"Now... it's truly time for the meal."

Just because Katchian had left the table first, it didn't mean that the imperial family's meal had come to an end.

Originally, the meal attended only by the imperial family and their close associates was divided into two parts. After finishing the first part of the meal with very small amounts of symbolic dishes among the imperial family members, everyone would move to a slightly more intimate setting where the second part would continue.

And today's second part was much more relaxed than the first. The dishes that were served were designed more for taste and enjoyment than for formality or significance. The atmosphere was also more laid-back, adding to the overall experience.

Yuder was exchanging greetings with Countess Algorita Barnez, the chief maid to the Empress, in the venue where the second part was to be held. He remembered the meals from his past life.

Back then, casual greetings between companions during the second part of the meal were unthinkable. Even if someone had greeted him, Yuder would have only been on guard, never reciprocating. At the time, he had thought it was only natural, but now, the atmosphere felt more comfortable and genuine.

Next to Yuder sat Nathan Zuckerman, who had come along, while Kishiar sat across from him. For this occasion, even the chief attendant remained in front of the table, not as an attendant to the Emperor but in the capacity of a companion.

"The dish we had earlier was delicious, so they've served it again. Let's all try it."

"My word, this is truly delicious. I'm already looking forward to dessert."

"Zuckerman is as quiet as ever. How's the food to your liking?"

The conversation flowed easily, with no one sizing up or defending against each other. Meanwhile, a mountain of dishes, brought over by the others for Yuder, began to pile up in front of him.

'...Initially, it was just an order to transfer some distant dishes onto a smaller plate. When did it pile up like this?'

"Good, you're eating well. Here, have another."

Yuder threw a pointed glance at Kishiar, who discreetly slid another dish in front of him. No matter how he looked at it, half of the piled-up dishes were Kishiar's doing.

"..."

"What are you looking at me like that for?"

Their eyes met, and Kishiar responded with a brazen smile.

"Oh, that dessert I mentioned will be out soon. I assure you, you'll love it."

The 'dessert mentioned earlier' was precisely what Kishiar had whispered to Yuder, despite Katchian's occasional glances.

'He had told me to look forward to an entirely different dessert in the second part.'

Probably neither Katchian nor anyone else could have imagined that Kishiar would whisper such a thing secretly to Yuder.

Despite the plates already forming a tower, Kishiar nonchalantly slid new dishes into the gaps. The plates Yuder had silently consumed were piled to one side and taken away by the servants in a cyclical fashion. Compared to when he was dealing with Katchian, Kishiar's expression was incredibly soft and sweet.

Though Yuder was the one eating, for some reason, Kishiar looked as if he was the one enjoying delicious food.

The thought of telling him that he didn't need to go to such lengths vanished when their eyes met.

'...I don't get it. I guess I just eat what is given to me.'

Thankfully, he wasn't full yet.

That day, Yuder managed to finish not only the dishes presented by Kishiar but also those competitively offered by the Emperor and Empress. He successfully consumed numerous dishes and desserts.

When the five-tiered golden dessert tower—secretly ordered from the imperial chef by Kishiar, just for him—was finally presented before him, Yuder couldn't help but question the audacity of such a display in the presence of the Emperor. Regardless, it was all consumed in the end.

The Emperor and Empress seemed to have developed a rather misguided impression that Yuder had a special fondness for desserts.

"Kishiar, I heard you met with the legal scholars and high minister today. How did it go?"

Dinner was over. The Empress had already retired to her chambers, leaving Kishiar, Yuder, and their companions alone with the Emperor. Even without asking, it was clear that the Emperor was already fully aware of the day's events at the palace.

"Fortunately, the reception was not bad at all," Kishiar responded.

"Do you need any support from our end?"

Hearing the Emperor's succinct and unembellished question, Kishiar cracked a slight smile.

"Of course, your support would be beneficial, but not at this moment."

"I see. I assume you've brought me a detailed plan as well. Hand it over."

"Your Majesty's prescient words always leave me in awe."

"Enough with the flattery."

Chuckling lightly, Kishiar pulled a new sheet of paper from his robe. It contained matters almost identical to those he had discussed with the legal scholars. The Emperor quickly scanned through the document, pushed his glasses back up his nose, and looked up.

"You've outlined most of the essential points that must be included in the first set of laws. Simplicity and focus do carry weight."

"Indeed, Your Majesty."

"However, wouldn't discussing matters related to the second gender be too controversial at this point? To expedite the law's enactment, the priority of this section should be..."

As he spoke, the Emperor's eyes momentarily met Yuder's. He paused, his gaze lingering on Yuder's face for a few seconds before continuing.

