"Permintaan untuk Kavaleri ikut serta dalam acara semakin banyak, itu hal bagus. Tapi terasa berlebihan. Di luar permintaan partisipasi biasa, cukup banyak permintaan menjaga ketertiban umum, semuanya dari acara penting yang melibatkan diplomat asing. Belum setahun Kavaleri dibentuk, mereka sudah ingin seluruh tim hadir di pesta terbesar tahun ini di Istana Kekaisaran. Apa maksudnya?"
"Sepertinya ada yang berniat menempatkan kami dalam posisi tidak bisa menolak," jawab Yuder, dan Kishiar mengangguk ringan setuju.
"Mereka melanggar aturan menjaga segala hal terkait rahasia sampai aku beri jawaban. Bukan hanya di antara anggota kami, informasi sudah tersebar ke seluruh ibu kota."
Festival panen musim gugur di ibu kota adalah salah satu acara paling signifikan di benua ini. Paus sendiri memimpin ibadah dan doa dari altar terbuka di kuil utama Dewa Matahari. Ada parade besar dengan Ksatria Kekaisaran istana, Pasukan Elit Kekaisaran terpilih, Ksatria ternama, dan penyihir dari berbagai provinsi. Belum lagi acara dan lomba besar kecil tak terhitung di seluruh kota selama beberapa hari.
Tidak ada kehormatan lebih besar dari partisipasi resmi di acara yang menarik banyak diplomat asing dan wisatawan.
Tidak ada kesempatan lebih baik untuk memperkenalkan Kavaleri yang baru dibentuk ke seluruh benua.
Kemungkinan besar siapa pun yang tiba-tiba mengusulkan ini juga tahu itu, berani memasang panggung begitu saja.
"Tapi kau bisa menolak, kan?"
"Bisa."
Jawaban bergema tawa kembali.
"Jika kau sebagai Komandan memilih menolak, berakhir di situ."
"Menurutmu? Lebih baik aku tidak curiga dan tolak tawaran terlalu menguntungkan ini?"
Garfur yang memotong potong kue kelima berhenti. Yuder menatap mata merah Kishiar penuh harapan, sadar pertanyaan ini alasan utamanya dipanggil.
"...Dari mana aku tahu? Kurasa pendapatku tidak akan banyak membantu keputusan besarmu."
Dia mencoba mengalihkan sekali, tapi Kishiar tertawa dan menggelengkan kepala seperti ular boa.
"Kenapa tidak? Perspektif unikmu selalu membantuku. Memberi pendapat soal hal ini bagian dari tugas asisten, jadi aku akan berterima kasih jika kau bicara bebas."
'Kalau begitu...'
Yuder membuka mulut sambil menusuk ceri yang mirip mata Kishiar dengan garfur.
"Sebenarnya, bukankah kau sudah putus?"
"Hm?"
"Alasan mereka memasang panggung dan memanggil kami jelas. Mereka ingin mencoreng nama Kavaleri ke seluruh benua. Bahkan jika kau tolak, mereka tetap bisa membuat kekacauan di acara, tapi kurasa mereka tidak puas hanya itu."
Mendengar kata Yuder, Kishiar tersenyum puas, mendongakkan dagu dengan anggun di tangan di sandaran tangan.
"Lalu?"
"Aku tidak tahu siapa mereka, tapi kau pasti bisa duga."
Yuder lanjut, mengingat Kishiar semalam bilang punya gambaran kasar siapa di balik ini.
"Jika kau tahu siapa musuh, kau bisa prediksi apa yang akan mereka lakukan. Kenapa mundur sia-sia saat mereka hampir menyerahkan kesempatan emas? Bukankah lebih baik menggigit umpan dan memanfaatkannya untuk keuntungan kami?"
"Begitukah? Jadi kau sarankan kita lakukan saja?"
"Jika Komandan kami tidak takut tantangan, itulah saran ku."
Begitu selesai bicara, sepotong ceri dan sepotong kue krim langsung masuk perut Yuder.
"Hahaha. Tidak takut tantangan, ya?"
Kishiar tertawa terang, memiringkan kepala.
"Kau, dengan wajah tidak mencolok, cukup jago bilang hal yang membuat orang senang."
"Cuma pendapat jujur."
"Hanya kau yang bisa memuji seseorang sambil mendorongnya ke dinding."
Meski begitu, Kishiar terlihat mood-nya bagus.
"Sebenarnya, aku sudah terima proposisi itu seperti saranmu. Aku sudah kirim balasan."
Seperti dugaan Yuder, Kishiar sudah putus.
