He didn't know at first, but that person's days of rest that Choi Han saw was more of a period of recovery than days of rest.
Of course, the person himself thought that he was playing around, but it did not seem like that to Choi Han at all.
That was why his people, who at some point realized the meaning of this rest day, tried their best not to bother his recovery.
December 31st.
The eve of the new year.
Choi Han, who was spending the last day of the year in a residence located on one side of Harris Village, brushed the snow off his shoulder.
Plop. Plop.
His gaze headed toward the yard.
'We need to make a snowman family!'
Quite a few snowmen were made at Raon's excited shout.
The snowmen who were made with the first snow were still maintaining their form after multiple repairs. Based on what he had heard, Raon checked on the snowmen first thing in the morning as soon as he opened his eyes.
Choi Han confirmed that his snowman was among the snowman family before walking into the building.
'It's calm.'
The inside of the building was warm and calm.
It was quiet.
"No."
It was calm but not quiet.
It wasn't loud, but voices as clear and bouncy as the sound of a xylophone could faintly be heard from the kitchen.
"Hey Beacrox, hey Beacrox."
"…."
"I'm bored!"
"I'm bored too, nya!"
"…Haaa."
"I want to help make the cookies!"
"I can knead dough very well, nya!"
"…Haaaaaaaaaa….."
The corners of Choi Han's lips oddly curled up.
It was because he was not too familiar with this kind of calmness.
The Forest of Darkness becomes calm in the winter.
It was to the point that it could seem peaceful at a glance.
However, that was just like looking at the surface of a lake without being able to see beneath it.
The weak animals in the Forest of Darkness moved extremely cautiously in the winter, to the point that they didn't dare to make any noises.
Making any noise would catch the attention of a predator, who would be roaming for food as their source of food had decreased.
It was calm, but… Blood was shed, screams were heard, and the hidden Choi Han could hear the sound of the predators eating despite not wanting to hear it.
Whenever he heard that noise, Choi Han had to clench his stomach that wanted to growl from hunger but could not go out to look for food because he was worried that he would die. Choi Han thought that his extremely weak self of the past was pitiful.
Of course, he figured out how to survive the winter in the Forest of Darkness at some point and his sword arts improved to the point that he could make it through the winters.
However, he still had to hear the things within that calmness year after year.
"Hey Beacrox, hey Beacrox. Can I really not try kneading the dough?"
"I want to though, nya…"
This calmness and the calmness of that time were fundamentally different.
Both periods of time were more peaceful and quieter than other seasons, but the things within them were completely different.
"Meeeeeow."
Choi Han smiled while watching the grey kitten come down from the second floor. Ron was coming down the stairs with On.
"Where's Cale-nim?"
On smacked the top of Choi Han's foot for no reason after hearing that question and commented almost in a sigh.
"He's sleeping, nya."
Choi Han looked at Ron. Ron had an empty plate in his hand as he nodded his head with a cold gaze. The smile was gone from Choi Han's face as he nodded back.
The two of them didn't need to talk to understand each other.
"He's sleeping so much, nya."
Choi Han opened his arms toward On to show his agreement to her shocked mumbling. On jumped into Choi Han's arms and shook her head side to side.
'He really does sleep a lot.'
Choi Han had not put much thought into it when Cale said that he was going to rest in this villa. He thought it was normal for Cale to rest since he went through so much.
That was why at first, he watched Cale and wondered how someone could move so little while just sleeping and eating all day.
However, he thought that Cale would not be like this after a few days.
'But Cale-nim was different, as expected.'
Cale was like this past a few days all the way until the last day of the year.
In some ways he was truly unchanging and shocking.
"But he has at least gained a little bit of weight, nya."
Choi Han gently smiled as On looked at him while making that comment.
Cale's pale complexion had gotten a bit better.
He also seemed to be eating well as he gained some weight. However, he was still skinnier than when Choi Han first met him but at least he looked better.
Cale especially looked at peace when he was basically lying down on a chair and eating fruit.
Choi Han walked toward the kitchen with Ron and On.
"And the Wolves?"
Choi Han slightly shrugged his shoulders at Beacrox's comment with a stoic gaze.
"They're going to train a bit more first."
Beacrox slightly nodded his head. Choi Han quietly chuckled after noticing that Beacrox's movements as he kneaded the dough for the snack bread had become a bit faster.
"What?"
Beacrox scowled at Choi Han but Choi Han simply snorted, as if that vicious gaze was not scary at all.
"Haaaaa."
"Hey Beacrox, is it hard to knead the dough? I'm right here. My front paws are strong."
