Turning Chapter 1143

Chapter 1143

"There are a total of 3 injured from this incident. All were knights dispatched to Jilbang, and among them, the leader Brugg was hurt the most while protecting others. They are currently recovering after receiving treatment, and the opinion is that there shouldn't be any aftereffects thanks to prompt care."

"That's fortunate."

"A total of 17 monsters appeared, and after dealing with all of them, we've completed dismantling and sample collection. Among the by-products, teeth and claws were most abundant, and according to those processing them, they're as hard as standard magical tool material grade 5, so they should be quite valuable materials."

"That's good news too."

Yuder listened to the continuing reports from the vassals while standing behind Kishiar, who had finally returned. The vassals seemed very moved to see their lord after a long time, though they were maintaining their composure outwardly while continuing their reports.

'But... somehow it feels like there are more gazes directed at me than before.'

It was too difficult to ignore as just his imagination, with gazes felt from here and there. From the knights guarding the conference room to the passing servants, and even low-ranking vassals whose names he had heard but never personally conversed with, everyone would peek at Yuder's face and then turn their heads away awkwardly with reddened faces when their eyes met.

'...Is it because of this battle?'

Yuder glanced at Nathan Zuckerman standing beside him with his hands lightly clasped behind his back. Gazes were directed at him too, of course, but fewer than those showered on Yuder.

"Is there something making you uncomfortable?"

At that moment, Nathan Zuckerman whispered softly while keeping his gaze forward.

"Not uncomfortable, but I was thinking that there seem to be quite a lot of gazes directed at me."

"It's because everyone is curious due to the rumors about this battle. For me, since we've known each other from before, they can come directly and ask comfortably if they're curious about anything, but they couldn't dare do that with a guest."

In other words, the reason fewer gazes were directed at Nathan Zuckerman was simply because people had already asked him everything they wanted to ask.

Yuder remained silent for a moment before asking.

"I only shot a few arrows from atop the tower this time, what could there be to be curious about?"

At that, Nathan Zuckerman's gaze turned to Yuder for the first time. He was smiling very faintly, but too clearly to be an illusion.

"Just a few arrows from atop the tower... That's why they're more curious."

"..."

"When you achieved perfect victory with just that much, how curious would they be since hardly anyone saw it directly? Just hearing the rumors spreading outside the castle now, Sir Aile is almost on par with Archmage Luma."

"...What?"

"Setting aside the title of hero of the West and South, the argument that you should be called the Guardian of Peletta, the Divine Archer who shoots the sun's enemies, is gaining strength. Rumors are spreading credibly that you shot an old bow once and instantly made dozens of dragon-like monsters perish, and bestowed invincible power upon me. How curious must they have been for the surrounding lords to all send people to verify if it's true?"

He was too dumbfounded to speak.

He had seen all sorts of exaggerated rumors spread in the South before, but this time seemed to go even further. Yuder furrowed his brow and sighed.

"...I'll be leaving soon anyway, but if the Northern Branch members are experiencing similarly exaggerated rumors, we should correct them for the sake of their future activities."

"Well. I'm not sure if they would want that."

What was this now? Meeting Yuder's suspicious gaze, the knight calmly explained with a face no different from when he usually reported to his lord.

"They are the ones who first and most actively spread the title of Divine Archer who shoots the sun's enemies. I hear the Cavalry's Northern Branch has even hung up a bow and arrows at their entrance since this morning. Probably as a symbol commemorating that day's battle."

"..."

It was true that he had suggested a new attack method hoping that even after he and Kishiar left, the Northern Branch members would have their own weapon to keep Peletta safe. The North was also a harsher place compared to other regions.

But he hadn't expected it to come back with results like this.

While he was unable to continue speaking due to bewilderment, all the reports finished. Kishiar looked around at the vassals' faces while leisurely leaning back in his chair.

"Everyone has worked hard in the meantime. Although my absence was brief, it must not have been an easy time. It wasn't easy for me either, of course. I'm boundlessly happy to meet everyone again like this, unchanged after enduring all that."

"..."

"However, I won't make the pleasant assurance that there won't be hardships ahead."

Instead of the usual encouragement that might naturally follow, the opposite content flowed from Kishiar's mouth. While people blinked in surprise, Kishiar continued speaking with a smiling face.

"Unexpected things like this time can occur again at any time. Perhaps we might have to walk a difficult path for longer, for more serious reasons than this time. Because obstacles that follow the path I want to take, unpredictable dangers that try to block our way, will continue to find us."

It was a voice tinged with calm conviction.

"At those times, I hope you'll remember just one thing."

Kishiar met the eyes of each vassal looking at him.

"-What Peletta is that we have cultivated."

"..."

"That's all I wanted to say. You may disperse."

The vassals bowed and withdrew, each with thoughtful expressions. Yuder silently stared at the back of the man sitting in front of him.

He makes people feel what faith is without necessarily using the word faith. The back view of one who gathered numerous pieces and pushed their backs to allow them to advance freely reminded one of a large tree standing alone atop a mountain.

A massive tree that endured piercing pain and added another layer of annual rings after passing through winter.

He suddenly wanted to embrace that tree that didn't avoid the rain and wind beating against it while providing shade for the numerous flowers and grass beneath its branches.

The moment he thought that, Kishiar suddenly turned his head.

"You two were having such interesting conversations behind me while listening to the reports. Do you know how hard it was to resist joining in?"

Before there was time to respond to the fresh and playful smile, Nathan Zuckerman spoke first to answer.

"Since telling Sir Aile is the same as reporting to you, Duke, it was saving time."

"You're saying it wasn't done knowing I would feel regretful, but just a time-saving report? Your way with words has improved a lot, Nathan. Then while you're at it, why didn't you mention the fact that 'Sword Emperor of the North Wind' has been added to your title?"

Sword Emperor of the North Wind.

Isn't this an even more exaggerated title than Divine Archer who shoots the sun's enemies? When Yuder quickly turned his head, Nathan Zuckerman maintained his standing posture without meeting his gaze, looking into the distance. It seemed clear that he had deliberately not mentioned that title.

"It's a wonderful title that suits Nathan well. Don't you think so?"

Kishiar winked one eye at Yuder. Yuder immediately nodded in agreement.

"Yes. It suits Sir Zuckerman very well."

"Yuder thinks so too."

"...Yes. I'll take my leave now."

"Hahaha."

Kishiar laughed loudly. It was inexplicable why that appearance like a playful boy was so pleasant to see. Nathan Zuckerman, who let out a big sigh, saluted and opened his mouth.

"His Majesty the Emperor's additional confinement order takes effect from the day after tomorrow. I've prepared everything so you can see all the important parts by tomorrow, so please let me know if you have any additional orders."

"It's already that time. I understand. Let's do that."

Yuder counted the dates internally. Although the month-long vacation that had seemed long was already over, it was hard to believe, but it was true.

'But to do nothing for 2 more weeks from here...'

What thoughts did Emperor Keilusa have? While briefly lost in thought, Yuder discovered a little late that Nathan Zuckerman had not yet left.

The loyal knight quietly gazed at his lord and his precious guest, then bowed his head and spoke.

"Though it may be presumptuous, in fact, many people including myself think that His Majesty the Emperor's order was exactly what was needed right now."

"...Hmm?"

"Everyone knows that you've hardly had any proper rest since receiving your vacation. So how about truly resting comfortably according to the original plan this time?"