Kishiar began to prattle all sorts of words, tinged with praise for his assistant Yuder Aile, as if he had been waiting for the opportunity. The Baron strained his ears, thinking that some valuable information might emerge, but it was all nonsense, so absurd that it made him suspect he was drunk.

'If Yuder really defeated the monster by himself, tell me how he did it, what his abilities are. What business of mine is it what a commoner likes or dislikes!'

Even amidst the praise, to the point where it could become tiresome to the listener, Yuder Aile maintained a stoic expression. The Baron thought it was quite impressive that he could remain so calm in a situation where even nobles could not manage their expressions. Although he didnt consider the power of an Awakener to be so extraordinary, there was a feeling that someone like him might actually be capable of slaying a gigantic monster by himself. It seemed that Emperor Keilusa's interest in the Cavalry was not solely due to his younger sibling becoming an Awakener.

Other nobles appeared to feel the same, their glances at Yuder Aile subtly changing.

"Uh... Sir Aile, may I ask what your abilities are? I'm curious how you were able to kill that huge monster."

"Yes, I, too, was curious as soon as I heard the rumor. Is that black mark on your face a wound from that time?"

As they, who had previously displayed disdain for commoners, softly cajoled and asked questions with smiling faces, Yuder Aile's expression shifted slightly. But before he could open his mouth, Duke Peletta interjected and poured cold water on the conversation.

"Oh my. No one knows the answer better than I do, so why not ask me first? Do you not know that I'm the only one who can talk to my assistant?"

The statement seemed ludicrous, but there was nothing to be said since a person of the Duke's standing had spoken. Kishiar continued to obstruct any covert conversations or questions directed at Yuder, blatantly blocking them every time. The Baron couldn't even sigh at his unbelievably petty behavior, completely ignoring any semblance of dignity.

'Anyway, seeing that this Yuder has received a last name not long after joining the Cavalry shows that he is indeed talented. The only problem is that he's in the hands of such a petty person.'

To anyone who looked, the relationship between Duke Peletta and his assistant was evident. It was a mismatched pairing to the point of laughter: a Duke who was not only dissipated but also interested in men, treating his hapless subordinate like a toy, and a commoner enduring that humiliation because he had no power to refuse.

What if he had a little ability? How could he dare to rebel against Duke Peletta? Receiving a last name and success as a commoner was certainly significant, but to Kishiar, it seemed like a mere mirage that would vanish if he simply muttered to the Emperor. Yuder himself probably knew this well, hence he likely played deaf to the Duke's advances and simply wished the Duke's interest in him would wane soon. If he had any understanding of his position and ambition for a better future, anyone would do the same.

'So obvious.'

Baron Willhem did not think his conjecture was wrong at all. Instead of focusing on Kishiar's nonsense, he secretly observed the atmosphere of the Cavalry and the Peletta Knights.

They all seemed to have very subtle and pained serious expressions, staring at their plates, entirely absorbed in their meals. Some sent sympathetic glances toward Yuder Aile and even shook their shoulders in agony. They, too, must have found it anything but amusing that someone who had risen to the position of assistant had to endure such foolish talk throughout the meal.

"Commander."

It was around the time that Kishiar's unceasing nonsensical chatter about his assistant's black hair and pale skin, which reminded them of a classical beauty, started to emerge. Finally, Yuder Aile put down his fork and knife and quietly opened his mouth.

"I believe that introduction is more than sufficient. Won't you continue your meal? It loses its taste when it's cold."

His attitude, blunt and not even hiding his dislike of the situation, caused all the nobles who had been bearing their discomfort in silence to be taken aback. However, Kishiar, the one being talked about, didn't show the slightest anger. With a lustful look in his eyes and a sultry smile, he declared that he would stop talking even though he hadn't said half of what he intended. It was clear to anyone that he was thoroughly engrossed in a unique game with the commoner man.

It was indeed unsightly to see the banquet disturbed by a single word from a commoner, but it provided Baron Willhem with an opportunity to speak to Kishiar.

"Your... Your Grace, Duke."

"Hm? What is it?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt something important, but I heard a rumor related to Your Grace a while ago... May I ask about it now?"

"Go ahead. Speak."

"Is it true that you have become the new owner of the glorious Divine Sword Orr? There were rumors that you used its power in the Great Sarain Forest, and I've been curious since before meeting you."