"Haaaaa."
Raon shoved his chubby front paws toward Beacrox but Beacrox did his best to ignore him. Ron was watching this with interest.
Ron then started washing the empty dishes and On jumped out of Choi Han's arms to walk to Ron with a dry cloth.
Many different noises could be heard, but none of them were loud and everybody was speaking quieter than usual for some reason.
'It's probably because Cale-nim is sleeping.'
Choi Han liked this calmness.
"I'm thinking about having a feast tonight for dinner."
"Wow! Beacrox, you're amazing!"
"You're the best, nya!"
"I want to help, nya."
Choi Han listened to the warm conversation and thought that it was the first time he spent the last day of the year like this. He was sure he had a time like this in the past, but it was so long ago that his memories were faint.
It almost made him a bit sad thinking about it, but he was subconsciously smiling because he liked this warmth.
Choi Han turned his head. He looked toward the stairs leading up to the second floor.
Maybe it was because it was the last day of the year, but he couldn't help but be thankful toward the person who created such a moment, the central figure who allowed them to all be together.
And the person at the center of that gratitude opened his closed eyes.
"…Haaa."
He could hear energetic shouts through the window at the end of the room that was slightly open for ventilation.
"How disgusting."
The Wolf children were still training despite it being the last day of the year.
"Scary little punks."
'How much stronger are they planning on getting?! Are they trying to get strong enough to break boulders or something?
…Actually, they might already be able to break boulders.'
Cale got chills on his back thinking about that fearful thought that came into his mind.
"Haaaaa."
He rolled his body over and extended his body all over the bed.
"Man, they're so loud."
Whether it was inside or outside, one side was loud whenever the other side was quiet. If one side seemed chaotic, the other side calmed down a bit. This repeated over and over.
Everybody in the villa must have gone to the first floor as it seemed bustling but quiet, but in return, the outside of the villa was chaotic with fierce sounds of training as if they were celebrating the last day of the year by training even harder.
"…It's different."
Cale slowly closed his eyes.
Although he didn't want to remember it, memories of his past came above the surface and flashed through his mind like scenes out of a movie whenever he was calm like this.
Cale couldn't help but recall a certain day of rest.
That day was the day that after not taking a single day off for a whole year, Kim Rok Soo said that he was going to take a day off.
"Team leader Kim, didn't you just come in with authorization documents?"
"That is correct."
"You know that this is an important issue right?"
Director Ma, who had been a director at the company for a long time, shook the document in his hand while looking at Kim Rok Soo.
"I'm not sure, Director Ma."
"What do you mean you're not sure? Team leader Kim, do you know how many benefits we will gain if this agreement with the guilds is concluded? You want to take a day off with such a task in front of you? Do you think that that makes any sense?"
Director Ma spoke with annoyance and anger in his voice.
Team 2 and Team 3 leaders who came with Team leader Kim scowled at Director Ma's annoyance, but did not say anything against it.
The issue of the agreement with the guilds in that document in Director Ma's hand was something that would bring a lot of benefits to the company, and it would be disappointing if Team leader Kim Rok Soo, the leader of one of the three teams at the core of that agreement, was not going to be there with the conclusion of the agreement right in front of them.
"Do the two of you think it makes any sense?"
Director Ma asked the two other team leaders for their thoughts.
However, the two team leaders did not say anything to take Director Ma's side. They simply kept their mouths shut.
Then they exchanged glances with each other.
'Director Ma doesn't seem to know, huh?'
'Yeah. I don't think he knows.'
They understood Director Ma's thoughts but also understood why Kim Rok Soo was doing this.
Team 2 leader finished exchanging glances with Team 3 leader and started speaking.
"I think that it will be fine even without Team leader Kim, Director-nim. All that is left is to sign the agreement and that is for you to do."
"Isn't the day we sign it the most important day? Hmm?"
Team 2 leader held back a sigh.
Team leader Kim Rok Soo had done everything he needed to do regarding this task.
Of course, the day where they sign the agreement was important as Director Ma mentioned. It was the final button to be closed. However, it was fine if Kim Rok Soo was not present when Director Ma and the guild leaders signed the document and shook hands.
'It is definitely something that someone like Director Ma, who cares a lot about formality, would throw a fuss about.'
That was the reason he didn't call the Department head or any other high ranking officials and called the three team leaders who were lower level employees.
Team 2 leader saw that Director Ma's arrow of anger headed back toward Kim Rok Soo as he did not say anything.
He subconsciously opened his mouth after hearing what Director Ma said next.
