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Chapter Text

“My goodness…” Kishiar said as he placed his hand on his heart.

Yuder frowned as he looked down at the plan and notes that he had made with Enon and Kanna after asking them what he can do with Kishiar in the capital for a day the other night. Enon had cursed him out of the medical division before dragging him back in and telling him of all the best restaurants and attractions he knew of in the capital. Kanna had blushed vividly, but also gave her own insight of good places to go.

Combining the two’s information, Yuder thought he made a decent enough plan. It might not be like Kishiar’s and how Kishiar always made time in the capital fun, but…

“Is it not good?” Yuder asks, lowering his notebook a little, but his words got muffled in the end as Kishiar hugged him.

“How could it not? Can you feel my heart racing? My beautiful lover is asking me out on a date and I think I’m going to die of love. Let’s do everything. All of your plans. Take me out on a date. Woo me, Yuder.”

Yuder smiled as he hugged Kishiar back. “Okay.”

Chapter Text

“Husband.” Yuder said one day and Kishiar froze, nearly tripping himself with how fast he stopped in his tracks but Yuder had caught him and gave him a questioning look.

For a solid minute, Kishiar was unable to say anything, but then he smiled, a little calmer as he placed a hand on his heart.

“I have never expected you to call me that.” Kishiar mused as he held his racing heart. “Also, could you call me that again?”

“Husband?”

Kishiar engulfed Yuder into a tight hug. “I love you.”

And also whispered in Yuder’s ear as his hands frantically touched Yuder in places. “And I want you so much. Can we move to my room right now?”

Yuder shivered under Kishiar’s frantic hands, barely holding back his soft noises as he nodded.

Kishiar whisked him away immediately and then kissed Yuder against the door as soon as he shut it.

Kishiar had Yuder call him husband many times against the door and in bed that day and night, even in the morning the day afterwards.

Yuder almost resolved to never call him husband again, but he gave in and called Kishiar husband just one more time for the morning.

Kishiar kissed him and cuddled into him.

Chapter Text

One day, Yuder found himself surrounded by cookies and cakes.

His confusion must have shown on his face because all 330 Cavalry members laughed at him.

“Steiber taught us how to bake! Happy Birthday, Yuder!”

Meow, Nipollen echoed as the cat pushed a paper with his inked paw print in front of Yuder. Nipollen wasn’t allowed in the kitchens because of his fur, but Ever and Elle helped him make a gift for Yuder as well.

“Thank you.” Yuder said after a while, thanking each of them and especially little Nipollen.

Chapter Text

Kishiar remembers the last conversation with his sister-in-law.

“Duke Peletta. Will you not tell the one you love that you are dying?” The Empress asks him, her eyes still tainted with grief since the previous Emperor’s death. Kishiar wonders if Yudrein would be the same, would worry and care over him like Faria, if Yudrein knew about his cracking vessel and approaching, inevitable death, if Yudrein would carry the same burden and sorrow in his normally impassive black eyes, and knew the answer.

Although Yudrein seemed impassive, his eyes, to one who knew how to look and looked closely, were never impassive.

Even now, there was already worry and sorrow, desperate pleas and care and unscreamed questions, in his eyes unbeknownst to their own holder.

Reading Kishiar’s answer in Kishiar’s own eyes, Faria frowned, her hand trembling, “Will you be even more stubborn than Keilusa to deny the one who loves you this? At least some knowledge and preparation? Do you not trust him? Will you be an even greater scar on your loved one than Keilusa is to me?”

“I…”

Kishiar couldn’t. He knew his death would leave a scar either way, even greater if he leaves the world in this way, but he couldn’t.

An inappropriate thought flickered through his mind: At least Yudrein would bear his scars elegantly.

Chapter Text

Kishiar chuckled as he read through another stack of notes and letters secretly, lovingly given to him by various of his Cavalry members throughout the day.

 It felt like he had an entire spy network centered on getting information about Yuder.

But just as Kishiar knew very well that he did not order any of them to update him on Yuder’s day, troubles, and any secret preferences that they incidentally realized Yuder had, Kishiar knew that they were delivering this information to him more because of their love for Yuder and desire for Yuder to be happy.

As much as they knew that the information would make their Commander happy, inside each letter was an even greater desire for him to know and use the information to make their colleague, second leader in all but name, the spirit of the Cavalry, happy.

And they thought what better way than to help the Commander who could use all the information to figure out the best way to do that.

After all, it was Commander who always made Yuder happy.

Chapter Text

Yuder watched as Kishiar looked through countless catalogs, humming as he flipped through countless pages.

Yuder wasn’t good with these kinds of things and he quite frankly thought that getting a certificate was enough, but he wondered…

“Should I help?” Yuder asked as he watched Nathan bring in another large stack of catalogs from who knows where and adding to the mountains already surrounding Kishiar.

Kishiar looked up with a bright smile. “You can help choose the cake!” Turning to look at his adjutant, Kishiar called, “Nathan!”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Nathan said, bringing over a tray of cake slices.

Since when did he have time to prepare this…? Yuder wondered as Nathan placed the tray down in front of him.

“There are more.” Nathan informed Yuder when Yuder looked up at him.

That was not what Yuder was going to ask… but Yuder sighed and picked up his fork.

Unbeknownst to him, Kishiar paused in his busy planning to fondly watch his adorable assistant eat cake.

Chapter Text

Nathan stoically gave Yuder a box of chocolate.

Yuder looked at him in confusion as he slowly accepted it.

“Is there a reason…?” Yuder trailed off before he recalled the other times Nathan had given him such a box before. “Oh. Is it that time already?”

Nathan very stoically nodded.

“I see.” Yuder finally nodded, his own expression quite stoic despite how his colleague seemed to know his body better than he did. It would have been creepy had it not been Nathan. “Thank you for the warning.”

“Yes. Well. I’ll tell His Grace.” Nathan said before leaving though there was no need to tell Kishiar. Kishiar was also someone who knew Yuder’s body better than Yuder himself. And Nathan, of course.

Chapter Text

Before the first generation of Cavalry members left the barracks, they all gathered together for a room competition.

“I can’t believe we haven’t done this before! I’m so curious what your room looks like!”

“I bet I have the best room! I got a mini bar after my first paycheck, and no one can beat my new collection of wine!”

“No, I have the best room! You should see all the art pieces and sculptures I found around the capital!”

All of them cheerily talked and bragged about their rooms as they walked down the halls. They laughed whenever they opened a door and the room owner began enthusiastically introducing all the things they once could only dream of as a poor commoner or fallen noble but could now buy with their high salary. They argued and play-fought competitively as they always did during training. After all, competition was the way of the Cavalry that always strove to be the best!

Finally, they got to Yuder’s room. All of them stared at the door with anticipation, wondering if it was going to be empty and devoid of things, minimalistic and practical, or if they would find Yuder with an unexpected hobby or collection of things like many others, or something else.

And when Yuder opened his door, they all couldn’t help but laugh and stare.

“Wow, Yuder!” Jimmy enthusiastically ran into the room and smelled it. “It smells so good! You have so many flowers! Why do you have so many flowers?”

Gakane laughed as he spoke for Yuder. “It’s all the flowers he received. Look over there. Those are all the presents that he received over time too. By the way, I was the one who helped him dry the flowers and find vases and jars!”

“What?! You went around the capital with Yuder?! Not fair! I want to go shopping with Yuder too!”

As everyone walked around Yuder’s room, Yuder felt himself relax.

In the previous timeline, the only times people entered his space was when they were delivering Emperor Katchian’s summons or when alphas wanted to ‘fix the defective omega’ or ‘help the cold Commander relax and learn to have a good time’.

When touring the rooms was brought up, Yuder couldn’t help but tense at the thought of people invading his room, but seeing them now, Yuder felt himself considerably warmed and soft.

It wasn’t the same as before.

“I say Yuder wins the Most Surprising Room and Best Room! Definitely not Most Clean though!” A person nominated, adding the last comment with a laugh. Others laughed too because there was no denying that the overflowing flowers and presents everywhere was messy.

“Sounds good! I think no one expected this. And it really does feel like a mini garden here with all the good smelling flowers. What about the Weirdest Room then?”

“Oh, that definitely goes to-“

“What?! No! I think the weirdest one was-“

“Gakane’s definitely the Most Homely. All the portraits he brought of his family was too sappy for my heart!”

