Despite some hiccups, the celebration party for the Cavalry was quite the talk of the empire, both domestically and internationally. The rare appearance of Emperor Keilusa and the generous rewards he bestowed undoubtedly contributed to the buzz.

Inside the empire, many nobles were not fond of the Cavalry. However, the view from outside was a bit different.

Within less than a year, the Emperor of Orr and his brother had achieved remarkable results by employing Awakeners, whom many had believed to be dangerous aberrations. The Cavalry, predominantly composed of commoners, had demonstrated discipline that rivaled the Imperial Knights and Court Magicians during the Harvest Festival. They also promptly quelled the sudden surge of monsters in the west. Considering the significant losses suffered by the neighboring western countries, Orr had barely lost anything in comparison.

That wasn't all. They even discovered a vein of magic ore in the Great Sarain Forest. While similar veins had been found over the years, none compared in scale to this discovery in the Great Sarain Forest. Rumors began to circulate discreetly that those interested in researching the vein, and those greedy for the rights to exploit it, were showing unprecedented interest in the Cavalry.

This development gave serious cause for concern among the noble factions that had been firmly backing the various lords. If Emperor Keilusa managed to secure this vein properly, he would establish an unparalleled level of influence and support, something they were loath to see. Any attempt to obstruct this would only benefit other nations and disgrace their own empire.

They were caught in a bind. Even trying to get a piece of this pie seemed impossible now, as it was too late. Moreover, the influence of Duke Tain had already waned, as he was too preoccupied with fending off threats and fighting against his own family.

Despite consistent assertions by some high-ranking nobles, including Duke Diarca, that "the vein discovered in the Great Sarain Forest is not as valuable as it seems, and what the Cavalry has done is nothing special compared to others who have served the nation," their arguments were losing steam. This was because Emperor Keilusa publicly displayed the massive head of Pethuamet, which Yuder had presented.

The ordinary citizens of the empire were simply thrilled by the monumental achievements made by Awakeners who were just ordinary commoners. They were hopeful for the prosperity that the discovery of the massive vein would bring to the west.

Thus, the celebration party for the Cavalry took on even greater significance. People began to recognize individual members of the Cavalry and remember the unique abilities each possessed. News of Yuder receiving the title of Baron became a symbol of upward mobility among those weary of life's struggles, and his interactions at the party were seen as shocking developments among those who heard about them.

And the protagonist of it all, Yuder, was currently riding in a carriage towards the Dawn Palace, where the Empress resided, in the company of Duke Peletta.

"...I hear Baron Durmand is soon retiring to his ancestral lands for recuperation," Yuder looked at Kishiar, who sat leisurely in front of him and spoke.

"It seems he could blame the drugged punch at Quelochet on someone else, but couldn’t shake off the shame."

"Indeed."

Baron Durmand woke up after the party only to face ongoing investigations. Thanks to the aid of his close associates, he managed to shift most of the blame onto others who had helped prepare the festivities. Nonetheless, escaping completely unscathed was impossible. It was thanks to Kanna's secretive and persistent investigation into his association with Quilochet, the information of which was relayed to Kishiar.

Certain that no one would discover his secrets, Durmand was shocked to see them revealed from various quarters. Ultimately, he sent an apology letter to the Cavalry, stating, "I swear to God, I didn't know the potion contained forbidden substances, but I acknowledge it was my reckless mistake to bring it as a gift." He also paid a hefty fine. As the intended recipient of the apology remained ambiguous, Yuder found the letter useful as a target in the members' training exercises.

Duke Diarca, who would normally have protected Durmand, openly ignored him this time, making no effort to hide his deep disappointment. When one loses the favor of someone who has been giving support, options tend to dwindle rapidly.

Despite being a distant yet close relative and a friend as intimate as the tongue in one's mouth to Duke Diarca for decades, Durmand found his downfall to be alarmingly quick and easy.

‘Perhaps it was all the easier to discard him precisely because he had been such a close associate,’ Yuder thought.

