Chapter Text
“The world is nearing its end.”
…
A kind smile, a knowing one. It bears no malice or disappointment when he hears nothing but silence.
“You don’t have to deny it, my boy. I have lived long enough to know when things have changed.”
…
“Will you not ask me why I insist on following you?”
'Why indeed. I’ve asked you countless times, Elder, but you refused to answer. Did you change your heart then?'
“I wonder. Perhaps I wish for a miracle, but alas.” Shivers run down my bruised back when I meet his eyes. There is old wisdom in them, as if they have seen everything this world can offer.
“The ley lines holding this world have shattered, and the medium that could salvage this is consumed beyond repair. In response, those destined for eternity all but perished.” My mind sees blonde hair, crimson eyes, and a bright smile like the sun. Almost ten years have passed since then, yet the ghost of ‘him’ never leaves me.
“Don’t you have someone like that in this lifetime?”
… No.
“I hear unfulfilled grievances and denial. It has made you blind to what really matters.”
…
“No matter. Fate is cruel for their early departure. It may be too late in this life, but my boy, promise me.”
A wrinkled hand cups my cheek, and that compassionate smile returns to his lips.
“When you are given the chance to make the same choices again, this time-"
.
.
.
"Give chase, Yudrain Aile."
The scene gave way to a world drowned in silver mist. Yuder turned around and gazed unto the horizon. The reverberation of yesterday was fading yet the voice of that Elder was not. The assistant readily stepped into the mist and walked through the silver trail.
Ahead stood two figures beneath an unfamiliar sky. Their faces were hidden, their forms blurred by pale light surrounding them. Between them stretched a garden, small and quiet, with only a handful of fragile shoots breaking through the earth.
Yuder watched as the wind passed over them.
Some bent.
Some vanished.
Yet others remained.
The voice whispered, almost tenderly,
“Not everything buried is meant to remain forgotten.”
The garden shifted.
Roots spread beneath the soil, intertwining in places Yuder could not see. The tiny shoots grew, though he could not tell whether the passage of time had been days or years.
Obsidians gazed unto the horizon.
For an instant, he thought he saw the outline of an enormous tree—or perhaps it was only a forest viewed from a great distance. Its branches disappeared into the clouds, and its roots seemed to stretch farther than the eye could follow.
He could not tell whether it had always been there.
Or whether it was only beginning to grow.
“Some paths end where others begin.”
The voice was softer now.
“Some things are lost so that they may be found again.”
The mist began to close around him. Yuder reached toward the garden, but the soil slipped away like sand between his fingers. Just before everything vanished, he heard one final whisper.
“Do not mistake what is small for what is insignificant.”
Yuder opens his eyes.
For a long moment, he remains still, staring at the unfamiliar ceiling above him. He knows he was dreaming, but the memory is already slipping away. Except for the garden. A silhouette of an enormous tree growing on the horizon. And something else.
In the midst of it, Yuder registers that familiar cypress scent. He leans back just as soft lips brushes against his forehead, followed by the intimate brushing of his bangs. Obsidian black blinks and meet warm crimson rubies staring back at him.Then he remembers: He was supposed to sort through the documents that had piled up on Kishiar’s desk until his untimely nap.
The assistant sighs.
Pregnant.
Yuder can practically hear Enon reminding him of his current situation. Since regaining consciousness a week ago, Enon has basically forced strict bed rest upon him. That is, after the man explained how risky his pregnancy is, especially since he is a male Omega. Yuder must take things in stride and change his diet and lifestyle as his body prepares for child-rearing. And 'Taking It Easy' means removing undue stressors and strenuous activities.
Hence, the rationale behind the commander taking over morning training with the Cavalry and Peletta Knights.
The Imperial Duke kisses his temple in greeting. “The Cavalry is handling my instructions well, dear.”
“Is that so?” The assistant deadpans, watching his partner move around the office. Kishiar chuckles as he removes his outer garments, his gaze skimming over his schedule for the day.
“Is that sarcasm I hear from you, beloved?”
Yuder shakes his head.
