Inon had once said that he was a being created by linking a spirit’s soul to a human body through magic. At the time, it had felt too unrealistic to take seriously, but now that the evidence stood plainly before his eyes, Yuder was overcome with an indescribable feeling.

Inon silently stared for a moment at the tree he said had existed even before he was born. But he didn’t bring up the subject any further. Turning his head, he quickly changed the topic.

“Well, anyway, from now on it’s just a matter of finding it. We have to fulfill the true purpose of coming here.”

As Inon turned and began walking toward the pile of wooden fragments, Kishiar asked him,

“May I ask what you plan to search for first? Is there anything we can help with?”

“There isn’t, for now. Just sit quietly with that guy over there. As for what I plan to look for first...”

Inon hesitated, as if debating whether to say it aloud. He met Yuder’s gaze. After judging it would be alright, he continued.

“If the ‘previous’ version of me that bastard mentioned really did come here, then what would he have tried to find first? I plan to retrace that.”

Inon picked up one of the wooden fragments. Only then did Yuder realize it wasn’t firewood but a record filled with tiny letters packed tightly across its surface.

It’s amazing it hasn’t rotted.

Considering the era, Grand Mage Luma might have used paper despite the scarcity of resources. Was there a reason for using these instead? Or was it simply more convenient? As Yuder watched Inon place one piece down and pick up another, he narrowed his eyes.

He wondered if anything would become visible—but the writing was far too small to make anything out.

Not that it would matter—chances are it’s in an archaic script I wouldn’t recognize anyway.

“Since I said sit, you should sit. Over here.”

Kishiar gently called out. Yuder turned his gaze from Inon. At some point, Kishiar had taken two of the chairs lying around and placed them across from each other at the desk. Yuder followed the invitation and sat on the side where the desk’s owner would have once sat.

Now seated, he saw the desk wasn’t very large. Compared to Kishiar’s desk in the Commander’s office, it was rather petite. That likely meant the desk’s owner hadn’t been as tall as Kishiar. As Yuder examined the marks left on the desk, Kishiar spoke again.

“What are you thinking so intently about?”

“I was just thinking the desk’s owner must not have been as tall as you, Commander.”

“Haha. True, I’ve never heard anyone say Luma was taller than the First Emperor.”

Was that so? If Kishiar, who loved history, said so, it must be true. Yuder, who had never paid much attention to the heights or builds of historical figures, found it oddly fascinating to be having such a conversation now.

The statue of the First Emperor was quite tall, though...

As he recalled the statue he’d seen on the way, a sudden question came to his lips.

“Come to think of it, I’ve rarely seen portraits or statues of mages, including Grand Mage Luma.”

“The common theory is that early mages were feared and shunned. That’s also why the Imperial Court established the Royal Mage Office—to show they could control such dangerous individuals. On the other hand, it was also a way to protect and hide them from external persecution.”

“...That sounds rather similar to the Cavalry.”

A smile like that of a proud teacher spread across Kishiar’s face.

“That’s right. The Royal Mage Office was actually one of the biggest references I used when founding the Cavalry. Having a precedent is incredibly helpful for those who come after. Thanks to that, I was able to shut up a lot of those who questioned why we even needed something like the Cavalry.”

Though he claimed it had been difficult, Kishiar also seemed to be enjoying the memory. Apparently, dealing with the opposition back then had been fun for him in its own way.

From Yuder’s perspective, it would’ve been much simpler to just beat up everyone who stood in his way and gain their consent by force. But Kishiar, even if it was frustrating and slow, seemed to prefer putting in the effort to resolve things one by one. That must be why the Cavalry had been successfully established as it was.

“Personally, I take pride in the fact that, unlike mages, Awakeners now have their portraits and statues made properly. Like your monument in the Great Forest the Emperor plans to erect, or Ever’s memorial down in Southern Makla.”

“Ah...”

