The Adventures of an Overpowered Knight in Another World

Chapter 710- I Want To Change This Kingdom

The more he looked, the more the answer became undeniable. These were not criminals celebrating violence. They were villagers, children, siblings, and neighbors who had gathered to protect one of their own.

Witnessing this scene, Reinhardt let out a quiet sigh.

The gazes of the children were piercing. Some looked at him with fear, others with anger.

One little girl was hiding behind Aurelia while peeking at him with watery eyes, as if afraid he would suddenly charge forward and drag Drystan away.

The townsfolk were not much different. Their expressions were tense and fearful.

As for Aurelia, tears still clung to her face. The sight inexplicably caused something in his chest to tighten.

Seeing this, how could he have the heart to continue?

At that moment, footsteps sounded from behind. Silas stepped towards him, his face an indifferent mask.

"So what do you think? Are you going to proceed with the arrest? Given your current strength, even I am not your match, much less these villagers. If you want, you can easily proceed with your mission".

Hearing this, the expressions of the townsfolk paled.

Even Sir Silas, the strongest knight in Blueberry Town. The man everyone relied upon had admitted that he was no match for this young knight. If the golden-haired knight truly insisted... No one here could stop him.

The realization caused many hands to tremble. They instinctively stepped closer to Drystan and his group as if trying to form a body shield.

Reinhardt remained silent. His gaze shifted toward Silas. He tried to understand what the old knight was thinking.

Was he testing him? Or simply leaving the choice entirely in his hands?

After a long moment, Reinhardt shook his head. In the end, he could only shake his head.

"Are you kidding me? Sir Silas, this joke is not even funny".

His gaze swept over the villagers. Over the children. Over Aurelia standing protectively before her brother.

"The moment these villagers stepped forward to protect those few people, the mission had already failed. A knight who hurts innocent people is not the type of knight I want to be".

Saying that, he slowly backed away. The townspeople were too nervous with him this close.

As he retreated, the atmosphere visibly eased. Only then did Reinhardt stop. His gaze landed upon the battered young man still stubbornly standing despite his injuries.

His body was bruised black and blue, and his breathing laborious. Yet his eyes burned with that same resolve, and his hand still gripped the sword. Reinhardt was sure that if he made a move, the young man would inevitably rush to intercept, even if it meant dying.

"You... state your name. To be able to stand after taking my strike, you are certainly worthy of any knight remembering your name".

Drystan raised his head.

No matter what his identity was, the young man’s power, his determination, and the fact that the entire town stood beside him in support spoke volumes of this man’s future potential. A faint trace of admiration appeared in Reinhardt’s eyes.

Drystan had refused to give his name. Because he knew, the knight standing before him had looked down upon him. After all, the difference in status, strength, and background, their worlds were simply too far apart.

This time though, he could feel it. The other party was showing genuine respect.

"Drystan... Drystan Benedict".

As history would later reveal, this was the first encounter between the future Commander of the Order of the Temple of Light and his Vice Commander.

The night wind blew past the churchyard.

Reinhardt nodded slowly. "I see." His gaze lingered on him for a moment longer. "I will remember that name."

There was another reason he had asked for it. One unrelated to tonight. However, that matter would have to wait.

Turning around, Reinhardt began walking toward the gates of the church. Then, without turning around, he spoke.

"Sir Silas."

The old knight looked up.

"You have raised an excellent disciple. You may teach him the advanced swordsmanship of the Temple of Light."

Hearing that, the old knight’s eyes widened.

Reinhardt continued calmly. "I will take responsibility."

Silas stared at Reinhardt’s back profile, which held some similarities to his commander, Raymond. Then slowly, understanding dawned upon him. The hidden meaning behind those words was simple.

The advanced techniques of the Temple of Light were not things an ordinary person could learn. Teaching them to outsiders without authorization was a grave offense. One serious enough to invite punishment from the Temple itself.

By saying he would take responsibility, Reinhardt was effectively granting permission. No, it was more than that. By saying that, he was acknowledging Drystan. Acknowledging his talent and character.

It was his silent way of saying that the man was worthy of inheriting the prestigious swordsmanship of the Temple of Light.

And as the son of the Duke and raised to be the next commander, Reinhardt certainly had that authority. Silas gave a genuine smile.

It had been a long time since he had smiled like that. Who knew that in that calamity, Drystan would receive a gift? One that would certainly change his future trajectory and help him realize his ideals.

"Understood. I won’t disappoint you."

Reinhardt gave a slight nod in return. Then, without another word, he stepped through the gates of the church and disappeared into the quiet night beyond.

Behind him, the people of Blueberry Town silently watched his departing figure. Their expression one of relief.

As for Drystan, he looked toward the retreating back of the man who had defeated him. His grip on his sword tightened slightly. Then finally, for the first time since the battle began, his exhausted body gave out.

Thud... The young man collapsed backwards. Fortunately, this time, there were countless hands ready to catch him.

.

After returning to the capital, Reinhardt headed straight for the Council Hall. The intelligence report, the charges, and the discoveries he made in the town... everything was placed upon the long table before the members of the Council of Elders.

"I investigated Blueberry Town personally. The group that was labeled as a criminal syndicate... They are not criminals. The kidnappings they were accused of were rescue operations to save children taken by slavers. The assault accusations originated from conflicts with actual criminals operating in the region. The so called criminal syndicate... saved Blueberry Town when nobody else did."

Reinhardt stared directly into the eyes of the elderly men seated in their comfy seats.

"That intelligence report was falsified. I want an explanation."

For several moments, nobody spoke. Then an old nobleman snorted.

"Hmph. It appears Sir Reinhardt has become emotionally attached to his assignment. Perhaps the criminals manipulated you. After all, they clearly succeeded in deceiving the villagers."

After him, the others too continued with their parade. One excuse after another, deflections, half truths and outright denials. Not a single person in the hall admitted fault. They all shrugged accountability.

Seeing this, Reinhardt’s brows furrowed. The townspeople had suffered such plights, and even the town’s saviors were almost arrested by him.

Reinhardt was no fool; he could tell that someone with considerable influence was involved with the affairs of the Blueberry town.

An elderly nobleman calmly met his gaze. "The investigation is concluded. There is no further need for discussion."

With that, the meeting ended, and Reinhardt was given no chance to express his voice. At that time, Reinhardt’s prestige hadn’t reached the point where he could threaten the authority of the Council of Elders.

After he left, a few of the council members covertly looked at each other. Although they did not say anything, the meaning behind their gaze was clear.

’It appears this man is no longer useful. He asks too many questions.’

’A knight should simply obey orders. Nothing more.’

’I hope he doesn’t intervene with our plan. If necessary, we need to take care of him’.

From that day onward, Reinhardt noticed that his assignments became increasingly troublesome. Border patrols, escort missions, emergency deployments. One mission ended only for another to arrive waiting for him.

Some were even extremely dangerous and needed him to step beyond the Safe Zone of the human lands.

After a while, he realized that he was being targeted, and the culprit couldn’t be any more obvious.

From that moment, the relationship between Reinhardt and the Council of Elders began to worsen further.

Most importantly, Reinhardt was no longer their pawn and was actively questioning them and their methods.

Sometime later, Reinhardt returned to Blueberry Town. This time, he was not donned in his armor, but rather was dressed in casual clothing.

He came to the town to ask for forgiveness from the townfolk who had to go through such an experience due to some greedy people in the capital. He himself was almost manipulated.

When the villagers saw him again, their first reaction was not anger. It was caution. Reinhardt noticed it immediately and halted at the edge of the town.

He simply stood there and bowed his head.

"I came to apologize."

The words were quiet, but the tone heartfelt.