“I fear you will let them off the hook easily.” He sighs before continuing. “No matter. I’ll be returning to my duties soon enough.”
Kishiar freezes. Slowly but surely, he faces the Omega, exasperation painting his mien. Yuder meets it with persistence.
“I know that everyone’s concern comes from a place of care,” he affirms, acknowledging the Imperial Duke’s disquiet with the same measured composure that has steadied the Cavalry through countless crises. “But I have no intention of ignoring the limitations and risks that comes with this pregnancy.”
“Angel.”
Oh, how unfair of this man to appeal to him with that voice, Yuder thinks.
Meanwhile, the commander takes advantage of the momentary shock to scoop Yuder off the couch in one smooth motion and settle him onto his lap. His surprise lasts a heartbeat before the Omega relaxes in Kishiar’s embrace, his body already molding effortlessly against him.
Enon warns him that significant changes will follow throughout the pregnancy. Frankly, Yuder witnessed a few of them before his regression: gentle-mannered Alphas showing intense protective and territorial tendencies, while Omegas showed a strong tendency to rely heavily on their Alpha’s scent. Given that he is already presumably soul-bonded to the Imperial Duke, an Alpha already well-versed in his tells, he is now more vulnerable to these sudden behavioral shifts. Fortunately, Kishiar's absolute control over his Alpha instincts plays a significant role in tapering them.
Still, Yuder knows his announcement is testing Kishiar’s restraint.
A compromise, then.
“If returning to my full duties is unwise for now, then allow me to work within my limits.”
“Yuder, you are making this really difficult for me.” Kishiar burrows his face into Yuder’s neck, noticing the subtle change in his partner’s scent. Winter jasmine with a hint of honey, reminding the Duke that Yuder is very much pregnant right now. Even so, when did he ever refuse him?
“How about this, darling? I’ll concede to your wishes as long as you agree to take an escort knight of my own choosing.”
The Omega stares.
“…An escort knight?”
For some reason, Yuder sees not a Peletta knight or someone from the Cavalry, but that young master from that family. He’s currently housed on Cavalry grounds and receiving lessons from both Kishiar and Nathan.
"Akit, I can protect myself," he protests.
“Indulge me?”
Ugh. Yuder flicks the Alpha’s nose the moment he lifts his head begrudgingly. Kishiar laughs.
“Besides, this is excellent practice for him if he truly wants to be a knight.”
Well. If this would soothe the Alpha in the long run.
“When are you planning to inform the Young Master, then?”
“Tomorrow.” Kishiar notes his Omega trying—and failing—to prevent the yawn from escaping his lips. He begins brushing those black locks with his fingers, gradually releasing his scent. The commander feels his partner relax. “At the same time, I would like to inform the Deputies and the Intelligence Unit of our precious cargo. We need to be well-prepared.”
Yuder catches his unspoken words. While certain allegiances have collapsed, the mere knowledge of a new variable will shift this long-standing political game into unprecedented waters. After all, this new variable bears not just Imperial blood, but an Awakened Hero’s, too.
Legitimacy alone will put the babe in danger.They can certainly try, Yuder nearly growls at the thought. The second they lay their hands on them, there will be hell to pay.
Another yawn breaks loose.
“I would have thought that everyone knows by now.”
Kishiar bundles him in his fleece blanket, lifts the assistant into his arms, and strides toward their bedroom. The door opens automatically, as if guided by an unseen force, just as the curtains are pulled halfway. The fireplace flickers to life instantly.
“They nearly ran down the door with their commotion when they brought me in, or so Enon told me.”
“Presumptions, yes, but the kids are too nervous to ask for validation.”
He remembers Gakane coming up to him once. He tries to inquire about Yuder’s health, stutters, and bows his head in embarrassment before fleeing the scene.
“A formal announcement within our ranks is our best option before people start noticing.”
Thus, minimizing any malicious narratives that can be used against the Cavalry. Or Kishiar.
