Turning Chapter 1033

A momentary stillness filled the chamber—until, quite suddenly, a roar of laughter erupted like a volley of fireworks.

“Goodness me. To think you possessed the presence of mind to weave such a cunning oath in that split second...”

“So that is the reason Kiole di Diarca has been acting with such uncharacteristic restraint.”

As the Empress laughed with such intensity that her shoulders trembled, the Emperor offered a dry chuckle, set aside his spectacles, and rubbed his eyes. Even the steward, usually the picture of dignity, could not mask his look of astonishment. Nathan Zuckerman also turned toward Yuder, his expression shifting in a rare display of emotion as he spoke.

“That clears it up... I had been puzzled as to why that Diarca knight had ceased his sneering at the Cavalry and ourselves. Everything makes sense now.”

Meanwhile, Kishiar—the sole individual present who was already aware of the oath Yuder had forced upon Kiole—was laughing more vibrantly than anyone, clearly savoring the moment.

“Is it not magnificent, Your Majesty? Who else could have formulated such conditions so rapidly in that crisis—accounting for the risk of House Diarca discovering the leak—and bound him so thoroughly? To suppress an enemy without execution while simultaneously turning the circumstances in our favor... such a performance would be unthinkable without my aide.”

It went beyond mere enjoyment; Kishiar was showering Yuder’s name with extravagant praise. Yuder had anticipated that someone might intervene to suggest a more tempered tone, yet surprisingly, no one did.

Instead, the Emperor nodded in concurrence.

“I cannot deny it. Even if the individual is lacking in talent, he still belongs to House Diarca. To have coerced him into such an oath and kept it functioning until now is truly impressive.”

“Is it not?”

“Baron Aile. Did it never cross your mind that Kiole di Diarca might seek out a temple to annul the oath and then confess everything to his kin? Or did you have a specific reason for omitting a clause to block that? Perhaps you checked in on him frequently to, shall we say, ‘discuss’ the situation and ensure his continued silence?”

The phrase ‘discuss the situation’ was a polite euphemism, inquiring if Yuder had used threats to keep Kiole quiet.

Yuder weighed how much of the truth he should reveal before providing his answer.

“The reason I did not explicitly forbid it... was partly due to the lack of time to enumerate every possible method of annulment. However, more than that, I simply didn't believe it was necessary.”

Emperor Keillusa’s cheek twitched slightly at that response.

“You didn't believe it was necessary?”

“Correct. I do not claim to have an extraordinary understanding of the human heart... but upon observing Kiole di Diarca, I reached a certain conviction.”

“And what conviction was that?”

“That a man so obstinate, so blinded by the arrogance of his status, and so incapable of foresight... would never voluntarily recount the shame and terror he endured in the East. Certainly not to his own family.”

This certainty was rooted in his previous life—and Kiole had functioned exactly as Yuder had foreseen.

Emperor Keillusa stroked his chin, letting out a thoughtful sound as if he understood the logic perfectly.

“I see. Because they are family, he would be even more loath to expose his disgrace to them... I had always viewed him as a man who relied entirely on his family’s prestige, so that perspective had not occurred to me.”

“That might have remained true had his actions not been so humiliating. But once he crossed that line, the dynamic shifted. Kiole idolizes his father—but he is also terrified of him. Though, it is more the fear of a small child than the dread of a man who understands true danger.”

“You are far more perceptive than I anticipated, Baron.”

The Emperor murmured this with a hint of surprise. His eyes glinted behind his glasses for a long moment, clearly captivated by Yuder’s discernment and tactical thinking.

“Your Majesty,” Kishiar chimed in smoothly, “let us not forget that the oath parchment utilized at the time was one prepared by House Apeto. It was far more potent than any common imitation. Do you truly believe Kiole di Diarca could have found someone capable of breaking an oath of that magnitude on his own—and done so without his family noticing?”

A cold smile played on Kishiar’s lips as he spoke. Had Kiole been there, he likely would have felt more terror than shame, wondering if his very mind was being read.

“I doubt it,” Kishiar added. “His simplest option would have been the Central Temple here in the capital. Yet, that very simplicity made it the most dangerous choice for him.”

“Indeed. Given what I know of his character, it is logical that he would simply suffer in silence under that assumption. Thanks to the Baron’s wit, we have gained another advantage over House Diarca. I am relieved to have this puzzle solved.”

The Emperor gave a nod of approval. The Empress, having finally composed herself, also signaled her agreement.

“My only worry now is maintaining my composure if I encounter that young Diarca knight. Other than that, this is wonderful. I have heard a most delightful tale thanks to you, Yuder.”

With that, the discussion regarding Kiole ended. In the more relaxed air that followed, Emperor Keillusa looked at his cup—now turned over to indicate he had finished—and spoke again.

“Kishiar. What are your intentions for the rest period granted to those receiving rewards?”

Following the ceremony, the Emperor had pledged several days of leave to all the honorees. Those with the greatest contributions received longer breaks—Yuder, for instance, had been granted a full month. Kishiar, in his capacity as Commander, was given the same.

While they wouldn't truly spend the entire month idle—given their various obligations—the fact that it was an imperial command gave it significant standing.

“I intend to meet with the Second Cavalry members who were called to the capital, settle a few outstanding matters, and then depart for Peleta. I have made the people there wait long enough.”

“And these ‘outstanding matters’?”

“I suspect Your Majesty is already aware of them.”

Kishiar’s tone was playful. The Emperor shook his head in response.

“I am asking if there is anything beyond the business of the Cavalry and Peleta.”

“There is much. Issues regarding the southern trespassers we met, the treacherous hands reaching for Your Majesties within this capital, and the realization that the events of the South could repeat anywhere in the Empire—we must stay alert for any signs... Shall I continue?”

“No. That is sufficient.”

Going further would mean discussing secrets shared only between the Emperor and Kishiar. After abruptly ending that topic, the Emperor gazed between Kishiar and Yuder with a look that was hard to decipher.

Then, after a silent moment, he issued an unexpected order.

“This time, set aside everything that does not concern the Cavalry or Peleta. Particularly anything involving the capital.”

“...Your Majesty?”

A shadow of confusion crossed Kishiar’s face. When he looked at the Emperor with concern, the man gave a soft smile.

“I am not trying to exile you. If that were my goal, I would not have labored so long to lift the sanctions on the Peleta domain. I simply wish for my younger brother, who has survived these thirty years, to have a period of genuine peace.”

“Your Majesty, I am already resting quite well. You are well aware that the vitality of a Swordmaster far exceeds that of a normal person.”

“I know that. But I also know that physical stamina is not everything.”

Kishiar fell silent for a moment, appearing caught off guard by the sentiment.

“Now, listen to what I have to say.”

The Emperor went on, his voice remaining steady and calm.

“My health was failing for a long time, and I placed far too many weights upon you and the Empress. Especially you—asking you to handle tasks that could never be spoken of in public has been a heavy burden on my heart. But my health has returned, and I must step back onto the political battlefield. I do so without hesitation. That strength was a gift from you... and from the Baron.”

“......”

“Never forget: before the true conflict begins, rest is the most vital requirement. That is what our mother always told us. Kishiar. You have never truly taken a break. So this time, leave the burdens to me. Go.”