While Yuder was deep in conversation with Ever about the letter, a sudden knock interrupted them. Without waiting for a reply, the door was abruptly flung open, revealing the lord of the mansion they were staying in: Baron Willhem.

Accompanied by a group of his servants, Baron Willhem's gaze swept across the room, settling momentarily on Ever, then on Yuder. His eyebrows knitted ever so slightly. Although he attempted to maintain his composure, the icy coldness in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Hmm. I heard you were too ill to accompany the duke, but you look perfectly well to me."

Ever concealed her displeasure and tucked away the letter. Rising calmly from her seat, Yuder addressed the Baron.

"What brings you here, Baron?"

"How rude of you. To speak without even greeting..."

"Understandable," the Baron interrupted, "Even if he's been directly honored by the Emperor himself, he might not be accustomed to formalities yet."

A servant by Baron Willhems side pointed out Yuder's disrespect, but the Baron dismissed him with a wave, feigning a magnanimous tone that didn't align with his true demeanor.

"I have matters to discuss with you. I couldnt notify you earlier as this seemed like the only opportune moment. Shall we have a private conversation?"

The suggestion was phrased politely, but its tone was unmistakably commanding.

'He wants to talk.'

If he visited without notice, especially in Kishiar's absence and with only Yuder present, the intent was clear. Ever shot a sharp glance at Baron Willhem, then turned her attention to Yuder.

"...Yuder."

Her brief call held a plea, a wish for him to stay regardless of what Baron Willhem might say. In response, Yuder gave her a brief nod, signaling that everything was okay.

"Very well. Ever, once our conversation is over, I'll seek you out. Would that be acceptable?"

"Understood. I'll be in the reception room. See you later."

Ever rose, offering a cursory nod to Baron Willhem, and left the room, a cold gust following in her wake. Baron Willhem, looking displeased at her departure, signaled for his servants to approach.

Only after they meticulously dusted off the chair Ever had occupied did the Baron seat himself with a flourish of his mustache.

"Ever since learning that you're the hero of the Great Sarain Forest, I've been eager to meet you personally. Fortunately, this opportunity came sooner than expected. You might already know, but I'm Joseph Willhem."

"I am Yuder Aile."

While Baron Willhem went on about the illustrious history of the Willhem family, stewards of Tainu for roughly eight generations, Yuder paid little heed. His only concern was when the Baron would get to the point.

"...Thus, the abnormal monster occurrences beyond the western border this year, which began to infringe upon the Great Sarain Forest, were of great concern to me. I genuinely want to thank you for resolving that issue."

'Is he finally getting to it?'

Just as Yuder was contemplating the idea of gazing outside due to the sheer monotony of the conversation, Baron Willhem broached the topic of the monsters.

"That's not true."

"I've heard that you single-handedly defeated these monsters but were injured in the process. Is that true?"

Baron Willhem's gaze lingered noticeably on Yuder's left eye. Yuder, maintaining a neutral expression, met the Baron's eyes and nodded.

"Yes."

"Even so, having to follow all the way here instead of heading straight back to the capital, it seems Duke Peletta truly values you. How else would he offer his own residence?"

"..."

While it was phrased in a manner of admiration, the underlying meaning was, 'After all the hardships, how humiliating it must be to be held by Duke Peletta.' Yuder remained silent, prompting Baron Willhem to lean in and whisper in a voice feigning sincerity.

"A talent like you, set to lead our Empire, shouldn't be wasted sitting in a place like this. Duke Tain, impressed by your achievements, has mentioned he shares the same sentiment."

"Is that so?"

"Can you believe he speaks so progressively about the Awakener? But it's quite understandable."

Deciphering Yuder's reaction, Baron Willhem began to extensively praise Duke Tain. Amid his words suggesting Duke Tain was adventurous and could overlook minor flaws for something of value, Yuder easily discerned his true intent.

'Someone who's invested all his assets in high-risk ventures would, of course, be audacious. Hoping for success while turning a blind eye to potential pitfalls is a typical trait of such people.'

