Chapter 15: Escape (Happy Lantern Festival)

Leimeng was so angry that his whole body trembled, his hands unconsciously clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white from the strain, as if he would rush forward in the next second to punch Robin.

Around him were many knight apprentices and knights, so he had to suppress his fury; after all, acting in such a setting would only make him look even more out of control.

Knight Fitz wasn't even afraid of the situation escalating, laughing with his mouth wide open.

Knight Malizi pushed Fitz away in a bad mood, feeling that standing together with him was utterly disgraceful.

"Everyone shut up, we're still on the march," Malizi, his face flushed with anger, barked loudly, his voice echoing in the air with undeniable authority.

At the same time, he glared fiercely at Leimeng, the look full of warning and displeasure, then thrust his finger toward the other side and shouted, "Return to your respective garrisons."

When Leimeng saw Knight Malizi appear, his face, which had been flushed red with anger, suddenly paled a few shades.

He clenched his teeth, his cheeks puffed out from the effort, his hands unconsciously forming fists, the blue veins on the backs of his hands standing out.

He dared not erupt, forced the malice back down, looking as uncomfortable as if he had swallowed a fly.

He left with a sullen air; before departing, he made a harsh throat‑rubbing gesture toward Robin, his eyes full of spite and resentment.

Robin watched Leimeng's childish and ridiculous act, let out a cold laugh, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly, showing a hint of contempt.

He thought to himself: what an idiot, too lazy to bother with someone like that.

He turned his head slightly, no longer watching Leimeng's irate retreat, his gaze carrying a faint sense of helplessness and disdain.

Recalling when his father had just passed, many of his father's old comrades stepped forward to vouch for him, earnestly stating that Knight Gabriel's three sons showed good talent and would surely become Formal Knights, pleading with the lord to grant their family a ten‑year grace period, and if they failed to achieve it within ten years, the fief would be reclaimed.

Lord Bloet thought it over repeatedly and finally agreed to the request.

But who could have imagined that just after Gabriel had been buried, his corpse still warm, Leimeng would impatiently reveal his true colors.

He claimed that Robin, being an illegitimate son, had no right to inherit his father's estate, and ruthlessly drove the second son Robin out of the family, leaving him not a single coin.

It was a blatant slap in the face of Lord Bloet!

Back then, Lord Bloet himself was also born of a concubine, and in his youth he too was driven out of the family by the legitimate heir.

He endured countless wanderings and hardships, eating wind and sleeping in dew, constantly hitting dead ends, and only through his own resilience and luck did he barely become a knight.

Later, when war broke out, the legitimate heir in the family died unexpectedly in battle, leaving the clan leaderless and in chaos, so they had no choice but to recall this Formal Knight to inherit the title.

It is precisely because of this unforgettable experience that, over the years since ascending, Lord Bloet has taken special care of knight apprentices of illegitimate birth under his command.

He knows well the injustices and grievances these bastards face in their families, so he always opens another window for them, providing chances for advancement, allowing them a shot at rising.

Leimeng's foolish actions made Lord Bloet furious, and he immediately reclaimed the Gabriel family's fief.

Since then, Leimeng's fortunes have plummeted, and his life has been far from easy.

Aside from inheriting his father's slightly dilapidated house and some money, he only has the thirty‑odd acres of land he cultivated during his tenure, and nothing else.

However, Leimeng has many dependents. Even if he drives all the household servants away, he still has an elderly frail mother, an under‑age younger brother, plus a wife and two young children.

Six family members rely solely on his meager stipend as a knight apprentice to make ends meet, and life is tight.

At each month's end, he worries about the next month's rations, often cutting costs and living frugally; the pressure of life feels like a mountain pressing him to the point of breathlessness.

Because of this, Leimeng resents Robin even more, believing all these tragedies stem from Robin.

There was a scare but no real danger until sunrise.

Robin stretched his body, feeling the changes within.

His wounds have fully healed; as long as he avoids intense combat, they will scar over in a few days.

He recalled last night's heart‑pounding duel, still feeling a trace of lingering fear, but was more amazed by the healing power of the Earth Dragon Breathing Method.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the camp, Damia Great Knight led a fully armed squad of knight apprentices, standing in neat formation.

Each knight apprentice was spirited, clad in brand‑new armor, their spears flashing cold light in the sun.

Among the ranks were two Formal Knights, their faces stern, eyes revealing battle‑hardened resolve and composure; they were undoubtedly elite forces under the lord.

Damia stood at the front of the formation, towering and massive like a lofty mountain; his armor bore exquisite engravings, showcasing his noble status and outstanding battle merits.

After hearing Malizi's impassioned report of merit and Fitz's sincere request, he couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"We'll discuss everything after we return; first we deal with the Black Bear Thieves Guild,"

"Yes, Grand Knight Leader!" the crowd replied in unison, their voices clear and booming as if to pierce the heavens.

"Lord, I will set out now," Damia Great Knight bowed to Lord Bloet.

"Take care, and be cautious!" Lord Bloet smiled and nodded.

Damia swept his hand dramatically, leading the elite squad onto a rapid march toward the fleeing Black Bear Thieves Guild.

However, the Black Bear Thieves Guild, aided by a Black Wizard, proved far more cunning and tenacious than they had imagined.

Along the way, the thieves erased all traces of their escape, as if they had never passed through.

Moreover, they set several traps hidden in the grass and by the road, ready to snare the unwary.

The pursuing Grand Knight Leader Damiya nearly fell; when his mount's front hoof was about to step into a trap, he keenly sensed the danger, yanked the reins hard, and the warhorse whinnied and vaulted high, narrowly avoiding the deadly snare.

Damia Great Knight led the lord's private troops, tracking for over a hundred li.

The Black Bear Thieves Guild, knowing the terrain like the back of their hand and possibly aided by the Black Wizard's magic, ultimately managed to escape pursuit.

Damia Great Knight stared at the empty horizon, his fist clenched, his eyes full of frustration, yet he could only sigh helplessly.

"Their escape this time will bring endless trouble!"

(End of Chapter)