"Do you miss your hometown?"
Kishiar, as usual, wore a gentle smile.
Yuder didn't attach much significance to the question. However, Gakane, who was sitting next to him, kept shifting his expressions, seemingly interpreting the question as a subtle rebuke toward Yuder.
'Kishiar isn't the type to do that. He's eccentric, yes, but…'
Yuder shook his head, clearing the unnecessary thoughts, and answered briefly. "No."
"As I've said before, I have no family, and no lingering attachments. I don't miss it. I do think I should return someday to tidy up, as I left without much preparation, not knowing I'd be accepted into the Cavalry."
"That's reasonable. I hadn't considered that," Kishiar replied smoothly. "Once we complete this mission successfully, I'll give everyone a few days of leave."
Gakane's eyes widened in surprise.
It wasn't just Yuder's casual tone that shocked him—addressing the commander, a high noble, so informally—but also Kishiar's easygoing response. Not only did he not reprimand Yuder for his perceived insolence, but he also casually mentioned granting leave for everyone.
"Um… Commander, is that really okay?" Gakane asked cautiously, composing himself.
"What do you mean?" Kishiar replied, eyebrow raised in amusement.
"To make a sudden decision like giving everyone time off…"
"Of course, it's okay," Kishiar said, smiling. "I have the authority to make that call. I won't change my mind, so Gakane, you might as well start planning what to do with your free time."
He added a playful wink. Gakane, who had always seen Kishiar as a dignified and noble figure, fitting of his imperial lineage, was thoroughly taken aback. His perception of Kishiar shattered in that moment.
"I... I'll go get some water," Gakane muttered before awkwardly rising and walking away.
Yuder silently watched him shakily leave, guessing at the shock Gakane must be feeling.
Anyone who judged Kishiar solely by his outward appearance was bound to be thrown off by the layers beneath. Yuder had once been the same.
On the surface, Kishiar seemed like a noble commander—handsome, dignified, and almost divine in his bearing. But there was more to Kishiar La Orr than met the eye.
He was a member of the imperial family who had never married and held a relatively insignificant title until his death. Despite his high birth, rumors about his scandals and flirtations with various individuals persisted.
In front of the newly formed Cavalry, he presented a composed and authoritative exterior. Yet, underneath that facade, he was also someone who would wink and joke casually with his subordinates. It was something the Cavalry members would eventually have to get used to.
'Now that Gakane's gone… this might be the only chance I have to speak with Kishiar alone.'
Kishiar remained seated beside Yuder, silent but unhurried. After a moment's hesitation, Yuder decided to speak.
"May I ask you something?"
"Only if it's not about disappointment in my unsuitable behavior as a leader," Kishiar replied, as if he'd been expecting Yuder's question.
Yuder let out a light sigh and shook his head. Could a mere subordinate dare criticize their commander?
"Of course not."
"Really? You strike me as someone who could."
What did he mean by that? But Yuder knew better than to waste time by digging into Kishiar's cryptic remarks.
Kishiar was skilled at making unnecessary comments to throw people off and draw out their intentions. It was something he'd always excelled at.
"Fine. If it's not that, then what are you trying to say?"
"Are you aware that among the southern army soldiers who have been stationed here for two years guarding the Red Stone, there are an unusually large number of Awakeners?"
Yuder cut straight to the point. Time was limited.
"The soldier who guided us yesterday mentioned that the ratio of Awakeners was significantly higher than expected. If you add them all up, there are dozens of Awakeners in these mountains."
If Kishiar had questioned why Yuder brought this up now, it would have been a challenge to explain everything. Fortunately, Kishiar seemed to grasp Yuder's intention immediately.
The playfulness vanished from Kishiar's red eyes, replaced by a serious expression.
"...I've never received any reports about that."
"I was told most of them were just regular soldiers."
"And none of them applied to join the Cavalry?"
Why hadn't they applied? Why hadn't anyone considered it strange that so many Awakeners were concentrated here? How much had Kishiar already understood? Yuder waited silently for his response.