In his previous life, Duke Tain had lived comfortably even after Emperor Katchian's ascension. His family was implicated in an illegal fighting arena scandal, but they were proven uninvolved. Keeping a low profile in the capital due to personal businesses, Yuder never had any reason to be wary of him. But in hindsight, it seemed clear that the support and endorsement of other nobles, including Katchian, allowed him such peace.

Emperor Katchian despised any potential threats, yet showed mercy to those who kept a low profile and collaborated. Among the four ducal families, Duke Tain, who had always prioritized imperial matters without causing any threats to the Emperor's authority, had played his cards right.

Normally, Yuder wouldn't have given it a second thought, but the mention left a bitter taste in his mouth because it reminded him of Kishiar.

"...What do you think? Any thoughts?"

Distracted by his memories of the Tain family, Yuder had missed some of Baron Willhem's words. The Baron, noticing Yuder's silence and watching him carefully, tried not to appear intimidated and raised his voice.

"Of course, arranging a meeting with Duke Tain might not be easy. But opportunities don't come often. I'll lay the groundwork; all you have to do is return to the capital and await contact. It shouldn't be that hard, right?"

"So, you're saying... Duke Tain wants to meet me?"

"Exactly."

Baron Willhem finally smiled, sensing they were on the same page. Yuder, however, did not reciprocate. It was almost absurd how this situation was playing out exactly as Kishiar had feared.

"I'm sorry, but that will be difficult."

"What?"

"I am an assistant to the Commander of the Cavalry. Everything I've done was out of duty in my capacity there, nothing more. If the Duke wishes to contact me, please speak with the Commander first."

The Baron's eyes widened, his face reddening whether it had to do with Yuder or not.

"What... What's wrong with the Cavalry? Are you suggesting that it should take precedence over the words of Duke Tain right now?"

"So, are you saying that I shouldnt prioritize the wishes of the Commander of the Cavalry, Duke Peletta, over yours?"

For a moment, Baron Willhem was at a loss for words.

This guy?

He had assumed Yuder would want to break away from Duke Peletta, hence his attempt at persuasion. He never expected this kind of response.

Logically, Willhem should've been looking down at his counterpart with a calm demeanor, while the latter should've been anxiously hanging on his every word. Yet, the Baron was the one struggling to mask his emotions. Yuder, on the other hand, added insult to injury with his audacious words. Willhem tried to contain his emotions, suddenly realizing he shouldnt underestimate his opponent.

He quickly opened his mouth, trying to hide a vague unease.

"Why do you speak such nonsense? You know thats not what I meant. How can you achieve anything with such rigidity? From your perspective, it might seem like you're defying Duke Peletta, but I assure you, there's nothing to worry about."

"So, you're saying I can tell the Duke about this proposal?"

"No, no! Not that!"

Yuder, watching the flustered Baron Willhem, coldly smirked to himself. From the moment Willhem proposed something that shouldnt be disclosed to Kishiar, it was clear his 'worry-free, good proposal' was anything but. How foolish did he think Yuder was?

"Don't tell His Highness, Duke Peletta, that I told you this. I'll take care of that! So, what Im trying to say is..."

"My Lord, my apologies for interrupting. There's an urgent message from the mansion."

Suddenly, a servant appeared at the door. The composed man with black hair contrasted sharply with the red-faced, leaning Willhem. The servant momentarily hesitated, then, responding to an impatient inquiry, finally spoke.

"My Lord, the First Prince of Tain Family has just arrived here."

"The First Prince?"

Baron Willhem jumped up in shock.

"Duke Tain never sent any notice... What on earth is happening?"

"I'm not sure. The lady of the house is with the prince and awaits you."

"I understand."

Responding swiftly, Willhem turned to Yuder, "An unexpected situation has arisen. Well pause our discussion for now. But think carefully about what Ive said. I'll call upon you again."

After they departed, Yuder sat for a while, pondering the recent events. Clearly, it had nothing to do with Baron Willhems proposal.