Zephyrion walked through their makeshift camp, Lumi by his side.

The clearing he’d chosen for the cadets wasn’t nearly large enough to accommodate their numbers, so they’d felled trees to make room. With their elements back, such a thing had been easy.

Many cadets were injured, being tended to by others. He’d treated a few himself, resetting broken bones and jaws, and had watched his standing in the eyes of the cadets rise even further as the wounded thanked him.

The others had separated into multiple groups, each conversing loudly enough for their words to reach him.

Every conversation revolved around the same thing, him, and everything he’d done. Many exaggerated, while others simply praised his name. His delay inside the cavern had achieved exactly what he wanted. Every cadet now believed he’d remained behind to face the sanguine alone, sacrificing himself to ensure their escape.

Now, every Tier Two and Tier Three cadet he passed straightened before fisting their chests in respect and addressing him by his title.

"Prime."

They would usually move only after Zephyrion acknowledged them. Without a doubt, the way the cadets looked at him had undergone an obvious change. All the hate and hostility they had regarded him with over the past week had vanished.

Now there was awe. There was respect. There was reverence in their eyes.

The only exception to this, one he’d of course expected, were the Tier Ones, specifically the city lord descendants.

Their expressions had darkened after hearing everything that had happened. Now each stood with their respective members, glaring at the cadets who sang his praises before turning those same looks on him.

He’d won the cadets over, and things in the fortress were about to undergo a drastic change, yet he knew it was far from over.

He needed the whole house united for the coming war, and the darkened eyes of the city lord descendants and their members made it clear it was anything but.

On top of that, the saboteur was still at large, and he still hadn’t figured out who it was.

Problems.

They were problems he would have to solve in the coming days.

Kaelion came to find him while he sat idly with Lumi resting against his shoulder. He’d promised her a head pat for a job well done during the mission, and she’d spent the past several minutes smiling in anticipation. But Zephyrion didn’t mind.

She’d earned it.

Kaelion lowered his head as he stopped before him.

"I heard what happened... and I wanted to thank you for saving me." He clenched his fists. "While you were doing all that... I couldn’t do a damn thing."

"You don’t ha—"

"I don’t need a pep talk." Kaelion raised his head. His eyes were fierce, yet clear. "I know exactly what happened. I was weak. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been so helpless while you saved all of us. I understand that, and I’ve accepted it. But I’m not going to let it hold me back. I’ll learn from this... and next time, I’ll be stronger."

"...I see."

Zephyrion watched him leave, a bit impressed by his mindset. Ever since his battle against Vaelor, he had somehow changed.

As it turned out, sometimes losses were important in a warrior’s life. They reset a person’s entire outlook.

After all, it was hard to imagine where he would be without his endless losses to his mother during childhood, without his defeat against Frost.

They had all taught him that life was filled with unpredictability. Anything could happen. You might think you were the best at something, only to discover there was always someone better somewhere in the world.

What made the difference was the one who planned the most, the most calculative, the most cunning.

It wouldn’t be far off to say he would have turned into a spoiled, pampered heir who believed he stood above everyone without them.

In a twisted sense, he was appreciative of every loss.

’Speaking of change...’

Zephyrion watched Kaiden approach next. His eyes were resolute.

"Was he being cringe again?" He jerked a thumb toward Kaelion.

Zephyrion nodded.

"...Hmph. Well, I won’t be." He bowed his head. "Thanks... for what you did. I owe you one."

"I only did what I had to."

"Tch. You don’t have to say that to me." He looked away with a huff.

"But I only did what I had to."

"I know that!" Kaiden gritted his teeth before muttering more quietly, "That’s what you say to everyone. I’m not everyone."

"..."

Kaiden cleared his throat at Zephyrion’s silence. His ears had turned slightly red.

"Anyways, I’m thanking you, so just accept it."

Zephyrion stared for a moment later, then he nodded.

"...You’re welcome."

"Good."

With a satisfied nod, Kaiden turned and walked away, a little faster than usual.

A moment later, Zephyrion chuckled. Something about the exchange amused him. Then he frowned, catching himself.

’Don’t get distracted.’

He buried the emotion.

Not long after, Tobias arrived with Fiona, both carrying a large beast over their shoulders.

"My lord... You must be starving. Don’t worry, leave it to me. I’ll make you a proper feast!"

He immediately began building a large fire to cook the beast. Moments later, the aroma of roasting boar drifted through the camp, drawing the other cadets over, many arriving with watering mouths.

When the cadets’ interest became apparent, more were sent to hunt additional prey before bringing it back for Tobias to prepare.

Soon, after the cadets had finished eating, Horus and several others approached him.

"Prime... we’re sorry to disturb you, but... we wanted to ask what your next orders are..."

Horus had naturally become the bridge between Zephyrion and the cadets, largely because they had seen him interact with him the most.

Zephyrion pretended to sink into thought.

None of them still knew this had all been a test. With the sanguines dead, it was essentially over. Still, he couldn’t afford to let them know. He had to continue playing the fool.

"Prepare to move. We’re heading back to the fortress."

Horus and the others fisted their chests.

"Yes, Prime!"

However, just as the cadets began scrambling to move, a shadow passed over the camp. Zephyrion, along with every other cadet, looked up.

There, Ingrid hovered in the sky alongside the assistant house commander and several soldiers.

Finally.

He could put an end to this farce.