Turning
chapter-668

Meanwhile, Nukijo was receiving an unusual report from a subordinate.

"What? The Southern Army of the Empire has entered Charloin? What are you talking about? Their main force is in Lakota, not Charloin."

"That's what I'm saying. For some reason, they entered without any prior notice. The Charloin garrison reported it. So I came to inform you right away, boss."

"As long as the Lord of Charloin holds his ground, they shouldn't have been able to just enter like that... This is troubling, Urachil. The unknown cause is concerning. And it had to happen today of all days, when we have a big fighting event with many guests…"

The revered Swordmaster, General Gino Bordelli, led the main base of the Orr Empire's Southern Army, located far from Charloin in Lakota. There were Empire troops stationed in Charloin as well, but they generally got along well with the Nukijo gang. They had been exchanging favors through backdoor deals for years, so there was no worry about enforcement or punishment.

However, the Empire troops that suddenly entered Charloin today were from the main base in Lakota. They were strangers to the Nukijo gang and could pose a threat if things went wrong, stirring Nukijo’s anxiety and caution.

In fact, Gino Bordelli, known for his integrity, had long wanted to crack down on the crime syndicates in Charloin. But the Lord of Charloin, deeply in love with money and equally disdainful of Bordelli, had been firmly resisting, preventing any such misfortune from happening so far.

'They wouldn’t have come for small fries like us… But better safe than sorry.'

Today was a special day with important guests. Keeping their identity secret, ensuring their safety, and ensuring they had a good time was crucial for Nukijo.

First, he needed to find out why the main Southern Army unit had come here.

Nukijo frowned, deep in thought. He preferred to offer praise to his underlings rather than resort to violence.

"Good job coming to inform me right away. Who exactly told you this news? Til? Or maybe Bains?"

"It was Mehill. From the garrison's entry and exit security team."

"Ah, that guy. Right. So he heard the news early because of the security team. Tell the boys to give him 'sweets and alcohol' as a token of gratitude. And ask him for more details when they deliver it."

"Understood."

Nukijo's men quickly moved, taking money hidden in cigarette packs and expensive alcohol, heading to the Charloin garrison's security team. Soon, new information reached Nukijo's ears.

"Boss. I’ve found out the identity of the Southern Army unit that arrived today."

"Let's hear it."

"They're a newly formed unit called the Awakeners or something."

"What? Awakeners?"

"Yeah. It's a temporary unit, made up only of soldiers who have 'awakened'. It hasn't been officially announced yet, but it seems they were sent for a light visit to the Cavalry's branch. Since General Bordelli is a supporter of the Emperor, the Lord of Charloin permitted their entry."

"I see…"

"They went straight to the Cavalry's branch upon arrival. The unit is small, not even thirty men, and the guy leading them is a young lad, who was just a soldier until recently. Should we send someone to investigate more?"

"No, that’s enough."

Nukijo finally let his guard down. Even with just this much information, it was clear that the issue had nothing to do with them, so he felt no need to investigate further.

However, had he chosen to delve a bit deeper, he would have heard the astonishing news that the once noisy front of the Cavalry Southern Branch building had become eerily quiet since that day.

Also, there were reports of the Southern Army Special Forces Unit, who visited the Cavalry ‘on a courtesy call,’ exchanging serious greetings with the Cavalry members before entering as if they were about to start 'work'.

The Cavalry Southern Branch was enveloped in a heavy and silent atmosphere.

Among those in Cavalry uniforms, there were some in slightly unfamiliar uniforms. These were members of the Imperial Southern Army Special Forces Unit, who had rushed to their aid upon request. The team leader was a young man with sky-like hair and black eyes, exuding a pleasant demeanor.

"Hello, Cavalry members. I am Sunz, Commander of the 23rd Special Forces Unit ‘Awakener Brigade’ of the Imperial Southern Army. This is Deputy Commander Emon. Ideally, we would take our time over a meal and discuss how to assist you in your life down south, but circumstances make that difficult."

As Sunz introduced himself with a gift in hand, Kurga of the Cavalry extended his hand for a handshake. Kurga's bear-like stature made the handshake appear as a small human making contact with a giant bear.

"It’s not important. Just the fact that the Southern Army sent you so promptly upon receiving the Commander's message is enough for us."

"Hahaha. Truly, you are members of the Cavalry."

"I read about you in a letter from the Commander. It mentioned you’ve previously worked with us on a mission."

"Yes, that's right. I can't divulge the details of the mission, but it was a great experience. It was there I first met a remarkable Cavalry friend who has greatly advised Emon and me."

"Who might that be?"

At Kurga's curious inquiry, Sunz turned his gaze towards Emon standing beside him. Both men smiled simultaneously, recalling old times.

"It’s Yuder Aile. Ah, he has received a title now, so should I address him as Baron Aile?"

"Ah... Yuder wouldn’t mind that. He always told us to call him as we always have."

"Just like Yuder. The last time I saw him was at the Harvest Festival a few months ago when we were summoned to the capital. I'm very happy to think that I will be able to see him soon and congratulate him in person."

At the mention of Yuder being an old friend who had once helped Sunz and Emon, the faces of all the Cavalry members softened. The same was true for the faces of the Awakener Brigade soldiers standing behind Sunz and Emon.

With a good first impression established, the conversation continued smoothly.

"The Commander is currently on a secret reconnaissance mission with Yuder, infiltrating an illegal betting fight club. It’s a dangerous place, and he believes it’s best to eradicate it immediately."

"The illegal betting fight club has been a thorn in the south's side for years. It's heartbreaking that it’s now targeting Awakeners and expanding its scale to be more provocative."

"Don’t worry. They made a grave mistake by messing with the Awakeners and the Cavalry."

"We will certainly help as well! But even if we manage to defeat those scoundrels today, dealing with the aftermath could be more challenging, especially with the nobles and the stationed army, including the Lord of Shaloin, backing them up. How does the Cavalry intend to handle this aspect?" Sunz asked, his face etched with concern.

"It is well-known that our General Gino and the local Lord do not get along. Everyone is more worried about the aftermath than the actual fight," Sunz added.

"You need not worry about that either," replied Kurga, his expression impassive.

"The Commander has already instructed us on every aspect of that matter. To elaborate a bit more... the solution to such issues was almost completely resolved as soon as Yuder arrived yesterday."

"Really?"

"What does that mean...?"

Sunz and Emon blinked in confusion, unable to fathom the meaning of his words.

"It’s too lengthy to explain now, but you'll understand in due time. Just know that you don’t need to worry about that part. Trust in our Commander and Yuder, and when the signal is given, just do as you please."

Sunz smiled awkwardly, wondering if it was really alright to be so unconcerned. He looked around at the faces of the Cavalry members and, seeing their unworried eyes, he inwardly admired their confidence and faith.

'Everyone's morale and belief are truly remarkable... How long will it take for our unit to reach this level? We still have a long way to go.'

"Now, it seems it’s about time. Shall we get going?" Sunz proposed.

"Oh, yes."

"When you arrive there, you will also meet the Peletta Knights, waiting in position. You will be introduced to Nathan Zuckerman, the Adjutant of the Commander. I'll make sure you get a chance to greet him."

"The Peletta Knights are here too? That's impressive."

During the hasty journey in response to the sudden request for assistance from the Cavalry yesterday, Sunz's heart had been pounding. But now, it felt like it might burst out of his chest.

He was about to meet Yuder Aile again and proudly show him his promotion, this time as a supporter of the Cavalry. Sunz rose eagerly from his seat and, after changing his attire under their guidance, he joined the Cavalry members and quickly stepped outside.