Chapter 1030

“Yes. I may not have the sharpest eye for these things, but I found the crest to be stunning at first glance.”

“Then the one who designed it will be relieved. Wouldn’t you agree, Duke Peletta?”

‘...What?’

Was it just his imagination, or did a trace of playful mischief lie beneath the Emperor’s otherwise emotionless tone? Yuder involuntarily turned his head slightly toward Kishiar. Rarely, Kishiar had let his brow relax, and wore an awkward smile.

“...It was meant to be a secret gift in support of my aide, but to have it revealed like this... His Majesty’s grace is as radiant and forceful as the first light of morning.”

“Even the southern seas couldn’t wash away the sharpness of your tongue. It’s good to see you in such fine health.”

“All of it is thanks to Your Majesty’s grace, of course.”

What seemed to be kind words exchanged between sovereign and subject didn't continue for long—thanks to the Empress.

“It’s lovely to see Your Majesty and the Duke displaying your affection before the public, but may I remind you there are still honors left to bestow?”

“The Empress is right.”

With that, the Emperor swiftly returned to a formal tone as he turned back to Kishiar.

“There is still more to be done, so the Duke shall step forward again when the time comes.”

“Oh my. Could there possibly be more honor for me to receive?”

“Then did the Duke think his share ended with what was given to the Cavalry?”

Even Kishiar had clearly not anticipated this. For once, he failed to respond with his usual unbothered composure.

Next, those who had come with the Cavalry—but were not formally members—stepped forward to receive their awards. When Nathan Zuckerman, clad in formal knightly garb, knelt to be officially recognized as a Swordmaster by the Emperor, even Yuder felt a rush of emotion.

In his past life, the man had vanished without anyone knowing he had ever reached mastery. Now, he was standing in the Hall of Glory, declared the Emperor’s Swordmaster. It wasn’t just recognition—it meant Nathan Zuckerman now held the qualifications to become a general of the Empire.

‘Honestly, I thought Zuckerman might refuse to receive his honors publicly, just like last time.’

But unexpectedly, Nathan had agreed to come and accept the award himself. Yuder suspected Kishiar may have persuaded him.

‘If that’s true, then the reason might be...’

As he turned his head, his eyes landed on a man standing somewhat apart from the applauding nobles loyal to the Emperor. Though appearing in his sixties, his imposing build rivaled that of much younger soldiers. He was none other than Grand General Gerald Mucker, supreme commander of the Imperial Army’s Northern Division and holder of central military authority.

‘Unlike General Gino, who leans toward the imperial faction, Mucker is known as a more solid neutral. Born from a branch of a noble family, in my past life, he kept his position without interference until he resigned during the onset of major catastrophes, claiming he could no longer manage.’

But in this life, Mucker had made an appearance the day Emperor Keillusa—on the verge of collapse—personally came to welcome the returning Cavalry. And today, he was again present at the award ceremony, quietly observing everything.

‘Unlike Gino, Mucker hasn’t displayed his aura publicly for nearly ten years... likely because his body can no longer handle it safely.’

Mucker was significantly older than Gino. He was likely already thinking seriously about retirement.

‘So perhaps... the real reason he’s here is...’

Yuder noticed how long Mucker’s gaze lingered on the newly named Swordmaster Nathan Zuckerman. It occurred to him that Mucker may be assessing a potential successor to the general’s post.

‘Of course, whether Zuckerman would accept the position is another matter entirely. That man seems more devoted to staying at Kishiar’s side than pursuing any worldly goal.’

Most people would never even imagine refusing the position of Imperial General. But Nathan Zuckerman wasn’t like most people. He was a man for whom dismissing every conventional path felt perfectly natural.

After Zuckerman stepped back, honored and having been promised several generous rewards, Kishiar’s turn came at last.

“—Duke Peletta, Commander of the Cavalry, Kishiar la Orr.”

Yuder looked up at him. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and Kishiar gave a faint, resigned smile.

But it vanished quickly. He stepped forward with perfect composure and impeccable form, bowing his head with dignity. Emperor Keillusa’s voice echoed above him.

“Though many heroes stepped forward unflinchingly in the face of disaster, the deeds of Duke Peletta, Commander of the Cavalry, were exceptional even among them. Standing behind all to support them, and stepping ahead when needed to block enemies who sought to breach the Empire—his courage deserves to be remembered in the annals of history and praised accordingly.”

No one scoffed or disagreed. Everyone present sincerely accepted the Emperor’s words.

That, to Yuder, resonated differently—and even more deeply—than the spontaneous celebration by the common folk at the Seventh Wall the day before.

“Therefore, I bestow upon Duke Peletta the title of ‘Master of the Dawning Light.’”

Everyone froze.

That was a title said to have been used to refer to the Founding Emperor before the Empire’s establishment. In the thousand-year history that followed, only two Swordmasters had ever received it.

And yet the Emperor wasn’t finished.

“In addition, I hereby authorize the construction of a Duke Peletta estate within the Third Wall. I also officially lift the various restrictions that were previously denied under the guise of tradition. And lastly...”

The Emperor paused, locking eyes with his brother.

Then came the words that would shake the entire Empire.

“With the removal of those restrictions, the succession rights to the imperial throne that Duke Peletta was born with shall be naturally restored. This I confirm and proclaim here today.”

“...”

No one could speak.

It was that staggering.

Even Kishiar was silent. He lifted his head after a long pause. Though Yuder couldn’t see the expression exchanged between the brothers from where he stood, Kishiar’s voice eventually rang out clearly through the Hall of Glory.

“—I am honored. I accept Your Majesty’s command.”

Short—but enough to send shockwaves through the Empire.

“Duke. You’ll be staying for dinner, I assume.”

Even after the ceremony concluded, most people were still too stunned to collect their thoughts. But the Emperor and Empress remained unfazed. As the Emperor stepped down from the platform and spoke casually, the Empress turned to Yuder with a bright smile and whispered:

“Baron, you’ll join us too, won’t you? The palace chefs prepared their finest work today—you won’t regret it.”

Kishiar was one thing—but why did they assume Yuder would naturally attend as well?

Still, it wasn’t something he could question aloud, not in front of the Empress’s smiling face.

While Yuder hesitated, Kishiar answered first.

“That word ‘naturally’ feels a little misplaced. You’re asking me to attend ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ dinner while leaving my subordinates behind, knowing full well how that would appear. Are you not placing both great honor and hardship on me all at once, Your Majesty?”

“Complaining about being honored without consent, are you? Then tell me—who were you planning to celebrate your birthday with?”

“...”

Yuder blinked several times.

Did he just say... birthday?

Turning stiffly, he saw Kishiar, too, with an oddly blank expression, tilting his head as if the word sounded foreign to him.

When Kishiar said nothing, the Emperor clicked his tongue and rubbed his forehead.

“Don’t tell me you forgot. Anyone else might’ve been excused—but you? That’s hard to believe. Even if you haven’t acknowledged it in years, this year holds special meaning. Were you really going to let it pass like nothing?”

“Amazingly... I really had wiped it from my mind. But I can tell that explanation won’t matter to you.”

Kishiar slowly turned his eyes toward Yuder.

And for the first time in a while, Yuder realized that the expression reflected in Kishiar’s eyes made his own face look absolutely dumbstruck.