And Jinwoo witnessed in that splendor how Cale smiled so wide, so alive, and so bright in the sparkle of the stars, in the sea of shining letters.

"Jinwoo-ya."

Ash-ya.

"Yeah?" Jinwoo replied with a smile just as wide and loving and gentle.

"Thank you very much, Jinwoo-ya."

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⚠ WARNING ⚠

Chapter full of Depression, Regret, Guilt, Ruination
But, there is also Softness in Angst :"
Cale is OOC but yes, it has to be OOC with his current situation. So, please be forgiving 🥺🙏

[Sung Jinwoo's POV]

After briefly explaining how he met Cale, the two women surnamed Sung finally left the room to ease their minds, while Kyunghye tried to find clothes for Cale.

Leaving Jinwoo with the man who was still asleep.

The 22-year-old spent hours sitting beside the bed. Solemnly observing the sleeping face of the red-haired beauty.

Cale Henituse was as beautiful as he had seen in Ashborn's memories. His cheekbones, though thinner, did not diminish the softness of his features. His eyelashes were long, sweeping across pale-skinned cheeks that contrasted with a pair of full, rosy lips. This coupled with the red hair framing the heart-shaped face, enticed Jinwoo to touch it.

So, yes, Jinwoo touched his hair. Admiring how soft the texture was. He wondered how it could still be this soft, considering Cale himself had slept for years. Doesn't it get brittle? Jinwoo's eyes went flat as his brain began to work out the answers to each of the strange questions that popped into his head.

Before he knew it, a ray of sunlight was streaming through his bedroom window. It signalled that it was morning.

And as the sunlight shone on the redhead's face, a disturbed expression was etched on it, which prompted an amused smile on Jinwoo's handsome face.

He raised his hand to block the rays. He watched with interest as Cale's face calmed down. Then he idly moved his hand. Stifling a giggle as the disturbed expression returned to that beautiful face.

"Don't disturb sleeping people...," Cale muttered, opening one eye at Jinwoo in annoyance, still using the language of his homeland.

"Ah, I'm sorry," Jinwoo said without any remorse, making the other man snort. Finally, the two jeweled reddish-brown orbs opened wide. They first stared at the ceiling, his wardrobe, the mirror, the wall, and then Jinwoo. His hand also moved weakly to touch the blanket.

"..."

No response, strange. Shouldn't Cale have been surprised by the world changing to modern?

"Can you sit down now?" Jinwoo asked in the language of the Roan Kingdom, one of the influences of Ashborn's memories. Cale gave a small frown.

"I feel like an old man in a nursing home... how is this possible?" Asked the redhead innocently, making Jinwoo try to hold back his amused smile.

"Need rehabilitation?" asked Jinwoo again, in a joking tone. Cale looked at him seriously and nodded.

"I think so. I don't want to break my back just from sitting." After staring at each other for a long time, Cale moved to try and sit up, Jinwoo reflexively helped him.

"Are there any broken bones?" Reddish-brown eyes stared at the taller man flatly.

"Do I let out a painful scream now?" Jinwoo shook his head, earning a soft chuckle from the other man.

"Here, try drinking some water first." The dark-haired man handed over a glass of water on his bedside table, bringing it up to Cale's lips.

"Thank you." Jinwoo nodded with a small smile.

"You're welcome."

Both of them fell silent again. Cale seemed to be thinking about something, and Jinwoo waited for the redhead's response. Grayish eyes looked at Cale's calm face, but his eyes held various expressions.

"Okay. A new beginning. Introduction time, my name is Cale Henituse. You can call me Cale. Greetings." The paler man looked at Jinwoo with a stern expression, before bowing in a formal manner from his seat on the bed.

"Greetings, Cale. My name is Sung Jinwoo. Just call me Jinwoo." The redhead nodded, and they fell back into silence.

"Jinwoo-ssi, I..." Cale's two hands came together, his two thumbs moving, seemingly not knowing what else to say.

Jinwoo could understand that.

Cale had been through a lot. Fighting multiple wars, then being taken away from the family that loved him, being left in the dark for so long, even his lover was now just a small fragment of soul.

"So, I can feel-"

The door to the room opened just like that. It revealed Jinwoo's mother who entered with a tray in her hand.

"Oh? Am I disturbing you?" Asked the woman with two children instantly feeling bad. She seemed to have interrupted an important conversation between the two men in front of her.

Cale shook his head. He seemed to understand what his mother was saying.

"It's okay, Mrs. Sung." The reply in Korean made Jinwoo widen his eyes in surprise.

Cale Henituse spoke Korean?

That was... surprising? Yes, that was very surprising to Jinwoo.

Since the man himself was from the era of the imperial age, his language was also completely different when speaking to Jinwoo. But, that reply was so eloquent with an accent, that Jinwoo dared to say either Busan or Daegu, or maybe Gwangju?

"How are you? Are you feeling better?" Kyunghye walked into the room, standing to the right of Jinwoo who was still sitting in his chair.

Cale, looked at the woman for a moment and was silent for a few minutes. Then a gentle smile appeared on his face as the red-haired man nodded.

"I'm doing well, Mrs. Sung. Thank you for your concern." The older woman blushed a little at the polite masculine voice with a gentleness that was addictive to the ears.

"Are you hungry? Jinwoo-ah brought you last night. You must have been through a lot..." Kyunghye sat on the edge of the bed, with the tray extended to Cale.

"Look at how thin your cheeks are. I think porridge is a good meal for now. Your stomach shouldn't be faced with anything heavy, then drink this warm water and milk too-" Jinwoo watched the interaction of the two people in front of him. For some reason, he felt nostalgic when he saw it.

A flash of memory flashed through his mind of the sight of his mother being replaced by a middle-aged woman with soft white hair and silver eyes full of tenderness. After blinking, they became his mother's usual features again.

Cale was silent as the other woman spoke. However, there was a smile on his face. It was as if talking to Kyunghye reminded the man of someone.

"Thank you for the food, Mrs. Sung. That's very kind of you. Even though we don't know each other yet," Cale said in a joking tone. Kyunghye widened her eyes, surprised that she had been so gracious to their guest.

"Really? But I feel like this isn't the first time we've met." Jinwoo's mother smiled awkwardly, though her eyes twinkled with pleasure as she looked at the man on the bed.

"Well then, how about we get acquainted? My name is Cale Henituse, just call me Cale, Mrs-"

"Well, now it's Kyung-Ahjumma for you, Cale-ya." Jinwoo watched silently as reddish-brown eyes widened with emotion. Lips parted softly, trembling before carving out a weak smile with eyes twinkling with longing.

Black Heart's mana buzz beat fast, sending the same feeling, an eagerness to touch the redhead to calm the man down.

"Alright then, I'll take care of Jinah, first. The change of clothes for Cale is on top of the washing machine, Jinwoo-ah." The Sung family's eldest nodded.

"Arasso, Eomma." The woman gave Cale a small smile, before walking out of the room. Leaving the two men in awkward silence.

"So, get on with it Jinwoo-ssi." The beautiful face with a calm expression turned its head, looking at the other man who was still sitting on the chair.

