaking through walls of a maze on a mother-effing Stone Imugi as "irresponsible driving". Just think of what kind of example you're setting for the kids, Cale!

15) Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public

Cale has Raon following him everywhere, so.....?

16) Carrying Out Plumbing Work Without License or Registration

Cale has an underground villa in the Forest of Darkness. I'm pretty sure whatever construction work they did there would count as illegal.

17) Carrying Out Work Without a Building Permit

Cale had Dragons teleport an entire castle into the Forest of Darkness. Yet again, involves a building with no legal paperwork.

18) Causing Injury Intentionally

Obviously. Like making fiery lightning bolt strike in the middle of an Elf Village attack. Or hitting a radish with a rock.

19) Collecting or Making Documents Likely to Facilitate Terrorist Acts

Everything involving Knight Rex after he became a terrorist.

20) Conspiracy

Cale and Alberu talking about anything.

21) Control of Body Armor

After reading it up, I decided that mana disruption device ABSOLUTELY falls into this category.

22) Control and Use of Dangerous Articles

Cale adopting pretty much everyone on his team.

23) Corrupting Benefits Received By Commonwealth Public Official

Cale using Alberu's golden plaque to trap the White Star with Embrace. I mean, if being infected with that clown doesn't count as corruption, I don't know what does.

24) Cultivation of Narcotic Plants

Cale letting Hong eat plants in the Forest of Darkness. It IS, in his own words, his own backyard.

25) Dangerous Non-Guard Dog Attacks or Bites a Person or Animal with Person in Control

Cale letting Choi Han beat up Adin. ...Well, Choi Han COULD be counted as a Guard Dog, but. They never formalized the paperwork? I say it counts since Choi Han isn't legally registered!

26) Dealing With Property Suspected of Being Proceeds of Crime

Cale renting a house from Odeus Flynn.

27) Dealing With Property Which Subsequently Becomes an Instrument of Crime

Cale buying the Magic Tower before he proceeds to kidnap Mueller.

28) Delaying the Entry of Police

Cale not letting the law enforcement know about the Plaza Terror Incident beforehand. Also, activating the mana disruption device, knowing it would hinder their efforts to stop terrorism. ...Yes Cale & co. prevented said terrorism better on their own but it still counts.

29) Deliberately Omitting Information

Cale making an Vow of Death to Choi Han claiming that he can't tell him anything.

30) Destroying, Damaging and/or Interfering with Any Works of a Water Corporation

Setting the Lake of God's Tears on fire.

31) Destroying or Damaging Property

Cale destroying houses in the Gyerre territory.

32) Destruction of Evidence

Cale and Raon blowing up Hais Island 5 to cover up Ron's infiltration.

33) Directing the Activities of a Terrorist Organization

Cale's entire career in a nutshell, really.

34) Discharge Missile to Endanger Person or Property

Cale blowing up the whirlpools in the Ubarr territory.

35) Dishonestly Cause a Loss

Cale tricking the White Star into the abandoned underground city.

36) Disturbing Religious Worship

Cale messing with the Sun God's Church for being mean to Mary.

37) Driving an Unregistered Vehicle

Cale & co. using Mary's bone Dragon.

38) Drunkards Behaving in Riotous or Disorderly Manner

Cale pretending to be drunk in the Gyerre territory.

39) Endangering Safety of Aircraft

Cale letting his allies abroad an airship during the Jungle battle.

40) Entering a Place Without Authority or Lawful Excuse

Cale rescuing Raon.

41) Extortion With Threats to Destroy Property

Cale threatening the slave traffickers in the Gyerre territory.

42) Failure to Notify the Authorities of Criminal Activity

Cale doesn't notify Alberu of crap, unless it's to make him clean-up the aftermath.

43) Failure to Register a Pet

Pretty sure Cale registered exactly none of his allies. ...Except maybe the Tiger Tribe that one time they moved into Harris Village with Deruth's permission. Everyone else? Not a chance.

44) Falsifying or Concealing Identity

Cale acting as Naru von Ejellan in Endable Kingdom.

45) Forgery of Documents

Cale and Taylor faking an ancient document to fool the White Star.

46) Fraud

Cale promising Plavin Singten benefits for siding with the new Sun Church.

47) Getting Funds To, From, or For a Terrorist Organization

Cale sponsoring his allies, like giving Rosalyn magic stones.

48) Going Equipped for Stealing

Cale making Real Arm uniform.

49) Handling Stolen Goods

Cale using Divine Items.

50) Identity Theft

Cale introducing himself as Bob.

51) Indecent Assault

Cale telling Choi Han to strip that one time. (Yes, it actually happened. ...Not the way shippers wished for, obviously.)

52) Inducement to Be Appointed Liquidator

Cale helping Princess Jopis overthrow her sister on the condition of benefits for the Roan Kingdom.

53) Insider Trading

Cale selling Alberu dead mana from a Dragon.

54) Intentionally or Recklessly Causing a Bushfire

Cale setting that bush monster on fire in Xiaolen.

55) Introduction of a Drug of Dependence Into the Body of Another Person

Cale letting Rosalyn drink coffee on Earth 3.

56) Kidnapping

Cale & co. capturing Venion Stan.

57) Leaving Children Without Supervision

Cale letting the kids look for Mueller.

58) Lighting of Fires in the Open Air

Cale using Fire of Destruction against Sky Attribute.

59) Loitering Near Schools

Cale & the kittens in the Sez Kingdom.

60) Loitering With Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence

Cale letting Clopeh Sekka spot him that first time.

61) Manslaughter

Cale letting Choi Han, Rosalyn and Lock go and destroy the Archduke's Estate.

62) Membership of a Terrorist Organization

Cale making up Real Arm.

63) Murder

Cale killing the White Star.

64) Negligent Manslaughter

Cale letting Ron go on a vacation.

65) Non-dangerous Dog Attacks

Cale letting Choi Han spar with Hilsman.

66) Obtaining Property By Deception

Litana giving Cale free stuff.

67) Offences Connected With Explosive Substances

Cale commissioning Eruhaben to create Dragon's Rage.

68) Other Acts Done in Preparation for, or Planning, Terrorist Acts

Every morning Cale drinks lemon tea.

69) Possessing More Fish Than the Catch Limit

Cale dealing with Whales. ...Whales are fish, what are you talking about?

70) Possessing Controlled Weapon, Housebreaking Implements, and Things Connected With Terrorist Attacks

Everything Cale owns in the Super Rock Villa.

71) Possession of Precursor Chemicals

Cale making Billos buy alchemy ingredients.

72) Prohibited Weapons

Cale utilizing the Dragon Bones in battle.

73) Providing or Receiving Training Connected With Terrorist Acts

Cale letting his people train in his backyard.

74) Public Nuisance

Cale letting Choi Han act.

75) Reckless Conduct Endangering Life and/or Endangering Serious Injury

Cale every time he uses his Ancient Powers.

