Chapter 945

Turning

Chapter 945

"In my age, there's nothing as difficult and enjoyable as watching young jewels blossom."

Without any embarrassment, Hellem openly expressed her interest in Yuder.

"I may not be as old as you, Hellem, but I too find great joy in that. I understand. For someone of my assistant's stature, he would certainly be the finest jewel, the finest flower."

"Really now. I don't recall teaching anyone to be so overprotective. You've completely fallen for him."

"Hahaha. So, is that strange?" Kishiar asked, tilting his head.

"Good heavens. Are you comparing me to those who cry as if the world has turned upside down just because men danced together in the imperial palace? As I've always said, as long as my lord is happy, that's all that matters to me."

"Indeed. Hellem, you're the one who said even if I stood on my head and circled around Peletta Castle, you'd find it amusing. Hearing you say that eases my mind. Thank you."

At Kishiar's jest, Hellem smiled silently.

"Anyway, it was because of you my lord that I started paying attention to that child... But now, the more I observe, the more astonishing I find him. Where could such a capable person have come from... I wonder where he grew up and who taught him."

"Haha."

"I was hoping for a hint, but it seems even I'm not worthy of an answer. Very well, I won't ask further."

As the former head of a great organization like the Imperial Court Mage and a long-time close associate of the Duke of Peletta, Hellem noticed things others didn't. She was intrigued by Yuder's abilities, but she was most astonished by how skillfully and systematically he managed and nurtured the entire Cavalry.

Whether it's management or training, it requires more rich experience than genius talent. Yet, Yuder Aile the Awakener, who didn't even exist in the world until two years ago, adeptly managed the Awakeners, considering their unique characteristics, and even developed and taught training methods specifically for them.

He adeptly hid behind Kishiar and acted as if representing his will, which made it seem like his actions were Kishiar's intentions. However, Hellem soon realized that wasn't the case, having been by Kishiar's side, watching and working together since Kishiar was a child and personally raising the Peletta Knights.

Initially, Hellem even thought Yuder was merely representing Kishiar's will, so similar were their ways of handling matters in some respects. Yet, in other ways, there were many aspects that felt entirely different.

It's as if, in ways Kishiar wouldn't, Yuder handled things in a Kishiar-like manner. If Hellem had seen Yuder elsewhere first, she might have suspected Kishiar had picked him up somewhere and secretly taught him.

For this reason, Hellem was convinced that Yuder was not just a simple peasant from the countryside as known. Many saw his confidence as the presumptuous pride of a suddenly risen commoner, but to Hellem, it was certainly not arrogance. She was genuinely curious about the background of this young man, but it seemed the lord had no intention of revealing it to anyone.

"Anyway, I hope he returns safely, having made a promise with my lord. There's nothing more tragic than capable children not returning."

Hellem, seemingly nonchalant, spoke words that belied a deeper sentiment. Kishiar, perceiving this, momentarily shifted his gaze with understanding.

"Ah... now that I think about it, my calling you to the south must have made you miss your family's memorial day. I am sorry."

"I didn't speak for an apology. You know well that it's about a worthless mother, a worthless mother-in-law, and a worthless grandmother who never even properly visited the grave once."

"Still, I know you always went to the mountain alone around that time every year."

"For monster research, that’s all."

"Yes, that too, but..."

"Please don't worry about it. If you truly feel sorry, then please think that doing meaningful work for the people would be what my son and daughter-in-law would have preferred, as they were such people."

Hellem shook her head, her answer clear and refreshing. Her eyes, though bearing an everlasting deep scar, did not wallow in it but healed it into a noble scar.

Kishiar remained silent for a moment, then let out a low chuckle.

"Oddly enough, I'm really glad you raised me."

"If you say so, both the late Emperor and Empress would feel slighted."

"Hmm, knowing them as their child, they weren't narrow-minded. I believe they would strongly agree with my words."

"So you say..."

Just as Hellem was about to speak further, suddenly, the ground beneath them began to tremble once more. This tremor was stronger than the previous one, which had already caused people to stumble. The intense shaking seemed to come from deep underground, and the dark waves of the distant sea ominously churned.

"Aaah!"

The mages burying the magic devices screamed in terror. Kishiar reached out to support the staggering Hellem and simultaneously exerted his power to ensure the magic devices didn’t malfunction, quickly surveying the surroundings.

"Nathan!"

Not far away, Nathan Zuckerman unsheathed his sword, ready to react to any unforeseen circumstances. Even leaning on Kishiar, Hellem, though struggling, raised her voice powerfully.

"Alik! Stop panicking and cover the gear with a tarp, then lie down!"

"Ah, yes, Mage Hellem!"

"The rest of you, don’t force yourselves to stand! Be careful not to trigger an explosion of the magic devices and protect your heads by lying down! Wouldn't you do the same during an experiment if a device exploded next to you? Follow the safety protocols for magic device installation!"

"Yes!"

Thanks to Hellem's commanding shout, befitting a former leader, the mages quickly regained their composure and responded.

The earthquake, originating from the sea, did not subside easily for a long while but eventually began to wane. One of the improperly buried magic devices nearly sprayed poison due to the shock, but thanks to the quick reaction and cooperation of Kishiar and Nathan Zuckerman, no one was harmed.

It was uncertain what had happened near the violently shaken sea, but thankfully, the water did not reach their relatively distant location.

"Phew... we survived."

After the earthquake subsided, one of the mages lifted his head and murmured. Kishiar made eye contact with Nathan Zuckerman and straightened up. Almost simultaneously, someone not far away called out to them.

"Commander!"

The figure who landed on the ground was Elpkins, who had been flying in the sky earlier. With a tense face and furrowed brows, he saluted and spoke.

"Thank goodness you are safe!"

"It doesn't seem like you came to help, what's the matter?"

"Yes! I received a call from the side with the breakwater. Someone might have returned from the sea."

"From the sea?"

It had been about an hour since Yuder had gone to the sea. While it was possible for Yuder to return, it was also about time for the other members, drained of their strength, to come back. However, if they had merely returned for a rest, they wouldn't have summoned the Commander. Kishiar nodded promptly in response.

"Understood. I'll head there right away."

"Yes! I will relay that."

Elpkins took to the air again.

"I had planned to inspect other areas, but it seems I must end this here and return. Be careful, Hellem."

"That would be wise. Whatever is in that sea, it doesn't bode well."

Hellem shook her head.

"If Mick was here, we might have been able to see what's there. It's ironic - he's so noisy when he's around, yet his absence is felt at times like this."

"I had already summoned him earlier for that reason. He's in another country, so even if he leaves immediately, it will take some time to arrive. I just hope all this is over by then."

"Ah, so you did call him. Tsk. That guy should rush over without even sleeping if the lord calls, unless he's delayed by drinking or lazing around..."

Kishiar faintly smiled at the corner of his lips.

"Even if he comes, he might not see anything, so don’t worry too much."

"You're too lenient, my lord. Anyway, please be careful. If I hear again that you are hurt and lying down like last time, this old woman won't take it well."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Without a firm affirmation, Kishiar turned and disappeared rapidly along the path he and Nathan Zuckerman had come from. Hellem watched their retreating figures, which vanished in an instant despite not seeming to move hurriedly, and sighed with a worried look.

"Is something really about to happen..."

—

"Commander!"

Upon returning to the vicinity of the breakwater, Kishiar spotted several members gathered in one place. As soon as he approached, the members noticed him and called out.

"I heard someone returned from the sea."

"Yes, that's right."

Someone among the gathered members raised his hand. It was Steiber, utterly soaked and exhausted.