"How did you come to possess the 'Ashborn' Power Fragment?" asked Cale straight to the point. Both reddish-brown eyes glowed inquisitively, there was no judgment, no accusation against Jinwoo for stealing power. What a very calculative and thoughtful figure.

Not objecting to answering at all, Jinwoo told him everything from the beginning.

From his days as a Class-E Hunter.

Then almost dying in a dungeon that suddenly turned into Class-S.

Getting the System that made him grow strong until now.

Then defeating the Architect, the figure who gave him the System, where Black Heart was the item he earned.

The story was concise, but it was very clear and there were no lies. Cale listened carefully and attentively. After finishing, Jinwoo saw the pensive expression on the ruddy beauty's face.

20 minutes almost passed as Cale was lost in his own thoughts.

And Jinwoo waited patiently for the man.

"...So, Ash-ya left," Cale murmured suddenly with a trembling voice. Face downcast, his long red hair fell forward. Two frail hands reached out to touch it then squeezed it tightly.

"Time... has passed so much..." Cale's shoulders somehow looked smaller, making Jinwoo's heart ache to see his moon lover so sad in accepting reality.

"Everything is gone."

The smaller man's face lifted. The morning breeze blowing through the window as well as the penetrating sun made those reddish-brown eyes glisten with tears. My God, there was unspeakable pain, etched on that beautiful face. His lips trembled trying to hold back those tears, but failed as they already rolled down his thin cheeks.

The red hair framing that face instantly looked dull.

"I'm alone..."

Unable to let the other man get lost in his grief, Jinwoo unconsciously took Cale into his arms.

Large hands touched the crown of the red head, pushing Cale onto his broad shoulders, so that the other man could cry to his heart's content there. Jinwoo stroked his hair in a soothing motion, planted a gentle kiss upon his forehead and hummed the Velaris Kingdom's lullaby softly, making Cale cry his heart out.

"I'm here, Altalune," Jinwoo whispered back, helplessly trying to stop Cale's crying.

He was strong.

His shadow army was numerous.

He was a Class-S Hunter.

However, in an instant, that strength meant nothing to Jinwoo in front of Cale Henituse's tears.

The 'Ashborn' fragment in the Black Heart came out of nowhere, dark tendrils forming a hand that moved to stroke the top of Cale's head, making the man flinch momentarily. With slow movements, Cale broke free from Jinwoo's embrace, face looking up as the dark tendrils of the hand now touched his cheek.

Jinwoo's heart ached as he watched the fragile man lean into the tendrils. Closing his eyes and trying to find warmth in the cold, oppressive darkness.

The other man's hand then reached out, to grasp the right side of Cale's cheek. His thumb moved to wipe away the tears that were rolling down his thin cheeks. A sad smile was etched on Jinwoo's handsome face.

"Cale." Reddish-brown eyes opened, staring at Jinwoo with such a sad look.

"I'm still here."

Sung Jinwoo didn't know who said that.

Was it him or Ashborn inside.

Either way, he wanted to say it.

That Cale Henituse is not alone.

Even if in the darkness of the night the moon shone alone, there were thousands of stars circling around him.

"B-but, everyone is gone... I left them...," Cale sobbed, still shaking his head.

"Raon... On... Hong..."

"Then Choi Han... the Henituse family..."

"Hyungnim... Eruhaben-nim..."

"Even Ash-ya-" The 'Ashborn' fragment buzzed in protest. That, what Cale said was not true.

"Ash-ya has lost all his parts to save me..." Cale's two hands moved to grasp two hands, the dark tendrils of 'Ashborn' and Jinwoo himself.

"I'm so selfish, trashy, and evil-"

"NO!"

Jeweled reddish-brown eyes widened in surprise as the dark-haired man in front of him shouted. Black bangs shadowed a pair of gray beads with familiar silver flecks, glancing regretfully at Cale himself who was transfixed by the face in front of him.

"I am the evil one, my Altalune."

The man with the 'Ashborn' power fragment brought Cale back into his arms. Strong hands gripped the back of the soft red head with trembling movements.

"I promised to take you away from there."

"I promised to Raon. On. Hong."

"I promised to Choi Han."

"I promised to Alberu."

"I promised to the Henituse's."

"I promised to your entire family."

"I... promised to bring you back..."

The embrace released, Jinwoo's two hands now grasped the fragile man's cheek. The black tendrils of 'Ashborn' took turns to surround them with feelings of regret, love, longing, and pain.

"I'm sorry for being late, Cale."

Cale was silent. His reddish-brown eyes traced Jinwoo's face with a look of sadness and nostalgia. Then the man shook his head with a small smile, but it made Jinwoo even more devastated.

"Sorry... for making you so tormented by that burden... Ash-ya."

"I'm sorry..." And Cale's eyes closed just like that. Making the last Fragment of Shadow Monacrh startle and turn pale.

"Cale? Cale! CALE-!"

"Calm down, my Lord." Igris appeared from Cale's shadow. Trying to keep Jinwoo calm as Cale suddenly fainted.

"He's just overwhelmed." Breathing a sigh of relief, Jinwoo nodded reluctantly. The dark tendrils, which had been panicking, seemed to share his feelings of gratitude.

"Thank you, Igris." The shadow nodded and returned to its place.

With careful movements, Jinwoo laid Cale's body back on the bed, fixed a more comfortable position, and rubbed the cheek of the sleeping man. Silverish gray eyes gazed sadly at Cale's face.

What had been shining, was now dimmed by pain.

Pain that Sung Jinwoo knew would not just go away.

"Rest, my Altalune," the man whispered into the crown of the red head. His eyes then closed as he kissed Cale's forehead gently.

"I will take care of you."

The promise kept reciting in his heart like a prayer.

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[Cale Henituse's POV]

Three months had passed since he arrived in the Velaris Kingdom.

Cale had also sent many letters to Alberu, with the King of Velaris's permission of course.

They detailed information about the natural resources, the currency, the daily work, the building structures, the customs of the people, the food, the workings of the government and much more. Cale's eyes often looked critically at his letter sheet then at Ashborn olie Velaris who sat with a sweet smile in front of him.

"Hey, aren't you supposed to be alert when I write this letter? It will be sent to hyungni-ekhem, I mean the King of Roan." Ashborn shrugged his shoulders unconcernedly.

"After all, didn't you come here with the purpose of seeing my Kingdom, Commander Henituse?" Cale's face looked like he was holding back disgust, making the King burst out laughing. Highly amused by the red-haired man's reaction.

"Please, don't make a joke of that horrible nickname," Cale muttered unhappily as he prepared his letter.

Why not report it through the communication sphere? The reason was because the flow of mana in the Artlik Continent was different from the usual flow of mana.

If the continent of the Roan Kingdom focuses on nature, then this continent focuses on... astronomy? The sky was the basis of this continent's mana. So it was difficult to find a strong foundation to connect to the opposite continent.

"Is it done?" Cale nodded.

"Then, just send it with my Aris." A pure white eagle appeared from nothing and landed on the King's arm. For a moment, Cale silently admired the sight of the eagle.

"This is one of the powers passed down to the descendants of Velaris," Ashborn explained with an affectionate smile, stroking the eagle's front feathers, earning a soft hum from the mystical creature.

"Our eagle's message, sent through the stars in the sky." Cale's reddish-brown eyes widened in disbelief. The distance between the stars is far, how does that work-?

