Turning
chapter-141

"I had no idea... that you had such grand ambitions."

"Of course you didn't. It'd be problematic if everyone knew."

"Why then, are you telling me?"

"Do you think you're just anyone? We're on the same boat now, in every sense of the word."

From Kishiar's side, where a playful smirk had formed, Nathan Zuckerman returned carrying a tray loaded with cake, bite-sized sandwiches, and tea. He interjected with his usual stoic expression.

"You told him?"

"I thought it was time."

As if he expected it, Nathan set down the tray on the table and pulled out an ordinary-looking envelope from his pocket, handing it to Kishiar.

"This message just arrived. It seems you should check it right away."

Upon opening the envelope, Kishiar read the single piece of paper inside swiftly.

"They're moving as expected."

A mysterious smile appeared on his face moments later. Silently, he laid down the letter, which he'd carefully read and put back into the envelope, in front of Yuder, who was quietly eating his cake.

"Can you guess who sent this letter?"

"No."

"It's Aishes Shand Apeto, the current heir of the Apeto Duke family."

When Kishiar visited the Apeto family, Aishes wasn't there. He often stayed alone in a different mansion because of his bad relationship with his half-brother and second-in-line heir, Lenore, who was covetously eyeing the heir's position. This was well-known, so even when a scandal broke out in the Apeto family, there were hardly any direct accusations against Aishes.

Recalling information about Aishes, who died before Yuder could see him in his previous life, Yuder asked.

"Why would he send a letter to you, Commander? Even if he does nothing, his position as heir is becoming more secure."

"It's simple. He's not content with just securing his position as heir anymore. He wants to overthrow his father and become the Duke immediately. He says he's willing to help us. As payment, he considers handing over the research results of the Elder Priest Beltrail sufficient."

"...Can we trust him?"

"Of course we can't. But we have Revlin, don't we?"

Seemingly delighted that things were moving as expected, Kishiar looked quite pleased. Seeing Kishiar's smile, Yuder absentmindedly asked a question.

"You couldn't have planned everything, even the part about Prince Revlin, from the start, could you?"

"Of course not. I wasn't particularly interested in the Apeto side, but suddenly some good cards came in. We have to use them before the timing is missed. I believe in not letting go of any opportunities that come to my hand."

Would the Apeto family, probably having a major headache right now, ever have imagined that the disappearance of a single Cavalry member on vacation in Hartan would push them into such a situation?

Even Yuder himself, who had been working for Kishiar and the Cavalry all this time, never expected that the results of his actions would turn out like this.

Feeling his heart pound heavily, Yuder exhaled softly. It was only then that he truly felt that the beautiful man before his eyes was sincerely striving to achieve a grand goal.

"When did you start all of this? Was the Cavalry also part of your plan, Commander?"

"I've had the plan for quite some time. The establishment of the Cavalry was suddenly decided when I awakened... But, well. I would have created it even if I hadn't awakened. It's a place that must exist for the stability and peace of the Empire."

After saying so, Kishiar chuckled lowly, as if lost in thought.

"Initially, I didn't anticipate the Cavalry to stabilize so quickly. I thought it would take about five years just to get started, but on reflection, you've played a huge part."

Five years. Yuder was taken aback at the fact that this was the preparation time Kishiar had initially planned after deciding to cleanse the giant Orr Empire of its corrupt elements. After the surprise, came a bitter feeling.

The memory of his previous life where he had left the world approximately two years after the Cavalry was founded came to mind.

Yuder clenched his teeth lightly and lowered his head. He spotted the letter from Aishes Shand Apeto on the table. The request to not publish or pass on Beltrail's research findings to anywhere else, but to him, was particularly lengthy, written in handwriting that could not conceal its excitement.

'The knowledge that such unforgivable deeds were committed in relation to the Blood of Blessing that has been passed down through our family for generations must not be spread elsewhere. The reason I make this bold request to your Grace, the Duke of Peletta, is solely because of that, and there is no other intention....'

Blood of Blessing.

At that moment, Yuder suddenly remembered his conversation with Beltrail and Nahan, which he had momentarily forgotten.

'It was all for the children of noble families suffering because of the 'Blood of Blessing'! Is it a crime to have researched for the children who were born to die from birth?'

