The Adventures of an Overpowered Knight in Another World Chapter 549- Returning Home

Reinhardt pointed to Kevin, Gwen, and the rest of the group.

"Their job is straightforward: guarding you. They'll serve as your escorts, dealing with anyone who holds malicious intent, and making sure you get back safely regardless of circumstances. Rest easy, these are the top talents destined to become the Temple of Light's future knights—I personally guarantee their prowess."

Eleanor nodded without hesitation; she had never viewed the Temple of Light's knights as anything less than formidable.

Kevin, Gwen, and the fellow knights felt deeply touched by his words too. His endorsement signified true recognition from him.

Being acknowledged by one of Solaris's three legendary heroes—what an immense privilege! At once, they advanced, placing a hand over their hearts in a crisp salute.

"Commander, we'll safeguard her at all costs."

"I anticipate no less. Yet keep in mind, this goes beyond mere escort duty. It's a chance to hone your abilities. You've mastered the fundamentals of my lessons, but practice within these walls has its limits. To advance more, dive headfirst into the wider world"...

"Countless techniques, rival knights, drills, and combat styles await your discovery. Challenge them, observe your progress, and absorb all the lessons this journey offers"...

While speaking, his gaze drifted unintentionally to Kevin. Though his training approach could awaken the hidden strengths in one's physique, its advantages were limited.

Regarding the vast energy hidden in his form and blade, that was up to Kevin alone—or perhaps his destiny. Reinhardt could merely glimpse fate's paths and guide the body along them.

"I'll rely on you all." Eleanor glanced at Kevin, Gwen, and their companions.

"Big sister, count on me. With my watch over you, no villains will get near even a hair on your head." Kevin declared with swelling pride.

"Oh dear." Eleanor placed a hand over her lips, charmed by his bold claim.

Once the final knights and Eleanor departed, silence finally settled over the office.

Reinhardt stayed on his feet briefly, his stare vacant as thoughts consumed him.

Several minutes ticked by until he let out a breath and turned his focus to his secretary.

"Melissa, with the city now steady, demons eradicated, Knight Orders reformed, and pressing issues handled, will a short absence of mine halt progress?"

Melissa, busy sorting files on a nearby shelf, paused and let her hands fall.

Her movement caused the short skirt to settle back down, concealing the garter belt from view again.

"Does my lord intend to travel somewhere?"

His plan exposed so quickly, Reinhardt managed only a sheepish grin and an affirmative nod.

"Yes, I'm heading home—to Lumiose City."

He approached the window, staring at the cityscape glowing in the warm hues of late afternoon. One matter had lingered unresolved far too long. With this brief respite at last, he refused to delay it further.

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As dawn's light pierced the sky the following morning, a procession of carriages streamed out from the city gates.

In the midst of it all rode Reinhardt's vehicle, bearing the banners of Snowpoint City and the Temple of Light.

Zerina and Karina journeyed beside him, positioned opposite each other, exchanging tense glares in utter quiet.

To his right sat Anastasia, radiating calm poise.

Upon deciding to journey to Lumiose City, Anastasia had asked to join him. In part to attend to his needs, and in part due to her past role as headmaid of House Arcknight, eager to see how the estate fared in her absence.

Given the circumstances, Reinhardt saw no reason to turn her down.

Bob, powerless against his wife's wishes, consented without protest. He devoted himself to mastering the [Divine Beast Summoning].

Besides these three, additional maids occupied the trailing carriages, accompanied by a complete unit of elite knights flanking the sides on horseback.

Naturally, their presence served show rather than defense.

Having ascended to heroic levels as a knight, Reinhardt ranked among the kingdom's top three mightiest individuals. Few could rival him.

Nevertheless, he ventured forth not only as the Temple of Light's Commander but also as Snowpoint's Governor. Though Lumiose fell under his father's rule, etiquette, honor, and tradition held sway among the nobility.

Image projected strength, and formality embodied command.

With the carriage wheels rolling into motion, the city faded in their wake.

.

In the course of their trip, noticing the wordless tension crackling between the pair, Anastasia broke the ice with gentle words.

"It's been ages since our last visit to Lumiose," she murmured, eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside.

Reinhardt inclined his head, a nostalgic expression crossing his features. "Yes, nearly two years now."

Factoring in his initial arrival in this realm through reincarnation, almost three years had elapsed.

In that span, he hadn't just acclimated to this existence and its inhabitants; he'd risen to govern Snowpoint City and elevated his order's prestige and power back to its former glory.

Moreover, he now found himself encircled by those dear to him.

Anastasia's intervention eased the rivalry simmering between the two women.

Karina reclined into the seat, crossing her arms as she remarked.

"Precisely one year and nine months. Back then, Snowpoint barely scratched a tenth of its current scale."

Zerina emitted a soft murmur, concurring with her competitor there. "Hard to believe how far it's come—I scarcely connect it to the old place under Baros Chetak. The Commander has utterly transformed it."

"It succeeded thanks to everyone, including your efforts and those of the citizens."

Anastasia's mouth lifted in a subtle smile. "Naturally, we and the folk trusted in you. Still, such transformation could only happen under your lead, Lord Reinhardt. Anyone else couldn't have reshaped the city so profoundly. Inquire with the palace staff if you doubt it."

Reinhardt grinned, sidestepping full endorsement or rejection.

Her statement held real substance. On Reinhardt's initial journey from Lumiose to Snowpoint, Duke Raymond, patriarch of House Arcknight, had dispatched seasoned household staff loyal to the family for years.

The pact outlined one year of aid: supporting the novice governor and preparing local hires for his upcoming administration.

That term had concluded.

Fully cognizant of it, Reinhardt convened the staff prior to leaving Snowpoint and posed the direct query.

Do you want to go back to Lumiose?

Individuals with kin awaiting them there welcomed the option warmly. Yet most declined. They'd watched Snowpoint evolve from a beleaguered outpost to a thriving urban hub.

They'd observed his leadership, the reforms he'd enacted, and his equitable rule over the populace. Just pay, discipline sans tyranny, security without favoritism.

He embodied the ideal sovereign for any ordinary soul.

Having tended Duke Raymond for close to ten years, they perceived in Reinhardt more than merely his heir— a figure poised to eclipse him eventually.

Thus, they chose to remain.

Witnessing their confidence and loyalty, Reinhardt dipped his head in approval of their choice.

Within the carriage once more, Zerina angled her head, peering out at the far-off skyline.

"Home, is it? I've been gone ages. Wondering about my tribesfolk's well-being."

"They're surely thriving. The Queen's fresh decrees have granted all demi-humans full citizenship rights. Besides, with Duke Raymond overseeing the city, your people face no ill treatment."

Zerina dipped her chin. Truthfully, she required no reassurance from Anastasia to sense her clan's prosperity. Even so, as the village's sole remaining Elder, certain concerns lingered.

Upon joining the Temple of Light's Holy Knights to secure prestige for her folk, the settlement lost its guiding elder.

All the same, several capable villagers back home fit the role well, sparing her excessive anxiety.

Positioned close by, Reinhardt's gaze intensified as the subject arose.

Actually, this trip back to Lumiose City aimed specifically at encountering Zerina's tribesmen. His true goal stretched outside the walls, to New Toto Village.

.

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After three days on the road, the convoy at last reached the gleaming Lumiose City.

A reception awaited at the majestic Arcknight palace gates. Lines of maids and retainers aligned impeccably, chins lowered in respect.

Leading them was the venerable, stately butler, with two striking presences at his side that demanded attention.

Among them stood Verdia Arcknight, Reinhardt's stepmother.