Counterfeit Hero

Chapter 170: Revised: Volume 3, Chapter 53 Mecha Research Lab

Christina hastily averted her gaze, avoiding eye contact with Reinhardt. Every time she saw Reinhardt, she would become flustered like a naive little girl, with all her courage vanishing into thin air, leaving only a heart that beat faster and faster. Trying to appear less frantic, she whispered in a voice as soft as a mosquito’s hum, ”General Reinhardt, could you please take a look at our mecha before you leave?”

The beautiful female major standing next to Reinhardt crisply said, ”I’m sorry, the General has an important meeting to attend. After the review, a report on your mecha will be sent to you. Please make way.”

The female major’s crisp voice carried an air of authority that was hard to resist.

Christina, like a frightened little bird, quickly stepped aside. She was very familiar with this red-haired woman who was always by Reinhardt’s side. Whether in the Gazalin Nobles Circle or the Mythical Army, this girl named Bonnie was a legend.

Bonnie’s family had longstanding ties with Reinhardt’s, and the two of them had grown up together, practically childhood sweethearts. Despite being ten years younger than Reinhardt, the age difference did not affect their communication. Among the young people in the nobility circle, Bonnie and Reinhardt were everyone’s idols – one handsome, one beautiful, both equally elegant and wise. If Reinhardt was the prince in women’s hearts, then Bonnie was the princess in knights’ hearts.

When Reinhardt became the commander of the Mythical Army, Bonnie used her wisdom and determination to win over everyone, becoming the first female major in the Mythical Army in hundreds of years and the only woman in the Mythical Army.

”Wherever there is Reinhardt, there is Bonnie. Bonnie’s decisions are Reinhardt’s will.” This saying was widely circulated within the nobility circle.

Reinhardt and Bonnie were so exceptional, like radiant suns, drawing all attention wherever they went. They were a natural pair. Although there had never been any rumors between the two, it was undeniable to everyone that Reinhardt would eventually marry Bonnie. In the presence of the dazzling Bonnie, Christina felt like a mere ugly duckling.

Reinhardt waved to Bonnie slightly and smiled at Christina, ”Dear Miss Christina, if you don’t call me General, I would be more than happy to follow your request.”

”Really?” Christina couldn’t believe her ears, as a wave of happiness struck her. She couldn’t help but exclaim joyfully, ”Ah! That’s wonderful!”

Christina’s voice was filled with uncontrollable joy until she saw Reinhardt’s half-smiling expression. She realized her rudeness, and her already blushing cheeks turned even redder, as if fuel was added to a fire.

”So... how should I address you then, Mr. Reinhardt? Or Unc... Uncle?” Christina looked down, not daring to meet Reinhardt’s gaze, yet unwilling to miss this opportunity to speak with the man she admired. Besides, her family’s fate would ultimately fall into this man’s hands.

Reinhardt habitually touched his ear and couldn’t help but laugh, ”Haha. Am I that old? Just call me Reinhardt.”

The broadcast announcing the Holy Knight Company’s mecha demonstration echoed through the testing ground. Reinhardt turned to Christina and said, ”Let’s go. I hope your mecha will surprise me, Miss Christina.”

”You.. you can call me Christine.” These words took all of Christina’s courage, and with a red face, she quickly left.

Sitting back in the Holy Knight Company’s technical team area, Christina felt dizzy as if she was walking on clouds. She covered her burning cheeks in a daze, making the Fatty beside her look around in confusion, ”What’s going on? Can someone tell me what’s going on? Is this lovestruck girl really that always serene and graceful beauty?”

Feeling embarrassed by her behavior in front of Reinhardt, Christina finally calmed down. She touched her face; it didn’t seem as hot anymore. When she looked up, she saw Fatty staring at her with curiosity and couldn’t help but roll her eyes, ”What are you looking at?”

The blunt Fatty, pretending to be concerned, asked, ”Your face is so red. Are you sick?”

Christina turned her head away, ignoring him, but heard him mutter to himself, ”That red-haired major is so pretty, really beautiful. Hey, why is my face also so red!”

”This smooth-talking Fatty pretending to be innocent!” Christina turned back in anger and annoyance, only to see Fatty looking longingly at Bonnie in the distance, his face blushing several shades of red.

*********************

Dell had already stepped onto the stage on behalf of the Holy Knight Company. As the sealed box opened, the modified mecha from the Holy Knight Company appeared before everyone. A collective gasp could be heard from a group of experts who almost stood up simultaneously, followed by a burst of intense exclamations throughout the testing ground.

Oh my! A beast-type [Vajra] mecha!

The experts suppressed their shock, waiting for Dell to display the mecha’s data on the virtual screen.

When the mecha data appeared before everyone’s eyes, continuous exclamations and cheers erupted, growing louder and louder. All the experts were applauding, with the loudest applause coming from the delighted Reinhardt and the officers of the Mythical Army. This mecha’s modifications were absolutely top-notch!