"Yuder, I hear you've been training at dawn with Ever Beck lately."

"Yes?"

"Did you start with a particular goal in mind? If so, is it going well?"

"Ah... yes."

Taken aback by the sudden change in topic, Yuder nodded. These days, as he'd asked, he was training with Ever every morning. Although they called it 'training', it was essentially observing the flow of Ever's power as she exercised it, and it turned out to be more interesting than expected.

Ever was clumsier than her previous life that Yuder knew of, but her power control was undeniably more delicate compared to other Awakeners. Yuder's current goal was to learn that technique and apply it to himself.

However, he hadn't expected Kishiar to bring up the topic abruptly, and it took him a while to understand the implication and respond.

"Ever is currently the most proficient among us in controlling small units of power. I am getting her help as I am somewhat clumsy in that area."

"Thais Yulman and his apprentice are continually assisting you as well."

Kishiar changed the topic again.

After the underground lab incident, Thais Yulman had moved his research lab at the order of Kishiar. His new lab was a warehouse building within the Imperial Knight, a short distance from the Cavalry. Despite the fatigue from moving his belongings over several days, he seemed even more ecstatic than ever, tirelessly planning his future research.

His apprentice, Alik, was training his awakened water control abilities while assisting his master. Every time Yuder visited, Alik would fervently bombard him with questions, leading to hours-long conversations if he got a hold of him.

In truth, the total amount of water Alik could summon was barely enough to fill a cup, so it couldn't be deemed powerful. However, his development speed surpassed any other member, perhaps due to his experience of watching mages wielding elemental magic over his shoulder. Because of this, Yuder had high expectations for him.

Combining all that, Yuder responded in a word, "Yes, it's my duty."

"Aren't you also frequenting the medical division, monitoring the training of the Deputy Commanders, and investigating the two Awakeners who belong to the Star of Nagran?"

"...Yes."

'Why would he ask how I've been when he seems to know more about my routine than I do?'

Kishiar laughed a bit more deeply at Yuder's awkward response that seemed to contain that question.

"And yet, you're asking for more tasks. Are you serious?"

"I wouldn't mind having even more tasks than now."

"A typical answer from Yuder Aile. But I didn't bring this up to watch you suffer from overworking."

Suddenly, Yuder felt a formless energy drawing his body. He slightly turned his head. Although it was invisible to the eye, an energy that had filled the Commander's office was now fluctuating in the air.

'This is...'

It was Kishiar's energy. He could tell right away. The unrestrained energies, in sync with their master's will, freely fluctuated in a rather fierce manner, circling around Yuder. Yuder watched Kishiar while trying not to be distracted by that energy.

"But isn't that the best way?"

"There is a simpler alternative."

What else could keep him longer in the Commander's office besides work? As Yuder frowned slightly, Kishiar whispered in a voice so sweet that it made his heart flutter.

"When you wish to stay, stay for as long as you like."

"..."

"What do you think?"

Even if he tried to consider it casually, he could immediately understand that the implied meaning was far from ordinary. Seeing the face tinted with the blatant color of desire, seemingly expecting a response, thirst reflexively sprang forth within Yuder. His mouth began to dry, but he swallowed hard, struggling to suppress that heat.

"...I will keep that in mind."

"Just keep it in mind?"

The precarious atmosphere felt more potent today, probably because of the unrestrained aura that Kishiar exuded. Reason warned him not to be swept away by such a formidable force.

"I will also make an effort."

"Well, you won't be swayed easily."

Kishiar smiled slightly, a twinkle in his eyes. Not knowing why he found it amusing, Kishiar laughed softly for a while before leaning back in his chair, exhaling deeply.

A few moments later, only a deep gaze remained in the place where the laughter had faded, and silence followed. Kishiar, staring as if piercing Yuder's innermost thoughts with his red eyes, opened his mouth.

"Were you not upset that I haven't been around much?"

Yuder suddenly wondered if this was what Kishiar had wanted to ask him all along. He couldn't be sure, but it felt like that.

"I was fine... but."

As he continued, Yuder noticed the peculiar look in Kishiar's eyes and quickly changed his words.

"When I heard from Sir Zuckerman earlier, he mentioned that your cycle has been longer this time. I was quite worried about that."

"So that's what you were discussing with Nathan."

Finally, it seemed that the mystery was resolved. Kishiar nodded slowly.

