Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

"If it's difficult to tell us apart because we look so alike, just call us Eldore."

"I can tell you apart, it's okay."

"Really? How?"

"Even our parents occasionally struggle to tell us apart."

How to tell them apart? It came down to the subtle difference in inherent energy between them.

The explanation seemed unlikely to be understood, so Yuder fell into brief contemplation. Thankfully, at that moment, the door adorned with a golden lion head opened, revealing the figure of Kishiar's adjutant, Nathan Zuckerman.

"Has everyone arrived?"

"..."

"I am Nathan Zuckerman, the adjutant to the commander. I will brief you on the mission before the commander arrives. Please save your questions until after I have finished."

Faced with Nathan Zuckerman's exotic appearance and icy demeanor, everyone found it difficult to speak up, even the blunt Eldore siblings.

Nathan, seemingly accustomed to such gazes, continued unperturbed.

"This mission is a direct command from His Majesty the Emperor and is thus of utmost importance. It may seem like a simple task of retrieving the Red Stone and returning to the capital, but we are not fully aware of the power concealed within the stone. We must prepare meticulously in case of any unforeseen circumstances. There is a low possibility, but there may be interference from a third party eyeing the Red Stone. Therefore, five knights from the House of Pelleta, renowned for handling such missions, will accompany you and the commander. If you come across any issues beyond your capabilities, you are expected to cooperate with these knights."

"Are you coming with us, adjutant?"

As Hinn raised his hand to ask, Nathan shook his head.

"No. I will be handling the commander's tasks here."

"How long will this mission take?"

"The commander anticipates it will take about a week."

A week? Yuder's face hardened at the surprisingly short schedule.

'He must be excluding the time it will take to travel.'

Yuder remembered that it had taken almost a fortnight just to get to the capital to take the entrance test for the Cavalry, living near where the Red Stone fell.

Of course, he was young back then and did not know the way well, which could have slowed him down. But even so, he wondered if it was possible to complete the mission and return within a week.

'How long did it take Kishiar to finish everything last time? It seemed to take longer than a week. Am I underestimating the Red Stone retrieval mission? Or is that the only time the Emperor gave?'

Yuder did not know how the current Emperor, who preceded the one he had served with, conducted his affairs. However, the Emperor Yuder had worked for always expected tasks to be completed within the specified time frame.

If the current Emperor shared this trait, it might explain why they were moving so quickly.

"Your Grace, these are the Misty Wind Horse you requested we prepare."

Four mages, wearing robes with pearl buttons – a sign of their affiliation with the Pearl Tower – stood at the entrance, which was intentionally left clear. They held the reins of several Misty Wind Horses. The sight was truly magnificent.

"Wow..."

Most people would never see a Misty Wind Horse in their lifetime.

These creatures seemed as though they were made visible by sprinkling a handful of silver powder where a whirlwind had coalesced. They were enormous, appearing to be twice the size of an average horse.

In order to restrain these formless creatures, a bridle and a magical stone, both made of special materials, were necessary.

When the Misty Wind Horse, tethered to the red bridles held by the mages, let out a cool neigh and trod the shadowless ground, only the soft sound of the wind spread.

Yuder looked into the creatures' eyes, which resembled the holes of a sieve, and thought to himself how unpleasant their appearance was, even upon second glance.

"It's strangely fascinating. It shines silver. I wonder if it will sparkle like this at night?"

"Yes. But it's not enough to attract the attention of beasts or monsters."

Those creatures would rather avoid the Misty Wind Horse. It was only natural for a being that was not born naturally to be shunned everywhere.

Only humans sought to distort and exploit these creatures.

At Kanna's murmur, Yuder unconsciously replied, blinking when he felt eyes turning towards him moments later.

"How did you know that? Have you seen one before?"

"I've... heard about them. From a passing mage."

"I see."

Fortunately, his companions didn't doubt the truth of his answer. After all, they had all left the places they had lived in for their entire lives only a few months ago, traveled for a long time, and came to the capital.

"Your Grace. It's been a long time."

After a bit more waiting, knights wearing light armor appeared not far away and kneeled in front of Kishiar.

Compared to the dazzling armor of the Imperial Knights, their attire was modest, almost mercenary-like. But the emblem embossed on their shoulder guards was the same flame pattern used by the Duke of Peletta.

These were the knights under the Duchy of Peletta, whom Kishiar had gathered.

"We had a hard time bringing eleven Misty Wind Horses. They tend to fight when grouped together, so when tied up, they must always be separated. Saddles aren't necessary, but to control their speed, a specific sound signal is used."

After confirming that all the personnel to retrieve the Red Stone had gathered, the highest-ranking mage from the Pearl Tower briefly explained how to handle the horses.

"When you need to slow down and stop, blow a long whistle once. When you need to speed up, keep blowing short whistles, and they will gradually speed up. The whistle doesn't have to be loud. These creatures are made to understand the sound of the humans riding them. Also, be careful not to place them near a fire. They are weak to heat. They might melt or disappear."

Those riding the Misty Wind Horse for the first time listened attentively to the instructions. Of course, Yuder already knew this, so he paid more attention to observing the faces of the gathered people.