“Hey!”

“Most Interesting Room would go to-“

Everyone would be moving out soon to make room for the next batch of recruits, but Yuder thought he would remember what everyone of the first generation’s rooms looked like as he walked through the Cavalry Barracks.

Chapter Text

“Commander,” Yuder began as they entered an abandoned mountain cabin they found after defeating a snow abomination the villagers called Mountain Yeti. “Should I take out the magic stones?”

It was freezing cold outside for there was an unexpected blizzard that began halfway through their fight with the giant monster. Both Kishiar and Yuder got caught up in it and nearly got buried in snow, had it not been for Kishiar’s ability to push it all off both of them. Still, Yuder wanted to start a fire in the magic stove that he saw in the center of the room to keep his Commander warm, but Kishiar unexpectedly held onto his spatially-enhanced bag.

Yuder walked towards him in concern, only to be suddenly brought into a hug and then a large fluffy blanket.

In the darkness and so tucked into Kishiar’s arms, Yuder couldn’t see Kishiar’s smile, but Yuder could certainly feel it pressed against his head as Kishiar cuddled him closer. Kishiar’s body was like a heater, especially under the warm blanket, and Yuder closed his eyes, feeling warmed as he breathed in Kishiar’s comforting scent.

“I know I said I like magic stoves, but doing things like this once in a while is good too, don’t you think?”

“…I think so too, Commander.” Yuder agreed, cuddling and pressing himself against Kishiar back.

They hid under the blanket, sleeping against each other’s warmth until the blizzard passed.

Chapter Text

A marine abomination grew unknown until it became half the size of the ocean and threatened to engulf the world. No ship could sail the waters, no Awakener simultaneously fly and battle for so long, and no person could trick it onto land.

It was a most serious threat that couldn’t be left further alone, but the Cavalry Commander couldn’t go as there were still countless disasters and things to be done in Orr that required his attention.

It was decided: Yuder Ail must fight it alone and the world, including Kishiar, could only pray.

As Kishiar led the Cavalry to deal with an unprecedentedly large monster outbreak in the North near Peletta, he anxiously thought of the battle occurring in the ocean and yet was so fierce that shockwaves and loud roars could be heard across the Empire.

Yuder…

And when Yuder returned, exhausted and being healed by countless prepared Sun God priests, Kishiar ran to hug him.

I’m sorry I couldn’t help. Thank you for everything always. You deserve the whole world’s praise and thanks and pride.

Thank you for returning home alive.

Chapter Text

What most people in the Western Mage Union didn’t realize until they followed their Leader, Micalin, to the capital to help with the Duke Tain trials was that Micalin’s rough, unkempt appearance was because of Thais’s clean gentlemanly one.

It really wasn’t obvious until they saw their Leader wear a bright lemony yellow robe instead of his usual dark purple one.

“Um… Leader?” Lorna cautiously asked as she tried looking at her Leader’s face, but it was made almost impossible by the garishly bright color surrounding her Leader. “Why the change in attire?”

“No particular reason!” Micalin sharply said before muttering under his breath, “Who wants to wear the same color as that disgraceful, un-mage-like bastard!! No one was copying you! If anything, you were copying me because you wore gold before.”

Lorna and the other mages exchanged confused glances, but followed their beloved Leader to the Pearl Tower. Well! Even if their Leader was wearing fluorescent yellow, he was still really cool – and with how he wore it confidently, no one could question his odd fashion choice for the day.

Except Thais, the Elder Mage they ran into at Pearl Tower again.

Thais laughed, slapping his dark purple starry patterned robe-covered knee, “What is with that color, Micalin! As always, you have no sense! You should be more stylish like me!”

“Who wants to be like you, you disgraceful fake mage!!” Micalin yelled as he pointed his staff at Thais, looking like he might actually use it despite the no dueling indoors rule at Pearl Tower.

“Fake mage? What false allegations are you making in front of my young disciple and outsiders! Micalin, I never thought you had it in you to slander me so!”

“What slander.” Micalin snarled. “What real mage throws a banana peel to the ground to slip their opponent?”

Elder Thais did what? And did Leader… fall for that? Everyone who were listening was bewildered as they watched the two mages bicker, Thais looking much more composed than Micalin as Thais teased him with bright smiles and loud laughter.

Fortunately, other Elder Mages quickly appeared and defused the situation before a fight could actually break out between the two.

But the next day, they dropped by the Pearl Tower, the same thing happened and while the two argued again, Lorna and the mages couldn’t help but notice that their wardrobes for the day was flipped. This time, Thais was wearing gold and Micalin was wearing dark purple again.

They blinked.

“Is it just me or are they wearing opposite colors today?”

Besides them, Alik, Thais’s disciple, sighed, “It’s because Elder Micalin doesn’t want to be anywhere similar to Thais in any way. Master Thais once told me about it. Elder Micalin hates him so much that he would figure out what Master was wearing for the day and wear the opposite. It’s the same for how tidy their beards and overall appearance is. And the reason why Micalin trained his body to be so muscular despite being a mage.”

Ah. Lorna and the other mages realized. Come to think of it, Elder Thais’s silky and smooth beard was also completely opposite to Leader Micalin’s grisly, unmanaged one. And Micalin’s build was completely the opposite of Thais’s skinny figure…

Wait.

“The reason why Leader Micalin looks like a tiger more buff than even the Imperial Knight Commander is because he doesn’t even want the same figure as Elder Thais???” Lorna gaped, absolutely astounded.

The dedication!

It was a completely ridiculous reason, but all of them couldn’t help but admire his dedication to train everyday to do so.

But still… Leader! How deep is your hatred?! This was going beyond normal!

Chapter Text

The Emperor’s wine glass shattered in his grip, but the Emperor didn’t care as he looked at the messenger in disbelief… and fear.

“He didn’t cry?”

Impossible! Katchian remembered ordering for the former Cavalry Commander’s eye to be slowly gouged out. Painfully. Slowly like it was ice cream to be savored or something.

That didn’t affect the Commander at all?

He didn’t even blink an eye?

“No sir.” The messenger said, looking just as pale and sick and horrified. “It was reported that he gave no sound or reaction while your order was being carried out.”

Katchian stared before his trembling heart finally dropped.

“I’m not going to the execution.” Katchian abruptly decided.

“Your Majesty?”

“I’m sick. This made me sick. I lost my appetite. Call the new Commander to watch for me. I’m not going because I’m sick” The Emperor said, quickly rising from his throne to walk, run towards his bed to hide underneath the covers.

He was just going to bed because he was sick. He ate something bad.

It wasn’t because he was scared. Katchian desperately, derisively thought before his heart gave out again as he imagined those soulless black eyes, the remaining one, looking at him at the public execution he ordered next week. How the Cavalry Commander might actually lunge forth and bite him.

…Who was he kidding?

Mommy, this was too scary.

“Make sure to bind him with monster ropes! Crush his arms and legs with a hammer first! Don’t feed him or give him water at all for a week!” Katchian ordered while burying himself further under the blankets. “The guillotine has to be made out of the strongest monster materials we have! Gasp-“ The Cavalry Commander wouldn’t turn into a demon or ghost, right? Such things weren’t real, right? “Get the Pope to bless the guillotine! Take care of every detail! You have to make sure this guy is dead!”

Katchian didn’t think he would be able to sleep at night, even in the two weeks after the Commander’s death.

Chapter Text

Jimmy sighed as he watched Yuder go through his daily sword routine. Most of the Cavalry members stopped in their morning training and did, finding the movements awe-inspiring and beautifully relaxing.

They were just about to fully unwind down from all their high energy and tension when Jimmy sighed again, looking at Yuder dreamily.

“I think I have a crush on him.”

And then they froze, winter freezing up the soothing rivers and calm waterfall sounds in their heart.

“Uh, Jimmy, even if it’s a childish boy crush, there’s just some things you can’t say.”

“But it’s not a childish boy crush. I’m serious. And I’m not a child anymore! I’m at the age commoners can live alone!”

All of them grew more nervous, glancing around the training grounds and then crowding around Jimmy with hush voices.

“No.” A person held Jimmy’s shoulders with a grim expression. “It is a boy crush.”

“Yeah.” A person agreed before whispering, “You have to drop it now. Quickly.”

“Why?” Jimmy asked.

Someone was about to answer, but as if a demon was summoned by name, their Commander appeared with a bright voice,

“Oh? What’s going on here?”

