The Adventures of an Overpowered Knight in Another World Chapter 556- Plans For the Future (2)

Elina clenched her fingers a bit more. Seated opposite him once more, with his aura so near, those feelings surged up again—profound, knotted, and hard to sort out clearly.

Undoubtedly, locating the High Elf priestess stood as her obligation, stemming from her lineage in Elfenheim. Yet, to speak truthfully to herself, she yearned to stride alongside him anew, to stay near the one who had crushed her hopelessness and filled it with a wild, vibrant force.

Desiring to relive that evening once more could well explain her strong push to accompany him.

Reinhardt's trip to their settlement stemmed solely from his aim to cultivate the World Tree's seed. Without that purpose, he would not have come to the village for a long while.

Elina refused to let this meeting mark their final one; therefore, she seized the chance however she could.

Upon Reinhardt's return from Toto village, twilight had already draped the skyline.

The heavens glowed in a warm orange tint.

He directed the servants to ready a chamber for Elina, then made his way to his own quarters.

.

As night deepened, the family assembled for the evening meal.

It had been ages since every member of the Arcknight clan had gathered around one table in this manner.

Raymond occupied the main position, Reinhardt claimed his familiar spot, Arthur fidgeted eagerly in his seat, and Verdia positioned herself opposite him with elegant poise.

As the relatives dined as one, talk proceeded effortlessly.

Raymond inquired of Reinhardt regarding Toto Village, the elves, the demi-human clans, and if his schemes had yielded results.

Reinhardt gave a subtle shake of his head. "Not yet. The Origin Seed exists, but no ordinary person can foster it. A High Elf priestess alone can rouse a World Tree. Lacking her, the seed stays inactive."

He detailed all he had discovered, covering Elfenheim, the need for the priestess, and the resonance. Following that, he shared his choice with Raymond.

"I’ll head to the capital shortly."

In that instant, silence enveloped the table.

Arthur, being so youthful, couldn't fully comprehend its gravity, yet Verdia understood well. Her grip on her utensils grew firmer. He had barely come back, and now he geared up to depart once more.

Raymond gave a reflective nod. "If that's necessary, there's no choice. The capital makes sense as the initial step."

Soon after, the meal wrapped up.

The staff removed the dishes, maids led Arthur away to rest, and Raymond withdrew to his office, immersed in paperwork.

Verdia entered Raymond’s study to converse with him.

A wide shawl draped over her form, concealing all beneath it entirely.

Raymond, occupied with his writing, sensed Verdia’s arrival yet detected no oddity.

"Is Arthur in bed?" He asked, keeping his pen in motion.

"He’s sleeping. Considering his fatigue from the day, it’s no shock he dozed off right away upon lying down."

"Oh?" Discussing his boy at last sparked Raymond’s attention.

Verdia described how Reinhardt instructed Arthur in swordplay and how her young son now practiced daily with a cheerful grin.

Upon learning of the day's happenings, the Arcknight Duke displayed a contemplative grin.

"Ah, so that's the situation. I had asked Sir Lantis, an old ally and past Holy Knight of the order, to instruct Arthur in swordsmanship. But with Reinhardt mentoring him, that's fine"...

"Having him train Arthur directly means no concerns."

Arthur not only admired Reinhardt as his idol, but they shared blood as half-siblings. Moreover, it proved far better for Arthur to study under a knight who had entered heroic domains than under an ex-Holy Knight.

The gap resembled night versus day.

Verdia offered no counter. Initially, she disliked Raymond’s elder son, who might pose a major obstacle to her child's claim in inheritance.

Still, through multiple meetings, she shed those fears. Drawing nearer to him revealed Reinhardt's disinterest in inheritance or ranks.

His ambitions lay far beyond, backed by his firm belief in his strength to conquer all.

In his company, she too occasionally felt swayed by his presence.

As a aristocrat and the house's Duchess, Verdia realized sharply that Reinhardt posed no threat but rather a mighty oak offering shelter to her and her boy.

Her natural urge drove her to crave that safeguard. Naturally, the pull she sensed toward her stepson couldn't be ignored.

Thus, she resolved her intent before arriving here.

"Raymond, I meant to speak with Reinhardt about Arthur’s sword lessons. But you're occupied, so I'll manage it alone."

Naturally, it served merely as a pretext, one to validate her late-night visit. Since, unlike before, she wasn't ill, it would appear improper for Reinhardt to enter her chamber.

Raymond harbored no doubts.

In normal circumstances, instructing his son fell to him. Yet, with troubling stirrings along the kingdom's western frontiers, every lord busied themselves dispatching agents and assembling intelligence.

As Solaris Kingdom's Duke, his burdens weighed heavier still. So, he merely agreed and entrusted Arthur’s lessons to Reinhardt and Verdia.

"This makes no sense. What scheme do they pursue, gathering such forces?"

Raymond’s tone drifted from the study's far side.

After one final look, confirming his deep focus on tasks, Verdia departed.

.

Shortly after, faint steps resounded along the hallway.

In his chamber, Reinhardt had barely shed his jacket when a soft rap came at the entrance.

Ere he could reply, the visitor opened it on her own and entered.

Recognizing her, Reinhardt felt no astonishment. He had detected her lingering outside his door earlier.

He casually resumed his tasks, stuffing his pack and readying supplies for the trip.

Verdia glided in and shut the door. With a twist, she secured the lock.

Observing Reinhardt's preparations to depart, a sharp ache struck her chest.

"You’re off once more... and it seemed wrong not to chat." Her voice was gentle, but her gaze told a different story altogether.

"Yeah, urgency calls. I must depart without delay."

Just then, the rustle of cloth dropping reached his ears.

He turned to find Verdia had shed her shawl, unveiling what lay concealed below.

A sheer silk nightgown, light and perilously translucent, hugged her contours like it was crafted purely for seduction. The material gleamed under the lamp's glow, revealing much yet teasing with hints of mystery.

It differed sharply from the modest black gown she donned at supper. This outfit enticed boldly, yet suited a highborn lady such as her.

As Verdia let the shawl fall, the room's air grew thick with unvoiced strain, past limits fading more than they would confess.

Without pause, she flung herself into his embrace. Her gown's scant fabric let him sense her warmth right through his attire.

Verdia’s limbs encircled his neck, her frame molding firmly to his torso, and she nestled her cheek against his shoulder's dip, breathing in his robust aroma.

Moments passed as they remained locked that way.

At last, Verdia murmured. "When do you plan to return?"

Held so firmly, he sensed her quivering form. Even so...

"Impossible to predict. Hunting the Priestess... it might span months or longer."

"Months!"

A faint, pained noise slipped from her, making her grasp on his shoulders clench tighter.

Reinhardt exhaled, encircled her midsection, and drew her nearer.

Gazing at her stunning visage, he felt compelled to claim her mouth. Aware their bond strayed from the ordinary, he no longer minded and pressed his lips to hers.

Her plush, rosy lips bore the delightful flavor of her makeup and her essence, utterly captivating.

Reinhardt lingered in the kiss with Verdia before parting to gasp for air.

"Fear not, I’ll come back. Yet I must leave. Without restoring the World Tree, without halting the demons, the realm faces peril."

Verdia stayed mute. Though she grasped his aims, soothing her emotions proved hard.

"I understand... I get it logically. But my feelings..."