"Anoza thin', did sumthin' happen between mommy an' Chou Han?" Ciel asked. Soleil and Etoile turned their heads towards the younger. (Trans: Another thing, did something happen between mommy and Choi Han?)

The question made Basen and Lily look at them. They were curious. They wondered if they met Choi Han and posed a threat to their eldest brother.

"That's ... all I knew was they had a fight which led to Choi Han beating up Orabeoni," Lily answered. She didn't know why, but she had to answer the children. That's what their demeanor was telling her.

Basen and Lily looked at the three children. Their expression contorted to that someone who got betrayed and made fun of. The two certainly know that their brother's children were angry, also they were on the verge of crying.

How dare he? What is the reason for approaching my mother after hurting him?! Soleil asked in his mind as he gritted his teeth.

That bastard pretending to be mommy's friend when he is the number one person who my mommy should be avoiding! Etoile clenched his fist so hard his knuckles turned white.

What is that bastard doing here? He's been spending his free time with mommy, Ciel closed his eyes. He didn't want to think how their mother would react once he learned about this.

"Are you three okay?" Basen asked as he approached them upon noticing how their small body was trembling.

Lily immediately gave the three children warm hugs and the three just buried their faces on the girl's body.

Tears fell from their eyes, their faces were turning red as well, muffled sobs occupied the room. When the three couldn't keep their sobs anymore, their cries became louder.

Then Hans entered the room pushing a trolley filled with juice and sweets. After seeing the three children crying, he immediately went to their side.

"Little young masters, what happened?" Hans asked as he lifted the three children in his arms, gently swaying them. The three just wrapped their arms around Hans and buried their faces.

Basen was about to answer Hans but Soleil interrupted him.

"Scawi uncle told ush a shcary stowy," Soleil answered, then the two just nodded. (Trans: Scary uncle told us a scary story.)

I'm sorry, Uncle Basen. But this conversation shouldn't be known to mommy, the three thought as they looked at Basen and Lily.

Lying wasn't Basen's forte, he didn't know why but he felt that the children were so mature compared to their actual age.

"I didn't know it'll scare them," Basen answered.

Hans sighed a breath of relief, "I thought something happened again."

"Don't worry, young masters, ghosts aren't real," Hans added and smiled.

"Ov course, they'w no' real!" Etoile said. (Trans: Of course, they're not real!)

The three just continued to cry until Cale came to check on them. He was surprised to see his children crying again. Cale took his children and went to their room without saying a word. He'll just talk to his siblings tomorrow. It's a good thing, Rosie and the others were called to the Capital so he no longer had to entertain any guests.

"Are you alright?" Cale asked.

The three nodded, their whole faces were puffy after crying so much in one day. Cale gently wiped their faces with warm water and Melissa readied warm drinking milk for the three, then she left so they could talk.

"Mommy, awe woo happy?" Etoile asked. (Trans: Mommy, are you happy?)

"Hmm? Of course, mommy's happy," Cale smiled as he gently ruffled Etoile's hair.

"Weawi?" Etoile squinted his eyes. (Trans: Really?)

"Yes, I am happy since I have the three of you," Cale answered.

"How abou' befow?" Soleil asked as he clung to his mother. (Trans: How about before?)

Cale was a little taken aback but he smiled as he scooped up his sons and placed them on his lap. He planted a kiss on top of their heads.

"Did you hear something about my past from my brother and sister?" Cale asked, while he gently rubbed his cheek on their heads. The three children remained silent.

"I don't know what you heard but I want you to know that whatever happened back then, I was the one who brought it upon myself," Cale added as secured the children on his lap.

"Sure, I maybe got hurt doing all those things, even then it was my choice. You don't have to feel bad or be angry on my behalf."

The three continued to listen to Cale carefully.

"I don't want you to live filled with hatred in your hearts. I want you all to live happily and safely."

"Bu' mommy, zey huwt woo," Ciel responded sadly. (Trans: But mommy, they hurt you.)