“Both are things that could never have been made if Awakeners were still feared and rejected as they were in the past. And personally, I quite like that the very first Awakener monument will be yours.”

Hearing that, Yuder couldn’t help but recall his previous life.

“You’re right... Commander. Come to think of it, I never saw anything like that in the previous version of the game.”

Not even Yudrain Aile, or any other Cavalry member who’d achieved great things, had such things made for them. Kishiar fell briefly silent, then smiled with crinkled eyes.

“...Indeed. On that note, I hope that one day we’ll see a statue of my aide, or a portrait recognizing you as a national hero. I don’t think that day is too far off.”

“I’m not particularly eager for that.”

“Why not? Do you dislike having your likeness recorded? Some people are like that.”

Yuder hesitated, then spoke.

“It’s more that... maybe others wouldn’t mind, but I know that the things I’ve done were only possible because I got another chance.”

Not to mention, he’d committed many sins. Just because time had been turned back and those acts no longer existed in the world didn’t mean they’d disappeared from Yuder’s mind.

“I just corrected the failures of what should’ve been done the first time. There’s no need to leave that behind like it’s something to boast about.”

Kishiar remained silent for a moment.

“I see. That’s why you didn’t seem very thrilled when the monument was awarded to you.”

“It wasn’t that I wasn’t grateful for His Majesty’s recognition.”

“I’m not criticizing you.”

The man gently shook his head and stretched his hand across the desk, covering Yuder’s hand. As the warmth seeped into the black glove, Yuder was reminded of the shared heat from the night before. He fell silent with the thought, and Kishiar quietly whispered,

“I understand your reason. But there’s one thing I want to make clear.”

“...”

“Humans create monuments, statues, and portraits to remember something. Those Awakeners who come to remember what ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) you’ve done will gain the strength to stand bravely against enormous dangers, just like you did. Even when the day comes that we are gone, as long as the monument remains and someone is able to read it...”

Beneath golden lashes, crimson eyes shimmered with unwavering conviction.

Yuder couldn’t tear his gaze away.

“I hope that is how you’ll be remembered. Even if it feels burdensome, even if it seems like too much.”

“I don’t think of it that way. And honestly... if anything...”

Yuder exhaled once and spoke with sincerity.

“I hope your achievements and records are remembered more than mine, Commander.”

“Me?”

Kishiar tilted his head, clearly not expecting that.

“Yes. Frankly, it would only be right for yours to come first, wouldn’t it?”

Yuder may have killed the massive monster in the West, but without Kishiar managing everything behind the scenes, it would’ve been impossible. His work in the South had been tremendous as well. Come to think of it, it was strange that no monument or statue had yet been made for him.

When Yuder said that, Kishiar chuckled softly.

“Hmm... Actually, a duke who’s lost his right of succession isn’t supposed to be recorded in public history.”

“...Excuse me?”

“It’s considered a disgrace for a royal cast out of the imperial family to be thrust into the spotlight. That’s why His Majesty hasn’t awarded me any recognition related to records or memorials.”

Yuder hadn’t realized that was the reason no monuments or accolades had been made for him. He’d thought he already knew much of the injustice Kishiar had suffered after becoming the Duke of Peleta—but now a new piece was added. As Yuder frowned, Kishiar’s expression turned sly, almost like a smug cat.

“...But yesterday, His Majesty did return something to me.”

For a moment, Emperor Keillusa’s words flashed through Yuder’s mind like lightning. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

“He said he’d return your authority as a royal...”

“Exactly. So from now on, you just might get to see what you wanted. Even if not, I’ll do my best to leave something behind.”

Yuder blinked a few times. The thought that he might see a monument or statue honoring Kishiar made his heart pound.

“...Yes. I would very much like to see that.”

Emotion surged, and he unconsciously bowed deeply. As his stomach touched the desk, a drawer he hadn’t even noticed jabbed into his skin and slid open abruptly.

What’s this?

Looking down, Yuder met the gaze of a single wooden fragment resting inside the drawer.