"Team leader Kim, I thought that you were a talented person with a strong sense of responsibility. You are making me have some doubts. I wonder if it is okay to leave a team in your care."
'Uhh, uhh, this idiot Director Ma sounds like he's about to say something that crosses the line.
He can't say something like that today of all days!'
Team 2 leader looked at Team 3 leader and both of them opened their mouths at the same time.
However, someone spoke before the two of them could say anything.
Kim Rok Soo, who had quietly been sitting there without any expression visible on his face, was talking.
He was currently the youngest of the team leaders.
"I know that the agreement is an important task, but it is not a matter of life and death."
"What?"
Just as Director Ma frowned and he was about to raise his voice…
"…Director-nim!"
Team 3 leader opened his mouth.
"Team leader Kim Rok Soo… Hasn't he worked for the past 'one year' even coming in on the weekend without resting? He's been doing that for the past 'one year.'"
"Who said that wasn't the case? But why does he need to take a day off now of all the available days? I know that he's worked hard for the past yea-"
Director Ma stopped for a moment.
One year.
It had been one year since Kim Rok Soo had become a team leader.
He observed Kim Rok Soo's face as soon as he realized that. He then resumed speaking.
"Even I am well aware that he has worked hard."
However, his voice was definitely not as strong as it had been before.
'He seems to have figured it out, right?'
'I think so.'
The two team leaders were finally relieved as they exchanged glances.
Director Ma was a bit of a terrible person, but he wasn't the type of person who would do something like this if he knew what day it was.
"Ahem."
Director Ma let out some fake coughs while peeking at Kim Rok Soo, who was silently sitting there. Team 2 leader held back a sigh and started speaking.
"Director-nim. I know that you must be disappointed to not have Team leader Kim at the ceremony, but didn't he do a very good job with getting everything done? Team 3 leader and I are enough for the ceremony! You know we are reliable, don't you?"
"Ahem. I am very well aware of your abilities, Team 2 and Team 3 leaders. The two of you will be enough for the ceremony to proceed smoothly. Ahem."
He continued to peek at Kim Rok Soo's face.
"I was just saying that it would be great if Team 1, the pride of our company, and the team leader of that team would participate in the ceremony."
Team 3 leader smiled awkwardly and nodded his head.
As they had expected, Director Ma was acting like this because the team leader of Team 1 was not going to participate in the ceremony. He probably would have said a thing or two if he, as the team leader of team 3, had said that he couldn't show up, but he would not have called all of them here like this. He probably wouldn't have cared much about it.
"Well, for the past year, you've worked very hard, so I guess it would be good for you to get a good rest."
Director Ma said that and looked at team 2 leader who held back another sigh and responded.
"Yes, sir. I agree with you! Hahaha!"
"Right? Ahem, I know you must all be busy as well, so you can go!"
"Yes, Director-nim!"
Team 2 and Team 3 leaders immediately stood up and Kim Rok Soo followed them. The three of them bowed and left the Director's office.
Director Ma confirmed that the door was closed before immediately checking the calendar.
"…Tsk. It's already that time."
He didn't like Kim Rok Soo very much.
However, he accepted that Kim Rok Soo was skilled.
"Yes. Nobody other than Team leader Kim would have been able to do so much in almost a year."
Director Ma thought about last year.
Kim Rok Soo was the only survivor on Team 1.
He had carried on Lee Soo Hyuk's desires and became the team leader.
Team 1 was in ruins at the time.
Everybody thought that its reputation would crumble. Both people inside the company and outside thought that Team 1 without Lee Soo Hyuk and his subordinates would be nothing much.
However, those speculations were completely crushed.
In just one year, Kim Rok Soo did not make Team 1, but it was at least basically back to normal.
That was why people were saying that they truly were Team 1, and based on Team 1's pace, they were once again saying that they would be the company's ace team again, unlike last year.
"…He didn't even take a break when Team leader Lee passed away. Tsk."
Director Ma had not liked Lee Soo Hyuk either.
However, he was disappointed at Lee Soo Hyuk's death. To be more honest, it was a feeling of loss.
Most people who knew the guy probably felt this way.
They also probably had another thought. They all probably thought that it would be difficult to fill the giant hole from that loss.
Lee Soo Hyuk was a true leader.
Director Ma thought about Kim Rok Soo's face. He was still young for being a team leader, but his expression had changed to that of a true leader in one year.
"They call you cold-blooded, but I guess you are human too."
Director Ma let out a short sigh.
"…Is he only taking one day off?"
He clicked his tongue at the feeling of bitterness.
His gaze did not move from the calendar.
Tomorrow.
Nothing was marked on that date, but Director Ma could not forget what happened last year on that day.