All of them jolted. “Nothing, Commander!! We were just giving Jimmy advice on how to survive with his life – I mean, life lessons, just normal advice!”

Chapter Text

When Kishiar saw Yuder sleeping on the couch, the mental conference of mini Kishiar’s in his mind went crazy.

Happy Kishiar: Aww, look at him sleep so well.

Proud Kishiar: Remember when he first visited our office a year ago. Now, he feels so at ease with us that he can sleep during work hours here.

Worried Kishiar: He’ll get neckaches in the morning if he sleeps like that.

Overthinking Kishiar: Did he overwork today?

Mother Kishiar: Oh, he must be cold. Wrap him with a blanket.

Cuddly Kishiar: And hug him in his blanket.

Overprepared Kishiar: Maybe we can add some stones to the magic stone stove too.

Husband Kishiar: Let’s do them all.

‘Yuder is Adorable’ Kishiar: Yes, but can we all just agree on one thing?

Every Kishiar: Yuder is so adorable.

Chapter Text

Over the years, Yuder would never stop staring at how many lemons Enon could eat without blinking an eye. Lemons were so sour that Yuder sometimes would cringe. To him, watching Enon eat so many was so gross, it was fascinating.

Over the years, Enon would never stop grimacing at how many sweets Yuder could eat without a change in expression. Sweets were disgustingly sweet and cavity-inducing and thinking of his little bro with cavities on top of everything else he went through a year was painful. To him, it was so headache-inducing that Enon could hardly watch.

Despite their opinions however, they continue to give each other their respective favorite foods as gifts whenever they visited as if it was a reflex to want to see the other happy whenever they meet.

Yuder often forgot to give presents to others on special days, but he would never fail to bring at least one lemon to Enon each visit.

Enon didn’t care about human holidays at all, but he would always prepare lemon candies and other sweets along with special made toothpaste for Yuder.

Gift-giving to each other was natural for them.

Chapter Text

As Keilusa and Faria watched over their nephews for Kishiar and Yuder, Keilusa suddenly asked,

“Did you ever regret marrying me? It was because of me people thought you were infertile.”

For most aristocratic families, a wife’s worth was in her ability to bear children, but that never happened, especially after the accident.

Faria smiled as she held her husband’s hand.

 “Never.” She said as the sun set, causing the world, especially her pale blond hair to glow a warm red. “Not even for one small moment. It is you who are my beloved, Keilusa. The rest of the world matters not.”

As Keilusa looked at her, he agreed. To him, everything in the world paled compared to her as well.

They leaned in to kiss.

Chapter Text

“You can really tell us apart, Yuder?”

“It’s not a lie? You really 100% can?”

The two twins asked him, crowding around him with large eyes of wonder.

Yuder nodded.

They leaned up and blocked his eyes with their hands before moving behind him. He could feel them playfully locking hands together and spinning, probably looking like fairies as was rumored to be a part of their blood.

When they stopped, they appeared before him again and asked.

“What about now? Who am I?”

“Who am I?”

“Hinn and Finn.” Yuder nodded to Hinn and then Finn one at a time. Their eyes once again widen in delight and wonder.

"Again, again!" They shouted and moved behind him again.

They played this game almost twenty times, the other Cavalry members watching them in amusement and awe.

And each time, Yuder would correctly identify them without a single second's delay of hesitation.

Hinn and Finn hugged him, confessing that not even their closest relatives could tell them apart since they were kids. Yuder was the first one and though it wasn't fun that he knew, they were happy about it.

Yuder knew.

The reason why Hinn and Finn left the Cavalry in the first timeline was because they didn't like hearing the other Cavalry members talk bad about him all the time. It was annoying, unfair, and toxic, they said, apologizing to Yudrein but leaving to start a mercenary group.

That's right... Yuder thought. There were people who did think well of him in the first timeline, he suddenly found himself realizing and for some reason a warm feeling entered into his heart.

When their hugs lasted too long as if they were waiting for something, Yuder found himself awkwardly hugging them back.

Hinn and Finn grinned. That was what they had been waiting for.

Chapter Text

Before Kishiar places in the order for the Cavalry uniforms, Kishiar makes customized arrangements for everyone who truly needs it.

The Eldore siblings are one of them and Kishiar especially browses through all the available fabrics for something strong and stretchy so that the Eldore siblings could transform without their clothing ripping. This alteration would especially be important for a young adult girl like Hinn.

While Kishiar thinks of strong, stretchy fabric for the other transformation ability Awakeners, Kishiar can't help but also think of Yuder's clothes.

Should he also make Yuder's clothes especially strong? But what if one day Yuder would accept his propositions and let him rip clothing off of him to access the delicious skin hidden inside?

In the end, Kishiar's reason wins and he makes sure that Yuder's clothes would be near-indestructible, providing protection to his adorable assistant.

It was fine. Kishiar was already the fastest un-buttoner in the history of the imperial family anyways.

Chapter Text

As Baron Durmand conversed with other nobles, the Eldore siblings stealthily approached from behind and whispered in hushed tones. Yuder assured them he was fine, but worry still lingered on their faces.

"Really? You never say you're unwell even when you are. How can we trust you?"

"You should be honest, especially in a place like this."

"I am fine, truly. Do I look unwell?"

"...No, you look perfectly healthy."

"See? So relax. If you want to laugh, just laugh."

The Eldore siblings had been concerned when looking at Yuder but had also been suppressing smiles when looking at Baron Durmand. Finally, they covered their mouths and let out genuine laughter. [End of excerpt]

And the Eldore siblings did, laughing and mocking the Baron Durmand who had tried to make a fool of their unofficial vice-leader, but was made a fool of instead.

And they would have remembered this event fondly for the rest of their lives... If it wasn't for what they heard had happened afterwards.

...

"You said you were fine," the Eldore siblings hunted down Yuder afterwards, accusing Yuder and hating how they had thought he looked okay, trusted him when he said he was okay, when he actually had nearly died.

Their eyes were so full of hurt that Yuder averted his own.

"I'm sorry." Yuder apologized.

"Next time, we will pour a thousand bottles of holy water on you." Hinn announced.

"Yeah!" Finn agreed with his sister. "We'll drag you to Enon and Lusan to see what they have to say instead!"

"But," They both allow, stepping forward to hug their chastised unofficial vice-leader. "We're glad you're safe and alive."

Yuder looked at them before nodding, knowing this time after being checked by Enon, Lusan, and Kishiar that he was well for sure, "Yes. Thank you for your concern, Hinn, Finn."

"What thanks? We're friends. You just stay well. If a meanie like that Baron appears again, let us take care of it instead! We'll teleport all of that nasty monster wine on his head!"

Yuder smiled at the imagery and patted their heads.

Chapter Text

Faria liked to experiment and cultivate new plants, especially in the years when she had wanted, needed, to make the best brew of pain-relieving herbal tea for Keilusa, but she had never known how much more useful an ability was than magic until her future brother-in-law helped her in the Imperial Greenhouse while their lovers were talking in the office.

"Oh? What is this?" Kishiar asks when he returns with Keilusa from the office. Kishiar's smile warms just like Keilusa's upon seeing them surrounded by flowers and plants. Kishiar doesn't look away even as he questions the large potted tree in front of them. "Why don't I remember this species from any botany book I've read?"

Faria laughed at her brother-in-law's exaggerated tone. "Nonsense. It's not a new species, but a grafted one. I wanted to see how many different fruits we could fit on one tree and dear Yuder helped me. We should be able to see it blossom and put out different new fruits every season."

"Amazing." Keilusa breathed, truly fascinated as Faria knew her husband would be. While his scholarly pursuits were more aimed at culture and history, botany and new agricultural discoveries fascinated him just the same. Especially because Keilusa knew it was Faria's interest, Faria thought fondly. "You must tell me about your motivations and methods."

"Of course, Your Majesty. I will be sure to write and submit a research paper to your desk this evening." Faria half-jokingly said, finding it still a marvel that they can all gather together and talk like this.

Keilusa smiled, "Thank you, beautiful scholar. I would be honored to read it." He professed, kissing the back of her hand.

Near them, Kishiar and Yuder watched, Kishiar smiling as he held Yuder close to him too.

