Capítulo 23: Chapter 23
'Five from the Peletta Knight Order, five from the Cavalry. And one Kishiar to lead them…'
The Peletta Knight Order appeared to have assembled their most disciplined members, but their strength, while commendable, did not seem extraordinary when compared to the members of the Cavalry.
'It seems they've prioritized experience over raw power.'
Though the Peletta Knight Order might be slightly weaker, it didn't matter. The combined strength of the group was sufficient to handle any ordinary threat.
'With this group, Kishiar shouldn't need to draw his sword, even if something does happen.'
In the past, a similar number of troops had been deployed, and the combat power of the selected Cavalry members then would not have been low. Yet, Kishiar had still been forced to draw the divine sword.
What was the minor incident that occurred back then? Would the same problem arise this time?
It remained an unknown, but Yuder decided to prioritize the safety of Kishiar and the Red Stone above all else.
'If either of those two were compromised, it could lead to significant issues in the future.'
He had another goal: to change the fate of the Red Stone, which was destined to be sent to the Pearl Tower after its retrieval.
This time, Yuder planned to prevent the Red Stone from ever reaching the Pearl Tower.
'First, focus on the retrieval, then confront Kishiar.'
While Yuder didn't particularly like Kishiar, the man was at least someone he could communicate with. Before Yuder's death, no one had understood or listened to his warnings, but he wanted to believe that Kishiar would be different.
Even if he couldn't reveal everything, if he could convince Kishiar that the 'purification' occurring at the Pearl Tower was not true purification, perhaps he could prevent the same future from unfolding.
'If even Kishiar can't understand my words, I might have to investigate secretly.'
If he couldn't prevent the purification, he would at least need to comprehend the original form and properties of the stone. If necessary, he was prepared to steal it.
They mounted their horses under the guidance of the Pearl Tower's mages. At first glance, the horses appeared as mere clumps of wind, raising doubts about how they could be ridden, but touching the Misty Wind Horse revealed a tangible sensation, unseen yet felt by the hand. By judging that sensation correctly, they could sit atop the kneeling horse.
"Be careful not to let go of the reins. Even if you feel like you're about to fall, you'll be fine as long as you hold onto the reins."
"This feels so strange."
"Me too. It feels like I'm sitting on a squishy, invisible slime."
Hinn and Finn, the siblings, scrunched up their faces as they pressed down on their seats. The body of the invisible horse sank and rose beneath their palms.
"What would happen if we used our abilities on this horse?"
"It's quite disrespectful to even think of using our powers on a horse said to be worth more than a cart full of gold."
At that moment, Kishiar, riding the largest horse, spoke from behind them. His voice held a hint of amusement, but it was enough to startle the siblings.
"Commander!"
"Did you hear us?"
"We weren't really going to do it."
"Curiosity is a virtue. To answer your question, if a force beyond its limit is applied, the Misty Wind Horse will be destroyed and scattered."
Though Kishiar's words sounded like a joke, his voice carried a tone of unsettling seriousness. The Eldore siblings exchanged uneasy glances before hesitatingly asking:
"Have you tried it?"
"Did you see it happen?"
"Of course. I think I was eleven at the time. My father, the previous emperor, had to pay for the horse because I had angered the tower master. As for me, I received the punishment of copying scripture a hundred times."
"..."
Everyone fell silent at the casually delivered story. Despite Kishiar's nonchalant attitude, they were suddenly reminded that he was no ordinary commander but a member of the imperial family, a descendant of the Sun God, who had been a prince until a few years ago.
Yuder, however, was surprised for a different reason.
'A story from his childhood… Come to think of it, I've never asked or heard about it.'
Yuder had spent more time with Kishiar than most before his death. Whether by choice or necessity, they had met often, but Yuder suddenly realized they had never shared a conversation like this before.
Even back then, their relationship had seemed rather bleak.
So bleak that Yuder himself had not expected Kishiar's face to linger in his heart for so long after.
"Who among those departing will lead the way?"