"It's been one year."
Tomorrow would mark one year since team leader Lee Soo Hyuk and his team members died.
The members of Team 1 were the people who were most aware of it.
Team 1 had a lot of newbies or individuals with not too much experience compared to the other teams. Of course, there were some team members who had a lot of years of experience outside of the company.
Regardless of their years of experience, all members of Team 1 were quietly doing their work and peeking at the door connected to the hallway over and over. This was different from their usual demeanor.
At that time…
Screeeech-
The door opened and Kim Rok Soo walked in. They all quickly looked at their desks.
"Assistant Leader Ha."
"Yes, team leader-nim!"
"Will you please come here for a moment?"
"Yes, sir!"
The middle-aged man Kim Rok Soo addressed as Assistant Leader Ha responded quite energetically and quickly unlike his usual self and walked over to Kim Rok Soo's desk.
Kim Rok Soo needed people to support him in order to restore Team 1 after the incident last year made him the team leader. Assistant Leader Ha was the person who came when they recruited experienced workers.
He was one of the rescue team members who had worked under Lee Soo Hyuk in the past at the Seomyeon, Busan shelter.
Assistant Leader Ha was the best person to support team leader Kim Rok Soo as he had interacted with Kim Rok Soo a couple times in the past as well.
But maybe because of those past interactions…
Assistant Leader Ha usually acted cheeky and relaxed.
"Did you need something, team leader-nim?"
However, he was quite quick right now.
Some of the team members shook their heads mumbling about how Assistant Leader Ha's actions made it even more obvious, but he had no choice but to act like this.
Lee Soo Hyuk.
He was an extremely important person to Assistant Leader Ha. Although Lee Soo Hyuk was much younger than him, he was the one and only person Assistant Leader Ha had recognized as his 'boss.'
That was why, although he was staying in the Busan shelter with retirement on his mind, he immediately dropped everything and came here after hearing that Team 1 was struggling because of Lee Soo Hyuk's death.
'Boss, are the newbies that good?'
'Yes. They're really good. The two of them will surpass me someday.'
'Oh come on. No way. You are one for the history books boss, you are historic!'
'Historic my ass. Cut the crap. Anyway, I need to properly raise the two of them.'
Assistant Leader Ha suddenly remembered a conversation he had with Lee Soo Hyuk a few years ago.
"Assistant Leader-nim. Please just check these things tomorrow."
"Ah, yes, sir."
Assistant Leader Ha took the documents from Kim Rok Soo and observed him.
'…Boss. Kim Rok Soo is an amazing person as you mentioned. I am certain that he will become even more amazing than you.'
There had been no deaths nor serious injuries on Team 1 since Kim Rok Soo became team leader. Although there were people who received minor injuries, nobody ever had to be hospitalized for longer than a few days because of a serious injury.
Instead, the number of scars on Kim Rok Soo's body continued to increase.
"I will not be here tomorrow, so thank you for taking care of everything in my place."
"Please don't worry, sir! I will take care of everything properly."
"However, if there are any urgent situations or you receive an emergency order to mobilize, you must contact me right away."
Assistant Leader Ha was planning on not contacting Kim Rok Soo and taking care of things on his own if possible, at least for tomorrow. However, Kim Rok Soo emphasized this part as if he realized that.
"You must. You must contact me."
"Haaaaa."
Assistant Leader Ha sighed. He then somewhat nodded his head.
"Yes, sir, I will think about it and contact you."
It was his usual cheeky response, but Kim Rok Soo knew that Assistant Leader Ha saying something like this meant that it was a promise to contact him during any emergency situations. He sent Assistant Leader Ha back to his seat and looked at the clock.
It was time to leave.
Kim Rok Soo thought about Director Ma, who called them just as it was getting time to leave work, and slightly frowned.
He stood up and peeked at the calendar.
He would go see his friends for the first time in a long while tomorrow.
"I will see you all in two days. Please call me if you need anything."
Kim Rok Soo said goodbye to his team members and walked out of the office. He chose to take the stairs instead of the elevator down to the first floor lobby.
He didn't want to run into anyone while leaving work today.
He was certain that they would all act awkwardly around him similar to how his team members, the other team leaders, and Director Ma had acted.
"What the…?"
He heard an extremely annoyed voice at that moment.
Kim Rok Soo looked toward the bottom of the stairs.
"Why are you coming down this way?"
The grumbling person was team 2's Park Kyung Ho.
He was the electric spear user who had joined the company at the same time as Kim Rok Soo and Choi Jung Soo.
"Then why are you coming up this way?"
