"Father finally arriving is one thing, but that unwelcome guest he brought along has made everything incredibly chaotic."

"An unwelcome guest?"

"The youngest son of House Diarca, apparently."

…What? Kiole?

Yuder had heard that Kiole was representing House Diarca and the Imperial Guard. But who could’ve predicted that his name would appear here, alongside Duke Hern?

So that’s why I hadn’t heard anything about his arrival… What the hell happened?

Much like Yuder, Kishiar seemed genuinely intrigued by the sudden development, his eyes narrowing slightly as he asked,

"Hmm. The youngest son of Diarca. I know him well. That he arrived alongside Duke Hern… That is rather interesting. Do you know how that happened?"

"I heard they ran into each other by chance while heading to Sharloin. The room originally prepared for the young lord was arranged by the Imperial Guard, apparently, but once Father learned of that, he said letting a fellow Duke’s heir stay in accommodations provided by the Guard would bring shame to House Hern. So he insisted on giving up his own residence."

In other words… Duke Hern found it absolutely unacceptable for someone from another of the Four Great Duke Houses to stay in a place prepared by the lowly Imperial Guard. As the ruler of the South, he couldn’t allow it.

"The problem is, the young lord from Diarca didn’t seem too thrilled about it. But once Father took matters into his own hands, what choice did anyone have? The result is that he’s here now, and the backlash is falling on me and the rest of the staff."

"So he insisted on staying as a guest, even though he apparently protested?"

"Yes. Father gave a direct order."

With a sigh, Mayra added,

"My father tends to act in ways no one can predict, so perhaps it really is just about upholding House Hern’s dignity. But… I can’t help but wonder if he’s got some other plan regarding House Diarca."

"Is that so? And what makes you think that?"

"Because that young lord and his servants have acted suspiciously on more than one occasion."

Mayra’s lips twisted even more bitterly than before.

"It’s hard to put my finger on, but he’s… just strange. Yet sometimes, that very strangeness feels like it’s meant to disguise something deeper. Like he’s deliberately putting on an act. I wouldn’t be surprised if Father brought him along just to keep a closer eye on him."

Hmm…

Yuder picked up on a few key points from her words.

First: Duke Hern clearly couldn’t fathom the idea that someone might not welcome his generosity.

Second: Kiole—stubborn and bullheaded as he was—had been dragged along against his will and forced to play the "guest." Even someone as strong-willed as Mayra was helpless in the face of her father’s obstinate nature.

Lastly: the man was surprisingly shrewd when it came to manipulating politics under the guise of personal whims.

So Kiole’s been acting weird… That doesn’t really help—he’s always been like that. I can’t even guess the cause.

Still, it was Kiole. A Diarca. Once the funeral for the Second Prince began, they’d meet eventually. Yuder wasn’t the least bit worried about him.

Anyway… Duke Hern’s never made much of an impression until now, so I couldn’t quite figure out what kind of person he was. Looks like I’ll finally get the chance. I need to gather as much information as I can.

While Yuder was deep in thought, Kishiar smiled mildly and offered Mayra a sympathetic word.

"Sounds like it’s been rough for you. Has Duke Hern’s health improved? With the funeral approaching, I was concerned that his grief might have taken a toll."

"Yes, as you said, the grief must have been immense. He’s spent entire days collapsed in his room, with a constant stream of lovely women tending to him. It’s become something of a concern—what if people start talking?"

Though their words were steeped in formality and courtesy, neither Kishiar nor Mayra sounded even remotely sincere. Yuder could clearly hear the suppressed bitterness in Mayra’s well-crafted sarcasm—her hatred for her father’s behavior all too evident.

Her younger brother is dead, and the first thing their father does is lock himself in his room with women while leaving all the aftermath to his daughter. Of course she’d be furious.

After a few brief exchanges about the current situation in Sharloin—affairs jointly managed by House Hern and the Cavalry—Kishiar finally extended his hand to Mayra and offered a parting gesture.

