Turning-Chapter 812

The necklace around Hosanra’s neck suddenly shattered with a sharp crack.

“...Huh...?”

And before anyone could react, Hosanra vanished right before the member’s eyes.

“Wh—What?!”

The hand that had reached out to grab Hosanra sliced uselessly through the air and fell limply to the ground. Staring in stunned silence as if time had stopped, the member then screamed in horror.

“Emergency! The prisoner escaped!”

Yes, the member had let his guard down. But as with everything in the world, it wasn’t only his fault.

The weather was unusually bad that day, and there were no other members outside the base.

The Elder siblings, caught up in their excitement, had carelessly failed to restrict information flow.

Kanna had entrusted Hosanra to someone unfamiliar with him.

And everyone momentarily forgot just how shockingly fast that fragile Awakener had recovered his powers when desperation was involved.

That strange sensation Kanna had felt before leaving was in fact Hosanra’s power, surging under the pressure of overwhelming anxiety and desperation, shaking the control necklace until it broke.

Because of his appearance and personality, it was easy to overlook—but even Yuder Aile had once said that, when it came to movement abilities, there would be no match for Hosanra in the future. That was the kind of potential he held.

While inside Roenev’s neutralizing field, the device had functioned adequately. But once outside, its suppressive force weakened significantly. Still just a prototype, it was never designed to handle a power suddenly amplified several times over.

And so—everything converged to give Hosanra his chance.

The shocked Cavalry members quickly burst out to search for him. Some had the sense to immediately run toward where their Commander and the others were.

Even the prisoners locked underground sensed something was off.

“What’s going on? What happened up there?”

Most of them just felt uneasy or curious. But one man in solitary confinement reacted differently.

The man named Aton slowly opened his eyes at the sound of faint footsteps echoing above. Shackled at the wrists and ankles, with a power suppressant collar around his neck, his ears at least remained free. A master swordsman, he used his sharp senses to quickly grasp the situation outside.

‘Someone escaped? So there’s actually someone capable of breaking past those monsters... That alone is surprising.’

He remembered the face of the Cavalry Commander who, despite his beautiful looks, had a tongue sharper than a demon’s. And of course, the black-haired monster who had literally buried Aton into the lowest depths.

They seemed to think they could extract something useful by keeping him imprisoned here, but Aton wasn’t particularly concerned about what would happen next—even in captivity.

There were plenty who could take his place.

The balance of this land was already tipping. All Aton had done was drill a small hole in a sinking ship—but once a ship is pierced, even a slight shift can let water back in.

And that moment might be now.

Deng—

The first chime echoed from the distant bell tower, ringing solemnly through the cold sleet falling above those racing through the snow.

It marked the beginning of the funeral.

***

Hearing the long, continuous chimes, Yuder briefly turned his head toward the bell tower.

But only for a moment. He quickly turned back to look at the scene before him.

Beneath the dark clouds, a large temple built in the Southern architectural style stood ahead. Draped in black banners, its interior and courtyard were already filled with people dressed in black.

This was where the funeral for the Second Prince, Ashlav, would be held. The crowd was so large it felt as though every Southern noble had shown up.

But to Yuder’s eyes, the atmosphere resembled a party more than a funeral. There was hardly anyone mourning—and more than a few seemed to be using the occasion to network and chat.

Sitting in the slowly moving carriage waiting its turn at the temple entrance, Kishiar observed the scene and spoke.

“Well, I suppose for them, attending a Hern family funeral is nothing unusual. Isn’t that right, Kachien? Kurga?”

Kachien and Kurga, who had come along for today, were both from the South. One was from a fallen noble house, the other the child of a humble fisherman.

Still, both nodded simultaneously.

“Yes, that’s true.”

“I remember hearing of many funerals held by the Hern family when I was young. Though this is my first time attending one in person.”

“Right. But even so, this kind of atmosphere isn’t exactly respectful behavior. We don’t need to get swept up in it, so make sure to remain composed once we go in.”

“Understood.”

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

Inside the carriage were Kishiar, Yuder, Kachien, Kurga, and also Suns and Emon—six in total.