Kim Rok Soo threw the same question back to Park Kyung Ho who scowled immediately.
"I always use the stairs. Do you know how much health benefits you can get by climbing the stairs?"
"Pffft."
Kim Rok Soo subconsciously chuckled at this extremely un-Park Kyung Ho-like response. Park Kyung Ho snorted while looking at Kim Rok Soo.
"Hmph. It's obvious why you are coming down the stairs."
He grumbled as if he really didn't like something.
"You care so damn much about what other people might say."
Park Kyung Ho basically stomped up the stairs.
"Hey, Kim Rok Soo."
Spearman Park Kyung Ho did not call Kim Rok Soo by his title but rather spoke even more freely than when they were same level colleagues.
Team 2 leader had said something about it, but Park Kyung Ho refused to listen and said the following to Kim Rok Soo.
'I will be the second fastest person to become a team leader. You just wait! You got that?'
Kim Rok Soo did not get angry at Park Kyung Ho.
He knew what the guy was thinking on the inside despite all the grumbling.
"I can't go tomorrow."
Kim Rok Soo chuckled at Park Kyung Ho's grumbling voice and responded.
"Is that why you went today?"
Team 2 leader had told him that Park Kyung Ho had taken a half day today. He probably came back to the company at the end of the work day despite taking the half day because he had things to take care of.
"…Damn it!"
Park Kyung Ho glared at Kim Rok Soo. He then walked past him and climbed higher up.
"…Call me if you need a drink tomorrow."
Of course, he left a leaving remark in place of a goodbye.
Kim Rok Soo also did the same thing.
"Who knows?"
Park Kyung Ho stomped even more in annoyance as he climbed the stairs but Kim Rok Soo did not care as he walked down.
It was time to go home.
It would also soon be time to go meet his friends.
There was something people started saying once monsters appeared and the world started to change.
'We'll be lucky if we can at least find the corpses.'
Kim Rok Soo had this thought right now.
Was it really lucky?
Yes, it might be considered that way.
If nothing was left, then the people left behind could only long for them with their memories.
However, Kim Rok Soo's memories were too clear.
That was why he could not even think about coming here.
Memorial Park.
The ashes or some possessions belonging to those who left this world while working for the company were placed or stored in this park.
Of course, it was not a requirement; the families could choose not to keep them here.
"Long time no see."
Kim Rok Soo, who entered one of the many ossuaries in the park, looked toward the direction with quite a lot of flowers and gave a short greeting.
Lee Soo Hyuk
Choi Jung Soo
The names of his lost friends caught Kim Rok Soo's gaze and wouldn't let him go.
Kim Rok Soo stared for a long time before finally managing to close his eyes.
"…Fuck."
Closing his eyes made the memories pop up.
That was why he could not get complacent, stop, nor rest. There was something he had to do.
"Anyway, Team 1 is rolling along well."
This phrase was representative of everything Kim Rok Soo had to do to prepare to come to this place.
That was why that was all he could say.
Kim Rok Soo stood there for a long time.
In the silent area…
He could not hear any sounds. It was so quiet that he couldn't even breathe in peace.
However, Kim Rok Soo's mind was full of numerous memories more than any other time.
The weight of the memories reaching out at him through the silence was too heavy to handle.
"Huuuuuu."
Kim Rok Soo let out a short sigh before standing up straight.
"I will go now."
That was his goodbye to his team members before he turned around. He then had a thought that made him turn back to look at Choi Jung Soo's spot.
"I'll be able to go where your family is located soon."
The village where most of Choi Jung Soo's family lost their lives… A small hill from where he could see that place…
Kim Rok Soo thought about a memory from the past before leaving after making that single comment.
He walked out and looked up at the sky.
The sun was high up in the sky.
It was noon.
There was still so much time left until this day was over.
Kim Rok Soo ended up walking back home.
Click.
He turned the light on.
It was quiet here too.
Kim Rok Soo silently sighed before lying down on the floor.
He needed to change and clean the house, but it was too annoying.
All he did was slowly breathe in and out.
He focused on his breathing.
That made his chaotic mind slowly calm down.
Peeep—
Kim Rok Soo sat up after hearing a noise.
Emergency Mobilization
He immediately stood up after seeing the message from Assistant Leader Ha.
"This is actually better."
Although his day off would be over if he went to the company and out into the field…
Kim Rok Soo thought that this was better for him.
He opened the door and walked out of the area that was only filled with silence.
"Human! Human!"
"Mm…?"
Cale realized that he had fallen asleep and slowly opened his eyes.
"Human! Open your eyes!"