Chapter Text

After learning about Yuder's time travel, as Kishiar thinks about all the things he knows about Yuder, Kishiar realizes now that there was a reason why Yuder only learned the man's dance if it was truly from him that he had learned how to dance from.

What a jealous man, Kishiar thinks about himself as his fingers twitch with a desire to lead Yuder into a dance again.

The reason why Kishiar of the previous timeline hadn't taught Yuder the female steps was quite simple.

Kishiar hadn't wanted Yuder to dance those steps with anyone other than him at all. For all that he knew that he would have to one day go and that it would be good for Yuder to find another partner to be happy in the future, Kishiar irrationally hadn't wanted Yuder to find anyone to replace him. Especially not another alpha or man.

And how happy it made him to learn that even after his former self was gone, Yuder hadn't danced with anyone other than him.

There were probably countless balls and celebrations that Yuder had attended in that timeline, countless people asking Yuder to a dance, but it was still only Kishiar that Yuder had danced with.

Oh how Kishiar loves Yuder.

Chapter Text

It's a normal day when the janitor and housekeepers finds someone 'stored' somewhere they were not really supposed to be.

"Another assassin?" A housekeeper asks her fellow peer when the peer groans after opening a wardrobe. Knowing what the groan meant, she asked, "How heavy does he look?" Because they were all too used to random assassins stored somewhere in the Cavalry Commander's room to be groaning about the existence of them.

"Three assassins." The other housekeeper corrects her partner.

She clucks her tongue in distaste as she pulls them out from under the hanged clothes in the wardrobe. If the Cavalry Commander didn't seem so unapproachable, she'd have recommended him to just toss them into his dirty laundry.

"Really. You'd think they'd learn by now that numbers really doesn't matter; the Cavalry Commander could slaughter an entire army of them by himself if he wanted to." She then sighed. "We'll probably need to call the boys over."

The other housekeeper shook her head in fond exasperation. "We should just assign one of our dear janitors onto our team permanently. Sun God knows that we need one with how often this happens."

Then, with full complete experience from having cleaned the Commander's room for nearly five years, she ordered. "Now, check under the bed. I'm sure there's one or two hidden under there too."

There was more than just one or two.

Looked like it was a busy night for the Commander.

Meanwhile, a janitor outside sighed as he saw someone hanging naked on the rafters again. You'd think people would learn after the first case that it wasn't wise to trespass the Commander's room without permission and proposition him.

The janitor contemplated for a moment on whether he should take the filthy rascal down or leave him hanging as he should, but sighed because it wasn't easy to clean the rafters with a body in the way.

He'll let him drop down later. Awakeners wouldn't die from such a nine story fall.

Chapter Text

Due to the recent events, the opinion about Yuder Ail within Baron Willhem's circles had changed. It shifted from 'a commoner with talent but unlucky enough to catch the eye of Duke Peletta and become his prey,' to 'a foolish commoner who seems to take being Duke Peletta's plaything as an honor.'

Nevertheless, Baron Willhem mustered up the will to talk to Yuder and convince him to join Duke Tain's side once again.

Once again sitting across from the useful but still a commoner, Baron Willhem coughed and began continuing where they had left off in the last conversation, addressing the commoner's desire to stay with Duke Peletta despite Duke Peletta's... entire being and how Duke Peletta was treating him.

"You seem to take this as an honor." Baron Willhem began.

Before Baron Willhem could say anything else, however, Yuder blinked as if wondering where was the dishonor.

"Well, what is not an honor? No one is as handsome as him."

Baron Willhem was at a loss of words. Especially because it was true no matter how the Duke behaved.

He still remembered how almost every noble youth years ago fawned over the young angelic-looking Duke Peletta, at that time Crown Prince, and just how many hearts were broken and secret crushes were shattered when the Duke Peletta grew to be the manly muscular giant he was today.

Though new crushes still not-so-secretly formed and even rumors of Duke Peletta's desirability and frivolousness increased because Duke Peletta was still incredibly handsome.

Yuder saw Baron Willhem's loss of words and nodded satisfied as if he won the argument.

Baron Willhem sputtered as he tried to come up with a new angle for negotiation.

Chapter Text

Although Kishiar tries to hide it from their strange connection, restrain the constant pain he feels every day with all his might, sometimes some of it leaks and Kishiar watches Yuder cough just like Kishiar and Keilusa coughs, grimace just like Kishiar sometimes does, slowly numb to pain because it's every moment of every day just like Kishiar had learned.

His breaking vessel is a pain that Kishiar had felt almost half his life and though it's a pain he wouldn't wish on any of his loved ones, Kishiar watches in horror and guilt that it is a pain that he forces on his beloved since that day his control was entirely gone and Yuder got the full brunt of everything that Kishiar was in their union and that spontaneous connection formed between them and once in a while now in the days ever since.

Kishiar has to figure out how to break the connection. He works harder every day to investigate what it is and how to sever it.

One day, he thinks he got it.

He thinks he can fix things.

(It turns out the most pain that he will give to his most beloved is when he breaks it and unintentionally takes half of his beloved's soul with him.)

(Why is it that nothing he does ever go right?, Kishiar's ghost asks as he watches the rest of the first timeline.)

Chapter Text

Although Faria understands the reason Keilusa begins to feign sickness despite being perfectly healthy after Yuder's treatment, Faria doesn't like how good Keilusa is at acting sick.

Acting sick and even as a social cancer to aristocratic society should be Kishiar's talent, though Faria doesn't like how that is true for her brother-in-law too.

When one day Faria and Yuder walk in on Keilusa and Kishiar jokingly compete over who can act better after Keilusa 'coughs blood' in a discussion between nobles again, they rush over and worry and almost don't believe the brothers' quick assurances that they are well and were just making fun of the nobles they tricked.

Although Faria eventually believes them, she still doesn't like it.

And then, perhaps because she happened to greatly, unconsciously express it on her face, Keilusa suddenly asks.

"Does it bother you?"

"Huh," Faria turns her head to her husband, looking up from her thoughts. "No," Faria quietly answers when she registers the question. "It's fine. I understand why you're doing it."

Keilusa studies her expression for a bit before leaning over to kiss her. "I'll stop." Keilusa promises.

Faria's eyes widen. She wasn't a fool. "Isn't it important-"

Keilusa cuts her off, sincerely looking into her eyes. "Nothing, even all the schemes and fun in the world, is more important than you."

Chapter Text

Although a number of places in the Orr Empire are built with high ceilings, Kishiar sometimes finds it a nuisance to be tall because of the places that are not.

That is, until Kishiar meets Yuder and falls in love.

Then, Kishiar adores being tall because Yuder lets him slump on his shoulder, breathe into his ear in public, when he is too tall for a room.

That, Kishiar absolutely can't resist and he falls more in love.

Chapter Text

After Yuder gets injured from yet another incident, Enon asks Yuder.

"Do you want to rest in a room next to your Commander?"

Yuder blinks in the middle of lying down on the infirmary bed.

"Why?"

Enon bites into his lemon, "Well, don't you heal faster when you're around him?"

Yuder gives him a weird look like he is suddenly questioning all of Enon's knowledge and medical expertise.

Enon sees it and flusters. "Hey! Don't give me a look like that! Isn't it true? Didn't you say you have holes inside of you or something? Your energy stabilizes whenever you're around him!"

Yuder concedes when he takes that into consideration, but declines to rest in Kishiar's room or next to it, not wanting to make a big deal of his injury.

Enon wryly thinks that the Commander wouldn't find it a big deal, but would have greatly loved it if Yuder had said yes and wanted to cling to him but doesn't argue. In fact, as this guy's older brother, he should be happy that the answer is no, but why does this guy always make everything so complicated.

Chapter Text

When Yuder and Kishiar encounter a swamp, Yuder decides that it would be ridiculous to let Kishiar get his white Commander's uniform dirty and spontaneously picks Kishiar up into a bridal carry.

At first, Kishiar is too stunned for words, but then he begins to laugh while hugging his adorable assistant in his assistant's embrace, "What is this? Are you planning on carrying me through the swamp?"

"Yes." Yuder says as he takes a step forward with Kishiar in his arms, not a reaction in his expression at all at Kishiar's response.

"All who knows how many kilometers?" Kishiar manages to ask between his uncontrollable laughter.

"Of course." Were they going to stop in the middle of nowhere? There were no inns in the middle of a swamp.

