"Did you see that final expression, Nathan?"

After Yuder Aile left, Kishiar, who had gulped down all his water in one go, exhaled deeply and broke into a faint laughter.

"One would typically be happy with two gifts, but I can't figure out his expression. I nearly burst into laughter right in front of him. It's a shame that I couldn't see his face after he accepted them."

Nathan refilled the mug once more while observing the Duke's face which seemed extremely delighted.

"From what I saw, there was no change in his expression."

"Really? You didn't see his eyes rolling in worry, wondering what strange thing I might give him next?"

When did Yuder Aile ever show such a vulnerable expression? As per Nathan's observations, Yuder, with a face far too stern for his age, had only stepped back from Kishiar's words, consistently expressing an intention to refuse.

In response, Nathan maintained silence. Kishiar, having downed half the water Nathan had just poured, exhaled deeply and gently closed his eyes.

"It's a relief in any case. Distracted by the gift, he left without asking the most sensitive question. To be honest, I thought he would ask up to that point."

"..."

"But well, it's an inevitable question if you think about it a little. He'll be back soon."

Kishiar did not explicitly state what it was, but Nathan, who had served him for a long time, knew the answer and did not question it. Essentially, the Duke had said he wouldn't mind telling Yuder Aile everything, even the deepest and darkest secrets related to the imperial bloodline.

Among the nobility, they had speculated all there was to speculate over a long period, but it wasn't the same for commoners. The word 'truth' was as dangerous as it was sweet.

"Are you really sure it's okay?"

Nathan asked, almost unconsciously. Kishiar responded without opening his eyes.

"Do you think he will betray me when he hears the truth, Nathan?"

"..."

No, that's why it seemed even more dangerous.

Considering Kishiar La Orr's upbringing, he was an incredibly relaxed person, filled with the composure of a strong man, yet he wasn't generous to everyone. Yuder Aile was the first one to gain his trust in such a short time, and also demonstrate an ability and loyalty worthy of that trust.

So, Nathan made a conscious effort to remember that the Cavalry had not even been formed for a year yet. If he didn't, he feared he might get too familiar with him too quickly.

Even that balance was shaken in confusion when he saw the inexplicable face last night, who had said 'you can keep doubting me' quite willingly.

"Nathan. As the days go by, I become more certain that I must make him entirely mine."

Facing Nathan who was recalling the memories from last night, Kishiar spoke quietly.

"It might be the first time since I taught you the sword that I've wanted to keep someone this close to me."

There was indeed value in Yuder Aile's abilities. Every time Nathan recalled the precise judgment and immense power that Yuder displayed in the violently shaken space on the brink of explosion, he still got goosebumps. There could be no greater disaster than having such a person as an enemy. Especially when he heard that, unlike before, Yuder didn't show the spreading of spots even after using such power last night.

"To gain something, one must first pay its price. The future I'm trying to forge needs such a unique card."

His voice was unhurried, not unlike his usual tone, but Nathan discerned an unfamiliar longing in his lord. It was an uncharacteristic display for him, who typically never revealed deep regrets, no matter the circumstance.

"...Your aspiration to win hearts is admirable, but you mustn't become overly consumed."

"You've told me something similar before."

Kishiar chuckled.

"Yes, I have. To be frank, I've been feeling a bit at risk lately. I never realized how difficult it was to maintain a proper distance from someone. Maybe this is a preference I never knew I had."

"Is this not just the aftereffect of the second gender manifestation of Yuder Aile?"

"Well, that's highly probable. He did look quite adorable today."

Kishiar did not deny it. Nathan sighed a little at his lord's playful response.

"What would His Majesty say if he heard you?"

"Do you think His Majesty would pay so much attention to my affairs?"

With a smile, Kishiar replied, then tilted his head and opened his eyes.

"Speaking of His Majesty, has a response arrived since he received it?"

"No, not yet... Ah, it just arrived."

As if it had been waiting for the conversation to flow in this direction, a small courier bird pecked at the window with its beak. Nathan hurriedly opened the window and retrieved a small rolled-up letter from the pouch attached to the bird's leg.