"He's opening them now, nya!"
"That's right! He is opening them now, nya! We were ready to break the bed if you didn't wake up!"
"…That doesn't seem like a good idea, nya."
Raon, On, and Hong's conversation slammed against Cale's ears nonstop.
Their voices were so distinct and their conversation so hopping that it would be considered loud if he chose to think of it that way.
"Huuuuuu."
Cale ended up letting out a deep sigh, but the children averaging seven years old did not care.
They simply thought Cale was being himself.
"…Ha!"
Cale subconsciously scoffed at that fact.
Cale couldn't help but laugh at his current situation which was extremely different from the silence he experienced in his dreams because he recalled the memories of his past.
'I was still young back then.'
Yes, Kim Rok Soo was inexperienced and young for the first year when he became a team leader.
At least it felt that way now that he was thinking back on it.
Team leader Kim Rok Soo started to have more days off as he got older, didn't find it difficult to honor his fallen friends, and even became a bit closer and friendlier with his team members.
Kim Rok Soo grew naturally because each and every day was full of all sorts of incidents and work.
"…Of course, it wasn't as chaotic as here."
"Hmm? Human, where is it chaotic? I want to go see it!"
"Me too, nya! I'm curious, nya!"
"…I don't think we need to go anywhere to see that, nya."
Raon, Hong, and On commented one after another at Cale's comment. Cale shook his head.
Someone offered him a warm cup of tea as he did that.
"Young master-nim."
It was Ron.
Cale subconsciously sat up as soon as he saw Ron smiling in the most benign way he had seen in months.
Ron handed him some honey lemon tea as if it was normal and Cale chose to drink it for now.
'Why is he smiling like that all of a sudden?'
This was when Cale still got scared every so often whenever he saw Ron smiling benignly like this.
Ron didn't care as he observed Cale with a cold sunken gaze that was different from his benign smile.
'He's weirder than usual today.'
Cale's complexion was worse than usual despite just waking up.
He looked like a puppy that was completely drenched from the rain. Of course, crown prince Alberu would just say that he looked like he was sleeping and just woke up, but it was different to Ron.
"Hmm."
He subconsciously thoroughly inspected Cale's face as Cale avoided his gaze.
'What's up with him?'
Cale suddenly got the chills.
"We are considering having a feast for dinner as it is the last day of the year. What do you think, young master-nim?"
Cale could see the eyes of the children averaging seven years old sparkling. Cale slowly turned his gaze away from the sparkling eyes that were full of anticipation and looked at Ron.
"Do whatever you want."
Smile.
Ron had an exaggerated smile on his face. Cale had an ominous feeling for some reason.
"I will do whatever I want as you indicated, young master-nim."
'Why did this sound so much as if he was going to go assassinate someone?'
Cale touched the back of his neck despite knowing that it wouldn't happen.
Knock knock.
There were some knocks on the door at that moment and they heard Choi Han's voice.
"Cale-nim."
Ron headed toward the door.
"Then I will go down and finish preparing for the feast, young master-nim."
"…Sure, whatever."
Ron opened the door once Cale nonchalantly commented.
Click.
Choi Han's eyebrow raised slightly while looking at Ron come out.
'He doesn't seem too happy.'
Ron's expression was not good. Choi Han quickly looked at Cale.
Ron didn't care and walked past Choi Han and down the stairs.
"I'm going too! A feast! I'm very happy!"
"I'm going to help, nya!"
Raon and Hong followed behind Ron.
Only Choi Han, On, and Cale were left.
"It's cold."
"Ah, yes, Cale-nim."
Choi Han immediately closed the open door at Cale's comment. But he thought of something that made his face stiffen.
'Even the hallway is heated by magic right now. He's cold? Is Cale-nim's condition very bad? Why is he suddenly like this? His complexion was slowly getting better.'
Choi Han had all sorts of questions. He then heard Cale lie back down on the bed while mumbling.
"I want to keep living as a slacker."
Those words sounded a bit differently to Choi Han today. Of course, the words themselves were things that Cale always said.
Cale naturally had no care about what Choi Han was thinking.
'Should I close that window?'
The sun would be setting soon.
The temperature was falling quickly because the sun went down much faster in the winter. The fact that they were right next to a forest probably played a part as well.
However, Cale could not close the open window at the other end of the room.
"Let's work hard a little longer!"
"Ahhhhh!"
The Wolf children seemed to still be training outside.
Nowhere around here seemed to be quiet.
Chh chh.
Cale didn't even turn his head despite the rustling next to him and continued to look out the window.
"That's ticklish."
