Turning Chapter 905

Chapter 905

The next day, rain began to fall in the south from the morning.

"It's quite rare for it to rain this often, even though I've lived in the south all my life. I was worried that the mood might be bad because of the hailstorm last time, but thankfully, it seems fine despite that..."

Gakane, stretching his hand out of the window as if to gauge the rain, had a remarkably serious expression. Yuder, realizing anew that he too was from the south, felt a sense of kinship.

'That's right. He's also from the south... Was it Ulan where he said he was from?'

Ulan was a region quite far from Charloin. Hence, despite Gakane's recent visit to the south, he had yet to meet his family and hometown folks.

Other members from the southern branch had arrived early and had the chance to show off their splendid success to their families and acquaintances. Gakane, however, had not had such an opportunity, which Yuder now found somewhat concerning.

Gakane himself, as if he wasn't from the south, never mentioned such matters and lived cheerfully.

Knowing the humiliating incidents Gakane had suffered, solely because he was from a fallen noble family, Yuder didn't want to just let him leave. Probably, the other Cavalry members would agree.

Yuder, lost in thought for a moment, finally spoke.

"Gakane."

"Hm?"

"Did you contact your family to tell them you're here?"

"I did. They wanted to come, but I told them not to because it's dangerous. Why?"

"That's good. But you should prepare so they can come to Charloin anytime."

"Uh... Why?"

"Because there will be an occasion for it."

Currently, Herne was focusing on managing the aftermath of the Hail Night, postponing the Second Prince's funeral and the Duke's post-mortem affairs. Originally unthinkable, but with the First Princess Myra postponing her title succession ceremony to take action, no one dared to object.

However, the postponed funeral and title succession would eventually have to be resumed.

Yuder thought that would probably be after all the current preparations were completed.

'Then, it would be a good opportunity to invite the Bolunwald family. It will also be a chance to show the fools of the south who Gakane really is.'

Thinking about the aftermath before it even happened would have been considered rash by the old Yudrain Aile. But now, Yuder didn't mind imagining Gakane and the Bolunwald family standing proudly before the fools once everything was over.

With his mood lifted, even the falling rain seemed insignificant.

"What occasion are you talking about...? You don't mean something like Ulan falling apart and us having to come here... Not in a bad sense, right...?"

Gakane asked, looking puzzled and uneasy, but there was no time to answer. Someone greeted them from behind.

"You're here. Mr. Yuder! Greetings, Mr. Gakane."

"Oh, Priest?"

Lusan, with his hair grown long and casually tied back, approached with a smile. Yuder nodded to him and then spoke.

"You arrived a bit earlier than scheduled."

"The work finished sooner than expected."

"Great. Let's set off then."

"Huh? Where are you going with the Priest?"

Gakane, unaware of Yuder's plans for the day, asked in confusion.

"Nothing special, just some matters we need to attend to together."

"Ah... I see. Understood. Then, finish your work well, and see you later!"

Gakane, quick-wittedly, did not ask any further details and tactfully vacated his place. Yuder started moving towards the stairs leading underground, accompanied by Lusan. Lusan, with a slightly tense expression, asked:

"The person you said we're going together with today, that's the... new arrival, the successful candidate, right?"

"Yes. You can call her Gloe."

The companion Gloe was curious about yesterday was indeed Lusan.

Yuder chose him to assist in Aton's interrogation for one reason: he was a Priest of the Sun God.

Aton was a remarkable swordsman, hailing from the 'Udaquan', a class of priests who believed in the Black Moon faith, a belief unique to the southern countries.

According to Kishiar, the Udaquans held immense pride in being the chosen children of the moon, unhesitant in using weapons for their faith and not shying away from killing.

At that time, Kishiar also remarked:

'Even the most meticulous of spies, who have expertly hidden their true intentions while dealing with many people, reveal their approach once you know their background and identity. To provoke a priest, theology is the best tool, and for those of high stature with excessive confidence in their abilities, nothing works better than the name of someone who has crushed them.'

The latter strategy had already been employed using Yuder's name and presence. Initially, Aton was quite shaken, but as time passed, he regained his composure and no longer easily faltered at the sight of Yuder.

Therefore, Yuder thought, if that unwavering, tenacious resolve stemmed from his identity as a priest, wouldn't it be resolved by bringing their own priest, as Kishiar suggested?

Lusan was already briefed on everything. He was quite shocked to learn that Aton, who had caused tremendous trouble, was actually a Udaquan from the south, but as a Priest, his interest was also strongly piqued.

