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.

"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.

Sometimes, a word thrown out unexpectedly can hit the mark.

When they were in Tainu, pretending to be lovers had been an act. But doing the same now would no longer be just a performance. As thoughts of what had transpired since the start of the holiday rushed through his mind, a sudden chill ran down his spine.

When Yuder had rushed into the Commander's room, determined to accept all aspects of Kishiar, he had sensed that everything would change from then on. However, he had never considered that their relationship might be revealed to Emperor Keilusa right from the start.

Only then did Yuder fully realize that this meeting was not only a chance to familiarize themselves before therapy; it was also an occasion to meet the family of someone with whom he had intimately shared his body and soul.

Just moments ago, he had seen Keilusa as the Emperor of the Empire first and foremost, feeling a certain distance. Now, he saw him completely as Kishiar's 'brother.'

Whether or not he sensed Yuder's mounting tension, Kishiar’s face remained bright and cheerful.

"Of course, I am aware. I am a bit disappointed that you find my heartfelt words awkward."

"This is no joke."

"I'm not joking either. I've been thinking that after returning from the West, I should not leave the rumor unaddressed for too long. In fact, if it spreads more, I'd gladly welcome it."

The Emperor's usually calm eyebrows twitched.

"You have no intention to suppress this, then?"

"Correct."

"I really can’t fathom what you’re thinking."

"What could I be thinking? Certainly, I plan on doing nothing that would harm His Majesty, the Empire, or Yuder."

Emperor Keilusa touched his temple. Behind those red eyes, identical to Kishiar's, a myriad of thoughts seemed to race by.

"Sir Aile, are you aware of this as well?"

The Emperor's arrow was aimed at Yuder. The tone of his voice hinted that he might take Yuder's side if he said no. Although Yuder, like the Emperor, was hearing this for the first time, he did not feel as disconcerted.

All the tension that had been building up melted away the moment he met Kishiar's red eyes over the plate of dessert.

"No, but I am fine with it."

"Fine? Is that your sincere sentiment?"

The rumors stemming from their pretend relationship in the West were no longer a subject of anger or fear for Yuder. He had long since prepared himself for the repercussions once they returned to the capital.

But Kishiar—his intense gaze told Yuder that he had no intention of simply letting the rumors die down.

So Yuder was not worried.

"Perhaps the Commander wishes to use the rumors to raise awareness about the treatment of the Awakeners… Am I correct?"

"Your Majesty, look how wise my assistant is."

"Just answer the question."

The Emperor sighed shortly after hearing Kishiar’s joke.

"Whether the Commander wishes to suppress the rumor or make further use of it, I am committed to supporting him until the end. But I do appreciate your concern, Your Majesty."

"..."

Kishiar smiled at Yuder. The Emperor remained silent for a long time. Yuder sensed that the Emperor's gaze was repeatedly shifting between him and Kishiar.

"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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Surviving as a Mage in a Magic Academy

Graduate student Yi-han finds himself reborn in another world as the youngest child of a mage family.

– I’m never attending school, ever again!

‘What do you wish to achieve in life?’

‘I wish to play around and live comforta-‘

‘You must be aware of your talent. Now go attend Einroguard!’

‘Patriarch!’

My future would be guaranteed once I graduate. For my future!