After Arius departs, everyone is amazed by Henwell's disguise. Henwell is slightly taller than Arius, yet somehow he has managed to appear a few centimeters shorter. Wearing in armor is merely for show to conceal his physique.

  Henwell has developed techniques over the years that allow him to manipute his body. He has discovered a skill akin to bone-shrinking, enabling him to adjust his bones and muscles. Hence, he's now a bit shorter. This isn't magic but rather a physical shift; his body mass remains unchanged.

  In simple terms, as Henwell lowers his height, he becomes bulkier. Already more robust than Arius, Henwell now appears even more solid after shortening himself. To outsiders, this might seem a bit off, so Henwell wears thin armor—not for protection, but to mask his build. If the delegation is surprised, fooling those from the kingdom shouldn't be too difficult.

  Three days after Arius's departure, someone unexpected arrives at the residence. Karitan, for reasons unknown, wishes to see Arius once more before the wedding. The group has no reason to refuse, so Henwell steps in. Surprisingly, Karitan and her entourage fail to notice Henwell's disguise. Henwell seems to have fully embraced the role, perfectly mimicking Arius's expressions, voice, and habits.

  After chatting for a while, Karitan asks the others to leave, wanting to discuss something private with Henwell. Once alone, Karitan rises and curiously examines Henwell.

  "Incredible resembnce! Is this how you impersonated Arius during the Path of Honor?"

  Henwell is startled but quickly figures out several truths. Deceiving a woman who has been close to Arius for over a year is evidently challenging. Yet Henwell realizes that her certainty about his disguise and recognition of his identity can only mean one thing: Arius himself has confided in her.

  As expected, Karitan continues, "I know you're Henwell, and I know Arius has already left. This afternoon, we'll go out for some leisure time. Although the reason is a bit flimsy, it will at least allow you to leave the city. How far you manage to escape and whether you survive is beyond my control."

  Henwell looks at her in surprise, "Why help us?"

  Karitan shakes her head, "I'm not helping you; I'm helping Arius. This is what he asked me to do."

  Impressive! Arius has truly captured this woman's heart.

  Karitan then asks, "I want to know what really happened. Arius said you'd tell me. Rest assured, regardless of the reason, I've agreed to help you leave the city."

  Henwell lets out a bitter ugh, "Why? It's because of war, of course. The Duchy of Vorry pns to use this wedding delegation to unch a surprise attack on the Kingdom of Billie!"

  Karitan is momentarily stunned, unable to process the news, staring bnkly at Henwell. After a while, she continues to ask, "Why attack us? Aren't we allies?"

  Henwell sighs, "It's all about interests. The Duchy of Vorry wants to become the Kingdom of Vorry. But right now, the Duchy cks the foundation and needs part of Billie Kingdom's territory and popution."

  "But... but... why doesn't the Duchy of Vorry attack the Kingdom of Ika or the northern Kingdom of Kosen?"

  Henwell points to a simple map on the wall, "It's quite simple. During the War of the Six Kings, attempts were already made. Both the Kingdom of Ika and the northern Kingdom of Kosen are tough nuts to crack. The duchy can't easily seize more territory and popution from them."

  Karitan is a bit bewildered, "But we're stronger, aren't we? How can Vorry think they can take us on?"

  Henwell chuckles, "Well, the Kingdom of Billie isn't prepared for an attack. Plus, it's wealthy and populous. The Duchy of Vorry will likely ally with the southern Kingdom of Ogiro or the northern Kingdom of Kosen to divide Billie. “

  ”Given the marriage alliance, it's probably Kosen they're teaming up with. The northern kingdom is closer to the disguised wedding delegation, making cooperation easier. Besides, Kosen has long coveted Billie's northeastern nds. Fertile soil, ice-free ports, abundant resources, and popution make a Vorry-Kosen alliance appealing."

  Karitan asks, "Is Vorry pnning to destroy Billie?"

  "Of course not! Neither of those countries has the strength for that. Although Ogiro isn't involved, they won't stand by idly, and Ika won't tolerate a Vorry-Kosen alliance either. I suspect the attack will be along the Yosui City line eastward, perhaps taking a chunk of northeastern Billie. It'll hurt, but it's far from a death blow, and Billie may even counterattack."

  Karitan is stunned, "Will my nds be attacked too?"

  Henwell reassures her, "Don't worry! Arius will handle it. That's your dowry, and no one can take it."

  Karitan, a bit angry, says, "With both countries at war, do you think our marriage can still happen?"

  Henwell leans back in his chair, "If they can start a war, they can end it too. A war sparked by a marriage can just as well end with one. It's not unthinkable. Billie needs a breather, Vorry needs to consolidate. The fighting will be fierce but not prolonged. As long as everyone saves face afterward.“

  ”Kosen unches an attack during the marriage, Vorry steps in heroically to halt it. Billie, grateful for Vorry's support, marries the princess to Prince Arius. To show appreciation for their ally and love for the princess, Billie elevates Countess Karitan to Duchess, offering her nds as dowry to Vorry. Your territory might become vast, almost excessively so, but it's dowry, not conquest. You're just entrusting it to Arius. Sounds reasonable, right?"

  Karitan, in disbelief, excims, "That's... that's absurd! How can that be?"

  Henwell raises his gss to Karitan, "To the future Duchess! That's politics for everyone."

  "No absolute allies, no absolute enemies. It's absurd, yet it makes perfect sense!"