Chapter 994

Kishiar already knew exactly why Yuder had looked at him.

“......”

“It wasn’t nearly as grand as this, but... it wasn’t so bad, either. Only a few family members and witnesses were present, so it felt rather intimate. I received a signet ring engraved with the crest I designed myself, we had a meal, and when that night passed, I took the dawn road to Peleta.”

Kishiar’s voice was very soft. Everyone around them was too caught up in the cheers and excitement to pay any attention to the two of them.

But to Yuder, that quiet murmur rang louder than any shout.

“When you think about the essence of celebration... I suppose it was a decent succession ceremony.”

Yuder knew that he meant every word. And he also knew how much time had to pass before Kishiar could speak so calmly about it.

He looked at the man’s lips, curved gently into a smile, and nodded.

“...I see.”

The applause came to an end. Mayra turned after planting the first Duke Hern’s spear into the top of the platform. Her first act as the new Duchess of Hern was none other than to directly offer thanks to the honored guests who had saved the South.

“As everyone here is aware, a terrible event recently struck the South. We came close to losing this cherished land and its people. And so, as the new head of House Hern, my first duty is to give thanks to the heroes who risked their lives to help us escape that crisis.”

Her tone had changed from when she was merely a noble lady.

With solemn clarity, she bowed to the Cavalry, the Imperial Army, the Security Forces, and all who had fought during the Day of Hail and the encroaching Wall of Blue Despair.

“House Hern, and all of the South, shall never forget the names and valor of those heroes who fought for us.”

Yuder thought of Mayra’s face from the funeral not long ago. Back then, too, she had told him she would not forget. Once in private, and now again, officially, before everyone. That same promise repeated with such gravity felt heavier than any token of gratitude.

Perhaps because, through Kishiar, Yuder had come to understand—if only a little—what it truly meant to be remembered for a long time.

Everyone once again broke into applause. The members of the Cavalry looked around with flushed faces, visibly overwhelmed. Mayra waited until they’d had their moment of recognition, then slowly descended from the platform.

Lined up beneath the platform, servants waited with large boxes in hand. Mayra stopped directly in front of Kishiar and Yuder.

“Commander of the Cavalry, and Deputy Commander Baron Aile. Please accept this token of gratitude on behalf of all the South, for your tireless efforts in the most perilous of places.”

“......”

Suddenly, the cheers exploded like thunder. As if they’d been holding back until now, the crowd’s roaring applause surged, startling Yuder.

“Cavalry!”

“Heroes of the South!”

“The Swordmaster blessed by the Divine Sword!”

...Why are they clapping like this? More importantly, what is it I’m being handed all of a sudden?

As Yuder stood uncertainly, Mayra smiled and took one of the boxes from a servant herself, opening it for all to see.

Inside wasn’t anything like fine jewels, silk, or enchanted relics. It was simply a cloudy, semi-translucent stone.

“This is a crystal formed from the remains of the monsters slain by the heroes during the days when the waves rose and surged against us. When a monster’s body is burned, these crystals form. They are durable and can be fashioned into excellent tools, and are often kept as good luck charms for victory.”

Only then did Yuder remember the countless semi-transparent monster creatures they had slain—grotesque amalgamations of mismatched limbs and flesh. This crystal must’ve formed from the residue when those bodies were burned.

“The crest of House Hern has been engraved on this crystal. Any hero who possesses it shall be eternally honored in the South and treated as House Hern’s benefactor. I swear this before all present.”

The other servants behind her opened their boxes as well. Each was filled with similar-looking crystals.

So... she’s giving this not just to me, but to everyone who played a part. Incredible.

It wasn’t expensive, but its meaning was more valuable than gold. Who in this world could ever receive such a vow from the famously exclusive South, and from House Hern—one of the Four Great Dukedoms?

Those with great responsibility do not speak promises lightly. The fact that this was the first thing Mayra did as Duchess made her deep gratitude—and the direction House Hern would take—abundantly clear.

Amid the applause, Kishiar smiled and took the crystal.

“To think I’d receive such a precious gift.”

“......”

“As commander of the Cavalry, I promise you this: even without this token, should danger ever threaten the South again, the Cavalry shall be the first to rush in, standing firm against the waves as your breakwater.”

“Waaaaaah!”

As cheers threatened to deafen him, Yuder stood and followed Kishiar’s lead, reaching into the box Mayra held to take one of the crystals.

He had never been fond of anything related to monsters—least of all their remains. But for some reason, this small crystal didn’t feel unpleasant to hold.

He bowed his head to Mayra and to the cheering crowd. At that moment, the audience suddenly quieted, as if expecting him to say something profound, just as Kishiar had.

But Yuder had no such intention.

After placing the crystal carefully in his pocket, he said just one thing.

“I’ll keep it well.”

And that was it. He immediately fell silent again. The onlookers blinked, stunned, as if to ask—That’s it?

Yes, that’s it.

What needed to be said, Kishiar had already said better than anyone. Yuder wasn’t the commander anymore. There was no need, nor desire, to add anything further.

“Hahahaha!”

In the midst of the awkward murmurs, a loud laugh rang out. It was General Gino Bodelli, seated nearby.

“The one who did the most, shed the most blood—has the least desire for recognition. That’s the heart of a true hero. Even at my age, I’ve learned something from this young man. What a splendid day!”

As he clapped with a smile, others gradually followed suit.

Even as the crowd stirred, Yuder remained calm and unfazed, just as Mayra had expected. She offered her hand, and he took it for a brief handshake.

Afterward, Mayra proceeded to personally present the crystals to each of the attendees, calling every name herself. Though it took a long time, no one left their seat. Everyone could tell that this was what the entire ceremony had been leading up to.

When the last crystal had been handed out, Mayra announced the close of the ceremony.

“Now, the festivities will begin. Please move to the next hall and enjoy the evening to your heart’s content.”

Music began at once, as if waiting for that signal. Kishiar stood and extended a hand to Yuder.

“The moment I’ve most looked forward to has finally arrived. Surely you’ll give me the first dance?”

With a mischievous wink, he extended the same hand that Yuder had once held at the imperial ball. Without hesitation this time, Yuder reached out and gripped it even more firmly than before.

“Yes.”

Southern guests, having only heard rumors of such scenes, widened their eyes in shock. The Cavalry members, some of whom had seen this at the imperial palace, wore mixed expressions—both familiar and new.

They remembered exactly what their commander had said before that first party. But unlike the collective surprise that dominated back then, something felt different now. Hard to describe—but certainly different.

There were murmurs from behind, but no one dared to say anything openly. Not even Mayra, the host of the event.

Led by the elegant hand that held his, Yuder crossed the threshold into the brightly lit hall.