Turning Chapter 1160

The days idly spent in his hometown passed by with a tranquil slowness.

With no need to exert himself by chopping wood for income, he now only prepared enough firewood for his personal needs. The remaining hours were dedicated to comfortable repose, leisurely explorations of the surroundings alongside Kishiar, or the restoration of their aging abode.

Every few days, a trip to the village for provisions would be undertaken. Following the initial visit, it seemed word had already circulated that Yuder had returned. A considerable number of individuals greeted him with warmth, inquiring about his well-being. It transpired that their initial wariness towards the first visitor had not solely stemmed from Kishiar's unfamiliar presence. More than anticipated, many confessed they had failed to recognize Yuder at first glance—much like the elderly proprietor of the grocery store—stating he appeared to be an entirely different individual. They offered apologies, citing his significant change in appearance over the past year, to which Yuder graciously dismissed their need for such.

Meanwhile, Kishiar, with his characteristic unbashed demeanor in full display, rapidly acquired renown within the village as “Yuder’s guest.” After a few subsequent visits, villagers began engaging more readily with Kishiar than with Yuder himself. Observing Kishiar engrossed in conversation with the villagers, Yuder harbored a silent thought:

“If they were to discover the individual they're conversing with is none other than the Duke of Peleta, they would likely faint. I must ensure they never learn this truth—not now, nor in the future.”

Even this seemingly immutable village had experienced subtle transformations in the preceding year. Some residents had entered into matrimony, while others had secured new employment and relocated elsewhere.

The most striking alteration, however, came with the introduction of a topic related to Awakeners.

“Some time ago, the local lord issued a decree to all neighboring villages. Should anyone begin exhibiting peculiar changes or manifesting signs of employing unusual magic, they are to be brought forth.”

“For what reason?”

“The exact purpose isn't entirely clear, but it seems they intend to offer them employment. Apparently, a growing number of individuals with such abilities have begun to emerge recently. In one particular region, they are said to have accomplished something extraordinary.”

“I believe I heard something of that as well. Wasn’t it something about leveling mountains and churning seas, subsequently being hailed as a hero...?”

“Precisely. I heard from someone in the lower village that the lord is quite captivated by these ‘hero narratives,’ so it likely pertains to that.”

“......”

Kishiar, positioned in a relaxed posture, cast a glance towards Yuder, a glint of amusement in his eyes, and offered a subtle wink. Yuder, his expression unreadable, turned his head slightly away, feigning ignorance of the gesture.

“When a child is born with magical aptitude, do lords not sometimes sponsor their magical assessments and education at the Pearl Tower? It sounds akin to that sort of arrangement.”

The noble overseeing this region actually resided in a different village, a journey of approximately half a day. Due to the rugged, mountainous topography, the territory was extensive relative to its population, rendering travel arduous even within the same domain. Consequently, the lord seldom issued personal directives. Even Yuder, despite this being his native village, had never laid eyes upon the lord.

“If memory serves, they were merely a modest noble family, lacking significant ambition. They exhibited no particular drive for territorial development, yet were not entirely neglectful either... Merely of that standard.”

The very fact that such an individual had issued an order to identify and employ Awakeners signified that even nobles of their standing had now received extensive intelligence regarding Awakeners—

“And that they possess value comparable to mages.”

Nobles considered it a significant boon if a mage emerged within their territory. The disparity between possessing access to an individual capable of crafting magical artifacts and lacking such a resource was immense in terms of societal well-being. As mages became increasingly scarce, the worth of such innate talent escalated. In contemporary times, if even the slightest indication of magical potential was observed in a child from a commoner family, most nobles would readily fund their training at the Pearl Tower out of their own coffers.

Considering that, in Yuder's prior existence, even after braving perilous disasters, Awakeners had never garnered such recognition—

This constituted a truly astonishing shift.

As Yuder remained absorbed in his contemplations, the villagers' dialogue veered into an intriguing direction.

“Come to think of it, wouldn't someone like Yuder, who worked in the capital, and his guest possess more knowledge about these widespread rumors? Do you know anything at all?”

“Indeed! That hero or whoever—they say he is quite an extraordinary figure. Any tidbit you’ve heard would be greatly appreciated, please do share!”

Yuder resolved that this was his opportune moment to depart.

What he had not anticipated, however, was Kishiar’s complete lack of intention to conclude the discourse there.

“Ahem! If you harbor curiosity regarding those particular rumors, then you have arrived at the most opportune location. I have personally encountered the very hero in question!”

“Ooooh!”

“See? Individuals from the capital are truly distinct!”

The instant the villagers perceived the potential for an engaging narrative, their eyes illuminated. They congregated around Kishiar as if drawn by an invisible force.

Yuder observed the unfolding scene and offered a subtle shake of his head.

