Leaving behind Baron Koelt, who appeared more lively than ever, Yuder followed Kishiar outside. Ever and Kanna were engrossed in a passionate conversation about the mysterious magic hidden within the mage's study, but hardly any of their words registered in Yuder's mind.

He responded in brief when directly questioned, preoccupied with contemplating the new information he'd gathered.

'I thought there was no connection between the research of the first Duke of Tain and that of Luma, but perhaps I was mistaken.'

The diary entries that Kishiar had deciphered were cryptic, difficult to immediately understand. However, terms like "the accursed beings" and "time" caught his attention distinctly.

'The "the accursed beings" must refer to the monsters he researched. If we can find out where these monsters came from, then time itself could become an ally... Is this not overly ominous?'

Both Baron Koelt and Kishiar found these ideas absurd, but Yuder couldn't bring himself to agree. He knew the kind of research Luma had conducted; he himself was someone who had genuinely traveled back in time.

If an Archmage like Luma had conducted research on something seemingly implausible, it meant he had reason to believe it was possible.

Had there been others before Yuder who had also traveled back in time?

Did Luma and the first Duke of Tain engage in their research concerning time because they had witnessed such an occurrence?

If their research had indeed made reversing time possible, what would Luma have intended to accomplish?

Yuder cast a fleeting glance at the worn book in Kishiar's hands.

He was immensely curious about its contents but could not think of a good excuse for someone of his ignorance to ask to see it.

'If only Enon were here, he could read it.'

As he pondered, Yuder met the gaze of Kishiar's red eyes, which had been watching him.

'...How long has he been watching me?'

Before Yuder could blink, Kishiar calmly initiated conversation.

"Are you interested in this diary? You've been staring at it."

Kishiar had looked at him the same way when Yuder had been too lost in thought to respond immediately after hearing the diary's contents.

Those eyes that seemed to penetrate the unknown, even when their owner had no concrete information, intrigued him.

Kishiar asked Yuder nothing, despite the many anomalies about him. Yet, that only made Kishiar all the more vigilant, unwilling to miss even the smallest fragment of information. It wasn't suspicion, per se. Underneath that scrutiny and patience was a complex web of enormous trust and fervent passion.

Even now, as he grappled with complicated feelings about Emperor Keilusa, Kishiar's focus remained steadfastly on Yuder.

Certain of this, Yuder quietly exhaled.

"No, I just found it fascinating for a moment."

"Is that so? If your interest grows, feel free to speak up."

This reply clearly signaled that Kishiar had noticed Yuder's peculiar reaction to the diary.

It was easy to say he was interested, but what followed wouldn't be as simple. Acting carelessly in front of a man so perceptive could unintentionally reveal secrets best left hidden.

'Secrets...'

Yuder knew the kind of danger and agony his secrets held. People like Enon, who had always seemed mysterious even before Yuder knew he wasn't human, would likely react differently if they discovered those secrets.

‘If the reaction I receive is as absurd as the contents of a diary from a long-dead first Duke Tain, I would consider myself fortunate.’

Being labeled a liar was not new to him. Neither was being accused of cheating, nor bearing the brunt of unadulterated hatred.

But what about Kishiar?

Until recently, Yuder had been able to do his own thing, resting assured in the quiet trust Kishiar seemed to offer. Maintaining secrets and handling the corresponding responsibilities hadn't seemed all that difficult. Yuder had no doubt that whatever great endeavors Kishiar had in the future would render his own secrets irrelevant. In his past life, they were neither close friends nor bitter enemies, so Yuder felt no obligation to disclose anything.

But now, why did it feel so complicated?

‘No, I already know why.’

It was because he knew that Kishiar had already opened every door for Yuder.

It was because Kishiar had said he would willingly endure all the pain he felt for Yuder's sake.

It was because, when Kishiar had embraced Yuder as he flew into the balcony, he smiled as if he had taken the whole world into his arms.