The reason Suns and Emon were included was simple: General Gino was also expected to attend the funeral today.

Yuder would assist Kishiar as usual. Kachien and Kurga were here in place of the two deputy commanders who couldn’t attend. And though he hadn’t come right away due to other matters, aide Nathan Zuckerman was expected to join them later.

Finally, their carriage stopped at the temple entrance.

This wasn’t a party, so there were no announcers introducing guests. Still, the moment they stepped out, the crowd—previously chatting freely—fell silent and turned toward them.

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

It was only natural. Whether people liked him or not, no one could tear their gaze away the moment Kishiar la Orr appeared.

Even here, among those who had only heard of him in rumors, the reaction was the same.

“Ah...”

“Is that the Duke of Peleta?”

“Was he even invited? How’d he get here?”

Kishiar, smiling, strode forward confidently regardless of the whispers. Yuder, Kurga, Kachien, Suns, and Emon followed behind him.

Then, from among the hushed crowd, a familiar face emerged.

“Oh! Your Highness. You’re here.”

“General Gino. You arrived first.”

“Greetings, General.”

General Gino Bodelli, dressed in formal military uniform, greeted them with pride. Standing by his side were unfamiliar subordinates. Yuder caught Suns ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) and Emon glancing excitedly at one woman in particular.

Short-haired and clearly well-trained, the woman was likely Deputy Meghna Curlieva.

“Looks like your excellent aide didn’t accompany you today. I’d been hoping to see him with Meghna—it’s a shame.”

“You mean Nathan? He’ll be arriving later. If you’re lucky, you’ll see him.”

“Oh? Meghna, seems the gods haven’t abandoned us after all.”

Meghna Curlieva smiled slightly at the general’s joke. Though Yuder had heard she was nearly forty, she barely looked past her late twenties—a testament to her intense training.

‘Seems the rumors about her being a candidate for Swordmaster weren’t exaggerations.’

Seeing Suns hesitating, Yuder gave him a little nudge.

“Ugh!”

“Is Galexantr Balfos here too?”

Yuder had a guess—but it had been so long since he’d last seen the man, he needed confirmation.

“Ah... yes. There he is. He’s the tallest one behind Deputy Curlieva.”

‘Knew it.’

Yuder fixed his gaze on the man Suns pointed out. Compared to the blurry memory he had, Galexantr looked younger—and stupider.

He was glancing around aimlessly, seemingly distracted. If not for the Imperial uniform he wore, he might’ve passed for some clueless drifter.

Then, sensing Yuder’s stare, Galexantr flinched and turned toward him—his face instantly souring like he’d swallowed something foul. In contrast, Yuder raised the corner of his mouth ever so slightly.

‘Coming here of your own accord? That’s perfect. Saves me the trouble, idiot.’

Deng— another distant bell tolled. General Gino, mid-conversation with Kishiar, turned his head at the sound.

“Oh, time to head into the sanctuary. Shall we go in?”

“Let’s.”

Anyone could visit the temple to pay their respects today.

But only those personally invited by the deceased’s direct family could enter the sanctuary for the formal ceremony—each with one companion.

Thus, only Kishiar, Yuder, General Gino, and Meghna Curlieva went inside. The others remained outside.

Yuder, on Kishiar’s behalf, gave instructions to their team.

“Kachien, Kurga. You both know better than anyone that staying out here isn’t just about watching the carriage.”

“Of course, Yuder.”

“We’re to keep watch and secure the perimeter in case something happens. We’ve got this.”

“Good. Suns and Emon will assist you. Stay alert. If anything happens, Kachien, contact me immediately.”

“I’ll send a shadow right away. Don’t worry.”

Kachien answered with a determined look.

‘Kachien’s fine—but I’m more concerned about those airheaded nobles who’ve been staring at him since we arrived.’

Most of the attention seemed to be on Kachien’s looks—but you never know. Since he was from the South, there were probably a few here who recognized who he really was.

Even so, Yuder trusted his strength and ability—that’s why he’d brought him this far.

After patting Kachien and Kurga on the shoulder, Yuder turned back. Kishiar was waiting for him with a smile.