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“So,” Alberu starts, “How are the preparations going?”
Cale sighs, “It’s going well. Perfect, actually.”
Alberu smiles behind his teacup, “Then what could have possibly brought you here? In the palace where, in your words, ‘vultures swarm around’?”
“Can’t I visit you, hyung-nim?”
“Spit it out, dongsaeng. You never come here unless you need something.”
Cale smirks, “You know me so well, your majesty.”
“Hyung, Cale. Now, what is it?”
A subtle dispirited look washes over Cale’s face, and he sighs.
“I should be happy she’s growing up so well, right? I mean— yeah, I am happy, but I can’t help but feel... sad? It’s weird.”
Alberu gives Cale a soft smile, a slightly amused look in his eyes.
“Your majesty?” Cale narrows his eyes, “Why are you looking at me like that...?”
“My dongsaeng… pfft—you’re too cute, Cale!”
“Your majesty!”
***
‘Ugh, I can’t believe I’m even considering what Alberu said…’ Cale thinks, looking out the window of the carriage as he nears the villa.
Just as he steps out, two children tackle him, screaming loudly as they do.
“Human!”
“Dad!”
Cale chuckles.
Raon pouts, “Human! Where were you?!”
Cale smiles, carrying the two children in his arms while they complain about his sudden disappearance. Looking up, he sees On standing by the door, amused at her brothers’ antics.
Cale’s eyes soften, “Did you three wait long for me?”
On smiles, “Not really. Welcome back, Dad.”
“Thank you, On. Now please get inside, I don’t want you guys to get sick.”
“I’m a mighty dragon, Dad! I can’t get sick!”
“Exactly Dad! On and I also don’t get sick easily!”
On laughs, “It’s you who gets sick, dad.”
“I’m not that weak... I have my ancient powers, you know.”
“Sure, Dad.”
Cale grumbles, finally heading into their home. Weirdly, his heart feels lighter than before. Maybe he should take Alberu’s advice...?
***
Finally, the day of the event comes.
“Cale-nim!” Rosalyn calls, a subtle hint of panic in her voice.
“Rosalyn? What’s wrong?”
“It’s On… she won’t come out of her room.”
“…I’ll take care of it.”
Rosalyn smiles, watching Cale hurry off to On’s room.
Gently knocking on her door, Cale softly calls On, “On? Are you okay?”
“…”
“Hey, it’s alright. Just tell me if you don’t want this. I’ll cancel everything in a heartbeat for you.”
“..You would?”
“Of course, I would. I’d do anything for my children.” Cale smiles, however, it slowly fades as he hears her softly crying. “O-On? Why are you—?”
On opens her door, tears flowing down her red cheeks. Her once neat makeup smudged from the seemingly never-ending tears. She cuts off what Cale is saying and latches onto him in a tight hug.
Cale immediately returned the hug, looking down at the crying bundle in his arms. He kisses her head, muttering soft words of comfort.
“Cale…” She sniffs. “Dad…”
“Yes, yes, dad is here. There’s no need to worry, On. I’ll cancel—”
“No! Don’t-don’t cancel it Dad... you don’t need to do so.”
“But... Are you sure?”
“Yes. Instead, can we stay here just a bit longer?”
“Of course.”
…
“Thank you, dad.”
“You don’t need to thank me for something as simple as this, On. I am your father, of course, I would comfort you.”
On chuckles, “Not only for this, Cale. For everything. For saving Hong and me. For saving Raon. For taking care of us. For making sure we’re doing well, that we don’t get sick and are healthy. For always being patient with us. For the family you gave us. Thank you for everything, Dad.”
“On…” Cale says, his voice barely above a whisper, “Of course, I am your father after all.”
On grins, “Honestly, Dad, I’m scared. But I’m also excited. Especially when it was you who prepared everything. I guess... I’m scared to grow up. To leave my childhood behind. What if... what if we start to drift apart from each other now that I’m all grown? Now that I’m an adult? I don’t want that to happen, Dad.”
Cale redoes On’s hair, braiding them carefully.
“It’s alright, On. Brush those ‘what ifs’ aside, they will never happen. I will make sure of it. It’s fine that you’re scared, I think we all had that point of time where we worried about how we’re growing up so fast. You’re not leaving your childhood behind, On. No matter where you go, even if it is to the ends of the earth, it will follow you. The way you were raised, the trauma you faced, the battles you fought, all those things that happened in your childhood follow you to adulthood. They help shape the person you are becoming. Look here, On.”
