Turning Chapter 1301

No warmth could have melted Yuder Aile’s heart the way these words just had. He reached out and gently wrapped his arms around the man embracing him, pressing his face deeper into his chest. With his eyes closed, Kishiar’s distinct scent became even more vivid. As the tension faded, relief and a hint of sheepishness rose together in its place.

“I thought I was fully prepared... but I keep worrying anyway. I must be a fool.”

“If you're human, it's natural. Everyone does.”

“Even you?”

Kishiar was silent for a brief moment. Then, he leaned his head against Yuder’s body and gave a soft nod.

“Of course. I'm human too.”

The sound of a heartbeat echoed in Yuder’s ears. It was slightly faster than usual.

Suddenly, a recent conversation with Ever came to mind—how Yuder had confessed that, after nothing but success in the Cavalry, the failure they’d first experienced in the South had been devastating.

At the time, Yuder had wondered if perhaps Kishiar, too, wasn't immune to that kind of failure. Despite having risen to this position through a lifetime of fierce effort and many failures, the man had never fought on the front lines himself until now.

When Yuder had brought up that conversation, Kishiar had replied that he didn’t regret his choice and would take full responsibility for it. It was the kind of answer only someone who had already come to terms with everything could give. But that didn’t mean he would never worry or feel anxious again.

If, as Kishiar said, he too was human, then perhaps he also swallowed those flashes of unease and fear that occasionally surged within.

“......”

Yuder chose not to ask what kind of worries Kishiar had. Instead, he held him tighter and whispered.

“...Then let me say that I’m okay too.”

He couldn’t say don’t worry. Even Yuder couldn’t promise that.

But he could return the warmth that had been given to him.

The chest where he’d buried his face trembled slightly. Kishiar was laughing.

“Mm. I didn’t realize it when I said it, but hearing it back... it’s far more endearing and comforting than I thought.”

Thank you. A quiet whisper, followed by a kiss.

When their lips parted, Yuder forgot every trace of the anxiety he’d felt moments before. The only thing filling his mind and heart was Kishiar’s smile, his eyes curved like crescent moons.

Maybe it was because his smile felt even younger than usual, like a boy’s. Yuder suddenly recalled the story Kishiar had told earlier about his childhood.

‘...How could Inella la Orr have seen that kind of smile and still come to hate him?’

No matter how he thought about it, it made no sense. But honestly, he didn’t really feel like trying to understand it either.

'Yeah. I’d better break that grave before we go to Nellarun.'

A new resolve settled in Yuder’s heart—one Kishiar didn’t know about yet.

***

“That’s it for today’s training. Take a break.”

“...Nngh.”

As Yuder calmly ended the session and turned away, Melvern let out a groan like a melted pile of sludge on the floor. It was hard to tell whether he was cursing or thanking him.

“He doesn’t even look human. More like a busted lump of pudding. I can’t bear to watch.”

Tais Yulman clicked his tongue in a tone that didn’t sound sympathetic in the least. He approached Melvern and began speaking to him while helping him up.

“Hey there, young man. Try drinking this. It’s a stabilizer I gave to one of my students when he was in intense training. I made a few improvements while watching you train.”

Is that safe to drink? Yuder narrowed his eyes slightly, prompting Alik to laugh and offer an explanation.

“My master and I have been observing his training, and we noticed that the biggest issue is his lack of emotional stability when using his powers. Physical training like this helps, but sometimes potions like that can be quite effective too.”

“What’s in it?”

“It’s basically a sedative. We added a couple of herbs known for stabilizing mana. In my experience, it’s surprisingly helpful even for Awakeners...”

From what he was hearing, it didn’t seem like a dangerous concoction. Yuder gave a slight nod to indicate he’d allow it.

“Alright. Let him drink it today. If it works, please make more.”

“But you’re heading out again, Yuder?”

As Yuder returned the wooden training sword to its rack and donned his outer cloak, Alik tilted his head in curiosity.

“Yes. I have some business outside the main building.”

“I’ve heard even in my lab that the Deputy Commander is so busy no one knows when he sleeps. Still, take care of your health. If you need it, I can share the energy boosters I use for magic users.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I’m fine. How’s your research going?”

At the mention of research, the color drained slightly from Alik’s face.

“Well... it’s something I want to do, but it’s not going as smoothly as I’d hoped... I don’t really have much to boast about yet...”

“I wasn’t asking to interrogate you. I meant, if there’s anything you need, let me know.”

“Oh... oh! Right. Got it. Not at the moment!”

“Understood. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Nodding once, Yuder said he’d head out first and exited the training hall. Behind him, Melvern’s groan sounded like a desperate cry.

Without hesitation, Yuder made his way out of the Cavalry’s main building. Waiting at the front gate were Kanna and Gakein, who both greeted him at once.

“Yuder!”

“How long have you been waiting?”

“Not long. Gakein got here first, and I just joined a moment ago.”

Kanna scratched her head with a smile. Judging by her expression, it wasn’t a lie. Yuder nodded and began walking. The two immediately fell in beside him, chatting like chirping birds.

“Ah! This is so nice. The three of us going to the market together... It’s our first time since we joined.”

“Right. We’ve gone with others before, but never just the three of us.”

Indeed, they were headed to the market today.

Yuder was planning to make a new tea blend to fulfill a promise to Inon. Given his schedule, today was the only chance to visit the market at leisure.

But a problem had arisen. The ingredients and tools wouldn’t be hard to find, but he didn’t have any containers to store the tea in.

'I’ve never bought anything like that before, so I asked Kanna... and this is what happened.'

“Come on, Yuder. You asked where to buy a nice container for gift tea leaves and thought you’d go alone? No way! You’ve got to go together to pick something good.”

“Totally Yuder. But if this were before, you’d have gone by yourself no matter what we said. The fact that you’re okay with going with us now? I was touched.”

“Me too, actually. I only said it because I felt a bit left out—I didn’t expect you to agree so easily.”

Kanna laughed playfully. Yuder glanced at the two of them, smiling brightly, and let out a small sigh.

'...They’re definitely better at choosing these things than I am.'

The last time, he’d used one of Kishiar’s containers to portion out tea. He hadn’t thought much of it then, but recalling it now as he planned the new blend, it clearly wasn’t something one could just pick up anywhere.

Inon, having lived in District 7, wasn’t the extravagant type, but that didn’t mean he lacked taste. Giving him tea in a random pouch or bowl might earn a sharp comment.

'And... I don’t want to give him something I made with care in such a careless way, either.'

“There’s a dishware section near the District 6 market. In my opinion, they’ve got the widest selection, so we should be able to find something nice.”

The place Kanna led them to was one Yuder had never visited—not in either of his lives. Even Gakein gaped at the shops packed full of dishes and jars.

“Whoa... There’s so much that I don’t even know what I’m looking at.”

“Don’t say that, Gakein. We’re here to help Yuder today! Use your aesthetic sense and find the best jar!”