Kishiar laughs even more in Yuder's shoulder, causing Yuder's entire body to vibrate, but Yuder doesn't mind that or his Commander's weight. It is not a burden to him who had physically trained for over a year.

Before Yuder can actually step into the swamp however, the swamp parts before his shoe and the entire swamp separates into two, revealing dry ground, pressed down and compacted for an easier walk through.

Kishiar leans back from Yuder's shoulder and asks with dazzling bright eyes, "My dear assistant, even if we do need to cross the swamp, isn't it easier if one of us uses our abilities?" Not only could Yuder also part the swamp with his ability, but both of them know how to fly/walk in air.

"Ah." Yuder realizes and feels a little embarrassment. Before he can place Kishiar down, however, Kishiar hugs his neck.

"But do carry on. I like this a lot. It's the first time someone ever carried me like this." Kishiar teases with laughter in his voice. He pauses for a moment to add with a little concern however. "Of course, that is, if it's not too much of a burden..."

Yuder shakes his head. "I would carry you anywhere you wish to go if that is what you wish, Commander." Yuder says honestly.

Kishiar is quiet for a moment before he says, "Actually, place me down."

Yuder does so with a confused expression, but soon finds himself in Kishiar's embrace, his entire body lifted off the ground and into Kishiar's own arms.

Kishiar hugs him tightly as if intending to swallow up all of Yuder's being. It is so intense that Yuder feels a surge of heat responding to that of the Commander's as Kishiar whispers fiercely into Yuder's ears.

"You flatterer." Kishiar accuses as he squeezes Yuder tightly, pressing him against his chest. "How are you so lovely?"

The heat is so fierce and passionate that Yuder thinks that Kishiar is going to take him then and there, but that is ridiculous because they were outside by a swamp.

...Moments later, Yuder finds out that it isn't ridiculous because Kishiar practically teleports them across the swamp and into a rest inn within a nearby village to show just how lovely Kishiar thought Yuder was.

Chapter Text

When Yudrein overhears his Cavalry members suggest to the newer earth-ability recruits to practice control by sculpting something they find difficult to sculpt, Yudrein decides to try it as he does with every other training method that he knows of, thinks of, or overhears.

He considers many things, but the animals, buildings, and people he thinks of are too easy to form into being.

What would be difficult to imagine or try recreating...

Yudrein suddenly thinks of one idea that he can try to improve his control over his earth ability.

Years later, Yudrein overhears someone commenting on the many beautiful Sun God statues throughout the land and the rise of Sun God worshippers because of the spontaneously appearing statues, but Yudrein thinks nothing of it as he contemplates how truly difficult it is to encapsulate all of the former Commander's beauty.

No matter how fast his control is improving, Yudrein is never able to perfect his ability to sculpt him to his satisfaction.

Chapter Text

"This is delicious. It's superbly grilled with sauce. I think I might fall in love with eastern cuisine. Yuder, are you sure you don't want any more?"

Gakane, whose mannerisms would never have suggested his noble birth, chewed his grilled vegetables with relish and presented a piece of the meat dish to Yuder with his fork.

"Here, ah."

"Oh, dear..."

The servants' faces changed at the incredibly embarrassing act that not even commoners would perform in front of others. Their roles had clearly been reversed.

'Gakane. He's rather good at this.'

He knew his nobles well, and it showed in this instance too. Yuder internally admired Gakane's newfound talent and resolved to match his pace.

Gakane flashed a happy smile as he accepted the meat that was offered to him. The strikingly handsome man, radiant as a rose, warmed the surrounding air with his genuine smile.

"Is it good?"

"Mmm."

"Yuder! Try mine too! You must taste this!"

Yuder accepted a bite of the dish that Jimmy offered. He was actually quite full, but he couldn't refuse if it meant causing more discomfort to the humans before him. [End of excerpt]

Well, except from this one.

Nahan looks between Gakane and Jimmy before also bringing up the best piece of meat from his plate with a fork to Yuder's face.

"What about this?" Nahan asks happily, intending to also feed his brother.

Yuder stares at him with the most soulless, cold eyes and then ignores him. Who is his brother?

Nahan's heart breaks and he sulks as he eats his own meat.

Chapter Text

Kishiar nearly drops his pen as he listens to Gakane and Jimmy's report of what happened in Hartan while his assistant is unconscious from the intense healing session they had earlier.

"You did what?" Kishiar asks, causing Jimmy to stop in the middle of his excited retelling.

Gakane wonders why Kishiar is acting like that before he remembers that Kishiar is also a noble, a Duke at that, and he may have found their table manners a little disturbing. Not wanting their Commander to have a bad impression of them, Gakane quickly waves his hands.

"I know we weren't acting properly, but it was the best way to get at Zakail!"

"...You're right..." Kishiar absently says though it seemed like his mind was still stuck on some detail.

"Yeah!" Jimmy beams, "You should have saw the look on that guy's face when Gakane, I, and the bandit leader fed Yuder!"

"The bandit leader fed Yuder too?" Kishiar echoes incredulously, sounding strange with his high tone.

"Of course Yuder refused him." Gakane quickly interrupted, quieting Jimmy for a moment. "Even Yuder knows not to eat food from strangers."

"Am I a stranger?" Kishiar mumbled to himself.

"What was that, Commander?" Both Gakane and Jimmy asked, having not caught that.

"No. It's nothing. What else happened in Hartan?" Kishiar continued with a smile as if nothing happened, but inside his mind was turmoil, jealousy, and the intense desire to also feed his adorable assistant.

He fantasized it a little.

"Say ahhh, Yuder." Kishiar says with a heart-smile as he presents a juicy piece of meat to his crush. His crush parts his lips to accept his meat with a delightful look in his eyes...

But alas, Yuder would probably reject and ignore him like he did with the bandit leader.

So jealous!!

Chapter Text

Kishiar left a short note for his absent adjutant, Nathan, on the desk, and changed his clothes. Yuder, too, donned the ordinary attire provided by Kishiar in place of his noticeable black uniform. Although slightly oversized, it didn't look too awkward, which was a relief.

"You wear Nathan's old night-outfit quite well. Just need a little more height." [End of excerpt]

"Wait one moment. I just know I have an accessory that would look good on you. Let me find it." Kishiar says as he leaves the room to look for the accessory. Yuder wants to stop him, but sighs, knowing that the Commander wouldn't be stopped.

Instead, Yuder decides to sit down on the sofa and wait.

It just so happened that Nathan walked in.

Yuder froze, feeling a little awkward at being caught in Nathan's old clothes (unwillingly but still) by the adjutant.

To his credit, Nathan only paused, looked at him up and down once, and then nodded as if saying wordlessly that he looked good before asking, "Is Your Grace in?"

Yuder nodded, gesturing to the bedroom. "Commander is in there."

Nathan nodded and went to look for Kishiar.

Yuder sighed.

Chapter Text

Kishiar groaned as he frantically looked through all the clothes in his wardrobe, walk-in closet, everything.

How did he forget to buy new clothes?!

All of his current ones were the imperial standard magically enchanted, everything-proof clothes designed to prevent assassins from stabbing him. And he wanted, needed to get stabbed by whatever cheap sword Katchian was going to give to Yudrein.

This was the worst.

And because of the late hour, Kishiar had no time to buy new clothes for himself.

Oh well, Kishiar looks at his only option.

If he can't find something that wasn't stab-proof, pierce-proof, tear-proof, everything-proof, then he'll just have to leave his chest open. It's not like people weren't found assassinated while half-naked in their sleeping robes.

This way, nothing would get in the way of Yudrein's sword.

Chapter Text

Yuder blinked when he found a list of people Kishiar thought were threats.

...It must have been some kind of joke because Kiolle was on the very top of it.

But little did Yuder know, it wasn't because while Kiolle was 'harmless', the insane amount of bad luck Kiolle brought to his assistant made Kishiar a little wary of him.

For example, the Hartan Incident after which Kishiar had to watch his adorable assistant hold back screams from the immense pain he went through as Kishiar healed his black, gangrene-like hand with countless purification stones and holy water.

Or Yuder's second gender manifestation in which his assistant developed a fever so high that everyone thought he was going to die.

Or the monster wine incident through which Kishiar finally learned what Yuder meant by 'drunk'.

(Not to mention all the rumors of Kiolle and Yuder doing things in the Imperial Gardens, the Da Fiel tailor shop, at the training grounds, and other places wherein gossipy people caught them together. Kishiar's eyes still twitched at those rumors.)