He simply gave a comment to the kitten who was leaning against his side.
Cale found it a bit odd that it was On and not Raon or Hong who was doing this, but he didn't put much attention on it.
Everything was annoying, potentially because of the time spent either sleeping or wandering through his memories.
He closed his eyes.
'It's never quiet. Will the new year be different? Will it?'
Cale had those thoughts as he turned 19 in this world. (TL: Guess this world still uses the Korean system of turning older with the new year.)
The now 19 years old Cale stayed in Harris Village until early spring before starting another busy year by going to the Ten Finger Mountains and saving the Elf Village.
He faced all sorts of incidents and returned to the territory after finishing his business in the Empire with a Medal of Honor from the Emperor for his heroics in the Imperial Palace Bomb Terror Incident.
"Will you rest now, Cale-nim?"
Cale nodded his head at Choi Han's question.
"Yes. Time to rest."
He looked toward the Henituse territory that was slowly getting closer outside the carriage window and mumbled almost in a sigh.
"Slacker life is best."
Choi Han held back a sigh while looking at Cale who had become paler and skinnier since last year.
Cale had come here to rest to keep his promise of spending the new year in the territory.
It would be a short break. There were more things he needed to do.
'Cale-nim, are we pushing back the thing with young master Antonio until February?'
'We will. We ended up staying too long in the Empire.'
Cale spoke as if he had no choice.
'I have no choice. It's the new year soon. Wouldn't it be good to spend the new year at home with family?'
Family. Choi Han repeated that word in his mind as he gently smiled while looking at the individuals inside the carriage.
Choi Han saw Cale frown at that moment.
As they passed through the territory gate…
"Young master-nim! I was in complete awe after hearing about your Medal of Honor from the Empire! You are the treasure of the Roan Kingdom and the future of the Henituse territory, young master-nim!"
A knight who seemed pretty new at the job looked inside the carriage before glancing at Cale with a sparkling gaze that was full of awe.
Cale gently closed his eyes again and then opened them.
"…Can we pass?"
"Yes, young master-nim! I'm sure that there is nothing dangerous in your carriage, but I ask for your understanding as this is the formal procedure."
"You shouldn't make any exceptions. It is the right thing to do."
"I knew it…! You truly are amazing, young master-nim!"
"…."
Choi Han could see Cale's face turning stoic by the second.
Shh.
Choi Han peeked at the announcements on a board by the territory gate.
Of the many announcements, he could see a kingdom-wide announcement talking about Cale's Medal of Honor from the Empire and the crown prince's visit to the Empire. An announcement from the Henituse territory had the story of Cale's Medal of Honor from the Empire in a much larger font than the crown prince's visit.
Choi Han hoped that Cale did not see them as he slowly turned away.
The knight inspecting the carriage bowed to Cale.
"You may proceed, young master-nim."
"Okay, keep up the good work."
"Yes, sir!"
The knight responded energetically, hesitated for a moment, and then smiled brightly as he said the following.
"Welcome home, young master-nim. I hope you have a peaceful stay."
Choi Han could see a small smile appearing on Cale's face.
"I hope you have a lovely end of the year as well."
"Yes, sir! It is an honor to hear something like that from you, young master-nim! I will remember those words for the rest of my life!"
"…Okay."
Cale's face turned stoic again, but he didn't seem annoyed.
The carriage slowly moved through the gate and Choi Han reached over to close the open carriage window.
It was at that moment.
"Wow! Mommy, that's Young Master Silver Shield, right? Daddy said that the young master-nim was coming!"
He heard a child's voice.
"Yes, yes. It is that carriage. The young master of our territory who received a Medal of Honor from the Empire is in there. The sword master-nim is probably in there too."
"I, I want to see the young master-nim's face!"
It started with a mother and daughter's conversation, and then…
"The young master-nim is here?"
"Ahem. You heard it as well. They said that the young master-nim would be in the territory soon."
"That's right!"
An old couple who came out for a walk to get some sun despite the cold winter weather peeked at the carriage.
"Our Young Master Silver Shield-nim just arrived at the territory?"
"Really?"
They heard some voices and the residents of the territory, who had not been very visible because of the winter weather, slowly started to become visible.
Choi Han subconsciously watched the people as the bright looks of joy on their faces took him by shock.
He heard an extremely stoic voice at that moment.
"Choi Han, close it."
Cale was wiping his face with both hands.
Choi Han chuckled before closing the window. He then made a comment.
"All of them want to see your face, Cale-nim."
"…Mm."
"Meeeeeow!"
"Meeow!"
"Human! Let's show them your face! I'm fine remaining invisible!"
