That evening, Viscount Holdsworth hosts a banquet at his castle. The next day, Henwell, nursing a headache from a hangover, rides toward Baron Hornes' estate. Last night, those knights didn't hold back, using the excuse that Henwell should experience the rites of adulthood early, and they poured drinks down his throat.

  What frustrated Henwell even more was Holdsworth's sly move of arranging for girls to sneak into his room at night. Not just any girls, but daughters of knighted families, including one of Holdsworth's granddaughters. Fortunately, Henwell was on guard and barricaded his door tightly, avoiding any unwanted encounters.

  It's not that Henwell cks physical prowess—he's strong and capable in every way. But he knows that once he gives in to temptation and does something he shouldn't, he'd be tied to Holdsworth's lineage.

  Even though Holdsworth admires him and would certainly try to recruit Henwell into his fold afterward, Henwell has no desire to develop his career here. The reason is simple: this is the heartnd of the duchy, where interests have been divided. Staying here might offer stability, but it would require a slow climb up the ranks.

  Henwell prefers Peace Haven, and not because it's peaceful! It's because of its potential and complex. To put it bluntly, it's chaos. Chaos is beneficial! Chaos is the dder to ascend! Only in chaos does Henwell find the space to maneuver. Pying both sides is just a minor tactic. Turning the tables is the grand strategy!

  Moreover, Henwell has invested all his hard-earned resources into Peace Haven. Even if the Phoenix family were to let him go, he would leave empty-handed. So, both emotionally and logically, Henwell can't just switch allegiances to Viscount Holdsworth at this point.

  Henwell heads southeast towards the Hornes Barony, which is retively small, covering only about thirty square kilometers. After all, Hornes was only elevated from knight to baron in the previous generation, so the family's foundation is somewhat weak.

  According to the intel from Jansen, Hornes has four knights under his command, none of whom have been knighted. Due to the costs associated with his elevation in rank, he's spent quite a bit of money.

  Coupled with his small territory and limited income, he still resides in his family's old knight manor. He hasn't saved enough to build a castle, with only the foundation id so far; completing it in this generation would be quite an achievement.

  His limited resources have led him to align with a noble faction, one that opposes the Phoenix family's elevation. However, he cks the courage to directly confront the Phoenix family and is hesitant to get too deeply involved in this political game.

  The head of the Phoenix family, Jansen, is currently a baron, but the Phoenix family once enjoyed considerable wealth and status. At its peak, the family held a viscountcy and even had a castle near the royal city. However, due to certain events, the Phoenix family fell from grace, and their title was reduced to that of knight.

  Starting with Jansen's father, the Phoenix family began to realign themselves with the core decision-makers of the duchy. Jansen became a childhood companion to the current Grand Duke, Amir, around that time.

  Fifteen years ago, in his prime, Jansen was sent by the Grand Duke to a remote area to serve as a baron. Many felt this was a pity, as Jansen's achievements were sufficient for the Grand Duke to restore the Phoenix family's viscountcy.

  Now, fifteen years ter, nobles are taken aback by the transformation. Jansen is set to become a viscount with real power, and his new territory is vast and lucrative. This has displeased many nobles, who bring up the Phoenix family's past involvement in rebellion, arguing that the family has yet to cleanse the stain of betrayal from their honor.

  This situation has led to the revival of the Path of Honor, a journey to restore the family's reputation and rightful pce among the nobility.

  In just fifteen years, Jansen has transformed his barony into a well-developed territory, complete with a castle and all the trappings of nobility. It's hard to believe he's a newly appointed baron; he carries the legacy of a noble lineage. The Phoenix family has always had a considerable number of knights, and the wealth accumuted over several generations is unmatched by smaller families.

  Henwell understands that the strength Jansen dispys far exceeds what he should possess. Although the Phoenix family boasts many knights, those dozen or so knights are currently in the royal capital with Jansen's eldest son, joining the newly formed duchy knight corps. The knights around Jansen now are ostensibly recruited, but many of them have unclear backgrounds.

  Moreover, the Phoenix family has an unusually high number of professionals, more than a baron, viscount, or even a count could typically support. Delving deeper into this is somewhat unsettling. Regardless of the forces backing Jansen, the inherent power of the Phoenix family alone is beyond what Baron Hornes can rival.

  Thus, although Baron Hornes might pose some challenges, he won't dare overstep. This is why he's cssified among the moderate faction, though this is merely the Phoenix family's specution. Henwell takes this intel as a reference, knowing that putting too much trust in it would be a dangerous gamble with his life.

  Hornes, the baron, greets Henwell with an unusual warmth upon his arrival, which raises Henwell's suspicions. Sure enough, Hornes has a sneaky pn in mind. During their meeting, Hornes doesn't mention the Path of Honor at all and promptly arranges a banquet.

  After Henwell retires to rest, someone sneaks into his room through the window, carrying a rge bundle. The bundle is opened to reveal a naked women, the she is pced on Henwell's bed. The intruder then quietly exits the room through the window.

  About ten minutes ter, Hornes suddenly arrives at Henwell's door with a group of guards, banging on it loudly.

  When there's no response, the baron bursts in, holding an oil mp and shouting angrily, "You little brat! I treated you well, thinking you were just a kid, and didn't give you a hard time. But you repay my kindness with betrayal, ignoring my goodwill, and in a drunken lust, you abducted my daughter-in-w..."

  "Who would dare do such a vile thing?" someone asks.

  The baron jumps up in fury, "Who else? That little brat from the Phoenix family!"

  "Oh? How come I haven't heard of such a disgrace in the Phoenix family? Are there other Phoenix family members here?" the voice continues.

  The baron turns abruptly to see Henwell, dressed in pajamas, standing outside the door, curiously peeking inside and chatting with him. The baron's eyes widen in shock, "You... how are you here?"

  Henwell smacks his forehead, "Oh no! Was the baron cursing me just now? I wasn't sleeping in that room!"