Chapter 456

Chapter 456

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Chapter 456

The members eagerly placed bets as they watched two identically appearing individuals compete against each other for the first time since joining the ranks. The buoyant atmosphere persisted even after Kishiar made his appearance.

"It's good to see everyone in good health."

"We're delighted to see you as well, Commander. Your eyesight seems to have improved remarkably."

A member of the Cavalry, known for his cheeky demeanor, raised his voice and saluted Kishiar. The others joined in, cheering and offering their own salutations. It was hard to believe that these were the same people who had been terrified at the sight of Kishiar during their induction ceremony.

They could do these things because they knew Kishiar was the kind of man who would take such jokes with a smile.

And then Kishiar, just as everyone had hoped, boosted the troops' morale with a smile more radiant than ever.

"Thank you, Joyce. However, it's too early to celebrate. A wonderful vacation and delicious meals await us when we return. Let's all give it a little more effort until the very end."

"Really? Thank you!"

Amid a sky-high round of applause and laughter, Yuder quietly observed Kishiar's face.

No one there could even suspect that Kishiar would soon be meeting a dying Emperor upon his return. Who could imagine what lay behind that smooth smile?

He was so adept at concealing all his emotions and smiling. For his Cavalry, which was rejoicing, and for his one and only brother, he would keep his feelings in check for as long as needed.

That was the kind of man Kishiar was.

There was a time when Yuder thought he knew nothing about him, and also a time when he felt that he knew him better than anyone else.

But now, in a different sense, Yuder felt as though he had come to understand something he didn't know about Kishiar.

A complex and somewhat bitter emotion filled him, making it hard to say he was pleased. Yuder lowered his eyes.

...

"Your Majesty, Duke Peletta has sent word. He plans to arrive in the capital as scheduled."

The Emperor, lying down, rose at the steward's low and formal voice. A rare expression of sincerity appeared over his pallid face.

"Good... He has arrived promptly. Is everything prepared for my departure?"

"Yes."

"And the Empress?"

"She has already arrived just outside the Sun Palace."

"I can't keep her waiting too long."

The Emperor nodded and stood up on his own. Although his movements lacked strength, he did not wobble, thanks to his slow pace.

The elderly steward silently assisted the Emperor with his clothing and preparations. It was far different from the light and simple attire the Emperor usually wore. Today, the Emperor was dressed in full formal robes, befitting the ruler of the Empire.

He wrapped a piece of blue cloth from his shoulder to his waist and threaded a cord of twisted gold through his cloak. Age-old jewels inherited through a millennium adorned him from head to toe. Finally, he put on white gloves embroidered with luminescent threads and donned the golden crown, the symbol of the Orr Empire.

The Emperor, now fully prepared, chuckled softly as he looked at his ample robe.

"I've lost so much weight... The robe is still too large. Or have I lost even more weight in the meantime?"

The steward bowed his head deeply in a gesture of regret.

"It's not your fault. Don't bow your head like that."

Standing before a mirror that reflected his entire figure, the Emperor felt as if he were crushed under the weight of his clothes. No amount of makeup could conceal his pallid complexion or cracked lips; his emaciated frame was beyond help. In fact, the golden crown and long cloak were only making him feel more suffocated and burdened.

"I'm so scared right now that I want to go to the bathroom!"

Yuder faintly heard the mutterings of the Cavalry members, their voices a blend of bewilderment and fear, over the deafening cheers and internally agreed with them.

'I really have no idea what's going on.'

Until they arrived in the capital, nothing out of the ordinary had happened. No anomalies or significant changes were felt. The issue arose when they dismounted at the gate that screened entrants outside the South Gate of the capital. Yuder assumed they would be let right in as soon as their identity as Cavalry was known, but for some reason, approval took an unusually long time. Even more baffling were the massive crowds and tremendous cheers that began to rise as they approached the South Gate, not to mention the petals scattered all the way out beyond the gate.

If there were a welcome ceremony, Kishiar would have informed them in advance. However, Kishiar had not said anything about this situation. When Yuder's questioning eyes met his, Kishiar made a face as if he, too, was not completely without suspicions, and suggested that they simply go in and see.

And so, they found themselves in this situation.

The endless cheers had dulled their ears. Flowers showered over their carriage, almost covering the entire road.

'... Is this really a cheer for us?'

Yuder watched the spectacle and felt it was incredibly awkward and distant. If he had experienced something similar in his past life, perhaps he would understand, but even then, the Cavalry had never received such a reception for accomplishing any mission.

Even though they were treated with no shortage of respect, most of them were commoners who lived in the Emperor's shadow. They were not people who needed such an extravagant welcoming ceremony.

But what was this?

"... I think I'm getting the hang of it now."

It was then that Kishiar spoke. He was looking through the window of the carriage at something far off, smiling.

"It appears His Majesty wanted to give us a surprise gift, even keeping it a secret from me."

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