"Don't try to think logically in magical matters, Cale." Frowning at how easily Ashborn read him, Cale then held out his letter.

"Here, please take it to Alberu Crossman, King of the Roan Kingdom and my hyungnim." The eagle, Aris, bit the letter with its beak and disappeared in an instant.

Faintly, Cale could hear that there was a lot of noise outside.

"Ah, in a few days, we will have an important festival." Brown-red eyes twinkled unhappily, at Ashborn who was smiling cheerfully at him.

"Don't read my mind-"

"I'm not." Hitting people when annoyed is perfectly legitimate, isn't it?

"Come with me, Cale." The former war commander snorted, and leaned back lazily on his sofa. It did not matter that his current interlocutor was a King from a foreign continent.

"Well, either way I'm coming. The children and Choi Han will definitely be there." Ashborn smiled amusedly, imagining Cale with a distressed face accompanying his family to the festival.

"Then, I'll come with you." Cale's face took on a confused expression.

"But, what about Princess Cassiopei-"

"She has an appointment with Mary and Hannah."

"...Lady Narci-"

"Mother is not very fond of festivals. However, I heard that she has a tea appointment with Eruhaben-nim." Ashborn's smile widened even more as Cale was forced to let out a resigned sigh. His reddish-brown eyes tried to avoid looking at the hopeful face of the younger man in front of him.

Yes. Younger.

Cale himself was already 26 years old, almost 27.

While this Velaris King in front of him was 25 years old.

"Hahhh... you are a king. You can do whatever you want and go wherever you want, right?" Cale laughed back at Ashborn.

"Hehehe. Indeed, but not when it comes to Cale." The reddish-haired man's eyes blinked in confusion.

"Me?" The king nodded with a sweet smile. Not intending to clarify, it made Cale snort. He did not insist because he was feeling lazy.

"Tell me about the festival." Having grown tired of the silence, Cale gave his full focus to the King.

"It's a festival that is always held when winter is coming. Our ancestors, the founders of Velaris, built this kingdom in winter, right under a thousand stars. So, it is customary for our kingdom to perform rituals." Cale nodded with interested eyes. Ashborn smiled and continued her story.

"This ritual is performed by the Royal family, to worship The Absolute One, for providing 'light' in the midst of the winter storms sweeping across the Artlic Continent."

"The Absolute One?" The king nodded, then his hand pointed to the ceiling of the room they were in.

Cale looked up as well, seeing the ancient paintings on the ceiling.

"Almost like God. No one knows for sure about The Absolute One. But He was the only bright spot in the darkness of that time." Ashborn's smile softened as the wind came in and blew through his snow-white hair under the sunlight. His silver eyes seemed to ripple at the thought of His God, momentarily making Cale almost blink at the visual of the other man.

"Sounds like it will be very grand." The gentle smile turned into a smug smile.

"Of course! I'm sure, surely Cale will love it!" Cale's heart sank. He would rather stay at home and fall asleep in his warm bed. Rather than busying himself in public.

However, seeing Ashborn who was so cheerful, Cale decided against it.

"Alright. I'm looking forward to it."

*******

The Festival and Ritual preparations were indeed 'as grand' as Ashborn had said.

"Whoah! Human! Everything looks so shiny!" The little dragon (who was actually transforming to shrink) gazed in amazement at the surrounding scenery.

"That's right! It's so beautiful! Full of flowers and clouds!"

"Hong! Stay close!"

"Kids, don't split up!" Poor Choi Han chased after the three hyperactive children with a resigned and happy smile on his face.

Cale, on the other hand walked more slowly. With Ashborn by his side.

Reddish eyebrows twitched for a moment. Resisting the urge to run away from all the eyes looking at them.

"I'm sorry. Is my presence unpleasant for you?" Seemingly very sensitive, Ashborn asked with a worried and sad face. For a moment, it made Cale's heart feel instantly uneasy.

"Not really. It's just that it's very crowded here," Cale replied softly, not wanting the King to worry. Cale might get into trouble if others thought he was scolding their King.

"Then, let's change places?" Cale glanced at Choi Han who was still faithfully accompanying the semi-teenagers to play.

"Yes." Cale then called Choi Han and said that he would wait in the park. The coordination point would be sent to Raon.

The knight glanced back and forth between Cale and Ashborn, before nodding and giving the King a stern look.

"Please take good care of Cale-nim, Your Majesty." ... Why would Choi Han tell a King to take care of a commoner like Cale? Shouldn't Cale be the one given the order since Ashborn is a King?

Ashborn nodded with a stern face, like he was given a holy mission by Choi Han.

"Of course, Choi Han-nim. I will guard Cale with all my life." The red-haired man somehow felt embarrassed at the ridiculous promise.

Why did Ashborn have to be that serious?

It wasn't like Cale was going to get hurt or anything.

"Come on, Cale." Sighing, the shorter man nodded. Patting Choi Han's shoulder twice, waving goodbye to the children, before leaving to follow behind King Velaris.

Ashborn brought him to the park near the temple for the Ritual tonight. The park was a little far from the temple, but it was currently devoid of people. Everyone was busy preparing for tonight's ritual.

The temple itself was located in front of the Velaris Kingdom building. Cale was skeptical at first, feeling that the King was taking him to a more crowded place.

However, surprisingly, this place was quite quiet with a view of the Silver Pelia flowers surrounding the garden and pond making it a breathtaking sight.

"Haahh... thank you for bringing me here," Cale murmured as he relaxed sitting on the garden chair built above the pond. The wind was blowing gently, making his unbound reddish hair fly in the breeze.

This was... the slacker life, filled with peace that Cale wanted.

Everything was good.

No problems.

Peace and prosperity.

His eyes then caught the architecture of the temple that was built majestically with white marble. On the outside, there was a long golden carved white cloth covering the open part.

It was beautiful.

The Kingdom of Velaris felt like the fairy tale world that Fantasy genre lovers dreamed of in Kim Rok Soo's world.

"-how is it, Cale?"

"Hmmm, beautiful scenery," Cale replied inexplicably. Making Ashborn smile radiantly.

"I'm glad I was born and raised in this kingdom. Even adding my duties as King, it feels very instinctive and not burdensome to rule. It's as if Velaris is blessed with every favor from The Absolute One and His world."

Ashborn smiled.

"Hm. I can see that."

Silence fell over them again. Cale, who could feel the gaze of the other refrained from clicking his tongue.

"Just say what you want to say, Your Highness." Ashborn's face inexplicably turned a bit red as he nodded.

"E-eh, that's fine... it's just that, I would like to personally escort you during the ritual tonight... if you don't mind?" Cale was actually almost horrified by this aspect of the King's proposal. Him? Being invited to an important ritual? With the Royal family? And in front of people-?

"It won't be crowded!" seeing Cale's face turning pale, made Ashborn immediately try to calm the other man down, but he couldn't help but laugh amusedly at the other former war commander's extreme reaction.

"Only those closest to the family can come... no blood ties needed, as long as it's someone you trust..." the silver-haired man's two hands clenched into fists, as his face turned bright red.

"...I am flattered that you 'trust' me so much, Your Highness." Ashborn's face became sullen.