"Mengingat Kementerian Dalam Negeri sekarang ini menghindar kontak denganku dan tiba-tiba maju sendiri, apa yang bisa lebih baik? Seseorang mungkin melempar umpan ini berharap Kavaleri kami jadi tertawaan benua, tapi aku tidak akan tertipu, juga tidak akan lari. Meski kami formasi baru dan anggotaku masih pemula banyak hal, tidak berarti kami pasti gagal. Menurutmu?"
Di suara percaya diri pelan itu, gemetar ringan melintasi punggung Yuder. Yuder menjawab tulus, menatap mata merah Kishiar yang bersinar.
"Ya."
"Aku benar-benar senang asisten dan aku sepakat. Akan masa sibuk sebentar, tapi mari sukses dengan cara yang menunjukkan pada mereka. Mungkin bahkan menontonnya akan menghibur."
Mendengar itu, Yuder habiskan potong kue terakhir dan meletakkan garfur. Rasa manis masih tinggal di mulut.
"Tapi siapa di balik semua ini? Bisa kau beri tahu sekarang?"
"Coba tebak dengan pikiran cerdasmu."
"Komandan."
Dipanggil rendah, Kishira menyipitkan mata tersenyum, lalu membuka mulut.
"Beberapa hari yang lalu, pengawal Pangeran Mahkota tiba-tiba muncul di istana. Aku juga dengar pengawal dengan sabuk merah terlihat kemarin. Sepertinya Pangeran Mahkota sangat tertarik pada acara ini."
Jawabannya kelihatannya datang dari nowhere, tapi cukup bagi Yuder untuk mengerti arti.
'Pangeran Mahkota Katchian La Orr.'
Yuder mengingat wajah Pangeran Mahkota muda yang singkat ditemui saat kunjungan ke Istana Kekaisaran baru-baru ini. Dia sudah tahu siapa di balik anak laki-laki yang menyembunyikan tatapan dingin di balik senyuman cat.
'Adipati Diarca ikut campur?'
Dia bertanya-tanya apakah karena kasus Hartan yang melibatkan Kiolle, tapi Yuder menggelengkan kepala. Kiolle terikat sumpah tidak bisa memberitahu siapa pun di rumah. Lagipula, jika mereka sudah campur tangan di istana beberapa hari, tidak mungkin karena insiden terbaru.
"Dan... kau ingat Count Gallon yang datang ke sini beberapa hari lalu?"
Saat Yuder tenggelam dalam pikiran, Kishiar lempar informasi lain.
Count Gallon. Mencoba ingat di mana nama itu terdengar, Yuder akhirnya ingat siapa dia setelah beberapa saat.
'Ah, pria yang menuntut pembebasan Kanna.'
Setelah memberinya teguran keras dan mengusirnya, dia lupa sepenuhnya.
"Ya, aku ingat."
Melihat Yuder mengerutkan dahi terang-terangan, Kishiar tertawa lebar.
"Yah, tidak usaha ingat dia lagi. Berkat rumor soal dia, banyak orang jadi tertarik pada unit Kavaleri. Mungkin ada orang mencari anggota terkait insiden itu selama festival, tapi pura-pura tidak tahu saja. Kurir dari istana tadi dengan halus mencoba mengonfirmasi kebenaran rumor itu."
"Ah... Ya. Aku mengerti."
Yuder menjawab cemas, sadar terlambat satu tempo kata Kishiar adalah petunjuk lain.
'Jadi, mereka hanya ingin lihat kekuatan Kavaleri sendiri karena rumor itu...'
Lalu masuk akal kenapa Kishiar santai. Belum ada yang tahu seberapa besar kekuatan Kavaleri. Waktu sempurna mengubah jebakan yang mereka remehkan jadi peluang.
Sambil Yuder berpikir, Kishiar lanjut lancar.
"Jadi, mulai hari ini, kita kurangi pelatihan keseluruhan setengah dan pisahkan orang untuk partisipasi tiap acara. Kau, Nathan, dan Wakil Komandan tiap Divisi harus kerja keras. Tapi ada satu hal lagi yang harus kau lakukan."
"Bicara soal investigasi Batu Merah?"
"Ada itu, tapi satu lagi."
Kishiar dengan santai mengumumkan tugas tambahan.
"Kau lupa? Permintaanmu sebelum cuti. Kau minta kewenangan terkait pelatihan anggota."
"Oh..."
Saat Yuder mengangguk, Kishiar menyerahkan kertas bermeterai seolah menunggunya.
