Turning Chapter 1030
Previously on Turning...
“Indeed. My discernment in such matters may be lacking, but the crest struck me as magnificent from the very first moment.”
“The designer will find great comfort in that. Don't you agree, Duke Peletta?”
‘...What?’
Yuder couldn't tell if his mind was playing tricks on him, or if a hint of mischievous playfulness had slipped into the Emperor’s usually stoic voice. Instinctively, Yuder shifted his gaze toward Kishiar. In a rare display of emotion, Kishiar’s brow had softened into a slightly pained, awkward grin.
“...It was intended as a confidential gift to encourage my aide, yet here it is, exposed so suddenly... Your Majesty’s benevolence is as overwhelming as the break of dawn.”
“It seems even the southern tides couldn't dull your sharp wit. I am pleased to see you in such high spirits.”
“It is all a reflection of Your Majesty’s kindness, naturally.”
This exchange of pleasantries between the monarch and his subject was cut short by the Empress.
“It is heartening to witness the affection between Your Majesty and the Duke in public, but let us not forget there are further accolades to present.”
“The Empress speaks the truth.”
As the Emperor turned back to Kishiar, his voice regained its formal edge instantly.
“There is more to conclude, so the Duke must come forward once again when summoned.”
“My goodness. Is there truly more glory intended for me?”
“Did the Duke honestly believe his rewards concluded with those granted to the Cavalry?”
It was evident that even Kishiar was caught off guard. For a rare moment, his usual unshakeable poise faltered, and he failed to produce a retort.
Following this, those who accompanied the Cavalry—but were not official members—stepped out to receive their commendations. When Nathan Zuckerman, dressed in full ceremonial knightly attire, dropped to one knee to be formally recognized as a Swordmaster by the Emperor, Yuder felt a surge of genuine emotion.
In his previous life, this man had faded into obscurity without anyone realizing he had achieved such a peak. Now, he stood within the Hall of Glory, proclaimed as the Emperor’s own Swordmaster. This was more than just a title; it granted Nathan Zuckerman the standing required to serve as a general of the Empire.
‘To be honest, I expected Zuckerman might decline a public ceremony, just as he did before.’
Yet, surprisingly, Nathan had consented to receive the honor in person. Yuder suspected that Kishiar’s persuasion had played a role in this decision.
‘If that is the case, the motive might be...’
Shifting his gaze, Yuder looked toward a man standing apart from the cheering pro-imperial nobility. Despite appearing to be in his sixties, his powerful physique was a match for any younger warrior. This was Grand General Gerald Mucker, the commander-in-chief of the Northern Division and a titan of military power.
‘Unlike General Gino, who is tied to the imperial faction, Mucker is a staunch neutral. A scion of a noble branch, he held his post in my past life until the great calamities forced his resignation due to age.’
However, in this timeline, Mucker had appeared the moment Emperor Keillusa—despite his failing health—came to greet the Cavalry’s return. Today, he was present once more, silently taking everything in.
‘Mucker hasn't unleashed his aura in nearly a decade, unlike Gino... likely because his constitution can no longer sustain the strain.’
Mucker was much older than Gino and was undoubtedly contemplating his retirement.
‘Perhaps... the true reason for his presence is...’
Yuder observed how Mucker’s eyes remained fixed on the newly minted Swordmaster, Nathan Zuckerman. It dawned on him that Mucker might be vetting a successor for his generalship.
‘Whether Zuckerman would ever take the post is a different story. He seems far more interested in remaining by Kishiar’s side than chasing worldly rank.’
While most would find the idea of rejecting an Imperial Generalship unthinkable, Nathan Zuckerman was not most people. He was the type of man for whom walking away from traditional success felt entirely natural.
Once Zuckerman retreated, laden with honors and promises of wealth, it was finally Kishiar’s turn.
“—Duke Peletta, Commander of the Cavalry, Kishiar la Orr.”
Yuder watched him. For a fleeting second, their paths crossed, and Kishiar offered a small, weary smile.
The expression vanished as quickly as it appeared. With flawless grace and dignity, he stepped forward and bowed. The Emperor’s voice boomed through the hall.
“While many brave souls stood firm against the recent catastrophe, the contributions of Duke Peletta, Commander of the Cavalry, were peerless. Supporting from the rear and leading from the front to stop those who would harm the Empire—his valor shall be etched into the annals of our history.”
There were no whispers of dissent. Every person in the room accepted the Emperor’s decree as truth.
To Yuder, this recognition felt more profound than the raucous cheers of the crowds at the Seventh Wall the previous day.
“Consequently, I grant Duke Peletta the title of ‘Master of the Dawning Light.’”
The room fell into a stunned silence.
That specific title was rumored to belong to the Founding Emperor himself before the Empire was even born. Throughout a millennium of history, only two other Swordmasters had ever been permitted to hold it.
Yet, the Emperor was not done.
“Furthermore, I authorize the building of a Duke Peletta estate within the Third Wall. I also formally abolish the various restrictions previously imposed under the pretext of tradition. And finally...”
The Emperor paused, his eyes locking onto his brother’s.
The next words would send a tremor through the foundations of the Empire.
“With those barriers removed, the rights of succession to the imperial throne, which Duke Peletta possesses by birth, are hereby fully restored. I confirm and decree this today.”
“...”
The silence was absolute. It was simply too much to process.
Even Kishiar remained motionless for a long time before finally raising his head. Though Yuder could not see the silent conversation passing between the two brothers, Kishiar’s voice eventually echoed clearly through the Hall of Glory.
“—I am deeply honored. I accept Your Majesty’s decree.”
It was a brief response, but its implications were world-shaking.
“Duke. I assume you will be staying for the banquet.”
Even as the ceremony ended and the guests remained in a state of shock, the Emperor and Empress were perfectly composed. The Emperor stepped down and spoke with casual familiarity, while the Empress turned to Yuder with a radiant smile.
“Baron, you will be joining us as well, correct? The imperial chefs have outdone themselves today; it would be a shame to miss it.”
Kishiar’s presence was expected—but why did they assume Yuder’s attendance was a given?
He couldn't very well protest in the face of the Empress’s warmth.
As Yuder wavered, Kishiar spoke up first.
“The word ‘naturally’ seems slightly out of place. You ask me to attend a dinner while my men are left behind, knowing how that looks. Are you trying to burden me with honor and hardship simultaneously, Your Majesty?”
“Are you actually complaining about being honored? Tell me then—who did you intend to spend your birthday with?”
“...”
Yuder’s eyes widened.
Did he just say... birthday?
Yuder turned stiffly to see Kishiar looking equally stunned, his head tilted as if he were trying to remember the meaning of the word.
Seeing Kishiar’s silence, the Emperor sighed and rubbed his temples.
“Don’t tell me it slipped your mind. I could forgive anyone else, but you? Unbelievable. Even if you’ve ignored it for years, this year is significant. Did you really plan to let it pass unnoticed?”
“Incredibly... it truly had escaped me. Though I suspect that excuse won't satisfy you.”
Kishiar’s gaze slowly drifted toward Yuder.
In that moment, Yuder realized from the reflection in Kishiar’s eyes that his own expression must have looked completely bewildered.