"Didn't I tell you to just call me 'Ashborn'?"

"Yeah, yeah, Ashborn."

"Eheheheh, are you coming? I've prepared clothes for you." You even thought of that already?

Seeing the King's sweet smile made Cale let out a resigned sigh. Even though Ashborn was still young, his mind was not free from manipulative taint. Even to the point of making Cale come to his family ritual!

"Alright."

*******

"Whoah... human... you... you look like a dragon!"

"It's true! Cale is so beautiful!"

"Cale is pretty!"

"So handsome, Cale-nim!"

At the praise of his three children, Choi Han smiled contentedly with a flowery aura emanating around him. Somehow it was nice to see Cale getting such a special treatment from the Foreign Continent.

His reddish-brown eyes stared at the mirror and he had to restrain the urge to throw himself onto the bed.

His current appearance was very... good.

He felt very holy wearing these clothes. It almost reminded Cale of the sensation experienced when he disguised himself as a priest.

Glancing at the mirror, he gazed at each intricate silver-colored carving on the hem of his fine white outfit. It was almost like Japanese traditional clothing, but more plain without the Obi at the waist, wrapped from the shoulders with silver pins that extended to the knees. His long red hair was decorated with a simple braid, tied back with a white ribbon and small silver Pelia flowers around his hair.

The three children and Choi Han were actually wearing the same clothes, just not as grand as Cale's. Except for On who was dressed up like a little princess.

The door was knocked and Ashborn walked in as Cale invited him in.

He could feel the other man freeze inexplicably. His two silver orbs widened, staring at Cale so intently, as if the sight of him being dressed up was shocking to the other man.

"... Ashborn?" The children's laughter then sounded. They surrounded the King with slyly grinning eyes.

"Is our Cale very beautiful, Your Majesty?" On smiled so sweetly.

"Isn't he? Isn't he?" Hong replied just as sweetly.

"Of course our father is enchanting! He's the father of the great and mighty dragon Raon Miru!" chimed in Raon not to be outdone, transforming himself into a human form (acquired a year ago), which resembled Cale, only in a black-haired and blue-eyed version.

"Yes... very beautiful." Choi Han covered a smile with his hand. Staring back and forth between the King who was still mesmerized and the confused Cale.

Cale on the other hand observed Ashborn's appearance and could not help but associate how similar they both looked. The difference was that the King wore a crown on his head and wore pants that were as long as a calf. But, Cale also wore pants, only shorter and covered by the outer layer of his clothes.

"Ah, beforehand, please accept my gift, Cale." The king shyly came forward, taking something out of his robe. The four spectators immediately made way, observing the interaction of the two people in front of them with identical silly smiles.

"Here."

A diadem.

The sparkling Reddish-brown eyes squinted reluctantly.

Okay. The diadem looked very simple, small, and elegant. But, its quality did not mask the preciousness of the gift and its luxurious quality. However there was no denying that it was an ornament for women. Why would a King who had only known him for three months give Cale a gift like this? Moreover, he was a man.

"I thought of you when I saw this diadem," Ashborn murmured, stepping forward so that they were only three feet apart. Cale was forced to look up slightly due to their height difference.

"So, I'm giving this gift to you." Cale wanted to refuse. He swears. His pride as a man had been tarnished over and over again. But again, those puppy dog eyes appeared, somehow Cale had a soft spot for that look. Did Ashborn secretly learn it from the children and Choi Han?

"Alright." Oh gosh, Ashborn's smile was almost blinding.

"Let me put it on for you, Cale."

Gently and carefully, Ashborn raised both hands. Cale subconsciously lowered his head and closed his eyes, feeling as Ashborn's cool cool fingers touched his forehead, almost reverently placing the diadem upon his head.

After Cale thought he was done, he opened his eyes slowly while looking up.

His eyes widened even more when two large hands moved to stroke the red hair around his face that rested on both cheeks.

The gaze that was so warm, soft and adoring overwhelmed Cale. There was a smile on his face, a face so beautiful it was like it was sculpted by gods, with pure white hair shadowing his starry silver eyes that seemed to ripple with light.

Ashborn addressed Cale with a whisper, that he was a precious thing.

"You are so beautiful, Altalune."

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[Cale Henituse's POV]

A gentle rub on the cheek made Cale Henituse wake up from his long dream. The puffiness felt around his face made Cale realize that he was crying over memories again. Hands clenched, realizing that he was back to reality where all the memories he saw...would never exist again.

"Cale?" a soft, caring voice interrupted Cale's inner turmoil. With teary eyes, and a heart broken by unspeakable sadness, longing, and pain, Cale glanced at Sung Jinwoo.

It hurt so much.

To face this reality.

That everyone was gone.

Leaving him here, alone.

"I-I'm..." Jinwoo knelt down from his seat, bringing himself closer to Cale who was still enveloped in tears.

"I'm alone..." Cale felt very broken now.

He knew that his attitude and reaction now was not him. He who would normally think rationally, calm down and find a solution if the opportunity arose.

However, a crueler reality shattered that wall of calm.

That Cale had been gone for hundreds of years.

His family must have all died.

His home was so far away, he was in the middle of nowhere.

Even Ashborn... had lost his 'self' to sacrifice his very being to save Cale.

.... Why did everything have to happen to him?

.... What was Cale's fault?

.... What was Rok Soo's fault?

.... Is it wrong to feel happy? Peaceful? To want a Rich Slacker Life?

The suffocating feeling became more and more intense, his chest stifled. Cale felt himself losing control, on the verge of losing his sanity to madness and despair.

"Cale!" Jinwoo's voice and the darkness of 'Ashborn' came like a foreign comfort. They tried to help him catch his breath, though the unpleasant sounds still echoed in his mind.

The gentle hand then touched his cheek again, turning Cale's dead gaze to a pair of grayish beads with familiar silver flecks.

"Cale, calm yourself." No way! How could he calm down when he realized that he was the only one alive while the others were gone-!

"Ashborn will be wrecked with guilt if you destroy yourself Cale." At that remark, the reddish-haired man froze. His eyes widened as he stared in silence at the last fragments of Ashborn surrounding him.

"I know I don't deserve to say it, Cale, but-" A very familiar smile appeared on Jinwoo's handsome face with a twinkle in his eyes that was so... loving...

"-let Ashborn say something." The darkness around him buzzed in agreement. Say what...? What is there to say?

Cale's eyes caught the darkness transforming into tendrils of hands that moved to touch his cheeks. Making the other fragile man almost break down in tears again. This touch that was so cold and cool... Ash-ya...

My Altalune... My love Cale...

"Yes, Ash-ya... it's me, your Cale..." faintly, he could feel the darkness smiling at him.

Please... don't be sad, okay? I can't sleep well if I think of my sullen lover crying all the time... Cale laughed wetly, with tears starting to flow again.

My powers are limited now... I'm just a fragment of Ashborn's remaining power... I kept all our memories in Velaris Temple...

"The new bed you made?" The darkness buzzed amusedly.

Yes. All the answers were there... Slightly soothed by Ashborn's soft voice, Cale nodded absentmindedly though still gulped after feeling a little calmer.

