Turning
chapter-129

"Commander."

The man who had shattered the offering box directed his words toward Duke Peletta, his mere presence enough to bring an overwhelming silence to the entire plaza. The people swallowed hard, only then truly remembering that Duke Peletta was also the commander of the Cavalry.

"There's been a sudden accident, but with the help of another Awakener, we found the cause and managed it quickly."

"An accident?"

"Inside the offering box... this was found."

The Duke's face hardened as he took a magic stone from the black-haired man. Despite knowing that the Duke's icy gaze was not directed at him, Lusan couldn't help but shudder for a moment.

"Any casualties?"

"None."

"There must be a responsible party here. Where is the event manager?"

"Father Bertrail Shand Apeto, who is in charge... coincidentally seems to have left his seat just after the incident."

Though he said the priest had left his seat, everyone there knew it meant he had fled. The atmosphere grew even darker in an instant.

"I see... what a pity."

As Kishiar muttered these words looking at the vacant seat of the elder priest, a flurry of people came running from behind him. They were officers of the Imperial Army bearing golden insignia, soldiers under their command, and envoys from other countries.

"Duke! Are you alright?"

"We told you it's dangerous to go ahead...!"

Despite the fact that common followers who came to receive flowers, priests like Lusan, and even ordinary imperial soldiers who were dispatched to help maintain order were still lying here and there, the officers' gazes were not directed at them. Seeing the officers in a flurry of concern for Kishiar's well-being, Lusan sighed.

'Well, I didn't expect much anyway...'

Lusan and others alike looked around with similarly bitter expressions. After all, there were no injuries or deaths despite the accident, which was a relief. But Kishiar's response was different.

"The incident has already been resolved by the Cavalry. Shouldn't we prioritize helping those in need rather than me, who is not even slightly injured?"

"Ah, yes? Oh. Yes, you're right."

One officer, surprised by the unexpected words, finally heeded Kishiar's hint and turned to shout at the soldiers who had followed him.

"You fools. What are you doing? How do you think the Duke will feel if you just stand around doing nothing? Get the fallen people back on their feet and transport the injured now!"

The way he seemed to place all the blame on the foolish soldiers, as if none of it was his fault, was almost laughably blatant. Lusan, seeing the soldiers scattering across the square with anxious faces reminiscent of his own when the old priests would scold him, finally managed to relax.

"So... this was inside the offering box?"

"Yes."

"That's quite a serious prank. Who's the Awakener that let us know this was here? I'd like to see their face."

While the soldiers were aiding the people, Kishiar didn't rest for a moment. He examined the red magic stone proffered by a man from the Cavalry with jet-black hair, holding it up to the sunlight before moving himself to gather more details about the situation.

"That person over there."

Upon seeing the boy from the Apeto family pointed out by the black-haired man, Kishiar nodded and ordered him to be brought closer. Despite being weakened to the point of collapse, the boy hadn't fainted and was able to come before Kishiar with the support of two soldiers. Kishiar eyed the white cape draped over the boy, his crimson eyes narrowing in intrigue as he began to speak.

"I had no idea that the one who assisted us was a participant in the event. From which family do you hail?"

"Apeto family... my name is Revlin Shand Apeto."

The boy bowed respectfully before the Duke, his face pale.

"I am aware that you need rest immediately, but I need to understand the situation clearly. May I ask you a few questions?"

"Of course."

"What is your relationship with Bertrail Shand Apeto, the elder in charge of this event?"

"He's my uncle."

There was a ripple of surprise as everyone realized that the person who had helped resolve the incident was the nephew of the elder who had abandoned everyone to save only himself.

"I see. My men mentioned you exerted the power of an Awakener to aid us. Is this true?"

Revlin hesitated for a moment, unable to answer as promptly as before. But soon, he nodded with a firm expression, as if making a decision.

"Yes. That's correct. I'm an Awakener."

"Well, well. In a noble family..."

Whispers spread rapidly throughout the square, with all eyes converging on Kishiar and Revlin.

