Turning
chapter-103

"So, the Duke says so."

Yuder fell silent for a moment, examining the intricate embroidery on the handkerchief in his hand. It was clear at a glance that the handkerchief was made with care from a fine fabric. It seemed too extravagant to be used to wipe the sweat of someone who wasn't even its owner, only to be discarded afterwards.

"Then it might be better to give me a towel instead. As you said, it's a bit... insufficient to wipe with just this piece."

Perhaps agreeing with his reasoning, Kishiar ordered Nathan to bring a towel. However, what appeared next was a piece of fabric similar to the handkerchief he had seen just a moment ago, only larger, still beautiful and seemingly very expensive.

"Why, don't you like this towel either?"

"No...that's not it."

Ultimately, Yuder gave up on finding a less luxurious item in this room and wiped his body with it. Although the coloring had diminished, the aftereffects of the intense pain he felt each time the Purification Stones touched him persisted, drenching his entire body in sweat.

He felt the lesson was that he must never repeat his previous actions if he didn't want to go through this hardship again.

'He must not have wanted me to heal with the Purification Stones...'

If it had been an ordinary person, rather than Yuder, experiencing this pain, they would have already fainted, screaming. To be honest, Yuder's strength was not in abundant supply either.

"You should take better care of your body. Just because you have strength doesn't mean you should use it recklessly."

At that moment, as if reading his thoughts, Kishiar clicked his tongue and Yuder turned his head in surprise.

"Are you pretending not to have the ability to read minds?"

"It's written all over your face."

Even though he knew it was a metaphor, he almost instinctively touched his own face. Watching Yuder with an amused look, Kishiar continued.

"You're surprisingly easy to read."

"I've often heard the opposite."

Exhaling a sigh and retorting, Yuder heard Kishiar mumble a 'Oh well.' and smile.

"Those who find you hard to read haven't really looked into your eyes. Looking at expressions isn't the only way to read someone's intent."

Upon hearing this, all the responses Yuder was about to utter vanished from his mind.

A feeling of unease slowly crept up from his stomach. Ever since he looked at Kishiar's face again, he had been feeling this way, but now it was especially strange. Yuder averted his gaze, avoiding the piercing red eyes on his face.

'There’s no difference from the usual nonsense he speaks.'

Why couldn't he think of a retort? As he traced back the origin of his feelings, he thought perhaps his brain, still affected by the illusion, had not fully returned to normal.

'Yes, I’m tired… That must be it.'

His arm had not yet fully recovered, let alone his mental state.

It was just that. He decided to think of it that way.

"Are you very tired? You suddenly look pale."

His concealed emotions seemed to have betrayed him through his expression. Kishiar suddenly ceased his laughter and asked.

"No, I’m fine."

"No, you're not. Your lips are even turning blue. The discoloration has spread to the inside of your elbows, so put your clothes back on. Nathan, get more stones for the stove."

"Yes, understood."

As Nathan Zuckerman left to fetch more magic stones that would fuel the fireplace, Yuder quickly donned the shirt he had set aside.

Through the rolled-up sleeves, his still nearly black discolored back of his hand was revealed. As Yuder's gaze drifted to it, Kishiar also looked at the same spot.

"How's the pain? The discoloration has reduced, so it should be getting better."

"I'm... not quite sure yet."

He'd hoped that the pain would disappear once the discoloration had returned to its initial state, but even now that it was reduced by more than half, the intermittent pain persisted.

Yuder clenched and unclenched his trembling hand. A tingling sensation raced from his fingertips up to his elbow, delivering a discomforting pain. He could feel sweat breaking out on his forehead again. He never enjoyed the feeling of his body not obeying him.

"Don't worry too much. Even if we can't heal it completely now, we will definitely find a way."

It seemed Kishiar offered consolation, thinking Yuder's serious expression was due to the pain and the discoloration.

Kishiar, who had scolded him for his reckless act, looked genuinely concerned when Yuder seemed genuinely discouraged. Yet, feeling more uncomfortable sitting here, Yuder diverted the conversation, claiming it wasn't for the reason Kishiar assumed.

