When an ancient power's master dies, it loses its master.

The ancient powers in the rings given to them chose them to be the new owners.

Deruth wrapped his arms around his children. He had no intention of letting them go. He had no idea how they knew their mother was dead, but if she was, his heart ached tremendously.

She is so desperate to get away from bad people that she sent me the kids five years ago.

He thought it was just another whim, but looking back, the kids were guarding each other as if someone was after them. Their desperate stares and familiar expressions drew him back to the county, despite his initial reluctance.

"It'll be alright," he whispered. "I'm still here. Everything will be alright."

He can't even cry. He can't even mourn. If he does, these children will suffer more. He can't mourn when his children are in distress.

"Everything will be alright."

Rok and Cale wrapped their tiny arms around him. It was tight; it made his heart thump loudly as if it were being squeezed. The immense sadness of the normally cheerful and troublesome children made him unhappy as well.

He traced a soothing silence on their backs as they rested their heads on his shoulders. His tears rolled down his cheeks as he kissed their temples and held them even tighter.

Their complicated situation made it even more difficult to mourn.

He knew they were aware of this, which is why—

They're crying earnestly for the person they love the most.

He cannot stop himself from feeling envious of Jour. In comparison to him, she was an irreplaceable person to them. She was everything to the kids, and neither he nor she could stand it. They want to get away from him as soon as possible.

"Everything will be fine," he said as he embraced them tightly in the rain.

[CALE'S POV]

Cale gazes at his brother, who is thinking deeply. Even though Kim Rok Soo said that he's not expecting anything anymore, he's the kind of person who attaches his heart dearly to the people who love him.

"Hyung."

He stopped when Rok pulled him into an embrace.

"I'm going to find them." listening to him made his heart burn. "And get back at them."

He can't help but embrace his brother and lean on him.

"Uh-uh."

How sad Rok must've been.

They both know how to handle their hearsay, but this moment made them vulnerable. The Thameses are fleeing for their lives while they live in this paradise. The family who taught them and loved them are all fleeing for survival while they remain in this blissful ignorance. This must be the reason why they sent them here to Henituse County.

He felt Rok's embrace get even tighter.

"You... Deruth... this family... we won't lose it, Cale."

Who are you reassuring? Me or yourself?

Cale shook his head and remained silent. The only moment they needed was silence.

"Hyung. We'll be together in all this, alright."

"Of course." His voice was stern and serious.

"You're the last person I'll lose. You're going to live a long, rich, and slacker life with me."

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The twins ended up waiting for someone dead at night. They gazed at their grandfather, who came to find Jour.

Both of them saw rings above their grandfather's head.

"Helly, my little dumplings."

Even when his daughter died, this man couldn't even mourn for her. They understood why and they knew exactly how wretched this man feels right now.

Their grandfather kneeled and embraced them tightly. He cried a bit but gave them a small smile on his face.

"From now on, we won't be seeing each other." Their grandfather said, "It's better if you live without connections with the Thames family. My baby dumplings, don't feel bad or sad, alright? Grandpa will do his best to protect you."

Both of them didn't say anything. They just basked in the arms of their grandfather, who kept a solemn smile even though he lost someone dear to him as well.

"I'm sure, your father will do well."

"Grandpa," Rok said, "in the future..."

"Let's meet again."

This is no longer the time for either of them to take their time. This is not the time to live peacefully.

What they wished for...

What they desired for...

Was a happy life spent with their loved ones.

The reason Cale returned to the past

The new reason Rok fell in love with life

If they can not have it, they will seize it—with the people who are left—with the people who are most important to them.

They have become overconfident, believing that they have already lost everyone they care about. They assumed they could live happily in silence after putting everything in place.

"Who is the foe?"

When a ten-year-old asked who their enemy was, Luke knew exactly what these two were going to do.

Even if they fought, there would still be a power disparity.

The Thames family has been the source of contention.

"Do you understand why your mother brought you here?"

The twins looked at him, surprised.

"It was to allow you to live a normal and happy life."

"The only thing that separated us from this world was a thin wall of discord," their grandfather said, his voice kind and sad, "do not lament about the destiny we were born with; it may be tough and sad, but do not hate anyone, do not seek revenge."

The Thameses decided to give these children freedom, like bird wings, so they could go wherever they wanted.

Even if they have nowhere to go, they have made it possible for these children to live in the sun.

Away from the darkness of this family, in a place where they can create their own world.

"You know Grandpa..." Rok said, "No matter where I live... This world is a cruel place to live in."

Even if he still loves or is willing to sacrifice everything...

"It is bound to take what I love the most."

Luke fixed his gaze on Rok and Cale.

"I did not go back in time to lose the people I love."

Cale's voice echoed in his ears.

"You need us, right? Souls bound to time," the twins said quietly. "Tell us, Grandpa. We can take it... We do not want to regret anything anymore."

Because what is right is to have faith in yourself.

"We want to rewrite our tragic story."

Luke was astounded by what he was hearing. The things they wanted to find and study were right in front of their eyes. The truth about why the gods cursed the Thames and why the world wants them to die.

"War is stupid violence," regardless of its form, is a field full of contradictions.

Lukes, who understands what these children are saying, smiled and said, "When the time comes."

He had no intention of tying them up as Thames.

"Forget about being a Thames," Luke said tenderly, "you are now Henituse, a noble from a Count's Family."

It's the story of an unrelated and unknown family.

"Live just as normal people do."

He stood up and turned away from his own grandsons. Even if he'll be called selfish, even if those children lived their lives quite longer than him, for him, they're still children that needed to be protected.

The twins understood this much and watched their grandfather walk away.

"Don't die."

Luke stopped for a moment.

"If you die, we will kill you again."

His tears streamed down his cheeks, but he did not turn around.

The world is a cruel place.

It may be a paradise for others and a prison for others, but it is hell for them.

Once this world sets them free, the real meaning of their existence will be understood.

They just didn't want to live. They want to live that perfect, happy life as well.

"We'll come and get you."

Hearing those mournful promises, Luke gritted his teeth as he continued to walk away.

"Wait for us."

No need. By the time we meet again, it's just an empty casket and tears.

"PROMISE!"

You already shine the brightest on your own.

Behind the justice, within the sacrifice, there is a child of evil within my heart.

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TBC