Yuder recalled the first time he met Kanna, noticing the bitterness in her expression.
When they crossed paths at the entrance to the Blue Crown for the Cavalry's selection test, Yuder had initially thought her as rigid and angry. He assumed that her severe expression was merely the result of nerves. But now, after hearing her story, he understood the depth of the emotions that had shaped her demeanor. For Kanna, that moment had been a life-altering choice and an immense challenge.
As she finished recounting her tale, her eyes held not the relief of someone who had unburdened themselves with their secrets, but a unease and sadness that weighed heavier. Bowing her head silently before Kishiar, she looked like a criminal awaiting judgment.
"What were you planning to do next if you left the Cavalry?" Kishiar's first question was direct and concise.
Kanna blinked, startled by his unexpected response. She opened her mouth after a pause. "I was thinking… of going abroad, as I had originally planned."
"With your abilities, mercenary work would be difficult, wouldn't it?"
"I considered joining a wandering theater troupe. I could manage as a fortune teller, I think."
"I see. That would have suited you well. You've put a lot of thought into this."
"...Pardon?" Kanna's confusion was evident. Kishiar's voice suddenly turned cold.
"But Kanna Wand, don't you think the members who know you will miss you if you suddenly leave?"
'Why does Kishiar La Orr always say such strange things?' Yuder thought, frowning.
Kanna's abilities were essential for the investigation of the Red Stone. Her talents had far more potential than she realized. The idea of her joining a mere theater troupe seemed absurd. How could such a path compare to the safety and glory of the Cavalry? Even if her past lies were discovered, Even if she really was a criminal, dragging her away for punishment had to be avoided at all costs. Yuder's displeasure grew as Kishiar continued.
Kanna, however, met Kishiar's words with a determined look and spoke up.
"If they miss me, I'd be grateful. I was truly happy during my time in the Cavalry, and I'm thankful for the comrades I met. I owe Commander Kishiar for accepting me, and I can never repay Yuder for all the help he's given me. But that's exactly why I feel it's right to leave the troop — for the sake of the Commander, Yuder, and my colleagues. If I must be punished for lying about my background as an orphan with no family, I will accept whatever punishment is deemed fit."
Her voice remained steady, her eyes sorrowful but calm, as if she had already made her peace with her decision.
"You're willing to accept any punishment?" Kishiar asked.
"Yes," she replied firmly.
"Then if you're willing, there's no reason to refuse."
"Commander." Yuder's voice cut in as he frowned. But as Kishiar turned to meet his gaze, Yuder realized he had misread the situation entirely.
Yuder hadn't initially realized it because of the seriousness in Kishiar's voice, but when he looked closer, he noticed the mischievous glint in Kishiar's red eyes.
"My members are truly peculiar. I've spent two years building the Cavalry, carefully selecting talented individuals who passed rigorous tests… yet none of them seem to have any real attachment to it."
"..."
"I can't tell if it's my judgment that's flawed, or if the members themselves are the strange ones."
Kanna, still with her head bowed, glanced up, her confusion evident. Kishiar met her gaze with lazy eyes and a leisurely smile before speaking again.
"So, Kanna Wand, your punishment is to become the Deputy Commander of the Jung Division."
"...Pardon?" Kanna looked up, startled.
"Honestly, one without a last name can't really be considered part of the family, so technically, you didn't lie. Regardless of what Count Gallon claims, you're not leaving the Cavalry. But you did ask for punishment yourself. You tried to leave the blissful Cavalry so easily, so now you'll have to work hard to atone for your 'sins.'"
"But, Commander... What does that even mean? I—" Kanna stammered, clearly flustered.
Kishiar, however, silenced her with a decisive wave of his hand. "That's final. No more discussion. You may go now."
Yuder, standing beside Kishiar, let out a quiet sigh of relief. As Kishiar turned to leave, Kanna's voice rang out in exasperation from behind them.
"Commander! How did you twist my words into this? Deputy Commander? Absolutely not! Yuder! Help me out here!"
Yuder's response was brief, though he did not turn back. "It's better than being an assistant."
"What? What do you mean by that?" Kanna protested, her frustration rising. But Yuder remained silent.
He didn't want to admit that, much like Kanna, he had once expressed a desire to leave the Cavalry—only to end up as the Commander's assistant instead.