"There's no need to worry. This cycle being longer is simply because I've been trying to release my energy in the most natural way, doing nothing in particular. Despite how Nathan may seem, he worries a lot, and sometimes sees situations too negatively."

So the lengthening of his cycle was due to a natural release of energy, did that mean he had been expelling it in some other way before? The phrasing was odd, but it would be strange to probe further. After hesitating for a moment, Yuder asked briefly.

"But are you okay?"

"I have to make sure I am."

There was a glimmer of heat in Kishiar's gentle gaze.

"Having discovered the truth, I don't want to cover my eyes with other things and live in vain."

He didn't understand what that meant, but for some reason, seeing Kishiar so exhilarated made him feel alright. His skin prickled where the gaze full of warmth landed.

Yuder swallowed, as if shaking off the sensation that seemed to crawl up his spine.

"Understood... If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."

"I want to touch."

The sudden remark changed the atmosphere again. As Yuders mouth fell open as if he was about to question, what?, Kishiar repeated his statement.

"I really want to touch."

"What do you mean?"

Yuder questioned, but he already knew the answer. His gaze was fixed on his face; he couldn't feign ignorance even if he wanted to. A moment later, as if to ask whether he really didn't understand, Kishiar raised his hand slightly, a secret smile creeping up the corners of his mouth, and his premonition turned into a complete certainty.

Why such pointless acts

He found himself unable to tear his eyes away, as if the spectacle before him was verging on the obscene. How he wished he could brush it off and flee as easily as in the past, when he saw the man as nothing more than a pesky serpent. But those days were long gone.

"...Where would you like it to be?"

"Are you really going to let me touch you?"

A heavy murmur broke the silence, yielding an unexpected reaction, as though the proposition had never been anticipated.

"As long as it doesn't cross any inappropriate boundaries, it should be fine."

"Inappropriate, huh?"

Kishiar shot a question back at Yuder, who was gently nodding, as if to confirm the boundaries.

"Can I... touch your hair?"

"Yes."

"And your hand?"

"Yes."

"Can I touch your cheek as well? What about your ear?"

"...Yes."

It felt ridiculous to check each point, but Yuder answered nonetheless.

"Hmm. How about, here?"

Kishiar lightly tapped the area below his own lips with his index finger, a playful smile in his eyes.

"...Are you sorry, or were you planning on mocking me from the start?"

"Ha-ha-ha."

Chilled by the reply, Kishiar suddenly hid half his face, bursting into a gleeful laughter. Yuder, about to retort, instead stood stupefied, staring blankly at his face.

Perhaps a flower blooming and melting under the warm sunlight was akin to this moment.

Despite having seen Kishiar La Orr's smiling face countless times before, Yuder realized he had never witnessed such an expression. The recognition surfaced fleetingly in his mind before quickly dissipating. The laugh of a man he thought he knew so well seemed foreign, something never seen before, and it pierced deep into Yuder's heart.

"I'm sorry. I do want to touch you, but I can't right now."

I'm afraid once I touch you, I won't be able to stop.

His bittersweet muttering, tainted with laughter, echoed in Yuder's ears. It was only after these words settled did Yuder manage to blink and return to his senses.

"It's such a shame, given you had even given permission."

"..."

"Your Grace, your tea is ready......"

Yuder, who should have responded but couldn't muster a thought, was fortunate that Nathan Zuckerman returned at just the right moment. Seeing the remnants of Kishiar's laughter on his face, Nathan paused momentarily, then glanced briefly at Yuder.

"Did something happen?"

"Just a very cute incident. Want to know?"

Despite Kishiar's jesting remark, Nathan showed no reaction. Having dealt with Kishiar's teasing numerous times before, Nathan placed the teapot and cups on the table with an unchanging stoic expression. This allowed Yuder to regain his composure.

"I'll finish the rest of my tasks, then."

"Do so."

Kishiar waved a hand in dismissal, still smiling. Yuder quickly returned to his seat, pulling the letters he had sorted towards him. His intention was to read them all as quickly as possible and leave, but the gaze on the side of his face was quite unnerving.

'This is a letter from the Imperial Mages. This one looks like it's about the costs incurred from summoning those people for the trial... and this one too. And this is...?'

His gaze, moving at top speed to decipher the words, suddenly halted at one point. Yuder frowned as he held two letters, staring at the characters written on their fronts.

'One is from the Commander of the Imperial Knights, Theorado Van Tain. And the other from the Second Prince Ejain Afnan of Nelarn. Both of them, request letters.'