"They did but I am also at fault. I am alright now, after all I have the three of you," Cale replied as he hugged his children.

"Dun wowy mommy, we wiw wuv woo," Etoile said as he hugged him back. (Trans: Don't worry mommy, we will love you.)

"Das wight. We wiw pwotecc mommy," Soleil followed as he stood and hugged him too. (Trans: That's right. We will protect mommy.)

"An' we wiw schay by wor shide," Ciel added. (Trans: And we will stay by your side.)

Cale chuckled as he kissed them on the top of their heads.

"Mommy, mommy, I am gwad woo awe ouw mommy," Soleil said, his hug remained. (Trans: Mommy, mommy, I am glad you are our mommy.)

"I am also happy you are my sons," Cale responded.

"Mommy, wet's ve togetha foreva," Ciel said, then Etoile nodded enthusiastically. (Trans: Mommy, let's be together forever.)

"Yes, of course. Mommy will be by your side always," Cale gently caressed their faces.

Then the four bonded before going to bed. Soleil, Etoile, and Ciel told Cale what happened during their day. They were happily telling him stories.

If mommy feels that way, we will follow him, Soleil thought as he clung on Cale's.

What's important is mommy's happiness and safety, Etoile thought as he protested that Cale should keep hugging him.

This might be the reason why we came here, to make Cale, no, to make mommy happy, Ciel was getting sleepy.

Without noticing, the four fell asleep on their bed. Melissa came in and tucked them in for the night. She softly laughed as she remembered how energetic they were. Cale was certainly still a child inside, so they were worried that he might be too immature taking good care of children. Sure, Cale took a time learning how to care for one but he has the capacity of loving his children. He never once neglected them, like how he felt when he was young.

Maybe due to Cale's past, he never wanted his children to suffer the same. He made sure they are provided financially, physically and emotionally. The children didn't also ask for their other parents. Melissa was initially worried since the children were mature, but they loved it when Cale pampered them with hugs and kisses.

"I am happy for you, Young Master. Happy birthday," Melissa softly said as he left the room. 

☆ ☆ ☆

Back at the Henituse Territory, rumors circulated around the Capital and the territory. The rumors said something about the infamous trash of Count Henituse.

Deruth and Violan Henituse were currently in their Capital's manor when they heard about their eldest son.

"Hey did you hear what the merchants have been saying? They said Young Master Cale was spotted during the Harvest Festival along with three small children," one of the servants said.

"Oh my, did the Young Master get laid there?" Another servant responded.

"But they said he was still single, so he must be raising those children alone," another servant said.

"What if the children turned out to be like their father?" Another gasped.

"What are you talking about?" Violan asked as she raised her brow.

The servants frantically bowed and apologized.

"What's this I am hearing?" Deruth asked, a frown was painted on his face.

"A..h, the m-merchants who went to the countryside to celebrate the Harvest Festival said that they saw the First Young Master along with three children who looked like him," the maid responded nervously.

"What nonsense is this?" Deruth questioned. My son has children? Nobody informed me about it so it must be impossible.

"We apologize, it must be false," the servants said.

"Continue your work," Deruth dismissed.

The servants left in a hurry.

"Dear, is it really not true?" Violan asked.

"I don't know, I didn't receive any news about him having children from Hans," Deruth responded. "But Hans did say Cale was in a relationship with someone before, right?"

"Yes, I heard," Violan replied.

"I need to summon Hans and the other servants to know more about it," Deruth mentioned.

☆ ☆ ☆

That morning, the children woke up first. Hans assisted them by washing them up and changing their clothes. Then, Solaris' presence was announced.

"Hansh, chell Sowawish cho wai' fo' ush in ze dwawin' woom," Ciel said. (Trans: Hans, tell Solaris to wait for us in the drawing room.)

"Alright, young master," Hans bowed.

Hans followed what was ordered and Melissa helped dress the little young masters. After a while, the three children went inside the drawing room and they saw Solaris sitting there. The white-haired man smiled at them.

