Surprise! I've Transmigrated Again

Upon returning from the village, they spotted a dragon carriage in the outer courtyard.

"There's... a dragon carriage parked in front of the mansion." Emilia halted, her voice soft, "Who could it be?"

While Emilia and Natsuki exchanged puzzled looks, Adam alone recognized the carriage's visitor.

Everyone approached the carriage.

"Oh, this dragon carriage is even grander than the one we took from the capital!"

Natsuki's excitement bubbled over, and though Emilia considered quieting him, she decided to let his enthusiasm run its course.

"My, how discourteous of me." An elderly voice emerged from the carriage, "Welcome back, Lady Emilia. Please allow me to impose upon your residence for a moment."

From the carriage descended an elderly man with white hair. Despite his age, he moved with remarkable grace and power, landing silently with perfect posture.

Upon seeing Emilia, he bowed deeply with impeccable etiquette. His white hair was meticulously swept back, his finely tailored black formal wear crisp and pristine.

The man was clearly a butler, his bearing that of a true gentleman — a stark contrast to the uncouth Natsuki.

"Hello." Emilia replied softly.

Natsuki circled the carriage, clearly trying to peek at who else might be inside.

The old man, noting his curiosity, spoke in a low voice, "The envoy has already gone inside."

"An envoy... could it be..." Emilia's expression shifted with dawning recognition.

"As perceptive as ever, my lady. You must already know this visit concerns the Royal Selection. For the specifics, please inquire with the envoy directly." The old man's words carried both compliment and instruction.

Emilia's posture stiffened, "Has the kingdom summoned me?"

The old man's response was succinct, "Please, ask the envoy directly."

His meaning was clear — either he didn't know more, or he was bound to silence.

Emilia's face hardened, "Let's go."

With stiff movements, she turned and strode quickly back to the mansion.

The envoy awaited her!

As Natsuki hurried after her, Adam stayed behind, his eyes meeting the old man's.

"Is there something else you need?" The old man asked politely, "I apologize, but there are certain matters I cannot discuss."

Noting Adam's knight uniform, he presumed him to be Emilia's protector. It would be natural for a knight to gather information for their master.

As a butler, he was duty-bound to keep his master's confidences.

But he had misjudged. The young man before him showed no interest in his master — his attention was fixed solely on Wilhelm himself.

"Hello, I'm Adam Carter, currently serving as Emilia's knight. It's a pleasure to meet you." Adam said, eager to become acquainted with the elderly man.

After studying him carefully, the old man gave a slight nod, "My name is Wilhelm. My surname isn't worth mentioning. I serve as someone's butler."

Wilhelm remained reserved, saying nothing more.

Adam smiled warmly, "Please, don't be nervous. I simply wish to know you better — I'm not trying to extract any information."

"Is that so."

They say eyes are windows to the soul, revealing one's true thoughts.

Wilhelm saw the genuine intent in Adam's gaze and knew he spoke truthfully about wanting to make his acquaintance.

"However, for a knight to wish to associate with a mere butler like myself, it's rather..." Wilhelm left the thought unfinished, implying his status was too humble for such company.

Adam replied, "I respect strength and seek out the strong. The power you conceal, Sir Wilhelm, is unmistakable."

"...Is that so." Wilhelm nodded, "It's merely basic martial arts — standard self-defense training for butlers."

"If all butlers were as strong as you, Sir Wilhelm, I'd be out of work as a knight."

Adam's message was clear: I can see your true strength, so there's no need for pretense.

Wilhelm responded with courtly grace, "You have quite the discerning eye. How embarrassing to have my modest attempt at concealment discovered."

This dance of formal pleasantries, reminiscent of noble society's artificial flattery, made Adam uncomfortable. Coming from a modern perspective, he struggled with such social pretenses.

Wilhelm, with his rich life experience, recognized Adam's discomfort with such artificial social niceties.

He spoke directly, "Then, Mr. Adam Carter, do you simply wish to make my acquaintance?"

"Well..." Adam felt somewhat awkward.

He deeply admired the Sword Demon's swordsmanship and yearned to cross blades with him immediately. Yet challenging someone at their first meeting...

As Emilia's appointed knight and with Wilhelm being an honored guest, any improper conduct could seriously damage his standing with the Kingdom.

His association with the 'Silver-haired Half-elf' had already drawn enough attention.

If scandalous headlines like [Shocking! Royal Selection Candidate's Knight Assaults Centenarian Butler at First Meeting!] spread through the capital, his chances of dueling others to learn their techniques would vanish.

Moreover, this distinguished elderly man was Reinhard's grandfather.

How would the 『Sword Saint』 of this era react if he heard about it?

Even with their strained grandfather-grandson relationship, even if Reinhard remained indifferent, it would create an uncomfortable situation for Adam.

A formal duel request, however, would be appropriate.

After careful consideration, he decided on honesty.

"Sir Wilhelm, I sense your tremendous strength, and I've always sought to challenge powerful opponents! Would you consider engaging in a sword duel with me when the time is right?"

"...A sword duel?"

Wilhelm's eyes initially flashed dangerously at what seemed like an impudent challenge.

But the specific mention of a sword duel stirred memories of his youth with his wife.

He had trained relentlessly in swordsmanship, seeking powerful opponents, all to surpass his wife and free her from her duties as the 『Sword Saint』.

Now, he saw in Adam's eyes that same burning determination he'd once possessed — that unwavering resolve to give everything for one's convictions.

He found himself drawn to that spirit!

"Very well, if the knight doesn't mind my poor skills, we can have a friendly exchange of swordsmanship when the opportunity arises." Wilhelm agreed instinctively.

Though his words carried gentlemanly grace, he had meant to decline.

Yet somehow, acceptance had flowed naturally from his lips.

✧✧✧

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