Turning Chapter 1006

Chapter 1006

"...Thank you," Reneve said.

"Hm? I don't recall doing anything deserving of thanks. What's this about?" Kishiar tilted his head with a nonchalant expression, causing Reneve to look momentarily flustered, her face resembling her friend's.

"Ah! Well, I'm sorry. After hearing from Cyril... no, Cyregina, I felt I should come and express my gratitude to you as well."

"Haha, I see." As Kishiar burst into laughter, a smile finally appeared on Reneve's face. Although her expression seemed caught between crying and laughing, she looked much happier compared to when Yuder first met her at the bottom of the illegal fighting pit.

Yuder posed a question to her. "Reneve, what do you plan to do from now on?"

"If it's alright with you... I'd like to continue working here at the Southern Branch. Since the recruitment for the 2nd batch of members has already ended, I'm thinking of applying to assist with general tasks while aiming for the 3rd batch recruitment. I've already spoken to Kurga, who leads the Southern Branch, and he approved of the idea."

Reneve answered without hesitation, as if she had already thought everything through. "While helping the Cavalry here, it felt like I was rediscovering what my ability truly is from the beginning. I learned that it's nearly impossible for others to maintain their abilities even while sleeping like I do, and that few people can use their powers for as long as I can... It was really fascinating."

Perhaps it was because Reneve had developed her ability to specialize in prolonged use rather than diverse or powerful manifestation like others, in order to survive. Although she must have her limits, it was clear that her ability maintenance was on a different level compared to ordinary Awakeners.

"I used to think I was just unlucky for not awakening combat abilities, but now I want to see how far my power can develop. Actually, this is something I started thinking about... when I heard the news of the Commander's Assistant not coming out of the sea for over a day, and also about the Jung Division Deputy Commander."

In the eyes of someone who once had no hope for life, a new goal could now be seen. Yuder felt a sense of looking into a mirror as he slowly responded, "That's a good change."

Reneve's ability to protect herself was severely lacking compared to the usefulness and danger of her power. Although they had blocked the information related to her ability from being publicly known during the illegal fighting incident, it couldn't last forever. Considering her future life, it would be better for her to work here while being protected in many ways. Fortunately, she seemed well aware of that fact herself.

'Of course, the fact that her friend Cyregina is here must have also played a significant role in her decision.'

"To think someone is already aiming for the 3rd batch recruitment, it's pleasant news from the Commander's perspective," Kishiar chimed in, generously showering her with a smile.

"Although it's still a secret, depending on how things go, there are plans to hold additional recruitment based on recommendations from existing members, so work hard."

At those words, Reneve's expression instantly brightened. "...Really? I will diligently put in the effort and wait!"

After she left, Yuder stared intently at Kishiar and opened his mouth. "Additional recruitment... I believe this is the first time I'm hearing about it as well."

"Even if it wasn't me, wouldn't the Assistant have soon proposed it anyway? She's too tempting a talent to just let go."

"That's true." From the perspective of the Cavalry Commander, if a talent like Reneve was willing to join of her own accord, there would be no reason to turn her away. Even if the Yudrain Aile from the previous life were here, he would have undoubtedly said something similar to Reneve.

"In that case, we should prepare the details related to additional recruitment as soon as possible. I think it would be sufficient to have them take an exam after receiving recommendation letters from at least three existing members, including the Branch Head, after approximately one year..."

"Sounds appropriate. I look forward to you completing it in writing."

Yuder raised the corners of his lips at Kishiar, who was grinning. The conspiratorial plot between the Commander and his Assistant was thus swiftly carried out.

"Your Grace. General Gino has come to visit." At that moment, along with a knock on the door, Nathan Zuckerman poked his head in. Rarely taking a break for a few days, including that day, he had quietly vacated his position, choosing not to participate in the new Duchess of Herne's succession ceremony and instead receiving the gift indirectly. The reason was a 'hometown visit,' which made Yuder realize anew that he, too, was from the South.