"Sudah aku setujui. Pelatihan individu kau dengan Gakane dan Kanna cukup mengesankan. Sekarang Devran Hartude sudah kembali, bukan saatnya perluas kemampuan itu ke semua anggota?"
Menatap mata merah percaya diri itu, Yuder termangu.
'Yah, aku memang rencanakan lakukan...'
Dia sudah lakukan di kehidupan sebelumnya, jadi dua kali tidak beda. Yuder terima surat persetujuan dan mengangguk ringan.
"Mengerti."
"Lalu..."
Saat itu, ketukan di pintu.
"Komandan. Ever Beck. Aku bawa berita mendesak."
Kishiar yang sebentar menatap Yuder memerintahkan, "Masuk." Ever membuka pintu dan masuk, pipinya merah seolah baru lari. Melihat Yuder duduk di hadapan Komandan mengejutkannya, tapi dia cepat tenang, mendekat, dan membungkuk.
"Ada apa?"
"Baru saja, manifestasi gender sekunder Jimmy Ocker dimulai. Seperti persiapan, aku sudah mengisolasi dia dan datang melapor."
Chapter 111
"The increasing number of requests for our Cavalry to participate in events is a good thing. But it seems a bit excessive. Aside from the simple participation requests, there are quite a few requests for maintaining public order, all from important events where foreign diplomats are involved. Moreover, it hasn't even been a year since the formation of the Cavalry, and they want the whole team to attend the largest party of the year, held at the Imperial Palace. What should I make of this intention?"
"It appears that someone is planning to put us in a position where we cannot refuse," came Yuder's response, to which Kishiar lightly nodded in agreement.
"They broke the rule of keeping all related matters confidential until I give a response. Not only among our members, but the information has already spread throughout the capital."
The autumn harvest festival held in the capital was one of the most significant events in the continent. The Pope himself led the worship and prayer events from an outdoor altar at the main temple of the Sun God. There was a grand parade featuring the Imperial Knights of the palace, specially selected Elite Imperial Troops, renowned Knights, and mages from various provinces. Not to mention countless other major and minor events and competitions held throughout the city for several days.
There was no greater honor than to officially participate in an event that attracted numerous foreign diplomats and tourists.
There was no better opportunity than this to announce the newly formed Cavalry to the whole continent.
It was likely that whoever suddenly proposed this also knew this, hence why they had boldly set the stage.
"Still, you can refuse, can't you?"
"I could."
A laugh-tinged answer returned.
"If you, as the Commander, choose to refuse, that would be the end of it."
"What do you think? Would it be best for me not to be suspicious and reject this overly beneficial offer?"
The fork that was lightly cutting the fifth piece of cake stopped. Yuder, staring into Kishiar's red eyes full of expectation, realized that this question was the primary reason he had been called.
"...How would I know? I doubt my opinion would be of much help in your grand decision."
He tried to deflect once, but Kishiar chuckled and shook his head like a boa constrictor.
"Why not? Your unique perspective has always been helpful to me. Giving your opinion on such matters is part of an assistant's job, so I would appreciate it if you could speak freely."
'Well, if it comes to that...'
Yuder opened his mouth as he speared a cherry that resembled Kishiar's eyes with his fork.
"Actually, haven't you already made your decision?"
"Hmm?"
"The reason why they set this stage and called us is clear. They want to smear the name of the Cavalry across the entire continent. Even if you refuse, they could still make a mess at the event, but I guess they wouldn't be satisfied with just that."
At Yuder's words, Kishiar gave a satisfied smile, resting his chin elegantly on the hand placed on the armrest.
"So?"
"I don't know who they are, but you can probably guess."
Yuder continued, recalling that Kishiar had said the night before that he had a rough idea of who might be behind this.
"If you know who the enemy is, you can predict what they'll do. Why retreat needlessly when they're practically handing us a golden opportunity? Isn't it better to bite the bait and use it to our advantage?"
"Is that so? So you're suggesting we do just that?"
"If our Commander isn't afraid of challenges, that's what I suggest."
As soon as he finished speaking, a piece of cherry and a chunk of whipped cream cake disappeared into Yuder's stomach in no time.
"Hahaha. Not afraid of challenges, eh?"
Kishiar broke into a bright smile, tilting his head.
"You, with your unassuming face, are surprisingly good at saying things that put people in a good mood."
"It's just my honest opinion."
"Only you could manage to compliment someone while simultaneously throwing them against the wall."
Despite his words, Kishiar seemed to be in high spirits.
"In fact, I already accepted those propositions as you suggested. I've sent my reply."