'Still... Kishiar appointing a deputy for the Jung Division... that wasn't something that happened in my previous life.'
Back then, when Yuder became the Commander, the Jung Division was critically understaffed, and a deputy position was only added later when the division grew. He hadn't expected Kishiar to make this move now.
It was clear to Yuder that Kishiar's decision wasn't based on any real need for a deputy in a division with only ten members. More likely, it was Kishiar's way of keeping Kanna close and easing her burdens—perhaps even giving her a sense of purpose within the Cavalry. It was another ripple in the future Yuder thought he knew. But this change, at least, seemed to be a positive one.
"Yuder Aile."
"Yes?"
"What were you planning to do with your powers when Count Gallon came to the Cavalry?"
Yuder paused, thinking carefully. He glanced over his shoulder, checking to see where Kanna was. She was walking some distance behind, far enough that their conversation wouldn't be overheard. Confident that it was safe to speak, he replied.
"I was planning... to give him a little help."
"How much is 'a little' in your terms?" Kishiar asked, amusement flickering in his eyes.
"Enough to ensure rumors spread that anyone who dares mess with a member of the Cavalry won't leave in one piece."
At Yuder's bold response, Kishiar tilted his head, a peculiar smile playing on his lips.
"And who do you suppose will clean up after that?"
"Didn't you say you'd take good care of your assistant, sir?" Yuder retorted, his tone carrying the implication that surely Kishiar could handle something so trivial. Laziness, like a well-fed beast, gleamed in Kishiar's red eyes.
"That's right. I did say that."
The Cavalry needed a strong presence and reputation more than ever. Despite receiving praise from the Emperor, their influence was still limited to those in the know.
To make the Cavalry's existence known across the continent, a few noisy incidents were necessary.
In his previous life, the event that had marked the Cavalry's rise to prominence was Kishiar's declaration that he was the wielder of the divine sword. However, that moment hadn't occurred in this timeline. But what if an incident involving a malicious nobleman being soundly beaten by Cavalry members protecting one of their own took place instead?
While it might not rival the divine sword saga, the world would still be shocked that commoners dared to challenge a noble—and faced no consequences.
'And they would never forget the name of the Cavalry.'
Kishiar, Yuder suspected, had already calculated this. Hence the amusement in his eyes.
Imagining the nobleman's face twisted in disgrace over a scandal that would stain his legacy gave Yuder a rare sense of satisfaction. He couldn't help but curl the corners of his mouth in silent delight.
"So, I take it you approve,".
"Don't hog all the fun for yourself," Kishiar replied, his tone light. "Invite this onlooker, too. Is there anything more entertaining than watching a good fight?"
A fight to watch. Kishiar's words sparked a memory in Yuder of the old man and the young one he'd encountered earlier. He had recognized the old man the moment he saw him.
'Thais Yulman, one of the elders of the Pearl Tower. An Archmage. I didn't expect him to be visiting the imperial palace at this time.'
Thais Yulman's reputation was distinct. Unlike other Archmages who specialized in elemental magic, Thais had gained fame through his groundbreaking research into the very essence of magic and the world. He was the one who had proven the difference between air and magic and had studied the contrast between magically created materials and natural ones.
Though he couldn't cast powerful attack magic, there was no one better than Thais at deconstructing magic itself.
But why was Thais Yulman, of all people, visiting the imperial palace now? And why was he dressed like a simple nobleman instead of wearing the robe exclusive to the Pearl Tower mages?
'Given the timing and his expertise, the reason seems obvious.'
Thais likely wished to remain incognito and meet the court mages quietly, without drawing attention. However, an Archmage specializing in magical research appearing at the palace right after the retrieval of the Red Stone could only mean one thing.
Thais Yulman had probably rushed from the Pearl Tower as soon as he heard about the Red Stone's recovery. His desire to study it must have been overwhelming. And in many ways, his will reflected that of the entire Pearl Tower.
'Kishiar must have privately reported the retrieval to the Emperor. But for some reason, it feels like the news has already spread across the continent.'
In Yuder's previous life, when he investigated the Red Stone, he could never determine who had refined it within the Pearl Tower. The information was strictly confidential. By the time Yuder had started his investigation, years after the collapse of the tower, even Thais Yulman's fate—whether he was dead or alive—remained unknown.
'Thais Yulman... I'll have to remember him.'