Yuder, caught off guard, ended up giving an impromptu lecture at the Empress's request titled “Yuder Aile-style Airik Winter Tea Making.”

“...The ingredients vary depending on the season. You mix and dry five or six types of herbs and berries gathered in autumn, then grind them into a powder...”

“Mmm, I see.”

“The important thing is that Abka must be included. That herb is what allows the ingredients to blend properly, gives it a consistent flavor, and activates the effect of generating heat in the body.”

The Empress, who had been nodding and jotting down notes in between, murmured with sparkling eyes.

“I’ve heard of Abka before, but this is the first time I’ve seen it used like this. Do you think it could be grown in the palace greenhouse?”

“Back where I lived, it grew easily without any special care. I don’t think it would be too difficult to obtain even without growing it in a greenhouse.”

“I see.”

After an extremely satisfying tea time for both the Emperor and Empress, the meal officially came to an end.

“I’d love to hear more, but I should get up for tomorrow’s sake.”

“Yes. We have plenty of time now, so please call on us whenever you wish.”

At Kishiar’s farewell, the Emperor smiled more comfortably than he had all day.

“...Yes. You’re right. We have plenty of time now.”

As the brothers exchanged a silent smile full of emotion, the Empress held Yuder’s hand and expressed her regret.

“But everyone is so busy, and it will likely remain that way for some time. I fear it’ll be difficult to hold gatherings like this again until this matter is settled. I’d really love to have tea and tend the greenhouse garden with you from time to time... but I suppose that would be difficult, wouldn’t it?”

Had someone else said that, Yuder might have taken it as a polite gesture. But the sincerity on the Empress’s face was unmistakable. Her words were cautiously phrased—“if possible”—but her eyes were full of sorrow and earnest longing. It made it hard to give the usual vague, noncommittal answer.

‘...It almost feels like I’m being pressured to say yes.’

From what he had seen so far, the Empress was far braver than her public image suggested. But that courage usually appeared only when she was defending her husband or family. Normally, she was quiet and introverted, the complete opposite of the bold, sharp-tongued noblewomen in high society.

For someone like that to show such overt goodwill toward Yuder... it must be °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° because she felt indebted to him for saving the Emperor.

‘It’s a gracious favor, and I’m thankful, but... to be honest, I’m a bit concerned.’

So far, all of Yuder’s interactions with the Empress had been with Kishiar present. That meant he had never needed to talk much in her presence. But if they ever met alone, that would change.

Yuder knew himself well.

His true nature was far too rough to blend in among elegant royals. Even in his past life, when forced into social conversations, he had made more than one noblewoman cry and run off after an offhand comment.

Of course, he had never particularly cared about that. But if the Empress—who had come to think of him so highly—were to be startled or hurt in the same way, it would be far more troubling.

Because the Empress was truly a good person, and she was Kishiar’s precious family.

The fact that he didn’t want to hurt her made it harder to respond to her kindness. It was a kind of awkwardness he’d never felt before.

As he hesitated over how to respond, his eyes met those of Emperor Keillusa. Behind the Emperor’s glasses, his wise eyes blinked knowingly, as if he had already read everything Yuder was thinking. That gave Yuder some relief.

‘Right. He’s someone who treasures his wife. I’m sure he’ll tactfully filter out this sort of suggestion, which could cause rumors.’

But Yuder’s expectation was quickly shattered.

“Empress. I’m deeply disappointed.”

“What do you mean?”

“I too wish to spend personal time with the Baron. I heard from Kishiar that he's quite skilled at tactical games—I wanted to see that talent myself. And I was hoping to spar with him as well. I considered letting it go this time due to our busy schedules, but to think you'd make the first move without notice... this is hardly fair.”

“......”

What did he just say?

As Yuder questioned his ears, the Empress shook her head with a calm expression.

“If you wanted something, you should have spoken up sooner. I made the offer first, so I get the first response.”

“Are you truly going to act like this?”

“Yes.”

Where did the affectionate, harmonious couple go?

It felt half like a joke, but still, it was a situation Yuder had never seen before and couldn’t quite adjust to.

While Yuder stood bewildered, Kishiar burst out laughing and stepped in.

“Both of you, please stop. As heartwarming and familiar as this is to me, it’s alarming poor Yuder.”

“The Baron doesn’t look alarmed to me at all.”

“That’s only because you lack affection and insight. I can see it clearly.”

Before anyone could protest, Kishiar boldly continued speaking right in front of Yuder.

“Anyway, I’ve thought of a great solution, so there’s no need for either of you to quarrel.”

“What is it?”

“What is it?”

“Until now, Yuder has had to conduct His Majesty’s Awakener lessons via letter due to the distance. But now he can do it in person again. Since His Majesty won’t likely have time to visit the Cavalry like before, we should move the lessons to the palace.”

“To the palace?”

“In the past, we had to worry about outside eyes and security, but now there’s no need for that, is there?”

Kishiar winked.

“Who would dare spy inside the Sun Palace now, under His Majesty’s rule? Unless, of course, His Majesty wishes it.”

He was right. Before, with the eyes of the aristocratic faction everywhere, visiting the palace to give lessons had been nearly impossible. But with the abilities the Emperor had demonstrated today, that no longer seemed like a problem.

Emperor Keillusa stroked his chin.

“You’re giving my abilities too much credit. Still... yes. I believe I can handle that now.”

“And when the lessons are held, Her Majesty the Empress should attend as well.”

“...Me?”

Kishiar smiled brightly at the surprised Empress.

“Until now, Yuder’s lessons likely focused on helping His Majesty use his power directly and consistently. Emphasizing stamina training, and learning to understand and endure his own power.”

Kishiar had shown neither much interest nor involvement in the Emperor’s training up to this point. That was because he had worried that his interference might negatively affect the process.

Yet now he spoke with such precision, it was eerie—almost as if he’d been watching the training the whole time.

“So you’re the one who’s gained new eyes and ears, not me.”

“You flatter me. Yuder focused on immediate needs—His Majesty’s condition made that necessary. But in the Cavalry, our usual training also includes learning to understand oneself and how to interact with other Awakeners. I assume Yuder intended to introduce those aspects next. Am I wrong?”

That final question was directed at Yuder.

‘I... was thinking about that. Back in the Room of Truth.’

He hadn’t said it aloud, but after witnessing the Emperor’s growth, he had been quietly planning to move to the next stage. The fact that Kishiar had sensed that made Yuder speechless.

Yuder nodded silently.

“Yes. That was my intention.”

“There you have it. Physical and power-based training might be too dangerous for Her Majesty to observe directly, but these newer lessons—like understanding others—would be perfect for you to attend. What do you think?”

The Empress clasped her hands, overwhelmed with joy.

“What a wonderful suggestion, Duke! That is exactly what I hoped for.”