And... do you still remember Aris, Cale? Although confused, the one asked only nodded. A magical eagle that could send messages through stars to stars. Vaguely, the red-haired man could feel Ashborn's darkness buzzing softly, sending a million feelings of love into his soul and making his eyes tear up again.

Look for a place with the estuary of millions of stars and call Aris. There is a surprise for you there, my love. Just as Cale was about to ask, Ashborn's soul voice interrupted him again.

For now, rest Cale. Fix yourself up, eat well, and sleep. I will always be with you if you call for me... Reluctantly Cale nodded, earning another smile from Ashborn's darkness. He could feel the fragments power weaken slightly and return to Jinwoo's body.

"For now, Ashborn will rest first." Seeing Cale so worried and pale made Jinwoo raise his voice. The numbness in his legs did not make him complain as he watched the other red-haired man.

Cale, on the other hand, nodded again and tried to sit up too suddenly, Jinwoo swiftly helped the other man. His hands moved to bring the red strands from the front of Cale's face behind his ears. He smiled sadly at the sight of the other man's red and swollen eyes. A state that was the complete opposite of his nature Jinwoo had seen in Ashborn's memories.

"Thank you, Jinwoo-ssi...," Cale muttered, having regained his composure. Shame and guilt began to creep into his heart. For acting so unlike him earlier, crying, roaring and even destroying himself.

"And forgive me-"

"There's nothing to forgive, Cale." Cut Jinwoo off firmly, making the smaller man flinch momentarily before nodding absentmindedly.

"Remember what Ashborn said?" The red head involuntarily thought and the empty reddish-brown eyes blinked twice.

"Fix yourself up?" smiling, Jinwoo nodded.

"And then?"

"... eat?"

"Yes. So, for now, you need to clean up, eat well and rest."

"But-!" Velaris Temple-!

"Ashborn will be sad if you force yourself to go there, Cale." Biting his lip, Cale reluctantly nodded. Then, he thought, his current state would certainly be a burden to Jinwoo.

He was very weak now. His plate was shaking and thin, there wasn't even an echo of the sound of his ancient power. His body, legs and hands were all stiff from not moving for a long time, his long red hair felt a little greasy, and he was thin from not eating normally for a long time.

Cale's current state was... embarrassing.

"I..."

"Eat this first Cale," Jinwoo said, holding up the reheated porridge. Cale eyed the food, feeling his own stomach now vocalizing with hunger.

"...Thank you, Jinwoo-ssi." Both hands tried to lift up, and succeeded albeit weakly. It certainly did not go unnoticed by Jinwoo himself.

"Let me feed you." Cale wanted to protest that he was not a child and was not that weak as to need help to eat.

"Come on Cale. There's no need to be embarrassed. It's not your fault for becoming weakened like this," Jinwoo's words were not meant to hurt.

Resigned, he accepted the mouthful of porridge and his eyes widened as the 'real' taste exploded in his senses. Unconsciously, this made him feel nostalgic. Because it had been a long time since he had tasted real food, and somehow it made his eyes tear up again.

.... he was feeling very emotional right now... forgive him...

The meal ended with Jinwoo painstakingly cleaning Cale's mouth area with a tissue.

"How are you feeling now?" asked the taller man, arranging the dirty plates and drink glasses on his bedside table.

"Better," Cale replied obediently.

"Now, what do you want to do? Except to the temple of Velaris." Cale's eyebrows stifled a twitch. Jinwoo deliberately said the last sentence knowing that it was what Cale wanted right now.

"... cut my hair and take a shower," Cale mumbled lazily, glancing at his long hair out of the corner of his eye.

"Okay." Jinwoo then swiftly tried to carry Cale into his arms which was immediately stopped by the red-haired man.

"... What are you doing?" Confused, Jinwoo innocently tilted his head with a questioning look.

"Carrying you?" Cale refrained from clicking his tongue.

"I can stand on my own-" Not caring, Jinwoo lifted him off the ground, forcing Cale to hug the dark-haired man's broad, solid shoulders for stability.

"Hey-!"

"Not yet. Forcing you to move could cause you to hurt your nerves. You haven't moved in a long time, Cale." Ugh... these words were actually rather offensive to Cale's inner self, but, ah well...

The door to the room opened, and Cale couldn't help but feel a little embarrassment creeping up his cheeks at the sight of the two women in the living room who turned to look at them.

"Ah, Cale-ya!" greeted Kyung-ahjumma with a smug smile. Cale refrained from smiling sadly. Seeing with blank eyes how Lady Narcissia von Velaris's shadow overlapped with Sung Kyunghye's Korean face.

"... Kyung-ahjumma." The middle-aged woman smiled sweetly.

"Eomma, please help cut Cale's hair," Jinwoo asked without preamble, telling the younger woman, 'Jinah' to take a long chair.

When the two women, Kyunghye and Jinah, returned with their equipment, Cale was seated on the chair, a white cloth was placed over his front and a hair clip was applied, making Cale's face now clearly visible to the two women.

"Wow..." Cale refrained from smiling. Seeing Jinah somehow made him think of Princess Cassiopeia olie Velaris.

"What kind of haircut do you want, Cale-ya?" glancing once more at the red hair dangling on the floor, Cale gave a small hum.

"Just this much please, Kyung-ahjumma." Cale pointed to the limit of his arm. It was quite long and was the state of his hair before the long sleep.

"Alright, please hold your head for a while, dear." Blushing slightly at the unfamiliar attention, Cale nodded.

Okay.

He had already decided.

For now, he would take care of himself first. Eat and rest until he could cooperate to go to Velaris' temple or summon Aris.

Cale could patiently wait that long.

After all, he had waited years to be freed.

... he could do it again.

.
.
.

[Sung Jinwoo's POV]

A handsome face was etched with a small smile at the sight of Jinah who had the courage to interact with Cale. He was also glad to see that the two family members did not cross the line when asking Cale questions, remembering how swollen and reddened Cale's face was from crying, so the redhead would not be overwhelmed.

He also started thinking about the diet Cale should go on, then his clothes, maybe a new apartment to make room for Cale, and maybe taking Cale to see Seoul-

His cell phone rang.

Somewhat annoyed at having his mental plans interrupted, Jinwoo picked it up, finding Jinho's message asking where he was now. There was even one from Woo Jin Chul, the Chairman of the Hunter Association, and another notification that mentioned the Ahjin Guild.

With Cale's current situation, he could not pay attention to the Hunter World.

So, with firmness, coldness, and precision, he sent short messages to Jinho and Jinchul.

Satisfied, Jinwoo looked back at his family, transfixed at the sight of Cale's new hairstyle that had been cut to a waist, the shorter facial area that framed his aristocratic face, and the shy expression at Jinah's praise and his mother Kyunghye's laughter.

It warmed Jinwoo's heart.

It was a bit surprising to him that he himself almost thought how numb he had been feeling lately.

"My Liege, our Queen really has earned his absolute position in my Liege's family's heart. This one is very happy-"

Silence. Beru hunkered down in the corner. Vaguely, he could feel Iron laughing at Beru, which made the two shadows argue in his mind. And was soon mediated by Igris and Tank.

"A worthy candidate for Queen." Even Tusk was 'crazy' like Beru? Jinwoo sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Jinwoo-ah?"

"Ah, nde, Eomma?" The woman who called him smiled.