Come to think of it, unlike other Southern members, the Southerners never greeted Nathan Zuckerman with familiarity or called out to him. Considering the Southern people's tendency to unconditionally favor those from the same region, it was quite peculiar.

'Perhaps it means that even the Southerners themselves were unaware of his hometown, as it was a secretive place. That's why he had to quietly visit during the most bustling time for everyone.'

Kishiar must have also taken that into consideration, as he didn't act in a way that would make anyone find Nathan Zuckerman's absence strange while the adjutant was away on leave.

"Finally, it's time for a light warm-up. Shall we go?" Kishiar said.

"Will you be alright?" Yuder asked.

"Shouldn't that question be directed at you rather than me? You're the one who has to spar today."

"Of course I'm fine. It's not even a real battle, so what's the point of considering my condition? As long as I can walk and hold a sword, it's enough."

"Those words could effectively provoke your sparring partner in an instant. Quite impressive and exhilarating."

Kishiar laughed softly and ruffled Yuder's hair.

As the two stepped out of the office, Nathan Zuckerman gave a brief bow. His stoic expression remained unchanged, making it hard to believe he had just returned from his hometown. Yuder walked alongside him, following behind Kishiar.

And as they walked, Yuder took the lead and asked a short question in a quiet voice, "Did you have a good trip back home?"

Nathan Zuckerman glanced at Yuder with a hint of surprise and answered in a low voice after a moment, "Yes."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"..."

Yuder thought the conversation had ended there, but surprisingly, as they descended another floor, Nathan Zuckerman spoke up.

"I had already visited nearby last time, so there were no particular points of interest. This time, I went to tend to my parents' graves."

Upon hearing those words, Yuder was reminded of his grandfather for the first time in a long while.

'The valley where I laid my grandfather to rest should still be in its place. Such things don't change.'

His grandfather had requested in his will not to make a grave but to scatter his ashes in the valley. Therefore, unlike Nathan Zuckerman, there was no need for Yuder to do anything separately to tend to a grave, but as far as Yuder knew, usually...

"I see. Don't you have someone else take care of the graves?"

"I do. But since I came all the way here, I thought it would be good to check the condition myself before leaving."

In other words, Nathan Zuckerman simply thought he should see his parents once before leaving.

'I see... I think I understand the feeling of why he revisited his hometown at this time.'

"If I ever go to tidy up my home, I think I should also visit the place where my grandfather rests. It's an aspect I hadn't considered, so thank you."

At Yuder's response, which continued without much thought, Kishiar, who had been silently walking ahead with his shoulders shaking, slightly faltered in his steps. Nathan Zuckerman was the same.

After a brief moment, as if nothing had happened, Nathan Zuckerman brought up an unexpected topic amidst their continued steps.

"Actually, on my way back, I received some snacks from the villagers. Since I won't eat them, would it be alright if I give them to you later?"

"...Are you asking me?"

"I thought you would be able to handle them without any burden since you eat well. Please let me know if you don't want them."

"Well, if you're offering, I'll eat them."

There had been occasions before when other members brought snacks from outside and gave them for similar reasons. It wasn't particularly strange if considered an extension of that, although it was a bit perplexing coming from Nathan Zuckerman.

When they arrived at the training ground located behind the branch, General Gino was already warming up with his adjutant, Meghna Kurlieva.

"Welcome, Cavalry Commander. And you young friends as well."

Dressed in light attire and holding only a practice sword, the general looked incredibly young for his age. Judging solely by his well-trained physique, one might have believed he was in his 40s.

"General. It's a pleasure to see you in good health. Have you fully recovered now?" Kishiar asked.

"Of course. I can do everything except emit aura."

General Gino laughed heartily. Meghna Kurlieva, who had been moving beside him, bowed her head to Yuder in greeting.

"I look forward to working with you today."

Yuder also bowed his head towards her in return. Shortly after, he removed his outer garment, revealing a light shirt, and drew his sword. This action instantly drew the focused attention of everyone present.