“Alright, enough about work-related matters,” Kishiar chides, setting his partner on their bed and fixing the blanket around his waist. He rewards Yuder with a kiss on his forehead, wrapping him in his scent in silent comfort. Honeyed jasmine unfurls in quiet response.
“Rest. I’ll wake you up for lunch later.”
“Thank you.”
Obsidian-black eyes fix their gaze on the man he calls his commander—the man whom he deeply respects and his partner. His expression is unusually soft and candid. He recalls a sliver of his dream earlier.
Give chase, huh.
Looking back, Yuder doesn’t even need to run after that happiness.
Kishiar La Orr never left his side.
Whether in their first life or this one.
The bedroom settles into an intimate quiet as jasmine and cypress meld and intertwine. The crisp freshness of a rain-soaked forest steeps in winter jasmine, seeping through the four corners of their private space—polished wood and cold steel—until it smells like a secluded woodland at dawn, peaceful and impossibly serene.
Kanna is downright baffled when she finally shows up for her appointment with the commander.
The office is literally jam-packed with people! Fellow Deputy Heads aside, the psychometrist sees all members of the Intelligence Unit gathered on one side, while Lusan and Alik, representatives of their respective units, sit on the couch. Occupying the opposite sofa are Elle, Revlin, and Kiolle, who looks restless, surrounded by many Cavalry higher-ups. She notes that neither the Duke nor Yuder is present yet.
“Both His Grace and Sir Aile will be joining us in a while,” Nathan remarks when he catches Kanna’s inquisitive gaze. Kanna nods in acknowledgment before she’s beckoned over by Ever. Steiber scooches over to make space for her.
“You made it,” Ever greets her with a grin, shoving her shoulder playfully. Kanna rolls her eyes in response.
“I barely reached the borders before I got your letter.” She eyes Kiolle once again. The Young Master is under the protection and supervision of the Cavalry Commander and the Adjutant. It’s unusual for him to be allowed in this meeting.
“Did something major happen while I was away?”
“Yuder happened.”
This time, Gakane groans as he joins them. Ears perking up, the rest of the Intelligence Unit squeezes themselves into the conversation.
“All of us panicked when Yuder collapsed during training. We had to rush him off to the pharmacist to get him checked out.”
Kanna’s face turns ashen at the news.
“Ever had to escort the Commander to the medbay after the pharmacist explicitly asked for him,” Gakane adds before Kanna can panic. Even Revlin and Elle turn their worry towards him, waiting for good news, perchance. They have been on a covert mission from the commander until this meeting. And Gakane understands their worry.
After all, Yuder is family. He speaks not for himself alone, but for the others, too. Yuder may be younger; however, his gait, his experiences—all of his eccentricities—reveal wisdom beyond his tender age. Everyone holds him in high regard, second only to their own commander.
Yes, the Cavalry is no stranger to Yuder’s impetuous maneuvers; however, news of his collapse doesn’t make them feel any better. The man’s always known for pushing himself to exhaustion.
“Is it serious? How is he?” Kanna interrupts his wayward thoughts. Finn shakes his head.
“No idea.”
“Though, the Commander oversees all duties for the meantime while Yuder’s on bed rest,” Hinn adds.
The office door opens.
Gakane nearly chokes beside her. Kanna gives him a sideways glance before the man waves away her concern. She doesn't need to know the heavy pheromones blanketing the room right now.
“Do not worry. My assistant has just obtained the pharmacist’s clean bill of health and my permission to return to work starting tomorrow.” A sanguine voice joins them. Everyone stands to greet Yuder and Kishiar as they arrive. The Eldore twins rush toward the assistant, both hanging near his orbit protectively as they ask about his well-being. Even Revlin and Elle gravitate near the two.
While the youngsters flock around them, sudden disquiet befalls the older, competent members. Aside from Lusan, who redirects his gaze outside the window as if checking whether the skies is the most interesting thing he has ever seen, the rest have peculiar expressions etched on their faces. To top it off, some wipe their eyes in wonder before squinting hard.
Kanna blinks before following their incredulous gazes.
Ah.
