Turning Chapter 1034

Chapter 1034

Yuder found it quite peculiar to see Kishiar, who had always emphasized the importance of rest to him, now being told something similar by the Emperor himself. However, he seemed to understand what the Emperor meant by those words.

Kishiar had mentioned that before becoming an Awakener, he lived being told not to do anything, but it wasn't as if he had never done anything at all. Despite the limitations of his vessel, he had managed to become a swordmaster and somehow developed Peletta, which was barren, into its current state.

Even when his health was poor and he was confined to his bed, he still moved Nathan Zuckerman and his subordinates to do things as he wished. Just because his body was in bed didn't mean it could truly be called rest.

No matter how much he genuinely enjoyed working, and even if he moved more wisely than others, gauging his limits to avoid overexertion, he still needed a break once in a while. The Emperor seemed to want to convey that very meaning.

However, Kishiar did not readily agree.

After observing his brother's intentions in silence, he finally let out a long sigh and spoke.

"...At any other time, I would have thanked you. But, Your Majesty, you have just declared that you will lift the restrictions and restore the rights that I had lost. You must know that not everything will be accomplished immediately just by issuing an order. If I were to completely withdraw from the capital at such a moment, what would become of the situation?"

"Well, I will bear the burden of such inconveniences."

The Emperor replied nonchalantly.

"I apologize, but it will be more than just an inconvenience."

It was the first time Yuder had seen Kishiar express his concerns so strongly. But Yuder also thought those concerns were natural.

'It's a situation that can be seen as a political gambit... No matter how much he worries, it won't be enough.'

Duke Diarca was the one who had calmly sent someone to assassinate the Emperor and Empress just a few days ago. If he heard the surprising news that happened today, the Emperor's surroundings would literally turn into a battlefield from that moment on.

Although the current Emperor had become an Awakener, unlike before, and had regained his health, that alone was not enough to be completely reassured.

However, the Emperor was not swayed by Kishiar's words. Even the Empress was the same.

"Kishiar, that is not something you should worry about until your vacation is over."

"Your Majesty, then at least let me postpone my vacation..."

"I will not allow it."

The Emperor firmly refused.

"Nothing in this world is a given. We should not take for granted the situation where a capable younger brother and talented individuals are always by my side. And that applies to you as well, Kishiar."

"...Your Majesty."

"You're clever enough to have already guessed why I made this decision despite your wishes. Yet, you're making a fuss because you're deeply worried."

But it was necessary.

The Emperor's voice was calm as if explaining an obvious fact.

"Before issuing today's order, I met with the High Minister, the Grand General, the Chief Court Mage, the Pope, and several other figures to exchange opinions. I have resumed the work that had stopped in the past, encompassing law, diplomacy, history, everything."

They were all well-known neutral figures.

"The reason they had not properly acted for a long time was that the imperial family failed to give them proper assurance. I, who had no choice but to hide for several years without explanation, was even more so. Therefore, to completely rebuild trust with them and lay the cornerstone for future goals, I must cast aside the armor that protects me and clearly show what I can do by facing danger myself. Because that's what trust is."

"And you're saying now is the time to show that?"

"Yes. Exactly one month from now, when you return and resume your duties, everything will be different. You can look forward to it. I shall regain my voice in a way that no one can ignore."

"..."

"I will seize the opportunity I have only thought about until now. The opportunity to confuse our enemies and completely grasp them in our hands. The opportunity to freely test all that we have prepared. The opportunity for me to test my own abilities. And the opportunity for revenge. There is no better time than now for all of this."

Beyond the lenses of Emperor Keilusa's glasses, his eyes were fixed directly on those present, yet they also seemed to gaze into some distant unknown. Yuder was momentarily overwhelmed by the sight of those eyes, which, though outwardly appeared as those of a sensitive scholar, were filled with a tremendous drive for challenge, cold calculation, and fiery ambition.

When faced with a formidable enemy, those who can make realistic judgments tend to feel fear and step back. However, despite having eyes that knew better than anyone how disadvantageous his situation could be, Emperor Keilusa was simply unshakable.

It was because, just as Kishiar had a future and dream he desired, Emperor Keilusa also had a future and dream he aspired to. He seemed to have no intention of backing down even a little to achieve it.

A willpower that was heavy and immense, far beyond that of an ordinary person. Cold stubbornness.

That must have been what Emperor Keilusa was like before he fell ill.

Yuder thought he could understand why Duke Diarca was putting in so much effort to hastily uproot the young Emperor. Emperor Keilusa now shone with a strange majesty that could make even the leisurely old raccoon, who thought he had won everything, feel uneasy.

The flame of hope regained by one who had once briefly given up everything was so bright and brilliant that it was impossible to look away.

"...I concede."

In the end, Kishiar raised both hands in surrender.

"If Your Majesty thinks so, how could I dare to stop you? As your younger brother and closest subject, I will always follow Your Majesty's path."

"Thank you."

The majesty on Emperor Keilusa's face disappeared, and a faint smile bloomed.

"So, Kishiar, for my sake, rest well enough that no one will find it suspicious. You may accompany Baron Aile on your way to Peletta. Of course, only if the Baron agrees to it."

For a moment, Yuder and Kishiar's gazes briefly met. After a short silence, Kishiar answered with a playful face, without any heaviness.

"Well, about that. Actually, we have already decided to do so."

"Is that so...?"

"Really?"

The Empress was delighted. Emperor Keilusa's gaze turned to Yuder.

"Baron, would you be alright staying with the Duke during your vacation? There may be times when you want to rest alone."

"Thank you for your concern. But I am fine."

"Is there anything else you would like to do besides staying in Peletta? If there is anything you wish to do, feel free to speak. If I can be of any help, I will assist you in any way."

Earlier, the Emperor seemed to encourage Yuder to go with Kishiar, but now he was acting as if he would immediately help if Yuder said he wanted to do something else. The Emperor's intentions were peculiar. Still, it didn't seem to be with ill intent; rather, it felt like a great favor, so Yuder decided to answer honestly.

"In addition to visiting Peletta, I do have other plans. Since joining the Cavalry, I haven't had a chance to return to my hometown, so I plan to go and settle my house. There are also some personal matters I wish to look into, so I may not be in the capital continuously during my vacation."

"Then, even if you visit Peletta, you won't be staying for long. Do you intend to do all of that alone?"

"No. The Commander... has agreed to accompany me."

"..."

For some reason, Emperor Keilusa fell silent again. Kishiar, with a grinning face that made one wonder where his concerned expression from earlier had gone, nodded his head vigorously.

"That's right. I refrained from boasting about it myself, thinking it might be inappropriate, but I have been invited to the assistant's home. In fact, it would be no exaggeration to say that anticipating that moment has been the driving force of my life these days."

"That's understandable, Duke. I am truly envious."

The Empress showed a genuinely envious expression. Kishiar's smile was so bright that despite it being evening, it felt as if ten more lamps had been lit behind him. The Emperor maintained an inscrutable silence until the meal was completely finished.