"I greatly appreciate you taking the time to deliver this news in person despite your busy schedule. My aide and I will certainly attend."

"There's no need to thank me. You’re the one who uncovered the truth behind my brother’s unjust death. If anyone deserves to be there, it’s you. I believe he would’ve been deeply grateful if you came. Please do—watch over Ashlav’s final farewell."

After bowing with a hand over her heart in graceful farewell, Mayra suddenly staggered, as if overtaken by a wave of dizziness.

"Ah…"

Though she remained composed, even her veil couldn’t hide the fatigue etched into her face. She truly looked like someone who’d been through far too much.

Seeing this, Kishiar rubbed his chin thoughtfully and gave Yuder a subtle nod.

"If she tries to walk back like that, she might collapse. Aide, would you escort the First Princess to the medical wing?"

"Understood."

"There’s no need, really…"

"Please don’t refuse. If anything happens to your health, it becomes our problem, too. The apothecaries and priests from the capital are among the finest in the Empire—you won’t find better."

Though she seemed to think it a bit dramatic, Mayra sighed and offered a polite nod.

"In that case… thank you for your concern."

Yuder helped her out. As they walked, he summoned a small breeze to cool the sweat beading on her forehead. Mayra glanced around in surprise.

"What was that? There’s wind… indoors?"

"I summoned it. I apologize if it startled you—I should’ve said something first."

"Oh… no, actually. It’s refreshing. Thank you."

She looked at him with a mix of relief and quiet amazement—a familiar kind of curiosity Yuder had seen many times before in his past life. He opened his mouth to address it first.

"Is there something about my power that you’re curious about?"

"Was it that obvious?"

Mayra’s cheeks turned slightly pink.

"I’ve heard that manipulating wind is incredibly difficult, even for mages. You do it so effortlessly—it’s truly surprising. Isn’t it hard to control?"

Compared to the many rude or invasive questions he’d received in the past, this one felt refreshingly pure. Almost cute. Yuder shook his head.

"This power is as natural to me as moving my hands or feet. I’ve never found it difficult."

"That’s incredible… I heard you can control the «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» forces of nature. Is that true?"

"Yes."

Mayra asked a few more questions as they walked. A few Cavalry members passed them in the hallway and offered greetings, including Kanna, who was walking with a robed figure.

Hmm… judging by the way he’s covered, is that Hosanra?

As they came closer, Yuder saw that the figure’s exposed hand was red, and he was limping slightly. It was Hosanra.

"Hello, Princess. And you too, Yuder."

"Yeah."

Mayra nodded without a word. Hosanra, lightly held by Kanna, seemed to shrink back in fear, hiding behind her like a terrified child.

"What are you doing out here?"

"Thought he might be feeling a little claustrophobic after being stuck underground, so I brought him out for a quick walk. Weather’s nice today, isn’t it? We’ll be back soon—see you later."

Kanna gave a simple, clear explanation—easy to understand for Yuder, even if it might not make much sense to Mayra—and then disappeared with a cheerful smile. Her demeanor didn’t resemble someone escorting a criminal in the slightest.

As Mayra watched her walk away and they neared the medical wing, she finally spoke.

"I don’t think I’ve seen her before. Is that one of your people from the capital?"

"Yes. That was Deputy Commander Kanna Wand."

"She didn’t look much older than me, and she seemed rather delicate—but she must be impressive."

"An Awakener’s strength isn’t always physical. And I believe the same goes for appearances. Kanna possesses abilities and a will stronger than anyone among us."

"…"

Mayra fell silent, lost in thought. Yuder wondered if perhaps he’d been too blunt—but her next words came softened with reflection.

"You’re right. I used to hate it when people looked at me and called me weak just because of how I looked… but I was doing the same thing to someone else. Thank you for making me realize that."

"…You're welcome."

"Whether you're an Awakener or not, it’s wrong to judge others by their appearance. What you said was absolutely right."