The Duke is practically hovering over Yuder as he ushers the man toward the only empty loveseat. It doesn’t escape her eyes though: the hand on the Omega’s lower back.
It spells cautiousness. Protective. And, dare she say, possessive.
As she sits down on the settee, Kanna catches Yuder whispering something in the commander’s ear and—
Someone gasps when Kishiar smiles affectionately and nuzzles the assistant's hair with tenderness.
Kanna grabs Gakane’s wrist, to which the man taps his index finger against her skin in rapid taps.
She notices his reddened face and signs, Don’t breathe, don’t say a thing! Just bear with it!
Gakane nods as Yuder clears his throat softly. Kishiar chuckles, taps the Omega’s forehead, then addresses his men.
“Apologies for the holdup, everyone. Let us start the meeting.”
Yuder sits in composed silence as each representative delivers their mission updates while the commander presses them with intense questions. Kishiar’s expression remains unreadable, but the assistant knows his commander’s tells: the rhythmic tapping of his elegant fingers against the seat’s leather cover, the subtle twitch of his brow, and the slight upturn of his lips.
Right now, Yuder senses his partner mapping out every detail with the precision of a seasoned strategist.
The final report carries a different urgency, however. Katchian’s poor attempt to consolidate power through alliances with the influential Southern nomads. Their movements are restricted at best by the Crown Prince’s upcoming trial, yet that alone does not deter the faction.
No, it incites them further to invite other tribes to their cause.
Yuder notes to send a letter addressed to the Southern Army and Myra later. He’ll need their help to cross-reference the data the Intelligence Unit managed to gather and avoid possible skirmishes. Meanwhile, Kishiar nods, thanking everyone for their updates. “Report to my assistant tomorrow morning for task delegation. Anything else that needs to be put forward?”
A hesitant hand and a skeptical voice catch the Cavalry members off guard. They forget that they are in the presence of a non-Cavalry member as well: Kiolle Diarca.The Duke gestures for the young master to speak.
“Y-Your Grace, may I ask why I’m required to join this meeting?”
“Ah, yes. Kiolle, I have an important mission for you, but.” Kishiar pauses, his gaze falling upon Yuder. The man stares back. The Duke takes a seat on the sofa’s armrest before he continues. “My dear assistant has something to announce before that.”
“Yuder is?”
“This is another matter aside from our assistant returning to work, then?”
Yuder folds his hands neatly.
“Yes. This is a personal affair that requires temporary adjustments to my current duties.” He turns to Revlin, who readily deploys a barrier within the office’s perimeter, and nods back.That brief moment stretches. Yuder glances at Kishiar, who gives a subtle, reassuring squeeze to his shoulder.
The air feels thick with anticipation, the sort that makes even the loudest Cavalry hold their breath. Someone shifts nervously, another clears their throat as if trying to break the silence, and Gakane looks like he might burst from suspense. Finally, Devran opens his mouth, his tone teasing but a little too high-pitched to be casual.
“You cannot be pregnant or something, right?”
The joke hangs awkwardly for a beat—then Yuder’s lips twitch, and Kishiar’s fingers tighten almost imperceptibly on his shoulder.
“I am,” Yuder says simply, but his voice is quieter than usual. He meets their eyes, daring them to doubt it.
“Eh?”
Devran looks ridiculous, the way he freezes with his mouth agape.
Yuder meets his gaze with complete composure.
“I’m indeed pregnant.”
.
.
.
The room explodes.
There’s a chorus of gasps and shouts tumbling over each other. Kanna is the first to leap up, launching herself into a hug that nearly smothers Yuder, her words tumbling together in a happy, breathless rush. Kishiar supports Yuder’s back firmly, murmuring soft reassurances in his ear. Gakane, face blotchy with emotion, squeezes Yuder’s other shoulder, choking out, “We’re really—so happy for you, Yuder.”
Ever claims loudly that this calls for a celebration right here, right now.
On the other hand, Devran’s eyebrows furrow in sincere apology. “I—I have no idea—”
Yuder shakes his head.
