Chapter 264

Chapter 264

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Chapter 264

"Surely... you can't mean me?"

"..."

In response to his question, Kishiar’s lips curved in what was, thus far, the most complex expression of emotion.

Yuder fell silent, at a loss for words. This made no sense. He wanted to believe he had misunderstood, but Kishiar’s gaze left no room for error, it clearly indicated that he had chosen Yuder.

"Is this because of the peculiarity of my abilities?"

The voice that emerged after a considerable pause was the most rigid and coarse it had ever been.

"I recall clearly that I assured you my abilities would not hinder the mission."

"Indeed, you did."

"Then why me... No, I beg you to reconsider. My presence here would be far less helpful than by the side of the Commander and the others. I request that you consider which would truly be best."

Kishiar didn't know how badly this mission could turn if handled improperly. In his previous life, numerous members, including Gakane, perished during a subjugation mission. If the monster's abnormality exceeded their capacity to handle, Kishiar might experience another crisis. Adding to that, there was a chance that Prince Ejain may not return to his homeland alive.

Without him, how could all these possibilities be mitigated? Merely imagining all the bad things that could happen without him there, Yuder's heart tightened and his pulse quickened tremendously.

"No matter how many times I think about it, my conclusion doesn't change. This is the best course of action, as I see it."

Yet Kishiar's voice remained infuriatingly calm.

"But I don't know much about magic."

"Knowing or not won't make much of a difference."

"Wouldn't it be better if you and Kanna stayed together instead? The mages will never let their guard down around me."

"Even after you just spectacularly broke down Micalin Punt's guard, you're saying this?"

Yuder knew that he could never outtalk Kishiar, but never before had this fact been so frustrating. Grinding his teeth, he mumbled at Kishiar.

"I can't sit by idly while something might happen to the Commander or my comrades in my absence. I am not that submissive."

At that, Kishiar let out a short laugh. Without seeing his eyes, it was hard to gauge his emotions, but the laugh was oddly sweet, ill-suited to the situation.

"What if I wanted you to do exactly that?"

"..."

It was an unbelievable request, but incredibly, Yuder's protest lost its force before that smile. He attempted to speak a few times, but his mouth was immobile as if it had been struck in a vital spot. To suppress his churning emotions, Yuder bit his lip and lowered his gaze.

And as if he had been waiting for that moment, Kishiar's lips moved slightly.

"The one who can become the sign of the greatest faith to the mages, the one who is confident to protect the many here and priest Lusan alone, and the one who can perceive something extraordinary amidst the events here. There is only one person who can do that. Yuder Aile."

"However, contrary to your advice, what I learned was not from observing others. The true key, as always, lies beside the door."

Puzzled by the cryptic statement, he lapsed into silence, but Ejain did not immediately offer any explanation.

"It's a pity. I wanted to watch you a bit longer."

"Thank you for your kind regard."

"It's not flattery. You've given me something even the best teachers could not."

It seemed like a suggestion to learn how to keep good talent by observing Kishiar, but somehow the young prince's conclusion seemed to return and settle again on an interest in Yuder.

"Please save those words for when you have truly obtained what you desire after your departure, and share them with those who follow you."

"I wonder if that day will come. Do you think it's really possible?"

The jocular, yet humorless question pierced his ears. Yuder imagined Ejain's expression, hidden under the hat. Likely he was wearing the bitter expression he had seen by the well on that rainy night.

'But something has definitely changed since then.'

The Ejain of that day seemed wrapped in self-loathing, without the inclination to observe his surroundings. But now, he seemed to have regained a leisurely state, longing purely for something other than power.

"Do you remember what I said to you before?"

"..."

"With the Cavalry, you will surely be able to return safely to where you wish. And then, one day, the opportunity you desire will certainly come. Please do not forget the words I've given you then."

"The opportunity I desire."

Ejain muttered quietly.

"A few days ago, I would've thought that opportunity would be absolute power or strength... Strangely enough, now, I don't feel so good about thinking that way."

Maybe that's what he was trying to tell him. He still didn't fully understand it, though.

The prince murmured such and looked up at the sky.

"If it's alright, I'd like to consider you a close friend. Would you permit me?"

That was the most unexpected question he had heard since meeting Ejain in this lifetime.

In his previous life, he had wished to return something to the one who had given him a final opportunity in any way he could, but he had not expected to hear these words.

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