In the end, Henwell takes a deep breath, steps forward, and offers his hand. "Miss Melissa, may I have this dance?"

  Now it’s Melissa’s turn to feel overwhelmed. With all eyes on her, she can’t very well refuse a noble’s invitation! Reluctantly, they both step into the dance floor, and the crowd disperses, creating a rge open space for them. The band quickly picks an appropriate tune and begins to py.

  Watching Henwell clumsily dance with his precious daughter, Count Marcus scowls and mutters to Sir Gunter beside him, "You should have given that boy a beating when you had the chance!"

  Soon, Melissa adapts to the rhythm of the music and starts guiding Henwell through the steps. It’s not out of pity for him, but because if she doesn’t, he’s going to keep stepping on her feet! After being stepped on twice, Melissa’s feet are already sore, so she decides to teach Henwell how to dance properly.

  Melissa whispers, "How can you invite me to dance when you don’t even know how?"

  Henwell replies awkwardly, "Sorry, miss. As you know, I’m just a stand-in, not a noble. All I’ve learned in life is how to kill and how to avoid being killed."

  Looking at the boy who seems to be about her age, Melissa feels an inexplicable pang in her heart. After a moment, she softly asks, "Can you tell me about your experiences on the Path of Honor? I've only heard stories from others. Your version, as the one who lived it, must be different from the legends. Traveling such a long distance in half a year must have been full of interesting events."

  Henwell thinks for a moment. "Have you heard of Baron Hornes? That old fox is so cunning, I nearly got tricked right at the start of my journey..."

  ……

  As the third dance begins, Count Marcus frowns at the sight of the two still dancing. "Give that boy the signed crest and then send him on his way. My precious daughter cannot be entangled with this rascal!"

  Finally, Henwell finishes sharing his interesting stories, leaving out the bloody battles and cunning schemes, which aren’t suitable for recounting. As they return to the resting area, Melissa is still indignant. "That knight, Bode, is truly despicable. Poor Shire!"

  Henwell replies, "Please, Miss Melissa, keep this a secret. Otherwise, Lynd and old Potter won’t survive!"

  Melissa pats her chest, which is just beginning to show signs of maturity. "Don’t worry! I’ll keep the secret safe!"

  Henwell pulls out a delicate wooden carving. "Earlier, in seeking refuge, I approached you rashly, Miss Melissa, causing you to miss choosing your desired item at the stall with carved animals. This is something I’ve carved over the past few days. My craftsmanship is a bit rough, but consider it a small compensation."

  The carving is of a small cat, lifelike and intricately detailed, with movable head and paws. Melissa examines it with interest before handing it to her maid, Mildred.

  Before Melissa can ask more about the Path of Honor, Sir Gunter arrives to escort Henwell away. Late at night, with the final crest signed on his Proof of Glory, Henwell is ushered out of Eastern Mist City.

  At the city gates, Sir Gunter delivers a message from the Count. "Boy, the Count wants me to tell you not to desire things beyond your reach."

  Henwell responds in silence, bows respectfully, and then rides swiftly toward the capital.

  Could Henwell really not dance? Of course not!

  Back in Peace Haven, Henwell had already learned a lot of noble etiquette, including dancing. With his physical coordination and incredible memory, he could dance quite well. But Henwell was even better at pretending, making himself appear awkward and unrefined.

  Why?

  To catch Melissa’s attention. When a young girl becomes curious about a boy, falling in love isn’t far off.

  Unfortunately, Marcus, the old fox, was very cautious and quickly sent him away from Melissa. Everything before had been an act by Henwell. He truly couldn’t accept Marcus’s offer. But becoming the son-in-w of Count Marcus would significantly benefit Henwell’s future prospects.

  Love, you say? Don’t be ridiculous! In this damn world, surviving is more important to Henwell than anything else.

  If there’s a chance to marry a "Snow White," Henwell certainly wouldn’t pass it up.

  Why does the prince kiss Snow White? Because Snow White is beautiful, of course! And Melissa, this "Snow White," is indeed lovely and fits Henwell’s taste, so he wouldn’t be losing out!

  Though his pn didn’t fully succeed, Henwell wasn’t discouraged. At least he left a good impression, and who knows, there might be another chance in the future! Riding away, Henwell feels quite pleased. Holding a young dy’s hand all night wasn’t a bad experience at all.

  “First things first

  I'ma say all the words inside my head

  I'm fired up and tired of the way that things have been oh ooh

  The way that things have been oh ooh

  Second thing second

  Don't you tell me what you think that I could be

  I'm the one at the sail I'm the master of my sea oh ooh

  The master of my sea oh ooh

  I was broken from a young age

  Taking my sulking to the masses

  Writing my poems for the few

  That look at me took to me shook to me feeling me

  ……”

  Under the moonlit sky, galloping against the wind, the young man sings aloud, racing towards a dawn that belongs to him.

  ……

  After leaving Count Marcus's territory, Henwell settles in a small town. It is here that Tansentia, who has been following him, finally reveals himself. Henwell acts surprised, as if he had forgotten he had a protector all along!

  Half a day ter, their contact, Mr. Bloomer, arrives. With two protectors now escorting them, the trio continues their journey. After traveling two hundred kilometers, they reach the outskirts of the capital.

  A squad of knights comes galloping towards them, proudly bearing the royal banner, their cloaks woven in red and gold, cd in splendid armor. Moments ter, the lead knight performs a fwless maneuver to halt his horse, followed by dozens of knights who also stop their steeds with precision. Their skillful horsemanship highlights the elite nature of this unit.

  The lead knight lifts his visor, revealing a youthful face that bears a strong resembnce to Jansen. He fixes his gaze on Henwell, dismounts, and greets him with a bow. "Thank you for everything you've done for the Phoenix family, and especially for the dangers you faced for my brother!"

  Henwell dismounts and returns the salute. "Sir Orak, you ftter me! It is my duty."

  The newcomer is Orak, the eldest son of Baron Jansen, and a mid-ranking officer in the duchy's Blood Lion Knights. He is also the lord of the Phoenix family’s castle near the capital.

  With Orak's escort, no one dares to cause them any trouble. The group heads straight to the Phoenix family’s castle. During the Midsummer Festival, Henwell will enter the capital to meet the duchy's ruler, Amir. Only then will Henwell truly be free!