Turning Chapter 1029

“It is a pleasure to see you all return in good health.”

The members of the Cavalry appeared visibly strained, seemingly unable to fathom why the Emperor had called them to such a location. Only Yuder remained calm, for he alone recognized that this specific hall held more significance than any other chamber in the palace.

‘To think he would summon the Cavalry to this place...’

The ceiling stretched upward, vast and majestic, looking down upon mortals from a great height. The floor was coated in the deep red synonymous with the imperial line. Flanking the massive entrance stood two unique pillars, each carved with ancient characters.

Though Yuder’s knowledge of the ancient tongue was limited, he knew those specific symbols translated to “glory.”

Indeed. The venue Emperor Keillusa had selected to greet the Cavalry was the Hall of Glory.

This was a sacred space reserved for those destined to lead vital state institutions. It was the very same hall where Yuder Aile—then known as Yudrain Aile—had been officially appointed as the Commander of the Cavalry in his previous life.

‘I never expected to stand here again under these circumstances.’

Even without a formal appointment, being acknowledged within the Hall of Glory was a mark of immense prestige. Simply crossing this threshold to receive an imperial reward elevated one far above the common masses. Regardless of any rumors circulating outside, from this day forward, the Cavalry members would be regarded as ranked nobles within the palace walls.

A fleeting memory of the appointment ceremony from his dreams surfaced briefly before vanishing. It no longer carried the weight of a nightmare—not with what was currently unfolding.

“Your achievements in the South were nothing short of a miracle. You risked your lives against unforeseen perils and catastrophes to rescue countless citizens. I must provide rewards that befit such valor.”

The Emperor gazed down at the Cavalry members, who remained bowed in nervous anticipation. His expression held the sternness of a monarch, yet his eyes remained kind. When his gaze shifted to his younger brother, and then to Yuder standing behind him, his expression softened further.

“I hereby decree that all who participated in this mission—the Cavalry included—shall receive gold and jewels of significant value, to be determined through careful deliberation. Furthermore, the entire Cavalry is granted third-grade access passes to the Imperial Palace. This right shall be permanently inherited by all future members of the Cavalry.”

Yuder was genuinely taken aback.

‘Material wealth is expected... but third-grade palace access?’

To the average person, everything inside the First Wall was simply the Imperial Palace. However, the First Wall covered a massive area, including the Solar Palace where the Emperor lived, royal residences, and various administrative wings.

Because many required access to these buildings without needing an audience with the Emperor, a grading system for passes had been established. The grade of the pass dictated which zones one could enter; naturally, a higher grade offered more freedom and less scrutiny.

Even titled nobles faced grueling inspections and reporting protocols if they lacked a pass, making the document a symbol of status in its own right.

Due to its importance, these passes were rarely distributed. Moreover, should the issuing Emperor pass away, all passes from their reign became invalid—making them even more difficult to retain than a noble title.

Yet, Emperor Keillusa had just bestowed this privilege upon the entire Cavalry.

‘Third-grade is the entry level for palace passes—but even so, many nobles in the Capital don't possess one. Especially in the current climate...’

Keillusa had more rivals than supporters among the aristocracy, suggesting that very few passes had been issued during his rule.

In his past life, Yudrain Aile had held a first-grade pass. It had permitted him entry to the Emperor's private quarters during crises and allowed him to carry weapons inside the palace—a staggering level of trust.

He hadn't utilized it often, as his meetings with Emperor Kachian were usually conducted via clandestine paths. Nevertheless, possessing that pass gave Yuder influence that far exceeded his formal rank.

‘Essentially... this is the same as granting the entire Cavalry noble status. And it isn't just for the current members—it’s for all who follow. Permanently.’

Had the Emperor tried to grant formal titles to every member of the Cavalry, the backlash would have been far more explosive than when Yuder received his barony after the Western campaign. The political resistance would have been staggering. Even if the Emperor could force it through, the resulting scandal would have tarnished their glory and caused endless delays.

However, the distribution of palace passes fell entirely under the Emperor's personal jurisdiction. Since they would expire upon his death, the nobility had little room to argue. Yet, the passes provided all the necessary benefits immediately—it was a masterfully pragmatic move.

‘Issuing these passes now doesn't prevent him from granting titles to specific individuals later. That process will likely begin in secret soon.’

Yuder remembered how, in his previous life, Emperor Kachian used noble titles to manipulate the Cavalry. In contrast, Keillusa’s method was far more intelligent. In the past, even those who performed great deeds were often harassed and threatened. Keillusa proved to be the more capable leader.

Once the Emperor finished his decree, the Empress moved forward. She personally presented Yuder, the three deputy commanders, and specific members like Kakein with medals forged from exquisite jewels and magic stones, offering kind words to each. When she mentioned that medals would also be delivered to those still stationed in the South, the mood of the Cavalry brightened visibly.

The medals alone were a massive prize—but the imperial couple was not done. They summoned Yuder forward once more to receive an additional distinction.

“Baron Yuder Aile. By imperial command, your title is hereby elevated from non-hereditary to hereditary. As a token of this change, we present you with this engraved signet ring.”

This reward was also brilliantly chosen—uncomplicated, yet designed to solidify his power. In the Empire, those capable of passing down their legacy—especially within established families—held the most authority. A hereditary title carried far more weight than a non-hereditary one, which was often viewed as a mere honorary gesture.

It was a flawless reward—one that would quiet the noble factions who were likely watching with bated breath, terrified he might receive a higher rank.

‘And a signet ring... commissioned personally by the Emperor and Empress themselves.’

After being named a baron, Yuder had intentionally avoided making a personal seal. Since he had no heirs, he saw no use for an official insignia; it would have only been used for mundane paperwork.

Despite the shock of the officials in charge of his administration, Yuder had ignored them and signed everything by hand. He had forgotten about it entirely.

Now, he was unexpectedly receiving a ring.

He whispered his formal gratitude as he opened the box containing the gift the Empress had handed him.

In his previous life, Yudrain Aile had utilized an insignia from a fallen noble house—a basic design featuring two flowers on a shield. He barely remembered it now, as it was only used for stamping files.

But the crest engraved on this box was entirely different—elegant and remarkably beautiful.

‘A frame of tree branches symbolizing nature... I’ve never seen anything like this.’

Between the curved branches, rays of light fell like sunbeams. Upon a closer look, every line was distinct—each representing a different element. Sharp edges suggested blades, while branching lines depicted light and fire. Some looked like the wind, others like flowing water. At the peak, the name “Aile” was written—not in the archaic scripts favored by the old guard, but in a sleek, modern font that complemented the design.

To harmonize all those elements onto a wooden crest, the designer must have been exceptionally thoughtful. How much time had gone into this?

Yuder looked at it in silence before bowing low.

“I had not yet created a signet due to the hectic circumstances, but for His Majesty to show such concern for such a minor detail and offer such kindness—I am profoundly honored.”

“Do you find it to your liking?”

The Emperor asked with a gentle tone.

It was an unexpected question—he had never asked such a thing of anyone while presenting a reward before.

But Yuder gave his honest reply.