Turning Chapter 781

Chapter 781

Revlin spoke with a bright face, suggesting that their own experiences could be helpful to another. Excluding the fact that Princess Myra of Herne was not an Awakener, it was a commendable attitude to have.

"The First Princess Myra is indeed our ally, but she is not an Awakener."

Moreover, with no rivals left and barring any major incidents, her succession as the next Duchess of Herne seemed almost assured. Even if she were an Awakener, she wouldn't have been able to join the Cavalry.

"Ah, I see. Well, it's rare to find someone like us. Still, I'm curious about her. I wonder if we'll see her again soon."

Revlin appeared sheepish, embarrassed as if he had let his emotions lead. Yuder quietly spoke up.

"Thanks to you two, this second recruitment drive saw many more noble applicants than before. Even those not from the Herne family will need guidance from someone who has been in their shoes."

"Ah..."

Revlin's face lit up again. Sensing his excessive joy, Yuder felt the need to interject a dose of reality.

"As a newcomer, taking on such responsibilities might leave you short on time for personal training. Are you sure that's alright?"

"I know the Cavalry is a tough place to keep up with just group training... No, I know it! But fitting in with the group is also crucial. I'll work hard on both fronts."

Yuder wanted to respond that this was not out of concern but to help him face reality. However, seeing Revlin's happy face, he decided to remain silent. It was astonishing how such a pleasant boy could come from a family like Apeto.

Pruelle and Revlin briefly shared updates from their families. Except for Nipollen, who followed him to the south but did not attend the meeting, Pruelle's younger siblings were said to be doing very well. Although the Duke of Tain still couldn’t accept his situation and committed misdeeds on a regular basis, looking at Pruelle's attitude, even that seemed to be enjoyable to him.

"At first, he just sent threatening letters, but now he's resorting to direct harm through hired goons. Thankfully, our servants are loyal and he can only hire outsiders."

"Is everything okay? What's the extent of the damage?"

"It's fine. No one's hurt. We were prepared for this. Each time he tries something, we gather evidence and file additional charges. He should realize soon enough that he's only harming himself... But until then, enlightening him is a child's duty."

Pruelle said this with a smile, his eyes bright yet cold.

Revlin's situation was similar yet different.

"Since father fell ill, only Aishes's people have been taking care of him, so I've never seen him. People from the family occasionally come asking if I should check on him, but... I don't really want to. Aishes seems to prefer it that way too."

It seemed that Revlin, having left the family, had no intention of returning while the current Duke and Aishes were in charge.

Unbeknownst to Revlin, the Duke of Apeto had fallen ill because Aishes coveted the Dukedom. But such ill-gotten gains wouldn't bless Aishes for long.

‘The last time I saw him, his condition looked terribly poor. Despite witnessing his uncle perish in fruitless research, he was the type who would still consider the same methods if it meant healing himself…’

Yuder thought it was time to warn Revlin about this.

After collecting his thoughts, Yuder addressed Revlin.

"Revlin."

"Huh? Oh, yes, what is it?"

"Although I am an outsider, I think it would be wise not to completely sever your concern for your family, despite not wanting to return. If something happens in the future and you're unaware, it could put you at a disadvantage."

It was natural for Aishes to hope that Revlin would lose interest in the family and not return. However, Revlin didn't need to comply with that. Quiet for now, Aishes was still Revlin's enemy, and an enemy's desires often spell harm for oneself.

After delivering a general warning, Yuder added softly,

"...Of course, you are a member of the Cavalry, and we all will support you."

"That's actually something I wanted to say to Revlin too," Pruelle interjected timely and gently.

"I understand your reluctance to look back at a family you've left, but you know, no matter what we think, others won't easily believe it. You have Nion who trusts you and came here with you, and us as well. I hope you're not too afraid to reconsider."

For Pruelle, there were still younger siblings in the family who could be reliable allies. However, Revlin had no such allies left behind, which was a significant difference.

"Ah..."

The face of the delicate boy flushed for a moment, then hardened with resolve as he nodded.

"...You're right. Disliking it doesn't change the fact that it's where I come from... Even if not Aishes, other family members could seek me out anytime. Yes, I understand. I'll do as you say. Thank you, everyone."

Revlin took the warning well, which relieved Yuder.

He advised Revlin to immediately inform the Cavalry if Aishes or anyone from Apeto's side attempted anything suspicious. As Yuder was about to leave, someone called out to him.

"Yuder!"

"Kanna?"

"Is your conversation over? Can you do me a favor?"

The fact that Kanna had waited, given the trustworthy company, suggested her request was highly confidential.

"What is it?"

"I'd like you to go to Hosanna."

Surprised at the unexpected name, Yuder blinked, and Kanna leaned in to whisper.

"Actually, ever since Hosanna regained his abilities, he's been wanting to see you. The first thing he asked after arriving here was if he could meet you."

"...Me?"

Yuder wondered what this was about, but there seemed to be a reason.

"As the brainwashing gradually faded, he seems to have developed a personal matter he wants to discuss. He probably thinks you're more trustworthy than I am or even Commander Kishiar."

'It's quite a situation.'

Was it because he knew Yuder had helped him awaken from the coma? Or because of his memory of standing against Nahan?

Whichever it was, Yuder found it unexpected that Hosanna would prefer him over the amiable Kanna or Commander Kishiar. After briefly considering his schedule for the day, Yuder nodded in agreement.

"I understand. But not now, tell him I'll come by later tonight. I'm tied up with other matters at the moment."

Hosanna, the sole confidant of Nahan and the only one among their fellow Star of Nagran who knew his hidden past.

What could he possibly want to discuss that he called out for Yuder?

Yuder turned away, swallowing the unknowable questions that arose within him.

—

Inside a luxurious carriage, embossed with the Diarca family's coat of arms, departing the capital and heading south.

Kiolle da Diarca pondered deeply, 'Why has my fate turned out this way?'

He had always been the youngest son of the Diarca family, never involved in significant matters. Important affairs were handled by his father, older brother, and sisters. Kiolle's daily life consisted of nothing more than commuting to the Imperial Knights and practicing swordsmanship.

But why?

Why was he, a representative of both the Diarca family and the Imperial Knights, carrying the grand title of emissary of the Crown Prince, sitting in this carriage, heading to the undesired South?

"No matter how much I think about it... this isn't right. It just isn't..."

"What do you mean it isn't right, Sir Kiolle?"

A cold voice echoed from behind him. Kiolle stiffly turned his head. A boy, wrapped from head to toe in a luxurious cloak, sat with his arms crossed, giving Kiolle a chilling gaze.

Despite his beautiful yet youthful and fierce face, Kiolle couldn't help but clench his teeth.

This boy had always been the most infuriating part of Kiolle's already maddening life.

His name was Katchian La Orr, the Empire's sole and noble Crown Prince, someone who should never be here.

"It's nothing... I was just, thinking out loud."

Why was Crown Prince Katchian here? The answer was simple.

He had snuck onto Kiolle's carriage after escaping the palace, driven by a single-minded desire to help the 'sage' who had healed him.

'What in the world... This is driving me insane!'

Kiolle mentally shed tears of frustration, recalling the day they departed.