Yuder decided to answer honestly rather than skirting around the subject.
"Saying you don't know isn't an answer. Haven't you made bold judgments without fully understanding the abilities of Kiolle and the Imperial Knights? For instance, what about Nathan behind me right now?"
"Well..."
Yuder inadvertently turned his eyes towards Nathan, who was standing behind Kishiar. At the moment, he was unaware that Nathan was a Swordmaster.
However, since he was reputed to have a keen eye for assessing the abilities of others, he needed some time to consider how to respond appropriately.
"I get the feeling that your deputy, Nathan, is so powerful that he could probably defeat all the Imperial Knights we've seen today if they were brought here."
"Ho, did you hear that, Nathan? He's rating you quite highly."
Kishiar grinned. Nathan's gaze also landed on Yuder's face.
"And what if you were to compare him with yourself?"
"If I were to compare him with me..."
Yuder paused, taking a small breath.
"...I'm not sure if I could win right now, but I believe that could change with time."
'I didn't realize how hard it would be to give a modest answer to something so obvious.'
Nathan was undoubtedly one of the top Swordmasters in this world, but Yuder was once a Cavalry Commander who had a reputation for being unparalleled.
Although he hadn't fully developed his abilities at the moment, if he could achieve the same level of growth as before, he was confident he could defeat several Swordmasters.
In the past, it took him nearly ten years to reach that level, but since he was retracing a path he had already traveled, he believed he could grow much faster this time.
"Hahaha. You say my deputy is stronger than the so-called experts of the Imperial Knights, and now you're confident that he will eventually become weaker than you. Truly an impressive level of confidence."
Kishiar laughed heartily. Yuder slightly bowed his head, wondering if Kishiar had always been so cheerful.
"So, you're saying you can't assess my ability?"
"...Yes."
That was all Yuder could say.
"Hm, I see."
Fortunately, Kishiar didn't press him further. Yuder felt as if Kishiar's red eyes were targeting him, like he was an intriguing prey.
"What about the Cavalry as you see it? Can you not speak about that either?"
Just when Yuder thought he would be told to leave, Kishiar asked another question. Yuder was momentarily taken aback.
He could answer questions about individuals, but a response about the entire Cavalry might sound like a critique of Commander Kishiar's actions.
He couldn't understand why Kishiar was asking him, a mere member, something that should be asked of other important figures.
"Well... I think there might be someone else who could give a better answer."
"Of course, I'm asking others as well. But I'm asking you because you seem to have a good eye. There's no hidden agenda, so feel free to answer. Whether it's something you felt during training, anything. Don't worry about being expelled for expressing your concerns."
