Chapter Text
The sun has just begun its descent and a cast long, dramatic shadows across the landscape when they first arrived at the scene. Yet, before its final sliver could vanish below the horizon, the colossal plant monster was already a scattered ruin of scorched and frozen bits. Kim Sunghan watched with familiar wave of reverence as his lord, Han Yoohyun, sheathed his sword. The young lord moved with an almost ethereal grace, radiating a quiet power that seemed to hum in the very air around him.
Just this evening, a magic plant had suddenly gone into a berserk bloom, transforming into a rampaging monstrosity. They'd rushed to the scene, expecting a drawn-out battle. The monster had been a formidable opponent capable of crushing the lesser men, but before the young lord's decisive strikes, it had crumbled like an ordinary flower catching fire.
As a knight, he couldn't help but swell with pride and deep gratitude to serve such an exceptional and capable master. Lord Yoohyun was barely out of his youth, yet his charisma and combat prowess were nothing short of amazing. Sunghan hadn't been with the Han family long, only five years, having been recruited three years after the former Lord and his wife passed. But he was certain, and eternally grateful, that they had done an exemplary job raising this son.
On the contrary...
"Yoohyun!"
Sunghan stiffened, his gaze snapping to the source of the reedy voice. He watched with a growing sense of distaste as a frail and meek-looking man approached his lord. The notorious first son, Han Yoojin. Even from where Sunghan stood, he could clearly see the man's dull ordinariness, an unremarkable presence utterly devoid of the magic, a stark and pathetic contrast to his brother's overwhelming power.
It was painfully obvious why he'd been replaced as heir, and Sunghan was quite sure a collective sigh of relief had echoed throughout the territory when that decision was made. He simply couldn't fathom how such a meek man, with an average posture and a countenance, could ever command a territory, much less an army, like his younger brother did.
"Hyung, what are you doing here? Don't you know that it's dangerous?" His lord's voice, though outwardly calm, carried a distinct note of displeasure.
"I know, I know, but I'm just worried. I'm sorry, I just wanted to see that you're okay."
Sunghan had to fight the urge to snort derisively. Of course his lord was okay. The plant monster had been formidable, yes, but Lord Yoohyun was stronger. Besides, they had a well-trained contingent of knights, and a powerful new recruit who could wield ice magic with chilling precision. Surely, the older brother wasn't that ignorant of Haeyeon's military might... or perhaps he was.
Young Master Yoojin was now hovering over Lord Yoohyun, fussing, as if checking for injuries. And the young lord, infuriatingly, allowed it. It didn't bode well with Sunghan how much his lord tolerated this, letting his brother do as he pleased and tarnishing his dignity.
"The boss is fine, ahjussi," the new recruit, Bak Yerim, chirped, her tone laced with saccharine sweetness that barely masked the insolence. "Really, I don't know how you can be worried about him."
"He is my brother," Yoojin stated with thin voice. "Of course I would be worried about him, no matter how strong he's become."
"I don't want you to worry about me, Hyung." Lord Yoohyun said in his firm, commanding voice.
The young master halted whatever overly familiar gesture he was making, quickly retreating the hands that had hovered over Lord Yoohyun. "Ah, yes, of course. I know that you don't need my worry, Yoohyun. Still, I'm sorry that I couldn't help it. I- I better go now so you can conclude this matter and rest. I'm glad you're not injured."
Sunghan watched the young master shuffle away, his shoulders hunched and even trip a few times in his haste. He couldn't help but click his tongue in open disdain. Truly, what had he even hoped to achieve by coming here, beyond proving his own uselessness?
"About the party at the royal capital." Seok Simyeong, Chief Steward of Haeyeon Manor, adjusted his spectacles, "As you know, His Majesty the King will be holding a celebratory feast for his birthday. There will also be a ball and, most importantly, a reward ceremony for those who have contributed significantly to the kingdom this year. That, of course, includes the Lord of Haeyeon, for your achievement in hunting the monster in Haeyeon and the nearby territories."