76) Recruiting for a Terrorist Organization

Cale adopting the Tiger Tribe.

77) Robbery

Stealing magic stones from the Alchemy Towers.

78) Sabotage

Cale going behind the Empire's back while he helps out the Whipper Kingdom.

79) Setting Traps to Kill

Cale Ghost Operation during the sea battle against the Indomitable Alliance.

80) Smuggling

Cale helping Cage and Taylor into capital.

81) Stalking

Cale entering Alberu's bedroom whenever he wants.

82) Stating False Name When Requested

Cale never letting anyone know about the transmigration and calling himself Cale Henituse.

83) Tax Evasion

Willful tax evasion for sudden wealth increase.

84) Terrorist Acts

Cale & co. detonating a bomb at Maple Castle.

85) Theft

Cale obtaining the blood drinking crown.

86) Threats to Inflict Serious Injury

Cale & co. threatening King Bakehe.

87) Threats to Kill

Cale cheerfully informing Adin he's going to personally kill him.

88) Torture and Interrogation

Cale ordering Beacrox to deal with the Magic Spearman.

89) Unauthorized Access to Restricted Data

Cale & co. coming to the Directory. ...Yes Bud was the Mercenary King so technically it was legal, except from the Mercenary Guild's perspective, it was break and entering.

80) Unlawful Assembly

Cale hanging out with Dragons.

81) Unlawful Oaths to Commit Treason

Cale promising to destroy the Alchemy Belltower to Rei Stecker.

82) Unlicensed Driving

Cale riding Dark Tiger Alberu.

83) Willful Damage

Cale employing Archie to destroy Duke Sekka's statues.

Any other crimes I forgot to list? Let me know!

***

BONUS CONTENT

With the help of others, we've expanded the original list of Cale's crimes!

84) Aiding and Hiding Fugitives

Cale helping out Hannah and Jack.

85) Aircraft Hijacking

Cale & co. taking over the Empire's airships.

86) Being an Accessory to Crimes

All Cale's deals with Billos in a nutshell.

87) Child Labor Law Violation

Cale making children work for their meals. Even if he's actually just adopting strays under the guise of formal work, said formal work is still illegal. Just admit you care, you weirdo.

88) Defamation

Cale spreading recordings of Adin being evil acros the Empire.

89) Deliberate Damage and/or Destruction of Currency

Cale happily throwing coins into lava.

90) Ecoterrorism

Wiping whole islands off the map counts as severe destruction of the environment.

91) Fly-tipping/Littering

Cale casually defenestrating Adin. Watch where you throw garbage, Cale. There are trash bins for a reason!

92) Harassment

Cale ordering Beacrox to beat up mountain bandits.

93) Illegal Detention/Imprisonment

Capturing prisoners of war, like the Dragon Half-Blood or the Flame Dwarves.

94) Illegal Goods Trade

Cale selling and buying items at the Caro Kingdom Auction.

95) Impersonation

Cale pretending to be different people in the Indignity Test.

96) Intentional Destruction of Cultural Heritage

Cale setting the Lake of God's Tears on Fire. Also, blowing up the Magic Tower.

97) Plunder of Public Property

Cale & co. destroying the walls of the capital of the Empire.

98) Trafficking Endangered Plants Accross Borders

Cale transporting the Fake World Tree in his badge.

99) Treason of the Crown

Cale treating his Hyung-nim with utter disrespect, such as comparing the Shining Sun of the Kingdom to a squirrel.

100) Trespassing

Cale in Endable Kingdom.

BONUS BONUS CONTENT

Not technically illegal, but:

101) Crime Against One's Well-Being

Cale abusing his health in such horrific ways even a regeneration power cannot keep up with him.

102) Crime Against Fashion

Cale preferring only black and plain clothes when he could look good in anything.

103) Crime of Self-Delusion

Cale thinking he still has a chance at slacker life.

104) Spreading Misinformation

Cale's track record of causing misunderstandings everywhere he goes is frankly terrifying.

105) THAT FACE

Cale's fabulous looks are a crime in of itself. It deserves a spot on the list.

[kuroyuki-kokuyoku]

The Complete Henituse Family Tree (Headcanon)

At some point after the war with the White Dandruff, Cale gets around to revealing his transmigration secret as well as the conversation with Kim Rok Soo aka OG!Cale.

Much to his surprise, everyone took it well. For one thing, most who knew Cale only met him well after he transmigrated, so they were quick to get over their shock.

The Henituse family, however...

Despite their grief and regrets over not being able to make amends with Kim Rok Soo, Violan, Basen, and Lily were quick to accept Cale as another member of their family. They take comfort in the fact that Kim Rok Soo has moved on and has now found his own happiness in Korea.

Deruth, on the other hand, quietly excused himself, saying he needs more time to come to terms with this revelation. It's not that he's rejecting KRS!Cale as his son. On the contrary, he's grown to love and cherish him like he's always meant to be his child.

It's just that the revelation that the original Cale, now Kim Rok Soo, is now somewhere far away where he can't reach. And now the opportunity to fix his relationship with his oldest son is now forever out of his reach.

The following week, a sleep-deprived and manic Deruth bursts out of his office with a packet of paperwork in hand with an announcement to make.

Turns out, he only needed to sleep on the latest info bomb Cale had dropped before deciding a solid 8 hours later that Deruth motherfucking Henituse has 4 children! Kim Rok Soo, Cale, Basen, and Lily in that exact order. Now all that's left is to forge a foolproof paper trail to make it that Kim Roksu Henituse had always existed.

Which is what he spent the next six days on nonstop.

Lily is ecstatic that she can officially call Kim Rok Soo her first orabeoni and brag about how awesome he is.

Basen took out the pen Cale gifted to him a long time ago and got to correcting Deruth's grammatical errors.

Violan wasted no time in contacting the best painter Roan has to offer to include Kim Roksu's portrait with everyone else's.

While all this is going on, Cale couldn't help but feel happy for Kim Rok Soo. A weight has been lifted from his shoulders. Even before he woke up as Cale Henituse, he couldn't help but feel that OG!Cale was a lonely person just by reading between the lines of his backstory in TBOAH. Now that the truth is out, and his soul-swapped partner is getting the recognition and acknowledgement he deserves.

Now both Cales, past and present, can say they've found where they truly belong.

Meanwhile, On and Hong made a comment wondering if their adoption into the Molan family will be as chaotic and complicated as this. Let's hope Ron and Beacrox don't run into as much trouble.

Speaking of adoption...

Cale hesitates for a whole even minute and asks if his kids averaging 9-years-old want to be officially adopted into the Henituse family. Last he checked, it's not illegal in the Henituse Duchy for Beastfolk and Dragons to be adopted by humans. He found that out when looking into the legality of making Lock and his 10 siblings his wards. The rest of the Roan Kingdom, however...

