Not all the Imperial Guards in the Imperial Palace used badges made from monster by-products. However, it was a fact that monster by-products were considered some of the most durable materials.

Moreover, when it came to finding a material imbued with the symbolic red color of the Crown Prince, this was far superior to any gemstone or metal. Teeth and bones that emerged from monsters often had a red hue, and they could symbolize the glory of the First Crown Prince of the Orr Empire, Aclan La Orr, who was famous as an exceptional monster hunter under the title of 'Red Brilliance.'

Considering Yuder Aile's sole weakness, it would be more surprising to guess that the badge wasn't made from monster by-products.

Yuder probably didn't pay much attention to what the emblem was made of. Kiolle Da Diarca, who supplied the emblem, also likely didn't know; considering the burden of the oath and his usual demeanor, the chance that Kiolle had made an informed decision was exceedingly low.

However, it wasn't surprising that Yuder experienced a sensitive reaction from an object made of monster by-products while under the influence of Quelochet, a substance as polar opposite to his nature.

Even the tiniest wound could be the final straw that leads to death if the body it inflicted was already in a precarious state, like a cup filled to the brim with water.

How would it be for someone who had just barely recovered from injuries? Fever, drowsiness, and dimming of sight and hearing are common signs of intoxication, but they are also symptoms commonly experienced by those weakly poisoned.

Yuder himself had merely called it intoxication, but his instinct thought otherwise. The lounge was still a mess from the objects scattered about due to the force exerted to block out anyone from approaching him.

Kishiar thought of Yuder, who was huddled in a dark corner of the lounge, his imperial robes thrown over him like a cloak. It was a temporary measure Enon had taken to calm him down, cloaking his eyes to forcibly soothe the beast within. However, the chill Kishiar felt when he faced Yuder in that moment was like a blade slicing through him.

And what about the moment when Yuder, so guarded against the outside world, leaned his head against Kishiar's hand without any resistance?

When the question Kishiar had thrown out to lighten the atmosphere and gauge his condition was returned, Kishiar La Orr felt an indescribable upheaval of enormous emotions within him.

Yuder Aile, now unusually lucid, displayed an expression that seemed as worn and weathered as the surface of a long-eroded stone. His eyes, empty of anything, paradoxically let one feel the fierce tempests he must have faced.

The moment Kishiar wanted to know about that tempest, and that as-yet-unknown answer, unfamiliar sensations began to stir and spread within his chest. The alien feeling of something new inserting itself among his own contained emotions felt eerily similar to the sensations they had first experienced when they became intimate.

The only difference was that if the new sensation they had felt back then was a mix of pain, joy, and ecstasy, this time it was a seemingly calm but unfathomable darkness, under which lay hidden a weighty sorrow.

"...So, what should we do now, Commander?"

Kishiar paused his thoughts at Kanna's question and looked up.

Sending Yuder back first and then ending the party would be easy. But doing so would erase the advantages Yuder Aile had gained by drinking Quelochet. There was no intention of ruining the sacrifices and efforts he had made to successfully conclude the day.

"So… there's only one thing left."

The best course of action for his Cavalry was to keep his condition and weaknesses a secret, ensuring the party ended successfully without anyone knowing the situation.

Kishiar calmly assessed the matters that would follow the party and spoke.

"How are things in the hall?"

"So far, not bad. Everyone believes Yuder is resting without any issues. After you came over, the Crown Prince and the other nobles seemed a bit suspicious, but…"

"Fine. Then proceed with the party as planned. I will return to the hall shortly. Keep an eye on Yuder for a moment."

"Are you sure? What if Yuder's condition changes again like before…"

"That won't happen, don't worry."

From the moment Kishiar came into contact with Yuder, his condition had rapidly stabilized. Kishiar was confident that Yuder wouldn't drastically deteriorate even if he left, especially since Yuder had even recovered enough to dance.

"Inform the others that I had to meet a guest separately and can't return immediately. If someone comes to visit following my instructions, let only that person in."

Kishiar intended to attribute this 'guest' to the Empress, who had vacated her seat. It wouldn't be suspicious for the Empress to secretly send someone to inquire about today's top performer. She would also readily cooperate once she heard the situation, allowing for quick resolution. It would be easier to divert attention if the Empress, rather than the Emperor, was involved.

Kishiar mentally reviewed the tasks and contacts he needed to make, then straightened his clothes. He had covered Yuder with the red cloth he had been wearing around his shoulders and waist, leaving him somewhat underdressed, but he had no intention of correcting that.

Before leaving the lounge, Kishiar took one last glance back. The quiet figure lying there seemed peaceful, which only weighed heavier on his heart.

He closed his eyes and recalled the brief smile Yuder Aile had shown.

The small breath that had escaped when he hurriedly caught him from tripping; the awkward yet sincere smile that was rare at his age.

That was reason enough to move his reluctant feet.

…

When he came to his senses, he was told the party had ended.

That alone was bewildering enough, but what startled Yuder more was the fact that the Empress's chief maid was right in front of him.

"I'm glad you've awakened safely, Baron Aile."

She introduced herself as Countess Algorita Barnez. The story of how this came to be was first told by Kanna, who had been tending to him, but he couldn't help but feel strangely about it.

"When Her Majesty the Empress hears that you have regained consciousness, she will be truly delighted."

Algorita appeared to be exceptionally generous, a rare sight in the palace. She didn't seem displeased even after mentioning that the Empress had sent her here due to Kishiar's request, and although she seemed talkative, she didn't show excessive curiosity towards Yuder.

She smiled like a simple country wife, yet the way she maintained her composure suggested she fit perfectly as a close aide to the Empress, someone who would grow medicinal herbs herself and bring them all the way to the Sun Palace.

Judging by the decent expression on Kanna, who stood beside her, it seemed she too had a rather favorable impression of her.

"...Thank you. Please also convey my deepest gratitude to Her Majesty the Empress."

"Of course. There's nothing better than onion soup after drinking poor-quality alcohol. Make sure to have some."

She answered cheerfully, but instead of getting up to leave, she unexpectedly addressed Yuder with additional words.

"By the way, Baron Aile. Do you have any plans to visit the Dawn Palace soon?"

"Excuse me?"

"Although I came here at the request of His Grace, Duke Peletta, the truth is that Her Majesty the Empress has taken an interest in you, Baron Aile. She asked me to inquire about your willingness to visit, should you wake up safely."

Upon Yuder blinking his eyes, she flashed a somewhat secretive yet bitter smile.

"It seems many questions have arisen since your last visit to the Sun Palace... but Her Majesty said it's perfectly fine to decline if you're too burdened by the many Cavalry projects. So feel free to answer."

Declining wasn't on his mind at all. This was nothing but a confirmation of Kishiar's plan to first stimulate the Empress's side instead of Emperor Keilusa, who had strongly rejected any attempts at treatment.

However, Yuder was momentarily displeased, sensing the Empress's thoughts in her words that he could decline the invitation even as she made it.

"I'm fine with it. If Her Majesty the Empress calls for me, I can go at any time. Please relay that for future reference."

Upon hearing the quiet yet prompt acceptance, Algorita's expression brightened. She then said she would contact the Cavalry later and exited the lounge.

The next person he made eye contact with was Kanna.