So yes, Kiolle was on the very top of Kishiar's List. Of threats or people to kill, it was still in question.

Chapter Text

After the conversation wherein Enon realized just how little his little brother knew about feelings, relationships, and that, Enon decided to do the professional and big brother thing to do and sit Yuder down for a talk.

Enon mentally groaned and covered his face. Yuder wasn't even a virgin or a real 20 year old. How was it still necessary to give him the talk?!

Chapter Text

Everyone in the bakery stared as the stoic, cold-faced servant added another box of cakes to the precariously balanced mountain of them in his hands.

"Yes," The servant finally said after evaluating the height of the mountain. "This should be enough for one day for him."

Who was this person's master? That was just enough???

"Thank you for your service!" The cashier said after waking up from her moment of shock.

Chapter Text

"Um... So in summary, you need a sofa that has enough defense magic circles to survive against large impacts, many rapid blunt attacks, and potentially Awakener abilities. Waterproof, liquid proof, stain proof, odor proof, everything-proof?" The Court Mage summarized with a look of confusion.

Nathan nodded with a stoic expression, but anyone who knew him would be able to tell that it was a look of consternation.

"Yes."

"It will cost a lot?" Like, an insanely high amount, the Court Mage tried to signal with his eyes, but Nathan's eyes narrowed in resolve.

"I need it."

"...Alright, then." The Court Mage decided not to question as they calculated the sum of the costs on their clipboard. "The total for all the enhancements will come out to..."

Finally, a sofa that would be able to stand against Kishiar and Yuder was in his grasp.

Chapter Text

A group of people walk into Kishiar's office for a discussion.

Although there is an abundance of room on the sofas, none of them choose to use them.

Not Kanna who knows.

Not Nathan who stands by the bookshelves feigning to do his task as an attendant and guard.

Not Gakane who could guess.

And certainly not Emperor Keilusa who had accidentally saw once and that was enough. He also pulls Faria away from the sofa.

Kishiar watches them in amusement, wondering if he should tell them that they only use one for recreational activities and that was the one that both he and Yuder were sitting on. The others were perfectly safe and fine.

Meanwhile, Yuder is oblivious to what is going on and starts the discussion.

Chapter Text

When Nahan sneaks into the Cavalry, this time into the building, he encounters a mysterious kitty that he heard through conversations on the way in that the cat only responds to Awakeners.

Although he isn't sure if the cat is an Awakener, that fact by itself makes it the most adorable, bestest kitty in the world.

"Very good." Nahan says as he watches the small cat look up at him. "You are a very wise kitty indeed."

Holding up the cat in the air like another world's Lion King, Nahan declares, utterly moved to tears, "From now on, our mascot shall be the cat named Nipollen."

Nipollen meows.

Chapter Text

There were very little words on the recruitment paper, but that was normal because most commoners were illiterate.

In Yuder's case, Yuder actually did know the basics of reading because of lessons from his grandfather, but it wasn't the words on the paper that caught his attention and sparked a desire within him to join.

It was the portrait of the handsome man in front and center of the paper, his golden hair that seemed to shine under the sun even on the cheap, mass-produced paper, his bright red eyes, and his charming smile.

...It was the first smile towards Yuder that Yuder had seen in years, but Yuder didn't think that was the reason why Yuder thought the smile was the most beautiful thing that he had ever seen.

It just was.

And Yuder couldn't help but look at the details of the paper again and want to go.

I want you. - The recruitment said in bold letters around the handsome man's portrait.

Sir, sign me up for 100 years of war. - Yuder couldn't find himself minding that he was thinking this.

Time to head for the capital.

Chapter Text

Yuder frowned as he waited for the first Cavalry member to appear from out of the large scale maze that he had made for them early in the day and told them to find a way out by the end of training.

It had already been three hours past the normal hours for training to end.

Surely, at least someone should have been able to find a way out. Although Yuder was an expert at making mazes to trap people he didn't like in their own gardens, he didn't think he made the maze that filled with twists and turns for this to happen.

Besides, Kanna was in the maze.

Along with many other Cavalry members he thought he could trust the intelligence level of.

"Yuder!" Kishiar called, walking towards him and caressing Yuder's face affectionately. "What's wrong?"

Yuder told him and Kishiar frowned momentarily as he too looked at the maze.

"I thought it was quiet." They were currently located at a corn farm in the outskirts of the capital, but still. When Kishiar extended his senses though, he smiled in relief that everyone at least seemed okay. "They seem to be alive though."

Yuder frowned at that. Did Commander think that Yuder would put anything in the maze to make them un-alive? It may be a training session, but still...

Kishiar laughed, "My bad, my bad. I know you would still take care of their health, Yuder." He smiled before asking for the map of the maze that Yuder gave them all. "Well, let me see how hard this maze is."

Yuder easily gave his Commander his copy.

At the sight of the map Yuder drew on the paper, Kishiar went silent for a moment before bursting out into laughter, one much much louder than before.

"What is this-" Kishiar laughed, his entire body trembling as he covered his eyes, "No. It's definitely a lovely maze that my assistant drew. Very difficult. Did you ask them to follow the map or try the maze on their own without the map first?"

"Follow the map, of course?" Yuder answered. It was partly a training session to practice reading maps and written orders, after all.

Kishiar's shoulders shook even more before he couldn't hold it in any more and bent over himself laughing again.

"I think they're fine." Kishiar finally said after calming a little. "It'll probably take them another day, but they should be able to eventually get out."

Yuder was confused as to why it would take another day, but let himself get distracted and led away by the Commander when Kishiar asked him to join him for lunch in the capital.

-

Meanwhile, every Cavalry member in various locations of the corn maze stared at the illegible scribbles that Yuder drew on the paper.

"I think this is a mountain...?" Finn asked as he pointed to some zigzag lines. "Should we look for a mountain?"

"But there's no mountain on this farm, Finn!" Hinn shouted, "Just look around you! Where is the mountain?"

And in another area, Gakane scratched his head. "Uh, Kanna, can you cheat and figure out what Yuder meant by this squiggly line? Is it a river?"

Kanna held her head. "I don't know, Gakane, I don't know. Yuder just thought of every line as a wall."

"...But there is no wall here. Unless we misinterpreted and followed the map wrong again?"

Kanna, who shouldn't be able to misinterpret anything with her expertise in using her ability now, realized just how far away she was from perfecting her ability. Tomorrow, she would start new training methods. Today, she had to find a way out of the maze with Gakane.

The other Cavalry members had the same problem.

While they could all start to not follow the map though, the other problem was that they had been trying for hours and now didn't know where they were at all!

Later, everyone marked the event as the hardest training session led by Yuder of the year.

Still, no one told him about their reason for taking so long. Neither did anyone suggest to him to take art lessons before he tried this again next year for the new batch of recruits.

Chapter Text

As a merchant who dealt with high-end products and met his fair share of cutthroat merchants and horrible noble clients, Mick liked to see people's true nature.

It was partly the reason why Mick wasn't surprised at all that his ability was the way it was.

Just like that once-young Duke Peletta, Mick liked to see the true worth of rocks on the wayside, how they could become valuable gemstones with a little care and polishing.

Just like all calculative merchants in this world, Mick liked to see what people were hiding, what they were truly like when their guards were down in a seemingly close and warm intimate setting.

So when Mick saw the new person, who his friend dearly loved and kept closely, not drunk after so many open bottles, Mick couldn't help but ask Yuder if there was a way to see him drunk.

It was a shame to see him still sober at his party and he, as a wine enthusiast, couldn't have that, Mick excused himself while paying attention to all of the assistant's gestures and expressions.

Mick knew that both Hellem and Enon were giving him a side eye, but they didn't stop him as the two continued drinking and helping Kanna, the only drunk and lightweight person in the room, pour out more liquor.

Yuder only thought for a moment before saying that Quelochet can make him feel drunk.

Mick beamed. Although he didn't drink it because it was a little scary, he had that drink in his collection.

Mick retrieved the bottle and offered it to Yuder.

Although Yuder, understandable for his more quiet and reserved nature, didn't seem enthusiastic about the idea of getting drunk in public, he accepted it and, after a moment, opened the bottle, poured it into a glass, and then drank.