"Here it is."

"Let's see..."

With a small knife, Kishiar broke the seal on the letter and read it quickly while lounging.

"It seems he has received it. He doesn't entirely trust the advice to keep the enclosed power of Red Stone as close to his body as possible, but he will likely heed it. Thankfully."

"That's good."

Nathan also agreed with Kishiar's words. The previous night, following Kishiar's command, he separated half of the medium containing the power of the Red Stone and sent it to the Sun Palace. The power contained within the medium was no longer painful to touch or keep close, unlike when it was freely radiating within the Red Stone. As a result, it was transported secretly, unnoticed by anyone.

"Things are looking up. Although I sent it ahead just in case, it's quite something that a mage awakened this morning. I hope this power will also have a positive influence on His Majesty."

Kishiar looked toward the masonry heater where he'd hidden the basket containing the other half.

"That said... I'm feeling so languid. I really need to rest all day."

"Isn't that because your cycle is nearing?"

"Hmm... it seems a bit too much to attribute it to the cycle."

"You also used your power suddenly yesterday."

"That's true, there's that."

"You even mentioned having a bad dream this morning."

"Ah, I did say that. I can't remember it well now, but it was truly an unpleasant dream."

As Kishiar lightly clenched and unclenched his hand, he mumbled. Each time, four different colored energies within his hand entwined, showed themselves, and then dispersed with a flickering sound.

To anyone watching, it would've been a fascinating display of power. However, the red eyes that were witnessing the spectacle were filled with nothing but discomfort and fatigue.

"Perhaps the heat period has arrived earlier than anticipated."

"Pardon?"

"Nevermind. I'm heading back now. You should carry on with your duties, Nathan."

Kishiar, having risen from his seat, moved toward his bedroom. Nathan bowed his head respectfully toward his lord's receding figure and then turned away.

---

"Sir Yuder. You've arrived just in time. Lady Kanna has regained consciousness."

Upon descending to the first-floor Medical Division, Yuder immediately quickened his pace at the good news shared by the rushing Lusan.

"When did she wake up?"

"Not long after the mages left to tidy up the basement, she opened her eyes. She has now consumed a bowl of thin soup and we've infused her with more divine power."

"Thank you."

Expressing his sincere gratitude, Yuder quickly spotted Kanna sitting up in bed. She seemed lost in deep thought, her eyes vacant as she stared down.

"Kanna."

"...Ah, Yuder."

At the sound of her name, she managed a faint smile and waved her hand.

"You said I fainted? I was so surprised when I woke up because I didn't remember a thing."

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. A little low on energy, but I feel refreshed, like after a good night's sleep."

Her honesty was truly a relief. Yuder let out a soft sigh as he took a seat beside her bed.

"I suppose my sudden fainting must have surprised everyone. What did the Commander say? Was he very disappointed?"

"There's no reason for him to be."

Kanna finally smiled with her usual warmth at his firm reply.

"Yes, you're right. I knew that, but I couldn't help worrying."

"Do you remember what happened when you used your ability before fainting?"

Yuder asked the most important question. Kanna's smile faded, and she lowered her head slightly.

"No, I don't remember clearly. Other than the feeling of being bounced off something as soon as I used it..."

As expected, even though she used her ability, she couldn't recall any retrieved information. But the phrase 'bounced off' was a bit unusual, prompting Yuder to ask about it again.

"Being bounced off, you said?"

"Yeah. How should I put it? It was like trying to see a gigantic mountain inside a small stone, and that was something no, it was like trying to see something not permitted to a human."

"I don't understand."

Yuder shook his head; he honestly had no idea what she meant. Kanna gave a small laugh.

"To be honest, I don't understand either, even while I'm saying it. It was such a strange experience, the first time I've felt something like that."

Was it simply because Kanna's ability wasn't advanced enough to read the stone, or was it truly something beyond human comprehension? It was hard to tell, but regardless, Yuder felt content that she had woken up unharmed.

"Well, if you're not injured, let's watch for another day before going back. I will tell the Commander."

"Hm? No, I'm fine. What for? I want to go back now."