‘Five from the Peletta Knight Order, five from the Cavalry. And one Kishiar to lead them…’
The Peletta Knight Order seemed to have gathered their own elites, and discipline was maintained, but their strength did not seem outstanding. Of course, this was in comparison to the members of the Cavalry.
‘It seems they've chosen people based more on experience than raw power.’
Even if the Peletta Knight Order was somewhat weak, it didn't matter. The strength of the remaining personnel was enough to ward off any ordinary threat.
‘With this group, there won't be a need for Kishiar to draw his sword, even if something happens.’
In the past, a similar number of troops must have been deployed, and the combat power of the Cavalry members selected then would not have been low. Yet, why did Kishiar need to draw the divine sword?
What was the minor incident that occurred back then? Would the same problem arise this time?
It was still an unknown, but Yuder decided to prioritize the safety of Kishiar and the Red Stone above all else.
‘If either of those two were damaged, it could lead to significant issues in the future.’
He had another goal. To change the fate of the Red Stone, which was to be sent to the Pearl Tower after being retrieved.
This time, Yuder planned to prevent the Red Stone from reaching the Pearl Tower.
‘First focus on the retrieval, then confront Kishiar.’
While Yuder didn't particularly like Kishiar, at least the man was someone he could communicate with. Before Yuder's death, no one had understood or listened to his words, but he wanted to believe that Kishiar would be different.
Even if he didn't disclose everything, if he could convince Kishiar that the 'purification' happening at the Pearl Tower was not the true purification, couldn't he prevent the same future?
‘If even Kishiar can't understand my words, perhaps it would be best to secretly investigate.’
If he couldn't prevent the purification, he would at least need to understand 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 looked like 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. 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 under their palms.
"What would happen if we used our abilities on this horse?"
"It's quite disrespectful to consider 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."
The words sounded like a joke, but they were delivered in a voice that felt strangely genuine. Eldore siblings, who had been looking at each other, hesitated for a moment before speaking up.
"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 the scripture a hundred times."
"..."
Everyone fell silent at the nonchalantly uttered title. Despite the casual attitude, they were reminded afresh that the person before them was of imperial blood, a descendant of the Sun God, who had been a prince until a few years ago.
And Yuder was slightly surprised for a different reason.
'A story from his childhood……. Come to think of it, I've never asked or heard about it.'
Yuder was one of the people who had spent the most time with Kishiar before his death.
Whether willingly or unwillingly, he had to meet him, but he suddenly remembered that they had never shared a conversation like this before.
Even then, he thought it was a rather bleak relationship.
It was so bleak that even he himself did not expect Kishiar's face to remain in his heart for such a long time.
"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 lead the way.
"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 Peletta Duchy, holding up his hand, approached with his horse after they raised the stone, fashioned into a bracelet to prevent easy dropping.
"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 wizard, tried it on, and examined it a few times, assessing its comfort.
Nodding, seemingly satisfied, he caught the attention of Nathan, who had been watching everything from a distance. Nathan approached the horse Kishiar was on.
"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 was expressionless. While there was no sign of laughter, Kishiar laughed with 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 do well with the tasks given until I return."
"...Yes."
‘What does he know?’ Yuder's mind was grazed by a fleeting question just as Kishiar straightened up and turned his head. His gaze swept over the ten people riding the Misty Wind Horses, pausing on Yuder's face.
"Let's depart, then."
"Yes!"
Two Peletta knights took up the lead as guides, with Kishiar and the cavalry in the middle. The rear was once again secured by three Peletta knights.
'In fact, if we go by the power they hold, it should be the knights who need protection...'
Yuder felt a peculiar irony as he pulled at the reins. He gave a short whistle, and the Misty Wind Horse he rode started to sway slowly before moving.
Since the west exit of the Imperial Knights' camp led directly outside the city walls without any checks, the party headed in that direction, 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.
The Misty Wind Horses could run more than three times faster than a living horse, but they were less taxing on the body due to their unique feel, even after a long ride.
The Cavalry who were riding the Misty Wind 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 a horse, but why doesn't my butt hurt?"
"My back doesn't hurt either."
As the Eldore siblings marveled while patting their backs, Gakane joined in their 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 with the aim of compensating for these disadvantages as much as possible."
"How did you find that out?"
"I asked the Pearl Tower mage who came to help when I first rode the horse. Actually, I've always wanted to ride this horse."
Hearing that, Yuder recalled the mages who had only avoided him when he was riding the horse instead of helping him.
In that short time, Gakane had managed to have a detailed conversation with the mage from the Pearl Tower, known for their reclusive nature. If it was true, it wasn't an ordinary conversation.
Perhaps Gakane's talent lay in conversation, and Yuder thought it was a shame that such a person would disappear 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 all of it was necessary for living and eating.
The knights skillfully started a fire in the field and hung a pot on an improvised pot hanger made from broken branches to make 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 would go to the nearby stream for a while, but he hasn't returned yet. Could one of you fetch him?"
