Krell glanced at Anne, gestured, and said, "Let's talk somewhere else."
Pointing to the other young officer, he introduced, "Ebner Soumé, my close friend, a 25th-level captain and a 17th-level grand knight, the only man who forced me to take off my gloves in battle."
The young officer with black hair and eyes, exuding a natural aura of authority, smiled and said, "I've heard of you! My cousin's loyal subordinate."
Charlotte gave a sheepish smile, not daring to engage further.
Krell and Ebner, along with Anne and Charlotte, walked away together.
The students of Golgia University, who had been watching, couldn't help but whisper among themselves. Many of them were not Transcendents, and seeing Charlotte calmly evade Krell's 17th-level grand knight's attack while using the Blood Flame Transformation technique, they didn't fully grasp the intricacies and "misunderstood" Charlotte's strength, quickly spreading his newfound reputation across the campus.
Leaving the university campus, Krell opened the door of a military carriage and got in first.
Charlotte followed suit, finding that the interior was unlike a regular family carriage, resembling a small meeting room, clearly designed for use as a mobile command post during war.
Continuing the earlier conversation, Krell asked, "Anne told me you're only at the fourth level?"
Charlotte nodded, "Yes."
Krell continued, "You've awakened the Blood Flame ability?"
The four universities all have Blood Glory traditions, and Krell had likely studied the human philosopher Protagoras' scrolls. Charlotte didn't feel the need to hide it, replying, "Yes."
Krell smiled, "Since you managed to comprehend the Blood Feast Meditation and even crafted a Blood Rune at the fourth level, there's no need to test the remaining two moves. Ebner and I will take the duel for you."
"But if you wish to marry Anne, a fourth-level Transcendent isn't enough."
"Mr. McClain, keep up the good work!"
Anne blushed and angrily said, "Cousin Krell, what nonsense are you talking about? Charlotte and I are just friends!"
She felt a bit guilty after saying that. After all, being just friends, a lady of the Brittany family wouldn't ask her cousin for help. Krell Brittany was a rising star in the military, and if not for his young age and lack of accomplishments, he would have long led a military unit on his own.
Krell shrugged, not wanting to embarrass Anne, and said, "Alright, we should get back to the army. We won't disturb you any further."
As Krell and Ebner drove off in the military carriage, Krell remarked regretfully, "I had wanted to introduce Anne to you, but someone else beat me to it."
Ebner Soumé smiled and said, "You don't have to worry about my love life. You've met Dolores; are you interested?"
Krell shook his head, "Your sister's temper is too strange, and she doesn't seem interested in me."
Ebner laughed, "Suddenly, I feel balanced."
Krell sighed, "It's a pity I haven't earned the War Certificate yet, or I would have challenged that man."
Ebner Soumé also looked regretful, "I heard he was executed."
"I hate myself for not being strong enough to have had the chance to challenge that scoundrel for Miss Menelman's sake."
Neither mentioned the man's name—Zimmerman Axel Robin.
As the military carriage slowly departed, Charlotte asked, "I just bought a second-hand carriage today. Do you want to take a ride?"
Anne, eager, replied, "Sure!"
Nancy, who had seen Charlotte return with a beautiful girl and two young officers getting into a military carriage, knew to wait patiently and not greet her employer.
When Charlotte brought Anne back, Nancy smiled and said, "Sir, Miss, please get in the carriage!" She then opened the door with a lever near her seat.
Many high-end carriages have such features, allowing the driver to open the door for the passengers gracefully.
Charlotte invited Anne into the carriage before stepping in himself.
Anne glanced around but quickly lost interest in the carriage. Being a lady of the Brittany family, she was used to traveling in custom-made carriages, and this mass-produced one was just a "means of transportation" with no luxury appeal.
She asked quietly, "You also condensed the Blood Flame Rune?"
Charlotte spread his hands, "Yes, I didn't hide it on purpose. I just thought it was too small an achievement to boast about."
Anne wasn't upset about Charlotte not telling her; she was slightly excited and happy.
Even though she had seen Charlotte use the Blood Flame Transformation technique and heard him answer her cousin, she still wanted to ask again.
Getting a formal answer, Anne whispered, "Condensing a Blood Rune means your true combat power might rival that of a mid-level Transcendent!"
"If..."
Anne pondered for a while but didn't continue the topic.
Charlotte told Nancy, "Take us to the Rosse District, let's just wander around."
Nancy agreed and drove the carriage slowly along the street toward the Rosse District.
Each of the Upper Seven Districts in Strasbourg has different functions.
Valdevois is home to the royal palace and four universities, with various government buildings and grand noble residences.
Alexandra is a high-end commercial district, like a medieval version of a CBD, favored by the elite.
Alcatraz is a middle-class residential area, with the most detective agencies and private companies.
Picardie is the industrial and commercial district, with the largest market, selling everything.
The Garonne, Rosse, and Marvensado districts are old neighborhoods from the Sherlock dynasty, with many famous landmarks like the Rosse River, which runs through Strasbourg, famous old shops on both banks, the famous Love Bridge, Destiny Square from the Sherlock era, the Stargate, and the Lantern Tower.
Of course, they are also somewhat old-fashioned, so the new aristocracy of the Fars Empire generally doesn't like living in the old districts.
Passing by a famous coffee shop near the Rosse River that had been open for over 300 years, Charlotte asked Nancy to get two cups of coffee.