Henwell departs from Peace Haven, not heading directly to the capital city of Billie. Instead, he first travels to Eastern Mist City to et with Count Marcus. As the Count responsible for guarding the eastern border of the duchy, Marcus is leading the delegation for the marriage alliance.
He is in charge of organizing the escort team to enter the Kingdom of Billie. The docunts sent earlier should have already been discussed within the duchy. Before the escort team sets out, Henwell needs to liaise with Count Marcus to see if there are any important ssages to convey from the duchy.
After several days of relentless travel, Henwell is grateful for his status as a Grand Knight, possessing exceptional strength and the remarkable endurance of his Night Charger. Without these, neither he nor his mount could withstand such prolonged, intense travel.
Upon eting Count Marcus, Henwell finds him unchanged. Despite the years, Marcus remains vigorous and shows no signs of being fifty years old. With the rank of Battle Knight, Marcus maintains excellent physical condition, further aided by various nourishing elixirs.
Marcus greets Henwell without a hint of awkwardness, as if he wasn't the one behind the troubles during the Path of Honor. His praise for Henwell is sincere, recognizing that soone as talented as Henwell is indeed rare in the duchy.
After conveying the necessary ssages, Marcus hands Henwell a sealed scroll, instructing him to deliver it to Arius. This is a confidential letter personally written by Duke Amir, with strict instructions for Henwell to ensure Arius opens it himself.
After discussing business, Henwell cheekily asks, "Count, is Miss lissa at ho?"
Damn it! This little rascal is still thinking about my precious daughter! Count Marcus's smile vanishes, his face turning as dark as a soot-covered pot. "She's not ho!"
Henwell scratches his head, "Count, why hasn't she replied to the letter I sent her?"
"…Get out!"
Seeing this old man about to make a move, Henwell quickly jogs away. Just as he's about to leave, he shouts back, "Count, I've prepared many gifts for Miss lissa in the Kingdom of Billie. When I return, I'll give them to—"
Before he can finish, a wine bottle is thrown his way. Henwell catches it smoothly, "Thank you, Count, for the wine!"
Watching Henwell leave with a cheeky grin, a slight smile breaks through Count Marcus's stern face.
Beside him, Knight Gunter quietly remarks, "My lord, since you don't dislike the lad, why not give him a helping hand? You've said yourself that he's the most outstanding among the young generation in the duchy. Whether in personal strength or political acun, he's quite remarkable, and he would be a good match for the young lady."
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Count Marcus sighs, "Let's see how his fate unfolds. If he gets through this hurdle, then he'll truly be soone of note. The world isn't short of geniuses, but those who live long enough are rare."
"Only if he crosses this threshold will there be a future; if not, it's all over. As for helping him? Gunter, you're clearly not cut out to be a noble! If I help him now, it will surely spell his doom! I can't help him! Do you understand what I an?"
Knight Gunter remains silent for a mont before nodding gently, "I understand, my lord."
Count Marcus sighs again and shakes his head as he leaves the drawing room. As he reaches the door, he speaks once more, "Do you really understand what I an?" Without waiting for a response, Count Marcus exits.
After lingering in the drawing room for a while, Knight Gunter rises and heads towards the castle's backyard.
……
Eventually, Henwell does get to see lissa. Her personal maid, Mildred, finds Henwell, and he quickly grabs a small package from his horse, following the young girl while constantly urging her on. "Hurry up! I need to get so sleep early tonight. I have to head to the Kingdom of Billie tomorrow!"
Mildred turns back to glare at Henwell. "What's the rush? If you're in such a hurry, maybe you shouldn't et with my lady! Don't inconvenience yourself!"
Oh, you sharp-tongued little girl, just wait until I marry my Snow White, and I'll find soone to marry you off as well! Henwell can only chuckle and say, "You've got it all wrong. I'm not in a hurry to leave; I'm just eager to see Miss lissa!"
Mildred scoffs, "Hmph! Sweet talker!"
A mont later, Henwell arrives at the Mist Fortress's back garden. lissa has been waiting there for a while. Upon seeing Henwell, she stands up abruptly, then quickly sits back down, realizing it might not be appropriate.
Seeing lissa, Henwell quickens his pace and approaches her. He greets her with a bow, "Miss lissa, it's been years, and you're as stunning as ever!"
Then, Henwell takes her hand and performs a hand-kiss gesture. Watching this audacious fellow bring his lips to her lady's hand, Mildred huffs and lifts her skirt, ready to run over to bump Henwell away. But Henwell doesn't budge an inch, and Mildred ends up bouncing back.
Henwell gently steadies her by placing a hand on her head, preventing her from falling. Then, as if by magic, he produces a handful of candies and places them in her hand. "Go play for a bit. Have so candy. It's a specialty from my territory, really delicious!"
The little girl flails her arms, trying to reach Henwell but never quite making it. lissa finds the scene amusing and montarily forgets the shock of Henwell's sudden hand-kiss.
"Alright, Henwell, stop teasing Mildred!" lissa chides with a light-hearted tone. "Mildred, you can leave us now. I have a few things to discuss with Henwell."
With lissa's instruction, Mildred shoots Henwell a glare before bowing to lissa and taking her leave. On her way out, still fuming, she stomps on Henwell's foot in frustration.
Ouch! Why is it so hard? That hurt!
Henwell, of course, is wearing sturdy leather boots, the kind fit for battle, which naturally makes them quite tough.
As Mildred hobbles away, lissa playfully scolds, "Henwell, why do you always bicker with a little girl?"
Henwell innocently replies, "I'm not bickering with her. I didn't even fight back or talk back!"
Quickly changing the subject, Henwell asks, "lissa, did you receive my letters? Or did your father intercept them?"
lissa looks puzzled, "What letters?"
Henwell sighs, "I knew it! The Count must have held back quite a few of my letters!"
Then, with a glint in his eye, Henwell continues, "But it's alright! I've morized them all! Let recite one for you. 'Dear Miss lissa, as if eting you in person, it's been a month since I last received your letters. I've discovered a plant in my territory that blooms with beautiful flowers. Their fragrance is so enchanting, it always reminds of you...'"
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