Turning Chapter 1002

Chapter 1002

Yuder had previously had a similar conversation with Kanna, but it wasn't a discussion that he had initiated voluntarily. If it weren't for the unfortunate incident where Kanna's ability had veered off in a strange direction and read private information, Yuder himself probably wouldn't have even thought of attempting such a conversation first.

However, this time was different. As soon as Yuder saw his two friends having a conversation about him and Kishiar, he decided that he had to say this and actually did it.

During the short yet long time while waiting for Kanna and Gakane to gather their thoughts and respond, Yuder felt a sense of relief along with a slight amusement.

'When I was returning from the West, I never even imagined that I would be the one to initiate such a statement to someone...'

It was truly strange. However, just because it was strange didn't mean that he felt like he had gone crazy.

It was because Kishiar La Orr had clearly stated that he was not afraid of any scandals involving him and Yuder.

It was because Kanna Wand had said that she would always be on Yuder's side no matter what happened.

It was also because Gakane Bolunwald had stepped forward in front of numerous nobles, risking humiliation, to protect Yuder.

All those things had pushed Yuder, eventually leading him to take the current action.

'Even if Gakane and Kanna feel discomfort, anger, or aversion towards my words, it can't be helped.'

However, the meaning of 'it can't be helped' wasn't like before, implying that he wouldn't care what others said. Too much had changed, and they had come too far for that.

If the two felt uncomfortable or averse, he fully understood. However, he would strive to identify the reasons behind their feelings and work to resolve them.

In the past, he couldn't comprehend the fact that there could be someone with whom he wanted to resolve a relationship through any means necessary. Small matters related to human relationships weren't as important as the grand goal called the greater good, the lives of countless people, or the mountain of tasks that lay ahead.

But now, it was different. What he once considered 'small matters' had become as important to the current Yuder as the greater good. That's why he had no regrets about his current action.

Beneath Yuder's calm face lay an unwavering determination.

"...Can I ask just one thing?" Gakane carefully and calmly opened his mouth after a long silence, observing Yuder's face.

"When you and the Commander previously acted in the West to deceive the eyes of the others, we all rejoiced without much thought. Although the situation itself may seem similar, the weight of the current conversation is entirely different from back then."

It was an obvious statement. Acting and reality could never be the same.

"When someone notices like we did, those close to you might say that they understand you even less. Perhaps even more so because they remember that time. Still, will you be okay with that?"

"..."

"The Cavalry is something you've led and pushed forward more than anyone else..."

He was asking if Yuder would really be okay if his fellow Cavalry members, whom he had worked so hard for, didn't understand him.

The moment Gakane said those words, the haziness in his eyes was probably not a misperception. He couldn't properly meet Yuder's gaze, as if the mere thought of hurting Yuder with such words had already upset him, but he still spoke with a clear voice.

However, Yuder was actually feeling a sense of freshness.

'That guy may not know, but the experience of the Cavalry becoming my enemy is actually not new at all. Rather, it's the opposite.'

For Yuder, the situation where the Cavalry was disgusted by the scandal involving him and Kishiar, feeling ashamed and criticizing them, was more familiar. It was something he had already experienced once. Therefore, he knew well that the world wouldn't turn upside down if what Gakane said happened, and he would be fine.

However, it was the first time he had seen someone imagine and worry about Yuder, who might face such a situation. Amusingly, even that fact was something Gakane probably didn't know.

In his previous life, before he could even react to the scandal, he had been dispatched to the West and met his death there. But this time, the person who had survived there and was now expressing concern for Yuder was a strange yet fascinating turn of events.

Yuder answered clearly, conveying those thoughts.

"It's okay. It's not that it doesn't matter, but I'm saying it's okay because it really is okay."

When someone says it doesn't matter what others say, it means that the other person holds no significance to them. However, being okay is the opposite. It meant that the Cavalry wasn't a meaningless existence to Yuder.

Despite the brief answer, Gakane seemed to clearly understand the difference. His vibrant green eyes widened for a moment and then glistened with moisture, slightly trembling.

"I see... That's a relief. And for me, as long as it's something you wanted to do and don't regret, anything is fine. I just hope you can take the path that allows you to smile a little more. You've always endured too much..."

"..."

"That's all that matters. That's the end of my opinion!"

"Hmm. Gakane. Are you crying by any chance?"

"Ah, no!"

Gakane jumped up, avoiding the suspicious gaze of Kanna, who had been listening beside him. Kanna, who let out a short laugh, turned to Yuder with a much more refreshed face. With a slightly different meaning from Gakane, she was someone whose face Yuder had never even seen in his previous life but had now become an indispensable part of the Cavalry, a new puzzle piece that gazed at Yuder affectionately.

"As for me, as I've said before, I'm always on your side. I sincerely respect the Commander and will follow any order, but he's not more important than you."

It was a brief statement that carried a deep weight.

"..."

"Actually, even after knowing everything, there were times when it was difficult to be certain if you truly liked the Commander... But now, I think I know for sure. Hearing it, I feel at ease. If there's anything you want to say, say it anytime! I'll do my best to listen!"

"Ah... Me too! If there's anything you want to say, just call me! I may not be able to solve it, but I can listen well! Of course, I'll keep it a secret!"

Gakane quickly chimed in, not wanting to be outdone.

"Oh! Right, Yuder. If you're worried, should we make an oath not to disclose what we heard today?"

"Kanna, that's a good idea! But where can we get an oath document?"

"If we ask Priest Lusan, maybe... it could work...?"

Yuder stared in disbelief at the two friends who had started looking for ways to obtain an oath document without even asking for his opinion, displaying an energetic attitude.

"It's fine. I don't need it."

"Huh?"

"If I wanted you to do that, I wouldn't have suggested talking about it in the first place."

It was meant literally, but for some reason, his two friends seemed to understand it in a completely different way.

"Ah... I see. Come to think of it, if Yuder puts his mind to it, there's no need to make the other person take an oath to keep it a secret!"

"Right. If any of us can't keep our mouths shut, let's shove the water we're drinking up their nostrils and drown them! Or we could bury them in a hole so deep that it would take 100 years to excavate, pretending it was a training accident!"

"That's not what I meant. I'm saying I have no intention of doing such things."

"Ahahaha!"

The two friends, who had been listing the most horrific and secretive methods of staged accidental deaths that Yuder could carry out with his power, threw their heads back and burst into laughter simultaneously as if they had made a promise.

Only then did Yuder realize that they weren't serious either.

"Of course, you wouldn't do that. We know that too."

"But Yuder. If things go wrong, it's really okay to do that. You know?"

"..."

The hands of his friends, who approached simultaneously, rested on Yuder's head and back respectively. Yuder recalled the supportive salute he had shared with Steiber and other members before starting a mission deep in the sea.

The touches that felt slightly softer and warmer than back then tightly embraced and caressed his body.

"While watching you and the Commander dance at the party earlier, I had a lot of thoughts of my own. It must have been difficult to talk about, so thank you for telling me. I'm really happy."

"Me too. Thank you for telling us. Our entrance test mates are the best!"