Cale groaned while the children averaging eight years old seemed excited. Cale waved his hand to say no.
"Let's hurry home."
Home. The carriage headed toward the Henituse Estate as he said that word.
"Human, we're here!"
On and Hong, who had been falling asleep, looked out the window at Raon's shout.
"Human, it's your younger brother!"
Basen was looking at the carriage and waving his hand while standing outside the Henituse Estate.
"Long time no see, Basen."
"Yes, hyung-nim. It has been a while."
Basen responded to Cale in a gruff but slightly high tone.
"Orabuni!"
Cale turned his head.
Lily had a wooden sword in her hand as she walked over from the training ground. Cale waved at her before speaking to Basen.
"I got you a present, so come get it later."
"Did you buy it at the Empire?"
"Yeah."
Cale responded with indifference before heading into the building. Basen slightly smiled while looking at Cale. He then followed behind Cale. Basen's shoulders were slightly raised for some reason.
"I heard that you were very busy in the Empire, hyung-nim. But you still managed to buy us presents."
"What does being busy have to do with buying presents?"
'A lot.'
That was what Basen wanted to say, but he kept his mouth shut.
A small smile appeared on Choi Han's face as he realized that although Cale and Basen had their usual stoic faces, both of them seemed oddly happy.
'Yes, this kind of peace is what Cale-nim and everybody wants.'
That was why he needed to get stronger to protect everyone.
Choi Han's eyes clouded over as he stood there with an innocent smile on his face.
'What's up with him?'
Cale had turned his head without giving it much thought before seeing Choi Han's face and flinching.
It was because Choi Han suddenly started smiling innocently as his eyes were burning up with passion.
The innocent smile was fine, but that gaze made Cale get the chills for some reason.
"Cale-nim."
"…What is it?"
"At least you should be able to rest properly during the end of this year and the approaching new year."
"Probably…?"
'Why is he saying something like that with such a look on his face?'
Cale looked stupefied. Choi Han didn't care and clenched his fists.
'I hope the end of this year and the approaching new year will be peaceful.'
Choi Han truly hoped that would be the case.
As for Cale, he saw Choi Han's clenched fists and contemplated whether he recently did anything wrong to Choi Han despite knowing there was nothing like that.
He was feeling guilty although there was no reason to feel guilty.
"Meeeeeow."
"Meeow."
However, Cale looked away from Choi Han after hearing On and Hong's meows and started walking.
Choi Han walked slowly behind them.
The group walked peacefully into the building without any signs of awkwardness.
– Choi Han, I'm going to the room first!
The invisible Raon's energetic voice was full of warmth.
"Haaaaa."
Choi Han let out a quiet sigh.
Now…
He now had many places he could return to peacefully without feeling awkward.
And those places were truly important to Choi Han.
Similar to last year, Choi Han spent the end of the year and welcomed the new year without any loneliness or coldness.
So many things happened in the new year.
Whether it was the White Star or the sealed god, all sorts of suffocating things that made it impossible for them to stop kept happening one after another.
'But winter still came.'
Time continued to flow and it was now winter.
Choi Han heard a familiar voice in his ear.
The eldest son of the House of Henituse who was known as trash… It started there, but that guy was now his liege, the friend of his nephew, the core of his new family, and possibly the person who understood him the most. It was the voice of someone who had many different titles to Choi Han.
Cale was mumbling.
"Haaaa. It'd be great to be a slacker."
Choi Han knew the meaning of those words.
'I want to rest. I need to heal.'
That should be the meaning.
However, he now knew what Cale would say after that.
"Did Billos wake up yet?"
"Not yet, Cale-nim. Jack-nim has finished healing him and is watching his progress."
Billos had come to find Cale.
The bastard of the Flynn Merchant Guild came looking for Cale while severely injured and looking like a mess, asking Cale to stop the Flynn Merchant Guild.
'…Hunters.'
Choi Han's eyes were about to sink low when he saw the look in Cale's eyes and slightly flinched.
"Really?"
Cale's eyes showed no signs of resting just yet. Cale's gaze was cold but burning up. There was also a twisted smile on his face that didn't look gentle at all.
Choi Han thought that he knew what Cale would say next.
"We'll talk to Billos when he wakes up, but for now-"
"Yes, Cale-nim."
"Choi Han, I think you should know this."
"…Know what, Cale-nim?"
"The team leader is in Endable."
Choi Han subconsciously said the name that came to his mind.
"Lee Soo Hyuk?"
"Yeah."
Cale looked toward the east and calmly commented.
"There are too many things to do, so I can't rest."