Cale retouches the make up on On’s face. He does it carefully, as though handling the most precious treasure in the world. He is.
“I as well feel… melancholy? I’m not sure what exactly to call it. But, when I think of my children growing up, my heart suddenly feels heavy. As your father, I probably worry the most for you guys.”
On giggles, “It’s alright because it’s dad!”
Cale grinned, glad that On was smiling again.
“Of course! Now, what do you say we head out now?”
“Yes! Let’s go, dad.”
— “Where’s Cale?” Alberu whispers to Rosalyn. Both Cale and On should have already entered, yet both were still absent.
Rosalyn smiles, “He’s taking care of On.”
“What—?”
A trumpet’s sound cuts off Alberu’s question. The father and daughter have finally arrived.
“Now entering, Cale Henituse, and his daughter, On Henituse!!”
Claps echo throughout the grandiose ballroom, filled with the allies they have fought the white star with. Rather than the debutante with the snotty nobles, Cale wanted On to celebrate her adulthood with the people she has grown up with, first and foremost. Then would she have the debutante with high society the day after. No matter how opposed those nobles are to Cale’s decision, who are they to voice it out?
“Happy Birthday, noona!!” Raon exclaims with a bright smile, his human form jumping up and down from excitement as he hands On his gift.
On laughs, “Awh, thank you, youngest. I’ll make sure to open this later with you and Hong.”
“Noona! Happy Birthday!! Congratulations on turning 19, noona!” Hong happily grins, he does it so widely that Cale is a bit worried for his cheeks, as he gives On his gift.
“Thank you, dongsaeng. I’ll open this later together with youngest’s gift as well,” she giggles.
“On, Happy Birthday. Congratulations on debuting, niece.”
“Hehehe… thank you Uncle Cookies!”
Alberu smiles at the nickname, “I—”
“On! Happy Birthday!” Rosalyn says, giving On a hug.
Smiling at Rosalyn, On thanks her for the greeting, “Thank you, Rosalyn-noona.”
On looks back to her dad, who was lightly scolding her brothers with Choi Han beside him. Both she and Choi Han meet eyes and he smiles at her, “Congratulations on turning 19, On. Happy Birthday.”
On grins back at him, “Thank you, Uncle Choi Han!”
“Anyways, On. Are you—”
“Happy Birthday, On.” Before Alberu could finish his sentence, he was, once again, interrupted.
On’s eyes light up, a big smile appearing on her face, “Goldie gramps!” Bringing the dragon into a bone-crushing hug, Eruhaben happily returns the hug. (Although, he tries not to show it, On knows he likes it.)
It’s been a couple of years since the war, after all. Despite having his lair, Eruhaben spent the majority of his time in the villa spending time with Cale and his children. On, as well as her brothers, had practically grown up with Eruhaben as their grandfather. The nickname from Raon just caught on over time.
“Thank you, Goldie gramps!”
Eruhaben smiles, a sight usually reserved only for his family in a close, private setting, “You’re welcome, little one.”
Alberu approaches Cale, both now looking at On, Hong, and Raon speaking with Eruhaben.
“She’s grown so much...” Cale, uncharacteristically, starts, “I’m proud of how much she’s grown.”
Alberu smiles, “You did well, dongsaeng.”
“You think so?”
“Of course, you are their dad after all.”
Cale chuckles, “I decided to take your advice, your majesty.”
“Call me hyung, dongsaeng.”
“Right, hyung-nim.”
Alberu smiles, “What did you decide to do?”
Cale smirks, “That will be a surprise, even to you hyung-nim.”
“How cruel of you, dongsaeng… this hyung is hurt you’re keeping this a secret from me…”
“Oh my, I truly apologize hyung-nim… how could I possibly keep this a secret from the shining light of—”
“That’s enough, Henituse.”
Cale’s shoulders shake, his face down and a hand covering his mouth to keep their friends from noticing him laugh hysterically at Alberu.
Near them, On mentally laughs at her dad and uncle.
“How are you enjoying things so far, On?”
“It’s amazing, Dad! Thank you for preparing this…”
Cale smiles, “Of course, I’m your dad.”
On laughs.
“However… don’t thank me just yet. I haven’t even given you my gift yet.”
On’s eyes light up, “Gift? I thought this was already the gift?”
