Turning Chapter 708

Chapter 708

"I don't know how true my speculation is yet. But it's something I can never forgive."

Kanna clenched her fist.

"That's why I asked for these people to be declared dead. That must be what the one who ordered to bite the tongue wanted. If we do as they wished, won't they come out of hiding?"

"I see, so that was it."

After Langbarton and Ella barely survived biting their tongues, the Cavalry publicly announced the incident, but with a twist: they reported that the two had died. Gakane recalled hearing about several communications between the three Deputy Commanders and the Sun Palace before this announcement was made.

Gakane, one of Cavalry's most skilled members, was not a Deputy Commander. He lacked the authority to decide or even give an opinion on such major matters and didn't know why the announcement differed from the truth until now.

'Well, I had thought our Deputy Commanders had their reasons.'

Kanna, Ever, and Steiber had evolved into responsible leaders since their initial appointment. He believed they must have had a valid reason for their decision, one even the Emperor had approved.

With this confirmation, he felt reassured.

"It was troubling how well those people were hiding, making it hard to follow them. Thanks to you, Kanna, we might soon see results. Thank you."

"Don't mention it. Remember how I once used my abilities to read from the items you and Hinn brought from their lodging? Only those with abilities useful for hiding remain by the Sage's side now. It's naturally tough, but you, Gakane, have managed to track Nahan's whereabouts following His Majesty's command."

Emperor Keilusa had tasked Gakane and intelligence members with this critical mission. With the help of Kanna and other skilled members of the Cavalry, Gakane successfully guessed the direction Nahan had headed.

"Yes... He left the capital without looking back and went south."

Nahan had disappeared through the capital's southern gate. Though it was early to conclude, Gakane felt he must have headed to the southern region.

"Having fully broken with the Sage, Nahan must feel the need to gather his supporters and declare independence. With the western base gone, he likely headed to the central or southern base."

"If he went to the southern base, Yuder and the Commander might soon find him. That would be good."

"Exactly. Nahan won't escape if Yuder catches him, especially since he seemed unwell."

Kanna and Gakane both thought of the last of their fellow initiate, a friend whose whereabouts never worried them, bringing a slight smile to their faces.

"Let's head back now."

"Yes."

"Ah, you're leaving already? Take care on your way back, and I hope to see you again soon."

"Yes, Priest. Don't overdo it yourself and return to the base early!"

After exchanging farewells with Lusan, they returned to their base, only to encounter an unexpected message.

"Gakane! Kanna! Both of you are here! There's just been a message from the Sun Palace."

Ever, who usually had a calm demeanor, approached them with a rare intensity in her expression.

"A message? What about...?"

To Gakane's bewildered reply, Ever held up two fingers.

"There are two important pieces of news. The first is about an incident in Charloin, near the southern branch of the Cavalry, where the Second Prince of the Herne Duchy was murdered by an Awakener. Consequently, the Cavalry is now under significant suspicion."

"Could it be that Nahan has already reached there?"

Kanna asked with a grave expression, to which Ever shook her head.

"That's impossible. Hosanna, who can teleport, is right here with us."

"Still..."

"Regardless, we can't just sit back and trust that the Commander will handle everything. We must be ready to support the south at a moment's notice. That's an order."

"Ah... What's the second piece of news?"

Gakane inquired, prompting Ever to turn towards him.

"The second piece is that Baron Renbow, the noble under surveillance, is currently heading towards the outskirts of Fourth Wall District. His Majesty believes that the Sage might appear where this noble is. We have been ordered to select members skilled in stealth and disguise to follow him."

"Ah, then I shall leave immediately!"

Despite having just returned from work, Gakane turned to leave without a word of complaint.

"Hold on, Gakane. Haven't you forgotten that both the Sage and Nahan's sides have seen your face before?"

"...Ah."

Gakane halted abruptly. Watching his faltering steps, Ever smiled slightly.

"No, I don't mean you shouldn't go. Of course, we sought you out for a reason. Your Shadow Clone is an amazing ability, after all. But this time, you mustn't take the forefront. Support the others discreetly with your Shadow Clone. Can you do that?"

"Of course! But who else will be going...?"

"Hinn and Finn, who haven't been exposed yet, and those who recently passed the second recruitment and are about to become official members. Hinn and Finn are already waiting outside, and the others are..."

As she trailed off, her gaze shifted towards two figures who emerged.

"Hello..."

"It seems like it's been a while since we last met, both of you."

A slender, fair-faced young man with a delicate smile, Revlin Shand Apeto, stood beside his companion, a young man with intelligent eyes and golden-red hair, Pruelle Van Tain. These two, after staying with the Cavalry as temporary members following a series of events, were among the first to submit their official applications and pass the tests in the second recruitment. Though the recruitment process wasn't over, they were effectively official members now.

"We've heard the story. There are many leisure spots in the outskirts of Fourth Wall District frequented by nobles. Deputy Commander Ever suggested that we would be suitable for naturally blending in and identifying any suspicious individuals, so we immediately agreed."

Pruelle said with a smile, explaining their involvement.

"So... Are the five of us going?"

"No. We'll also take Nipollen, since we need to find the Awakener. Technically, I'm just going as Nipollen's guardian."

Pruelle joked, displaying a humility unexpected from the first son of the Tain family, known for his exceptional transformation ability.

"But will it be okay with so many of us? If there are too many people..."

Kanna, concerned for Nipollen, who spends most of his days as a cat due to his fear of people, questioned. Pruelle cheerfully reassured her.

"Oh, certainly. The lake and the forest walk are lush, so it shouldn't be too uncomfortable for Nipollen. And Priscilla... Hmm. With a bit of support from my sister, I plan to officially visit the private space of the Tain family, which is nearby. That's why I judged it to be fine."

Pruelle, after renouncing his rights as the heir to the family, had officially cut off ties to some extent and joined the Cavalry. However, he still kept in close contact with his siblings. A down-to-earth young man, who introduced himself to everyone simply as Elle, without any attachment to his lineage or surname, had decided to rely on his sister's help after a long time, a choice made to ensure the utmost safety of his youngest sibling, Nipollen.

"Ah... I see. I was worried over nothing."

"Not at all. You don't know how much both Nipollen and I are truly grateful for your constant concern, Deputy Commander Kanna. And to you as well, Deputy Commander Ever."

"Me?"

"Nippy really loved the cushion you made last time."

"Ah..."

Even in a serious situation, the mood suddenly became very warm. Pruelle, having expressed his gratitude to Ever, made a pleasantly happy face and gestured to Gakane.

"Shall we go then?"

—---

Yuder soon found the mansion Kishiar had mentioned. It was nothing less than the embodiment of a traditional noble family's mansion, appearing quite ordinary.

The people passing by seemed utterly peaceful, making him wonder how he would ever locate Nathan Zuckerman amidst them. However, Yuder successfully found his counterpart without much difficulty.

It was because Nathan Zuckerman had stealthily approached him from behind in the blink of an eye.

"You've arrived."

Nathan Zuckerman, in his inconspicuous attire, gestured to Yuder.

"Follow me," he beckoned, leading the way to a tree near the back door of the mansion.