SCREAM IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK
I said this in my twitter and I'll say it again, while i cant deny that Deruth is a bad father to Cale, he still supported him from afar (like the emotionally constipated person he is—).
Like, even with Drew still in the picture (if i remember correctly), he was still a bit awkward with Cale and only really connected with him through Drew. And after her death, the misunderstandings and miscommunication between them grew and grew.
(Imo, even in the present he's still connecting with Cale mostly through Violan and the kids' cues)
He was also grieving for his wife and coped the only way he knew, by isolating himself from everyone and breaking down in his sorrows. As much as it is a bad move to just basically abandon your child to deal with their grief, and seek his own happiness after without any thought of his child's feelings about it— he's also just a person. And people have flaws and make mistakes, just like we do.
(Would you like physical reminders of your dead lived one? The ones they left behind? Would you just brush your grief off easily and live normally with them gone? No? Everyone grieves differently, and Deruth was at his lowest point at the time. Ofc he would act like that)
Did he treat Cale like this way too long? Yes. But again, he wasn't 100% at fault in this. They both failed to communicate with each other, assumed each other's actions wrong, and tried to protect the other in their own way. Deruth and Cale still LOVED each other, they just couldn't do it properly.
(The family was also constantly being scrutinized by others, be it the public, extended family, or the nobles. So thats that)
It's a MIRACLE that he didn't make Cale do the things his late wife did so that he thinks she was still there (wearing dresses, growing out his hair, etc.). Or changed who he was/kicked him out so that he doesn't have a physical reminder of his late wife. Or even (wrongly) blamed him for her death.
Its a MIRACLE he spoiled Cale and gave him what he (supposedly) wanted. That he goes above and beyond to try and make his son happy. That he makes it so Cale lives comfortably, safely, and freely to his own desires.
Even in irl, there's many people like this (i can personally attest to that). And while it hurts sometimes, its still miles better than what others have. He shows his love in his own way, and i can live with it.
Saw hate on Deruth and like cmon guys
Deruth is the Asian dad :)
He neglected Cale emotionally but (unlike a certain King who is wealthier than most noblemen) Deruth also spoiled Cale a lot
New clothes, glimmering accessories, A LITERAL PRIVATE LIBRARY FOR HIM AND ONLY HIM
And Cale's food is always on top
Cale doesn't like the food he is served??, OKAY fire the chef, get him another perfect plate
Vicross is still standing and working because he's Ron's son and his food is "decent"
Oh but Deruth let Cale drink and become an alcoholic and does nothing about it 🥺
Pls 😭 stfu
Cale likes to drink, and he lets Cale drink
It's the only few things Cale likes
But he neglected Cale health 🥺
Girl this is a fantasy world, there's no doctor lmao
Cale needs and wants are met,, Cale lives comfortably in his house, safe and warm
Deruth is the dad who would buy the whole store
Cale: Can you get me uhh coke
Deruth: Ok *buys the whole company*
Cale: no
Come argue with me we'll fight to the death