“…I’m a bit hurt you think that, On,” Cale dramatically says, “Of course not! I have multiple other gifts! However, this one gift I’ll be giving soon, I made just for you.”
“You didn’t have to do so much, Dad. Spending time with the people who I’ve grown up with is enough for me…”
“Even so, as your father, you are my most precious treasure. You deserve the whole world and even more.”
“Thank you, dad.”
“Of—”
Before Cale could finish his response, On interrupts in a slightly deepened voice, “Of course, I’m your dad.”
Cale laughs, patting her head, “That’s right, my daughter.”
“Ahem —is this thing on? Oh, it is. Well then… Good evening, everyone! I’m sure we’re all already familiar with each other so I’ll save the introductions. Firstly, I would like to greet the debutant, the birthday girl, Cale Henituse’s princess, On Molan! Happy Birthday On, you have truly grown well, I’m sure my drinking buddy is very much proud of how much you’ve grown!”
“He is,” Alberu quickly whispers to On.
“Speaking of Cale, I think the father has something to say. Hm...?” Bud mischievously says, knowing well enough how much Cale despises speeches. However, he also knows that Cale Henituse absolutely loves his children and would do anything for them, even if he hates it with a passion.
To no one’s surprise, Cale comes out onto the stage without much of a fuss.
“What Bud said is true, On, I really am proud of how well you’ve grown and how far you’ve come. I hope you always keep in mind that, no matter how old you become, I will always care for you as though you were a child. It’s my duty as your father to do so. On, no matter how old you are, we will never drift apart. You are my child, my only daughter, and I would forever stay by your, and your brothers’ side, even when I’ve died.” Multiple groans could be heard around the room from that last comment, as well as a faint ‘No! You can’t die, human’, “You three are my precious children, if I could, I would stop the time and keep you three from growing.”
“I’ll do it, human! I’ll stop time!!”
Chuckles arose from all parts of the ballroom, Raon is just too adorable.
Chuckling, Cale continues, “Thank you, Raon. I’m sure a great, mighty dragon like you will surely be able to do so! On, even when you find someone to get married to and move out of the castle, we still will not grow apart. As your dad, I’ll make sure of it.”
Cale, known for his stoic nature, leaves their friends and family slightly agape from all his wholehearted words.
“Lastly, On, as I mentioned a while ago, I hope you enjoy this small personal gift of mine that I especially made for you. Happy 19th Birthday, my precious treasure.”
Bud brings a stool and sets it down at the center of the stage. Whilst Bud sets up the voice amplifier, Cale comes over and sits on the stool while Ron brings over to him a guitar.
Soft gasps echo in the hall, realization washing over them.
“Cale-nim…”
“Ho ho…”
“So, you decided on a song, dongsaeng?”
Clearing his voice, Cale started to speak, “So, as you all can probably guess, I have made a song for my daughter. I contemplated whether to learn and sing her an already-made song, however, I wanted this to be special and to be dedicated to On and only On. And so, I present to you, On, ‘No more Birthdays’.”
Cale starts, picking the strings according to the tune.
‘My baby don’t cry
She just sleeps through the night’
“Awh…”
Coos surround the grandiose room, and although they all were still shocked Cale made a song, they all find it sweet at the same time.
On, while grateful for the song, looks down from embarrassment at Cale calling her his baby.
Violan, whilst sitting at the table assigned to them, felt a tad bit of disappointment that she wasn’t able to seek out Cale’s talent in singing and song composition sooner. Other than that, she felt content listening to Cale’s voice, she had an inkling that she’d relate to the song quite a lot.
The same could be said for the other parents in the room. Yes, that includes you, Eruhaben. Cale is your child.
‘She don’t fuss, she don’t whine
She stays perfectly quiet’
“That’s true! Noona doesn’t cry very often!”
On and Rosalyn, both sitting next to each other with Alberu on On’s other side and her brothers with Eruhaben across them, look at each other, Rosalyn gently smiles at On and whispers to her, “It’s alright, On. The situation was very much understandable.”
On slightly frowns, “I wasn’t too much of a bother?”
Rosalyn’s eyes soften, “No, of course not. You can never be a bother, On.”
On leans on Rosalyn, tears welling up a bit in her eyes, she gives a slightly watery chuckle, “Thanks, noona.”
Rosalyn smiles.
‘But while I watch her grow
My poor heart grows a hole’
Alberu chuckles, ‘Yep, that sounds right.’
On grins, recalling the moments she had with her father a few hours ago. His words were still fresh in her mind.
