"The power to make friends."
Yuder couldn't immediately understand what that power entailed. Despite having traveled back in time, it was the first time he'd heard of such a thing. When Yuder made eye contact with the boy, the boy quickly hid behind Nahan, as if frightened.
"Yes, since you've found your companion, your objective must be achieved."
Yuder thought Nahan would take the boy and leave. If it had been him, he would've done the same. If they missed this chance, they might not get another opportunity to escape unnoticed.
"True. However, this time, I think I'll follow you to the end."
Yuder didn't expect that.
"I don't need a spectator."
"I'm an accomplice who's come this far with you. Calling me a spectator is a little harsh, don't you think?"
What was Nahan thinking? Yuder grew more suspicious of him. But there was no need to make more enemies now, so he decided to back down for the moment, keeping an eye on Nahan.
"If you get in the way—"
"I won't. I haven't so far, right?"
Nahan was annoyingly persuasive. Ignoring him, Yuder moved to the last remaining prison cell. As he unlocked the door, the man tied up inside glared at him with pure hatred in his eyes.
"Ugh… uuuhh…"
Of course, it was Kiolle da Diarca—the one left behind.
He tried to shout something, but the gag made it impossible to understand him. Yuder stared at him for a moment before speaking.
"Kiolle da Diarca."
It was a name Yuder had tried to forget since their first meeting, but it had stuck in his memory regardless.
"I'm going to remove the gag. If you scream or make any noise, I'll knock you out immediately. Nod if you understand."
"Uuuhhh!!"
Kiolle thrashed in place, twisting his head furiously. He clearly hadn't understood a word Yuder said.
"Do we really need to save him?" Nahan asked, watching the scene with indifference. "He's not one of us. He doesn't seem worth the trouble."
"Uuuhh!! Uuuh!!"
Kiolle glared at Nahan, trying to shout through the gag. He didn't appreciate Nahan's remark.
'Honestly… I can't argue with that.'
Would Kiolle even thank him for being saved? It was more likely that he'd throw punches as soon as he was free. But Yuder had already decided: he would prevent any repeat of the past, no matter how unpleasant.
'And if he dies here, they might blame Kiolle's death on the Apeto household, drawing unwanted attention from the Cavalry.'
Yuder knew he had to avoid any situation that could harm the Cavalry at all costs. That's why he had left Kiolle until last.
"If you keep being uncooperative, there's not much I can do. Time's running out."
"Uh, uuhh! Uuh!!"
"Not happy? Should I just leave you here?"
"Urrgh!"
Kiolle glared at Yuder as if he wanted to tear him apart.
"Then I suggest you stay quiet."
Yuder didn't bother getting Kiolle upright; instead, he slid the gag down to his chin, leaving him sprawled on the floor. The moment the gag was removed, a voice, thick with rage, broke the silence.
"You… You're that guy from the Cavalry."
Luckily, he didn't shout, but the venom in his words was unmistakable. Kiolle coughed a few times, grinding his teeth as he raised his head. Yuder stood still, offering no response.
"You have no idea how much I've been waiting to see you again. You don't know the humiliation I've suffered because of you, exiled to this godforsaken place, surrounded by idiots!"
"Are you saying this is my fault?"
"Yes! You humiliated me with your underhanded tricks, tarnished my honor. Even my father told me to lay low and train, casting me out! That's never happened before. No one would listen to me!"
'Seems like the Duke of Diarca cares more for this boy than I thought.'
While Kiolle ranted about his father's treatment, Yuder was busy analyzing his words from a different angle.
From the conversations he overheard between the Warden's lackeys, it became clear that Kiolle was the youngest child of Duke Diarca. In his previous life, Yuder had served an Emperor who had been a foster son of the Diarca family, so he knew a bit about their inner workings.
The Diarca family was the pinnacle of nobility: cold, distant, and bound only by their family name. There was little affection between members, and the atmosphere was one of formality and control.
In his previous life, Yuder had met the Duke of Diarca a few times. His impression of the man? Less human, more like a cranky old raccoon.
