Chapter 47: We Are, an Impromptu Team!

“I’m Vilyric, hello, Miss Hilda.”

With a casual greeting, Vilyric didn’t say much more, as the Priestess noticed that the gentle and poised Winged envoy’s attention was clearly elsewhere.

“Being deemed ‘reliable’ by the strict Lady Philena is truly remarkable for you, Miss Vilyric ~ Also, thank you for dealing with that troublesome Abyss Beast; I heard you had companions assisting you at the time…”

Sure enough, after exchanging a few formal pleasantries, Hilda quickly shifted the topic, not even mentioning any sparring or such.

“May I ask for the names of your companions?”

While it seemed she was referring to everyone beside Vilyric, her gaze was evidently fixated on Leila and Renée.

Did she catch on?

Well, it made sense since Vilyric had temporarily hidden the wings behind and on the ears of the two, but that white hair was just too striking, almost identical to Hilda’s own hair color.

It was easier to deceive those who knew part of the truth, but when it came to actual White Winged people like the legendary Hilda, it was a disaster waiting to happen.

In truth, Vilyric had brought these two strays along to help them find their way home to the Kingdom of Azure, and she hadn’t intended to hide anything. However, it was clearly not the right moment.

“Ah, let me introduce you. This is Holy Knight Miss Edwina, Guard Leila, Mage Renée, and Warrior Xiao Guang. We… well, let’s just call ourselves a small team for now.”

With Hilda’s slightly probing gaze, the Priestess pointed toward the two Winged sisters once more.

“The Abyss Beast within the Nobos Ironblood Empire was actually dealt with by them. It’s a long story, so perhaps we can chat more about it when we have the chance?”

Vilyric understood that Hilda likely recognized Leila and Renée as White Winged people, and given they hailed from the United Kingdom, it could easily lead to unfavorable assumptions.

Non-human races living in the United Kingdom could only be in two circumstances: either hiding away in remote areas or magical beast forests, ready to be hunted, or enslaved.

That kind of lowest-status, completely powerless slavery.

The United Kingdom strictly prohibits the trade of slaves and human trafficking, but non-human races are not protected by royal law.

Thus, there occasionally arise organizations that specialize in capturing Winged people, Beastmen, various fairies, and other humanoid species—those who are youthful, beautiful, and potentially capable of combat—training them and then selling them at high prices to noble merchants for their use.

The place where Leila and Renée were previously confined was probably such an organization’s stronghold.

Of course, this behavior is not openly advocated by the United Kingdom, but the crackdown isn’t as severe. As long as one doesn’t get too brazen and keeps non-human slaves hidden at home, usually, no one will come to investigate.

After all, who can afford non-human slaves isn’t exactly someone without connections?

Hilda likely mistook Leila and Renée for pets under Vilyric’s care; after all, it was said that women in this world liked beautiful girls, and there were even special races that, while being purely female, could still reproduce.

What Vilyric said was subtly hinting that things weren’t as Hilda thought; the sisters were living well, and if she wanted to know more details, they could discuss it privately later, given that there were too many eyes in the current setting.

As an important aide valued by the Wing Emperor, Hilda clearly grasped the Priestess’s intent, and her smile quickly softened and became more natural.

“I see, it truly seems that heroes emerge young! Miss Vilyric, you may look young, but you’ve gathered so many like-minded companions. Hilda admires that. Well then, please follow me; the reception arrangements have been prepared, and we can depart now.”

With that, she smiled and nodded to everyone before leading the way, followed by a few accompanying Red Light Winged people out of the house. Philena shot a questioning glance at the Priestess, who merely shook her head slightly.

The Envoy Group Leader understood and took her subordinates out as well.

“Lady Vilyric, I’m sorry for the trouble…”

“Ah? N-no, it’s… it’s fine…”

The clever and sharp-witted sister Leila had already grasped the unspoken game between the two, and seeing the crowd thinning out, she pulled her still puzzled sister down a notch, feeling somewhat ashamed.

Leila saw clearly that this lady, while usually easygoing and seemingly able to engage warmly with everyone, was actually a person who appeared warm on the outside yet cold on the inside, especially intolerant of trouble.

Vilyric was willing to invest effort in explaining things in this manner, which indicated she really valued the two sisters.

This made Leila, who had been saved by her alone and well cared for along the way, feel pleasantly surprised.

“Hm?”

The Priestess, who had planned to follow along, turned back after hearing the words, glancing at the sisters behind her, momentarily stunned before smiling knowingly, ruffling their drooping heads—since Leila and Renée weren’t particularly tall, it was quite convenient.

“It’s nothing, it was just a misunderstanding, right? This Miss Hilda is actually pretty sharp; talking to her isn’t too exhausting. Speaking of which… judging by her reaction, don’t you two already know each other? After all, you’re both White Wings.”

The sisters enjoyed the attention of the black-haired girl’s affectionate touch, with Leila appearing quite moved, and it was Renée who spoke first.

“That’s right, Lady Vilyric. Though our White Winged race has few individuals, there are still around a few thousand in total, divided generally into two groups. Some younger or older ones live in safe and secret areas, while the strong, young ones work under the Wing Emperor, like the Free Wings.”

Leila nodded, affirming her sister’s words.

“Yes, the Sky Island where the Wing Emperor resides is the largest and highest of the hundred thousand floating islands, distanced from other islands, making it difficult for many underage Winged people with weaker wings, and some weaker Winged races, to fly up there on their own.”

“After finishing our Coming-of-Age Trial, we should join the Free Wings to serve the Emperor and the nation, and only then would we get in contact with high-ranking individuals like Miss Hilda, but… so it’s normal that she doesn’t recognize us.”

“I see…”

This division was actually not particularly rare; similar situations existed on Blue Star.

“Okay, let’s head out. I’m quite curious how the Kingdom of Azure will manage to send so many from the envoy group up to the floating islands.”

When they stepped outside, nearly all the hundreds from the envoy group had gathered, while as for the three thousand soldiers guarding them, the Kingdom of Azure certainly wouldn’t allow such a large troop to enter their territory freely, plus transporting them would be a hassle.

They only provided a maximum of 300 soldiers, and the rest would stay in this city waiting for the envoy group’s return. Philena had already arranged people to manage it.

No security concerns were necessary; on one hand, among those several hundred in the envoy group, there were indeed many experts sent by the Queen, and on the other hand, being in the Kingdom of Azure, the Winged people certainly had to protect these visitors carefully, or they would face international issues.

Thus, Miss Hilda led the envoy group members to a nearby open and spacious training field.

   

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