Choi Han smiles, ‘I’m glad the children have Cale-nim. I will be sure to protect my family this time. I will not let anyone ruin Cale-nim and the children’s happiness. I will not let anyone ruin my family, again.’
‘Oh, Lord, say it ain't so
Can't you please make an exception? I've got good intentions
I just crave protection for my ball of perfection’
Rosalyn’s eyes sparkle, ‘How sweet! I was not expecting Cale-nim to have such sweet words!’
Eruhaben’s gaze softens, ‘That’s right. “Ball of perfection” describes my child very well, and his children too. I’ll make sure you don’t worry too much, unlucky bastard.’
Ron’s eyes glaze over Beacrox, Cale surely did well in making this song. Even he feels touched by the lyrics, having to relate to it maybe just a bit. Despite knowing not to worry about his sons too much, Ron can’t help but still feel a bit protective. To both his sons. He was a parent, after all.
‘Why can't you stop time?
How long before I can't call you my sweet little girl?’
Raon’s eyes spark up, ‘My human is good at this! Don’t worry, Dad, I, the great and mighty dragon Raon Miru, will definitely help you stop time!! And then we can play all day at the villa and none of us will grow old and die! Is there a God of Time? Maybe if I kill them time would stop… or if there’s none then I’ll just kill the God of Death and he could stop us from aging!! HAAHAHA!!’
Hong looks at Raon with glints of mischief in his eyes as they both understand exactly what the other has in mind.
On, as if having read her brothers’ thoughts, reprimands them. Seeing them pout, she laughs a bit at their vicious plans.
‘Help me stop time, you're not allowed to be nineteen
You have to stay my precious baby’
On smiles, ‘I think dad calls us precious too many times, honestly.’
Hong and Raon look at On with pleading eyes, to which she firmly replies with a “No.” While she likes the idea, she doesn’t like the thought of only her baby brothers going there to kill the gods. That would be dangerous, and they need to replan things, this time, with her included. The adults at their table share an amused look at the siblings’ dynamic, little do they know the vicious plans they have.
A table or two away from them, Violan looks at her children, Lily, Basen, and Cale, and feels tears welling up.
“Dear, are you okay?” Deruth whispers.
“Yes, just reminiscing. Cale wrote a wonderful song, Deruth.”
“He really did.”
‘No more, no more
No more birthdays
No more, no more’
“That’s not true, Dad! Noona isn’t dying so, of course, there’ll still be many birthdays!” Raon defensively exclaimed, “Not only that but there will also be my and hyung’s birthdays!”
Cale chuckles, “Yes I see, thank you, Raon.”
Raon lights up, grinning brightly at his dad.
Hong and On giggle at their youngest. He was truly an adorable dragon.
‘My baby's just fine
She knows all of her rhymes
Her tables and her times’
“Cale-nim is so sweet with his words!”
Choi Han nods in agreement to Rosalyn’s words. On chooses not to comment on anything, a bit embarrassed at Cale’s lyrics.
“Noona is really smart!” Hong exclaims.
Raon enthusiastically nods. On shyly smiles, “Thank you, dongsaeng, youngest.”
‘The world claps when she smiles’
“As they should! Noona deserves everything and more!”
“Yes, exactly!”
On sighs, her face now slightly tinted red from embarrassment. Her father and her brothers can be so…...sigh.
‘I know she'll never swap
Tiaras for makeup
She's a good girl at heart’
Rosalyn and Eruhaben chuckled in amusement, On’s reaction to Cale’s words was such a sight to see. Especially when she’s somehow developed Cale’s usually stoic and nonchalant nature, albeit toned down.
Choi Han’s expression softens, the children had always been good. Despite how much Cale spoils his children, never have they gained the egoistical attitude other noble children get. Cale has really raised them well.
‘I'll find a magical potion to mix with her lotion
And she'll stay my princess for life'
Rosalyn giggles, raising her hand, she says loudly enough for Cale to hear, “I’ll volunteer to help you with that, Cale-nim!”
On looks at her with a betrayed look, “Rosalyn-noona!”
Eruhaben smiles, nodding, he agrees with Rosalyn’s statement, “I will help make it as well.”
“Grandpa…... how cruel of you all…” On looks down, betrayed.
“Please don’t start, On. I already must deal with his majesty’s dramatics…” Choi Han sadly says, looking at Alberu who shoots a defensive “Hey!” in response.
