What Alik saw in the Cavalry quarters was utterly different from what he had imagined before arriving. Having heard they were located within the Imperial Knight's territory, he had naturally assumed they were simply using an old, hastily patched-up building. But who could have known that it was instead a place constructed anew from the ground up?
The expensive materials that adorned the solidly built structure hinted at the grand expectations and aspirations of its creator.
'The people in the palace used to gossip that Duke Peletta created the Cavalry unit for fun after his awakening... How could this place possibly have been made for amusement? They only speak so carelessly because they've never set foot here!'
If more people with skills as extraordinary as Yuder Aile's were in the unit, it would become a formidable force that no one could dismiss. But what was a duke, who had no claim to the imperial throne, doing by forming such an ambitious power under the emperor's tacit approval?
The Orr Empire was a nation famous for its long-standing, unchanging traditions. No one, neither from within nor without, had been able to disturb the order it had established.
But Alik sighed, realizing that he and his master might have stepped into this dangerous era, where the empire was finally facing the prospect of radical change.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
There was only one day left of the seven-day vacation period.
Since Yuder had given Gakane and Kanna the day off, he considered it a true day of rest. Early in the morning, to avoid the returning members, Yuder quietly left the Imperial Knight's territory.
It had been a long time since he walked the streets in plain clothes, free of his uniform. As he wandered through the familiar, unchanged roads, many people passed by him, sparking old memories.
Commoners weren't originally allowed to live within the 7th Wall district. However, as time passed, many had snuck in and settled, transforming the once-restricted area into a more ordinary sight.
Unlike other districts where buildings were built with precise balance, the 7th Wall district quickly turned into a maze-like sprawl just off the main road. This was due to the influx of new inhabitants.
Yuder moved deftly through the labyrinthine streets, progressing without hesitation. As he went, the surroundings became progressively grimmer and darker. The stench of decay, strong enough to make one's nose wrinkle, wafted between the shadows of the tightly packed buildings.
Eyes full of greedy anticipation for a naive foreigner to pickpocket trailed after him from the alleys. But they quickly gave up upon realizing the visitor was quite familiar with these slums.
Yuder's destination was a small, hidden pharmacy tucked away in a decrepit alley. It was nearly impossible for first-time visitors to identify the place. The shop itself looked as though it might collapse at any moment, and the sign was so worn that the words were barely legible.
However, Yuder, well aware of what this place was, walked inside without hesitation.
"Get out. We're not open today."
A voice as harsh as a shriek rang out from inside, hardly fitting for addressing a potential customer.
Yuder ignored the clutter that filled the shop, so dense that neither the walls nor the ceiling were visible. Instead, his eyes fixed on a pair of feet propped casually up on the counter.
"What's wrong with you, deaf? I said we're not open! Get out!"
"I didn't come to buy medicine,"
"..."
The two casually swaying feet came to an abrupt stop. After a moment, the reclining figure leaned over the counter, revealing his face. It was almost absurd to think that a man with such a striking appearance had been lying in this filthy, disorganized space.
"What? Who are you?"
Yuder studied the ash-gray hair and deeply furrowed brow, feeling a strange sense of familiarity. The man looked exactly as he had in Yuder's past life.
"I came because there's something I want to hear,"
"...Do you know me? Who do you think you are, barging in, speaking informally, and giving orders?" the man scoffed.
"The Guardian of Luma's Seven Walls, Enon."
Though Yuder's voice was steady, the man's expression shifted dramatically at the mention of the name.
"...What did you just say?"
"The Guardian of Luma's Seven Walls..."
"Wait. Wait a minute."
The man sprang from behind the counter and hurriedly clamped a hand over Yuder's mouth, his eyes flashing with a mix of curiosity, surprise, and caution.
"Who are you? How do you know that? Who told you? This is strange... I definitely don't recognize your face."
'You told me yourself in a previous life,' Yuder thought, but he couldn't say that aloud. Instead, he pointed at the hand covering his mouth, signaling that he wouldn't be able to answer if it remained there.
Though still skeptical, Enon finally lowered his hand.
Instead of answering directly, Yuder merely smirked.