Just as Yuder had thought, Kishiar had already made up his mind.
"Considering that the Ministry of Internal Affairs was desperately avoiding my contacts till now and suddenly came forward on their own, could anything be better? Someone might have thrown this bait, hoping that our Cavalry would become the laughingstock of the continent, but I won't fall for it, nor will I run away. Even though we're a new formation and my members are still inexperienced in many ways, that doesn't mean we're bound to fail. Don't you think so?"
At his confident, slow voice, a light shiver ran down Yuder's back. Yuder answered with sincerity, looking into Kishiar's glowing red eyes.
"Yes."
"I'm truly glad that my assistant and I share the same opinion. It'll be a hectic period for a while, but let's succeed in a way that will show them. It might even be entertaining to watch."
Hearing this, Yuder finished the last piece of cake and put his fork down. The sweet aftertaste lingered in his mouth.
"But who is behind all this? Can you tell me now?"
"Why don't you try guessing with your clever mind?"
"Commander."
At Yuder's low calling, Kishiar squinted his eyes in a smile, then opened his mouth.
"A few days ago, the courtiers of the Crown Prince suddenly burst into the palace. I also heard that a courtier with a red belt was seen there yesterday. It seems like the Crown Prince is very interested in this event."
His answer seemed to come out of nowhere, but it was more than enough for Yuder to deduce the meaning.
'Crown Prince Katchian La Orr.'
Yuder recalled the face of the young Crown Prince he had briefly met during his recent visit to the Imperial Palace. He already knew who was behind the boy who hid his cold gaze with a painted smile.
'Did Duke Diarca get involved?'
He wondered if it might be due to the Hartan case where Kiolle was involved, but Yuder shook his head. The bound-by-oath Kiolle couldn't inform anyone in the house. Besides, if they had been meddling in the palace for a few days, it couldn't have been because of the recent incident.
"And... do you remember Count Gallon who visited here a few days ago?"
While Yuder was engrossed in his thoughts, Kishiar threw in another piece of information.
Count Gallon. Trying to remember where he had heard that name before, Yuder finally recalled who it was after some time.
'Ah, the man who had come demanding Kanna's release.'
After giving him a good scolding and kicking him out, he had completely forgotten about him.
"Yes, I remember."
Seeing Yuder's obvious grimace, Kishiar laughed heartily.
"Well, there's no need to try to remember him again. Thanks to the rumors about him, a lot of people have become interested in the Cavalry unit. There might be people looking for the members related to that incident during the festival, but just pretend not to know. The courier from the palace earlier was subtly trying to confirm the truth of the rumor."
"Ah... Yes. I understand."
Yuder responded apprehensively, realizing a beat too late that Kishiar's words were another hint.
'So, they just want to see the Cavalry's power for themselves because of that rumor...'
Then it made sense why Kishiar was so relaxed. No one yet knew how much power the Cavalry held. It was the perfect time to turn the trap they underestimated into an opportunity.
While Yuder was thinking, Kishiar continued smoothly.
"So, from today, we'll reduce overall training by half and separate people for participation in each event. You, Nathan, and the Deputy Commanders of each Division will need to work hard. But you have one more thing you need to do."
"Are you talking about the investigation of the Red Stone?"
"There's that, but there's one more thing."
Kishiar nonchalantly announced he was adding another task.
"Did you forget? The request you made before your leave. You asked for the authority related to the members' training."
"Oh..."
When Yuder nodded, Kishiar handed over a piece of paper with a seal on it, as if he had been waiting for him.
"I've already approved it. Your individual training with Gakane and Kanna was quite impressive. Now that Devran Hartude has returned, isn't it time to expand that capability to all members?"
Looking at those confident, red eyes, Yuder found himself speechless.
'Well, I had planned to do it anyway...'
He had done this in his previous life, so doing it twice wouldn't make a difference. Yuder accepted the approval letter and nodded slightly.
"Understood."
"Now then..."
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Commander. It's Ever Beck. I've come to deliver urgent news."
Kishiar, who had momentarily turned his gaze to Yuder, commanded, "Come in." As Ever opened the door and entered, her cheeks were flushed, as if she had run here. Seeing Yuder sitting across from the Commander surprised her, but she quickly regained her composure, approached, and bowed.
"What's going on?"
"Just now, Jimmy Ocker's second gender manifestation has begun. As we prepared, I've isolated him and came to report."
Komentar Chapter (0)
Login buat ikut berkomentar.
Belum ada komentar di chapter ini. Jadi yang pertama!