Well, if anything issues does come up, he'll just call up Alberu to cut out the middleman. His kids would be get all pouty if they can't introduce themselves as On Molan Henituse, Hong Molan Henituse, and Roan Miru Henituse moving forward.

Everyone freezes.

Oh shit, Deruth forgot about his grandkids!

Welp, time to adjust the Henituse family tree again.

So the story goes Kim Roksu Henituse is the oldest of Deruth Henituse and Jour Thames. However, he was born not only out of wedlock but very early during their courtship when they weren't even out of their teens. Kim Roksu was raised in secret for his own protection, knowing how malicious Deruth's extended family would be if they knew about his existence. Once Kim Roksu turns 18, he decided to become a freelance mercenary by trade, later losing contact with his parents by the time his baby brother, Cale, was born.

At some point in his journeys and adventures, he stumbles across Arm. Taking a risk, he infiltrates the terrorist organization and finds out about the White Son of a Bitch and his plans to become a god and destroy the world. Unfortunately, he was discovered and the White Radish kills him, but not before he was able to pass on the information to his now 18-year-old younger brother, Cale, who would use his knowledge to stop Arm's plans and defeat the White Copycat once and for all.

Kim Roksu Henituse left this world at age 36. An unsung hero, and arguably, the first unofficial casualty in Cale Henituse's personal war against the White Wannabe. One man paid the ultimate price in order to give the world a fighting chance, and his gamble paid off.

His sacrifice will never be forgotten if the Henituse family has anything to say about it.

[catpriciousmarjara]

Personal pet peeve: When a particular character has a lot of paperwork and such associated with their job and it has been established in universe that the work is extremely hard, complicated, and tedious but then in fanfic another character in another job position takes up this character's paperwork and does it perfectly. That's not how this works. That's not how any of this works.

Paperwork is not some nebulous pile of papers so easy that anyone can just waltz in and fill it up just like that. Paperwork, especially for large organisations, requires specific training and knowledge. A particular situation might have at least ten forms associated with it depending on how it happened, when it happened, who were involved, who were affected, who filed the initial report etc. It could be form A.1, it could be form B8, it could be G3 or D-3.2e, and then it has to be filed away in a specific way under a specific designation. At times it could be completely nonsensical but still necessary and part of proper procedure....all of that requires training and experience. Someone from a totally unconnected role can't just take over this position and do an excellent job at it, unless it has been previously established that they too had prior training and guidance in this.

Example: Cale(KRS) and Basen Henituse in Trash of the Count's Family. Kim Rok Soo before trasmigration into Cale Henituse was a team leader who has experience with important official documentation and paperwork for the Company. Basen Henituse is established to have been send to territory heirship classes and doing well in them. These two people being able to take on the other's paperwork load is not at all farfetched. (Same with Cale and Alberu though the latter would still have to sign and seal his insignia separately in the end.)

So no someone who's untrained can't just take someone else's paperwork and just breeze through them unless they are like supernaturally intelligent to the point of figuratively downloading all the necessary data and information directly into their brain or something.

Let's not even talk about how the character might have a particular way and organisation of doing things and someone else taking over their workload without permission might just mess that order up and their well intended actions might end up doing more harm than good.

Look at MXTX's Shang Qinghua or Ling Wen. As I'm reading SVSSS right now let's take it as an example.

Someone who can conduct and lead an audit: Shang Qinghua, specifically trained as an auditor. Yue Qingyuan- can possibly fill in for a specific kind of audit.

Someone who cannot conduct an audit: Literally every other Peak Lord on Cang Qiong. Not trained for it. Should not be in charge of it.

Someone who can file in medical paperwork: Mu Qingfang, head of medical operations in the sect.

Someone who can't do that: his Peak Lord colleagues. At most they'll be able to file in incident reports and other such forms that guardians of patients will have to fill in at a hospital.

People involved with merchants and associated business transactions: Shang Qinghua(logistics expert-procurement logistics), and for large contracts, Yue Qingyuan(Sect Leader). Other Peak Lords depending on the goods. For example the Zui Xian Peak Lord when they are negotiating prices for the raw materials or equipment for alcohol brewing or Wei Qingwei when they are sourcing metal.

Someone who can handle annual budgeting: Shang Qinghua. Person who allocates the funds according to the final budget- Yue Qingyuan.

Persons who can't do that: His colleagues who are definitely not trained in finances and accounting.

And so on and so on.

Shang Qinghua was invited back to the sect after literal treason because nobody else could do his job. That should tell you that people without specific training can't just take over the paperwork of another person's job unless their own jobs are connected enough to be sufficiently similar that they can handle it.

So no someone like Shen Qingqiu who's a scholar and tactician primarily, can't take the entirety of Shang Qinghua's or Mu Qingfang's or Yue Qingyuan's paperwork and fill it in for them, no matter how intelligent he is. Though I'm sure Yue Qingyuan would let him sect be damned lmao.

You see things like this in many other fandoms as well. Innocuous forms that anyone can fill in are okay but complicated paperwork for auditing, budgeting, logistics, diplomacy, business transactions, internal affairs, etc? No way. That all takes time to familiarize with before even properly filing them let alone actually doing them.

This is of course a personal pet peeve as I mentioned from the beginning. People are free to write what they want, read what they want, like what they want. This is no way an accusation towards particular individuals. It's just that for me it breaks immersion pretty quickly.

[luebirdd]

Is known by everyone that cale has ptsd right? SO, WHAT IF WHEN CALE'S FAMILY IS SUPER PROTECTIVE WITH HIM, HIS PTSD COME.

Like, imagine that:

*Cale planning on doing dangerous things again*

Eruhaben: you unlucky bastard, let this to me.

Cale: *feeling useless*

OR

*Cale tries to help alberu with the paperwork but he starts overheating*

Alberu: just sit and relax. I'll do it.

Cale: *feeling even more useless*

And every time this happens he starts to think a bit more about his ""useless past"" and with more fear of being abandoned!! Incredible, isn't it?

[weirdsht]

Disillusioned 22 . Pen Pals

English isn’t my first language so there will be grammatical errors

Pls don't repost my work anywhere without my permission

Constructive criticisms and any kind of interaction are more than welcome

Requests are currently closed but my ask are still open (read pinned)

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_____,

I don’t understand why you prefer such a bothersome way of communication when we have communication devices but if it’s what you want. 

We have successfully acquired the earth attribute power that White Star is looking for. It’s currently in my possession but I did not absorb it so you don’t have to worry about my plate. I’ll explain everything to you once we see each other. The trial to get this power was in the form of battling a giant snake that can lure people by playing with their feelings such as sorrow. The sight wasn’t pretty. It was gruesome, something you wouldn’t want to see.

However, the ending sight was a spectacle. The way the snake turned into flower petals was quite pretty. I think you would have liked to see it for yourself. Nonetheless, you should stay there where it is safe. Ron has told you that he left some of the members of the Molan household in your care. Don’t hesitate to use them at your disposal.

