He was quite a character.
Cale crossed his arms and hummed in thought. He didn’t know what happened to the Henituse family’s lout after his beating in Volume One. All he knew was that Choi Han had numerous fateful encounters and overcame lots of trials, eventually developing into a typical hero along with his allies.
The era of Choi Han’s heroism was nearing. Many locations in the Eastern and Western Continents, including the Kingdom of Rowoon where Cale lived, would soon be war-torn. This would truly be an era in which heroes could spread their wings.
Cale frowned, scrunching his forehead. Kim Roksu had had a fairly simple motto: “Live a peaceful life—a long, healthy life—for its small joys.”
“First and foremost, don’t get beaten up,” Cale said to himself. “The main character will take care of everything beyond that, as long as I let the storyline unfold like normal.”
Since waking up, he could easily recall every single line he’d read in the series with uncanny accuracy. As the warm water washed his fatigue away, Cale soaked and relaxed. Now that his head was clear, he reached a conclusion.
“I can make this work.”
It was possible to avoid the continental war and live peacefully. All in all, Cale’s background and situation were far better than Kim Roksu’s, and his estate was tucked away in a corner of the Western Continent—an ideal location to hole up in. In fact, many young nobles in the series had managed to steer clear of the war.
“Are you still in the bathroom, young master?”
Hearing Ron’s voice from the other side of the door, Cale contemplated his true identity. The man was an assassin who’d crossed from the Eastern Continent by sea. Ron pretended to be a benevolent old servant, but in truth, he was merciless.
“Yeah. Be right out.”
Realizing he’d spoken rather casually, Cale made his mind up on where to go from here. First, he needed to send the old man off with the main character. Ron could easily kill Cale with a single blow, though he shrugged off the count’s son like he might a neglected puppy. Despite his gentle smile, he couldn’t have cared less about Cale. Fortunately, Ron and his son, Vicross, would leave with Choi Han after Cale’s epic defeat.
Pulling on a robe, Cale hurried out of the bathroom. Ron stood there with that same smile on his face; he cautiously extended a tray with a cup on it toward Cale.
“Here you go, young master.”
Cale picked up the cup and walked past the old servant, not wanting to make eye contact with such a dangerous man.
“Great. Thanks.”
Ron donned a complicated expression once again, but Cale had already walked past him.
There are too many powerhouses here, Cale thought, taking a sip of cold water. Way too many. No matter where Choi Han went, there were people—humans and beyond—who had ample power or hidden secrets.
I need the strength to at least protect myself. That would be necessary to live life to the fullest on a continent hurtling toward war. He couldn’t be too strong, though, or other complications were bound to pop up.
He thought about the various fateful encounters at the beginning of the series—the powers that had strengthened Choi Han and his allies. As he mulled over how he could live a long life in good health, a couple of things came to mind. Now he just needed to narrow them down.
“We will dress you now, young master.”
“Oh, all right. Thanks.”
The door opened, and servants entered to help Ron dress Cale, who didn’t notice the old servant’s unusually stoic expression. He was too busy staring at the garments in the servants’ hands.
“Uh…something simple for today,” he said. He hated elaborate attire, preferring simple clothes that were easy to lounge in.
“Of course.”
The servant in charge of his wardrobe quickly pulled out less formal garments, and Cale changed into the most basic of the lot. After getting dressed, he frowned. Even this “simple” attire was extravagant; he wasn’t a fan of it.
Still, the man in the mirror was downright dashing. Cale really is handsome. He makes any clothing look good. His face was the finishing touch that completed the look.
Cale peered in the mirror and tidied his clothes before turning to Ron, who was once again smiling like a gentle old man.
“Let’s go, Ron.”
“Yes, young master.”
Cale walked behind Ron through the estate. He didn’t know the layout yet, but he felt he would be fine as long as he followed the old man. The servants and maids he made eye contact with flinched and bowed respectfully before scurrying away.
Why are they so scared? Cale never hit people. He just liked to drink a lot and roughhouse. That said, he’d sometimes break things when he was drunk—he was a lout, after all. He didn’t treat people all that respectfully, aside from the few he liked.
Well, if nobody bothers me, even better, Cale thought without a care in the world. Living here in a model citizen’s body would’ve been tough, but as a trash human being, he could do as he pleased.
“I shall now open the door,” said Ron.
Cale nodded. “Sure.”
The books had mentioned that Cale treated Ron almost as well as he treated his own father, since Ron had raised Cale like his grandson—although Ron didn’t care one whit for him on the inside. At any rate, engaging with Ron was easy. He just needed to answer the servant’s questions and treat him politely.
“I hope you enjoy your breakfast.”
“Thanks, Ron. Make sure you eat too.”
Without hesitation, Cale strode past Ron into the dining room. There, he saw his father: Deruth, the current head of the Henituse household. Next to him was Cale’s stepmother, the countess, as well as her son and daughter. The four looked over at Cale when he entered.
His father was the first to speak. “You’re late again.”
Cale studied him. Birth of a Hero had described Cale’s feelings toward his father:
Cale’s father was the one person he listened to. It was thanks to his father, Count Deruth Henituse, that the lout remained within the family’s territory and got everything he wanted.
Unfortunately, unlike some other strong patriarchs in the series, the count didn’t have special skills or influence—only wealth. That appealed just fine to Cale, though. It was the perfect family environment for a relaxed life.
Cale’s stepmother believed he disliked her, so she avoided him. Her son, who was far brighter than Cale, found his much older stepbrother difficult to deal with. The cute youngest child was also shy of her elder brother. It wasn’t like Cale harassed them or vice versa; they just treated each other like strangers. Truly the ideal setting for a quiet, easygoing existence.