Turning Chapter 813

Chapter 813

"Duke Peletta, General Gino, you've arrived."

Upon entering the chapel, they were naturally greeted by First Princess Myra.

Myra, her face half-hidden beneath a black-veiled hat, looked much healthier than she had a few days ago. It seemed Enon's medicine had worked wonders.

General Gino, maintaining appropriate decorum, expressed his condolences to Myra. Though it was well-known that General Gino had a strained relationship with the Lord of Charloin, his rapport with Myra didn't seem as bad.

Kishiar followed, presenting Myra with flowers prepared for the deceased and their family. He spoke, "It's always a hard and heartbreaking task to send a loved one far away. I sincerely pray that God embraces his soul."

"Thank you. Ashrav's soul would be pleased to hear your words," she replied.

After Meghna Kurlieva and Yuder had exchanged greetings with Myra, they entered the vast space where the coffin lay. The area was much less crowded than outside, and the atmosphere was somber.

"A bit sorry to say this, but the funeral might start later than planned... My father hasn't arrived yet," Myra's voice was so soft, only Kishiar and Yuder could hear. Her lips barely moved as she spoke.

"Oh, is there some trouble?" Kishiar inquired.

"I only know he was up late praying for my brother's soul, weary with grief."

"Ah, it seems the depth of his sorrow kept him from sleep."

"Yes. Perhaps he spent the night in vigil prayers with some ladies he's not seen before."

"But thanks to this, everyone here today can see more clearly the brilliant capabilities of the one who will lead Herne. That's something to be thankful for."

At Kishiar's sly remark, a hint of a human smile finally broke through Myra's cold facade.

"You have a way of offering comfort in the most delightful manner."

"The key is always speaking with sincerity."

Yuder, who had been silently listening to the conversation, suddenly felt a piercing gaze.

'Hmm?'

Turning, he met the intense gaze of Kiolle da Diarca, staring at him intensely.

'So, he has become a guest of Herne, as I heard. He's here.'

Kiolle looked the same as ever, which in Yuder's mind meant still foolish.

'But what's with that expression?'

Usually, Kiolle would either gleam as if seeing something unbelievable or arrogantly turn away upon seeing Yuder. This time, it was similar yet different. His usual annoying demeanor was there, but beneath it, his mouth seemed desperate, earnest, wanting to say something...

'I can't make out what he's trying to say with his mouth. He looks even more foolish than usual.'

Yuder thought Kiolle was still the same fool, even though they were bound to talk since they had met. He ignored Kiolle's fumbling lips and turned away.

As this happened, Myra and Kishiar's conversation was also drawing to a close.

"Ah, other guests I must greet have arrived. Let's continue our conversation before you leave."

"Of course."

"You may sit until the funeral starts, or feel free to talk if you see familiar faces. Now, if you'll excuse me..."

Yuder followed Kishiar, speaking in a low voice.

"Have you discussed the matter of Hosanna?"

"I've broached the topic. We'll have a detailed conversation later."

"I see. Then, before the ceremony starts, I'll have a brief talk with that fool over there."

Kishiar's lips curled into a painted smile as he followed Yuder's gaze.

"Oh, it seems you've grown too fond of him, I'm almost jealous."

"Such jokes are not welcome, even from you, Commander."

"I mean, keep it brief. I might get lonely."

Yuder didn't know how to respond to that.

Kishiar blinked his long lashes and stroked his cheek, feigning a look of loneliness. Despite knowing it was an act, Yuder found it eerily fitting. He sighed softly, brushing his eyes.

"...I'll try to return quickly."

Kishiar chuckled. Yuder thought his eyes resembled those of Cavalry members when they looked at a small, adorable, and cute creature... like a cat named Nipollen.

"Recently, there's been a rampant rumor about the youngest son of a certain ducal family reforming his ways. Have you heard?"

"Please tell me that reformed scoundrel isn't the one I'm about to meet."

"That's the one."