Melissa and Hans assisted them in sitting on the couch. Then, Soleil asked the two to leave the four of them alone. The two servants looked at one another first before leaving.

When Etoile felt that no one was listening in on them, the three children stared intently at Solaris.

"Sowawis, no, Choi Han, wha' ish wor intenshon wid ouw mommy?" Soleil asked. (Trans: Solaris, no, Choi Han, what is your intention with our mommy?)

Choi Han broke his smile and looked at them in surprise.

Uwa, he's not that good at acting. He broke his acting as soon as he was found out, Ciel sighed.

"We new who woo awe," Etoile glared at the person in front of them. (Trans: We know who you are.)

"An' we new wha' woo did," Ciel added. (Trans: And we know what you did.)

"W-Wait, I didn't mean any harm to Cale. I am here to make up with him," Choi Han responded, slightly panicking.

"Mawk up? wid mommy?" Ciel tilted his head. "Bou deshivin' him?" (Trans: Make up? With mommy? By deceiving him?)

"N-No, I know I lied to your mother but I am here to make things right," Choi Han replied.

"Untiw when?" Soleil asked. "Mommy sheesh woo ash a fwend yet woo awe betwawing him." (Trans: Until when? Mommy sees you as a friend yet you are betraying him.)

Choi Han didn't respond.

This bastard doesn't have any intention of revealing himself, Soleil thought.

"We dun wan woo hew, dun ever show wor fæsh in fwont ov ush," Ciel declared. (Trans: We don't want you here, don't ever show your face in front of us.)

"What? I can't do that," Choi Han slightly raised his voice.

"No, we dun wan' woo anywew neaw mommy. Woo awe capabel ov huwtin' him," Soleil added. (Trans: No, we don't want you anywhere near mommy. You are capable of hurting him.)

"We dun caw who woo awe, woo awe no' welkum hew," Soleil continued. (Trans: We don't care who you are, you are not welcome here.)

"Beshids, woo can' offew mommy anythin'. Wor poow," Ciel crossed his arms. (Trans: Besides, you can't offer mommy anything. You're poor.)

"Woo may be stwon' bu' mommy ish a noboul. Mommy wun be happy jush bou pwotectin' him," Etoile huffed. (Trans: You may be strong but mommy is a noble. Mommy won't be happy just by protecting him.)

Choi Han remained silent. These kids won't be a hindrance to what he wants. He wants Cale to be by his side. Sure, they might have started off on a bad note, but he saw it. Choi Han saw how Cale smiled at him. He could feel his heart. This obstacle won't stop him from getting Cale.

Soleil, who could read the room, noticed how stubborn Choi Han would be. Ciel, who already knew what to do to drive Choi Han out, was getting ready. Etoile, who developed his hearing, heard his mother just outside the room. The three children looked at one another and nodded.

If you are not willing to do what we wanted, we will make you, Soleil glared at Choi Han as he assisted his siblings from getting off the couch.

Ciel was the smallest and weakest among them, so he would be the perfect subject for this act. Also, he is incredibly good at acting. Etoile took the smallest vase on the table and Soleil pushed Ciel hard enough he stumbled on the floor. Then, Etoile broke the vase near Ciel. Choi Han watched the three children in horror after realizing what they were planning. There, Ciel cried out loud.

"Ciew!!" Soleil and Etoile screamed while tears were falling from their eyes.

Choi Han abruptly stood and loomed over the children which made them cry even louder.

"Waaaahh!! Mommy!!" The three cried then the door slammed open showing Cale and the other servants.

"Soleil! Ciel! Etoile!" Cale called as he approached his children fast. He immediately hugged them but the children were not stopping.

Cale saw Solaris' expression and he saw his children on the floor crying. Then, he saw the broken vase beside Ciel.

"Solaris, care to explain what happened?" Cale coldly asked.

"No, this is a misunderstanding! The—" Solaris' words were cut off.

