“I am Violet, greetings, Miss Hilda.”
With a perfunctory greeting, Violet refrained from further expressions, as the priestess noticed that the gentle and elegant winged people envoy’s attention was not focused on her at all.
“To be acclaimed as ‘reliable’ by the stringent Lady Felina is truly remarkable, Miss Violet. Furthermore, thank you for your assistance in subduing the troublesome Abyssal Beast, I heard you had assistance at the time...”
Indeed, after a brief exchange of formalities, Hilda immediately shifted the conversation naturally, without even mentioning the idea of sparring or exchanging skills.
“May I inquire about the esteemed names of those beside you?”
Although it seemed like she was addressing everyone around Violet, her gaze was noticeably fixed on Leila and Rene.
Do you see what’s happening?
It’s understandable. Although Violet temporarily concealed the wings behind Leila and Rene with some tricks, their white hair was too conspicuous, almost identical to Hilda’s hair color.
It’s one thing to deceive humans who only know half of the truth, but facing true White Feathered Winged person, especially legends like Hilda, the flaws are glaring.
In fact, Violet’s intention to bring these two little ones back home to find their roots in the Azure Sky Kingdom was clear when she set out. She didn’t intend to hide anything, but the timing now seems inappropriate.
“Well, allow me to introduce. This is Holy Knight Edwina, Guardian Leila, Mage Rene, and Warrior Xiao Guang. We... well, let’s just call ourselves a team for now.”
Meeting Hilda’s slightly probing gaze, the priestess once again gestured towards the two winged sisters.
“The Abyssal Beast within the borders of the Nobos Iron-Blood Empire was actually dealt with by these two, it’s a long story, perhaps we could discuss it at another time when the opportunity arises?”
Violet knew that Hilda likely already discerned the identities of Leila and Rene as White Feathered Winged people, coupled with their arrival from the Human United Kingdom, it’s quite easy for her to form unfavorable associations.
Because non-human races living in the Human United Kingdom can only be in two situations: either hiding in the wilderness, in places like the Beast Forest, where they could be hunted down at any time, or they are slaves.
The latter, being the lowest status, devoid of any rights, slaves.
The Human United Kingdom itself strictly prohibits the buying and selling of slaves and human trafficking, but non-human races are not protected by the kingdom’s laws.
Therefore, occasionally there are organizations specifically capturing young girls of various humanoid races, such as Winged people, Half-Beastmen, various fairies, etc., who are not prone to aging and are beautiful, and perhaps even capable of combat, training them and selling them at high prices to noble merchants for their use.
Places like where Leila and Rene were previously held captive are likely bases of such organizations.
Of course, such behavior is not openly endorsed by the Human United Kingdom, but the enforcement is far less rigorous than the former. As long as one doesn’t get too bold and keeps their non-human slaves hidden at home without letting them out too often, usually no one will bother you.
After all, those who can afford non-human slaves typically have some background, right?
Hilda probably regards Leila and Rene as pets nurtured by Violet. After all, it’s not uncommon in this world for females to also admire beautiful girls, and there even exist special races that can reproduce offspring despite being exclusively female.
By saying these words, Violet is subtly hinting to the other party that things are not as they seem, and the sisters are living well. If they wish to know more details, they should discuss privately later since there are many people around here.
As a trusted lieutenant valued by the Feathered Emperor, Hilda evidently understood the priestess’s implication, and her smile immediately became much warmer and natural.
“I see, truly deserving of the title of heroes at a young age. Miss Violet seems to be quite young, yet she can gather so many like-minded companions. Hilda admires that. Well then, please follow me. The reception preparations have long been made, and we can set off now.”
After saying that, she smiled towards everyone and led the way outside with several accompanying Crimson Feathered Winged People. Felina threw a questioning glance at the priestess, who simply shook her head slightly in response.
The head of the mission understood and followed along with her subordinates.
“Lady Violet, I apologize for the trouble...”
“Oh? I’m, I’m sorry...”
Clever and astute sister Leila had long understood the invisible game between the two parties. Seeing the room gradually emptying, she then pulled her still puzzled sister, feeling somewhat ashamed, and lowered her head.
Leila understood very well that this lady, although usually appearing amiable and able to communicate warmly with anyone, was actually someone who kept her emotions guarded and detested trouble, especially.
Violet was willing to take the effort to explain to the other party in this way, indicating that she actually valued the two sisters.
This made Leila, who had been saved unilaterally and taken care of all the way, feel pleasantly surprised.
“Hmm?”
The priestess, who had already planned to go along with them, turned back at the words, glanced at the sisters behind her, paused for a moment, then suddenly smiled, gently patting their lowered heads one by one. Leila and Rene were not particularly tall, so it was just right.
“It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s just a misunderstanding, right? This Miss Hilda is quite clever, talking to her isn’t too difficult. Speaking of which... judging from her reaction, don’t you two know each other? You’re both White Feathered, after all.”
The sisters quietly enjoyed the touch of the black-haired girl. Leila seemed quite moved, but it was her sister who spoke up first.
“That’s right, Lady Violet. Although our White Feathered tribe is small in number, there are still thousands of us in total, basically divided into two parts. Some of the young or elderly ones live in safe and secretive areas, while the strong and youthful ones follow the Feathered Emperor to work, such as the members of the ‘Wings of Freedom.'”
Leila nodded, affirming her sister’s explanation.
“Yes, the Sky Island where the Feathered Emperor resides is the largest and highest sacred place among the hundred thousand floating islands. It is quite a distance away from the other floating islands, making it difficult for many young winged people with weak wings or even some weaker winged tribes to fly there on their own.”
“Originally, after completing the ‘Trial of Adulthood,’ we were supposed to join the ‘Wings of Freedom’ to serve His Majesty and the country. Only then would we officially come into contact with high-ranking individuals like Lady Hilda... but that’s why she doesn’t know us, which is quite normal.”
“I see...”
This habit of separation is not particularly unusual, as there are many similar situations on the Earth as well.
“Alright, let’s go. I’m quite curious to see how the Azure Sky Kingdom will transport such a large delegation to the floating island.”
When the group of five stepped outside, most of the hundreds of members of the delegation had already gathered here. As for the three thousand soldiers serving as guards, the Azure Sky Kingdom naturally wouldn’t allow such a large army to enter its territory freely, and it would also be cumbersome to transport them.
They only provided a maximum quota of 300 soldiers, while the rest would remain in the city awaiting the delegation’s return. Felina had already arranged for manpower management.
This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.
Safety was not a concern, as on one hand, among the hundreds of members of the delegation, there were actually many skilled individuals arranged by Her Majesty to accompany them. On the other hand, being in the Azure Sky Kingdom, the Winged people would surely take the protection of these visitors seriously. Otherwise, it could lead to international issues.
In this way, Miss Hilda led the delegation to a nearby spacious outdoor training ground.