"It's hard to believe. Even if he has become quieter to avoid eternal slumber, is that enough to start such rumors?"

Rumors of Kiolle da Diarca's transformation had spread from within the Diarca family and the Imperial Knights. Known for his arrogance and foolish behavior, many initially didn't believe the rumors. But after his recent act of protecting Duke Diarca by the lake, perceptions began to change. Many now viewed him in a new light.

"Some nobles even believe his previous actions were a ploy to lower the guards of his family's rivals. With Duke Diarca sending him to the south, such theories have gained more followers."

"Terrible. What are they thinking?"

How could Kiolle earn such high praise just for keeping his mouth shut? Did they forget how he had lived until now?

Certainly, there are people like Kishiar La Orr who hide cunning minds behind facades. But Kiolle da Diarca couldn't possibly be one of them.

Yuder, deciding not to dwell on it, changed the subject.

"Anyway, I'll go and return."

—

'That devilish brat! Why does he ignore me even after our eyes meet?'

At the same time, Kiolle da Diarca was barely managing his expression, sitting still. His legs trembled as if about to shake uncontrollably, and he struggled to respond nonchalantly whenever someone spoke to him.

It was absurd enough that he was at the funeral of a prince from the Herne family, whom he'd never met. To make matters worse, he was accompanied by Crown Prince Katchian, who should never have been there.

The reason was simple. The Crown Prince had run away like a child, boarded Kiolle's carriage uninvited, concealed his identity, and insisted that Kiolle must take him with him today.

Barely managing to hide the Crown Prince at the residence of the Duke of Herne, Kiolle immediately protested against the idea but eventually gave in. His best effort was to ensure that the Crown Prince could not enter the chapel.

The Crown Prince was visibly annoyed but, after desperate persuasion, agreed to wait outside.

“I’ll just bear with it once more. But after the funeral, you must follow my command and find the whereabouts of the sage and a way to assist him.”

The Crown Prince was mad, undoubtedly brainwashed by that healer.

"Oh, Duke Peletta has arrived. Seeing you talking with Princess Myra, it seems he was invited from that side?"

"I wonder if the Duke of Herne knows. Despite the Cavalry's achievements in the south, this seems a bit..."

"What do you think about the news of Duke Peletta being the Empire's third swordmaster, Prince Diarca?"

Caught off-guard by the southern nobles' question, Kiolle responded without thinking.

"What does it matter whether it is so or not? The real issue is outside."

His response was a jumbled mix of his current predicament and concerns for the Crown Prince outside, barely coherent.

Yet, his audience interpreted Kiolle's answer as admiringly stoic.

'Indeed, the Diarca family doesn't care whether Duke Peletta is a swordmaster. Focusing on matters outside must mean they are not concerned with the internal affairs of the Empire.'

'They say he's arrogant and foolish, but his answer seems politically adept. No wonder Duke Diarca confidently sent him here.'

'Hmm, considering the Duke of Herne immediately welcomed him into his home, maybe there's a plan to marry him off to the First Princess Myra. Even as the youngest son, he's of Diarca blood, suitable for a son-in-law.'

Had Kiolle heard these thoughts, he would have screamed at their absurdity.

'No news from outside yet, so the Crown Prince must be alright... but I can't help worrying!'

Kiolle glanced around and then rose from his seat, excusing himself.

"The atmosphere here is making my head ache. I need to step out for some air. It seems the ceremony won't start anytime soon. I trust no one finds this behavior inappropriate."

"Hmm... Of course. We understand. Please go ahead."

The attendees perceived his statement as a 'nobly' expressed dissatisfaction towards Duke Peletta, the Imperial faction present with him, and the Duke of Herne for delaying the funeral. Kiolle's reputation rose once more, from a brash young swordsman of the Diarca family to someone more calculating and secretive.

Shortly after Kiolle's departure, the black-haired assistant standing behind Duke Peletta, who was conversing with General Gino, also discreetly vanished. Yet, it was done so naturally that no one noticed.