Seeing Old Wilson's sincere offer of allegiance, Princess Sheris was momentarily taken aback. She had witnessed countless noble betrayals along the way, even facing ambushes by nobles who had switched allegiance to the Church.
However, Old Wilson's expression was solemn, and his gesture was one of the highest forms of noble etiquette, proving his dedication to Princess Sheris.
Moreover, the knights under Old Wilson's command, especially the few heavily armored ones, were clearly elite soldiers. Gaining his allegiance would mean adding those knights to her own dwindling forces—an invaluable aid to her and her followers on the run.
Just as Princess Sheris was about to accept, Commander Mance stepped forward, speaking in a low voice, "Your Highness, our main priority right now is to escape from the Kingdom of Light, so we can't afford to slow down. This Wilson is merely a baron, and while he may have a hundred or two skilled heavy knights, they are nothing compared to the Firebird Corps. Bringing them along, with their women and supplies, would slow us down considerably. Especially with the Church likely still pursuing us, we can't take that risk. Please reconsider, Your Highness."
Mance's words made Princess Sheris pause. Indeed, while Old Wilson himself might be a strong Elemental Swordsman, and his two hundred heavy knights formidable, his convoy included many other knights, non-combatant women, and heavy supplies. Traveling with them would surely hinder their speed, and if the Church caught up, their position would be precarious.
Seeing her hesitation, Commander Mance continued, "Your Highness, our Firebird Corps knights are skilled warriors, as you've witnessed. We can protect you and Prince Benin and ensure your safe arrival in the Black Moon Kingdom. We shouldn't complicate matters."
Detecting a hint of frustration in Mance's tone, Princess Sheris realized that maintaining harmony with Mance and the Firebird Corps, who were now essential to her survival, was paramount.
After a moment of contemplation, Princess Sheris made her decision.
"Baron Wilson, you are an honorable, brave, and loyal noble! However, we must keep moving, and taking your convoy along would draw too much attention, increasing the danger. So, it's best if we part ways here."
With a slight sigh, Princess Sheris turned and led the Firebird Corps away.
"Phew…"
Watching her leave, Merlin exhaled in relief. Without Old Wilson's allegiance to worry about, he was spared from further persuasion.
"Wilson, get up—they're gone."
Baron Barman approached Old Wilson, who was still kneeling, and shook his head with a sigh.
Slowly, Old Wilson rose and watched the departing figures of the Firebird knights, a complex expression on his face.
After a long silence, he spoke with a hint of nostalgia, "Prince Frederick once pointed out a critical error in my training. Without him, there would be no Wilson Lehman on the battlefield; I might have long died on the 'slaughtergrounds'…"
Merlin and Baron Barman exchanged glances, surprised by this backstory. Old Wilson had never mentioned it before.
Prince Frederick's assistance may have been a minor favor to him, yet Old Wilson remembered it deeply, enough to offer his loyalty during the royal family's most desperate times.
"Let's move and follow behind them—it'll be safer that way."
Old Wilson was back to his decisive, battle-hardened self.
Merlin nodded in agreement. Old Wilson was right; following the Firebird Corps would indeed be safer. They would clear any obstacles ahead, allowing Old Wilson's convoy a more secure path.
After all, on this journey, dangers came not only from the Church but also from ever-present bandits.
※※※
"Are you sure? Those are knights of the Firebird Corps, one of the Kingdom of Light's four main armies?"
A man with strange markings on his face asked in a low voice.
"Yes, Chief, we saw clearly. Their armor is the Firebird Corps standard!"
Three men dressed in coarse clothing responded, a hint of excitement in their voices.
"Very well."
The man with the strange markings, the chief of this band, nodded. Rising slowly, he touched his black armor, a cruel smile appearing on his face. "The Firebird Corps is directly commanded by the royal family. In these chaotic times, anyone they protect must be royalty. This is a fat prize! Royalty means wealth, and if we take them down, our Gale Bandits can buy fine armor and sharp weapons. In this chaos, we could even seize a few towns and live in comfort!"
His eyes gleamed with ambition. He was the leader of the Gale Bandits, a man with grand ambitions who dreamed of one day ruling over captured towns.
And now, an opportunity presented itself: the royal family, likely carrying vast riches, guarded by only a few hundred knights. It was a golden opportunity.
"Chief, there's also a large convoy behind the Firebird knights, with about a thousand more knights."
The bandits hesitated but reported truthfully.
The chief dismissed this with a sneer. "Just more fleeing minor nobles. We've already encountered a few like them recently. They're soft—these knights have forgotten what real bloodshed is. They'll flee at the slightest scare."
He continued with a menacing glint, "Third and Fourth Commanders, take fifteen hundred of our men and deal with that convoy. Kill all the men, and take the women back with us!"
The strange markings on the chief's face glowed faintly red, his expression twisted with a bloodthirsty grin.