"I can't tell you who told me, not right now. But I promise, it's not information I gained unfairly. As far as I know, you're obligated to cooperate with anyone who knows your name. Isn't that right?"
Enon's eyes widened in astonishment.
"How... How do you know that, too? No matter how hard I think about it, I don't know anyone like you. What is going on? Is there something wrong with my head?"
Enon might not have known Yuder, but Yuder certainly knew him. In his previous life, Enon had helped him when he was gravely injured during a secret mission for the Emperor. Yuder had hidden in the slums, and it was there that he first encountered Enon.
Despite his coarse speech, Enon had been far more compassionate than he appeared. He knew an incredible amount about many things, often sharing information deeper than what even the best information guilds could provide. At the time, he claimed it was simply because he had lived in the slums for so long.
Several years passed that way. Then, as a disaster loomed and Yuder began to chase strange signs across the empire, Enon suddenly vanished.
Before disappearing, Enon had mentioned that he needed to leave the capital to investigate something. Months later, Yuder found a letter left behind in the rundown pharmacy, confirming his suspicions.
In the letter, Enon revealed that he wasn't just an ordinary man. He was a Guardian, bound by a pact with the Archmage Luma, to protect the Seven Walls of the capital. The letter contained other crucial details about his role and identity.
It concluded with these words:
"'Believe my words or not, that is up to you. But if we meet again and I do not remember you, mention the name 'Enon,' Luma's Guardian. I will certainly help you once more. I wish you luck on your journey, Yudrain.'"
Enon had often audaciously referred to himself as Yuder's "elder brother" Even though Yuder had never once called him 'elder brother'. Yet, Enon's sudden disappearance had been one of the fleeting regrets Yuder had felt just before his death.
"Your head is perfectly fine," Yuder replied calmly. "And my name is Yuder Aile. Remember it—we'll be seeing a lot of each other."
He introduced himself with the weight of the memories they had shared in his previous life.
Enon, frowning as he tilted his head. "I still don't recognize it. And why exactly should I be seeing you frequently?"
"Because you're the only one who can help me now," Yuder said, unbothered by Enon's confusion.
Without waiting for a response, Yuder pulled over a chair and sat down, ignoring Enon's gaping expression at his casual demeanor.
Enon had an uncanny ability to sense whether someone was lying. Yuder knew that from this moment on, he needed to be completely honest.
"I need information," Yuder continued, "about the previous Dukes of La Orr, specifically those who have held the title while in possession of La Orr Castle. Even if it's something small, if you know anything, I'd like to hear it—especially about Kishiar La Orr, who became Duke under similar conditions."
"...And why are you talking as if I've already agreed to help you?" Enon crossed his arms, his frown deepening. "If you're planning a rebellion or something equally dangerous, forget it. I won't assist you."
"It's nothing like that," Yuder reassured him. "The information you share will stay with me. It won't be used elsewhere."
In his past life, Yuder had never fully trusted Enon's information, assuming it was gathered from shady sources. But this time, he had decided to place more faith in Enon than in the information guilds that had repeatedly betrayed him.
"It's very important to me," Yuder added sincerely. "I can't ask anyone else. Please."
Enon's eyes twitched at Yuder's request. He let out a heavy sigh, slouching briefly before suddenly springing up and pacing the narrow shop.
"This is crazy,"
"..."
"You understand how dangerous it is to dig into the imperial family's history?"
"I do. That's why I'm asking you,"
"I had a feeling my luck was off this morning. And here it is—meeting someone as insane as you."
Grumbling to himself, Enon continued pacing, knocking over a pile of clutter in frustration. After a while, he stopped, looking like he had reached a decision.
"...Normally, I'd kick you out without a second thought. But I'll help you—just this once. You did come here using my name, after all."
Yuder opened his mouth to express his gratitude, but Enon raised a hand to cut him off.
"But," Enon added, "the information you're asking for is too dangerous, and it's not something I can gather quickly. Anything related to the imperial family requires careful verification. It'll take time."
"How long?" Yuder asked.
"At least three days," Enon replied.
"Understood," Yuder said with a nod, immediately standing from his seat. Enon's expression twisted.