"Interesting. What exactly are your abilities?"

"It's nothing impressive that you'd be curious about, Your Grace. I just have the ability to project my voice directly into others' minds..."

Upon hearing Revlin's modest reply, Lusan realized his earlier perception wasn't mistaken.

"The ability to project your voice. So that's how you were able to communicate amidst such noise."

Kishiar nodded and gave the boy's shoulder a light pat.

"That's an impressive ability. Do not demean yourself. Without that power, many more would have been injured."

"Th-thank you."

Revlin testified that during the Sharing of the Sacred Flame, a small explosion was heard from the direction of the offering box, followed by a terrible noise.

The offering box was set up a little distance from the podium, allowing those who came for the flowers to freely donate. As it happened, Revlin was nearest to the offering box at that time, so no one doubted his explanation. Lusan was no exception.

"Commander, we've checked the condition of everyone remaining. Apart from a few who fainted from shock, everyone is in good enough shape to walk on their own."

Just then, the rest of the Cavalry, who had moved to inspect the fallen ones before the Imperial soldiers, returned and reported loudly to Kishiar so everyone could hear.

"Is there anyone who has suffered hearing damage?"

"Yes. My hearing was restored immediately after the sound ceased, and there were no after-effects."

"That's fortunate."

Kishiar nodded in response to the report, and at the same time, someone sprang to their feet and began to shout.

"The Cavalry has saved us all once again! Long live the Cavalry! Long live His Grace, Duke Peletta!"

It reminded everyone of the day of the grand procession on the first day of the festival. All the residents of the capital still vividly remembered the intruders that the Cavalry had slain that day. Presumably, the one shouting out praises was recalling that very incident. As they repeated their cheers, others began to join in with the cheering, as if drawn in by their enthusiasm.

"Hurray! Long live!"

"Duke Peletta truly is the glory of the Empire!"

Among the crowd, a minority began shouting out the names of Revlin Shand Apeto, clapping their hands. The name Apeto, which had almost earned their disapproval due to the escape of the elder priest, was fortunately not tarnished, thanks to Revlin.

Those who had received the sacred flame threw their flowers unreservedly at Revlin, Kishiar, and the members of the Cavalry. Although most of the flowers had been trampled in the chaos, Kishiar didn't show displeasure at the commoners' thrown flowers; instead, he picked up a single bloom with a smile.

Even holding a wilted flower, his elegance and dignity remained unscathed. This sight momentarily took the breath away from onlookers, who then waved their hands in awe.

'What is this feeling?'

Lusan, who had been working tirelessly to maintain the sacred flame, felt a tug at his heartstrings for the first time as he watched Kishiar. The square, which was filled with screams and fear just moments before, now resounded with different kinds of cheers, creating an unfamiliar, almost mystical spectacle.

"Do you see? It's thanks to your timely bravery that none of these people were harmed."

In the midst of the cheering, Kishiar addressed Revlin Shand Apeto.

"As the head of the Cavalry, I must personally express my gratitude."

"No, I haven't done anything myself. It was the Cavalry under your lead, Your Grace, that resolved the issue. I believe the praise should rightfully be directed towards them."

Even amidst the Duke's praise and the cheering, Revlin remained humble. His stern expression, void of a boyish smile given his age, drew even more applause from the crowd.

"One should always return a favor received."

Looking back at the modest and heroic boy, Kishiar extended a hand with a soft gaze.

"Revlin Shand Apeto. I will reward you for your courage and ability. If there is anything you desire, state it here. I promise, in the name of Duke Peletta, to grant it."

"I didn't do it with any such expectation."

Revlin shook his head, but Kishiar did not back down.

"You've protected the Emperor's subjects, which is also my wish. It would be a disgrace to do a good deed and not receive a reward. Do you intend to shame both the Emperor and me?"

"No, I don't."

After some hesitation, Revlin finally conceded. The crowd eagerly leaned in, curious as to what this remarkable boy would request as his reward.