"I'm ready to cut Cale's hair. If he wants to take a bath, his clothes are still in place." Jinwoo nodded.

"Then, I'll see you later, Cale-Oppa!" Jinah smiled widely as Cale nodded briefly with his usual calm face.

Jinwoo moved, as if it was his habit to carry Cale in his arms. Even the weight of the man in his arms felt familiar as well as indulgent. Feeling the warmth as Cale's head rested on his shoulder, feeling safe with Jinwoo.

Beru's weeping cries over the beauty and romance of his Lieges were easily ignored by Jinwoo.

He walked to the bathroom, and smiled at the thoughtfulness of his family who had prepared warm water in the bathtub.

"I-I... can open it myself." Jinwoo's hand that was moving to undress Cale immediately stopped. Jinwoo didn't even realize that he considered undressing Cale as habit. Jinwoo's tan face turned bright red.

"A-ah, s-sorry, Cale." The redhead shook his head and glanced to the other side of the room, avoiding to look at Jinwoo.

"I-it's okay... I understand it's because you want to help," Cale muttered. The taller one nodded feeling slightly embarrassed, getting a screech from Iron in his mind. The shadow shouted 'why not touch the Queen-!' which immediately made Jinwoo send an order to Igris to slap the shadow.

His hands that were already feeling more energized painstakingly removed the white clothes he was wearing. Jinwoo, could glance at how the red-haired man gently stroked the clothes and smiled slightly.

"Please don't throw these clothes away..." The eldest of the Sung family nodded and accepted the folded Velaris Kingdom traditional clothes. For a moment, he admired its preserved quality and it felt soft and cool in his hands.

"I'll help wash your hair." Cale looked like he wanted to refuse, but soon realized how weak he was, and could only nod.

After soaking his body with warm water and soap, which covered almost the entire bathtube, Cale turned his back on Jinwoo who was ready with shampoo in his hands.

"Sorry to trouble you, Jinwoo-ssi." The man in question shook his head. Not objecting at all to helping a beautiful-hearted man like Cale.

"That's fine. I'm glad I could help you, Cale. No matter how small it is, it will never trouble me."

"Awww... since when did Our Lord become so romantic?" Hmm... Iron was very brave.

"My Liege is already talented! Even in wooing the Queen! This is what is needed in the smooth running of our Royal household."

"Right!"

"Harmony!"

"Our Queen is beautiful!"

"Pretty!"

"His neck is so pure white-!"

Igris. The shampoo almost crumbled in Jinwoo's hands.

Choke and cut them all in half.

"Aaaahhhh-!"

"Kyaakkk~!"

"Jinwoo-ssi?" The murderous aura immediately disappeared, and Jinwoo regretted (+was grateful) when Cale looked at him. With an innocent and confused face, even with the fatigue on his face, it did not hinder the beauty he possessed.

His pale face now had a pearly glow. With water dripping down his chin and wet red hair framing his face like tendrils around his cheeks and neck, Cale looked mystical, like a god created to seduce and enchant every human eye.

In addition, his two reddish-brown orbs, which had a jewel-like radiance, seemed to glaze over as he looked at Jinwoo. Plus the small peek over his shoulder, the two hands curled up in the water...

... so beautiful ...

"Our queen is beautiful! Omaigawt! My Liegeee huhuhuhu-!"

"Beautiful!"

"Pretty!"

"Queen!"

Jinwoo instantly wanted to lock up tight so that his shadows wouldn't come out. Just as he was about to do so, his grayish eyes widened as he felt the Ashborn's power coming out and it was also threatening in his Shadow's mind.

"Don't.. look.. at.. Cale.. with your SINFUL EYES! MOTHERFUCKERS-!"

"Arrhhh!"

"Kyaakkk!"

"AaaaAAaaHHHhhh!"

Jinwoo let out a tired sigh, unconsciously pinching back his lifeline, feeling his head start to throb at the war in his Shadow's mind.

"-Jinwoo-ssi? Are you okay?" His reverie was broken as Cale's voice rose an octave to pure worry.

"Uh, I-I'm fine... it's just that my shadow army is very noisy." A smile of understanding and nostalgia was etched on Cale's face.

"I can understand that. Sometimes, my ancient power are also very noisy and fight a lot." Jinwoo then opened the shampoo and started washing Cale's red hair.

"Really? If I'm not mistaken, there are... six?" Cale nodded, occasionally humming as Jinwoo's fingers massaged the older figure's head.

"Uh huh... there's Glutton, Crybaby, Thief, Super Rock, Cheapskate, Crazy Kid..." Cale said softly as Jinwoo began to clean every inch of Cale's red hair.

The atmosphere around them was peaceful at the moment with Cale, who had calmed down, recounting his every memory and remembrance of home.

Jinwoo responded, telling him about his family, his experiences while exploring the Dungeons, and the times he had gotten his Shadow Army.

They shared their stories peacefully.

There were no secrets.

There was already a comfort and trust between them.

It was strange, but it was as if they had known each other for a long time.

*******

Jinwoo couldn't help but frown at the messy red hair under his towel.

By this time, Cale had finished bathing, and was wearing Jinwoo's simple clothes from before. It came as a surprise to the man in question that he was once this small, he had to consider the drastic changes he must have undergone after receiving the Architect's system.

"What a disgrace! There are no couple's clothes for our Lieges!" Beru exclaimed vehemently. It was unacceptable to see his Queen wearing a soft cream-colored sweater like macaroon, while his Liege was wearing all black like a funeral!

"I wholeheartedly request you to change your clothes, my Liege! A King should always match with his Queen to promote harmony in the household-!"

Igris.

"No! Don't send me away!"

With the distraction gone, it was Jinwoo's turn to focus on tending to Cale.

After drying Cale's hair with a hair dryer, he combed the reddish hair slowly and carefully. Once done, he took a hair tie, gently pulled the front hair back and tied it expertly.

This caused Jinwoo to blink in confusion for a moment, because he had never managed to braid Jinah's hair when they were kids.

Suddenly he became so talented like this, in taking care of Cale, was it because of the influence of Ashborn's memories?

"It's done."

Cale turned his head with a swish of hair. Eyes rimmed with lustrous reddish lashes glanced at his new appearance, at the long cream sweater that covered his arms and thighs paired with dark brown pants, then at his neatly tied hair and bangs around his forehead and cheeks. His eyes then looked at the mirror in Jinwoo's room and widened slightly as he traced his appearance.

It must be because the modern outfit is different from the outfit in his royal days.

"This is what you wore when...?"

"Ah, 1 year ago." Jinwoo's answer was met with a flat stare.

"... even if this is in your high school, the clothes were still this big," Cale muttered, incredulous at his outfit, then realized how big and tall Jinwoo was now.

Male puberty was scary sometimes.

From small, soft, and adorable, they could become big and intimidating as adults.

But, is this the body limit of Cale Henituse?

... because he is 27... no, over a hundred years old?

"Haahh..." A long, tired sigh made Jinwoo nervous. Is something wrong? Was Cale sad again? Remembering something painful-?

"Jinwoo-ah, Cale-ya, it's time for dinner." Both heads turned in unison as the door to the room was knocked.

"Arasso, Eomma."

"Alright, Kyung-ahjumma."