Of all the rumors that had stirred up the entire West, the most significant was, of course, the defeat of the giant monster by Yuder Aile, but the enormous divine power detected within the Great Sarain Forest was not a small matter either. Emperor Keilusa had let slip that this divine power was undoubtedly related to Kishiar's becoming the new owner of the divine sword, but Duke Tain had dismissed this as nonsense to Baron Willhem.

Baron Willhem carefully gauged Kishiar's reaction. If it were untrue, he expected some sign of irritation, but what returned was a calm smile.

"Oh, how embarrassing. Word of what I did in the Great Sarain Forest has already spread this far."

"Yes? So it's really...?"

"Yes, it's true."

"That... then... You really are... the new owner of the Divine Sword... and you even brought it to Tainu...?"

"That's right."

Although Kishiar affirmed it twice, his attitude was so flippant that it seemed utterly unbelievable. Baron Willhem reflexively shifted his gaze towards Kishiar's waist, where the sword would be, but naturally, it was empty, as no one had brought a weapon to the banquet.

"Hmm. Don't believe me? Well, I thought someone might have doubts, especially considering your lineage and position... But no, this is not something to discuss while enjoying a fine meal."

Kishiar deflected the question with a laugh, but Baron Willhem understood the underlying meaning. No matter how foolish and dissipated Duke Peletta might be, he was the Emperor's brother and hostile to the Dukedom. It was not unexpected that the attitude of Baron Willhem, the Lord of Tainu, and a descendant of the Tain family, might be perceived as slightly offensive.

Baron Willhem bowed his head, worrying that he might have overstepped and aroused the Duke's suspicion.

"No, I didn't dare doubt...

"Your Highness, our Willhem family has been devout followers of the Sun God for generations. My husband has long regarded the existence of the Divine Sword as sacred. It appears his eagerness to see it has led to his impatience. Please, do not be angry."

The Baroness, who was watching Baron Willhem's behavior, quickly came to his defense.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, it is. Isnt The Divine Sword the legendary sword we all grew up hearing about in our childhood? Only the chosen one can touch it. The thought of seeing its owner was overwhelmingly thrilling."

Baron Willhem swiftly replied, grateful for his wife's support.

"I understand that feeling. Even in my youth, I grew up listening to the legends of the first Emperor, with the Divine Sword, and the Archmage Luma."

"Indeed, it is so."

"Very well. If the opportunity arises, I shall show it to you."

Baron Willhem breathed a sigh of relief. Somehow, it seemed he had managed to get through without revealing his excessive doubt.

'It still seems like a lie... Whether the Duke of Peletta really possesses the Divine Sword will become clear later on. For today, this should suffice.'

As far as he could tell, the Duke of Peletta and his Cavalry seemed to have not noticed anything about the secret trade matter. If they had, they would surely have asked probing questions. Kishiar did not utter a word of common mourning for the Knights who had died in the Great Sarain Forest throughout the meal. All he did was continually giggle at the surrounding nobles' forced praises, and flirt with the assistant seated beside him.

'The exterior may be rather beautiful, but inside is a nauseatingly lecherous, stupid, and temperamental man.'

Baron Willhem made his judgment of Kishiar La Orr, and resolved to include in his new report to the Duke of Tain, 'Duke Peletta is more dissolute than rumored, and his relationship with his Cavalry does not seem as good as perceived from the outside.'

The abilities of the Cavalry below were good, and they had been fortunate in defeating monsters in the Great Sarain Forest. But if anyone thought that such luck would continue, they were mistaken. He devised an ambitious plan to ease surveillance on the Cavalry and Duke Peletta, and focus more on the secret trade.

"The feast tonight was quite enjoyable. This is my first time in the west, but it seems it will create good memories."

"I'm glad to hear you say that."

"About this Lyung wine, could you bring the rest to my room? I'd like to drink more tonight."

"O-of course."

Though it was terribly unpleasant, Baron Willhem obediently ordered the more than half-remaining bottle of wine to be taken to Kishiar's room. Kishiar smiled contentedly and lightly pressed his lips to Yuder Aile's temple, who was seated beside him, causing the surrounding air to instantly become chilly.

"Now, shall we go?"

"..."

What was thought to be a pleasant end to the feast turned into a dreadful conclusion. Baron Willhem, in shock, supported his staggering wife and glared resentfully at the retreating figure of Kishiar, who merrily led away the wooden-faced man.

'That nauseating man couldn't possibly be the true owner of the Divine Sword!'