“Oh my… I’m so sorry Uncle Choi Han!” On gives Choi Han an apologetic look, “It must be hard dealing with Uncle cookies...”
“It truly is...”
“Stop talking like I’m not even here! Seriously, the disrespect…... I’m too lenient on you guys I swear……”
Choi Han and On laugh at Alberu, Hong, and Raon joining in. Rosalyn giggles and shares an amused look with Eruhaben. Looking at Cale, Rosalyn sees him looking at their table with a grin. Rosalyn’s sure Cale can tell exactly what happened. After all, his children tease their uncle just as much as Cale does to him.
‘Why can't you stop time?
How long before I can't call you my sweet little girl?
Help me stop time, you're not allowed to be nineteen
You have to stay my precious baby’
‘Cale, this child, despite how rough around the edges, is quite soft? However, it’s only shown to his family. I hate to admit it, but in this, he and I are closely alike.'
Eruhaben sighed, even if he wished Cale wouldn’t, he had an inkling thought that Cale would.
‘No more, no more
No more birthdays
No more, no more
No more birthdays’
With a final strum of his guitar, Cale ends the song.
A moment of silence washes over the room and, during that moment, Cale forms negative thoughts that criticize his performance. However, it doesn’t last long for all those thoughts are forcibly quieted by the overwhelmingly loud claps.
Cale bows and quickly leaves the platform to the table where he and his family are sitting.
“Wow, that was a truly wonderful song, Cale! I didn’t know you had it in you to make such a heart-warming song. Although I suppose if it’s for your children, everything is possible! Anyways…...”
Bud continues in the background, skillfully entertaining all the guests.
“That was amazing, dad. Thank you, really.” On says, giving Cale a hug that might actually crush his bones. (It’s alright because it’s his precious child doing it, plus, his ancient powers would just heal him.)
Smiling, Cale rests his hand on On’s head muttering to her a soft “thank you”.
“You did a good job, dongsaeng,” Alberu said, sounding proud at Cale’s performance. (And also, because he helped give the idea)
“Thank you, your majesty. It is most definitely because of your guidance that I was able to overcome my troubles and worries. Truly, you are our empire's guiding light.”
“Please, Supreme Commander Cale Henituse, the song was not my doing. I simply helped you gain the idea of a performance, however, the decision to sing and the song made was all completely your doing. You give me too much credit, Cale Henituse.”
“…hyung-nim.”
“dongsaeng.”
Cale grins, “I suppose you’re right, your majesty… However, if it wasn’t for you then the idea of making and singing a song for On would have never come across my mind. If it also wasn’t for the caring nature that you, our emperor, naturally give off, I would not have been comfortable enough to bring to you my worries and troubles. Really, the—”
“Alright, that’s enough Dad. While fun, you and uncle can go on for hours doing this.”
Cale looks at Alberu. Alberu looks at Cale. “Alright, On. Rest assured, hyung-nim and I will stop.” We’re continuing this later, hyung-nim.
“Yes, I agree, you should be enjoying this occasion to the fullest.” You bet we are, dongsaeng. I’m not giving up that easily.
“Good. Thanks, guys!” I know exactly what you two are planning.
“Dad!!” Two different voices call out, both heading toward Cale, Alberu, and On. Behind them, Ron carries a tray of chocolate-covered marshmallows, strawberries, cookies, and…. apples.
‘That is definitely Raon’s doing…’ Cale sighs.
Later, On will open her gifts with her beloved dad and brothers. Right now, however, On will contently stay here and watch her brothers fill themselves with too much sweets while Cale scolds them; Her noona, uncles, and grandpas watching with amusement. This is the best birthday she’s ever asked for.
***
The fire cackles, lighting up the room and warming the family surrounding it.
“So,” Cale starts, “Which do you want to open first?”
“Open ours first, Noona!” Hong exclaims as both he and Raon pick their present up and give it to On.
On chuckles, “Of course, how could I ever say no to my dongsaengs.”
On takes both gifts and carefully tears open the bright blue wrapper of Raon’s gift.
A black box appears under it and after putting aside the wrapper, On carefully opens the box.
Gasp.
“This looks beautiful, Raon!”
“Goldie Gramps helped me in casting a spell and adding mana to it so Noona can make defensive spells to protect herself!”
“Oh, that’s very useful... thank you, dear youngest,” On smiles, patting Raon’s head. Raon smiles and laughs, embarrassed at the compliment, “hhehhehe…... It’s nothing, Noona!”
