Chapter 339
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Chapter 339
Kishiar, who'd casually mentioned having other business on his side, suddenly tilted his head upon catching sight of Yuder's face.
"Why do you look so pale?"
The moment Kishiar reached out, Yuder felt a shiver run down his spine reflexively. Without even realizing, Yuder retreated, avoiding the outstretched hand. Even though he knew that the hand in front of him wasn't clad in the cold glove from his dream, the memories from that dream resonated from beyond his conscious mind, ringing in his head. All his efforts to calm his mind seemed fruitless. Yuder avoided Kishiar’s gaze and mumbled while staring at the floor.
"I'm sorry. It's nothing."
"It doesn't seem like nothing."
Kishiar, always quick to catch on, clearly wasn't buying the excuse.
"Did you have a bad dream?"
For a moment, Yuder clenched his fist, then slowly released it. Red pupils, which he couldn’t see in the dark depths of his dream, were now looking at him, full of concern or perhaps scrutinizing him. His mouth felt dry, and his palms sweaty.
"Yes."
"It happens. A change of environment can sometimes bring about nightmares."
Kishiar responded gently, as if it were truly no big deal.
"Do you also have nightmares, Commander?"
"I'm human, of course I do."
Even though it was an obvious statement, given the circumstances, it somehow felt very strange. Kishiar, seeing Yuder remain silent, didn't reach out anymore and instead crossed his arms.
"I plan to attend the salon of the western nobles I was invited to today. But if you're feeling unwell or have a headache, you don’t need to join me. You can stay here."
"It's not that bad."
"It's alright. It might actually be easier for everyone to misunderstand that it's better for you to stay here for a day."
Kishiar suggested that if needed, he could call Lusan and Enon over for a check-up. The tender reassurance, something Yuder thought he would never receive from this man, left him at a loss for words. Trying to appear as composed as possible, Yuder spoke.
"I don't even remember what I dreamt about now. I don't think I need to be examined just for that. I’m truly fine."
"Just because something isn't visible doesn’t mean it doesn't exist. My assistant seems to still need to learn more about self-care. So, rest today, as I suggested."
"Is that an order?"
"It's a request."
"..."
"I brought you here so you could rest in a comfortable place. Have you forgotten?"
In the end, Yuder couldn't out-argue Kishiar. He stood by a window that overlooked the outside, watching Kishiar's carriage leave. Thanks to Kishiar’s orders to the servants before his departure, a generous amount of food sufficient for at least three people filled the table. The curious glances of the servants, wondering why Yuder remained alone, felt prickly on his back, but he pretended not to notice and lost himself in thought.
"Why did you come all the way here? I thought you went to investigate the rumors."
"I intended to, but we received letters from the people left in Great Sarain Forest. I came to deliver it before going out. And to check if you're genuinely unwell."
"I'm perfectly fine, so you don't have to worry about that."
“I mean, people are truly strange. Once they hold a prejudice, whether Commander and Yuder are together or apart, they must seem odd. I appreciate their easy acceptance, but the fuss they make over it...”
Yuder accepted a few letters she handed to him. Three in total: one each from Gakane, Kanna, and Jimmy. Although they were all delivered by express courier and thus quite small, the letters inside were densely written.
Gakane wrote that he had encountered several monsters in the Great Sarain Forest, but had quickly dispatched them. By the time Yuder read the letter, Gakane mentioned plans to expand his range and hunt monsters in other areas. Yuder had thought that it would be easier for Gakane to lead the members than deal with the Western Mage Union, but Gakane seemed to find the latter easier than expected.
“The mages say that the current monster activity is at the level that was typical in previous years. It seems the news of the decreased monster disturbances has spread. Now, we're seeing more high-ranking individuals and mercenaries, and the mages say that more of them will come from other regions. But what's surprising is the number of people who approach us directly to express their gratitude. The small trade hubs reportedly established by the Tain family remain quiet, but we must continue to monitor them.”
After updating the situation, Gakane concluded his letter by inquiring about Yuder's health. He showed no signs of curiosity about Tainu's condition or about the circumstances of Baron Willhem.
Next was Kanna's letter. The content was similar, but it included details only she would mention.
“Yuder, having read more detailed reports here, it seems certain that the Tain family was involved in illegal trades, including human trafficking. I’ve reported the specifics to Commander, so you'll hear it from him, but the details are truly horrifying. I also gleaned a small hint on where the Star of Nagran might be, and it might not be far from where you are.”
Kanna's handwriting was a bit clumsier than Gakane’s. She had only properly learned to write after joining the Cavalry. But Yuder felt a warmth in her awkward script. He could almost hear her voice, filled with deeper concern than Gakane's, and it made him smile faintly.
“I assume by now you should have sight in both eyes. I really worry that you’ll just work and not rest properly. I've asked Sister Ever to watch over you, but I won’t be at ease.”
Kanna planned to depart for Tainu after finishing her task of reading the information there. She emphasized that he should be even healthier by the time they met again, and warned him against lying in his reply, or she’d see right through it.
Lastly, the letter from Jimmy, although filled with clumsy grammar and misspellings, brimmed with passion. He recounted several times, with evident excitement, the story of a monster he faced in the Great Sarain Forest and asked to spar with Yuder when they next met. The letter also contained a few words from other comrades, as relayed by Jimmy.
“What does it say?”
Waiting for Yuder to finish reading, Ever's expression was soft, as if she already knew the answer.
“I've learned that you're going to watch over me, at Kanna's request.”
“She promised me a dress she made herself as payment. So, I’m going to take this task very seriously.”
Ever playfully waved her own letter in front of him.
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