You're the best, hyungnim

"Young master silver shield! How nice it is to see you in good health."

There was someone approaching them again. Cale gave them the barest of glances, choosing to focus on his plate of food instead.

Eric immediately stepped forward, shielding Cale behind him subtly. He interjected with a smile, "Ah, Count Rosewood, it is very good to see you!"

The way Eric Wheelsman dealt with all the nobles on behalf of Cale was very comfortable. Cale continued to stuff his cheeks with delicious food from the buffet table without a single thought, his mind beautifully offline since there was nothing he had to deal with. All the complicated things would be fended off by his reliable hyungnim.

Basen had unfortunately fallen sick, causing Cale to replace him at the annual northeastern banquet held for the nobles and lower nobles in the region. Cale had dreaded going since he knew he would be the star of the evening, given his actions of using his shield at the plaza.

Formalities and etiquette were annoying, especially parties for nobles where he had no memories of since he was Kim Rok Soo, and no references for in the book 'Birth of the Hero'. He didn't want to ruin his 'heroic' image, as was part of the deal with the crown prince, so he couldn't act as trashy as he was originally known for. However, smiling and playing nice the whole evening sounded like a drag too, and would be entirely out of character. It had caused him a greater headache to think about than when he had been planning to prevent the bombing.

Once Eric Wheelsman had heard the news about the replacement, he had sent letter after letter to Cale, who only read one of them. In it, Eric had stated multiple times that Cale could just rest and leave everything to him, that he could stay still for a little bit and it would all be over. Cale liked those words. It brought him much peace and allowed him to sleep well in the nights before the banquet.

Eric sighed in relief once Count Rosewood left, seeing Cale had no intention of speaking to him. "You're doing a good job, Cale," Eric said soothingly, even though he was the one doing all the work. He squeezed Cale's shoulder lightly as though he was coaxing a small child. "I know it must be hard, but bear with it a little longer. Just stay by my side."

Cale nodded obediently. Yes, he was planning on being still. Very still. He was here for the free food and to fill up an empty spot, that was all.

Eric couldn't help but smile at the sight of Cale being so docile like a doll. He knew it, his dongsaeng still listened to him well despite being all those terrible rumours and being called names like 'trash'. Cale still respected him. When Cale was quiet and calm like this, Eric couldn't help but remember the way Cale had been as a child. The little red-haired boy had been bright and mischievous, always following closely on his heels and calling him hyung with a sweet smile. The fact that such an adorable child grew up to be a trashy character had always hurt his heart, but seeing Cale like this...

He flinched when Cale called a waiter over. He was about to stop Cale, but what Cale did was beyond his expectations. Instead of taking alcohol, Cale took a glass of cold water and handed it over to Eric. Surprised, Eric accepted it with a gaping mouth.

"Drink, hyung. You've been talking the whole night."

"Oh. Thank you."

To be honest, Cale felt a little bad about how he was the only one taking it easy and enjoying a feast while Eric fought his battles for him without rest. Eric's voice had turned a little hoarse and scratchy after talking non-stop the whole night without pausing to eat or drink. If he thought about it, Eric was the only one among the nobles who would go so far for him based on their childhood friendship. Even after Cale Henituse became trash, Eric never avoided him or insulted him. Instead, he continued to care for Cale and take care of him, like at the previous meeting for the nobles. Even Amiru and Gilbert had been hesitant towards him, but Eric continued to treat him like a close younger brother. He was a really good person. Cale felt like he should treat Eric better.

With a sincere smile, Cale said, "No, hyung. I should be the one thanking you. No one else would help me like this."

No one else. Those words struck a chord in Eric. Perhaps it was because he had been thinking of their childhood memories earlier, but he remembered when Cale started to change. After Cale's mother had passed away, while Count Henituse got remarried... Eric hadn't been able to be there properly for Cale since his own territory was going through a drought at the time and suffering. When he finally had time to visit Cale, his younger childhood friend had already changed to someone more stoic and distanced, compared to that cute child who had always greeted him with a cheerful smile and called him hyungnim with a bright voice. A dark shroud seemed to perpetually hang around the moody Cale, as though the death of his mother had also caused something in him to shrivel up and die as well.

How hard it must have been for the young Cale to survive alone in a huge mansion without his mother, distanced from his family when his father remarried and had stepchildren. How alone he must have felt, especially when he had been kicked aside from the spot of the successor. Cale must have drowned his sorrows and bitterness in alcohol day after day. Eric frowned at the thought. He should have done more for Cale. He had failed as Cale's closest friend and hyung.

Feeling choked up, Eric blinked back tears as he sipped the cold water to calm himself. After taking a deep breath, he grabbed Cale's arm.

In a serious voice, he spoke, "You know you can always count on me, right? If you're uncomfortable in your region, you can always come to visit me. No, you can stay with me forever. I might not have had enough strength or consideration to take care of you back then, but I have the ability to now. Even though I don't have as much wealth as the Henituses, I'll take good care of you. You're my precious dongsaeng, Cale."

Cale blinked a few times, bewildered. Where was this coming from? Damn, Eric Wheelsman really was a good guy who always went the extra mile for Cale. Cale had originally planned on hiding away in a small area of land far away after Basen succeeded the household, but continuing to live comfortably like a noble under Eric's grace did not sound too bad. With such a strong backer, he would be very safe.

"You're the best, hyungnim," Cale said, unable to stop the wide smile from blooming on his lips. What luck for him to be in the good graces of such a great person. He could live comfortably if he hugged this golden goose's thigh and behaved well.

Affection pooled in Eric's warm gaze at the sight of Cale's smile. It resembled the joyful smile of the child he had known a long time ago. It might be a little late, but he wanted to act like a reliable older brother from now on. Eric raised his hand and brushed back Cale's hair like he did when they were younger, unable to stop himself.

Cale felt like an adored, spoilt kitten. It did not feel bad, so he tilted his head towards Eric's gentle touch. To curry more favour, he took a bite-sized piece of chocolate cake with his fork, pressing it against Eric's lips.

"You should eat this, hyungnim, it's delicious."

Eric was all too happy to do so, pleased that Cale was behaving so innocently like when he was a child. Being close like this made him feel nostalgic of simpler times. It would be good if Cale was freed from burdensome things and could live freely and be happy like he did when he was a child. Eric wanted to be a hyung who could protect Cale that way.

"Mm, it really is delicious. Do you like desserts, Cale? I'll hire a pâtissier."

"I like anything that's tasty."

"Is that so? I'll make sure you have a feast every day if you stay at my place."

"That would be nice."

The sweet atmosphere made it difficult for other nobles to intrude. Such a scene was difficult to see even between engaged couples. Although feeding each other like this was not appropriate in such a formal setting, no one dared to call them out for it.

---

When Count Deruth heard about this scene a day later, he was very, very jealous. He wanted to be fed by his son too.