On turns and takes Hong’s gift, “Hmm..?” She hums, slightly shaking the box, “I wonder what my dear dongsaeng got me?”
“Noona! Don’t shake the box like that!!” Hong worriedly exclaims to his sister. On laughs and shakes the box again, albeit careful to not break whatever is inside. Hong becomes even more distressed, and On laughs at her brother’s expression, “Awh, it’s alright Hong… Alright! Let’s open this up.”
On, again, carefully tears open the wrapper before setting them aside.
‘It’s the same box as Raon’s but smaller?’
On opens the box carefully, revealing a ring with the same gem as the necklace. On gasps in awe, ‘It’s absolutely beautiful…’ she thinks.
Hong grins, “It matches with youngest’s Noona! And instead of defensive spells, it lets you do any offensive spells!”
On makes a noise of excitement, “My dongsaengs…Come give your Noona a hug!!”
“Ack—Noona you’re squishing us!”
“Hush, Hong! Accept my gratitude!”
“It’s accepted, now let youngest and I go!!”
“Hugs!!”
“See? Youngest is okay with it!”
“Raon….!”
Cale, who was quietly watching his children, laughed out loud. “Hah… how I love my children.”
“I think you’re mistaken, Dad. I’m not part of children anymore! I am a lady. A woman.”
“You three could be a thousand years old, and you’d still be a child in my eyes. Now move away, children. I also have a gift for On.”
“What? But you’ve already given me so much!!”
“And?”
On looks at her dad with an exasperated look, making both her brothers laugh.
“You look like human, Noona!”
“Hahahaha... yeah!”
“Please don’t start…”
Cale laughs, “Here,” he says, handing On a big envelope with multiple smaller envelopes inside.
“What’s this?”
“I don’t know,” Cale shrugs his shoulders, walking back to the cabriole where he sat.
On takes one of the envelopes and opens it, “A cheque?” Her eyes widen, “FOR 190 BILLION!? CALE WHAT THE FUCK.”
“Is it too small?”
“SMALL MY ASS YOU KNOW FULL WELL THAT’S A LARGE AMOUNT!? You should’ve just given me millions, not billions!”
“Nonsense, millions wouldn’t suffice.”
On sighs, arguing with her dad was hopeless. She knew well enough how stubborn he was. She opens another envelope, afraid of what other crazy thing her father is giving her.
She was right to be afraid. Her eyes bulge out of their socket.
“What is it, Noona?” Hong asks.
“Land. In the south. A huge ass fucking portion of it too.”
Cale nods, “You should check the next three.”
On’s head snapped towards Cale, “You didn’t.”
Cale smiles, “I didn’t what, daughter?”
On quickly takes out the next three envelopes and opens them.
Lo and behold.
“Land. In the north, the east, and the west.”
“That’s right! I—”
“Dad” sniff
Cales stiffs, as do Hong and Raon.
“I can’t take these! I-It’s too much, Cale!”
“But you deserve them, On. Especially after the help you’ve given during the war.”
“Still—!”
“Noona. You are the most hardworking person ever! You always take care of Raon and I. And dad too! Everything you receive, you deserve and more! Right, youngest?”
“Yeah!! This great and mighty dragon can vouch for that!”
“You guys….”
On takes a deep breath in and then out. She opens the big envelope again and finds two envelopes left. She takes the next one and opens it.
“It’s a… deed? To a… manor in the capital. Oh, gods.”
Cale smiles, “Do you like it?”
“Yeah! Although I’m not really sure what to do with a manor in the capital when I’m going to be staying at the Henituse manor anyway.”
Cale laughs, “Take out the last envelope, On.”
On skeptically looks at Cale before hesitantly taking the last envelope. Written neatly on its flap, “Read this before going to bed,” On reads out loud the writing. She sends Cale a confused look to which Cale answers with a nod.
“Okay. I’ll make sure to.”
“Goldie Gramps! Lemon Gramps!” Raon exclaims as both Eruhaben and Ron come in. Beacrox trailed behind them with a cart of sweets and tea.
Raon gasps, “Apple pie!! Thank you, Uncle Beacrox!”
Beacrox nods, a hint of a smile appearing.
“Have you opened our gifts yet, On?” Eruhaben asks.
“Nope, not yet! There was a bit of a situation while opening Dad’s gifts…”
Eruhaben exasperatedly sighs, “What did you do, child?”