They said simultaneously again, making both of them glance at each other and smile amusedly at each other.

At the simple dining table, Jinah was seated next to Kyunghye, facing Jinwoo and Cale. Where Jinwoo was facing Jinah, Kyunghye was facing Cale.

"Our Royal family dinner!" Poor Igris. Suddenly becoming Beru's handler who had been very noisy all day.

"Our Queen is already very welcome by our King's family. Indeed, our King's choice is so ugh-jjang!" And Iron was another one, his snickering could not be hidden.

Once at peace within himself, Jinwoo switched activities to observe Cale with a small smile, who was currently browsing through the home cooked meal on the table. There was a look of interest in his ruddy brown eyes. Bulgogi, Japchae, Kimchi, even a desert of Gimbap. Both Sung children looked up at their mother who was now smiling embarrassedly.

"Sorry, there's a lot of food, isn't there? I wanted to show off a little to Cale..." mumbled Kyunghye scratching her cheeks which had a small blush.

"It's okay, ahjumma. It's been a while since I've had Korean food," Cale replied soothingly with a beautiful little smile, making both women surnamed Sung blush a little in response.

"Really? Then, can you eat with chopsticks, Cale-Oppa? I've brought a spoon and fork for you!" exclaimed Jinah cheerfully -earning happy smiles from Jinwoo and Kyunghye- at the nodding redhead.

"I can use chopsticks." As if to prove it, Jinah and Kyunghye clapped lightly as Cale expertly wielded the chopsticks. It was like he was used to eating with them, something that did not go unnoticed by Jinwoo.

"Whoah! You're holding them like an expert! Try lifting this meat-!"

"Jinah, it's rude to ask that of our guest."

"But, Eomma! Cale-Oppa is a westerner! It must be so interesting to see them expertly eat with chopsticks!"

"It's okay, ahjumma. Let me indulge your daughter's curiosity a little." Smiling wickedly, Cale expertly brought the Bulgogi cutlet onto the rice, and with chopsticks lifted it up and ate it in one big mouthful. It made his cheeks puff up like a hamster, making Jinwoo have to resist the urge to pinch or bite those milky white cheeks.

"Oppa! Did you secretly learn how to eat Asian food at your house? You're so good!" Jinwoo exclaimed with starry eyes, earning a laugh from Kyunghye.

"Hmm... you can say that? Asian food is very delicious and healthy." Cale then put on a small, memorable smile.

"Kids like you need to eat well and be happy in order to grow up great and strong." Jinwoo could feel the longing in Cale's words, which were wrapped in tenderness and warmth. Ashborn's feelings echoed lovingly in his heart as his own heart was inexplicably racing right now.

"Uh... I'm not a child!" protested Jinah, not accepting being called that. Cale just chuckled and shook his head.

"Please don't get your hopes up about becoming an adult, Jinah-ya. Being an adult is boring." Cale sent Kyunghye and Jinwoo an apologetic look. But there was no denying that being an adult was annoying and tiring.

"Just enjoy the times when you can be spoiled and playful, Jinah. It's okay not to be strong right now, because becoming strong is a process." Cale's smile widened to one full of light and happiness.

"Playing, sleeping, and eating is one of the long processes." Jinwoo couldn't hide an amused smile when he heard that. Kyunghye who chuckled and Jinah who blushed and nodded shyly.

"Kajja, let's eat?"

.
.
.

[Cale Henituse's POV]

Dinner ended with Jinah and Jinwoo fussing over Cale, not letting him help with the dishes and Kyunghye putting the leftovers into the refrigerator. The peaceful atmosphere among the Sung family made what Cale had experienced earlier almost seem like a dream.

That all he was doing right now was visiting Jinwoo's house, waiting to be picked up by Ashborn and returning home to be greeted by Raon, On, Hong, Choi Han, and the others...

"Cale?" his reverie was quickly interrupted when he heard Jinwoo's voice coming into the room.

"Are you okay?" smiling wanly, Cale nodded briefly. He would try to keep his mind straight and not break down, so that the incident of him being so 'broken' would not happen again like before.

Jinwoo, who seemed to be sensitive to his mood, immediately squatted in front of Cale who was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Are you sure Cale?" biting his lip, holding back the trembling and choking, Cale nodded helplessly.

"Then, are you ready?" at this question, the owner of twilight hair's eyes widened.

"Ready for what?" Sung Jinwoo smiled, leaving Cale slightly stunned at the gentleness exuded by the other man.

"Looking for Aris."

Cale froze. The memory of Ashborn introducing Aris to him flashed. The letters, Alberu's funny surprised look upon receiving a special letter from the white eagle, the sound of children's laughter and Choi Han's amused smile....

Aris.

One of the powers of the Ashborn family that is said to remain immortal and connected to every star and galaxy. The Ashborn power fragment also told him to go find Aris.

As if hypnotized by Jinwoo's words, Cale nodded. Unconsciously, the layout of their different worlds began to come to mind. In Cale Henituse's world, the part of the continent that had a view of thousands of stars in the sky was in the Arctic Sky. In the Northern Continent Kingdom, Velaris, as the name implies, is a city under the stars. So it would definitely be much different from the image of the continent on Sung Jinwoo's and Kim Rok Soo's earth.

"Jinwoo, where is the place that has a view of thousands of stars in the sky?" Cale saw the other man thinking and opened his cell phone.

Ah... it had been a long time since he had seen that modern luxury item. Has it been almost nine years? Uh... Cale meant hundreds of years...

"I guess we could go here?" pointed Jinwoo at one of the website readings, showing the first place held by San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. Some photos were also attached that this area was the best spot to see stars and the Milky Way.

"Let's go."

Cale found himself blinking as Jinwoo swiftly carried him bridal style, and they were consumed by darkness. It was soothing, being devoured by the strange darkness that had the smell of Ashborn in it. Cale unconsciously leaned on the younger man's shoulder, not realizing that Jinwoo flinched and blushed slightly at his actions.

Jinwoo moved them on top of a tall building slightly away from the city.

"Kaisel."

A shadowy wyvern with a majestic and formidable appearance appeared in front of them. Cale unconsciously utters a small 'whoa'. The head of one of Jinwoo's shadows then bowed its head to them, and moved to brush Cale's cheek, making the redhead startle and reflexively move her hand to caress the shadow.

Strange.

The surface looked solid, but simultaneously ghostly and misty.

They then boarded the wyvern, and left at high speed towards the location.

"Can't you just go straight there like moving through the shadow, Jinwoo-ssi?" The person being asked shook his head.

"I haven't marked the place yet, so the Shadow Exchange cannot be used." Cale nodded in understanding and as a slight chill hit him, he unconsciously snuggled deeper into Jinwoo's arms.

"Are you cold, Cale?" The red head weakly raised his head and nodded.

Jinwoo sent out his mana and Ashborn's power fragments, leaving Cale instantly surrounded by the warm feeling of his lover's dark power. The younger man also covered the other man with his black coat, leaving a thin black shirt as his top.

The journey seemed very long.

Cale watched the sky and surrounding scenery with a silent gaze. Observing the clouds above them, the leaves in the night breeze, the dark forests and seas, then the sea of light from city to city. The glimpse brought a small smile to Cale's face. Kim Rok Soo's strong sense of nostalgia swept through his heart.

