Chapter 59: Her Royal Highness (Part 1)

"They're here!"

Merlin murmured quietly, his mental energy spread out, allowing him to sense movement in the forest earlier than others. As soon as he spoke, a rustling sound echoed from the trees.

Soon, hundreds of knights emerged from the forest. Despite their weary faces, these well-armored knights immediately grew vigilant upon spotting Old Wilson's knights, each drawing their swords, exuding a sharp, formidable presence.

These were true elite soldiers, seasoned from countless battles, prepared for any sudden confrontation.

"Your Highness, beware of an ambush!"

Commander Mance, a burly man, ordered with caution, quickly arranging his exhausted troops into a charging formation, their eyes fixed fiercely on Old Wilson and his heavily armored knights.

The Firebird Corps knights were keenly aware of the strength of Old Wilson's heavy knights, so they treated them with utmost caution, and the two groups soon found themselves in a tense standoff.

"They are not our enemies."

Princess Sheris stepped forward from the crowd. She, too, wore armor, her once-shining golden hair now slightly dry from lack of care.

Although Princess Sheris appeared tired, her voice was steady.

"Who are you?"

With a calm gaze, she looked over Old Wilson, Baron Barman, and Merlin, eventually settling her gaze on Old Wilson.

It wasn't that she had a sharp eye; Old Wilson was simply too striking to ignore. Standing nearly two meters tall, with a broad frame and bloodstained armor, he radiated a beast-like aura of menace. Anyone looking at him would feel an instinctive sense of danger.

Suddenly, Commander Mance beside Princess Sheris drew his sword, and the blade gleamed with a dull earthy glow.

This glow represented the earth element. Mance was a powerful level-three Earth Swordsman, far stronger than Baron Vangurite of Blackwater City.

Sensing the danger from Old Wilson, who stepped forward boldly, Mance couldn't remain passive.

"Stop!"

Mance shouted, his sharp gaze locking onto Old Wilson.

"Indeed, they're knights of the Firebird Corps!"

Old Wilson halted, took a deep breath, and then, kneeling on one knee, placed his right hand gently on his chest in a noble salute.

"Baron Wilson Lehman of Blackwater City offers his sincere greetings to Your Highness. May I ask, who stands before us?"

Old Wilson's gesture instantly eased the tension between the two groups.

"A baron?"

Princess Sheris looked at Old Wilson, who knelt on one knee. She sensed the loyalty, courage, and integrity in his gaze—a true knight devoted to the royal family.

Such knights were rare since the Church's assault, with most abandoning their arms and swearing allegiance to the Church.

"Baron Wilson, please rise. I am the sixth princess, Sheris, and this is the seventh prince, Benin."

Princess Sheris was pleased with Old Wilson's behavior. His display warmed her heart, reminding her that there were still people in the Kingdom of Light loyal to the royal family.

"So, it's Her Highness, the Sixth Princess. When I was conferred as baron, I had the honor of meeting Prince Frederick, the commander of the Firebird Corps. Do you know of his current condition?"

Old Wilson's tone conveyed respect and gratitude for Prince Frederick, who had shown him kindness.

"Uncle Frederick…"

Princess Sheris's expression dimmed as she sighed softly, "Uncle Frederick sacrificed himself to cover our escape. It's unlikely he survived…"

Hearing the news, Old Wilson's face fell. He was not surprised, though, knowing that Prince Frederick, as the commander of the Firebird Corps, would have been a primary target for the Church.

"Your Highness, how many members of the royal family managed to escape?"

Merlin asked, his gaze fixed intently on Princess Sheris.

"Members of the royal family… Benin and I managed to escape by luck. Perhaps a few others made it out as well…"

Sheris's voice was uncertain. She recalled the terrifying white barrier that enveloped the City of Light, filled with destructive energy. Under such power, few would survive.

Perhaps only she and Benin were left from the royal family.

"Your Highness!"

Commander Mance shook his head, realizing that Princess Sheris had revealed too much. She was still young, often failing to consider the full consequences of her words.

This was sensitive information that could weaken the royal family's authority if widely known. If word got out that only a handful of royal members had survived, their position would become perilous.

Realizing her oversight after Mance's reminder, Sheris cast an annoyed glance at Merlin.

But Merlin paid no attention to her anger, lowering his head thoughtfully as he muttered, "It seems the royal family is truly doomed, reduced to just a few survivors who pose no real threat to the Church."

Merlin held no reverence for the royal family. In his eyes, the so-called princess and prince were just ordinary people—possibly even burdens due to their status.

Old Wilson frowned, rebuking, "Merlin, show respect to Her Highness!"

After chastising Merlin, Old Wilson stood up, bowing slightly, and spoke gravely, "Your Highness, my knights and I are at your service!"

"Father!"

"Wilson, have you lost your mind?"

Merlin and Baron Barman exclaimed, visibly distressed.

Baron Barman strode up to Old Wilson, whispering urgently, "Wilson, are you insane? Regardless of these people's claims, even if they are genuine royals, they'll be top targets for the Church. Aligning with them is asking for trouble!"

Merlin added, "Father, Baron Barman is right. We can provide them with food and water, but we mustn't join them! The fate of the Wilson family depends on you—please don't act rashly."

Despite their persuasion, Old Wilson's expression remained unchanged. Merlin knew his father well enough to recognize that his mind was made up and wouldn't be easily swayed.