Chapter Text
The Cavalry training grounds exuded the same vigorous energy as any other day. Members engaged in ferocious duels with their abilities, seeming a lot more like brutes than nobility. Dirt flying in all directions was blocked by an invisible shield, and a sharp wind blew out lingering flames. Harsh criticism and swear words were exchanged.
Kishiar La Orr took in this scene as he strode in, his signature vision-blinding, bright smile on full display. He enjoyed watching the members train for some time before somebody noticed and called out to him.
“Commander! When did you arrive?” Jimmy Ocker greeted excitedly, almost stumbling on his feet as he rushed forward. His loud exclamation caused the members to turn their attention to the Cavalry Commander, who sometimes came to the training grounds to watch them fight, and more often than not came to tease and bully his assistant.
Several members, flustered, bowed their heads and gave their Commander a Cavalry-style salute, while some were embarrassed about their undignified appearance.
Kishiar laughed softly and waved his hand with effortless elegance, “Haha. It's quite alright. It gives me great delight in watching everyone train so enthusiastically,” Kishiar darted his eyes around, “But I was wondering where my adorable assistant was. I don't see him around here.”
“Yuder went to see the pharmacist, Commander,” It was Ever Beck who responded, who had gotten quite a bit used to Kishiar, along with the rest of the Deputy Commanders.
Kishiar's smile faltered, his crimson eyes dimming with concern “The pharmacist? Oh my. He is not injured again, is he?”
“Ah, thankfully not. Yuder said that he had to talk about something urgent with the pharmacist, but it's nothing to worry about.” Ever Beck assured, her posture straight and solemn despite her dishevelled appearance.
Kishiar relaxed hearing her words, his smile returning, “I see. Thank you for informing me. I'll let everyone get back to their practice. After all, I don't want to be scolded by my assistant for disrupting the training he had so meticulously arranged.”
Laughter rippled through the group at their Commander's last comment. Kishiar flashed them a dazzling wink as he turned to leave, causing several members to groan and shield their eyes.
Some even muttered prayers for Yuder, knowing full well where the Commander was headed.
——————
Kishiar was aware, to some extent, that the pharmacist and Yuder had a deep bond, which dated even prior to Yuder joining the Cavalry. Yuder clearly holds the man in high regard and has notable reverence for him. Naturally, he couldn’t help but be curious to know who that mysterious man—Enon—is. He had been speculating for a long time and had drawn several conclusions about him and his relationship with Yuder.
These thoughts were what led Kishiar to pause in front of the infirmary door, where the two were having a conversation. Kishiar wasn't one to eavesdrop—he prided himself on respecting everyone's privacy, especially Yuder's. After all, breaking down walls was far more satisfying than prying for answers.
But he supposed he could make this time an exception. He knew Yuder had put up a wind barrier to prevent others from listening in on their conversation—but it was nothing that could deceive a swordmaster's sharp senses.
“Do you know how much stress you give me, you brat?! You could try giving me a bit more respect, at the very least!” Enon's voice came through—rough and blunt like always.
“Yes. I know Hyung-nim worries a lot about me. I'll try to be more careful from now on.”
Yuder spoke, his tone solemn, giving in to the pharmacist.
“Hah! Who is worried about who? Don't put words into my mouth!” There was a small pause, before a small laugh rippled through the air, uncharacteristically soft and gentle, to the point it was almost unbelievable that it came from Yuder Aile, the infamous ‘monster’ of the Cavalry.
Kishiar felt a warm feeling engulfing his body to the point that his cheeks felt hot. He hadn't realised how starved he was to hear that sound, a light, flowy breath that tickled his heart. Yuder had never shown such a raw, untethered emotion in front of him before—that's why it felt so foreign to his ears. It was beautiful and yet, a small, fussy negative emotion still clawed at his heart.
“You…you…..—.. Hmph!” Enon appeared to have been rendered speechless, seemingly similarly affected by the unexpected but very much welcomed sound that came from the usually stoic young man's mouth.
“Then I'm still glad you put up with my reckless behaviour despite the trouble I caused you. I appreciate it a lot.” Yuder sounded to have shuffled in his seat, as if to get up and leave.
“Wait!” Enon called out, and Kishiar heard his assistant's footsteps pause, “You…ugh!” The pharmacist groaned, like the words were physically hard to get out. “You are not a bother, alright?! You are my little brother and I have unfortunately already signed myself up to take care of a brat like you. So don't think I simply ‘put up’ with you—If I truly hated it, I would have told you to shut up and get out already!”
Yuder's steps faltered. His hand lingered on the door handle. Kishiar knew that was his cue to leave before his sharp-minded assistant noticed. Yet, that no longer mattered—he had already heard more than enough. As he turned away, a faint smile curved on his face touched with something bittersweet. The warmth of that laugh still lingered in his chest—even as he quietly retreated to his office—boots resounding as he left the infirmary corridor.
The door closed behind him with a muted click. Kishiar remained still behind his desk for a long time, tapping his fingers on the armrest. Letters remained sorted in front of him, but he paid them no mind. Instead, his thoughts drifted to a certain night-haired young man and the moment he witnessed today.
The impression he had on Yuder Aile after knowing him for only a few months was a diligent, stoic young man who acted unlike people his age. He was definitely mature and had an unexpectedly soft side to him. He cared—so much he tried to hide it. Yet, he acted like there was a wall between him and Kishiar, a boundary that shall not be crossed.
Kishiar was fine with that. After all, he enjoyed breaking down walls. But the scene he saw today of Yuder being so unguarded, unlike his usual self, and having light banter with someone made him feel unusual things.
Of course, he was glad that Yuder had someone he could confide in and talk to. He knew his assistant wasn't exactly the most social person, so it was good for him to have someone like the pharmacist he could laugh with. But at the same time, it left a bitter-tasting feeling in his mouth.
He thought himself immune to envy. But the realization stung him more than he'd cared to admit.
Kishiar turned his head to the window, where the last silver ray of sunlight was caught. He wondered if Yuder would ever laugh like that in front of him.