Keeping Durmand around served only to maintain the status quo. However, demonstrating that even someone as close as he could be so ruthlessly cast aside was a way to instill a sense of urgency among those around.

‘Moreover... making Durmand's punishment so public might also serve as a warning to me and the Cavalry,’ Yuder mused.

Reflecting on the behavior of Emperor Katchian and nobles from his past life, the answer came easily. When they couldn't directly chastise the person who had angered them, they would openly punish a subordinate in front of everyone to make their intentions clear. That was their idea of noble conduct.

The Duke would have preferred to ostracize and expel Yuder, but unable to do so, he chose to send a message through Durmand.

‘I'm not the least bit intimidated by such warnings; they'd do better to show their hand,’ Yuder thought.

Just then, Kishiar asked in a discreet yet significant manner, "If it bothers you that he didn't apologize directly, would you like me to arrange an opportunity? I can fabricate some external affairs on a day when you go down to the fief."

"No, it's fine."

Thinking of Gakane, Yuder wanted nothing more than to give Durmand the most perilous journey home, but the man was too insignificant. It wasn't the time to take the Cavalry away from their many pressing tasks.

Hearing the clean refusal, Kishiar added as if an afterthought, "Should you change your mind, feel free to tell me. Oh, and speaking of the investigation, I found something interesting. It seems related to what you have been researching."

"What is it?"

"It turns out that Baron Durmand was the one who initially introduced the Crown Prince's healers to Duke Diarca. After they cured him of his chronic migraines, he began to trust them deeply."

Yuder's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

"...I see. Thank you for letting me know."

The surveillance activities on the Star of Nagran by the Cavalry's intelligence division, which had begun even before the party, continued. Excluding Yuder, the members each collected information in their own way and took turns keeping watch over the residence where they were staying. Yuder expected that Enon, who had not participated in the rotation, would share information in his own way when the time came.

It was a most opportune time to investigate the surroundings of the man who had first made contact with the Star of Nagran, linking them to Duke Diarca and the Crown Prince. Nobody paid much attention to him these days.

"We've arrived at the Dawn Palace."

Not long after, the carriage came to a stop.

Yuder stepped out and looked up at the Dawn Palace, a place he had scarcely visited even in his previous life. Unlike the Sun Palace, which emanated the aura of an ancient temple with its immaculately maintained, isolated buildings, the Dawn Palace was a harmonious blend of structures connected by beautiful corridors and bridges, giving off a cheerful yet majestic atmosphere.

"Your Excellency Duke Peletta, welcome."

The chief maid of the Empress, Algorita, who had been waiting for them, bowed her head in a formal greeting. Lifting her head, she began guiding them with a smiling face, informing them that the Empress was expecting them.

"It's good to see your face again."

As they crossed a large pond and entered the Emerald Room, a space where the Empress held formal meetings with guests, she greeted them. Yuder noticed that the clothes she wore seemed oddly familiar. Kishiar seemed to recognize it too, a smile twinkling in his eyes as he spoke.

"Are you wearing the gift I sent?"

"I'd heard these types of clothes are becoming popular, so I grew curious. As it was timely sent by you, Your Excellency, I thought I'd try it on."

"You look absolutely stunning. Even the emeralds in this place could not possibly shine in the face of Your Majesty's beauty and dignity."

"Enough with your jokes. Even in jest, it could be considered an ill omen by those who hear."

"Why the grim words? The god knows the truth in my words, my aide knows it, and even His Majesty at the Sun Palace would vouch for it. Who would see it as an ill omen?"

Finally, the Empress let a smile creep onto her lips, amused by Kishiar's sycophantic charm, which was as playful as the last time they met.

"To be honest, I was a little surprised to hear that you would be coming, considering how busy you seemed to be after the party."

The Empress, who had discreetly requested a meeting with Yuder after the party, had sent an invitation letter not even three days later, just as she had said. In truth, Yuder had also judged that Kishiar was likely too busy to accompany him, but he got into the carriage before Yuder with a very relaxed expression, as if he had never been so busy.