Sincerely,

Cale

Dear Cale,

Thank you for indulging my whims and using letters as our way to communicate. I prefer it this way as this puts no pressure on you to respond immediately. As for my end of things, I’m doing fine. I hope you are too. Territory work is a lot harder than I anticipated. Paperwork is easy, as I’ve learned a lot from our time in Mogoru. However, everything else is physically taxing. Despite that, it’s manageable as I have a lot of people helping me. 

Again, please take your time. Whether it’s about responding to my letters or explaining your secrets to me. You can take it slow. Remember that I’ll just be here waiting whenever you are waiting.

Please stay safe and always take care of your health. I will be waiting until the next time I hear from you again.

Sincerely,

_____

Dear Count Perduellio,

Remember when we talked about giving the Dark Elves their territory? I have some great news to share with you. Thanks to the help of my younger brother, we might have a chance to acquire the Land of Death. If everything goes according to plan, the Dark Elves will be able to live aboveground soon. Until then, I shall trust you to take care of them.

As for other news, I am sure you have heard about Cale Henituse’s status right now in the Caro Kingdom. Fear not for he is safe. In fact, that punk is energetic enough to treat the crown prince’s bedroom as if it were his own. He’s currently eating my cookies as I write this letter.

That’s all I can share for now. I will update you if other news comes my way.

Sincerely,

Alberu Crossman

Dear Crown Prince Alberu,

I’m delighted to hear such news. It would be great if the Roan Kingdom could give the Dark Elves the Land of Death as they are already familiar with it. As for the Dark Elves within my care, they are also doing well. They have started to settle in the homes we have provided for them and have initiated socializing with the other residents. So far all of them are living in harmony. Children playing, the market bustling, humans and Dark Elves becoming friends. All of this is happening without discrimination.

Of course, I shall observe some more to make sure that all is going positively. However, Your Highness, can you write such brash words? If anyone else were to read your letter it would surely tarnish the reputation of our rising sun a little bit. Good thing we send our letters through special means that will keep their secrecy.

I hope the crown’s endeavours will go splendidly. I shall await more news once it arrives.

Sincerely,

_____ Perduellio

_____,

Have you been doing well? You’ve probably heard from his highness that I am fine despite what the rumours say. There are some things I found out that left me with more questions than answers. To solve that I will be visiting the World Tree. I only wrote this letter to inform you of that, so you won’t worry if ever you can’t contact me.

Sincerely,

Cale

Dear Cale,

I am doing well for the most part. But my body feels heavy these days along with a headache that will come and go. Don’t worry, the healer said it’s probably because of the weather and from me staring at documents too much. It will pass soon. 

You’re going to visit the World Tree? Be careful on your travels. I hope you get the answers you are looking for.

Sincerely,

_____

Dear Count _____,

I have heard from my eldest child that you are not feeling well. Some instances cannot be helped, but you must take care of yourself as much as possible. Do not be afraid to let your retainers and servants shoulder some of the work. You did not clean them up for nothing after all. 

After hearing about your condition I have ordered someone to send you some herbal tea that will help with your headaches. It can also improve your sleep quality. I would like to be there myself, but alas I must stay in the duchy for now.

I will make sure to visit you the first chance I get. Until then, take care of yourself and your health.

Sincerely,

Violan Henituse

Dear Duchess Violan,

I have received the herbal tea you have sent and truly works wonders. Some of my headaches are elevated and my sleep has improved these days. I shall use this tea well as thanks for your generosity. 

As another way to give my thanks, I have sent out a sample of a gem we are currently refining. The design is still in its early stage that’s why it may look a bit rough. I will make sure to send you another one once it’s complete. 

Sincerely,

_____ Perduellio

Dear _____-nim,

Good day _____-nim, are you doing well? Everyone in the duchy is worried about you as you have not responded to any of our letters for a while now. While taking care of work I have also noticed that the Perduellio Territory’s security has gotten tighter. They seem to be keeping something hush.

We are all worried about your silence. I sincerely hope that you are doing well and was just too busy to respond.

Please respond as soon as possible,

Basen Henituse

Dear Duke Henituse,

Good day duke, you may not be familiar with me so I shall introduce myself. I am Viscount Legalem, one of Count Perduellio’s retainers. I am sending this letter to inform you of the count’s condition. Our dear count has fallen unconscious and will not wake up. 

That may make you wonder why I am sending you a letter instead of contacting you through a communication device. I have three reasons to do so; (1) I want to respect Count _____’s decision. They have told me to contact you by letter if it’s not an emergency. I would like to honour that child’s decisions; (2) As I mentioned it is not an emergency, our healers have checked on them and said that nothing is wrong internally and they would be fine even in an unconscious state, and; (3) I have been told by Count _____ to contact either you or Commander Cale if something happens to them. I have no way of contacting the commander which is why I have turned to you.

Our healers and other experts who have checked on Count _____’s condition have found nothing wrong. However, I am still worried as they are not waking up no matter what we do. Thankfully, they are not injured, cursed, or poisoned. Regretfully, we still have not found the reason as to why they are unconscious.

The territory itself is doing well even in the absence of our count. Count _____ has always made sure to get ahead of their work as they said they aren’t sure when the commander will call for them. Nonetheless, our territory would very much appreciate it if you could lend some of your healers and experts to assess our count’s condition. A second opinion would be beneficial to see if our healers have missed anything.

Sincerely,

Viscount Legalem

[skylerskyhigh]

My hyperfixiation with Stardew and TCF has me feeling the growing urge to write a story where Rok Soo moves into Roan Town to finally live his slacker life. And the characters in Stardew are the TCF characters.

Imagine Cale as the local drunk who is cold at first, but eventually warms up to Rok Soo and reveals his troublesome background and why he moved to the quiet town.

Paseton the local fisherman is happy whenever Rok Soo drops by to sell him the catch of the day. He's always happy to share stories he heard of the ocean and gives Rok Soo various recipes to try.

Rosalyn is a local mage choosing to stay in isolation to focus on her studies. She often leaves her tower to explore but comes back home to compile her studies. Rok Soo and her have an understanding that she provides some of her magical services in exchange for gold.

Choi Han watches over Rok Soo per his nephew's insistence because he's worried that Rok Soo will attract trouble. He stays near the mines, taking over the the old guild in order to keep the monsters in check. He worries about Rok Soo going into the mines without guidance because monsters are dangerous and often comes with him. But Rok Soo proves to be very capable with the sword due to his time with Lee Soo Hyuk and Choi Jung Soo. He's there with Lock because they have a close bond.

Alberu runs the town, sometimes bemoaning the lack of funs. With Rok Soo's growing faem, he sees the opportunity to grow the town's budget and works with Rok Soo to make Roan a more thriving place. Much to Rok Soo's dismay. But he was promised that Alberu will make sure to handle the troublesome paperwork that comes with selling thousands of goods.

