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“...What do you need from me?” Alberu squinted at the redhead in front of him. The mild smile on Cale’s face meant that he wasn’t up to anything good. He only smiled like that when he needed something.
Cale continued to smile.
Alberu sighed, putting down his pen. The stack of documents on his desk never seemed to end. While Alberu was perpetually busy, his dear dongsaeng was living the slacker life that he had been promised. Every now and then, Alberu couldn’t help but envy Cale since he was so busy every day.
“Raon has been very interested in jewels lately,” Cale began conversationally. Alberu continued to stare at him in suspicion. “His birthday is coming up soon. It's in a week, actually.”
“So?” Alberu grumbled. Cale always had to set up a scene instead of getting to the point.
“He really wants a jewel. A blood-red jewel named Crimson Tear. I’m sure you’ve heard of it?”
This crazy…
Of course, Alberu knew of it. It was the famous treasure of a faraway country whose lands surrounded by volcanoes. He was well aware of the implications hidden behind Cale's words.
“You’re saying you want me to get it for you, my dear dongsaeng?”
“Oh my. I knew you’d get it. My hyungnim is the smartest person in the world,” Cale said smoothly, clearly buttering him up. “You still owe me a favour, don’t you? I’d like to use it now.”
This bastard. The jewel wasn’t something that could be bought by a golden plaque or two. Cale would know this. That was why he came to Alberu instead of procuring it for himself.
“Your scale sure is different,” Alberu said with a stiff smile. “My dongsaeng sure wants big things.”
“Thank you.”
“That wasn’t a compliment.”
Hmm… maybe it was too much to ask for? Cale quietly looked at his sworn brother, whose eyebrows were furrowed in deep thought. Alberu gave a long-suffering sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Yet, Cale felt like it was a possible demand. Alberu was resourceful and indulgent towards the children. He just needed to push a little further.
He smirked as he thought of a great idea. Quickly, he schooled his expression before Alberu caught onto his scheme.
He leaned across the desk, pouting. With a single finger, he poked Alberu in the shoulder.
Alberu flinched, looking up in confusion.
Cale’s finger slid down Alberu’s chest slowly.
“Will you please get it for me, Oppa?” Cale asked coyly in a sultry voice. He fluttered his eyelashes, a small pout on his face.
The result was instantaneous. A dark flush covered Alberu’s face like wildfire. The king’s mouth fell open.
“You crazy…! What did you just call me?”
Oh, that was more effective than what Cale expected. As expected, aegyo worked in this world too. Why did he never think of using this card until now? He placed an innocent look on his face.
“Please, Oppa? If anyone can do it it’s you,” his finger continued to prod Alberu gently. Alberu opened and closed his mouth like a goldfish. Cale’s eyes sparkled mischievously. It was interesting to see Alberu so flustered.
Alberu couldn’t believe Cale. This guy always managed to surprise him and throw him off. He was glad they were the only two people in his office right now. He didn't know what sort of face he was making since his mind was a mess. He sighed heavily and looked away from Cale, trying to gather his bearings. With a shaking hand, he brushed his blond hair back from his forehead.
“Fine. I’ll do it. Stop acting so weird. It’s giving me goosebumps.”
Cale snickered, retracting his hand.
He remembered the way his team leader had acted when he did aegyo as Kim Rok Soo, while drunk. He had behaved in a way that was similar to how Alberu was acting. That had been an interesting night.
“Thank you hyungnim,” he said sweetly. “As expected of our kingdom’s sun. Your generosity shines down upon us like a warm and comforting light.”
“Whatever, you rascal. Just get out. I’m busy.”
The person he was weakest to in this world was Cale Henituse. The redhead played him like a fiddle. The things he signed up for when he told Cale to be his sworn brother. Cale never ceased to make his life difficult.
Of course, that wasn’t all Cale did. Cale also made his life easier and a lot more interesting. He would never stop feeling grateful about all Cale did from him and the Roan Kingdom.
“Sure. I’m sure the greatest man in this country has a lot to do,” Cale agreed. “But, make sure you get proper food and rest. You look like you’ve lost some weight.”
Alberu smiled. “Aigoo, what a sweet dongsaeng I have.”
“You have to live well so I can live well too,” Cale grinned. If the pillar of Roan kingdom fell, how would he enjoy his life of peace? He had Alberu to thank for dealing with all the complicated and difficult stuff so that citizens like himself could live an easy life.
Alberu called out when Cale opened the door to leave. “Hey, you. Don’t go around calling people Oppa.”
Cale laughed. “Of course. I only have one Oppa in the world.” He blew a kiss in Alberu’s direction, laughing harder at the strange expression Alberu made in response to his actions.
“You... you crazy punk!”
“I’ll be waiting for your good news!”
His naughty dongsaeng waved happily as he left. Alberu snorted in amusement, shaking his head. What a cute bastard.