Chapter 945

“When you reach my age, you realize there's nothing harder—and more joyful—than watching young gems bloom into full blossom.”

Helrem didn’t shy away from expressing her interest in Yuder, stating it boldly.

“I haven’t aged as much as you, Helrem, but I also love that kind of thing. I get it. If it's someone like my aide, he's worthy of being called the finest gem, the finest bloom.”

“Well now. I don’t recall anyone ever teaching you how to dote on someone so shamelessly. You're absolutely smitten.”

“Hahaha. So, is it strange?”

Kishiar tilted his head as he asked.

“Hmph. Are you putting me on the same level as those fools in the Imperial Palace who sobbed like the sky was falling just because two men danced together? As I’ve said before, as long as my lord is happy, that’s all I need.”

“True. You were the one who said that if I did a handstand and walked around Palletta Castle, it’d be fine as long as it was fun. That makes me feel a lot better. Thank you.”

Kishiar's jest drew a silent smile from Helrem.

“Anyway, it may have been you who introduced me to him, but... the more I watch that boy, the more astonishing he becomes. Where did someone like that come from, who can do everything without fault...? I can’t help but wonder how he was raised, who taught him.”

“Haha.”

“I was trying to fish for a little hint, but I guess you’re not planning to tell even this old woman. Fine, I won’t ask anymore.”

As someone who once led the massive Palace Mage Corps and had long been at Duke Palletta’s side, Helrem could see things others could not. She was indeed curious about Yuder’s abilities—but what surprised her most was how masterfully he managed and structured the entire Cavalry as an organization.

When it came to management, training, and cultivation, no matter how much genius one had, it was always experience that mattered more. Yet Yuder Aile, a man who didn’t even exist in the world just two years ago, skillfully created training methods specifically tailored for Awakeners and trained them accordingly.

He worked cleverly in Kishiar’s shadow, acting as though he was merely carrying out Kishiar’s will, making it appear that his actions were just extensions of Kishiar’s commands—but Helrem had quickly seen through that. After all, she had spent years beside Kishiar watching him raise the Palletta Knights himself from a young age.

In fact, even Helrem had initially thought that Yuder was simply reflecting Kishiar’s intentions. His way of handling affairs was, in some respects, so similar to Kishiar’s it was almost eerie. But in many other respects, he felt entirely different.

It was as if he was carrying out Kishiar La Orr–like actions in ways that Kishiar himself never would have used. If Helrem had first seen Yuder outside the Cavalry, she might have even suspected Kishiar had secretly picked him up somewhere and trained him in secret.

For that reason, Helrem was certain Yuder couldn’t possibly be just a mountain villager commoner, as his background claimed. Some dismissed his confidence as the arrogance of a low-born man who’d risen too quickly, but Helrem didn’t think so. To her, it wasn’t arrogance at all. She was genuinely curious about where he’d come from. But it seemed the lord had no intention of telling that to anyone.

“Well, in any case, I’m glad he made a promise to you. I hope he returns safely. There’s nothing more tragic than when capable children never come back.”

Helrem spoke as if it were nothing, but her heart didn’t match the indifference in her voice. Kishiar’s gaze, sharp as always, briefly shifted.

“Hm... come to think of it, because I called you to the South, you must’ve missed your family’s memorial. I’m sorry.”

“I didn’t say that to get an apology. You know better than anyone that I’ve never even properly visited the grave of my son, my daughter-in-law, or my grandchild. I’m a poor mother, a poor mother-in-law, and a poor grandmother.”

“But I know you always climb the mountain alone this time ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) of year.”

“It’s for monster research.”

“Sure. That too.”

“Please, don’t worry about it. If you really feel sorry, just believe that my family would rather I be doing something meaningful for others. That’s the kind of people they were.”

Helrem shook her head, answering clearly. Her eyes, scarred with a wound that would never truly heal, shone with the strength of someone who had learned to live with the scar rather than be consumed by it.

Kishiar was silent for a moment. Then he let out a soft laugh.

“It may be late to say this, but I’m truly grateful you raised me, Helrem.”

