"Surely you can't mean me?"

"..."

In response to his question, Kishiars lips curved in what was, thus far, the most complex expression of emotion.

Yuder fell silent, at a loss for words. This made no sense. He wanted to believe he had misunderstood, but Kishiars gaze left no room for error, it clearly indicated that he had chosen Yuder.

"Is this because of the peculiarity of my abilities?"

The voice that emerged after a considerable pause was the most rigid and coarse it had ever been.

"I recall clearly that I assured you my abilities would not hinder the mission."

"Indeed, you did."

"Then why me No, I beg you to reconsider. My presence here would be far less helpful than by the side of the Commander and the others. I request that you consider which would truly be best."

Kishiar didn't know how badly this mission could turn if handled improperly. In his previous life, numerous members, including Gakane, perished during a subjugation mission. If the monster's abnormality exceeded their capacity to handle, Kishiar might experience another crisis. Adding to that, there was a chance that Prince Ejain may not return to his homeland alive.

Without him, how could all these possibilities be mitigated? Merely imagining all the bad things that could happen without him there, Yuder's heart tightened and his pulse quickened tremendously.

"No matter how many times I think about it, my conclusion doesn't change. This is the best course of action, as I see it."

Yet Kishiar's voice remained infuriatingly calm.

"But I don't know much about magic."

"Knowing or not won't make much of a difference."

"Wouldn't it be better if you and Kanna stayed together instead? The mages will never let their guard down around me."

"Even after you just spectacularly broke down Micalin Punt's guard, you're saying this?"

Yuder knew that he could never outtalk Kishiar, but never before had this fact been so frustrating. Grinding his teeth, he mumbled at Kishiar.

"I can't sit by idly while something might happen to the Commander or my comrades in my absence. I am not that submissive."

At that, Kishiar let out a short laugh. Without seeing his eyes, it was hard to gauge his emotions, but the laugh was oddly sweet, ill-suited to the situation.

"What if I wanted you to do exactly that?"

"..."

It was an unbelievable request, but incredibly, Yuder's protest lost its force before that smile. He attempted to speak a few times, but his mouth was immobile as if it had been struck in a vital spot. To suppress his churning emotions, Yuder bit his lip and lowered his gaze.

And as if he had been waiting for that moment, Kishiar's lips moved slightly.

"The one who can become the sign of the greatest faith to the mages, the one who is confident to protect the many here and priest Lusan alone, and the one who can perceive something extraordinary amidst the events here. There is only one person who can do that. Yuder Aile."

Only you.

In this world, there was only one man who could command Yuder Aile, and that man, now more than ever, called his name with a clear intention. His gaze gently swept across Yuder's face, heavy with anxiety. At first glance, his eyes appeared calm and composed, but Yuder then realized that the fragments of emotion hidden within did not reflect the same tranquility.

"Remember the version of yourself that agreed to leave someone here, because you trust the abilities of your companions."

The statement hit Yuder like a splash of cold water. As Yuder's face twisted slightly, Kishiar offered his final compromise with a soft voice.

"Three days. Endure for just three days. If we don't return within that period, you're allowed to act freely."

It was a statement akin to a final notice. Yuder was forced to accept the fact that he could no longer persuade Kishiar.

---

"Leave Yuder and Priest Lusan here, and just us proceed?"

Kishiar, having made the decision, immediately informed the rest of the group. The members appeared surprised but soon accepted Kishiar's decision. No one seemed overly scared by the fact that Yuder was not accompanying them.

Upon finishing his business and returning, Yuder tried not to let his anxiety show as he relayed the same information to Micalin. Fortunately, whether his efforts paid off or not, the old mage didn't find anything odd about his expression.

"Hmm. If there was another mission that needed attention, then it can't be helped. But to venture back into the Great Sarain Forest with just a handful of people during this time Are you sure it's a good idea?"

"...It's fine."

Yuder's eyes were darker than ever as he responded, as if engraving the promised three-day period into his mind.

"You certainly have unparalleled confidence in your abilities. I'm sorry I can't be of much help, given our circumstances."

"Your words alone are more than enough for me to feel gratitude."

"Then let's leave the details of our cooperation for when your group returns, and if you need anything before your group departs, feel free to ask the passing mages."

Priest Lusan was slightly surprised by the fact that only he and Yuder were left while the others headed toward their destination. However, he quietly expressed gratitude towards Kishiar. For him, it was more rewarding to stay by the side of those who needed his divine power than to laboriously move within the Great Sarain Forest.

"Let's have a quick chat."

During the brief preparation period before heading back into the Great Sarain Forest, Yuder followed Ejain, who had discreetly called him outside.

"I didn't expect things to turn out this way."

"... Yes, I didn't either."

While Yuder thought he knew Kishiar well - a man as unpredictable as a chameleon - he had only seen the man's lively and gentle side in this lifetime, and thus, didn't expect such a blow. After hearing Yuder's response, Ejain fell into a brief silence, tilted his head, and asked in a soft voice.

"So, is this the last time we'll see each other?"

"I suppose it is."

"Life really makes it hard to predict even a step ahead. This situation made me realize that more than ever."

"..."

"But for some reason, this time, it wasn't entirely unpleasant. Perhaps because I've seen and heard many things in a short time that I hadn't considered before."

Taken aback by the unexpected statement, Yuder lifted his head towards Ejain. All he could see was a portion of the long silver hair that spilled from under the large hat, but he could nonetheless sense that Ejain's voice had transformed into a surprising calm compared to a few days ago.

"However, contrary to your advice, what I learned was not from observing others. The true key, as always, lies beside the door."

Puzzled by the cryptic statement, he lapsed into silence, but Ejain did not immediately offer any explanation.

"It's a pity. I wanted to watch you a bit longer."

"Thank you for your kind regard."

"It's not flattery. You've given me something even the best teachers could not."

It seemed like a suggestion to learn how to keep good talent by observing Kishiar, but somehow the young prince's conclusion seemed to return and settle again on an interest in Yuder.

"Please save those words for when you have truly obtained what you desire after your departure, and share them with those who follow you."

"I wonder if that day will come. Do you think it's really possible?"

The jocular, yet humorless question pierced his ears. Yuder imagined Ejain's expression, hidden under the hat. Likely he was wearing the bitter expression he had seen by the well on that rainy night.

'But something has definitely changed since then.'

The Ejain of that day seemed wrapped in self-loathing, without the inclination to observe his surroundings. But now, he seemed to have regained a leisurely state, longing purely for something other than power.

"Do you remember what I said to you before?"

"..."

"With the Cavalry, you will surely be able to return safely to where you wish. And then, one day, the opportunity you desire will certainly come. Please do not forget the words I've given you then."

"The opportunity I desire."

Ejain muttered quietly.

"A few days ago, I would've thought that opportunity would be absolute power or strength... Strangely enough, now, I don't feel so good about thinking that way."

Maybe that's what he was trying to tell him. He still didn't fully understand it, though.

The prince murmured such and looked up at the sky.

"If it's alright, I'd like to consider you a close friend. Would you permit me?"

That was the most unexpected question he had heard since meeting Ejain in this lifetime.

In his previous life, he had wished to return something to the one who had given him a final opportunity in any way he could, but he had not expected to hear these words.