Ron and Beacrox run the local Inn, taking over to follow Cale per Deruth's orders. Cale hangs around the Inn a lot to drink. Rok Soo is nervous to be around such scary people but he comes often because the food is delicious and he has a lot of money.

I'm so tempted...

[willaard]

A little polysoos and alberu/Cale drabble I've been thinking of for a while:

"Did you know that the only reason you're my sworn brother and not betrothed is that I did not fully trust you at that moment?" Alberu casually commented as he did his paperwork, causing Cale to cough up the tea he was drinking.

Cale just knew that Alberu timed his comment that way, the petty bastard. Cale was intent on ignoring that non sequitur, but he could see the quarter dark elf paying attention to his response and remembered a piece of advice from a work nonna, so he spoke.

"Do you want to get married politically or romantically?"

"Does it matter?"

"It does."

Cale could see Alberu blushing, and he took a moment to marvel at the mana work of his necklace allowing blushing to be seen. "Romantically." He muttered, looking down at his lap. Cale sighed, that was the response he feared. It will be hard to gently let him down.

"Kim Rok Soo was a widow."

"Huh?"

"Kim Rok Soo was a widow. He became a widow after he gained the ability Record."

Cale could see Alberu's shaking eyes land on him, and felt sorrow for his hyung's heartbreak. But being with Cale would only be worst.

"You deserve someone better that I. Someone who could give you what I can not."

"But I want you!" Alberu has stood up, protesting how Cale seemed to be depreciating himself. Cale was not by the way- he was just being practical. He felt tired beyond belief.

"Hyung, you need someone not haunted by their past. I can never be that. I'm a widow doomed to forever feel the touches of my husband's like they're still here. Not even time nor a new body can wash away their touch, their love, their feelings. I can never love you like you deserve while I'm still in love with the ghosts of the past."

Alberu felt his heart breaking for both himself and Cale. He knew how hard it was for Cale to fully explain himself and to do it for him? It meant that despite not returning his feeling Cale did care or him. He also did not realise how hard Record was on Cale. Cale never seemed to buckle or fumble, but right now his eyes were haunted and his shoulders holding the weight of the world. Alberu felt like if he could still feel his mother's touch like she was till there would cause him to go insane. How did Cale manage to handle that?

"I'm sorry Hyung. I cannot return your feeling."

Alberu began to cry.

[sadlynotthevoid]

I want to read an og AlbeCale fic where someone or something doss Alberu with an aphrodisiac. He manages to get away but passes out near Cale's house (or crash right to his balcony), who nurses him. Not smut involved, because og!Cale A) it's not going to do that with a drugged person, and B) for some reason knows a lot about poisons— aphrodisiacs included— and their cures.

So, basically a sick fic, except Og!Cale has to hide the sick person until he recovers. Plus, they have to plan how to catch the culprit.

Maybe the house where Og!Cale is at that moment (and therefore, where Alberu crashes) is the one at the capital. Maybe he went to pick up Bassen or maybe in this AU Bassen, Lily and Og!Cale went all at the capital together.

Maybe there was a swordmanship competition/event that Lily really wanted to go to. And og!Cale decided to accompany them because Lily will go alone if not.

Maybe Violan came too because og!Cale just got injured a few days ago. (Deruth cries bitter tears over his paperwork. He can't join his family and leave the territory unsupervised from suddenly).

Maybe they eventually find out and the talk that follows leads them to discover about og!Cale's act. Whatever shenanigans he stumbled into when pretending to be trash and all that this implies included.

All of this happening through Alberu's eyes, who is absolutely confused but so warm. He was drugged as fuck when he ended up here. He felt horny and dizzy and wanted to cry, but this guy here just treated his fever and waited until he woke up. He gave him water and asked a few questions. Then he got him medicine, telling him exactly what it is made of.

He even was careful when giving him meals, making sure nothing would react wrong with the poison on his system.

Cale Henituse, the person rumored to be trash, was more kind and considerated in a pair of days than most nobles can expect to be in their whole lives.

After witnessing the conversation between og!Cale and his family, Alberu realizes that he is just like that. This is not special treatment nor pity. This is who he is when his mask doesn't reach to cover him up fully. It's just a part, but is more than most people get to see.

Soft and warm.

Once Alberu heals and can go back to his palace, he still comes to visit og!Cale many times.

[crazydaymycrazyway]

Alberu: They ask how I control Cale and his group

Alberu: I don't control them whatsoever

Alberu: Today 4'o clock in the morning Cale barged into my room through a portal, said that Choi Han, Raon and Rosalyn destroyed a few mountains, took my cookie jar and left. Today morning I got a report stating that the royal palace of the country that was planning on having a war with Roan got destroyed in a landslide.

[raemaryllis]

Number 27!

Five Times Calyan Fell Alseep on His Family and One Time He…

4. Eruhaben

Calyan took a moment to breathe in the almost frigid night air. Who knew late winter could be so cold? He’d gotten too used to the small bit of insulation in the cave where the Super Rock Villa resides, and almost forgotten that there was still snow on the ground and below freezing temperatures on the surface.

That and the Henituse territory has always gotten pretty cold in the winter.

It’s been awhile since he’d stayed at his “first” house. Lately, he’s taken to staying in the Villa or the black castle. And while the castle is definitely above ground, Lord Sherrit has a particular way of regulating temperature so that the cold air of the Forest of Darkness stays mostly outside.

Well, maybe it’s his fault for coming out to the balcony so late at night. Watching as his breath creates little white puffs of stream in the night air, he can’t help but think of the beings currently occupying his bedroom.

The children are sprawled across his large bed, tangled in the plush comforter with a mountain of pillows to cuddle (along with each other); his brother, Cale, at some point during Calyan’s nap, had fallen asleep on the sofa, and Choi Han, as always, had stayed near the door, ready to fend off any potential intruders. Even Alberu, who had been occupied with the aftermath of the last battle of Puzzle City, now sleeps in Calyan’s own room, slouched over a pile of paperwork at a desk he’d gotten from who knows where. He’d also seen traces of magic device blueprints and some ashes on a table in Raon’s experiment corner, no doubt Eruhaben and Rosalyn are around here somewhere; most likely off in their own guest quarters.

His family is here with him. Both the Henituse’s and his new family members are all within arms reach, not going anywhere.

They are safe, but he is not satisfied.

He really is so selfish.

Why now, of all times, does he suddenly feel like something is very wrong? After the years he and everyone else spent to attain this victory, why now does nothing feel right?

He’s spent the last twenty years as Calyan Henituse, a young master of the prosperous Henituse Duchy, but right now, he feels nothing but disdain for his identity. He feels like he doesn’t belong here. He thought he’d long since accepted this new person he’d become, but recently, he can’t even look in the mirror without feeling an overwhelming sense of disgust. What a time to develop imposter syndrome.

