After the courtroom emptied like the ebbing tide, Kishiar gathered the Cavalry members who had maintained security during the trial.

“You’ve all done well. Was there any trouble during the proceedings?”

The members who had watched over the corridors outside the courtroom and on other floors shook their heads. Those guarding the outer areas, where the public had gathered, also reported no major incidents. Still, there hadn’t been zero issues.

“There were a few close calls—some lunatics spouted blasphemy against His Majesty the Emperor and nearly started group fights. But we shut it down before anyone drew blood.”

“People tend to behave when a handsome guy like Gakein shows up.”

Someone from the group shouted playfully. Gakein, who stood a little distance away, shook his head with an embarrassed look.

“Not at all. Most people cooperated as soon as they saw our Cavalry uniforms. I didn’t do much. Many were shouting how much they respect Yuder and the Commander. Some even helped stop those trying to stir up trouble.”

Modesty aside, it was clear that Gakein’s gentle tone and striking appearance had helped to calm the crowd.

Kishiar laughed heartily and praised everyone’s hard work. Then he told everyone except the vice commanders they could leave early. At that, the members lit up with joy. As the group dispersed in good spirits, Yuder approached Gakein and spoke quietly.

“Gakein.”

“Mm?”

“According to the Commander, Sir Zuckerman is arriving tomorrow.”

“Huh? Ah...!”

Gakein’s eyes lit up as he opened his mouth in delight.

“He’ll probably get here early in the morning. If you plan to greet him like you said before, be sure to time it right.”

“Got it! Thanks for letting me know!”

According to Gakein, there were quite a few in the Cavalry who had developed deep admiration for Nathan Zuckerman, the Swordmaster known for wielding a blade as his primary weapon. He’d even been considering organizing a small group to greet him, and Yuder, pleased by the thought, told him it was a good idea.

“Now that we’re alone, let’s get to the truly important report.”

With the rest of the Cavalry gone, only the three vice commanders and Yuder remained in front of Kishiar.

In fact, during the trial, the vice commanders hadn’t simply stood behind Kishiar.

Ever—known for his uncanny ability to detect suspicious individuals—had helped prevent several dangerous incidents during the House Apeto trial. And Steber, in his own way, possessed extraordinary observational insight built on years of experience and social connections from his ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) days running a bakery, enabling him to recognize people from all walks of life throughout the capital.

While scanning the audience, the two had signaled anyone who seemed even slightly suspicious. Then, designated Cavalry members approached those individuals and discreetly clipped a small lock of their hair.

Those samples were passed naturally through patrolling hands and delivered to Kanna.

What information could possibly be gleaned from just a few strands of hair?

Thanks to her remarkable growth after the Southern campaign, Kanna’s ability had reached the point where she could achieve what once seemed impossible.

“Among the hair samples I received, six individuals had entered the courtroom under false pretenses, acting on orders connected to the noble faction. Four of them were linked to Diarka. The others weren’t particularly concerning.”

With a clear and composed expression, completely different from when she’d been eyeing Yuder’s scarf, Kanna began her report.

Upon closer look, there was sweat beading on her forehead from extended use of her power, but it was barely noticeable.

“All four believed to be Diarka agents received the same order: observe today’s trial, remember everything, and report back.”

“That’s all?”

“Yes. That’s what I read.”

“Well done. You should visit the medical unit and rest.”

Kanna still needed to meet with Yuder later to read an important item. Kishiar seemed intent on helping her recover her energy quickly for that purpose.

“Commander, will you not be returning to the Cavalry?”

“The aide and I have a guest to meet here before heading back.”

“Then we’ll wait for you.”

“That’s kind of you, but unnecessary. As long as my aide is with me, there’s nothing to worry about. Still, if you’re willing, I’d appreciate it if you could check in on Marin. She’s likely still in the witness waiting room. Given the threat to her safety, she won’t be returning to the unit just yet, but your presence might help her relax and prepare for what’s ahead.”

“Ah...”

“Understood.”

“Leave it to us.”

At the mention of Marin, the three vice commanders simultaneously saluted with resolute expressions.

Once they had left, Yuder followed Kishiar into the hallway. By now, enough time had passed since the trial ended that no one else was around.

Yuder used the opportunity to quietly release his wind power, creating a barrier around them that prevented anyone from overhearing. Then he spoke.

“The one who sent those people from Diarka... it must’ve been Kironne da Diarka.”

“Most likely.”

“He’s abandoned the Crown Prince, yet still sends four agents.”

He hadn’t done it openly, since Yuder had already said something about it. But even sending one person would have been enough to monitor the trial—sending four was laughable.

‘So it wasn’t just about observing the trial.’

One person can only gather so much information. Most likely, Kironne had split up the task: one to monitor Kishiar’s side, one for the justices, one for the Crown Prince, and one for the general audience.

It was clear—Emperor Selsima didn’t trust Kironne, and Kironne, in turn, had every intention of using the Emperor and stabbing him in the back when the time came.

And on top of that...

“He’s a coward. He probably wanted to prepare for the worst—if everything turned against his plans.”

Kishiar smiled knowingly, as if reading Kironne’s mind.

‘Yes. Sending those people shows Kironne is still afraid of his own father.’

Kironne was arrogant, but timid. Unlike Eishes of House Apeto, who had poisoned his father and erased him from history without a trace, Kironne was different.

He surely knew that the easiest way to secure his goals now would be to let his injured father quietly die and clean things up afterward.

But he hadn't yet solidified control within his House—so he held back.

Even without Duke Diarka’s consciousness, there were still plenty of loyalists who would defend him. Kironne had sent spies to give himself a way out if things went wrong.

“I wonder who he’ll assign as the Crown Prince’s defense in the official trial,” Kishiar mused, sounding genuinely curious.

Hearing him say that brought Kachian’s final expression to Yuder’s mind. And the words the Crown Prince had muttered...

“Come to think of it, did you hear what the Crown Prince said at the end?”

Yuder could make out what Kachian had said—even more so for someone like Kishiar, who could sense distant sounds as if they were right next to him.

Kishiar chuckled softly and nodded.

“Of course I heard. It was such a helpful piece of advice—he told us not to get too drunk on victory.”

“He seems to have no cards left, yet there wasn’t even a hint of surrender.”

“Who knows. Perhaps he does have something left.”

Kishiar replied calmly.

“Do you know something?”

“The Crown Prince has never attended a single imperial law lecture since taking his title. Yesterday, all he could do was threaten vague protests. But today, he confidently declared that he’d file a formal accusation. And yet, there’s no one left at his side to guide him on how to do that.”

Yuder gazed at the man beside him, whose voice now carried a singsong tone.

“So then, who do you think is helping him file it? And for the record, it’s not either of Their Majesties.”

“...Don’t tell me you set something in motion, Commander?”

At Yuder’s question, Kishiar narrowed his crimson eyes, that familiar, enigmatic smile spreading across his face.

Warm, yet laced with an unsettling chill.

“Correct.”