Turning Chapter 1030

Chapter 1030

"Yes. I admit my eyes are not keen in discerning such things, but at a glance, I thought it was an exceptionally beautiful drawing," Yuder said.

"Hearing that, the one who designed the emblem will be relieved. Isn't that right, Duke Peletta?" the Emperor asked.

"...What?"

Was it his imagination, or did he sense a hint of mischievous playfulness beyond the emotionless voice? Yuder unconsciously turned his head slightly to look at Kishiar. Rarely, Kishiar was smiling awkwardly with his eyebrows lowered, as if he was in a difficult position.

"...It was meant to be a secret gift for my assistant, but you've already spoken of it in this manner. Your Majesty's grace is indeed as intense and beautiful as the first rays of the sun that open the morning."

"The Duke's tongue hasn't lost its vigor even in the rough waves of the South. It's very pleasing to see you in good health."

"It's all thanks to Your Majesty's benevolence."

The friendly conversation, which seemed like an exchange of compliments but not quite, didn't continue further thanks to the Empress.

"Your Majesty and the Duke showing your affection and love for each other in front of the people is also good, but please don't forget that there are still awards to be given."

"The Empress is right," the Emperor said, quickly changing the atmosphere and speaking solemnly to Kishiar. "There is still work to be done, so the Duke should come out again when it's time."

"Oh my. Is there anything more for me to receive grace for?"

"Then did the Duke think it would end with just what is given to the Cavalry?"

It seemed even Kishiar hadn't expected this, as he unusually couldn't maintain his usual nonchalant attitude.

Afterward, those who came with the Cavalry but weren't part of it stepped forward to receive their awards. The moment Nathan Zuckerman, dressed in a knight's uniform, knelt down and was publicly acknowledged as the Emperor's swordmaster, even Yuder felt a whirlwind of emotions.

In his previous life, the man who had disappeared without anyone knowing he was a swordmaster had now become the Emperor's swordmaster in the Hall of Glory. Becoming the Emperor's swordmaster meant more than simple recognition; it meant Nathan Zuckerman had gained the qualifications to become an Imperial General at any time.

'Honestly, I thought Nathan Zuckerman might refuse to receive an award publicly this time as well.'

However, surprisingly, Nathan Zuckerman agreed to come here and receive the award in person. Yuder speculated that perhaps Kishiar had persuaded him.

As he turned his head, he noticed a man standing far away among the applauding nobles of the Emperor's faction. Although he appeared to be in his 60s, his stature was as broad as that of young men. He was none other than Gerald Mucker, the Grand General who oversaw the northern Imperial Army while also holding central command authority.

'Although he's known as a neutral faction, he's said to be a more definite neutral compared to General Gino, who is closer to the Emperor's faction. Born into a branch family of a noble house, in his previous life, he rarely entered the political world and only maintained his position. When the disasters began in earnest, he resigned, citing that it was too much to handle.'

However, in this life, the Grand General had appeared on the day when Emperor Keilusa had dragged his dying body to personally welcome the Cavalry, and today, he was present at the ceremony to award the Cavalry, observing everything.

'Unlike General Gino, I know that Grand General Mucker hasn't been seen using aura for nearly ten years... That means his body has weakened to the point where his vessel could be in danger.'

Grand General Mucker was also much older than General Gino. So, even at this moment, there was a very high possibility that he was realistically considering retirement.

'So perhaps the reason Gerald Mucker is here is...'

Seeing his gaze linger considerably on the face of Nathan Zuckerman, who had been revealed as the new swordmaster, Yuder thought that he might have come here with the intention of observing the new swordmaster who could potentially become his successor as a general.

'Of course, it's unknown whether Nathan Zuckerman would accept the offer even if he received it, as he seems to prioritize keeping his position as Kishiar's adjutant for life over any other goal.'

While anyone else wouldn't even consider the option of refusing the position of an Imperial General, Nathan Zuckerman was different. It wouldn't be strange at all to exclude him from all worldly choices. That's the kind of man he was.