What is wrong with him?

“Child? What are you doing out here at this hour?”

Eek! He almost gasped out loud.

He hadn’t heard the doors open, though he made sure to close them softly as he came outside in order to not let in any of the cold air. Of course, the ancient dragon could have teleported out here, but how did he know that Calyan was on the balcony in the first place? And why was Eruhaben still up?

“I didn’t expect you to still be up, Eruhaben-nim.” He spoke softly, still mindful of the sensitive hearing of those inside.

The dragon sighed, “Unlucky human, I asked you why you were up so late. Weren’t you the one who claimed that you would do nothing but roll around on your bed for the foreseeable future?”

Eruhaben walked over to the railing, placing one hand on the cooled marble that made up the entire balcony. Calyan couldn’t say anything to that. He had told them something of the sort, and he’d planned to do just that, but he didn’t foresee this anxious feeling and the intrusive thoughts that came with it. So he just said whatever sounded good enough to placate the ancient dragon.

“I just couldn’t fall asleep.” He looked out over the Henituse castle. It wasn’t exactly a lie, he just left out the fact of why he couldn’t fall back asleep. “It’s fine though. I’ve slept pretty much the entire day, I can last a few hours without.” Well, that and, thanks to The Vitality of the Heart, he didn’t exactly need that much sleep to feel energized.

Eruhaben observed him, not entirely satisfied with that answer, but he must have decided it wasn’t an issue since he didn’t pry. What a relief. Calyan wasn’t sure how to even begin explaining how he was feeling, let alone why. The mental strain of trying to come to terms with who he had been for seventeen years and then thirty-six, before finally figuring it out at twenty; and then having an identity crisis at almost twenty-one would be a bit too much to process, even for a great and mighty dragon.

So yeah, he decided to stick with ‘can’t sleep’ as his go to excuse.

The elder looked out at the rest of the castle as well, not saying anything. Although Calyan had come out here to avoid everyone, the ancient dragon’s presence brought a strange sort of calmness to him. Huh, maybe living for over a thousand years does that to someone? Then again, a dragon’s presence; what should be intimidating to him, usually doesn’t affect him thanks to the Dominating Aura, so maybe he’s not the best judge of what should or shouldn’t be comforting. But that’s something he’ll think about much later. For now, all he does is stand next to the dragon as they watch the knights patrol along the castle walls.

Minutes pass gradually, and his eyes start to become heavy. Amidst the voices of his ancient powers, who had been silent until now, urging him to rest, he listens to the wind blowing softly through the trees. It’s nice, to just exist in the moment. How long has it been since he just existed outside of the never ending battles and his records constantly tethering him to the past? He doesn’t care to recall.

He stays out there for a few minutes longer, savoring the last bits of peace he would have before his thoughts threatened to consume him when he eventually has to go back inside. Just a few more minutes.

Eventually, he doesn’t know when, but Eruhaben had guided them both to sit on a nearby bench at some point. That’s fine. He doesn’t know how long he could continue standing like that. And this way, he can lean on the ancient dragon for warmth. Surely, he won’t mind just this once? It is getting rather cold out here.

He lets his eyes close and imagines himself being able to sleep as much as he wants for the rest of his days alongside his family and friends. With more moments like these.

He wouldn’t even mind not sleeping if it meant that he would get to spend more time with them. That is what they all fought for, isn’t it?

He feels a shift under his head.

“Hah. Such an unlucky human.” He stirs as he hears an almost indistinguishable voice speak. “Let’s get you to bed. The children will throw a fit if you catch a cold from something like this. You’ve had enough air for tonight.” But it hasn’t been that long? Wait, how long were they sitting there? Had he fallen asleep? Groggily, he opens his eyes, gearing up to make the short yet long trek back to his bed.

But before he can, he suddenly finds himself in the young looking dragon’s arms. How he got there, he hasn’t a clue.

He stutters, not sure how to react at the sudden action. “E-Eruhaben-nim? I can walk -“

“Nonsense. You would have spent the rest of the night outside in the cold.” Sigh “Just go to sleep, child. You clearly need it.”

He can’t refute that. Despite the fact that he slept nearly the entire day, he feels as if he could fall asleep standing up at this point. So despite his pride screaming at him to be put down, his exhaustion wins and he allows his eyes to close, content to let the ancient dragon do all the work.

He hears one last sentence as he finally succumbs to sleep, warm and comfortable in his bed.

“My unlucky child, just rest. It is okay to lean on us.”

With a light brush of a hand upon his head, the ancient dragon leaves the room. Calyan sleeps and dreams of the present, where they are all happy and alive. At least for now, he casts aside the fear and restlessness plaguing him. It can wait. He has more than enough time to figure things out.

[fictionalcreator]

Breaking news! I am now writing a fic for this because of course i am. My beautiful mutual is right, it's for his own good! Anyway part 1 is just setting the scene so here ya go

Spoilers for part 1 KRS and White Star lore

An ordinary, lovely spring day. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and as per usual, Cale and Alberu were spending it inside.

Cale, because he was finally enjoying a bit of slacking time, and decided to use it to visit his dear hyung-nim.

And Alberu, because he was the goddamn crown prince and he had work to do, which meant that the light scratches of his quill on the pages and pages of documents before him were continually interrupted by the crunching of various cookies and snacks.

After the nth crackle of a baked good made his hand twitch, Alberu sighed deeply, lifted his pen, and looked up at Cale.

The one true commander was currently laying on the couch in Alberu’s office.

He had apparently gotten bored of sprawling out in the usual way and was lying with his head toward the coffee table and his feet kicked up over the back of the couch. His eye-catching red hair was hanging down and shifted a bit whenever he reached over to take another cookie or piece of bread off the tray.

Truly, treating the place like it was his own home.

And Alberu couldn’t quite help the little part of him that felt unreasonably pleased at that. The part that downright preened at the thought of Cale, mysterious and fickle as he is, now finding Alberu’s presence comforting to the point that he actively sought it out. He shoved that part down and locked it in a box and only showed a mildly displeased frown.

Cale, of course, observant bastard that he is, didn’t miss Alberu’s change in expression.

“Is something wrong, your highness?”

Alberu’s brow twitched. Had his voice always sounded this nice? No, he was sure it didn’t. Not to him, at least. Maybe it was just because Cale was actually relaxing right now, or at least trying to. Maybe it was because the World Tree’s root had finally given Cale a hale constitution, complete with peach-toned skin that looked soft and supple. Maybe it was because something had been wrong with the way Alberu had been looking at him lately. Not as an annoyance, or a tactition, or an ally, or a friend, or a brother, or—

He caught himself staring at Cale’s legs, wrapped in leather boots, hanging carelessly over the top of the couch, and sighed sharply. …He really had too much free time on his hands, for his thoughts to be wandering in directions they hadn’t taken since puberty.

