Chapter 1218

It had been a while since Yuder last saw Inon, but unsurprisingly, he looked exactly the same as when they’d parted. His hair length, the pouty expression that always made him look like he was full of complaints—none of it had changed. And yet, Yuder sensed something a little different about him.

It was hard to describe in words, but there was a subtle, softer and more relaxed air lingering around Inon now.

“When did you get here?”

“A few hours ago.”

“Priest Lusan said it seemed like you’d return around tomorrow, so I thought you might be later.”

“Well, it just worked out that way. You ended up coming back late too because of your disciplinary leave, so I guess we timed it about right. That’s all that matters.”

After saying that, Inon stared at Yuder for a moment—then suddenly furrowed his brow and grabbed Yuder’s cheek, stretching it hard.

“You... damn brat.”

“...What is it now?”

“You went all the way to Peleta to rest, and you still went around beating up monsters? Where the hell was your Commander, letting you go around getting called a hero again? What, are you trying to collect Hero of the Continent titles or something? Huh?!”

Apparently, the reason Inon had looked grumpy from the start was because he thought Yuder hadn’t rested at all during his leave. Even as Inon tugged at his cheek, Yuder kept his composure and tried to clear up the misunderstanding.

“Most of the fighting was done by... Sir Zuckerman. I just supported from... the back for a bit. The rumors are... exaggerated. And the Commander... had unavoidable reasons... for not joining.”

“Ugh! I don’t care!”

Inon reached out with his other hand and grabbed both cheeks, stretching them simultaneously. Yuder couldn’t speak properly anymore, no matter what he tried.

“So why, after doing all that work, do you come back looking better than ever? Like you’ve been dipped in damn oil or something! That’s what’s more annoying! What the hell did you do...!”

‘...’

So that was it. The root of this anger wasn’t just that Yuder didn’t rest during his break. It was also because Inon could see with his own eyes just how much better Yuder looked now.

I’ve already heard dozens of people say I look healthier... but if even Inon says so, there’s no room for doubt anymore.

Yuder simply surrendered to Inon’s hands. Based on past experience, there was no point in resisting. It didn’t even hurt anyway.

When Inon finally released him with an exasperated sigh, Yuder seized the perfect moment to speak.

“...Inon. I brought back some dried medicinal herbs and food from my hometown. Would you like some?”

Inon’s eyes widened. It was a facial expression Yuder had never seen before, even in all the times he’d met him.

“What? You? You brought something like a gift?”

“...The Commander asked if he could take all of it, and I said sure. But on the way back, I thought things like herbal powders or teas might be useful here too.”

That thought had come to him during their return from the palace.

The Emperor and Empress had loved the powdered tea Yuder made so much that it made him realize—something that simple could still be a meaningful gift to others.

Originally, Yuder had no intention of giving out any souvenirs, unlike Kishiar. After the Cavalry was first formed, they’d all received a collective vacation, and many members brought back gifts from their hometowns. But Yuder, who had spent that time training with Gakein and Kanna, had been an exception.

Even afterward, his comrades often gave him things from home with all sorts of excuses, but Yuder—who had no family in his hometown and had never even visited—never had anything to give back. They insisted they expected nothing in return, but... he now thought maybe something as simple as what he’d given Their Majesties might be a fine gesture. If there were people who would be happy even with just that.

Maybe I should’ve brought more things from home.

Hm? Wait—does that mean... you want to start giving gifts to others the same way you gave something to Their Majesties?

Kishiar, as always, caught on instantly. The moment Yuder muttered those thoughts aloud, he pierced straight through to Yuder’s intentions. Smiling as if seeing something utterly adorable, Kishiar had handed over a few extra bottles of the powdered tea.

I brought more just in case—and I’m glad I did. There’s not much, but it should be enough for a few close friends or your pharmacist. ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) I think they’d really appreciate it.

...

Ah, now that I think about it, your pharmacist might like the dried herb powder you brought from home, too. Why not give them both?

Yuder had hesitated at first, but Kishiar was so certain.

They’ll love it, no doubt. You might even need to be careful—if word gets out, people will be disappointed they didn’t get any.

When it came to things like this, Yuder trusted Kishiar’s judgment over his own. That’s why, just before meeting Inon, he’d decided he might as well offer it.

I didn’t think I’d actually have to put that plan into action this fast, though.

Inon stared at him with an expression that mixed shock, disbelief, mild annoyance, and something almost proud. Then he nodded.

“...You really do live long enough to see everything. Alright, give it here.”

“Just so you know... it’s nothing fancy. I made it myself.”

“What? You made it? You know how to make stuff like this?”

Did he even remember that Yuder Aile came from the countryside? Yuder began to wonder what kind of image Inon had in his head. Still, he handed him one of the bottles Kishiar had given him.

Inon took it as if it might be poison, holding it up to examine it closely. Then, in the same serious manner he used when dealing with critical patients, he opened the cap and sniffed it carefully. After a moment, his expression softened.

“...Nicely dried. Not spoiled, either.”

“I wouldn’t give you anything that could kill you.”

“This is all of it?”

“I left the herb powder at my quarters. I’ll give it to you tomorrow.”

“Hah. Unbelievable.”

Inon laughed, dumbfounded.

“You really do look like someone who’s never given a gift in his life.”

“If you don’t like it, you can just give it back.”

“Who said I would?”

Inon shouted back.

“It’s not that! There’s just too little of it! This’ll be gone in a few cups! Is it hard to make?”

“...Not really.”

When Yuder explained that he used to make and drink it regularly back home, tossing the leftovers, Inon looked genuinely regretful.

“Then good! Next time, make more and bring it!”

He sounded angry, but he was smiling the whole time. He ruffled Yuder’s hair roughly and slipped the bottle into his pocket. Not since Yuder had given him lemons had Inon looked that pleased.

Kishiar had been right.

“Come on. You need to tell me everything you’ve been up to.”

Now calm, Inon led Yuder into a room within the infirmary. As soon as they entered, he pulled out the bottle and two cups, then told Yuder to show him how to drink it.

“Just mix it with water.”

“Cold? Hot? How long do you wait for it to steep?”

“However you want. It’s usually with hot water in the winter. Some people wait a few minutes if they like it strong. I just drank it right away.”

“Hm. Got it.”

The lines on Inon’s brow smoothed out entirely after taking a sip.

“Mmm.”

...He really likes it.

Taking advantage of the moment, Yuder began recounting all that had happened—about the kindness of the people in Peleta and Airik, realizations he’d missed in his previous life, the strange and wonderful experiences. Inon quietly sipped his tea and listened.

When Yuder briefly mentioned the events that took place during Kishiar’s heat period, Inon did click his tongue and furrow his brow—but he didn’t lash out with harsh words like before.

I’ve explained all the less serious stuff. Now the only thing left is...

Yuder took a deep breath and looked down at his hands resting on his knees.

“While I was back home... I read all of Luma’s journal. But before I tell you about that, there’s something else I need to explain first.”

Inon’s eyes widened slightly at the mention of the journal, then tilted his head at the next line.

“Something else to explain? What is it?”

“It might sound ridiculous... but it’s about the man who raised me. My grandfather.”

“Huh?”