in sickness and in death (totcf)

family and sleep talking

"No."

And if anyone asked, no, Cale wasn't shaking from how scared he was of a certain butler's hand pushing him down; he was just cold.

Unfortunately, Ron also seemed to think so, as he fixed the blanket that Cale had pushed off earlier over him. He and Ron stared at each other for a moment before they both let out the same tired sigh at the same time.

A few quiet moments later, Beacrox entered with just one tray. The kids were outside, playing. Or at least that's what Choi Han told him with that scary look in his eyes.

(Little did he know, the children averaging 9-years-old were not so much as 'playing' as 'training'. Well, to them, there isn't much of a difference.)

Aigoo, how'd I meet so many vicious people in just two years?

Cale continued to internally sulk while his face outside was still stoic and flushed. His slacker life was still quite far away, but he still had some stuff to deal with on the Eastern continent. There were also the pressing matters of the mermaids that he tried to ignore but couldn't anymore, and of course the white radish found a new buddy around as strong as Syrem.

Cale was frowning when Ron finished setting up his breakfast and smoothed his hair back. He probably didn't like what he saw in the redhead's eyes, as the atmosphere around him turned chilly. But that also quickly subsided when he saw his young master shiver.

Cale looked at the food with a disgruntled expression. He didn't feel like eating when all he was doing was throwing up and wasting precious resources. This was a waste of money, food, and hygienic cleaning supplies all at the same time. He would much prefer to talk with his wicked Hyung at his desk about his reward money, which was due to arrive in buckets soon enough.

So, he didn't pick up the spoon. And even when Ron picked it up to feed him—really, how old do they think he is? Strong people must have very high standards for strong people, or else why would they treat him like a weakling?!

(LMAO, Cale mistaking their affection for him to them treating him like a weakling! 🥹Though he is a weakling in a sense, albeit a very mighty and powerful one.)

Cale discreetly takes a glance at Beacrox, who is standing by the door as if trying to replace Choi Han's place, who is currently busy 'playing' along with the children.

So, in short, Cale did not need to be a role model anymore and could be as stubborn as he wanted.

His trash instincts kicked in.

Cale pursed his lips shut and did not budge even when he saw Ron's hand twitching with frustration.

His reddish-brown eyes said it all: I won't be eating unless you let me have another meeting with the Crown Prince discussing the upcoming battle.

The butler then grabs his chin, gentle, but he still holds on firmly even when Cale tries to shy away from him. It took everything in the man to not flinch as he looked into Ron's eyes with a stoic expression.

When even that didn't work, Ron finally decided to try the secret weapon that would surely succeed no matter the situation.

"Beacrox, go tell the children we need some helping hands in here. It's about time they took a break from their activities."

The chef, who had been frowning at Cale not much unlike his own father, gave a sharp nod and left with the pace of a graceful boulder.

"Wait... where did the boulder come from?"

—Ahem, the boulder is here, and on behalf of my friends, I would deeply like to see this young man rest. There seems to be some unexpected, ahem, uh, vari—