"Mommy, Sowawish hit Ciew!" Soleil cried.

I won't feel bad lying like this as long as I can drive Choi Han away, Soleil thought.

The vibe turned cold.

"Solaris, get out," Cale said while he gently comforted his children.

"Wait, Cale, this is a misunderstanding," Choi Han tried to plead but the cries of the children became even louder.

"I said get out!" Cale yelled. "Drag him out of my house!"

The knights near the place dragged Choi Han out the manor. He tried to fight back but Cale wasn't looking at him.

"It's alright now, don't cry," Cale comforted his children.

Basen and Lily immediately went to the drawing room when they heard the commotion. The servants filled them up with what happened and the two siblings knew exactly how their eldest brother was feeling.

"Hans, go get the physician. Melissa, check on the children if they are hurt," Basen ordered.

Lily approached their brother and assisted him so he could sit on the couch. The physician came and he immediately checked on the children.

Luckily, they weren't hurt. The physician told them that the children might have been surprised. When all the check up was done, the physician left.

The three children looked at their mother. They felt guilty after seeing his face. It was the first time their mother made that face. It was filled with sadness and emptiness.

"Mommy," Ciel called. Cale smiled and sat beside him.

"Are you alright now?" Cale asked. Ciel guiltily nodded. Soleil and Etoile felt the same.

"Wiw Sowawis come back?" Ciel asked, looking down. (Trans: Will Solaris come back?)

"No, Solaris won't come back here anymore. I can't have anyone hurting you three," Cale answered as he gently cupped Ciel's face.

Ciel, Soleil and Etoile won but they weren't happy. As their plan of getting rid of Choi Han was successful yet it was also the cause of their mother's pain.

"Awe woo okay, mommy?" Etoile cupped Cale's face. (Trans: Are you okay, mommy?)

Cale just smiled, "of course, I am."

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that," he added.

The three children nodded and they held Cale's hand. The whole room was silent. Cale didn't talk much, the same with the kids. The servants and Cale's siblings were also not talking.

When the children felt sleepy, Cale waited for them to fall asleep before going into another room. It was always a routine that people who are close to him knew. Whenever he feels sad, he always cooped up inside a room and comes out when he's feeling better. Basen and Lily only learned about that after realizing what they did to him.

The two followed him and the three siblings just sat on a spacious couch. Basen had his arms placed on Cale's back while Lily had her arms wrapped on Cale's too. The two leaned their heads on their eldest brother's shoulders.

The three were silent but Basen and Lily won't let their eldest brother be sad all by himself. The gentle tappings from his back and shoulder somehow made Cale at ease as tears fell from his eyes. The silent sobs coming out from him, Basen and Lily bear witness to that.

It's alright Orabeoni/Hyung, I am here, the two thought.

Cale, on the other hand, was thinking how much of a friend he thought of Solaris. He was his first friend after being chased away from their house. He was the first person who helped him and made his stay in this place worthwhile. He trusted him yet he hurt his children. He was so shocked that he didn't listen to what he was about to say.

There must be something else. Solaris looked panicked enough, I don't know what my children were afraid of, Cale sighed.

Cale realized he wasn't acting like himself as he brought his hands on Basen and Lily's head, gently ruffling their hairs. The two younger siblings blushed as it's been a while since Cale had done this.

"I'm alright now, thank you, you two," Cale smiled.

"Orabeoni," Lily hugged Cale.

"Hyung, you really softened up when those children came to your life," Basen was feeling grateful.

He won't force Cale to come back to him this time. If their eldest brother wanted to go back home, he would. However, he hoped that Cale would introduce his children to their parents.

"Well, I can't have my children taking after me," Cale chuckled.

But they took after you, Basen and Lily recalled when the three children interrogated them.

"By the way, Orabeoni, that child Etoile has a really rare hair and eye color, same with Soleil's eyes. Are your children perhaps children of that bastard Choi Han too?" Lily asked.

//TBC ...