Especially if it kept involving this bastard, of all people. Meanwhile, Cale was thinking to himself,

Perhaps…sitting like this…is truly too disrespectful. He looks genuinely annoyed. Maybe I should sit up. It’s kind of hard to swallow upside down, anyway.

Despite thinking this, Cale made no attempt to move, and instead slowly reached for another cookie. Seeing this, Alberu managed a short laugh and a somewhat normal response.

“Ha, this hyung was simply lamenting the fact that his precious dongsaeng came all the way to visit him, saw the work flooding his desk, and did not lift a finger to help!”

“Indeed, he didn’t.”

Alberu smiled. They both knew that helping with paperwork wasn’t Cale’s job, and that Alberu had no intention of letting Cale take care of any of it.

Cale had vowed to step in should the Hunters show their faces and threaten his family, but for anything less than that? Petty politics, broad negotiations, and administrative slop, that was all Alberu’s domain.

This window of time was a small chance to make true on his word, and let Cale be a slacker.

“Hyung doesn’t need my help for this.” Cale tossed the cookie into his mouth.

Indeed, Alberu didn’t.

Still, the casual conviction Cale spoke with nearly made Alberu’s breath catch in his throat.

Alberu briefly wondered if Cale knew how meaningful such little statements were—exactly how much trust they conveyed—before concluding that he probably didn’t. Cale was smart, but also extraordinarily dense. He had a massive blindspot for anything that involved people being influenced by him.

Indeed, Cale didn’t know.

Cale casually spoke the truth, crunched down on another cookie, and reveled in finally being able to laze about while others did all the hard work.

Cale knew that, if it were really something the crown prince needed help with, he wouldn’t be sitting here tolerating Cale munching on snacks. No, the crown prince he knew was far more likely to come over and haul Cale up by the collar of his shirt while wearing a benevolent smile.

Seeing as that hasn’t happened yet, Cale concluded that it was fine to continue laying here and taking advantage of the royal pastissier. He didn’t miss Alberu’s small, sly grin, which let him know that he was right. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long, as Alberu let out another sigh as he picked up the next document, a letter.

Still, he didn’t call Cale over. If it wasn’t something wrong that needed fixing, then…

“…is it something annoying?”

Alberu nodded. “Another marriage proposal.”

Marriage?

Cale blinked.

I suppose…that makes sense.

Alberu was young, handsome, single, a hero, and most importantly, the wealthy heir to a powerful kingdom. Cale was no expert on romance, but even he felt that it would be stranger if Alberu were getting no offers whatsoever. Still…

Cale frowned.

…his knowledge on medieval European marriage practices was lacking (and who knows if it would even apply to this world) but he was fairly certain that, for nobility—and especially for royals—marriage was typically more of a political contract that a union of love.

So, rather than asking about something like compatibility, he instead asked, “Someone seeking to strengthen their ties to Roan?”

Alberu nodded. “It’s the Breck Kingdom this time.”

“Breck?” Cale tiled his head. “Isn’t the only other princess half your age?”

Half Alberu’s age would be barely more than 12. Cale also vaguely recalled learning, before the apocalypse, that marrying off young girls wasn’t an uncommon practice in medieval times, but surely the Breck Kingdom wasn’t trying to do that with Alberu. If they were, Alberu be writing a rejection letter as they spoke.

Beyond the matter of ethics, Alberu needed someone by his side who had the experience and wisdom to navigate the complex waters of a kingdom’s expanding influence, something a 12-year-old princess was not going to have.

Alberu nodded lightly. “Indeed, but she’s not the candidate. The matter of age is one thing, but she doesn’t have enough status to make a show of the Breck Kingdom’s sincerity. If they offered the hand of the 6th princess to a crown prince, that’s practically an insult.”

Ah, he hadn’t considered from that angle before. The politics of reputation were a truly hairy business.

“Instead,” Alberu continued, “they’re offering the 3rd prince’s hand.”

Cale blinked again.

Hm. I guess that makes sense.

The 3rd prince was unlikely to have as many duties to help support the kingdom as the 2nd prince, but still wasn’t of low status among his siblings. As for the matter of heirs, a king could always take a consort if need be. Besides, this was a fantasy world. Who knew if heirs would be a problem anyway? Choi Jung Gun’s Birth of a Hero certainly didn’t go into any details like that.

Cale had felt a bit of surprise, but that was mostly due to having not thought about such things for so long. After all, in the hellscape of the early days, the gender a person was attracted to quickly fell near the bottom of things people cared about with others. Even after society recovered a bit, what you could do mattered far more than who you were. From a certain perspective, the apocalypse had been a great equalizer.

Of course, people found ways to divide themselves and cling to old beliefs, but who would scorn the only healing-skill user in the shelter just because she had a wife?

Cale frowned.

No, there were definitely crazy bastards who would do that, even with their lives at stake.

Cale nearly sighed at an old Record, one he hadn’t called up practically since it was formed.

That idiot. He himself chose to die.

Maybe he’s been underestimating the power of religion.

That thought made a certain white-haired, green-eyed person spring to mind, and Cale got a chill as he quickly dismissed the train of thought.

To distract himself, he started rambling some nonsense. “What are they thinking? The 3rd prince? You’re the Roan Kingdom’s shining sun! A brilliant and handsome hero of endless wit and skill, whose very presence brings light to this world. They think the 3rd prince is good enough for you? It should be the 2nd prince, at least—no, the 1st!”

The more he continued on, the more Alberu’s lips twitched and his eyes glazed over with annoyance. Having done this so many times that he could now tell when Alberu was about to cut him off, Cale paused himself, then, mischievously, said something true. “My hyung deserves only the best.”

Alberu drew a long breath, his fingers tensing on the armrests of his chair. “What about you?” He finally asked, turning his attention back to the paperwork. “Do you have any plans for marriage?”

Cale scoffed. “Who would want to marry me?”

Alberu glanced back up at him coldly and said, deadpan, “You’re the wealthy hero, Young Master Silver Shield, beloved by the gods and savior of two continents. Sure, some will find your fame and reputation intimidating and unapproachable, but I’d be shocked beyond measure if your family haven’t been beating them back with a stick.”

That was…true? Cale was now, from a broad point of view, in a very favorable position. Just because he didn’t have any formal title, that didn’t change the fact that he was rich and even had a lot of connections. Hm.

Did he even want to marry, though? He’d never given it much thought before. After all, as Kim Rok Soo, everyone by his side either drifted away or ended up dead thanks to the lingering influence of the White Star’s curse. He’d never so much as considered such a relationship an option.

Of course, in this world, he’d been busy since practically the moment he woke up, and right now would be a bad time as well. It was quiet for the time being, but Zed had yet to deliver news of the hunt. They couldn’t let their guards down. Under such circumstances, it would be irresponsible to drag someone new into their affairs.

