The Empire had a total of five ducal families, most of which were prestigious and had been around since the founding of the empire. The founders of these ducal families were typically the children of the first emperor.
When Ivanar La Orr, the first emperor's eldest son, ascended to the throne, the remaining four siblings each received a duchy and became dukes.
Kishiar, who held the title of Duke of Peletta, was a rare exception. It was highly unusual for someone who inherited the title of duke within the Empire to bear the surname 'La Orr.'
This was possible for only one reason: Kishiar's father, the previous emperor, had personally granted him a new ducal title while still alive.
According to imperial law, a prince who received a ducal title was stripped of his succession rights and could never vie for the emperor's position again. This precedent had been followed since the first emperor and was a useful system for preventing bloody power struggles among siblings.
However, such conferred ducal titles were often temporary, and the recipients did not receive proper territories. Most of these dukes had no power and, for various reasons, remained unmarried until they died. They quietly bowed their heads and lived in the corners of their territories until they disappeared from history.
The nobles believed that there must have been a significant problem with Kishiar La Orr, even if they didn't know what it was. Rumors circulated that he was outwardly fine but impotent and of low intelligence.
Kishiar did not deny these rumors and even enjoyed playing along with them.
Despite his numerous love affairs since his days as a prince, no one had ever claimed to have had his child, so the rumor was treated almost as fact.
The emperor's leniency towards his younger brother Kishiar was also attributed to this. It was thought that he was simply indulgent towards his only full-blooded sibling, who had not caused any significant trouble.
So, when Kishiar first revealed his abilities, founded the Cavalry unit, and became its leader, some people believed he was just a playful duke who had awakened his powers and wanted to play at being a commander for a while. It didn't take long for this misconception to be shattered.
Even if it appeared to be the first meaningful Awakener group founded by a duke from the imperial family, it wasn't as idyllic as it seemed from the inside.
Nevertheless, the fact that Kishiar, bearing the surname 'La Orr,' could take charge of a military group without causing any significant disruption, despite the appearance of challenging the emperor's authority, indicated a hidden power structure that ordinary people could not see.
Yuder only learned of this after becoming the Commander. There might have been even more circumstances he was unaware of, but those remained unknown with both Kishiar and the previous emperor dead.
This made Yuder even more curious about the real reason Kishiar had founded the organization. He knew that Kishiar was neither as foolish nor as impotent as some claimed.
Was the noble reason Kishiar La Orr had mentioned truly the whole story? Was there more to it?
"...You seem so surprised upon hearing my name that you can't even speak?"
Yuder, deep in thought, snapped back to reality at the sound of Kiolle da Diarca's chuckling.
The Diarca Ducal House was related by blood to the Crown Prince, who was to become the next Emperor. It was understandable that the young knight from that family would be quite arrogant upon hearing Kishiar's name.
However, the real question was why someone with such a background had disappeared without a trace in the past.
It was clear that he wasn't a successor to the Ducal House since he had joined the Order of Knights. Among the four Ducal Houses, none focused on martial arts, so they preferred to make their children chancellors or priests rather than sending them to be knights.
Yet, despite this, he had become a knight, which meant he must not have been significant in his family. His position likely had more to do with his family's name rather than any real skill since his inner power didn't appear to be exceptional.
'He probably lived like that, accumulating resentment, until he was assassinated.'
Yuder thought this eerie notion quite casually as he opened his mouth.
"The Diarca Ducal House. Of course, I've heard of it."
"I thought so. Now, step back accordingly. This is not a place for people like you."
"That won't be possible."
"What?"
Kiolle's cold expression twisted in disbelief.
"Are you daring to defy my orders?"
"Shall I drag him out right now?" one of Kiolle's subordinates asked, barely hiding his annoyance.
"Our Commander instructed us to come here for training. Do you think you could proceed with such a matter without consulting the Commander of the Imperial Knights?"
Yuder subtly implied that if the Commander of the Imperial Knights had already granted permission, Kiolle had no grounds to interfere.