"Speaking of which... How is the research related to the Red Stone going?"

"Ah. That's what you're asking about."

After Yuder had left for the mission to save Devran, Kishiar had immediately set up a lab in the basement of the building, where the mages could research the Red Stone. Since yesterday, Kanna Wand was sent there to build familiarity with the mages and assist in their research.

"So, if you visit them tomorrow, they will all be glad to see you."

"I understand."

The fact that the Red Stone research had started was good news. Yuder quickly forgot about the queasy feeling he'd just had.

'I need to check on the progress of the research, enhance and refine the training of the entire Cavalry. I also promised to visit Enon... I need to do that as soon as possible.'

Back in this world, there were many things he needed to attend to, far more important than Kishiar La Orr's idle chatter. The man in front of him was someone Yuder had to guard against, not someone to get entangled with as in his previous life.

"Your Highness. Is this enough to add?"

At that moment, Nathan, who had returned with a hefty pouch in his hand, pulled out a handful of magic stones and asked.

"A little more than that."

"Understood."

When Nathan threw the magic stones into the furnace, multi-colored flames sprung up and radiated a bright light through the decorative holes. It wasn't long before the large space began to warm up.

"Are you going to start the treatment again?"

"I was going to... but you seem to be struggling. I'm thinking of calling it a day and continuing tomorrow. I called you for treatment, not to make you collapse. How about a cup of restorative tea before you go?"

Kishiar answered Yuder's question. However, Yuder immediately shook his head without hesitation. They had already exchanged almost all the reports and conversations they needed to have for the day. He had too much to do to waste more time.

"No. I prefer to get it over with quickly. Let's finish it all today."

"Are you sure?..."

Kishiar's crimson eyes scanned Yuder's face, still wet with cold sweat, his flushed cheeks, and the inside of his unbuttoned shirt.

"Are you sure you're okay? It seems like you've reached your physical limit. Being stubborn isn't a good thing. If you pass out, the speed at which the Purification Stones absorb power will decrease."

"I'll be fine. I won't pass out."

Despite knowing that Kishiar's eye was accurate, Yuder responded firmly.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure it's not that you feel pressured by my invitation to have tea?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

His heart skipped a beat, but Yuder feigned calm and replied as if he didn't understand what was being said. Thankfully, Kishiar didn't pursue the matter further, although he did tilt his head with a look of dissatisfaction.

"Something I said clearly didn't sit well with you... I can't guess what it might be, so I suppose it can't be helped. Very well. If you insist so strongly."

The hand wrapped in the divine seal picked up a handful of Purification Stones.

"It seems that as the discoloration darken, more divine power is required to remove them, so from now on, I'll increase the quantity and add holy water. Remember your promise not to pass out."

Kishiar opened a bottle of holy water that he had never used before and poured it without hesitation over the Purification Stones in his hand. Astonishingly, the holy water didn't drip down his hand but was absorbed directly by the stones. The Purification Stones, having absorbed a whole bottle of holy water, held much stronger divine power and emitted a transparent white light.

As soon as Kishiar's hand touched the back of his own, Yuder closed his eyes and gently bit his lower lip.

Soon, a pain so intense that it threatened to blacken his vision hit his entire body.

—---

'Now, it's time to hear why you knocked down five of your colleagues to the point of them becoming like wounded soldiers. Is there anything else you want to say, Yuder, apart from what I've heard?'

Yuder looked up at Kishiar standing before him. Seeing his face, utterly unreadable under the well-maintained smile, a sudden surge of anger welled up in him.

'I did nothing wrong. They got hurt because they lost to me in a duel, agreed upon mutually. Even if they are in the state of wounded soldiers, that's for them to deal with, and I don't think it's a matter worthy of summoning me, sir.'

'Right. That duel. No one said how it happened in the first place. Why did it start?'

'What could I do when they said they couldn't accept me ascending to the Commander's position? Didn't you say the best way to gain someone's respect is to show strength?'

So he did exactly that. Yuder felt no guilt.