“What exactly are you planning to say? You can’t.”

Yuder already knew from experience how much Kishiar reveled in boasting about him. However, this was hardly the appropriate setting for it.

Sensing Yuder’s concerned gaze, Kishiar offered a smile. Then, interlacing his fingers behind his head with casual ease and leaning back languidly, he mouthed silently:

“Don’t worry.”

“……”

A moment later, for the first time, Yuder found himself somewhat comprehending the frequent exasperation of Nathan Zuckerman.

“—It was truly astounding. Even monsters as colossal as mountain ranges, even waves large enough to engulf the world, could not withstand him! Had it not been for his precise judgment at that critical moment—and for the Cavalry that bravely followed his lead—one cannot even fathom the extent of further damage the world might have sustained!”

“Did that really occur?”

“They claim even His Majesty the Emperor and his younger brother, the Duke of Peleta, acknowledged it. Then it must be true!”

Kishiar solemnly nodded, placing a hand over his chest.

“Yes, indeed. The Duke of Peleta, who commands the Cavalry, was so profoundly moved by the hero’s prowess and exquisite looks... that he fell in love with him on the spot.”

“Huh? Wasn’t the hero a man?”

“Wait, isn’t the duke also a man?”

The villagers, caught up in the unfolding narrative, suddenly snapped back to reality and posed their questions.

Kishiar tilted his head as if the question held no logical basis.

“Among Awakeners, there exists a phenomenon known as the ‘second sex.’ It is a newly recognized gender, affirmed by the Sun God and even the Pope. Therefore, such matters are not an issue whatsoever. In truth, some individuals posit that even if the hero were not of the second sex, that intractable duke had already developed feelings for him long before.”

“Is that so...? I haven’t visited the temple in such a considerable time, I wasn’t even aware of that development.”

“The hero must be incredibly handsome, then. And with such formidable powers, coupled with a heart willing to offer sacrifice for others... Hah! Now I comprehend why His Majesty would bestow a noble title upon him!”

“Are they genuinely accepting this narrative?”

Yuder was utterly bewildered, yet no one else appeared to be concerned. People nodded earnestly, some even dabbing away tears in response to the touching story.

“They say His Majesty was deeply pleased and touched when his troublesome brother renounced his wicked ways and began living righteously—a transformation attributed to the hero’s influence.”

“Amazing. It sounds like the future holds great promise!”

“That must be the reason why the lord is also seeking Awakeners. If you happen upon someone like that, I hope you will celebrate rather than be astonished by the changes. Or—simply inform me.”

“We had no inkling the world had undergone such extensive alterations. Of course, we will!”

Amidst their tranquil mountain existence, Kishiar’s vibrant tale of the hero stirred the villagers like a sudden, invigorating gust of wind. Without divulging any specific subjects or concrete information, he infused the story with sheer entertainment, leaving them completely captivated. By the narrative's conclusion, they even erupted into applause.

“I haven’t conversed this extensively in quite some time. You all listened so intently that I found myself rambling on without realizing the duration.”

“You did not fail to notice.”

“Haha.”

Kishiar let out a mischievous chuckle.

“Still, at the very least, none of them here possess the knowledge of who you are.”

“You truly piled on the embellishments without uttering a single falsehood.”

No individual who had been privy to Kishiar’s narrative drew any association between the hero and Yuder.

“What did he state again... Eyes that gleam like the celestial night sky, hair as dark as a meticulously painted beauty, a tall and elegant bearing... Ugh. Let us cease there.”

No person possessing a functional imagination would ever conceive that individual to be Yuder Aile. Absolutely not.

“Embellishments? I merely conveyed the truth as perceived by my senses. After all, even when observing the identical subject, individuals can experience vastly different sentiments.”

“……”

Yuder emitted a quiet exhalation.

“Very well... These villagers may remain ignorant. But what of the lord?”

Should those peculiar hero rumors, originating from individuals associated with the Cavalry, manage to reach the ears of the local lord, he might very well decide to make a personal visit.

“The mere thought of it is exhausting.”

Yuder firmly resolved that he must complete his rest and depart before the lord entertained the notion of summoning him.

Setting aside that minor episode, the days unfolded with such profound peace that it was almost as if they had never departed from their previous location.

However, that serene atmosphere began to dissipate—on the afternoon of the fifth day.

“Yuder. Are you engrossed in Luma’s journal?”

“Yes. Is there a matter of concern?”

“I was wondering if perhaps I could peruse the storage room.”

Kishiar’s smile conveyed a sense of eager anticipation.

Yuder slowly closed the journal he had been reading and rose to his feet.

“...You genuinely wished to examine the chair I used, didn’t you?”

“I could locate it myself.”

“But it is rather cluttered, making easy retrieval difficult. Let us proceed together.”