In what other situation could he experience such joy and excitement while sparring one-against-many? Yuder spoke to Weliven with genuine sincerity.

“I’ve fought quite a number of people in my time, but this was my first time in a battle like today’s. I don’t think I’m in any position to offer suggestions about Peleta Cavalry’s training methods. If anything, I’m thinking of applying what I’ve learned here to the Cavalry.”

“You’re being far too generous to men who barely managed to graze your coat.”

“Most first-timers don’t even manage that much.”

It wasn’t a boast or arrogance—just plain fact. Weliven stared blankly for a second before bursting out laughing.

“Ha! If word of that gets out, these brats will get so full of themselves they’ll forget their place. I’d better keep this conversation secret.”

Even as he said that, Weliven looked immensely proud.

After he stepped back, Yuder approached Kishiar. The man, still seated and having waited for Yuder to come to him, smiled and extended a hand.

“Let me see your wrist. The one that got hit during the 17th encirclement formation.”

“......”

That had happened near the end of the spar. Because he was facing a close-quarters formation—something unfavorable for a staff that required distance—he had slipped for just a moment and taken a glancing blow.

No one else had noticed. Even the knight who landed the hit hadn’t realized it was effective. But it seemed Kishiar hadn’t missed it.

Yuder slowly extended his right hand. Kishiar grabbed it and unhesitatingly rolled up the sleeve. Just above the black glove, a faint red bruise had formed on the inside of his wrist.

“As you know, this isn’t even worth treating.”

“Yes. I’m glad it wasn’t serious.”

But after saying that, Kishiar very naturally moved as if simply pulling the sleeve back down, and in the same motion, channeled divine power into Yuder’s wrist. A light glowed beneath the black cloth, and the slight stinging pain vanished completely.

“But my heart hurt quite a bit, so I’m indulging in this small selfishness.”

As if to say this brief healing should remain just between the two of them, Kishiar winked.

“You don’t even ask for permission anymore, do you?”

“I was treating the pain in my heart, after all. And someone once told me not to hold back and just do what I want—so I’m sneaking in moments like this behind the aide’s back.”

Yuder suddenly recalled the first time Kishiar had used divine power on him. Back then, he’d joked that the deputy commander might scold him if she found out, asking Yuder to keep it secret.

That same playful expression overlapped with his current face as he treated him without hesitation.

Yuder let out a quiet laugh, more sigh than sound, and spoke.

“So this, too... is just a pure touch with no impure intentions?”

Realizing what moment he was referencing, Kishiar’s eyes widened slightly, then he grinned and laughed heartily.

“No. Now it’s a pure touch with lots of impure intentions.”

“I really don’t understand how something can be both impure and pure at the same time.”

“It means I always live with impure thoughts—but this time, the action itself was driven by purely not wanting you to be hurt. The two can coexist.”

Kishiar tapped the back of Yuder’s hand and stood up, warmth flickering in his eyes despite the amusement on his face.

“Shall we head back to the castle?”

“Yes.”

They walked the path leading back to the inner fortress. Truthfully, the road hardly looked like something that would lead to a Duke’s estate. Normally, noble residences were lined with rare flowers and decorative gardens—but the paths around Peleta Castle were bordered ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ only by naturally grown grass and a few trees. No manmade ornamentation.

But if one looked closely, not a single stone or root jutted out to trip over. The ground had been carefully flattened so anyone could walk it easily. That was probably Shuseiner’s work.

With no scenery blocking the sky or view, they could focus on nothing but the sound of each other’s breathing, their footsteps, and the crashing waves below the castle. Yuder found this quiet peace comforting.

Perhaps because of that, a stray thought slipped from his lips before he could stop it.

“I hope I can come back again.”

“Hmm?”

“I mean Peleta.”

Kishiar didn’t reply right away. But from the sudden, explosive burst of fragrance that flared from his body, it was clear that the words had left him stunned—and immensely happy. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Just before they passed through the inner gate, Kishiar stopped. When Yuder turned around, Kishiar leaned in to whisper something only he could hear.

“If you want to, come anytime. Peleta will always welcome you... with me.”

If Yuder Aile wished it—forever.

Beneath his fluttering golden hair, a smile like the light that turns the sea blue shimmered and dazzled the eye.

Yuder slowly closed his eyes, as if to absorb that light, then opened them again. Somewhere in the distance, a cold northern wind retreated.

Even in this frigid northern land... it seemed winter was beginning to fade.

***

“Sir Yuder!”

On the morning of their departure from Peleta, Yuder found himself surrounded by the castle staff, swept into a flood of farewells.

“I’ve never had someone enjoy my cooking so much. It honestly brings tears to my eyes to see you go. I don’t even know what joy I’ll find in preparing ingredients anymore. I already packed some food, but I made a little extra without thinking—please take it on the road.”

Shuseiner let out a heartfelt sigh as she hung another pouch in Yuder’s hand, filled with jerky and bread she’d personally prepared.

“Are you sure you’re fine with taking just that much? We prepared our best horses and—going empty-handed seems...”

“Hey, you fool. For people like them, taking a horse would just be a burden.”

Durney and Mick stood shoulder to shoulder, seeing off their lord and his honored guest. Mick leaned in close, speaking in a voice so quiet only Yuder could hear.

“Yuder. Honestly, you look almost... flawless now. It’s kind of amazing. I want to ask what happened here, but... I think I’ll keep that question to myself. Just for me. Let’s meet again in the capital.”

Of course, Weliven, who had experienced great happiness thanks to Yuder the day before, stepped in as well.

“Baron Aile. Leave the rest to us.”

He shouted it louder than anyone. Behind him stood Nathan Zuckerman, as composed as ever. After the others finished their noisy goodbyes, he approached, saluted neatly, and offered just one sentence.

“Safe travels.”

A brief farewell—but one that said everything.

Housekeeper Enk maintained her perfect posture to the end, but in front of Yuder, she showed a rare softened smile.

“It was an honor to serve Baron Aile. If you return to Peleta, I would be glad to host you again with even more care as the castle steward.”

Yuder now knew: even someone as unyielding as Enk could be the type to let loose with sharp-tongued curses when the time came. He bowed slightly to accept her offered hug.

“Yuder! I’ll never forget everything you taught me!”

“Next time we meet, I’ll surprise you!”

Even the Northern Branch members came to shake hands with him. Ishias, somehow already in the know, declared, “I heard you sparred with the entire Peleta Cavalry before leaving. That’s the true Cavalry spirit! We won’t lose either,” with strange enthusiasm.

Edin, who had promised to stay silent for Yuder’s sake, stood quietly by Kishiar’s side, watching him with an unreadable expression. But soon, he stepped forward and gave Yuder a strong hug, patting him on the back.

“It was really good to meet you here, Yuder.”

Yuder glanced back at everyone waving him off, lifting the corner of his lips in a smile. None of them knew it—but that smile had taken a very, very long time to finally appear.

“...Thanks to all of you, I rested well here in Peleta. I’ll see you again. Thank you.”

Those seeing his smile for the first time went blank, stunned. But before any of them could react, Kishiar—who had been standing a short distance away—stepped forward and held out his hand.

“Well then. Shall we go?”

Yuder took his hand without hesitation.

“Yes.”