While Count Jansen is all stressed out, Henwell’s actually pretty chill about things.

  Jansen still has at least ten years left to rule, and nobody really knows how Peace Haven will look a decade from now.

  Conservatively, it’ll be at least twice as strong as it is now.

  Ten years is more than enough time for Henwell to break through to Iron Knight rank.

  If luck’s on his side, he might even be knocking on the door of Glory Knight by then.

  With over a hundred thousand elite troops under his command, Glory Knight status, solid finances, and fertile nds...

  All that will be Henwell’s backbone. Hell, maybe by then the Phoenix family will be his vassal.

  What really worries Henwell now is that mysterious Archbishop, the so-called Holy Spirit Church, and the unknown empire.

  Portal gates that open just like that, while he’s still stuck with cold steel fighting?

  That’s a damn dimensional stomp!

  Plus, that Archbishop always talking about guarding the family and other crap Henwell needs to figure out.

  Just as Henwell’s pondering where to start, someone calls out his name.

  He looks up and sees Grand Duke Amir waving at him with a kindly smile.

  “Henwell! Come up! I’ve got good news for you!”

  Fuck!

  What kind of good news could that old bastard possibly have?

  Is he dying of cancer or something?

  Henwell curses Amir under his breath but walks up seriously.

  King Amir turns to the Archbishop beside him and says, “This is our young talent—he’s made a name for himself at a young age. He manages his nds well and is skilled in warfare, easily our youngest commander.”

  ”At under thirty, he’s already a Grand Knight. Such a promising young man is wasted here. How about the Archbishop takes him to see the wider world? He might even break through to higher levels personally.”

  Damn it!

  He is trying to exile me!

  The white-robed Archbishop gives Henwell a kindly once-over. “You really are a promising young man! What’s your name, child?”

  I’m your damn father!

  Henwell, trying to keep cool but pretending to be a bit rattled, replies, “Your Grace, my name is Henwell!”

  The Archbishop smiles warmly. “Would you be willing to leave with me and train somewhere better? With your potential, in ten years you’ll surely become an Iron Knight.”

  Hell no!

  If I just lie low for ten years, I’ll be an Iron Knight as well. Why the hell should I go?

  Henwell hesitates, “Thank you for the honor, Your Grace, but I’m not married yet.”

  “And what about a year from now? I can offer you a pce. After a year there, you can come find me anytime!”

  Jesus, old man, when will you stop speaking?

  Henwell scratches his head awkwardly. “Your Grace, I don’t even have kids yet!”

  The Archbishop chuckles and shakes his head, dropping the subject.

  To him, this invitation is the greatest blessing he can offer a young man from such a barren nd.

  If Henwell refuses, it’s his own loss.

  Since it couldn’t drag Henwell away, Amir doesn’t lose heart.

  Instead, he beams, “Henwell, it’s good you’re staying. The kingdom needs young talent like you now! By the way, I hear you’re engaged to a Marcus family girl? When did that happen? Not even a word to me?”

  Damn!

  Why the hell would I notify you?

  Want you to come mess up my engagement party?

  Henwell smiles politely, “Your Majesty is busy with state affairs. I didn’t want to trouble you with such a small matter. When we marry, we’ll definitely invite you to bless us.”

  Amir ughs heartily. “Ha! Henwell, you’re too modest. You’re a hero of the kingdom and a rising star. Your marriage is important to both me and the kingdom.”

  ”Perfect! Since today’s such a festive occasion, I’ll host your engagement ceremony right here! The Archbishop of the Holy Spirit Church is here too, and he won’t hold back his blessings for young people!”

  Without waiting for Henwell’s input, Amir calls Melissa over.

  Duke Marcus smiles politely, “Thank you for your trouble, King Amir,” but his eyes are ice-cold beneath that smile.

  The white-robed Archbishop doesn’t care about these political power pys.

  He simply offers his blessings to the young couple, showing no resistance.

  Then Amir loudly procims, “The engagement between Henwell and Melissa MacLeod is officially established. I hope you’ll get to know each other well during this time and prepare for marriage. When the time comes, I will personally officiate your wedding.”

  The Archbishop steps forward, raising his staff and pcing it between the two kneeling youths.

  “Children! Grasp the staff!”

  Though hesitant, Henwell grits his teeth and complies.

  “May you walk through life supporting each other under the witness of the gods. The gods bless your union and your future children!”

  The two stand, bow first to the dignitaries, then turn to salute the crowd in the square.

  Cheers erupt from the crowd.

  Even though many harbor resentment toward Henwell, they can’t deny he’s the kingdom’s brightest young star.

  They might scheme against him elsewhere, but right now, most genuinely wish this well-matched couple all the best.

  Facing the crowd’s cheers, Melissa can’t help but grip Henwell’s arm tightly.

  Henwell gnces sideways at the excited Melissa, lets out a deep breath, and finally exhales the weight off his chest.

  No matter what, he hasn’t let this girl down.

  King Amir’s blessings are bullshit, but publicly sealing this marriage is real.

  That means even if Henwell wants to back out ter and marry someone from the Phoenix family, it’s off the table.

  The possibility of tying Henwell to the Phoenix family through marriage is completely cut off.

  With Jansen becoming Grand Duke, the Phoenix family will grow wary of Henwell, who shares no blood ties with them.

  Once that seed is pnted, it only takes the right moment to take root and sprout.

  Eventually, it’ll grow into a towering tree, standing tall between Henwell and the Phoenix family.

  Though Henwell has no pns to call off the engagement, having his happy ceremony tangled up with so much political bullshit still pisses him off.

  But seeing Melissa’s blissful face, he can’t help but think it’s worth it.

  At least he’s given her an engagement ceremony that everyone’s watching.

  Next up is the singing and dancing to send blessings to the young couple.

  As the music starts, Henwell frowns.

  This melody feels so familiar!

  A stirring song fills the air, but the nguage?

  Why does it sound like English?

  Then it hits him.

  His eyes widen, and his hand sms onto his sword hilt.

  He remembers where he’s heard this song before!

  Hunchback Marsh!

  Back when he was a demon hunter, fighting those annoying water ghosts!

  Holy shit, this is the battle theme from a game Henwell pyed in his past life.