Chapter 473

Chapter 473

Chapter 473

It was a response without a moment's hesitation.

"Simply saying that I like him is not enough. What I have gained since meeting him is something I could never exchange for anything else."

The choice of words was awkwardly intimate, especially to say in the presence of the person in question. Yuder was unsure how to react and instead just looked down at his plate.

Compliments were familiar to him. He had lived his life with unparalleled abilities, so it was only natural. Even those who disliked Yuder had to grind their teeth while acknowledging his skills. And the praises he received after each successful mission had become so frequent that they hardly moved him anymore. Even Emperor Katchian had consistently praised Yuder's abilities as the Empire's most valuable jewel in the presence of foreign envoys.

But the words that flowed from Kishiar's mouth felt entirely different, even if they were also compliments. Perhaps it felt this way because he had never heard Kishiar of his past life say anything like this about him to anyone else.

Was there always such a difference between praise heard directly and praise conveyed through others?

Yuder kept moving his knife and fork, enveloped in a peculiar sensation. It felt necessary for staying composed.

"Really? You're saying things you've never said even when you've succeeded in bringing out the talents of your adjutant. While the abilities of Sir Yuder are impressive, of course..."

"I'm not saying this just because of his abilities."

"Oh? Then what else have you gained?"

Kishiar responded without hesitation.

"I've gained confidence in what I'm doing, a reason to live more vividly, and an ambition that awakens my forgotten drive for challenges. And..."

Kishiar paused, smiled, and then finished.

"I've gained everything necessary to achieve those things, through what only he can do."

Just as Yuder was about to make the final cut of his dish, the tip of his knife nearly slipped.

Was Kishiar planning to disclose their relationship to the Emperor right here?

The Emperor slowly set down his teacup, which he had been holding to his lips. His gaze shifted from the swaying tea to look at the two men beyond his glasses.

"Everything, you say."

The Emperor's voice was low, and his expression seemed oddly mysterious for a moment. But then he turned his head, as if it had been a mere illusion. Nêww chapters will be fully updated at (n)ov(e)l/bin(.)com

"Fine. It seems that Sir Yuder has finished his meal. Bring the dessert and let everyone else leave. I would like to speak more comfortably with Duke Peletta and Sir Yuder."

"Yes."

At the Emperor's command for dessert and for the attendants to leave, everyone moved swiftly. Soon, all that remained were two plates of dessert, a new cup of tea for the Emperor, and only one attendant.

Once out of public view, the Emperor called Kishiar with a clearer voice than before.

"Kishiar."

"Yes."

"You didn't bring Sir Yuder here today just for a casual meeting, did you? Am I correct?"

"You are."

"Then please, state your purpose. If you keep praising him, rumors that are already spreading in the West could become awkward misunderstandings that are taken as fact. Are you aware that you're not the only one involved in these rumors?"

At the words "awkward misunderstanding," Yuder's fingertips twitched for a moment.

"Fine. Since that is what you think, Sir Aile, I have already promised to give all authority over matters concerning the Awakeners to Duke Peletta, so I have no room to say otherwise. However..."

"..."

The Emperor's gaze lingered unusually long on Kishiar after breaking off his sentence.

"Kishiar."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Is that rumor from the west... No, never mind. Let's leave that subject."

"Yes."

"Now, speak of your true purpose."

The chief attendant quietly poured more warm tea into the teacup, sensing the weariness in Emperor Keilusa's voice. The atmosphere suggested that no more shocking revelations were expected.

Then, with a single sentence, Kishiar froze the deep fatigue of the Emperor in place.

"I believe Your Majesty has some idea through what I've already said, but I've come here so that you might gain what I have gained from Yuder."

"Certainty, zeal, challenge—are these what you're referring to?"

Upon hearing Emperor Keilusa's muttered confirmation, Kishiar nodded his head.

"Yes. No one knows better than Your Majesty what is needed now."

All that was needed to do something was one thing.

A healthy body that could move at will, and a sound vessel to hold it.

As if Yuder understood the unspoken words, the Emperor and the chief attendant also seemed to grasp his meaning. The chief attendant looked at him, casting off his prior composure, and Emperor Keilusa's face solidified into an inscrutable expression.

"I'm not sure if I've understood you correctly. Didn't you say Sir Aile is not specialized in such matters? How then? Moreover, does Sir Aile know about this?"

"Of course he knows, Your Majesty. I've spoken directly as I deemed it permissible."

"..."

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