Upon returning from the village, they spotted a dragon carriage in the outer courtyard.
"There's... a dragon carriage parked in front of the mansion." Emilia halted, her voice soft, "Who could it be?"
While Emilia and Natsuki exchanged puzzled looks, Adam alone recognized the carriage's visitor.
Everyone approached the carriage.
"Oh, this dragon carriage is even grander than the one we took from the capital!"
Natsuki's excitent bubbled over, and though Emilia considered quieting him, she decided to let his enthusiasm run its course.
"My, how discourteous of ." An elderly voice erged from the carriage, "Welco back, Lady Emilia. Please allow to impose upon your residence for a mont."
From the carriage descended an elderly man with white hair. Despite his age, he moved with remarkable grace and power, landing silently with perfect posture.
Upon seeing Emilia, he bowed deeply with impeccable etiquette. His white hair was ticulously swept back, his finely tailored black formal wear crisp and pristine.
The man was clearly a butler, his bearing that of a true gentleman — a stark contrast to the uncouth Natsuki.
"Hello." Emilia replied softly.
Natsuki circled the carriage, clearly trying to peek at who else might be inside.
The old man, noting his curiosity, spoke in a low voice, "The envoy has already gone inside."
"An envoy... could it be..." Emilia's expression shifted with dawning recognition.
"As perceptive as ever, my lady. You must already know this visit concerns the Royal Selection. For the specifics, please inquire with the envoy directly." The old man's words carried both complint and instruction.
Emilia's posture stiffened, "Has the kingdom summoned ?"
The old man's response was succinct, "Please, ask the envoy directly."
His aning was clear — either he didn't know more, or he was bound to silence.
Emilia's face hardened, "Let's go."
With stiff movents, she turned and strode quickly back to the mansion.
The envoy awaited her!
As Natsuki hurried after her, Adam stayed behind, his eyes eting the old man's.
"Is there sothing else you need?" The old man asked politely, "I apologize, but there are certain matters I cannot discuss."
Noting Adam's knight uniform, he presud him to be Emilia's protector. It would be natural for a knight to gather information for their master.
As a butler, he was duty-bound to keep his master's confidences.
But he had misjudged. The young man before him showed no interest in his master — his attention was fixed solely on Wilhelm himself.
"Hello, I'm Adam Carter, currently serving as Emilia's knight. It's a pleasure to et you." Adam said, eager to beco acquainted with the elderly man.
After studying him carefully, the old man gave a slight nod, "My na is Wilhelm. My surna isn't worth ntioning. I serve as soone's butler."
Wilhelm remained reserved, saying nothing more.
Adam smiled warmly, "Please, don't be nervous. I simply wish to know you better — I'm not trying to extract any information."
"Is that so."
They say eyes are windows to the soul, revealing one's true thoughts.
Wilhelm saw the genuine intent in Adam's gaze and knew he spoke truthfully about wanting to make his acquaintance.
"However, for a knight to wish to associate with a re butler like myself, it's rather..." Wilhelm left the thought unfinished, implying his status was too humble for such company.
Adam replied, "I respect strength and seek out the strong. The power you conceal, Sir Wilhelm, is unmistakable."
"...Is that so." Wilhelm nodded, "It's rely basic martial arts — standard self-defense training for butlers."
"If all butlers were as strong as you, Sir Wilhelm, I'd be out of work as a knight."
Adam's ssage was clear: I can see your true strength, so there's no need for pretense.
Wilhelm responded with courtly grace, "You have quite the discerning eye. How embarrassing to have my modest attempt at concealnt discovered."
This dance of formal pleasantries, reminiscent of noble society's artificial flattery, made Adam uncomfortable. Coming from a modern perspective, he struggled with such social pretenses.
Wilhelm, with his rich life experience, recognized Adam's discomfort with such artificial social niceties.
He spoke directly, "Then, Mr. Adam Carter, do you simply wish to make my acquaintance?"
"Well..." Adam felt sowhat awkward.
He deeply admired the Sword Demon's swordsmanship and yearned to cross blades with him imdiately. Yet challenging soone at their first eting...
As Emilia's appointed knight and with Wilhelm being an honored guest, any improper conduct could seriously damage his standing with the Kingdom.
His association with the 'Silver-haired Half-elf' had already drawn enough attention.
If scandalous headlines like [Shocking! Royal Selection Candidate's Knight Assaults Centenarian Butler at First eting!] spread through the capital, his chances of dueling others to learn their techniques would vanish.
Moreover, this distinguished elderly man was Reinhard's grandfather.
How would the 『Sword Saint』 of this era react if he heard about it?
Even with their strained grandfather-grandson relationship, even if Reinhard remained indifferent, it would create an uncomfortable situation for Adam.
A formal duel request, however, would be appropriate.
After careful consideration, he decided on honesty.
"Sir Wilhelm, I sense your trendous strength, and I've always sought to challenge powerful opponents! Would you consider engaging in a sword duel with when the ti is right?"
"...A sword duel?"
Wilhelm's eyes initially flashed dangerously at what seed like an impudent challenge.
But the specific ntion of a sword duel stirred mories of his youth with his wife.
He had trained relentlessly in swordsmanship, seeking powerful opponents, all to surpass his wife and free her from her duties as the 『Sword Saint』.
Now, he saw in Adam's eyes that sa burning determination he'd once possessed — that unwavering resolve to give everything for one's convictions.
He found himself drawn to that spirit!
"Very well, if the knight doesn't mind my poor skills, we can have a friendly exchange of swordsmanship when the opportunity arises." Wilhelm agreed instinctively.
Though his words carried gentlemanly grace, he had ant to decline.
Yet sohow, acceptance had flowed naturally from his lips.
✧✧✧
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