—What if it’s just a hypothetical? The Glutton prodded.

Cale frowned. You just want to gossip.

The Glutton snickered and didn’t deny him.

Still, even if it was hypothetically speaking…it would still be hard.

Loving someone and getting married to them means putting that person first in your heart, right? I can’t do that.

Cale looked up at the ceiling and, eventually, replied, “I don’t think I’m able to get married.”

Alberu looked at him with shock.

“After all,” Cale continued, “to me, the kids are always going to come first.”

Alberu replied slowly. “…Cale. Children are not supposed to be competing with a lover for attention. This and that are separate things.”

“Oh.”

Alberu sighed. He knew. He knew that Cale was techinically older than him by a fair margin, but it was moments like these that made their commander feel as young and inexperienced as his appearance suggested.

Cale tilted his head again. “Even then…I think it would be difficult to find someone.”

“Oh? Why?”

“Well…” Cale grabbed another cookie as he formed a response. “…I’m just…surrounded by amazing people. Choi Han, Rosalyn, Lock, Mary, Eruhaben-nim…I think…I think my standards have been raised too much.”

He truly felt that this may be the case. Out of everyone who now lingered by his side, who wasn’t exceptional in some way? Who did he not place high in his heart?

“Everyone is too extraordinary, in all respects. And of course…”

Cale grinned.

“…they’d have to work real damn hard to top you, hyung-nim.”

Cale knew Alberu was stubborn and clever, like himself, and wouldn’t task him with meaningless things, so anything the crown prince personally asked of him naturally took a very high priority. He wasn’t sure what it would take for someone to make him change that.

Of course, things like the crown prince’s good looks, impressive backing, sly-yet-charming smile, and firm-but-gentle hands were secondary in the evaluation.

For some reason, that response made the crown prince flinch slightly, and look at him with an odd expression.

Was that the wrong thing to say?

“You…” Alberu struggled with his words for a moment. “…do you know what you look like when you say things like that?”

Cale tilted his head and blinked owlishly. “What you mean, your highness?”

The question was genuine.

Alberu closed his eyes with a scowl. “No, you don’t. Of course you don’t. Why would you know? Damnit.”

Cale was feeling very wronged for being cursed at after saying something actually nice for once, while Alberu was suffering.

Alberu had seen it, after all. He’d heard that teasing lilt in Cale’s voice, and saw that bright, genuine smile on his face, with his eyes shining but still steady and serious. Cale’s whole body had looked flush with life in that moment, his lazy posture suddenly seeming like divine inspiration for an oil painting.

Alberu dragged a hand down his face and, in that moment, made a decision.

as an asexual i am horrified to say this but as an ao3 author and reader it is my duty: i need more fics of cale getting railed. specifically by alver/alberu and over a's desk.

[hajidumps]

Alver: [drowning in paperwork]

Cale: [created the need to have those paperworks] may god be with you cause I won't

[weirdsht]

just thought of cales wedding,, on as the flower girl or hong and raon as the flower duo – they could be ring bearers too, eruhaben just stands there (with his lips twitching, he's happy that cales getting married + the kids happiness), Ron with the usual benign smile, beacrox cooked the Feast?, choi han may or may not have teared up (my friend is getting married to my friend!!), Rosalyn is happy for both of you (kinda like a sister to s/o), cales fam is there (happy their son found happiness), jack officiating the wedding? (Does it work like that), alberu, who's tired of his sworn brothers bs, is happy for him and his bride and ofc the rest of cales co is rejoicing (they're finally wedded!!) – will probably have a huge party that cale wants NO part in, slacker life is nearing he said

I'm sorry if it got long, I've been thunking thoughts

same anon said:

part 2 of cales wedding thoughts

(i forgot to write that his s/o was the vice commander, or smth like that)

cale, whose smile is so genuine, it's almost unreal. his group is flabbergasted at that smile – it's not the kind of smile he makes when he's scamming someone, not the one when he receives money – it's a different one, entirely different and so in love

cales s/o, whose so happy, smiling, singing, and so in love – they danced together, sang, and played with the kids

alberu, who threw a banquet after cales wedding for the couple, celebrating their union, and gives cale and the vice commander their wedding gift (golden plaque) and is planning to use the vice commander against cale (enslave cale to paperwork) (might even throw a festival for them)

the citizens who are happy that their ex-commander and ex-vice commander are now a wedded couple

clopeh sekka would be writing about their love story and everything, making a museum for cale-nim

cale who gets annoyed when his s/o and clopeh are doing caleism activities, to which she'd reply; "it's not my fault we have the same bias"

choi han, whose tearing up (borderline bawling), is carrying on and hong, raon clinging onto his neck, he's so happy that cale and miss (name) are finally married

Ron, who practically raised cale, who watched his puppy young master grow in love with (name), is proud cale grew the balls to propose (he thought it'd be cute to see little red heads running around Harris village and the villa)

Rosalyn, who thought of (name) as her sister, is giddy, if she wasn't in public, rosalyn knows her sister would be smiling and kicking her feet – she KNOWS that they're so in love with each other, she may have been the one who pushed cale to propose

Eruhaben, who thought of (name) as his daughter (or granddaughter), watched over her and cale (though from afar), he once mistaken them as a couple – which left (name) flustered – but made them both realized their feelings

cales group, who's so happy for them– their two leaders, who sacrificed themselves countless of times, saved them, and gave them a home - are finally each other's home.

hiiii i think i mentioned before that i'm a bit uncomfortable with asks where almost the whole thing has been written out.

i'm only letting this one slide as this went in my inbox when i haven't updated my navigation yet. however, moving forward i will be deleting such asks. sorry guys.

and to anon, please don't feel bad or anything! your idea is great it's just that i'm not the person to send these kinds of ask to. i'm sorry.

[galaxygirl8880]

Raon *curious*: Cookie prince, what is that?

Hong*tried to smell it*: yea Nya, it smells gross.

Cale: Is it coffee?

Alberu *has visible eye bags*: I'd give you some but you wouldn't like it.

Alberu: Don't try it either, it's pure espresso.

---

Cale questioned how Alberu hadn't collapsed but as soon as Alberu made a move to respond he fell face first onto his paperwork.

[flamingpudding]

Cale is willing to dress up just to scam Dokja of his money and get some added benefits. Dokja just wants to use Cale's connection to gods to find a way back to Joonghyuk. Meanwhile, Alberu senses the Bullshit about to happen and takes matters in his own hands before his Dongsaeng creates more paperwork by drop kicking the probably second cause of trouble. (Cale is the first cause, but he would never drop kick him....) Now Cale knows he is in trouble because if his Highness is taking direct action like this, the rest of TCF won't be far to add in their viciousness... poor Dokja just wants to get back to his own family.

Alright TCF /ORV fandom tell me what's going on in this picture without context