Simyeong allowed a rare, subtle smile to grace his lips. "We are quite ready for departure, and the appropriate gift for the King has been secured. We merely need to finalize the adjustments to your suit, as you will receive the reward directly from His Majesty."
"You take care of it," Lord Yoohyun said, clipped and dismissive.
Simyeong felt a wave of profound satisfaction. Lord Yoohyun's terse reply was not disrespect, it was unquestioning trust. He simply knew Simyeong would handle it perfectly.
At that precise moment, a soft knock echoed at the door, followed immediately by the slow creak of it opening. Simyeong's brow furrowed into a deep scowl. Only one singularly unwelcome person would dare to enter the Lord's private chambers without explicit permission from its master. And, as predicted, the unsavory face of Han Yoojin soon came into view.
"Ah, I'm sorry, did I disturb you, Yoohyun?" Yoojin asked with a false politeness that set Simyeong's teeth on edge.
Simyeong was quick to answer the question, his voice was sharp and laced with barely concealed contempt. "It is clearly a polite manner to wait for permission before entering, Young Master Han. But I see that the First Son of Han continues to lack such fundamental education. I am simply grateful that Lord Yoohyun did not follow in his brother's unfortunate footsteps."
Yoojin's jaw visibly tightened, there’s a flicker of something akin to pain in his eyes before it was swiftly masked. "Yes, I am sorry. I will go now, sorry for interrupting, Sir."
"What brings you here, Hyung?" Lord Yoohyun cut in with impatient tone, stopping his older brother from retreating. Simyeong noted the lack of warmth, the mere obligation in the young lord's voice. Good.
The humble young master, as Simyeong mockingly thought of him, looked from Lord Yoohyun to his trusted aide and back again, before finally opening his mouth. "I heard that you would go to the capital."
"Yes," Simyeong answered with not a very subtle sigh. "For the King's birthday and the award ceremony."
The young master's face beamed with an almost childish enthusiasm. Simyeong's expression darkened.
"Then—" Yoojin began.
"Unfortunately," the chief steward cut him off, his voice flat and devoid of any genuine regret, "Young Master Yoojin, you could not possibly attend the party because you are not invited."
"What? But I heard that every lord of the house and at least one of the heirs can come—" Yoojin protested.
"Yes, but, clearly, your lack of education is showing again here," Simyeong drawled, a cruel smile playing on his lips.
Yoojin bit his lips at that, the faint tremble of his body was evident even from the distance.
"Young Master Yoojin, you are neither the Lord nor the heir, so you do not possess the necessary qualifications to attend His Majesty's party in the capital." Simyeong savored the words, watching Yoojin's gradually darkening face.
The young master opened his mouth in disbelief before closing it, his expression hardening into one of firm resolve. "I understand. Thank you for your confirmation and willingness to give the understanding for this uneducated me," he said, the sarcasm in his voice so subtle it might have been imagined. He then finally retreated from the room, closing the door softly behind him.
Seok Simyeong scoffed and returned his attention to his Lord. Lord Yoohyun's expression was cold, a clear indication that he, too, disliked his older brother. Simyeong understood perfectly. He also harbored a deep distaste for the incompetent and inept noble in name only.
It was utterly fortunate that the dimwit had willingly relinquished his position as the heir, despite initially protesting and giving some resistance, laughably claiming that his beloved younger brother was too young for the position. How utterly naive. Even then, Young Master Yoohyun was already oozing with the charisma of a born leader and the power of a strong magic user. To see his older brother trying to shield him from his rightful position and obligations had been a laughable sight, a futile and utterly dumb act.
Even now, the gauche young master still clung to his younger brother, despite Lord Yoohyun showing no discernible interest in him anymore. He'd been surprisingly quiet and relatively well-behaved these past years, but Simyeong didn't know how long that fragile peace would last. He should devise a plan to get rid of Han Yoojin from the house as soon as possible. Haeyeon didn't need a useless mutt to taint its lineage.