'Blood of Blessing, you say. More like 'cursed blood'. If it were truly a blessing, would garbage like you resist it so fiercely? Isn't it all the result of you endlessly coveting forbidden power?'

What was the last thing Nahan had said to Beltrail?

'You're not only coveting the power of God, but now you're trying to covet the power and lives of your brothers. In the grand scheme of things, it would be right to eliminate garbage like you...'

Blood of Blessing and the power of God. A strange feeling suddenly overwhelmed him when he remembered the two unfamiliar terms Nahan had mentioned at the same time.

'Come to think of it, who does 'you guys' refer to?'

Due to the ambiguity of the words, and the fact that Beltrail was almost frantic when confronting Nahan, he had forgotten the conversation, thinking it was not a proper conversation.

"What's wrong, Yuder? Is there something strange in that letter?"

"No, just this part..."

Yuder shook off a thought that seemed to be on the tip of his tongue and pointed to the part related to Beltrail.

"The words themselves are understandable, but I find it strange that there's a necessity for such a request."

"Ah. You mean this part."

For a moment, a cold, self-mocking smile flashed across Kishiar's face, then quickly disappeared. It was an expression so unfamiliar that Yuder almost doubted his eyes.

"Well... They're desperate, too."

"Pardon?"

"It means that Revlin isn't the only one born with the Blood of Blessing in the Apeto family. Aishes, Beltrail... they're all somewhat different, but they were famous for being frail and not in good health. Do you understand?"

Upon hearing that, Yuder finally understood why Aishes had insisted on discussing only Beltrail's research, avoiding any mention of the shame of his family.

"So you intend to repeat the same mistake, even knowing that the research did not yield any meaningful results."

"No one knows what Aishes will do once he gets his hands on it. Of course, that's why I don't intend to hand it over. We will destroy everything we obtained from there once this matter is settled."

The notes and documents Beltrail had taken from the annex basement were neatly piled in a corner of the headquarters. According to Gakane, who had brought them and had a quick glance, most of the documents were research reports, and the rest were data collected from various places. Gakane mentioned that there were also writings directly from Beltrail, but there wasn't enough time to examine them thoroughly.

'Even Aishes, who seemed relatively quiet among, is like this... There's no one to be taken lightly.'

He understood very well why Kishiar wanted to confront him using Revlin.

"Have all your questions been answered?"

Immersed in thought, Yuder was playfully asked by Kishiar. Only then did Yuder come to his senses and reply.

"I don't have any more immediate questions."

"We've got a long way to go. We don't need to solve everything right away. Now, let's eat again before the cake waiting for you melts."

The cake placed in front of them was a rich chocolate cake, with golden powder sprinkled on top and a sweet scent wafting from the white cream. Yuder clenched his lips towards the cake and reluctantly picked up his fork.

'He seems to be feeding me these things for some reason... He wouldn't be misunderstanding something, would he?'

Looking up, he saw Kishiar smiling as usual. In the end, Yuder stood up only after he had eaten all the cake that had filled the large plate.

"I'll be going down now..."

"Go ahead. Oh. Remember, the special award ceremony on the Day of Blessing is coming up in three days?"

Just as Yuder was about to turn, Kishiar suddenly brought up something. The special award ceremony was effectively the last event to wrap up the harvest festival, a schedule for the entire Cavalry to participate in. Of course, he remembered it.

"Yes."

Just responding to Kishiar's comment brought back the sweetness left in his mouth. Whether Yuder tried to cover his mouth with his sleeve, Kishiar continued with a cheerful face.

"The tailored suit for the day is arriving tomorrow. No matter how busy you are, don't miss it and try it on in advance. There might be parts that are not made correctly."

'A suit?'

At the unfamiliar term, Yuder tilted his head but soon recalled the conversation.

'Ah, right. They said they would give a suit made to fit the uniform size to all members for that occasion.'

In his previous life, he had always attended any occasion in his Commander's uniform, so he had never cared about things like suits. Considering it a waste of time, he even made a new rule after he became the Commander that the members of the Cavalry could wear uniforms on occasion instead of formal wear. He knew that the nobles laughed behind his back, but he didn't find it threatening, so it was fine.