Half a month later, the investigation into the assassination attempt at the hunting grounds wraps up. Both the Duchy of Vorry and the Kingdom of Billie jointly declare the incident as a despicable assassination plot targeting key figures from both nations, aiming to disrupt their long-standing alliance.
The masterminds are identified as part of a malicious alliance from the northern Kingdom of Kosen and the western Kingdom of Ika. As for any explanations or protests those kingdoms might offer, neither Vorry nor Billie care.
On this day, Catherine visits Henwell, her savior in more ways than one. After exchanging pleasantries, Catherine pauses and says, "Thank you." Henwell realizes that she has co to understand quite a bit. He responds with a respectful bow, "It is my honor to serve Your Highness."
As Catherine prepares to leave, she remarks, "I truly hope that one day, I might earn your genuine service." With that, Catherine departs, signaling the end of any assassination attempts from her side. Without Catherine as a card to play, the higher-ups in the Kingdom of Billie are unable to proceed with many of their plans. For now, Henwell and his companions can consider themselves safe.
Another month passes, and Karitan plans to visit her territory before the Midsumr Festival, inviting Arius to accompany her. Karitan's domain lies in the northern part of the kingdom, near a place called Yosui City. The Kingdom of Billie is significantly larger than the Duchy of Vorry, with a slightly higher status. As such, the estates of the kingdom's counts are typically quite expansive.
Especially, Karitan is still of royal lineage, so she has been granted a territory larger and more prosperous than that of an ordinary count, spanning over five thousand square kiloters. It's rich in resources, bustling with comrce, fertile in land, densely populated, and bordered by a major river. It's practically Henwell's dreamland! If Peace Haven were this abundant, he'd dare to establish his own nation within ten years.
For now, Henwell can only admire the wealth of others' lands. Once they enter the countess's territory, Henwell doesn't need to constantly shadow Arius. After all, the young couple can finally enjoy so privacy on their own turf, and the area is secure enough. No one would dare cause trouble in the countess's domain, so the guards can relax. As guests, they don't need to take on responsibilities; they're simply there to enjoy the hospitality.
This leaves Henwell and his companions with plenty of free ti, and several knights take the opportunity to visit their families. Henwell had already returned to his territory earlier in the spring, so another visit now would be rather inappropriate.
One day, Henwell and Taitlant are riding through the territory. Among the entire envoy, Henwell has a good rapport with this Knight Commander and the two knight captains.
Stolen story; please report.
They recognize Henwell as an exceptionally powerful knight and are familiar with his exploits, so they treate him as an equal. Unlike the other knights in the envoy, Henwell holds a hereditary title as a knight lord, which puts him on a different level. However, Henwell is down-to-earth and often chats with the other knights, listening to their stories.
When Henwell returned last ti, he brought gifts for everyone, even the servants of the envoy. This has earned him a great reputation among the group. Only one knight, Robin, harbors a dislike for Henwell, though he doesn’t dare show it openly.
Arius’s steward, Samuel, hails from the Phoenix family and holds great respect for Henwell. The old steward is quite pleased with Henwell’s conduct and occasionally offers him advice on minor details. As for Taitlant, he shares the closest bond with Henwell. Perhaps it's because Taitlant himself rose from humble beginnings, he sees in Henwell a bit of a younger version of himself.
Taitlant cos from a humble background, his family being blacksmiths. As the youngest son, he didn't inherit the family business and was sent to serve a knightly household as a servant.
During a hunting expedition, the knight found himself cornered by a wild boar. Taitlant bravely intervened, fighting the massive boar with his bare hands to allow the knight to escape. After half a day, the knight lord arrived with reinforcents, preparing to bury Taitlant. They discovered the young Taitlant, covered in blood, lying atop the carcass of the 200-pound boar. Amazingly, he was still alive, and they rushed him back to the manor to recover.
After half a month of recuperation, Taitlant was finally able to get out of bed. At the ti, everyone started calling him the "Boar Boy." Subsequently, Taitlant beca the knight's squire, and at sixteen, he began knight training out of curiosity. By the age of twenty, he earned recognition for his bravery in a bandit-clearing mission, becoming a knight's attendant.
Five years into his service, he married a rchant's daughter introduced by the knight. At twenty-five, during the precursor to the War of the Six Kings, Taitlant followed the knight in a year-long conflict. His prowess in battle was evident as he protected the knight and led them out of an encirclent, earning significant honors. He was then knighted by the duchy, though without land or hereditary rights.
A few years later, the actual War of the Six Kings comnced. Throughout the three-year war, Taitlant participated in nearly all the major battles, ascending to Knight Commander. He led a knight squad to turn the tide in a crucial battle, prompting Duke Amir to grant him the title of knight lord with hereditary rights.
Since then, Taitlant has remained close to the duke, becoming one of his most trusted knight lords. It was this trust that led to Taitlant being entrusted with such an important mission. With a steady character and a commoner's background, Taitlant understands the imnse effort Henwell has put in to reach this point. He also recognizes that Henwell's future achievents are likely to surpass his own.
Henwell is keen to befriend this seasoned knight, recognizing Taitlant as a true warrior with invaluable battlefield experience. There's much Henwell can learn about warfare from him. As they chat, they arrive at a small town. Not long after entering, Henwell suddenly stops mid-conversation.
Following Henwell's gaze, Taitlant notices a small shop in the distance, selling snacks and treats. Henwell's eyes narrow briefly before returning to normal.
Dismounting, Taitlant says, "Just in ti, I'm hungry! Those baked goods sll amazing. Let's go check them out!"
Henwell doesn't respond verbally but follows the older knight towards the shop.
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