“There’s no need to apologize.” Obsidians comb through the room, catching everyone’s attention.“Right now, the Cavalry is facing several complications brought by the Southern faction. There is also the matter with the Crown Prince’s ongoing trial.”
“If word gets out that you, the Hero of the West and South, are expecting…”
The assistant regards the change in the Cavalry’s mien.
Calm.
Dangerous.
Murderous.
The hand on his back presses on, reminding him that there’s another within their midst who is far more cunning and lethal than all of them combined. Yuder feels the anxiety melting from his shoulders—a prickling, overwhelmed gratitude welling in his chest. He lets his winter jasmine scent flow, quietly comforting Kishiar, who answers in kind with a grounding cypress note. The moment is brief but deeply personal, a wordless promise. Regaining his composure, Yuder continues,“Hence, the commander suggests disclosing the precious cargo. And I agreed. Questions?”
Devran raises his hand. Yuder leans back, wrestling with a yawn wanting to escape his lips, and gestures for the man to speak up. He’s beyond exhausted, even if it’s Kishiar who chairs the meeting. Must be the onset effect of pregnancy that Enon reminded him of earlier.
“Does this mean that the commander knows whose child it is?”
Yuder stops mid-yawn.
Kishiar snorts.
“I do.”
Silence ensues. Then chaos descends on the office once again. Several heads immediately hound the Duke, the query being echoed around them. Some try to pester Nathan for tidbits of information, but the adjutant remains still as stone. Meanwhile, Kanna catches Lusan staring at her and Gakane with a knowing look.
The priest nods sagely.
Oh.
The Duke, who has been watching his assistant with an unmistakably pleased expression, raises a teasing brow towards his eager men.
“Why are you all interested in this child’s father?”
“We wanted to invite the man for a little talk,” someone says. Their smile doesn’t reach their eyes as they clench their fist.
“Yeah, and make him confess how he enticed Yuder. The man is as immovable as a stone!”
“Drinks are on him, by the way!”
Finn joins in.
“Commander, it’s Yuder! Of course, as his protégés, we wanted to make sure that whoever the guy is, he understands exactly what he’s gotten himself into.”
“Oh?” Kishiar hums, looking far too entertained by the prospect. “And what exactly do you intend to discuss with him?”
“His intentions. His qualifications. His plans for the future.” Hinn brings up one finger at a time. She meets their commander’s gaze with a keen one. “Yuder is the Cavalry’s pride and joy, Commander. Of course, we want the best for him and the baby.”
The Duke’s smile widens.
“I see.”
“Now that I think about it, wouldn’t it be weird if it’s not the Commander?” Ever wonders, studying the two within her peripheral vision. It's the most accurate rationale she could think of. Yuder appeals to many with his countless accolades and title however! He and the commander are practically joined at the hip. Some may deny that their proximity is caused by work itself but that longing and heat in one’s gaze! The subtle touch when they think that no one notices! Isn’t it obvious when their commander shows blatant care for their Yuder Ail?
“Come now, Ever. Isn’t it a bit too far-fetched an idea?” Devran counters. A protruding vein appears on Ever’s temple as she stands to her feet, the pyromancer mimicking her with his fists raised in a joking manner. The room erupts with loud teasing and laughter as the two hurl one wager after another.
Yuder feels exhausted merely looking at them. When the assistant glances at his commander, he looks highly entertained by the Cavalry’s antics.
Yuder clears his throat and calls for their attention, his voice as cold as ice.
"Men, stand down.”
Everyone stands rigidly, eyes looking straight ahead.
That’s Demon Instructor Yuder’s voice.
And nobody messes with that version of the assistant. The Cavalry remembers Yuder’s ruthless drills. Even Kiolle, who has gotten a taste of Yuder’s training once, shivers.
“All of you are to return to the training grounds and do a hundred push-ups. I’ll be requesting Sir Zuckermann to oversee your progress. Do not try to escape, or I will triple that. You are dismissed.”