“If you say that, both the late Emperor and Empress might feel slighted.”

“Hmm. I’m their son, and I know they weren’t that narrow-minded. I think they’d agree with me completely.”

“Which is exactly why you're saying this, isn’t it...”

Just as Helrem was about to say more, the ground beneath their feet trembled again. The quake before had been enough to knock people over, but this one was stronger. The dark waves of the distant sea rolled ominously.

“Uwaagh!”

The mages who were burying the magical tools screamed in terror. Kishiar reached out to steady the swaying Helrem and simultaneously released a wave of power to ensure the magical tools weren’t disrupted. He scanned the surroundings quickly.

“Nathan!”

Nathan Zuckerman, who had been quietly standing nearby listening to the conversation, immediately drew his sword, preparing for whatever might come. Helrem, still leaning on Kishiar, raised her voice sharply.

“Alik! Don’t just flail around like an idiot—cover the supplies and get down!”

“Ah, y-yes, Helrem!”

“The rest of you, stop trying to stand! Protect your heads and stay low so the magical tools don’t explode! Would you act that way if you were next to a test subject during a blast? Follow the safety protocol for magical device setup!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“No matter what happens, the Duke and his knight are here to protect you! You don’t need to be afraid!”

Perhaps because of the commanding presence befitting a former Chief Mage, the mages quickly came to their senses and followed instructions.

The earthquake, which had started from the sea, didn’t subside for a long time. Eventually, it weakened slightly. One magical device that hadn’t been properly buried almost dispersed its venom prematurely due to the shock—but thanks to Kishiar and Nathan Zuckerman’s swift response, no one was harmed.

The sea, violently shaken, had not yet breached the shore at this distance—but it was unclear what things were like closer to the epicenter.

“Huff, huff... I thought I was going to die.”

One of the mages finally raised his head and murmured after the quake passed. Kishiar signaled to Nathan and stood up straight again. At that moment, someone called out to them from nearby.

“Commander!”

The person who landed on the ground was Elpokin, who had been soaring in the sky. With a flushed, serious face, he saluted and spoke.

“Glad to see you're safe!”

“You’re not just here to help—what is it?”

“Yes! A call came from the direction of the breakwater. They say someone’s returned from the sea.”

“From the sea?”

It had already been about an hour since Yuder had gone underwater. For him, it was fine—but for the other members, it was about the time they'd reach their limit and return. Still, if it were just someone returning to rest, they wouldn’t call the Commander.

Kishiar nodded without hesitation.

“Understood. I’ll head there immediately.”

“Yes, I’ll relay that.”

Elpokin flew off again.

“I had planned to check a few more places, but I suppose I’ll have to end it here and return. Be careful, Helrem.”

“That would be wise. I don’t know what’s out in that sea, but it doesn’t feel right.”

Helrem shook her head.

“If that guy Mick were here, maybe he could’ve seen what’s really going on. He was loud and obnoxious while around, but now that he’s gone, I find myself missing him.”

“I figured as much and sent for him earlier. He’s abroad, so even if he leaves immediately, it’ll take some time. Let’s hope it’s not after everything’s already over.”

“Oh. So you did call him. Tch. If you call, he should drop everything and run. I hope he’s not drinking himself stupid again...”

Kishiar gave a faint smile.

“Even if he comes, he might not be able to see anything. Don’t be too hard on him.”

“You’re far too lenient, my lord. Please be careful. If I hear you're sick and bedridden again like last time, I truly won’t be able to bear it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Without a promise, Kishiar turned his back. He and Nathan Zuckerman soon disappeared along the path they came, not looking in a hurry—yet vanishing in the blink of an eye. Watching them go, Helrem let out a worried sigh.

“It really does feel like something is about to happen...”

***

"Commander!"

As Kishiar returned near the breakwater, he immediately spotted a group of gathered members. The moment he approached, the gathered soldiers noticed him and called out.

"I heard someone came back from the sea."

"Yes, that would be me."

Among the group, someone raised a hand. It was Steber—soaked through and visibly exhausted.