Chapter 291

Chapter 291

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Chapter 291

With a resounding click, Yuder's foggy mind suddenly awakened.

"Falling asleep while playing a game, it must have been incredibly boring."

Yuder stared blankly at Kishiar, who was watching him through narrowed eyes. The sound that had just echoed in his ears was the noise of the man in front of him placing a game piece on the board. He frowned, his gaze scanning the scattered pieces on the black board. At a glance, it was clear his position was hopelessly cornered. The thought of simply surrendering the game and going to sleep was becoming increasingly attractive.

"Is it not natural for me to lose focus? Wasn't it the Commander who suddenly appeared through my bedroom window at dawn and pulled out a game board?"

"The Commander, you say."

"Ah, yes. You're the Duke now, aren't you?"

Kishiar chuckled softly at Yuder's retort, laced subtly with annoyance.

"It seems the title doesn't stick no matter how many times I say it."

"Well, I can't help it. I'm a commoner with no need for formal titles."

Despite Yuder's cold sarcasm, Kishiar did not show anger. In that regard, he was a remarkably generous man.

"Are you tired?"

"Is that even a question?"

Yuder had just returned to the Commander's quarters in the Cavalry after spending a few days at the imperial palace, summoned by Emperor Katchian. He was hardly pleased to encounter an uninvited guest at a time when he had just managed to relax after constant tension.

"I see... you must have had a tough day."

"It's not just today, it's always difficult. If you're going to visit the Cavalry, can't you give some notice instead of constantly sneaking in?"

"You know better than anyone that I can't do that, Yuder."

Kishiar had never set foot in the capital since he left his position as the Commander of the Cavalry and returned to Peletta. Of course, that was only official. Despite the eyes and ears the Katchian Emperor had placed around the Peletta region, Kishiar managed to evade them and intrude into Yuder's bedroom at will. It was a shocking fact that those who reported on the Duke of Peletta as if the world would end even when he simply went to the restroom would drop dead if they knew.

If the people found out that Kishiar La Orr was here alone, the whole capital would be turned upside down. Especially if they knew he was calmly playing a strategy game within the Cavalry.

Since Kishiar only played games, muttered nonsense, and then slept before leaving, Yuder had not reported his unusual behavior until now. But ever since he heard the recent news, he had started to question whether he could continue to tolerate this situation.

The Duke of Peletta was gathering personal Knights and soldiers in Peletta to prepare for a rebellion.

He didn't know whether it was true or not, but the fact that such rumors were circulating was already a dangerous matter. The young emperor, who was receiving praise for his unprecedented attention to his people, showed no mercy when it came to acts of betrayal. The reason why the Cavalry established by Kishiar La Orr, whom he had been cautious of, had been able to hold on until now was because the Katchian Emperor had considered them, and Yuder, useful pawns. But if the Katchian Emperor heard this news...

Yuder observed Kishiar, who was engrossed in thought, gazing at the tactical game board without uttering a word. He wondered if the rumors about Kishiar were true, and even if he inquired, would Kishiar even deign to respond? Kishiar was someone who hadn't shared his plans with Yuder, not even when he was about to relinquish his position as Commander. Yuder wasn't sure whether Kishiar saw any more value in the Cavalry than a discarded childhood toy. With a heavy heart, Yuder sighed deeply. Whether Kishiar knew what was happening around him or not, he remained his usual inscrutable self.

Yuder found himself yearning for the days when he only had to train and follow orders. Assuming the Commander's role had brought more hassle than satisfaction. The burden he was forced to bear, thanks to the man right in front of him, made his situation even more uncomfortable.

"I thought you were finally awake, but now it seems you're just lost in pointless thoughts."

As if reading Yuder's thoughts, Kishiar murmured. His face, illuminated by the glow of the magic stone stove - the only light in the darkness, flickered in a variety of colors. His sharp jawline, more defined due to weight loss, and the shadows beneath his lifeless eyes might have seemed unattractive, but the man still managed to draw inattention, leaving one breathless.

What exactly was that sensation, that emotion?

A poignant pain that felt like it belonged to him, yet didn't.

As he touched his chest in a daze, as if tracing that pain, a soft voice came from beside him.

"Are you awake?"

Yuder stopped moving. He slowly turned his head toward the direction of the sound, but all he could see was darkness.

"...Commander."

"You seemed to be having a nightmare. Your breathing changed several times."

Kishiar's voice was as calm as that of a person who was not angry. Yet, that peculiar calmness had a power to it that made it chilling for the listener.

"What did you dream of?"

"...I don’t know."

Honestly speaking, it was closer to a lustful dream than a nightmare, so Yuder lied. Kishiar did not ask any further.

The surroundings were very quiet. Even when he strained his ears, he couldn’t sense anything. The presence of Kanna and Lusan, who were next to him before he fell asleep, and the noisy sounds from outside seemed as if they had never been there, it was just so silent.

Was it because of the silence, or was it because he dreamt of the past?

Yuder became acutely aware of his hypersensitivity to the man's presence beside him. It was different from when others were around. Even in the darkness, he could feel his presence as sharply as if it were piercing his skin. In order to escape from this unfamiliar sensation, he forced himself to speak.

"How long have I been asleep?"

"About a day."

Kishiar responded curtly.

"It seems like it's night, Commander. Aren’t you going to sleep?"

"...Are you worrying about me now?"

A dry counter-question came back. His voice carried no trace of amusement.

"I apologize."

Yuder promptly apologized.

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