Kishiar couldn’t help it; peals of laughter drowned out the mortified gasps breaking out at once. Yuder ignored them as he turned to the nervous Kiolle and ordered,
“You are to stay here. The commander will be briefing you about your assignment.” The Young Master of Diarca merely nodded dubiously. Then, to Lusan, he said, “Priest, I’ll have him go to the medical bay for you to walk him through the job. The pharmacist has been briefed on the subject as well.”
“No problem, Yuder. You can count on me.”
Lusan departs from the room.
This leaves the rest of the raucous Cavalry, whom Nathan is herding towards the door. Save for the youngsters, Gakane, and Kanna, who witness the rambunctious bunch fight for the truth of the child’s father.
“Yuder, won’t you tell us? We wanna talk—”
“It’s a year’s worth of fruits, Yuder! On Devran’s paycheck—”
“Ever, you—!”
“Alright, you can all settle down now, or you will make my dear assistant angrier.” Kishiar wipes his tears away, his ruby eyes twinkling with mischief. A round of disconnected protests follows. He chuckles. Then, the Duke addresses his adjutant with finality.
“Nathan, send a missive to Shusainer. Then, assign several Peletta Knights to accompany him for his travels to the capital.”
All outcries of betrayal die down instantly.
Yuder presses his fingers against his temple, head throbbing as he watches their faces transform minutely.
Disbelief, at first, when they hear their own commander bark orders to Nathan.
They attempt to read the assistant’s mien. And when Yuder’s expression remains admirably composed, save for the faint flush creeping towards the tips of his ears, they slowly zero in on the Duke.
“N-no way—”
Kishiar doesn’t answer. He continues giving instructions to his faithful adjutant, who almost looks at these men with pity. Nathan sympathizes with Yuder, who wants to excuse himself from this drivel.
“Seriously!?”
“Are you and Yuder—?”
“Since when did this happen? No, the better question is, how did you guys find time!?”
Kishiar smiles, secretive.
“Commander, stop teasing!” they groan collectively. The Duke raises an exasperated brow.
“Is that not why I’m painstakingly arranging this dinner to be worth your time?” He shoots them another look, then lets it linger on Devran. He smiles.
“I’ll be looking forward to your inquiries, then.”
Devran pales.
Nathan clears his throat. “Is there anything else that I should take note of, Your Grace, before we leave?”
The Duke beams.
The adjutant salutes with the standard Peletta bow before His Liege, taking the still-reeling Cavalry away. Gakane and Kanna leave as well, along with Revlin and Elle, who take turns wrapping Yuder into their arms. As soon as the door closes with a click, Yuder nearly sags if not for Kiolle, who jolts on his seat.
“No need to be nervous, Kiolle. This task that I’m about to give is relatively easy and meant to provide practice,” Kishiar says, amusement unmistakable in his voice.
Kiolle tries to smile. His lips tremble though, his voice a pitch higher when he answers,“E-even though I’m lacking, Y-Your Grace, I will follow.”
“Excellent!” The Duke nods radiantly. Gesturing towards Yuder, he adds,“You heard my assistant return to his duties earlier, yes?”
Kiolle freezes.
Surely, the commander wouldn’t!
“Kiolle, you will serve as Yuder’s personal escort starting tomorrow. You are not to leave his side—”
“Akit.”
“—unless he is in the presence of his friends or mine.”
Kiolle is adrift with many questions; however, the commander’s ruby eyes meet his with gravity. His eyes drift to Yuder, finding those obsidian ones studying him, waiting and daring him to refuse. He clenches his hands before slapping his own cheeks. The act catches the two off guard.
“Your Grace, I may lack the skill of a full-fledged knight, but I vow to protect Baron Aile with all my life. I swear on my name that no danger will befall on your family.” Kishiar reaches over, grasping the Young Master’s shoulder and giving it a moment’s squeeze. “I know you will.”
With a salute, Kiolle leaves the room.
A few seconds after the door shuts, a loud thud! echoes back. Kishiar doubles over with suppressed laughter, holding on to the armrest for dear life. Yuder, exhausted from all the shenanigans, hears Kiolle scramble away and vows not to share any more important announcements during normal Cavalry meetings.