Seok Simyeong was in a visibly good mood this morning. Lord of Haeyeon was ready to set off to the capital with his entourage. The carriages gleamed, carefully polished for the journey. The knights and their horses practically brimmed with spirit, and even the attendants hummed with anticipation. Simyeong felt a surge of pride, like a parent sending off a cherished child, as he prepared to see his lord depart. But his joyful mood plummeted when his gaze landed on a familiar figure at the far end of the corridor.
"Where are you going?" he asked at Yoojin who was about to open the front door of the manor.
"I am going to see my brother off," the young master answered firmly.
"Did I not tell you not to make trouble or show yourself in front of many people?" Simyeong's voice was laced with an exaggerated weariness, as if dealing with a tiresome child.
"But my brother is going to the capital, to meet the King. I'm not going with him, nor will I see him for a while. Can I not see him off and say something?" Yoojin's tone held a desperate plea.
"That won't be necessary," Simyeong cut him off with a dismissive wave of his hand. "There are already sufficient people who will congratulate and see him off. Your presence is quite superfluous."
"I am his brother!" Yoojin's voice suddenly rose. There’s a flash of genuine anger and defiance in his eyes.
"His dead weight of a brother, yes."
Yoojin gritted his teeth and glared at him. A silent, impotent challenge. Simyeong sighed dramatically and shook his head, now he really feels like dealing with a spoiled brat. "Do you truly think your brother would like to see you now? You know he hates it when other people see his older brother. Why don't you stay in your room and stop causing trouble?"
"I—" Simyeong watched with deep satisfaction as the meek young master visibly faltered, his shoulders slumping. "Alright," he finally muttered, turning away from the door. Presumably, hopefully, to retreat to his room.
"Ah," Simyeong called out, just as Yoojin walked past him, unable to resist one final jab. "And your betrothal to the Choi family has been arranged."
The young master halted, his previously slumping body going rigid. "...What?"
Seok Simyeong smiled, a truly sweet, saccharine smile that never reached his eyes. "Are you not utterly grateful that a family of such reputation is willing to even consider taking you in?"
Young Master Yoojin was silent for a long moment. "Which noble from the Choi family...?"
"It's the lord, Choi Sukwon," Simyeong stated.
Yoojin gaped. "But he's already married!" the young master hissed.
The chief steward smiled patiently, "Of course, you won't be the first wife. Did you truly imagine someone as inept as yourself could ever be a mistress? You needn't trouble your dull mind with such lofty concerns, simply live there as a leech, as you always do."
“Did Yoohyun know about this?” Yoojin's asked with a flicker of hope, or perhaps dread, in his eyes.
The chief steward was aware that the lord did not know, yet. But he maintained his perfectly pleasant smile and responded, "Of course. He was quite pleased with this arrangement, in fact.”
A tense pause. “He did?” Yoojin’s voice was flat and devoid of emotion now.
“Yes.” Simyeong’s smile broadened, “The Lordship was quite glad that you can finally find your own family and be away from Haeyeon. He wished you the greatest happiness with this engagement.”
The young master's face became carefully blank, an expression Simyeong had seen before, one that always preceded his meek acceptance. "I understand," was all he said before he walked away with even steps. This time his shoulders were remarkably straight despite the devastating news. Simyeong allowed himself a quiet chuckle before he resumed his walk towards the door.
The back of the manor was quiet, a testament to the unkempt garden it had become. Only the occasional rustle of leaves or the scurry of small creatures broke the silence. Though sometimes a few servants would cut through, as it was a shortcut to the kitchens and laundry.
A distinct red pair of animal ears and a horn suddenly peaked from a thick bush. Then, a creature like a juvenile lion burst from the foliage and dashed towards the far wall. The young beast suddenly froze, pressing itself flat against the stone as the murmuring voices signaled the approaching servants.
"Lord Yoohyun departed for the capital this mornin'," a coarse voice drawled. "Wish I coulda seen him off proper."
"The maids said he looked so handsome," another simpered.
"Heard he's gettin' a big reward from the King, for bashin' all those monsters and keepin' us safe."