Yuder drank another glass, a couple more, under Mick's 'drunken' encouragement... until Mick's 'enthusiasm' died along with everyone else's when empty bottles began to clack against the floor as they were pushed off the table, an ominous wind blew, and Yuder's eyes grew dimmer and darker, his breathing slowing to a very quiet thing, and his face seemed to both pale and yet redden with something more akin to fever than intoxication.

Enon cursed and quickly reached forward to stop Yuder from having another glass. Hellem casted a barrier spell just in time to protect Enon from a sudden lash of violent wind. Kanna abruptly sobered from her drunkness and tried talking to Yuder, but the assistant was unresponsive to all of them.

Watching the mess, Mick had a greater understanding of what Yuder was like.

Mick also had a very dreadful understanding of how mad his friend was going to be when he found out.

Mick was already dreadful of the current situation as he also rushed to help them help the poisoned, unconsciously feeling threatened Yuder to calm down, drink some water, and rest.

Chapter Text

While the Cavalry members were nervous about presenting the very grandfatherly looking Kishiar to Yuder and Keilusa who had decided to take a break upon hearing the anxious knock on the training room door, Yuder and Keilusa were surprised... in a not-bad way.

Because while it was, of course, bad that an enemy Awakener somehow managed to get into Headquarters and age their Commander by at least 50 years, both Yuder and Keilusa had never expected that they would be able to one day see Kishiar so old.

Not Yuder who had once, in another timeline, killed him before Kishiar could turn 31.

Not Keilusa who had all his life heard everyone, even his own loving parents, tell him that his little brother wouldn't live a year past 30.

While Keilusa thought of the cute what-if the Awakener had de-aged Kishiar into the adorable baby he once was... this touched and moved Keilusa even more into tears.

Keilusa cried as he hugged the old man version of his little brother, now realizing and believing that one day, his brother could grow, live many wonderful years to this age.

After they find and bury the age-ability Awakener, of course.

Chapter Text

"I proposed before that we should get to know each other better. Would you seriously consider it? I promise you won't be disappointed."

His voice was sweet, more like throwing a charm towards someone he liked rather than talking to a subordinate. Any ordinary person would have blushed at such words, but Yuder, on the contrary, became calmer.

"I'm already your subordinate, Captain. You've been more than generous with me. I'm not sure what you mean by getting closer here, but…"

"Oh? So, you're going to dodge it this time?"

Kishiar grinned, pulling up the corners of his mouth. [End of Excerpt]

Yuder shot him a look, unfortunately knowing that his Commander wouldn't give up. Thinking quickly, Yuder remembered a certain conversation he overheard between alphas in the future and tried.

"I'll only consider it if I top."

Kishiar's red eyes glinted, his easy expression temporarily changing. "Oh? Really? You promise?"

Yuder nodded, inwardly sighing in relief, thinking that will be the end of it. There was no way an alpha would want anyone to...

Yuder startled when he realized Kishiar had gotten so close to him while he had been distracted by his relief.

His Commander looked down at him with intense eyes as he leaned down to whisper heatedly in Yuder's ears.

"Then I look forward to tonight." Yuder's shoulders jumped as he turned stiffly to see Kishiar's seductive smile, "I wouldn't mind that at all."

Chapter Text

When Gino hears that the Cavalry Assistant could change landscapes on a whim, Gino remembers a long forgotten dream he had since he was a child and requests to meet Yuder in the wild.

After all the chaos bulldozing through the Empire, of course.

Since it was peaceful now, Nathan and Kishiar also tagged along and Gino looks at his past students in amusement before turning to the person he wanted to see.

"Have you heard?" Gino said, unsheathing his sword and lifting it into the air. Gino watched as the light shone on his beloved companion as he continued. "It is said that a sword swung by a Swordmaster of the legends could obliterate a mountain, cut through a sea." Gino smiled as he looked back to Yuder. "I am relieved that there is someone who can fix the mountains and the seas for me."

The eyes of the three young men behind him fill with understanding and the Assistant nods, making Gino smile as he stood besides a cliff.

He wanted a fight with the Assistant afterwards. He wanted to know how he would do against the forces of nature: to see if he could cut through a storm, slice through the waves, walk through fire.

But first, Gino takes a deep breath before the cliff he had once practiced on in his childhood.

He only made scratches in his childhood years, but now...

He cleaves a large chasm.

"Hahahaha," Gino laughs, not disappointed, "it seems like I'm not so young anymore, but let's have a spar anyways. I want to know how I would do against the Strongest Awakener."

How could he be when, after being one of the strongest for so long, he has found a new challenge?

Chapter Text

Kishiar gasps when he wakes up from another dream of Yudrein being dragged to the platform.

There is a guillotine in the plaza. It wasn't the special one that was used on his beloved, but one day, over night, the guillotine and platform and area surrounding it is crushed to pieces as if receiving divine punishment from the gods. Not a single piece of it is left or found.

Keilusa wants to ask his brother when he receives the report, but doesn't after seeing his brother's face.

Chapter Text

Yuder frowned as Lusan held him back from leaving the infirmary after he dropped by to visit Enon.

"It's not widely known, but divine power is useful against excessive tension and stress."

"But I'm not stressed." Yuder pointed out, feeling the same as he did always.

"Just lie down here." Lusan ignored him, smiling happily as Yuder allowed him to push him down to the bed anyways.

"Suck on this candy too." Enon added, quickly unwrapping a lemon candy to place into Yuder's mouth.

Yuder's brows furrowed, feeling a little awkward and embarrassed at this unfamiliar situation, but he did, allowing Enon to poke him at certain places that felt oddly good and Lusan to pour a lot of divine power into him.

Not even five minutes later, Lusan and Enon stared down at the conked out assistant in exasperation.

"Not stressed, he says." Enon mocked as he continued applying pressure to certain acupuncture spots and massaging out very tense knots. "Anyone can see the guy's on survival mode all the time."

"Some people are so blind to their condition." Lusan agreed as he added just a little more divine power to the Assistant who was always working so hard and checking on everyone.

Yuder slept so deeply he even snored.

Chapter Text

Because of many people’s inflexibility to properly duck when a monster with whip-like arms had appeared, Yuder forced everyone to learn yoga.

It shouldn't have been a big deal because Yuder normally held a special class to teach them something new when he realized on a mission that they hadn't learned how to properly handle a certain situation yet, but in that class, everyone couldn't help but get distracted a lot by their human contortionist, cat-like demon instructor.

They shouldn't be staring... but how flexible was Yuder?

Kishiar, who was watching the special class from his office window, also wondered the same question and felt the intense desire to test it out.

Chapter Text

Hanahaki had never been a problem for them. This was because Keilusa had been a fast confessor. That day he knew Faria was the one he loved and never wanted to let go, Keilusa had begged her desperately, cried and held her skirt, asking her to marry him.

They promised to never leave each other alone.

They would see countless sunrises together, begin each new day with each other's face because it was each other that was their true sun, their new beginning.

Hanahaki had never been a problem for them... until days after the now Emperor Keilusa had gotten his vessel cracked and he ordered the Empress to stay away from him to keep her safe.

But in this world where love is cursed to kill with flowers when unrequited and feelings the same when too intense, staying separated was never safe either.

"Faria..." Keilusa said sadly as he caressed his fallen Empress's face, pained that he had unintentionally but ultimately hurt her. "I'm sorry."

Faria, after hacking one last petal into a handkerchief carefully angled so that he couldn't see the blood, shook her head. "No, it is I who am sorry. I thought I could manage it... but it seems like I wanted to see you again so much."

They were in love, yes. It wasn't unrequited, yet the separation made them long as if they were not together.

Soon, it wasn't just Emperor Keilusa coughing blood because of his vessel, but also Empress Rosa hacking blood and flowers.

She hid it until she couldn't and Emperor Keilusa immediately dropped everything to run and see her.

Despite the danger of being a royal with a cracked vessel, Keilusa moved forward to hug her.

"I love you so much, Faria. Please never doubt that."

Faria smiled as she set her handkerchief on the table and hugged him back.

"I know and I love you too, my dear husband."

Despite himself, Keilusa re-allows the Empress to visit him whenever she wanted.

Chapter Text

Yuder blinked when he saw the fourth person joining them just before they set out of the capital on Emperor Keilusa's orders/request to help their world defeat the Demon King.

Yuder could have sworn the priest Emperor Keilusa had introduced along with Mage Kanna and Warrior Gakane had green hair...

