Chapter 1014

“It was not long after you were granted your title, right? Back then, we were betting on whether you’d show up or not, all still giddy from just becoming members of the Cavalry.”

“......”

“I bet you’d come, but honestly, deep down I thought it wouldn’t be strange if you didn’t. I mean, Gakein did bring you in the end, but... it felt like if he hadn’t, you really wouldn’t have come. Ah. Am I overanalyzing?”

Yuder looked at Ever’s smiling face and quietly shook his head.

“No. You’re right. If Gakein hadn’t come that time, I probably wouldn’t have gone.”

“Knew it.”

Ever burst into laughter and sat across from Yuder. As food and drink began to flow, many had left their original seats. Kanna and Gakein had also been drawn elsewhere, leaving the space beside Yuder vacant.

Just like back then, someone had picked up an old instrument left in the corner and was now playing an impressively decent tune. Others clapped, sang along, or danced nearby. The difference was that the atmosphere now felt much more familiar, more intimate. It looked like people were doing as they pleased, but somehow, they moved as one.

Free, yet united.

Different, yet somehow bonded like blood kin.

If one had to describe that strange feeling with a single word, it would probably be—

‘A sense of belonging...’

“Yuder. Back then, when I asked you to dance, you said no. What about now? Still not in the mood?”

Ever threw out another question. After a brief moment of thought, Yuder replied.

“It’s not that I dislike dancing, or feel unwilling like I did then... But if it’s a partnered dance, I’ll have to decline.”

The reason was simple. He had promised that the first dance requiring a partner would be with Kishiar—and he had meant it. Since Kishiar wasn’t here now, naturally, he couldn’t agree.

Ever blinked, clearly surprised by the answer.

“Didn’t expect that. You’re turning it down because of... the Commander?”

“......”

It hadn’t been long since Kanna and Gakein had realized the nature of their relationship. And now, it seemed Ever had caught on too. As Yuder was thinking this, Ever leaned forward with a serious expression and whispered behind her hand.

“...I see. You and the Commander are truly doing this for the sake of Second-Genders. Staying true to your mission wherever you go...”

That was... not what he’d expected. Ever seemed firmly convinced that Yuder and the Commander were still operating under the same ideals they had shared at the palace banquet. For the first time in a while, Yuder felt a flicker of genuine confusion—worse than when Meghna had suddenly launched a surprise attack during their spar.

“Knowing that, it’s no wonder the Commander cares so deeply for you. I get it. I know how much you push yourself for your goals, Yuder. I really do.”

No, that wasn’t it. At least not at the recent succession party. At that event, Yuder Aile had indulged in his desires more than anyone. But before Yuder could say anything, Ever continued, frowning faintly.

“I’m an Alpha too, and I wanted to ask if that was okay... but I’ve realized something from the parties I’ve attended—and from dancing with Elre this time. People only look at my status and First-Gender when I dance. They don’t care about my rank or that I’m Second-Gender. Even if they know, they don’t mention it. That’s what you and the Commander are trying to change, right?”

‘...It’s hard to argue, since she’s not wrong in the big picture.’

Yuder caught sight of Fruelle nearby, holding a drink and glancing curiously in their direction, clearly intrigued by Ever’s intense speech.

“I only vaguely sensed it at the palace banquet, but now I’m sure. So as Deputy Commander, and as someone who likes and respects you, I won’t act on personal feelings. But... if it’s not a partnered dance, is it okay?”

Ever smiled as she finished, gently setting down her glass.

And then, shortly after—

“Waaaah!”

“No way! Did Yuder really come out to dance?!”

Yuder, led by Ever, stepped into the open area where others were dancing. The musicians spotted him with visible confusion, clearly unsure if he really meant to dance. But Ever raised her voice without hesitation.

“‘The Day Spring Comes!’ Play that one!”

The Day Spring Comes was one of the most famous folk songs, known to all. It was traditionally sung to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring. With its upbeat melody and cheerful lyrics, it was often used as a dance tune—but not for complex partner dances. Rather, it required only simple group steps, performed together to invoke joy and abundance.

Prompted by Ever’s shout, the musicians with old string instruments and drums quickly switched the tune. Their fingers flew, and a bright, high-pitched sound filled the space. Cheers broke out at once.

Responding to that cheer, Ever spun with one arm on her waist and the other performing a hand gesture as she twirled in place.

“Ever! Ever! Ever!”

“Aha! In our region, we didn’t do that with the hand! Guess it’s my turn!”

Some excited members climbed up on chairs and jumped down to dance beside Ever. One held both hips and added more footwork. Another spun wildly with arms raised. Though everyone danced differently, their synchronized turns to the right, then left, gave off an oddly joyful sense of unity.

“Yuder!”

Yuder looked at Ever as she called his name with a smile, her hand beckoning gently.

He sighed, then stepped in beside her and raised a hand.

‘...Well, it’s not like I don’t know what this is.’

In the village Yuder had grown up in, this song had always played during small festivals at the end of winter. His grandfather had said it celebrated surviving winter and welcomed the coming spring. People would laugh and spin in circles around the biggest tree in the village—just like the laughter filling the air here and now.

“Wow. So many amazing things to see tonight!”

Seeing Yuder spinning with the others, the members howled with laughter and chanted his name. A few quickly jumped in to join the dance by his side.

“Can’t miss this chance!”

Kanna’s eyes sparkled as she joined in.

“So that’s how they danced in your village, huh? I used to watch others dance in secret when I was little... but in Ulan, we—”

Gakein appeared with a wide grin, arms crossed in a stylish pose, and showed off graceful movements.

“M-me too!”

Elpokin, who had been crouching in the back with his large wings tucked to avoid bumping anyone, couldn’t resist the urge anymore and shuffled into the dance.

“This reminds me of the last time I danced this with my brother. I never thought I’d get to dance again... but I’m sure Maiki wouldn’t mind if I had a little fun today.”

Half-dizzy from spinning, Marin whispered to Yuder with a soft smile as they passed each other.

“Hey, Yuder. Remember when we went into the sea? Back then, I was totally lacking in confidence, but you said something to me, remember...?”

Happily drunk, Steber skipped his usual habit of saying he needed to go home and instead reminisced about the day the waves came crashing in.

“Too bad the Commander couldn’t come. Would’ve been perfect if he had. Don’t you think? Do they dance like this at the palace too? Ever seen it?”

Yergin Shiller, missing the Commander’s presence, whispered conspiratorially to Yuder, clearly thinking he would understand.

“Deputy Commander. Priest Lusan keeps asking me to explain that card game you taught us. What should I do? Should I... really teach him? Is that okay...?!”

Gloena, her face dead serious, asked quickly—but then was swept away by the crowd before Yuder could respond, blinking in surprise at his nod.

Every spin brought him into light contact with someone. Shoulders bumped, toes stepped on. The [N O V E L I G H T] chaotic instrument playing was offbeat and disharmonious—generously speaking, it couldn’t be called skilled.

But nothing felt unpleasant.

The small exchanges—meaningless on the surface—held sincerity. Fleeting as they were, they struck with enough force to leave long-lasting memories.

As Yuder made a full circle and returned to his original place, he remembered what Kishiar had told him once: that he should spend time talking with his fellow members.

‘So this is what he meant... This is the feeling he wanted me to have.’

It was different from the time he had spent with Kishiar.

But the sense of ease—it was the same.