But knowing this also magnified the internal conflict that had been nurtured by indecision. It was a vague wavering Yuder had never felt before in his life. It was a sensation akin to the fear he felt the first time he realized he was powerless in the face of a monster.

Before boarding the carriage to return, Yuder looked around at the others and opened his mouth.

"Would it be possible for me to get off halfway?"

"Why?" Kishiar questioned.

"I remembered that there's a small monster I want to check on."

Though one of the main purposes was to meet Enon, it was also true that he had intended to see the creature called Pethuamet for tomorrow's plans. Kanna gave him a puzzled look at the sudden request, but Yuder couldn't explain.

Kishiar, who had been gazing at Yuder with a thoughtful expression, soon nodded to grant permission.

"Alright, go ahead."

After boarding the carriage, Kishiar briefly told Kanna about where Pethuamet was located and who had been observing the monster. Kanna was impressed by the medicine extracted from researching Pethuamet, which had played a crucial role in Yuder's recovery.

"So that's how it is. The letter I received was rather vague, so I wasn't sure what had happened. So, will the two of you be returning once this is over?"

"I can't say for certain. I've actually been considering postponing dealing with that monster due to this whole situation."

"Is that so?"

This was news to Yuder as well. He had assumed that they would take care of Pethuamet before leaving, once everything was settled.

"Hellem said finding a subject as useful for study as this is almost a miracle. It's unwise to leave any uncertainty that might cause issues in the future."

The way Kishiar looked at Yuder as he said 'issues' made it abundantly clear who he considered the subject to be.

It seemed Kishiar had started to think that even if Yuder was fully healed now, unforeseeable issues could arise at any moment. Having no counter-argument, Yuder remained silent.

"In that case, Commander, may I accompany Yuder as well?"

Kanna jumped in, her voice upbeat.

"I've almost finished all the work I had before coming here. I'd like to examine that monster after such a long time."

"Very well."

Kishiar readily agreed again. In the end, Yuder had to get off near the house where Mick and Hellem stayed, accompanied by Kanna.

"Ah, this is the place? It looks like such an ordinary house. No one would ever think that monster research happens here."

Leaving Kanna behind, who shared a similar sentiment to Yuder at some point, a knock on the door was promptly followed by it creaking open. Upon seeing Yuder, Mick Shuden immediately let his guard down, breaking into a wide smile and spreading his arms.

"Ah! The assistant! I heard you've recovered, but it's great to finally see you. What brings you here at this hour?"

"I apologize if I've interrupted your rest. I've come unexpectedly, but I'd like to see the monster for a moment."

"Rest? I was actually drinking with my grandmother and the pharmacist. Please come in. Who's the person behind you?"

"Her name is Kanna Wand. She's the Jung Division Deputy Commander of the Cavalry."

"Ah. I'm Mick Shuden. Nice to meet you."

Exchanging a light handshake with Kanna, Mick scanned her face briefly while smiling.

"Indeed... Someone at the rank of Deputy Commander does stand out."

"Is that so? Thank you for the compliment."

"It's not a compliment; it's the truth."

"You seem quite exceptional yourself, Mr. Mick."

Both Mick and Kanna seemed to feel something from each other the moment their hands met, but as their intentions didn't appear to be ill, Yuder silently moved past them and entered.

Just as Mick had mentioned, bottles of alcohol were littered across the table, where Enon had been sharing drinks with Hellem. On seeing Yuder, Enon's eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"What now? Is something else wrong?"

"I've only come to see the monster."

Though it was difficult to mention any other objectives, Enon's eyes grew even more skeptical. Seeing this, Hellem greeted Yuder with a chuckle, holding her drink.

"It's been a while. You look healthy, and that's a relief."

"I apologize for the delay in expressing my gratitude."

"Oh, don't mention it. The real credit goes to our pharmacist here. Mick and I didn't provide much help."

At that moment, Kanna and Mick entered, momentarily halting their conversation.

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