"Ain't he just grand? We're lucky, real lucky, to have him as our lord."
"Did the old Young Master go to the capital too?" a younger, more naive voice piped up.
A bark of laughter. "Nah, no way in hell. What for?"
"Heard he didn't even get invited? And even if he did, you think the Lord would let him go? Bringin' that kind of embarrassment of a family?"
"Ugh, that'd be somethin' to pity. Poor Lord Yoohyun, stuck with a brother like that."
"Really, Young Master Yoojin is just useless, ain't he? Hasn't lifted a finger to help his brother since he became the Lord."
At the mention of the familiar name, the red horned lion's ears perked up.
"He's just bitter that his younger brother stole his position," someone spat with a hint of old resentment in their tone.
Another scoffed. "He ought to be grateful they let him stay here at all. If it was me, I'd have kicked his worthless butt out ages ago."
"Oh, don't you fret," a conspiratorial whisper cut in. "I heard his engagement already confirmed."
A shocked gasp. "Oh? There's actually someone who wants a useless, dried-up noble like him? Who'd take such a thing?"
"Bet the poor sod just assumed that because Lord Yoohyun is such a remarkable man, his brother would surely have some worth."
"Oh, how wrong he is. Wonder what he'll do when he finds out the truth."
"Maybe a divorce?"
"Nah, too much of a hassle. Why not just kick him out or neglect him completely? Much easier."
"You know, I heard you can actually sell someone—"
Their voices became a blurred hum, fading into the distance as the servants walked away. The horned lion launched itself at a low-set window, squeezing through with surprising agility. It landed silently on the carpet, scampered across the corridor, and slipped into a familiar room.
Its senses already focused on its owner's scent even before he entered the room. He found a bundle of something lying on the bed, half-buried under blankets and pillows. His master was curled up and unresponsive even when the lion gently prodded him with his paws.
The horned lion could smell and sense its owner's deep uneasiness, a scent of sorrow heavily clinging to the air. It mewled softly to show its concern. The bundle finally shifted at the sound.
"Peace? Ah, you're here," a voice rasped, creaky and hoarse.
Peace circled its owner once then nudged its head against Yoojin's cheek, trying to coax him.
"Hmm? Are you worried about me? I'm fine."
Peace mewed some more and tapped Yoojin's face with a paw. "I'm sorry, but I don't really feel well. I can't play with you right now."
Peace then nuzzled close to Han Yoojin and settled beside him. "Ah, do you want to stay with me? Thank you. I think I'd get better if I got some sleep."
That's what his owner said, but Yoojin's breathing was too ragged and heavy for someone who was asleep. The red horned lion could feel the vibration of his owner's chest and a rising tide of anxiety that went higher with each passing hour.
His master remained lying in bed for days, only waking up for water when the horned lion insisted, nudging the jar with its nose and biting gently at Yoojin's clothes. Sometimes, a small bird in the form of a bundle white cotton fluff would appear through out of nowhere with some wild fruits. Then, the two young beasts would tirelessly nudge and prod, practically forcing their owner to eat.
Nobody else came to the room for days. No servant to clean the dusty space, no one to check on their master or remind him to eat. And so, over time, more young beasts kept arriving. One time, a red jeweled snake slithered in with a mouse clutched in its mouth, which Peace promptly smacked away as soon as he saw it. Another time, a juvenile griffin flew to the window with a thick branch full of berries, which they tried to push through the frame with much difficulty, almost breaking the window rim in the process.
By the third night, it was clear that their master's already frail body had considerably weakened. The beasts mewed, chirped, and hissed in frantic distress. The young man finally stirred at the persistent clamor of his familiars. He reached out blankly towards them, then slowly and gently rubbed each of their heads one by one.
"I'm sorry," he whispered weakly.
The small bird bit gently at his hair and tugged.
Yoojin's gaze that had become dull and unfocused followed the bird's movements towards the open window.
"Are you saying that I should go outside?"
The cotton ball of a bird chirped.
