Yuder only then realized that his hair had become considerably disheveled. But the real concern wasn't about his hair; it was about something else.

'So, this is his roundabout way of telling me to be careful once inside.'

While Yuder was busy gathering his comrades to establish an intelligence division within the Cavalry, Kishiar had not been idle either. He had utilized all his resourcesfrom the Cavalry and the Peletta Knight to an array of unknown contactsto thoroughly investigate any suspicious activities related to the party.

As a result, they had discovered numerous dangerous magic tools and poisons both inside and outside the palace where the party was to be held. Even among the palace attendants and maids helping with preparations, a few who showed suspicious behavior were either reassigned or expelled from the palace. Unfortunately, they were unable to find concrete evidence to catch the real culprit.

Despite the strong suspicion as to who the perpetrator might be, the lack of evidence brought to mind the assassins that had appeared during the Harvest Festival.

'They probably know that we've thwarted their pre-planned schemes.'

However, if they were not going to act because their intentions had been discovered, then Kiolle da Diarca would not have issued a warning to Yuder in the first place. Aware of this fact, Kishiar had pre-emptively notified his subordinates about the potential hazards that might occur that day. He had even provided a set of rules to the members, advising them to be extra cautious while preparing for the party.

Still, if Duke Diarca was planning to make another move against the Cavalry today, the most likely target would probably be Yuder Aile, the one who stood to gain the greatest reward.

'If I'm the target as expected, I'll be grateful, but if not, I have several contingency plans, so it doesn't matter...'

Still, Yuder didn't find the man's indirect warning to be cautious unnecessary.

As he went over the details and reviewed potential variables, his head, which had been clouded by chilly thoughts, felt as if it was melting under warm sunlight.

"Yes, I'll be careful."

At Yuder's obedient response, Kishiar smiled. He finally brushed Yuder's hair a few more times, styling it to his satisfaction before stepping back. Satisfied with his work, he spoke.

"I regret that I won't be the one to bestow an award upon you today."

"..."

"But at least I've claimed you as my dance partner."

"Duke Peletta, Cavalry members, please come this way. It's time to make your entrance."

Before Yuder could say anything, an attendant appeared, signaling that it was time to enter. The Cavalry members lined up behind Kishiar, their faces a mix of joy, excitement, fear, and concern. Though the emotions displayed were different, the common thread was a palpable tension.

As the attendant approached to open the large door, Kishiar spoke softly.

"Cavalry."

"Yes."

"Regardless of how remarkable those inside may be, today they are all here to celebrate us."

At his words, softened yet resonant, the tension in their faces slightly relaxed.

"Are they more frightening than the monsters of the West?"

"No."

"Do you think we don't deserve to receive awards?"

"No."

"Then that's the end of the discussion. Now, are you still nervous?"

"No!"

At their immediate, confident response, the corners of Kishiar's lips curved upward. With an air of unparalleled self-confidence and dignity, he issued his final command to the members.

"Alright. Let's go have some fun, shall we?"

At that moment, the doors swung open, flooding the area with light. The heralds announced in unison the solemn entrance of Commander Kishiar of the Cavalry and the Cavalry members who followed him. Various musicians lifted their heads high and played a grand and majestic tune.

The Cavalry members followed Kishiar, walking on a path laid out with red fabric. The enormous and exquisite hall of the Cantameria Palace was adorned with vibrant banners bearing the emblem of the Cavalry. Those who had already entered the hall burst into applause, captivated by the grandiose entrance of the Cavalry.

Unsurprisingly, most eyes were fixed on Kishiar at the fronton his audacious formal attire and his face. While there were whispers amongst the crowd, he appeared undisturbed, harboring only a relaxed smile as he moved forward.

Finally, all 330 members of the Cavalry were inside, but the door remained open. Following them was a gigantic object covered in golden fabric, carried on a wheeled cart.

"...What is that?"

Noble voices filled with curiosity echoed in the hall. Yet, no one could guess what it was. A restrained chuckle flickered across the faces of some members, doing their best to maintain their composure, then quickly vanished.

Kishiar took his seat at the front, reserved for the Cavalry. The members also found their places and settled down. Naturally, Yuder's seat was right next to Kishiar.

The seats for the Cavalry were directly below three magnificent chairs at the front of the hall. These chairs were reserved for the Emperor, the Empress, and the Crown Princethe heir to the throne.

Would Emperor Keilusa make an appearance today? Many exchanged glances as they looked at the Emperors chair, which had always remained empty up until now.

Soon enough, a herald loudly announced the arrival of the royal family.

"In the name of Orr, may the eternal light that never dims from dawn to dusk bless us!"

Everyone promptly stood up, placed their hands over their chests, and bowed their heads. Amidst a sea of shifting eyes, Yuder noticed Duke Diarca tightly sealing his thin lips in apparent discomfort.

Moments later, the Emperor and Empress entered side by side. The Emperor looked somewhat thinner than at the welcoming ceremony but appeared no less dignified, thanks to the makeup on his face and the sparkling crown of jewels on his head. The Empress also looked flawless, dressed in perfectly coordinated attire and accessories, a stark contrast to their previous modest meeting.

Following them, Crown Prince Katchian also revealed himself. The young prince, who was nearing adulthood, didnt look much different from the last Harvest Festival. His large, sharp eyes made him appear younger than he actually was. He looked perfectly healthy, making one wonder if his period of seclusion due to "illness" had been a ruse.

"Ah"

A soft exclamation came from the vicinity of where Duke Diarca was seated. It was undoubtedly from the nobles accompanying Duke Diarca and Prince Katchian.

The royal family took their designated seats. Emperor Keilusa, seated on the highest and grandest chair, let out a deep sigh as he scanned over everyone gathered. His gaze finally rested on the Cavalry and Kishiar, seated at the bottom of the stairs.

The Emperor's gaze subtly shifted when he saw Kishiar's striking formal attire. However, it was only for a fleeting momenta moment that only Yuder, with his keen eyes, could notice. The Emperor quickly composed himself, reverting to a neutral expression. Though this was their first meeting since their private meal that had not concluded particularly well, none of the brothers let their emotions show on their faces.

The Emperor spoke softly but loud enough for all to hear. "I'm grateful that so many have gathered here. On this day, I thank God that I can bestow blessings upon you all."

What followed was the formal commencement of the ceremony. Representing the Cavalry, Kishiar stood up and elegantly took a knee before the Emperor. They exchanged a few polite niceties. The Emperor then commended the Duke of Peletta for skillfully leading the Cavalry and promised to provide new buildings and lands for the Cavalry, as well as abundant weapons to aid in their training.

Next, the first among the members to be called was, naturally, Yuder.

"Yuder Aile, come forth!"

As he rose from his seat in response to the summons, all eyes were fixed on him. Kishiar, who had returned to his seat, sent Yuder a fleeting smile. Yuder turned his head to avoid getting caught in that gaze and walked at a moderate pace until he reached the Emperor.

Upon taking a knee, just as Kishiar had done earlier, he could clearly sense the gazes of the Emperor, Empress, and Crown Prince settling above him.

"Yuder Aile has actively participated in the recent western monster subjugation mission as a member of the Cavalry and as the assistant to the Commander of the Cavalry. In particular, he risked injury to himself by boldly stepping forward alone to defeat a massive monster, all in the effort to save others. His achievements will go down in history and serve as an inspiration to all."

As the herald began reading Yuder's accomplishments from a prepared paper, he felt a ripple of whispers behind him. The entire Empire had been buzzing about the young man who had slain the infamous giant monster, and everyone present was shocked to discover he was so young.