Chapter 58: Royal Members (Part 2)

The silent mountain forest was filled with vines and dense trees, making the terrain difficult even for knights to traverse.

A group of knights charged into the forest, startling the birds hidden within the trees.

This group of knights was dressed in gleaming armor, each breastplate bearing an emblem of a fiery bird. Leading them were a young man and woman.

"Sister, will we reach the Black Moon Kingdom safely?"

The young man, frail and visibly fearful, asked with a trace of anxiety.

"Benin, don't worry. We'll make it through this,"

Princess Sheris reassured him. Although she was only seventeen, witnessing the slaughter of the royal family and the uncertain fate of Prince Frederick had forced her to mature. After fleeing for thousands of miles and enduring countless hardships, she now held the reins of leadership over their group. For a seventeen-year-old princess who had lived a sheltered life, this was no small feat.

"Commander Mance, how many men do we have left?"

Sheris asked gravely.

A burly man by her side quickly stepped forward, reporting, "Princess Sheris, after fighting our way out of the City of Light, we encountered several strong Church knight forces, and our losses were severe. We have only eight hundred knights left."

Only eight hundred knights remained. Sheris felt a twinge of concern. She knew that Prince Frederick had initially entrusted them with over two thousand knights, elite members of the Firebird Corps—the finest in the Kingdom of Light.

Despite being an elite force, they had lost nearly sixty percent of their numbers, showing just how arduous their journey had been.

Sheris lowered her head, gazing at a dark, jet-black ring in her hand. She gently rubbed it, her expression resolute.

"Uncle Frederick, we will survive!"

She then ordered the group to quicken their pace. They couldn't afford to linger, as they needed to reach the Black Moon Kingdom as quickly as possible. Who knew if the Church's forces would continue their relentless pursuit?

※※※

The rustling of branches immediately put Old Wilson on alert. However, when he recognized the approaching figure, he relaxed slightly and moved forward.

"Merlin, what did you see? Are they from the Church?"

Old Wilson was most worried about a large group of Church elite catching up with them.

Merlin shook his head, showing a hint of doubt. He described in detail what he had observed in the forest.

"Father, those knights looked weary, as if they'd been through intense combat. They don't seem like the Church's forces. They might be nobles unwilling to yield to the Church."

Merlin guessed they were nobles of the Kingdom of Light, likely of high rank given the quality of their knights' equipment, which only Old Wilson's heavy knights could rival.

"You mentioned that the knights' armor bore an emblem of a fiery bird?"

Old Wilson's expression grew somber.

Merlin nodded. He was sure of the details. The fiery bird emblem reminded him of a phoenix from his past life, so he remembered it clearly.

"A bird formed of flames… it must be the Firebird! Baron Barman, I believe we've guessed correctly. That's the Firebird Corps, one of the four regiments directly commanded by the royal family! Those knights are likely guarding members of the royal family!"

Old Wilson's tone was serious, and his expression showed some excitement.

Merlin knew that Old Wilson had once been a soldier who rose through the ranks to become a noble by royal decree. Transforming from a commoner to a noble with land and privileges, Old Wilson held some loyalty to the royal family. This was also why the Church had ordered his elimination—they couldn't win him over.

The Church sought to root out nobles ennobled for their military service, knowing they were loyal to the royal family and would not betray them.

Merlin felt indifferent toward the royal family, and even Baron Barman, though a hereditary noble, held no particular loyalty toward them, merely harboring deep resentment toward the Church.

Seeing Old Wilson's excitement, Merlin and Baron Barman exchanged glances, sharing a wry smile. They knew what was on Old Wilson's mind.

"Father, we can't be certain they're royal members. The Church had long prepared, gathering formidable forces against the royal family. They wouldn't have let any royal members escape. We should remain cautious."

Merlin tried to dissuade Old Wilson gently, urging him to proceed carefully.

Old Wilson, however, waved his hand resolutely, declaring, "If the Firebird Corps is escorting them, they must be royal members! When I was granted the title of baron, I was personally received by Prince Frederick, who commanded the Firebird Corps!"

"Merlin, you're right about caution. So we'll stay here and wait. From what you described, the Firebird knights are exhausted, likely from fighting the Church's forces. They probably need help now. We'll wait and assess the situation. I can distinguish them from any pretenders."

Merlin felt a headache coming on. If Old Wilson confirmed they were royal members, he'd surely help them, which would only put their convoy in greater danger. The royal family would be a primary target for the Church. If Old Wilson acted on impulse and joined them, the entire group might not safely reach the Black Moon Kingdom.

Baron Barman, aware of Old Wilson's stubbornness, could only sigh, "Very well. We'll wait here. But let's prepare and stay vigilant to ensure our safety."

With that, Old Wilson ordered a rest stop. His two hundred heavy knights took up positions at the front, ready to charge at a moment's notice.