“Why do you assume I did something?” Cale raises a brow at Eruhaben. Eruhaben raises a brow at Cale.
“I simply gave her money,” Cale shrugs, “Nothing much.”
Eruhaben sighs, he turns over to look at On, “He gave you an insane amount of money, huh?”
On purses her lips, “Yeah. That, and land,” a pause, “lands, actually,” she corrects herself.
Ron nods, “Fitting for a Henituse.” Beacrox makes a noise of agreement, currently cutting up and plating the apple pie for the family.
On sighs, her family is a bit overwhelming when it comes to gifts. Though she should already be used to such things after how many holidays and events spent with them. Especially birthdays and Christmas.
Eruhaben clears his throat, “ahem,” On looks at Eruhaben, “Why don’t you open mine?” He suggests, already bringing to her his gift using magic.
On the side, Cale turns to Ron to ask him a question, “Will His Majesty and the others arrive?”
“The others will be arriving soon; however, his majesty will be arriving later tonight.”
“Later?”
“Yes, most likely later after we’ve opened the gifts.”
Cale nods, “Alright.”
He looks towards his family. Hong and Raon on the couch with Beacrox who indulges them with the sweet desserts he made. On happily opening Eruhaben’s gifts while Eruhaben floats over another of his many gifts (it’s the 4th one). The light from the fire casts a soft glow on them and Cale fondly smiles at the sight. He’s glad he’ll be able to remember this.
Beside him, Ron looks at his second son. Seeing the smile and expression Cale has, Ron smiles as well.
“You’ve raised them well, young master.”
“Thank you, Ron. I’m sure if ‘Cale Henituse’ were here he too would thank you, so I’ll say it on his behalf.”
“Pardon?”
“Thank you for raising ‘Cale Henituse’ just as well, Ron.”
“…It is my pleasure, young master.”
Cale smiles and looks towards his family again.
‘I should use the communication device and call hyung so he can also be here.’
***
On sits on her bed, placing the envelope on her bedside table. Cale was currently at Hong and Raon’s room bidding them goodnight, which usually takes a while.
She contemplates whether to read the letter now or after Cale has said goodnight to her. Laying her head against the bed’s headboard, On reaches and grabs the envelope. She carefully opens it, making sure it doesn’t tear as she takes the wax seal off. Inside, she finds a letter.
Leaning a bit forward, she tries to hear her father and brothers from the other room. To which, she hears faint laughter. Smiling a bit, On looks back down at the letter in her hands. She sighs, deciding to read it.
‘My dearest daughter,
I don’t know exactly how I am to start this or how I am to put my thoughts on this. I suppose I’ll first start by greeting you. Happy Birthday, my On. You have turned 19 today and have officially become an adult however despite that, for most of your life, you have already been one. You acted and spoke like one. You were already so mature at such a young age. I regret not having been able to give you the childhood you deserve. You’ve done well these past years, On. I am truly proud of you. I hope you smiled a lot today. You and your brothers’ smiles are the most precious gifts I have received as your father. I hope you continue to smile a lot. I also hope you receive my gifts and not try to return them to me. Believe me when I say that I contemplated a lot when deciding the amount to give you. Nevertheless, if you truly feel uncomfortable with the amount, I suppose I can bring it down to just a couple of billion.
My child, I hope you’ll forever keep in mind that I will always be here for you. I’ll make sure not to die before you and your siblings for I don’t wish for you to go through that pain. I will gladly bear all the pain in the world if it means you’ll remain unharmed. Living in a world such as this isn’t easy, you and your siblings have faced its cruelty at a young age that I’m sure you’re already aware of this fact. However, I will make it so you guys can live peacefully and leisurely, so you guys won’t have to worry about anything. As someone who had always worried over her brothers, her father, and her family, I hope you finally rest your head, On. Your father will take care of everything.
Sincerely,
Your father that loves you very much.’
A knock sounds and Cale comes in placing a tray on the coffee table. He lifts the teapot and pours two cups of tea. Bringing them to his daughter, he sits at the edge of the bed facing her.
“You knew I would read it while waiting for you,” On says, taking the cup from Cale.
“You’re my daughter, of course I knew,” Cale answers, softly blowing his cup and taking a sip. On’s lips quivered, she was crying so much today. Cale takes her cup and places it on the bedside table, along with his.
He pulls her into a hug, “It’s alright, On. Your father’s here.”