Chapter 67: Lurking in the Dark II

"If we're not going on a journey to meet him then where are we going?"

"We're going to the battlefield."

Although she didn't look like she was satisfied with his answers, Ingrid left off their conversation at that. She had once been asked by Herbert to be prepared for this, and she was also looking forward to personally using her abilities to test them on the field, so she didn't have many qualms about this.

Because they had traveled very lightly, and their target direction was fairly close, they had managed to arrive at their destination quickly. Before the carriage stopped, Herbert had given Ingrid a mask It was a white mask that covered the top half of the face and had an elegant bird-like design.

The mask appeared to be simple at first glance, but when one takes a closer look then one would recognize its intricate patterns embedded as a design. Unfortunately, Ingrid did not seem to recognize what these designs meant but she roughly understood that they looked pretty.

"Put this on. This will be our secret weapon."

"What kind of secret weapon is a mask?"

"You'll know in due time. Now hurry up and put it on."

While saying this, Herbert soon took out a black cloak from one of the hidden compartments in the carriage. Without any word, Herbert spread it over Ingrid and draped it over her shoulders. He then proceeded to take another one out before putting it over himself.

After scoffing at Herbert, Ingrid wore the mask, she wasn't dumb and guessed after seeing Herbert place a dark cloak over her. She knew that Herbert must've wanted to hide their identities for some reason.

Even though she wanted to ask him why seeing the serious look on his face made her purse her lips instead.

With that in mind, she knew that there might be some places where their identities would be inconvenient so she did her best to prevent others from realizing who she was by trying a different hairstyle by tying her hair up in a simple and practical fashion.

Thankfully, she did not have the same red-haired characteristic that the Rozenbloods had and instead has the same hair color as her mother. After all, The bright red hair would have made her even more eye-catching.

Seeing her being so obedient, Herbert nodded his head before continuing.

"Once we get down, you can only use your ability to create blood-colored wings. Understand?"

"Fine."

With a satisfied nod, Herbert turned to look out the window of the carriage that had since stopped.

"We're here. Let's go."

With that, he opened the door and stepped out.

Upon exiting the carriage, the first thing that came into Herbert's eyes were groups of armed men that were busy running around the area. Of course, some stood still and appeared to be standing on guard, and the others seemed to be resting in their tents, but they seemed to be in the minority.

Judging from their faces, Herbert could feel that the battle has started to take its toll on the soldiers. These men were not a part of the awakened which meant that their energy reserves would only be similar to that of a mere mortal.

Although the men in front of him looked a little bit exhausted, their eyes still showed a glint of hope. Herbert understood that this must be the effect of the positive feedback due to the generally optimistic trend of the battle.

Even though their frontlines had entered a temporary lull, the Hawkwoods had managed to push their borders deep into the Oxswords was proof that they would be greatly rewarded.

As Herbert walked across the camp of soldiers, he was welcomed by a nearby sentry.

"Lord Eric has been expecting your arrival. Please, follow me."

Without a word, Herbert merely nodded his head in acknowledgment and followed. On his back, was Ingrid who had blended in with the other masked guards that Herbert had brought alongside him.

The group soon reached the largest tent in the camp which flew the flag that showed the emblem of the Hawkwood family.

As they stood in front of the tent, the soldier that was guiding them pointed at the tent and opened one of its flaps for Herbert.

"Please, enter."

Herbert once again nodded his head. This time, he also took a short glance at Ingrid and made quick eye contact as if to say something before entering the tent by himself.

Seeing his gaze, Ingrid naturally stood by Herbert's other escort guards and mimicked them as she stood on guard by the side of the entrance.

In the tent, Herbert saw Lord Eric who seemed to be in deep contemplation as he looked at the detailed map of the nearby area. Since Herbert also has a crude copy of the map, he immediately had a grasp on the latest changes on the battlefield.

Compared to the last that he had checked, it seemed that the Oxsword family had finally started to regain some of their lost grounds. Walking closer, Lord Eric finally recognized the existence of Herbert.

"Lord Eric, it appears that you are not having the best time."

"Sir Herbert, so it seems that you've arrived."

With a wry smile, Lord Eric gestured for Herbert to come closer. Not rejecting the offer, Herbert came closer and got a better look at the current map.

Because of the nature of their bloodlines, the Ravenmoons and Hawkwoods both had the capability of flight. Herbert attributed the accuracy of the map to their air superiority over the other nobles.

"As you can see, after we have taken the Oxswords by surprise, we have now lost our advantage over them. Of course, the weapons that we received from the Ravenmoons have also given us a slight edge, but the number of Awakened that the enemy camp has is comparatively more than what the current Hawkwood troops have."

Herbert sharpened his gaze, he also knew that this power gap between the two families cannot be met with just the superficial support from the Ravenmoon family.

"Lord Eric, I am sure that you have already thought about what I sent through my letter. What do you think about it?"

Lord Eric stared at Herbert before audibly gulping.

"That… Are you sure about that?"

"What? Don't tell me that you don't believe me. Did you think that I was joking?"