"If it's true, we'll need to investigate. Normally, I wouldn't interfere with military matters, but if what you're saying is accurate, this isn't a normal situation. The information you've shared—is it reliable?"
"Yes."
Kishiar's response was more favorable than Yuder had expected. With a calm expression, Yuder nodded, knowing this would all come out sooner or later during an investigation anyway.
Kishiar appeared deep in thought for a moment, absentmindedly stroking his chin. Then, with a soft chuckle, he shifted his gaze back to Yuder.
"I didn't expect that the serious matter you wanted to discuss with such a grave face would be this."
"..."
"I've heard you're not particularly invested in your comrades, but it seems you're quite interested in Awakeners?"
"I..."
What should he say to steer the conversation in a way that would help maintain a good relationship with Kishiar moving forward? Despite his emotionless expression, Yuder's mind was racing.
"It's not that I'm particularly interested... I just thought it could pose a danger. Since you're our leader, I figured it was best to inform you about any potential risks involving the Awakeners."
"Dangerous... Unmanaged Awakeners gathered in one place—it could be." Kishiar murmured in a low voice, slowly nodding as if the idea wasn't unfamiliar to him.
"Interesting. So many Awakeners concentrated in one area. Could it be due to the Red Stone?"
He turned his gaze toward Yuder, as if probing for his thoughts.
"What do you think?"
Yuder remained silent for a moment, considering his response. Would it be wiser to feign ignorance and step back? But he had been the one to bring up a topic that most commoner-born Awakeners wouldn't care about, especially to someone like Kishiar.
'He seems to want to gauge how far I've thought this through.'
In that case, Yuder decided to reveal his thoughts. Kishiar had likely already anticipated what he might say.
Yuder slowly opened his mouth.
"When the Red Stone fell, its power caused awakenings across the continent. If it has such a significant effect, it wouldn't be surprising that those who've stayed near it longer would show a higher number of Awakeners."
"Exactly. I think the same."
Kishiar smiled, a satisfied expression crossing his face, as if he'd been waiting for that answer.
"However, the fact that none of the soldiers here have reported this unique ratio of Awakeners in two years since the Red Stone fell suggests they didn't think this way. You've quickly recognized the anomaly and brought it to me, something they likely deemed unimportant. I admire that. Is your ability to observe and assess situations like this part of your awakening?"
"...No, you're flattering me."
"It's not flattery. It's honesty."
With a single comment, Kishiar had subtly rated Yuder above all the soldiers stationed there, including General Gino. Yuder hesitated, unsure how to respond, but Kishiar's red eyes glinted with sharp intelligence, casting off his usual languid air.
"Hmm. Indeed."
"Yes?"
"I mentioned before that we should get to know each other better. Would you consider that more seriously? I assure you, you won't be disappointed."
His voice was smooth, almost like he was speaking affectionately rather than addressing a subordinate. Most people would have blushed or been flustered, but Yuder only grew more composed.
"I'm already your subordinate, Commander. You've been more than generous with me. I'm not sure what you mean by 'getting closer,' but..."
"Oh? So, you're dodging the question this time?" Kishiar grinned, a playful curve to his lips.
"Well, that's fine. I'm the type who enjoys overcoming a higher wall."
A 'higher wall'? It wasn't a phrase you'd expect someone of imperial lineage to use toward a commoner.
"Just as I said, you're already my subordinate, so let's take the long view."
It was clear he wasn't giving up on his intentions. Yuder's eyes twitched slightly, but before he could respond, Kishiar stood up, ready to set off once more.
"Yuder Aile, if you notice anything unusual in the future, feel free to report it directly to me. If I'm not available, you can talk to my deputy or anyone else. I'll make sure they're informed."
"…Understood."
For a single conversation, the implications were immense. It was a gesture that proved Kishiar had a particular interest in Yuder's abilities—and perhaps his mind.
'He's certainly no ordinary man.'