Yuder was also pretty sure that this was the man standing next to Emperor Keilusa on the platform only imperial family could be.

The blond hair, red eyed man smiled sunnily at him, radiating more light than the sun itself, and Yuder decided. Oh well, the Emperor's brother could be their priest. More light means more divine power for healing and attacking the demons, right?

(It was not because Kishiar la Orr's face was pretty.)

"Then we'll go to Town of New Beginnings first." Yuder explained promptly before leading the party.

Behind him, Yuder heard Gakane ask worriedly.

"Um... Your Hi-"

"Priest Akit."

"Er, right, Priest Akit... Priest Lusan is okay, right?" Gakane didn't say the words 'after you kicked him out' that were in his heart.

"Of course," Akit says, "Why wouldn't he be? He just had a minor stomachache this morning and asked for me to go in his stead. I didn't mind! I've always wanted to defeat a Demon King with a handsome Hero!"

Both Kanna and Gakane felt bad for Lusan, but were glad that His Highness didn't try swapping places with them because while His Highness did have higher magic and combat capabilities than them too, they also wanted to travel with Yuder who had been summoned from another world.

So they didn't protest.

Lusan, back to sweeping floors in the temple, cried.

Chapter Text

A long line of young children from noble families eagerly line up at Kishiar's door.

When some Cavalry members pass by and do a double-take at the sight, the ones in the know can't hide their laughs.

"After Lord Hartan inherited his fief, Revlin escaped his family, and Priscilla became the heir of the Tain Duchy, all the others thought that they could run away or inherit their family titles faster if they tell Commander everything."

And because many nobles weren't that good and didn't inspire much loyalty among family these generations, there were a lot of children eager to tattle on their parents' evil deeds, especially if it meant that they could get the inheritance.

Chapter Text

When yet another weapon with the Shuden brand logo on it made its way towards Yuder in an assassination attempt, Kishiar decided to visit his merchant friend to complain because while he understood weapon manufacturers were not responsible for what their buyers did with their weapons, this was not acceptable.

"Mick. I will compensate you, but you must stop making monster by-products that can be used against Yuder." Kishiar said seriously, ready to argue, fight, even use the Emperor to make an Imperial decree and ban on all monster by-products if it were necessary.

Although Mick was a merchant and the North was filled with monsters to supply and fashion into various weapons, ropes, etc., Mick nodded in understanding and agreement. Even if Yuder was not his close friend's lover, he would have agreed because he liked Yuder.

"Alright. No more weapons or bondage."

Mick didn't realize he hadn't meant to use that specific word until Kishiar's serious expression turned into teasing contemplation.

"Well, bondage..."

"No bondage." Mick repeats to himself and leaves his friend.

Geez, save some sanity for the single dogs.

Chapter Text

"Enun?" Yuder repeated, looking down at the identity papers of the person he was supposed to play in the next mission.

It was an odd name, but as Yuder thought about it, Yuder supposed it made sense to use it.

There was already an Enon, Emon, and Emun. Four letter names that began with E and ended with n seemed to be common so it wouldn't stand out if he used Enun.

Chapter Text

Keilusa frowned as he looked through the budget report the Cavalry had submitted.

"Is there a problem?" Yuliver asked. He couldn't imagine anyone from the Cavalry embezzling funds or making big mistakes in reporting so it couldn't be that.

And it wasn't as Keilusa gave up thinking about it and just decided to let his brother do whatever he wanted.

"I don't know why Kishiar needs so many sofas, but if he wants a new sofa every other week, then I guess he can have them. I didn't know he was such a furniture person though."

Did his brother jump from fashion trends into furniture trends too?

(No, Nathan, who had to replace sofas after Kishiar and Yuder used them to the point of ruin, would answer. That was not the reason why Kishiar wanted, no, needed new sofas every so often.)

Chapter Text

Since no one knew what the Commander's ability really was, it would never be found out in that first timeline that the reason why no one could smell Yuder's omega scent was because the possessive alpha in Kishiar wanted to monopolize it.

Pull, pull, pull... Kishiar would use his ability to pull all of Yuder's sweet scent towards him to smell all day.

Push, push, push... Kishiar would also use his ability to push away other peoples' scents from Yuder, not wanting his omega to smell like anyone but him.

And no one was the wiser as everyone, including Yuder, thought Yuder was some defective omega.

Chapter Text

"Nathan." Kishiar cried in his arms. "Is it possible to be jealous of one self?"

Nathan sighed as he placed a cup of tea down next to his lord.

To be honest, Kishiar only had himself to blame when he always used his disguised face to take Yuder out on dates and do nice things with him.

Of course, Yuder would fall in love with not-Kishiar.

"It's the first time someone said that my disguise looks more handsome than my real face!! What do I do? Should I stay in disguise forever? Should I fake my death and not be me?"

It was another day of drama in the la Orr household.

Chapter Text

Nathan frowned as he shook his head of his thoughts as he took the clean plates from in front of the secret sweets lover Yuder to the kitchens to wash.

Truly, how dangerous... His liege, Kishiar, was already compromised so it was up to him to remain on the alert.

And Nathan had to be on the alert because how truly suspicious that someone who fit both of their types would appear before their eyes and settle in a position so close to them.

Chapter Text

Random List of AUs I will never write:

Regressor Child Yuder Moves to Peletta Duchy 

Yuder regresses back to his childhood days and asks his grandfather if they could move to the city.

His grandfather is surprised, but consents, asking where he wants to go. Yuder answers the beach.

While his grandfather laughs at his adventurous boy wanting to see more than mountains, Yuder thinks of a Duke and the Duchy he had never truly gotten to see.

Yuder wants to see the land that made Kishiar, the rumored worthless land that Kishiar raised into a fine Duchy.

(Yuder wants to see Kishiar.)

What a Cute Monster

The Peletta Knights get a report that there is a monster in the Rik Mountains. They go to investigate it and find a child instead.

Peletta Knights adopting child Yuder and Kishiar being the last one to find out as Yuder learns and have fun with the Peletta Knights.

Mimics aren't the Real Thing, but They Stab Like One 

Yudrein encounters a monster that becomes the thing most precious in their opponent's heart to exploit its victim's vulnerabilities.

Yudrein knows it's not Kishiar, but can't bring himself to kill him again.

He leaves the monster in a cage in his office... but as the monster remains in his proximity, it reads more memories and begins to learn to talk.

1st TL Yuder with 2nd TL Kishiar and Cavalry in 3rd TL

Yuder dies in the second round and Kishiar and the entire Cavalry decides to put an end to his self-sacrificing, fed up with Yuder’s natural habit to bear the burden alone.

But it’s not your fault, they all think. They made it that way. They were the ones that messed him up so badly in 1tl that he had to think in this way. So they’ll return to 1tl to fix it.

Kishiar and Cavalry doting on a confused Cavalry recruit who had once lived like an antisocial mountain hermit all his life. Was this what people in the city were like?

Eternity: Without Beginning or End

Yuder becomes a god and finds himself in the beginning, shaping the world into the world that he knew.

Digs a large crack for the Great Sarain Forest and Magic Springs.

Shapes the cliffs that Kishiar described at Peletta.

Forms the valleys and mountains that Yuder would later collapse on Pethuamet and many monsters.

Recreates the Rik Mountains where he would run around in as a kid

Nelarn, the Southern Lands ("Do you miss it?" Yuder once asked. "No", Nathan answers, but he remembers the stories his parents once told him of the Sands.), other countries.

Yuder meets Luma, meets Kishiar who had become the Sun God and uses his ability to pull the Red Stone to the world at the appointed time and to connect their future selves together.

Yuder and Kishiar have the First Emperor as their son and warn him about the future, but also leave it up to him because it was through everyone's independent actions, the good things and bad that came about through it, that led to them meeting in the future.

Reunion

1st TL Kishiar regresses back to his childhood and changes many things, even becomes Emperor.

1st TL Yudrein dies and regresses back to three days before the Cavalry Exams. Having been holed up in his room planning however, Yuder does not realize that he might not be in the same past that he knew until he attends the recruitment tests and learns that Kishiar is Emperor.

Yudrein serving Emperor Kishiar as his personal assistant after a reunion wherein they both find out that they are both regressors. Kishiar observing the Yudrein that had served Emperor Katchian for eight years after he died and not liking what he sees.