"Alright," their owner said after a long, unsettling pause. "I'll go."
With that, he painstakingly got up from the bed. He moved to the wardrobe and a small drawer, beginning to put a few select things into a worn bag. When he was done, he faced his familiars with a calm and resolute face.
"Let's go."
They slipped out of the room, the door clicking softly behind them. The hallway was dim and quiet, rarely trod by servants or anyone beside Yoojin himself. They continued to the back door and stepping out into the unkempt garden. Deeper within, they found their usual gathering spot: a stark white tree, stripped bare of leaves, surrounded by a small crowd of young beasts.
A pair of black and white unicorns, a white reindeer, and a black dragon all welcomed their owner with excited energy. Yoojin smiled, gently rubbing and hugging each of them with affection. He let his familiars fuss over him, offering soft reassurances like, "Yes, I'm sorry to make you worry," or "I won't do it again," and always ending it with, "Thank you, I love you all."
Once the eager beasts were somewhat appeased, Yoojin asked for a moment alone. They vehemently refused. It took much persuasion and a firm promise that he would return to them as soon as he was done to make his familiars reluctantly dispersed one by one. Peace initially insisted on staying behind, but Yoojin gently ushered him away. The red horned lion, however, had his own plans. When Yoojin wasn't looking, he stealthily leaped into a nearby bush and watched his master.
From his hidden vantage point, Peace saw the young man slump beneath the white tree. Yoojin bent his legs and rested his elbows atop them, a hooligan-like posture that contrasted his usual dignified demeanor. His head hung low, hidden from view.
A choked, ragged sound tore from Han Yoojin's throat, quickly followed by a venomous hiss. "Damned sons of bitches!"
Peace jolted at the sudden expletive.
"They treat me like some goddamn fucking object just 'cause I'm goddamn useless," Yoojin snarled with fury. "It's not like I asked for this shit, dammit! It's not like I get off on being pathetic, a worthless piece of shit, a fucking burden to my own younger brother.
"Even then, how dare they even deny me of him?! He's my brother, for fuck's sake! My only family! My baby brother...” Yoojin winced and took a shuddering breath, “If he doesn't want anything to do with me anymore, if he wants me to disappear so bad, then fine! I'll go!"
His voice cracked, then hardened with a desperate resolve. "Yeah, I can do that. I'll just vanish to some place nobody can find my worthless hide and live happily ever after. Without being a dead weight to anyone, without being a fucking defect to tarnish my brother’s good name."
A broken laugh escaped him, sharp and bitter. "Fuck my life, I'm such a failure, ain't I?"
Yoojin slammed the back of his head against the tree's trunk, the dull thud echoing eerily in the quiet garden. But he paid no mind as he squeezed his eyes shut. "Still... even just for a bit... I want to see my brother, for the last time."
“Is that your wish, child?” a solemn voice suddenly asked.
Yoojin jolted at the sudden appearance of a stranger's voice, scrambling to his feet. Peace, too, leaped from his hiding spot and landing protectively in front of his master. A low growl rumbling in his chest towards the source of the voice: a plain white bird that perched on the bare, white tree.
“Peace!” Han Yoojin yelped, quickly wrapping his arms around the lion from behind. He then looked up at the bird. “What are you?”
“I am simply a white bird that dwells upon this wishing tree.”
“Wishing tree,” Han Yoojin repeated, suspicion warring with a hint of curiosity in his tone.
“We heard your wish, child. We can grant it, if so you still desire. Is that truly what your heart seeks? To see your younger brother? We could grant you riches, or a comfortable life in a faraway land, or perhaps great fame, or even boundless power.”
“How can you do that? And what do you want from me?” Yoojin demanded, voice edged with caution.
“It is simply the purpose of the wishing tree, and my very reason for being. All you need do is speak your true wish. We have watched you from afar, child, for a long, long time. And let us simply say that we both sincerely desire your happiness.”
Yoojin swallowed hard and hugging Peace even tighter. “That’s it? How am I supposed to trust you?”