The mages of the Pearl Tower, having confirmed that everyone had mounted their horses, asked who would take the lead.
"These Misty Wind Horses have been trained to follow the path of the one holding a specific magic stone. Normally, we mages, who are accustomed to using the horses, don't need this, but as many of you are riding for the first time, we prepared it. We'll give this stone to the one leading the way."
The magic stone they produced was a black stone the size of a finger. A knight from the Peletta Duchy raised his hand and approached on his horse as the mage held up the stone, now fashioned into a bracelet to prevent it from being easily dropped.
"I accept. I will guide from the front throughout."
"Good. Take this and remember not to remove it while you're riding."
The Peletta knight received the bracelet from the mage, tried it on, and examined it a few times to assess its fit and comfort.
Nodding in satisfaction, he caught the attention of Nathan, who had been observing from a distance. Nathan then approached the horse Kishiar was riding.
"Return safely, Duke."
"When you say it with such a stern face, it feels like I won't be able to return safely."
"..."
Nathan's face remained expressionless. While there was no trace of amusement, Kishiar laughed with genuine joy, his red eyes twinkling. Yuder watched as Kishiar, still holding the reins, leaned over to pat his adjutant's shoulder.
"I know you will handle the tasks given until I return."
"...Yes."
'What does he know?' The question briefly crossed Yuder's mind as Kishiar straightened up and turned his head. His gaze swept over the ten riders on the Misty Wind Horses, lingering momentarily on Yuder's face.
"Let's depart, then."
"Yes!"
Two Peletta knights took the lead as guides, with Kishiar and the Cavalry in the middle. The rear was secured by three more Peletta knights.
'Given the power they hold, it's ironic that it's the knights who might need protection…'
Yuder felt a peculiar sense of irony as he pulled at the reins. He gave a short whistle, and the Misty Wind Horse he rode began to sway gently before moving forward.
Since the west exit of the Imperial Knights' camp led directly outside the city walls without any checks, the party headed in that direction and then set a proper course towards the south.
Golden sunlight cast long shadows over the plain as eleven Misty Wind Horses galloped freely. The journey to the Airic Mountains to retrieve the Red Stone had begun.
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The Misty Wind Horses could run more than three times faster than a living horse, yet they were less taxing on the body due to their unique nature, even after a long ride.
The Cavalry, riding these horses for the first time, were all surprised by this fact, and during a break for dinner, they shared their thoughts.
"It's really strange. I've been riding all day, but my butt doesn't hurt."
"My back doesn't hurt either."
As the Eldore siblings marveled, patting their backs, Gakane joined the conversation.
"That's because these horses are primarily used by mages. Mages are known for their weak physical strength and discomfort with transportation. So, when creating the Misty Wind Horses, they were modified to compensate for these disadvantages as much as possible."
"How did you find that out?"
"I asked the Pearl Tower mage who helped when I first rode the horse. Actually, I've always wanted to ride one."
Hearing that, Yuder recalled how the mages had only avoided him when he was riding the horse instead of offering help.
In that short time, Gakane had managed to have a detailed conversation with the mage from the Pearl Tower, who were known for their reclusive nature. If true, it wasn't an ordinary conversation.
Perhaps Gakane's talent lay in communication, and Yuder thought it was a shame that someone like him would disappear so easily due to an accident in a few months.
'I must save that guy, after all.'
"Excuse me, your meals are ready."
Far away, the Peletta knights, who had skillfully cooked with a portable stove, waved at the Cavalry. Unlike the soldiers who brought little besides their clothes, the Peletta knights had two bags each, filled with supplies, hanging on either side of their horses.
It turned out that all of it was necessary for living and eating.
The knights expertly started a fire in the field, hung a pot on an improvised pot hanger made from broken branches, and made soup—all without the help of the Cavalry.
As they continually took out seasonings, dried meat, and dehydrated bread from their bags, Yuder was repeatedly impressed by their survival skills.
"Um, the Duke said he was going to a nearby stream for a while, but he hasn't returned yet. Could one of you fetch him?"
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