The current Duke had passed away not long after Yuder took up his post, but the eldest son who succeeded him wasn't much better. The Emperor kept the Diarca family at arm's length, despite having grown up with them. It was a calculated relationship, never fully trusting them. The Diarcas themselves took pride in this detachment, calling it 'noble' in a very Diarca-like way.
Under the rule of such a man, it was surprising to see that a son as unruly and free-spirited as Kiolle had been allowed to act out with no real consequences. Instead of discipline, they just sent him away to "train."
'Maybe he's the spoiled youngest,
However, in Yuder's previous life, Kiolle had disappeared early on, vanishing without much consequence. If he continued on this path, even saving him now wouldn't change the future that awaited him.
"Are you listening to me? Untie these ropes immediately!"
Yuder exhaled slowly, staring down at Kiolle, who was shouting in frustration.
"You... You impudent brat! How dare you sigh?"
"And what exactly will you do once I untie you?" Yuder asked calmly, completely unfazed by Kiolle's threats.
Kiolle paused, clearly not expecting such a question, but then snarled with a venomous glare.
"The obvious. I'll make you pay. I'll bring you to your knees."
"And how do you plan to do that?" Yuder asked, his voice icy and calm. "You're unarmed."
Yuder pointed at Kiolle's empty waistband. Only then did Kiolle seem to realize his weapon was missing, his eyes widening as he looked down.
"...That... I need to take down Apeto's dogs and get it back…"
"So, what will you do without a weapon?"
"You guys will help me, right? Didn't I hear you were going to free the rest of the prisoners?"
"We don't have to, you know."
Yuder lied without hesitation.
"To be honest, I could leave you here and escape on my own."
"What... What did you just say? How could you—!"
"So, what's your next move? Are you planning to take down Apeto's men barehanded and by yourself?"
"Yes!" Kiolle shouted defiantly.
"All I need is to beat someone and take their sword! So, let me go!"
"That's your grand plan?" Yuder asked, dropping all formalities.
"What?"
"I asked if that's all you've come up with. Is that the limit of your judgment, Kiolle Diarca?"
"You… How dare you, a commoner, question me—an Imperial Knight of high rank!"
"Who's the one who passed out twice because they couldn't handle a commoner? Who's the one making a fool of themselves because they refuse to accept they were outmatched? Look at yourself. Is your judgment really this poor?"
Kiolle had likely never been spoken to like this in his entire life. His mouth hung slightly open, his face a twisted mix of rage and shock, unable to believe a commoner was speaking to him in such a way.
"You've made foolish decisions, and even after your comrade's death, you still show no regret."
"Comrade? What comrade?"
For the first time, Kiolle began to move, thrashing violently as he managed to sit up. His once-noble appearance was now filthy, his face smeared with dirt. He looked up at Yuder, his expression full of bitterness.
"Are you talking about Paviel? The dead one?"
"Yes."
"Did you hear that from Apeto's dogs on the way here? Ha! Paviel was no comrade of mine. He was a traitor! He surrendered to the enemy to save his own skin. It's only natural he died. How is that my fault?"
"If it's not your fault, then whose is it?"
Yuder's voice was cold, his gaze unyielding.
"He was your comrade. He must have trusted you enough to follow you into this situation. You had countless opportunities to make better decisions, to save yourself and him. But you didn't. You let your anger blind you and put everyone's lives at risk. And now you want to claim it's not your fault he's dead?"
"Shut up! What do you know?! Am I supposed to care about a coward who betrayed me to save his own life? Why should I give a damn about him?"
Kiolle Diarca sounded like a stubborn child, too self-absorbed to see the truth in front of him. He wasn't someone capable of leading or taking responsibility for others. Yuder leaned in slightly, his eyes piercing through Kiolle's indignation.
"That's why you only have three flowers on your armor. Do you need me to explain more?"
Kiolle's face twisted in a mixture of anger and confusion as he met Yuder's steady gaze.