“We swear, upon the very essence of this tree, that we possess no desire to harm you, nor your younger brother. And certainly, no harm shall befall your other children.”
Peace looked up, sensing his owner's gaze on him. He let out a soft mewl. His always-tender owner looked distraught and utterly weary, but now, a faint flicker of hope sparked in his dark eyes.
“Alright…” Yoojin finally answered. “Please grant my wish. I want to see my younger brother. He…” Yoojin paused, his brow scrunching in thought. “He should be at the ball right now.”
“Then you shall go to the ball,” the White Bird declared, its wings fluttering as it flew in a slow circle around Yoojin. Something akin to magic dust shimmered and rained down upon the slender man. In that very instant, the other young beasts rushed to that place, drawn by the sudden and powerful surge of magic. They surrounded and hovered anxiously around their caregiver.
Peace watched as Yoojin's very appearance morphed into something new. His formerly elegant but clearly worn clothes transformed into a striking black and white attire, complete with a flowing veil. Even his complexion seemed to improve. The ragged face with heavy dark circles around his eyes was gone, replaced by a neat, clean appearance with a healthy blush.
His owner was sparkling. Peace leaped onto his arm with joy, nudging at him happily. Yoojin instinctively caught him even when he still half in daze. The other familiars also circled and nudged at him, trying to convey how incredibly beautiful their caregiver looked. Yoojin took a long moment to inspect his new appearance, then responded to his familiars' appreciation with a gentle smile.
“Child, take this one with you,”
When Yoojin looked back, the White Bird had settled onto the wishing tree once more. Then he saw a small blue bird with a long, elegant tail flew gracefully towards him.
“That child wishes to accompany you on your journey.”
“Really? You…?” Yoojin asked the blue bird who chirped brightly in response, as if confirming.
“Thank you,” he said, and the bird pecked gleefully at his chin.
“The child’s name is Grace. She shall follow and protect you from this moment forth.”
“I’m happy to have you, Grace,” Yoojin smiled tenderly, only to gasp in shock as Grace suddenly morphed into an elaborate set of glittering jewelry: earrings, a necklace, a bracelet, a ring, an ankle bracelet, and even a pair of impossible glass heels. Yoojin choked at the overly luxurious-looking jewels, a blush creeping up to his neck.
“Umm… if you could tone it down, please. Also, why am I wearing heels?”
The jewelry seemed to hum in compliance, shifting into a more modest looking adornment, though still far too gaudy for Yoojin’s taste. He requested an even simpler one several more times. In the end, the young noble simply smiled in defeat. The blue bird was not willing to compromise on the heels, it seemed.
“These ones shall be your carriage,” the White Bird said, its wing fluttering towards the white reindeer and the black dragon. Both beasts then shimmered, their forms morphing into a white carriage adorned with silver ornaments.
Yoojin gasped in horror, “Sorok! Comet!”
“Rest assured, all magic will dissipate once the moon reaches its highest point in the night sky.”
Yoojin looked up at the sky and all the remaining juvenile beasts followed his gaze. The moon hung low on the horizon.
"It's a full moon. Then the moon will be at its zenith at midnight," he murmured.
“You shall leave the ball before midnight,” the White Bird reminded him, to which Yoojin nodded resolutely.
“Now, you shall go to the capital. The unicorns will pull your carriage, and this little one will guide you there,” the White Bird said, gently lifting a small bundle of white fluff that chirped in confusion.
“Chirpie?”
The white little creature opened its almost non-existent wings wide. Suddenly, a portal that seemingly tore through space appeared before them. Yoojin eyed the portal warily.
“It should bring you somewhere near your destination. Go, and see your brother as you dearly wish for, child. We shall pray for your luck and happiness.”
Chirpie leaped through the portal, followed swiftly by the grifiin. The red jeweled snake slithered into the carriage and Peace leaped after it. The red horned lion glancing back at his owner. Yoojin took one last look at the Wishing Tree and the White Bird, then stepped into the carriage.