“I've heard about the Udaquans too. The head priest of the temple where I grew up had long researched this area. It's a pity he's not here; he would have been more helpful…”

“Has he passed away?”

“Oh... No, that's not it. It's just that since it's not my specialty, I thought it would be good to consult him and delve deeper into the study. It's a temporary measure, but…”

“Then do it.”

“Really? But the temple where I lived is really far from here... Even if we exchange letters, it will take a long time.”

“If you use ordinary postal birds, that is.”

Lusan's hometown was in the northeastern countryside. The head priest there, quite advanced in age, was still healthy, tending to the temple and caring for children.

If distance was the only issue, then power could solve it, couldn't it? Yuder reported the matter to Kishiar. Kishiar conveyed the news to the fastest possible messenger, the Emperor, and Emperor Keilusa arranged for the quickest courier between the capital and the northeast.

While the journey from the south to the northeast was slow, the distance from the capital to the northeast was not so far. Unbeknownst to Lusan, letters filled with greetings and theological queries for the head priest were swiftly shuttled across various regions.

And so, it came to be today.

Priest for a priest.

Theology with theology.

'Let's see if you react today like you did the last time.'

"Hmm. But I wonder if I can really be of any help."

As they descended, Lusan murmured with a slightly anxious face.

"Thanks to the head priest, I've learned things I didn't know before... but if the person we're interrogating doesn't open their mouth until the end, I'm not sure if I can even hold a conversation."

"Don't worry about that. Even if it doesn't work, we're no worse off than before."

"That's reassuring then..."

Yuder reassured Lusan by saying it's alright even if it doesn't work, but in truth, he didn't think so.

'Priests are one of the most stubborn about their beliefs. That means, if one can endure being provoked about it, they probably wouldn't be a priest in the first place.'

Even Lusan, a model of a good and diligent Priest, became quite talkative when it came to the Sun God's scriptures or doctrines. Yuder had seen him discussing these matters with Alik numerous times.

'And very passionately, too.'

If a Priest of the Sun God, gentle and warm like sunlight, was like that, how much more would someone be who doesn't hesitate to use the sword for their faith?

Yuder guessed it wouldn't be any less intense.

Upon reaching the entrance to the underground dungeon, Yuder paused for a moment. Gloe was already there, clinging close to Reneve, as if they had been chatting while waiting.

"You're here early."

"Yes... Hello..."

"You must be Gloe. I'm Lusan, the one joining you today. I'm a Priest attached to the Cavalry medical unit. Pleased to meet you."

"Ah... Yes, Priest. Please, it's a pleasure."

Gloe seemed surprised to be accompanied by a Priest, something she hadn't anticipated.

"Shall we go in now?"

"We need to wait for the Commander."

"There he is, the Commander."

Just as Yuder responded to Lusan's query, a relaxed voice came from the direction of the stairs. Kishiar, dressed in a crisp white Commander's uniform, approached leisurely, waving in greeting.

"Sorry for being the last to arrive. I was delayed meeting someone."

The brightness of his smile could have been mistaken for a sunny day, had they not known they were underground and it was raining outside.

Yuder blinked at the familiar face following Kishiar.

'Nathan Zuckerman... He's returned.'

A face that hadn't been there just that morning now followed Kishiar, as if he had never been away. His return meant Kanna and the others had returned too. Yuder guessed whom Kishiar had been meeting.

'He must have heard the results of Nahan's life and death investigation. I’m curious, but it’s not something to be discussed right now.'

The timely return of assets like Nathan and Kanna was more relieving to Yuder than anything else.

"Nathan. You'll guard the entrance. I'll be back shortly."

"Understood."

"And Reneve. It's a tough ask, but I'm counting on you as promised."

"Of course."

Reneve, who had been sitting guarding the entrance, smiled brightly. Nathan Zuckerman didn't exchange introductions or greetings with others. However, just before standing guard as ordered by Kishiar, he gave Yuder a brief nod.

Yuder returned the gesture with a nod of his own and followed Kishiar inside.

As they stood before the cell where Aton was held, Kishiar stopped and turned to Yuder, smiling.

"I'll observe from here."

"Ah... Commander, aren't you coming in?"

To Lusan's question, Kishiar nodded.

"If I go in, the one inside might get provoked in a bad way. Don't worry, I'll be watching."

"Understood."

Yuder was the first to open the door and step inside. Following him were Gloe and Lusan, and then the door closed behind them.

Aton, who had been hanging his head, slowly lifted his gaze to look at Yuder and then at the two people behind him. A dry, mocking laugh escaped his lips.

"It seems you've brought quite a few friends today. What's the occasion?"