Memories with Choi Jungsoo and Lee Soohyuk came to mind. The laughter of his team after work and getting together for drinks at the restaurant, Jungsoo's annoying habit of interrupting his breaks, or Soohyuk's warm pat on the head when he remembered Roksoo's farmer's dream that he had pasted on his office PC screen.

Then, memories as Cale Henituse also came to mind. How he woke up as Cale, trying to avoid Ron's lemon tea, Beacrox's delicious cooking, Choi Han who was hard to keep away, On and Hong who were adorable in cat form, Raon Miru who always fell asleep beside him, Alberu who was stressed out with his work, Rosalyn, Lock, Mary, Eruhaben-.

"Cale. We've arrived."

Cale's teary eyes opened wide when he saw the sky dotted with thousands of stars welcoming him. They landed near a snow-capped mountain, towering in front of them and far away from people. Considering one of the researches was set up here because there were some areas that had not seen rain for almost 400 years and the similarity of this place to Mars.

Sung Jinwoo and Cale Henituse stood side by side, with Kaisel having reentered Jinwoo's shadow.

Then, dark tendrils of Ashborn's power fragments came out, taking on a large, blanket-like form that covered Jinwoo and Cale's shoulders.

Was it just Cale's feeling that the stars in the sky above them were shining brighter and brighter?

Call Aris Cale.

Ashborn's voice echoed into his soul.

"How? Isn't it only a descendant of Velaris who can summon him?" An amused, loving buzz echoed into his soul.

You are already Velaris, Cale.

Jeweled reddish-brown eyes widened at that statement. Jinwoo, who was aware of their conversation, simply paused to observe the situation with eyes sparkling in interest.

Just call out. I'm here. Jinwoo is here too. Aris will respond to you.

Although still hesitant and unsure, Cale finally complied and looked up at the Atacama ceiling. The presence of Jinwoo and Ashborn helped calm him down. Inhaling and exhaling, Cale called out in a trembling voice.

"Aris." His voice seemed to echo throughout the snowy Atacama.

"Come here...?"

For a moment, silence engulfed them. There was no response or reply. It made Cale even more nervous as his hands began to sweat.

"Relax, Cale," Jinwoo whispered on his left side. Standing slightly back with his right hand grasping the older's shoulder.

"He'll be here soon." At the resonant sounds of Jinwoo and Ashborn, Cale could feel the stars in the sky move.

At first it was a small light that shone brightly, then it connected to other stars, to the right side, left side, front, back, so that when all formed such a beautiful network of stars, descending quickly took a familiar shape in front of Cale.

Ashborn's white eagle.

Aris.

"Aris..." A relieved smile with teary eyes was etched on Cale's face. His left hand shot up, holding the beautiful white eagle there and earning a greeting on his cheek. One of the relics of his home! Here to greet him!

Jinwoo smiled at the sight, his hand moving to stroke Cale's shoulder, intent on calming the other man.

"Aris... it's good to see you again," Cale whispered unable to contain his loving smile. The eagle rumbled with the sounds of pleasure and longing.

Now. Ask Aris about the letter, Cale.

Cale froze at Ashborn's words. The letter?

Yes, my Altalune. A letter from the family to Cale Henituse.

Red head lowered. Trying to hold back all the complicated feelings that rushed through his mind. He was overwhelmed. Never in his life had he been Kim Roksoo or Cale Henituse in the past to deal with such a variety of feelings all at once like this.

When he felt ready, he looked at Aris, whose silver eagle eyes were already blinking knowingly. But awaiting orders from Cale himself.

"Aris... is there... a letter for me?" asked Cale softly, almost timidly and full of hope.

The eagle flew from his arm. The hood rumbled with approval and a brief nod. Cale's reddish-brown eyes widened.

The hawk disappeared from in front of them for a moment.

Two minutes later, the surrounding sky glowed brightly.

Jinwoo almost gaped when he saw that all the stars were buzzing, sending signals to each other in an alien force. Making the same web though now wider and almost covering the sky above them.

The light then gathered around Jinwoo and Cale.

In a beauty so mystical and unworldly, it formed thousands of tiny specks around them. It was almost as if galaxies surrounded and formed the ocean. Jinwoo and Cale stared at each other.

"... Aris...?"

The eagle reappeared in all its splendor, along with the spots that shone brightly and took shape into thousands of letters.

Cale was stunned.

As far as the eye could see, there was only a sea of letters intended for him.

To Cale Henituse.

"All of them...?" Eagle nodded.

"My family...?" Aris flew up, circled around Cale, and landed three letters in front of Cale.

To Father of The Great and Mighty Dragon, from your son, Raon Miru.

To My Lovely Father, from your daughter, On.

To My Best Father, from your son, Hong.

Another letter floated up.

To Cale-nim, my Liege and my Home, from your Eternal Knight, Choi Han.

To my Donsaeng, my future Prime-Minister-in-Denial, from your beloved hyungnim, Alberu Crossman.

To Unlucky Bastard, the Dragon relative, from Eruhaben.

And all the letters he saw, as the Record activated itself to record all the memories that came to mind now.

Until the last letter-

To My Love.

My Altalune.

My Soulmate.

My Half-Heart.

Cale Henituse.

From your beloved, Ashborn olie Velaris.

And Jinwoo witnessed in that splendor how Cale smiled so wide, so alive, and so bright in the sparkle of the stars, in the sea of shining letters.

It made his figure look so alluring and stole Jinwoo's every breath whenever his heart raced at the sight of his reddish-brown eyes that shone as beautifully as precious gems.

"Jinwoo-ya." Ash-ya.

In the landscape, Sung Jinwoo saw Cale Henituse walking toward him. Even though he was shaking, each step became firmer and firmer.

Still with that sweet smile, with eyes glistening with tears.

Tears of happiness, longing, and love for those who made Cale's beautiful soul survive and shine even more beautifully.

"Yeah?" Jinwoo replied with a smile just as wide and loving and gentle.

"Thank you very much, Jinwoo-ya."

Jinwoo's hand came up to stroke Cale's cheek.

The smile became an amused, indulgent chuckle as the smaller man leaned into his touch.

"You're welcome, Cale."

⇺ THE ABSOLUTE ONE'S LAST FRAGMENT IS FREE ⇻

A violent shock echoed through the realms of the Rulers who clenched their fists.

All the Monarchs trembled with anticipation grinning cruelly.

And the figure of the immortal knight as well as his King Dragon companion who was on their way to protect him.

SEE YOU IN THE NEXT CHAPTER

I know, Jinwoo feels like the third wheel here :v
But, don't worry. In the future, Jinwoo will be the main focus. Along with yeah.. spoiler~ ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Now that I think about it, maybe this story is a little heavy. I'm, if this story doesn't meet the expectations of some readers? ಥ_ಥ)👉👈
But, never mind, what else can I do? I'm a fan of this kind of loving and solemn story, it feels so romantic when I imagine and write it. Combined with sad romantic music and oh my gosh my heart doesn't stop to-ugh *internalscream 😭👌✨

Also, for this FF, the story will be complex. Won't be more than 20 chapters. So each chapter will be long, I hope you like it! 🥺🌹