Turning Chapter 1031

A birthday. For Yuder, that term was profoundly alien.

Among the Orr Empire's commoners, once childhood passed, very few bothered to track their date of birth or celebrate it with anyone outside their immediate kin. Even within the Cavalry—where most members shared a commoner lineage—hardly anyone made an effort to acknowledge their own birthday.

This sentiment was particularly strong in the mountainous central provinces where Yuder was raised. His grandfather, for example, had passed away without ever properly disclosing the exact day he was born.

Whenever young Yuder’s birthday drew near, his grandfather might prepare a meal slightly better than their usual fare or carve a small trinket for him. That was the extent of it. After his grandfather's death, Yuder lived his life barely cognizant of the concept at all.

This remained true even in his previous life, during the years he was considered to be at the absolute peak of power. The gifts sent by those seeking to gain his favor were nothing but a nuisance; he failed to understand why people made such a commotion over what was, fundamentally, just another day. Even when he was ridiculed by enemies for being unable to mask the "stink of poverty" typical of a commoner, Yuder only became more entrenched in his perspective.

“Why should I pay any mind to people whose sole achievement is the circumstance of their birth? Just because I was granted a title and became a noble doesn't mean I must adopt their lifestyle.”

Being categorized with such individuals only deepened his distaste for things like birthdays. To him, his own birth date—and that of anyone else—was merely a trivial piece of data not worth the effort of remembering.

There had been only one exception. On a single occasion, Emperor Kachien had specifically noted someone’s birthday to issue a “special mission.”

A faint memory of Kachien’s smiling voice echoed in Yuder’s mind.

“—Winter is nearing its end. This capital is blessed to never suffer from extreme heat or cold, but in the north, I am told the wind still cuts like a blade and beasts freeze where they stand. That bleak, desolate time, devoid of anything worth seeing, happens to be the Duke of Peleta’s birthday. Were you aware of that?”

“No.”

“Did he not mention it? Well, it is of no consequence. What matters is the consistent intelligence that as that date approaches, that secretive traitor tends to isolate himself. For some mysterious reason, he dismisses most of his staff and keeps only a skeleton crew as his birthday nears. Just yesterday, reports arrived that the knights protecting the castle and the estate have started to pull back. Who can say what foul deeds he is plotting while acting so suspiciously.”

“......”

“If this window is missed, we must wait an entire year for another opportunity to infiltrate the Duke of Peleta’s castle as discreetly as possible. I do not wish to wait. Do you grasp my meaning, Commander of the Cavalry?......”

“......”

“Very well. I am assigning you a special mission. Prove your value to me—give me a justification to maintain the Cavalry.”

That was how Yuder’s first special mission began.

Just as the Emperor had described, Peleta was bone-chillingly cold and empty at that time. Strangely, the defenses were almost non-existent.

The Duke’s castle, standing upon cliffs lashed by the ocean waves, was no different. Yuder had anticipated encountering at least Nathan Zuckerman, the Swordmaster and the Duke’s right hand—but even he was absent, and the fortress was eerily silent.

The atmosphere was so dark, frigid, and solitary that one would never suspect it was the period leading up to the birthday of the last royal-blooded noble of the old line.

Yuder recalled the moment he pulled on a tattered black cloak and entered a hidden passage through the aqueducts beneath the cliff—prepared to face death.

He gave his head a small shake to banish the memories.

The chill that had just gripped him vanished instantly. His sight cleared, his hearing sharpened, and the present moment snapped back into focus.

He was not standing in the gloomy corridors of Peleta Castle.

He was in the center of the Imperial Palace, where the warm glow of mana stone stoves sent beautiful sparks dancing through the air.

‘...Right. Well, regardless... because of that event, I ended up learning when Kishiar’s birthday is.’

If not for Emperor Kachien’s order, Yuder might never have known the date, or even the season, in which he had taken that man's life. In his previous life, during the single year Kishiar spent with the Cavalry, he had never disclosed personal details. Yuder hadn't even known when Kishiar’s birthday fell, or if he had pushed people away before retreating to Peleta back then.

‘However, things are different this time...’

He was startled to realize that, despite the recent turmoil, the thought hadn't even entered his mind until he heard Emperor Keillusa’s words.

He wondered if Kishiar himself had truly forgotten. But watching Kishiar’s back as he spoke with the Emperor, it was impossible to read his internal thoughts.

‘......’

Ultimately, Yuder found himself proceeding to a meal with the Emperor, the Empress, Kishiar—and Nathan Zuckerman.

The other members of the Cavalry, who had not overheard the conversation on the podium, seemed unconcerned by the order to return without him. Kanna and Gakane, however, were exceptions. While Yuder was briefly coordinating with the deputy commanders to lead the group back, Kanna leaned in and whispered:

“Are you alright, Yuder? I heard you’re dining with the Commander, but your expression looks... different than usual. Did His Majesty say something to you...?”

He had, in fact. It just hadn't been directed at Yuder personally.

Yuder looked down at Kanna, who had swiftly detected a subtle shift that others missed, then turned his gaze. Gakane, standing nearby, watched with the worried eyes of a large dog with a drooping tail—clearly anxious in his own way.

Feeling their genuine concern brought a sense of clarity to the mental fog caused by this surreal and unexpected situation. He shook his head at them to signal he was fine.

“It is nothing. I will explain everything once I return.”

He decided it was inappropriate for him to be the one to reveal the information, at least not before Kishiar chose to do so. Fortunately, both Kanna and Gakane took him at his word without further questioning.

“Hm... Very well. You must tell me later, alright?”

As the Cavalry left, Yuder walked beside Nathan Zuckerman, following the three royals while quietly studying the Swordmaster's face.

‘Based on his expression, I can’t tell if Nathan Zuckerman was unaware of Kishiar’s birthday... or if he knew and simply remained silent.’

Given his personality, both were equally likely, making it impossible to determine.

“This way, please. The meal is prepared here. Enter.”

The Emperor’s steward, as sturdy as ever, welcomed them with formal grace. The Empress mentioned that this would be a special meal, and instead of the usual dining hall, they were led to a room that was far more magnificent and beautifully adorned.

The room was painted in a soft yellow hue, its walls lined with portraits of simple gardens and playing children. It possessed an atmosphere so gentle that it seemed out of place within the Imperial Palace.

‘Was there such a place in the First Palace?... As I recall, this section of the palace was used to store old furniture.’

It was a location Yuder had never stepped foot in, even in his past life. But observing the slight change in the royals' demeanor, it was clear the room held a special meaning for them.

“Your Majesty. This place is...”

“I gave orders to have the dust cleared because I felt it was the most appropriate setting for a meal with my brother after so long. Why? Do you dislike it?”

“You know that isn't what I meant.”

Scanning the room, Kishiar’s brow relaxed into a smile.

“It has been quite some time. Everything is exactly as I remember. It feels as though I’ve traveled back in time. Nathan, do you recall coming here in the past?”

“Yes.”

Even Nathan Zuckerman seemed to recognize the room.

The room’s purpose was soon clarified. Once they were seated, Kishiar leaned toward Yuder and whispered the explanation.

“This is known as the ‘Little Dandelion Room.’ Have you ever visited here ‘before’?”

“...No.”

Kishiar did not seem surprised, as if he had anticipated that response.

“The former Empress was very fond of this room. The late Emperor frequently chose it when he wanted a private, cozy setting for the family. It has been locked away for the last several years, though.”

Yuder watched Kishiar’s face closely as he spoke.

He looked slightly wistful—yet, at the same time, at peace.