"... Nevermind. Consider that comment unsaid. Proceed as you see fit."

"I appreciate your understanding," Kishiar replied, smiling.

"If there's a moment when my support is needed, do not hesitate to inform me."

"... Very well."

A long sigh escaped the Emperor's lips, which now seemed more lively than before. Whether the Emperor sighed or not, Kishiar smoothly transitioned to the next topic.

"Additionally, there is one more matter I would like to discuss, Your Majesty."

"What is it?"

"I plan to announce the recruitment for the second cohort of Cavalry and the establishment of new branches tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? That soon?"

"Everything that can be prepared here has already been completed."

Upon saying this, Kishiar slightly reined in the smile he had been holding.

"Also, contrary to our initial plans, I'd like to be more deeply involved in this project. There are areas where I feel I should personally intervene to ensure things go smoothly."

"Hmm... Do as you wish."

"Are you sure, Your Majesty?"

"Why hesitate? If you're concerned for me, there's no need."

Indeed, Kishiar was right. The Emperor looked resolute in his intention to support anything Kishiar aimed to accomplish. If Duke Peletta was away, the Emperor's burden would increase, but he now had time and health—luxuries he did not possess before.

There was a warm glow in the eyes of the Emperor, who readily entrusted everything to Kishiar.

"Understood. Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Speak to me before you leave the capital. I will send you an object imbued with my power. With it by your side, communication should be effortless," said the Emperor.

"Ah, about that. Your Majesty has quickly become proficient in using your newfound powers, but in my opinion, further training is essential for safer control and growth, is it not?" Kishiar inquired.

"That was your suggestion, yes. Have you found a way?"

"Yes, I have."

Kishiar, having responded concisely, widened his eyes and spoke, "The assistant beside me, not only is he among the best Awakeners in the Cavalry, but he is also more famously known within the group as our top trainer. Were you aware?"

"No, I was not aware of that particular detail."

The Emperor turned his head toward Yuder again, this time with a different gaze. "All the skilled individuals you see in the Cavalry are largely due to Yuder's training methods. He has assisted numerous colleagues who were lost, not knowing how to advance their abilities, and he has been exposed to more powers than anyone else."

The praise flowed like water.

"I can confidently say that there is no one in this world better than Yuder at understanding and nurturing an Awakener's abilities. While it's true that my assistant will soon leave the capital with me, one doesn't have to meet in person to assist with training plans."

Yuder caught a rare expression of surprise on the face of Nathan Zuckerman, who had been listening nearby. It was only natural. Although it seemed like a straightforward matter, upon reflection, it was an extraordinary statement.

Very few people in the world had the qualifications to instruct the Emperor. Those who did were treated very nobly. Even if Yuder's expertise was confined to the specialized field of Awakener powers, the notion that the Emperor could learn something from a commoner like him was virtually unthinkable.

Had Emperor Keilusa La Orr been a man of ordinary perceptions, he would have naturally sought Kishiar's help in this situation. However, without dwelling on a potentially offensive remark, the Emperor immediately nodded his approval.

"Very well."

The corners of the Emperor's lips faintly rose.

"So Baron Aile not only saved my life but will now also serve as my teacher. Could we have a private discussion about this before you leave?"

Yuder hadn't expected the Emperor to make a decision so swiftly. Though slightly surprised, he quickly composed himself and bowed his head.

"Yes, of course. But I dare not assume the title of 'Your Majesty’s teacher.' Please, refer to me more casually."

Yuder's aim was to help the Emperor further develop and control his power for the sake of his safety; the rest didn't matter much. Being formally recognized as the Emperor's teacher would bring along burdens he'd rather not bear.

Though the Emperor's Awakener status was a secret for now, it would eventually come to light. Yuder had no wish to stir unnecessary commotion at that point.

What one does might remain the same, but how it is framed can change many things. Yuder subtly redirected his words to express this, but the Emperor, who likely understood his meaning, seemed to be more concerned with something else.

"The more I see, the more I regret. How did it come to this..."

"Excuse me?"

"Never mind. It's settled."

The Emperor, swallowing whatever he was mumbling, sighed and spoke.

"While I am in a position where I cannot easily bend, I've learned that education is always the exception to all things. In the quest for knowledge, even an Emperor is nothing but a student. So, when teaching me, Baron Aile, consider nothing but the subject matter at hand."

It was a voice that could not be refuted, for reasons different than those with Kishiar.

And so, Yuder became the Emperor's unofficial tutor.

A day later, the entire empire was buzzing.

The news of the recruitment of new members for the Cavalry and the establishment of branches had everyone astounded, regardless of their social status, age, or gender.