the trash that sleeps | totcf au

Ever since it got around the territory about Cale's illness. He had been the source of everyone's worry, to the point this news isn't even getting out of the territory. They made it their personal mission to help the sickly young master with everything whenever he is out.

Buying something? Don't worry Young Master Cale! We'll take care of it for you.

Want to drink something? "The Fragrance of Tea with Poetry" has teas that would suit your taste better! (There is no way they're going to let a sick person go to a bar.)

Cale was confused. Why is everyone treating him like a fragile doll? He was fine. Everyone has been weird for the past few weeks, Hans was assigned to him as his butler. And a maid named Charlotte was also assigned to him. Who he then found out was a servant of the God of Balance sent by the said God to take care of him, apparently he was deeply favored by everyone in the Divine Realm.

"What." Deruth looked at his eldest son in shock, "You want to go to the celebration instead?"

Cale nodded in his seat, wearing a long, flowing robe with wide sleeves and a high collar. The robe is black with white embroidery of cranes and clouds. While also wearing a white sash around their waist, "I wish to travel around for a bit. I have Hans, Charlotte, Ohn, and Hong with me,"

The family and everyone else had been made aware of the two Fog Cat tribe children, the two children that had been lovingly adopted by Cale himself. The children had been determined to attend the same lessons as Hans and Charlotte to take care of Cale whenever his illness attacked.

"Are you sure?" Deruth asked, "You could always stay at home, Cale. Basen could handle this,"

Cale shook his head, "It's fine, Father. After the celebration, I wanted to travel, as I said."

The real reason why he wanted to go was to prevent Basen from getting injured like what happened during his first life as Cale. The injuries his younger stepbrother sustained was so severe that he was declared as a crippled. Cale couldn't let that happen a second time, that is why he was interfering this time.

Deruth stared at his son, his expression a mix of apprehension and reluctant acceptance. He had seen the subtle changes in Cale ever since his illness became known. The young man who was once called the trash, seems to be staying at home in solitude.

"Alright," Deruth said at last, though his voice carried a tinge of worry. "If this is what you wish, I won't stop you. But promise me one thing, Cale—if anything feels wrong, anything at all, you'll come home immediately."

Cale nodded, his gaze steady. "I promise, Father."

The following days were all dedicated to the preparation for his journey. Violan had been too adamant that he must have healers with him. Granted that Charlotte could heal him when it comes to it, but they are hiding the fact that she was a direct servant for the God of Balance in the first place.

It wasn't a mere trip—it was an expedition designed with the meticulousness of a royal voyage. Violan personally oversaw the packing, ensuring that every item Cale might need was included, from fine teas for his health to embroidered blankets for the colder nights. Hell, even mana stones just to regulate and monitor his health was also available for him.

"You're traveling, not waging war," Cale muttered as he watched crates being loaded onto the carriage. And said crates were all his medications and other things needed for him to be as comfortable as possible. And the carriage, why does it look like a mini van from Earth?

Violan, undeterred, gave him a sharp look. "It's better to be over-prepared than under-prepared, especially with your condition."

Cale sighed. His illness had become a buzzword in the manor, the justification for every precaution taken and every doting glance cast his way. No matter how much he protested that he was fine, everyone else was too stubborn to just leave him alone with his children.