Turning Chapter 1035

“It has been quite some time since I’ve had such an enjoyable evening. I hope you use this next month to fully recover from your lingering exhaustion and return to us in peak condition.”

Yuder had anticipated that the Emperor or Empress might pressure Kishiar to remain at the palace overnight following the meal, yet neither attempted to detain him. Kishiar himself appeared to have no desire to stay within the palace walls.

“I understand. It is my hope that Your Majesty achieves everything you have planned.”

“Ensure the other Cavalry members know that if they require any imperial assistance during their vacation, they are welcome to seek it. And pass on my regards specifically to Sir Debran Hartude, who was of immense help during this ordeal.”

The significance of the Emperor personally naming Debran—the man who assisted in his protection during the assassination plot—was substantial. Kishiar offered a wide smile and a respectful nod.

“Debran is a truly exceptional member of the Cavalry. His early return to the capital was motivated by his mission to rescue those stranded in the southern Nagran Star village—those unable to flee on their own. Knowing that his presence happened to aid Your Majesties will surely bring him great joy.”

It was true. While Yuder and Ever were hunting the Sage’s trail in the South, Debran had slipped away quietly for that very purpose.

After Ever departed for Sharloin to deliver her report, Debran remained near the desert, eventually discovering the concealed village. Although the Sage, Naham, and the primary conspirators had already fled, several individuals remained behind.

The majority were the elderly, the infirm, or those whose Awakening had caused physical mutations so severe they could not leave. Kishiar had covertly tasked Debran with their rescue and transport back to the capital. Despite the mental scars left by the Sage’s brainwashing, Debran managed to earn their confidence and fulfill his duty.

‘Based on their accounts, the Sage pushed Diemon’s copying ability so far it killed one of the village children, which significantly weakened the mental control... even so, it must have been an arduous task.’

That unfortunate child was the same one Naham had abducted from the East—the one possessing the rare talent to command monsters. Yuder felt a pang of regret for not having the opportunity to study the child’s power further.

The full scope of the truth only surfaced after the Sage perished and his psychic grip dissolved. By then, the child had passed away, having been exploited and then cast aside. Without Debran’s nearly supernatural talent for infiltration, uncovering these events would have taken much longer.

‘The child died because the Sage overexerted their power. And as for Diemon... had that tragedy not occurred, he never would have been bold enough to try and steal the Sage’s strength. It is a fitting, if poetic, justice.’

The fact that the Sage and Diemon—who had both bragged so arrogantly about those stolen powers—met such wretched ends was, Yuder hoped, some small solace to the child’s soul and those who mourned them.

‘It would have been better if I had been the one to end them, though.’

Stifling the dark impulse, Yuder refocused on the Emperor, who was still speaking warmly of Debran’s performance.

“Even though he was suddenly placed among the Imperial Guard, he integrated himself perfectly. He was more convincing than the disguised assassins. His talent for infiltration is truly remarkable.”

“Indeed. I wish you and the Duke could have witnessed the shock on the faces of those who nearly fainted when Sir Hartude summoned his flames that day,” the Empress added, her expression fond.

Standing next to Kishiar, Yuder gave a silent nod of total agreement.

‘This was a perfect demonstration of Kishiar’s keen eye for talent.’

Debran’s path had started almost by accident, but his mastery of stealth had flourished during his time in the Intelligence Division—ultimately leading to the rescue of the Nagran Star villagers. Having seen his potential, Kishiar had clearly decided he was the right choice to safeguard the Emperor.

Despite an almost innate genius for blending in, Debran had previously only operated among commoners. Whether he could maintain his cover in a palace swarming with high nobility had been a gamble—but he had succeeded flawlessly.

‘At this point, his capacity to vanish into any environment, regardless of the social class or setting, is essentially a second Awakening ability. It is practically... a power unto itself.’

In the later years of Yuder’s previous life, as the population of Awakeners grew, the manifestation of a second ability was not unheard of. It eventually became common enough that it ceased to be a surprise.

Regardless, it was Kishiar who had identified Debran, placed his trust in him, and cultivated his skills. His intuition was truly unparalleled.

“Hmm?”

Sensing Yuder’s attention, Kishiar turned his gaze toward him. No words were exchanged, but upon meeting Yuder’s eyes, he beamed with a warmth that suggested that simple look was enough to make him happy.

In that instant, the ten grueling training schedules Yuder had mentally drafted to further sharpen Debran’s skills completely evaporated.

“...Huu.”

The Emperor let out a sigh, rubbing his temples.

“Leave now, Kishiar. I will not try to keep you any longer.”

“What have I done to earn such a cold dismissal, Your Majesty?”

“I said, leave.”

“Your Majesty, if I depart now, I won't see the Duke for an entire month. You are being too cruel. Duke, please remember to collect the small token I brought from the Dawn Palace before you get into your carriage.”

“As I thought, only Her Majesty truly looks out for me.”

Kishiar bowed his head with dramatic flair, pretending to wipe away a tear. Deep furrows immediately appeared on Emperor Keillusa’s forehead. Nearby, the steward watched the exchange and let out a quiet, muffled laugh.

Regardless of the theatrics, Yuder’s first genuine vacation would begin tomorrow. The prospect felt strange in many ways.

“The Cavalry carriage was supposed to be waiting nearby... but it isn't here.”

While Kishiar was momentarily held up receiving a gift from the Empress, Yuder had gone ahead with Nathan Zuckerman to find their transport.

However, the designated area was vacant. Nathan’s brow furrowed as he looked around.

“They likely parked at the main gate by mistake. I will go and fetch them.”

The irregular architecture of the Solar Palace often led to confusion for those who didn't know the grounds well. Such mistakes were frequent. While beneficial for preventing assassinations, it was a nuisance in moments like this.

‘It is understandable that the Cavalry driver would be lost.’

Yuder surveyed the surroundings and shook his head.

“I will go.”

“You, Baron Aile? These paths are quite intricate—are you certain?”

“They might have gone to a side entrance instead of the main gate. By using the power of the earth, I can sense the vibrations of the wheels. I will locate them more quickly.”

Since that logic was hard to argue against, Nathan remained silent for a beat.

“...I wasn't aware that ability had such a practical application. Very well, I leave it to you.”

Yuder nodded and vanished into the darkness.

He had used his power as a pretext, but the truth was that few people understood the layout of this palace better than he did. He could predict exactly where the carriage had ended up without needing his senses.

‘Nathan knows the Prince’s Palace, but I spent a lifetime in the hidden corridors of the Solar Palace. I will be faster.’

Just as he suspected, he soon spotted the misplaced carriage in the distance.

He began to walk toward it, but suddenly halted and fixed his gaze on a patch of deep shadow.

“......”

He peered into the void, his dark eyes appearing even more piercing than the night itself.

After a long silence, a shape began to move.

“You are quite perceptive... young hero of the Cavalry.”

Stepping out of the darkness like a ghost emerging from black ink, a cunning grin stretched across the figure's face.

With a predatory, foxlike glint in his eyes, the man confronting Yuder was none other than—Kachien la Orr.