After Nathan Zuckerman was promised various generous rewards in addition to the honorable award and withdrew, it was finally Kishiar's turn again.

"Duke Peletta, Commander of the Cavalry, Kishiar La Orr."

Yuder raised his head to look at Kishiar. For a brief moment, through their eyes meeting, he saw Kishiar give a faint smile as if he had no choice.

However, that smile was short-lived as he stepped forward with the most perfect etiquette, bowing his head with dignity. Emperor Keilusa's voice fell upon his head.

"In this incident, many heroes stepped forward without regard for their own lives amidst the disaster, but the achievements of Duke Peletta, Commander of the Cavalry, Kishiar La Orr, who led them, were particularly special among them. Supporting them from behind and sometimes fearlessly stepping forward to block the enemies trying to invade the empire, his courage deserves to be praised and recorded on a page of history."

No one objected to or sneered at the words showered upon Kishiar. It was because everyone present at this place sincerely agreed with Emperor Keilusa's words.

That fact gave Yuder a different sense of satisfaction compared to the voluntary welcome ceremony held by the people in the 7th Wall yesterday.

"Therefore, I bestow upon Duke Peletta the title of 'Master of the Western Light.'"

At that moment, everyone who was preparing to applaud froze.

It was one of the titles said to have been used by the First Emperor before he founded the empire. In the long history spanning a thousand years, only two Masters had been granted that title.

However, the surprising statements didn't end there.

"Furthermore, I grant permission to build the Peletta Ducal Residence within the 3rd Wall and hereby legally abolish the various restrictions that were not allowed under the pretext of tradition despite the Duke's request for their release from the ducal territory. And lastly......."

The Emperor paused for a moment, as if catching his breath, and gazed at his younger brother.

After a brief silence, his lips parted, and the final words that would turn the entire empire upside down flowed out.

"Along with the lifting of restrictions, I confirm and proclaim that the right of succession, which Duke Peletta was originally born with, will naturally be restored."

"..."

No one could easily open their mouths. That's how tremendous those words were.

Even Kishiar was the same. He remained silent for a long time before raising his head. After an exchange of gazes between the brothers, which Yuder couldn't see from his position, Kishiar's voice finally resounded through the Hall of Glory.

"I am deeply grateful. I accept Your Majesty's command."

It was a short answer, but more than enough to cause a stir.

"Duke. You will surely have dinner here this evening, won't you?"

Even after the welcome and award ceremony had ended, most people were still in shock and unable to come to their senses, but the Emperor and Empress remained calm. As the Emperor casually spoke after descending from the platform, the Empress also whispered to Yuder with a smile by his side.

"The Baron will naturally join us as well, right? The imperial chefs have showcased their best skills for today, so you won't regret it."

Kishiar aside, why did they think Yuder would naturally come along? However, he couldn't express such doubts to the Empress's smiling face.

While Yuder hesitated, Kishiar's voice was heard answering first.

"The word 'naturally' is a bit strange. Even though you know it wouldn't look good for the Commander to leave his members behind, you still say such things. Your Majesty, you are trying to give me both immense grace and trials at the same time."

"Complaining about the award given without prior discussion in this manner. Then with whom do you intend to have your birthday dinner?"

"..."

For a moment, Yuder blinked a few times at the sensation of a completely unexpected word passing through his ears and stiffly turned his head.

'...What did he just say?'

Birthday?

In the direction he turned, Kishiar himself was standing with his head tilted, making a strange face as if he had heard an extremely unfamiliar word. When he didn't say anything, the Emperor clicked his tongue and held his head.

"Don't tell me you forgot. If it were someone else, I could let it slide, but if you forgot, it would be hard to pass it off as a coincidence. Even if you haven't celebrated it until now, this time its meaning is different, yet you were going to brush it off so casually?"

"Surprisingly, I had indeed erased it from my mind... But it seems there's no point in saying that."

Kishiar slowly answered and turned his eyes to look at Yuder. For the first time in a while, Yuder thought how utterly dumbfounded he must look in Kishiar's eyes.