Understanding the implication, Kiolle's eyes flared with anger. Yuder half-expected him to order his subordinates to chase him away, but Kiolle proved to be more hotheaded than Yuder had anticipated.
Without warning, the young knight drew his sword and aimed it at Yuder's throat.
"Step out. If you're one of those bastards who are overconfident in their power, I'll make sure you know your place today."
"Yuder!"
Gakane rushed forward from behind, trying to place himself between Yuder and the sword.
"I've heard that the Imperial Knights don't draw their swords without reason. Escalating this situation won't end well for you either."
"You're all so reckless with your words."
Kiolle's sword remained steady, unyielding. Yuder placed a calming hand on Gakane's shoulder as he moved to step in front.
"Gakane, it's fine. Step back."
"Yuder? Surely you're not…"
"The Cavalry members are on par with the Imperial Knights in terms of legal status. If both parties agree, a duel is permissible."
A duel between a commoner and a noble was not typically allowed, but this situation was an exception. As Yuder calmly pointed this out, the Cavalry members standing behind him murmured in agreement. Gakane's expression mirrored their concern.
"There's no way this is alright, Yuder. Even so…"
"It's alright."
Yuder spoke with unwavering confidence. His resolute tone momentarily softened the intensity in Gakane's green eyes. Yuder then tilted his head as he stepped aside.
"It's convenient that we're in the training grounds. I accept your duel challenge. However, I don't have a weapon, so you'll need to provide me with a sword."
"…Ha!"
Flames sparked in Kiolle's eyes.
"I have never met such an insolent fellow in my life. Congratulations. You've made me curious about the name of a commoner. What is your name?"
Didn't he just hear it? Yuder subtly pitied his intelligence but responded calmly.
"It's Yuder."
"Good. You there, give your sword to him."
"Eh? But my sword is a family treasure, passed down from my father…"
As Kiolle gestured toward one of the servants standing behind him, the servant grimaced and hesitated, lowering his head. The sight was so absurd that the Cavalry members momentarily forgot the gravity of the situation and burst into laughter.
"Pfft! What is he, a child? Even the kids in our village wouldn't act like that."
"Give me yours! No! Waaa!"
"Who's babbling nonsense now!" Kiolle's thunderous shout cut through the laughter, silencing the Cavalry. But once the mood had shifted, it was impossible to reverse, even with his shouting.
Even the Imperial Knights, who had surrounded them to witness the Cavalry being put in their place, couldn't hide their smiles. To them, Kiolle was just a pampered noble who strutted around relying on his family's power.
Kiolle, noticing their amusement, flushed with anger. He turned and slapped the servant across the cheek.
"You dare to tarnish your master's honor? Leave immediately. Go pack your things."
"Eh? No, no! I'll give you my sword, Lord Kiolle!"
"I don't need it. Didn't you hear me? Leave now, or should I kill you right here?"
As Kiolle pointed his sword at the servant's throat, the young man fell to the ground, screaming.
"I made a mistake!"
Most of Kiolle's servants seemed to be in their mid-teens, barely more than boys. They knew how to wield a sword to some extent, but they were still young. Seeing Kiolle threaten one of them so recklessly only confirmed Yuder's suspicion: Kiolle was likely assassinated by someone he had deeply offended in the past.
'Annoying brat.'
Yuder raised his hand and made a subtle gesture. As if caught by an invisible force, the sword in Kiolle's hand jerked, twisting toward Yuder.
"Ugh! Wha—what!"
"Lord Kiolle!"
Fortunately for Kiolle, he managed to keep hold of the sword, but he couldn't resist the overwhelming force that pulled it from his control, causing him to stumble forward.
"…"
Dust rose over the ornate training ground, where the eagle's pattern had been meticulously engraved with white powder on the tightly packed soil.
Everyone froze in shock—Kiolle, his subordinate knights, and even the surrounding onlookers were too stunned to react. The only one not surprised was Yuder himself.