The Legendary Silver Hero of The Two Continents, once revered and respected by many, found himself facing betrayal from his own family. The reasons behind this betrayal may be rooted in jealousy, power struggles, or hidden agendas within the family...
In the ancient library of the Henituse manor, surrounded by towering shelves laden with dusty tomes, Cale Henituse's voice echoed with a mixture of astonishment and irritation. "What the heck is this?"
The 10-year-old heir stood beside his knight- Choi Han, who had been transformed by the Water Spirit King into an 8-year-old boy. stared down at the ancient map spread before them. It depicted a world vastly different from the one they knew—a third continent, mysterious and uncharted, lay to the south, its borders intricately drawn and begging to be explored.
"Um, Cale-nim, wasn't our world supposed to have only two continents—East and West? How is this possible?" Choi Han's confusion mirrored Cale's feelings.
Throwing his hands up in exasperation, Cale responded, "How am I supposed to know? obviously I had no idea there was a Southern continent!"
Seeing Cale's frustration mounting, Choi Han tried to calm him with a gentle pat on the back. "Please, Cale-nim, try to remain calm."
Cale paced the room, his mind racing. "How can I calm down? This could change everything about the future and the war! It could be disastrous or beneficial, and I would much prefer the latter."
Choi Han offered a hopeful smile, trying to turn the tide of their conversation. "Let's think about the positive possibilities. Maybe we can find new allies there, allies who could be more loyal than the ones we currently have."
Cale stopped pacing and frowned thoughtfully. "Sure, but how do we know they won't just betray us like the others? How are we supposed to trust them?"
"That's on you to figure out, Cale-nim," Choi Han said, his innocent smile unfazed by the heavy burden of their task.
Cale rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a smirk. "Great. So what? We just go there and ask them straight if they're planning to lock me up in a high tower like some damsel in distress?"
"I'm sorry," Choi Han replied softly, bowing slightly, his image shimmering with the illusion of a puppy with droopy ears.
"Apology accepted. But now, who can tell us more about this mysterious continent?"
As their discussion deepened and finally ended, Cale canceled the noise cancellation spell, the spell ensuring their conversation remained a secret.
Just then, Countess Violan Henituse, Cale's stepmother, entered the room, her presence commanding yet graceful. "Cale, dear, there's an upcoming ball hosted by the royal family. Will you be attending?"
"Yes, of course, Mother." His mind whirled with possibilities. 'This is perfect timing. I must meet him.'
Preparations for the evening were underway. Ron, the old assassin turned butler, meticulously adjusted Cale's attire, his hands skilled and steady. "It's done, young master. You look adorable."
Cale, ever the pragmatist, responded dryly, "It's all thanks to staying indoors so much. It's nothing significant."
The carriage ride to the palace was filled with an unspoken tension. Choi Han, noticing Cale's hand trembling slightly, voiced his concern. "What's wrong, Cale-nim?"
"I'm nervous about meeting him," Cale confessed, his usual composure slipping just slightly.
"There's no need to worry. I assure you, he didn't dare betray you."
"Thanks, Choi Han."
Upon arrival, the announcer's voice boomed as they entered, "The Henituse Family has arrived!" The grand doors swung open, ushering them into the lavish ballroom.
All eyes were immediately drawn to Cale, dubbed the Winter Rose of High Society. His aura was unmistakable—a blend of regal coldness that contrasted sharply with his youthful appearance. Ever since the death of his biological mother and the abrupt remarriage of his father, Cale had adopted a reserved demeanor, his warmth replaced by an icy veneer.
(They thought that it was a normal change in the dynamics of the family after all the count who was said to be grieving his late wife suddenly remarried just a month after the funeral. Talk about suspicious, Read: Very suspicious)
He made his way straight to the banquet table, seemingly oblivious to the murmurs and stares from the gathered nobility. Meanwhile, the royal family subtly observed the proceedings, their gaze sweeping over the nobles with calculated interest.
In a secluded corridor, Crown Prince Alberu Crossman stole away for a brief respite, unaware that he was followed by Cale and Choi Han.
"Finally, free from those annoying nobles," Alberu sighed, his guard momentarily down.
"Not quite, Your Highness," Cale said as he stepped from the shadows, his voice calm yet carrying an undercurrent of authority.
Alberu jerked in surprise, a wave of discomfort passed over his features as he clutched at his head,
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his face contorting in pain as if remembering something "dongsaeng... I—'m sorry"
Seeing his brother cry in distress, Cale quickly kneeled beside him, pulling Alberu into a reassuring embrace. Choi Han joined them, completing their small circle of solidarity.
"Hyung, calm down. It's not your fault," Cale murmured, his voice soft but firm.
In this quiet, hidden moment, the bonds between them deepened, a mix of familial duty and personal allegiance weaving together. This encounter, though overshadowed by the glitter and gaiety of the ball, marked a pivotal moment in their lives, setting the stage for the future that would shape not only their destinies but the fate of their entire world.
