Catherine pauses for a mont before speaking. "How do I know you're telling the truth? If your family is high-ranking in Ika, how did you end up as a slave gladiator?"
Henwell shrugs. "I won't prove it. Just telling you, Your Highness, is already a huge risk for ! As for how I beca a slave and was thrown into Billie as a gladiator, that's a long and complicated story. “
”In so situations, I was in the way of my siblings. I think you understand such family dynamics better than I do. Before Peace Haven's rise, I wasn't of much use to my family. But now, don't you think they see my value?"
Here, Henwell flashes a mysterious smile. "Besides, Your Highness, how do you know this wasn't all deliberately arranged? Aren't you curious about how I know about that organization?”
”How long did the duchy plan and how many resources did it expend for the marriage war? The results were equally rewarding for the duchy! So why wouldn't the Kingdom of Ika be capable of orchestrating an even bigger ga?"
Catherine's heart skips a beat at his words, and her expression changes. Henwell realizes that this cunning princess is beginning to believe his bluff. His excellence make it hard for anyone to accept that he is rely a forr slave.
Compared to Henwell's true experiences, Catherine, having been bested by him, is more inclined to believe he cos from extraordinary origins. She is especially prone to suspecting that Henwell might possess royal blood from the Kingdom of Ika. Only an opponent of equal standing would make her defeat feel less unjust.
At this mont, Henwell reflects on how just the na of the Veil Organization has helped him achieve many objectives. How vast must such an organization be? Henwell imagines a massive shadow lurking in the darkness above the unsuspecting nations.
Catherine considers for a mont. "If I don't kill you, I won't be able to justify it to the kingdom."
Henwell chuckles. "Well, that's your problem, Your Highness! I've ntioned the downsides of killing . Now let tell you the benefits of sparing . I'm sure you'll co up with a suitable excuse for the kingdom."
Henwell raises a finger once more. "First, Your Highness will gain my friendship! We've worked together, and you know how valuable my friendship can be. You can't deny that."
Catherine frowns. "After this, relations between our countries will be tense. Transporting goods will be much more difficult."
Henwell confidently replies, "Your Highness, rules are made and enforced by people. No one dislikes gold coins. If soone does, they tend to block others' paths to wealth, and such people don't live long."
Then, Henwell raises a second finger. "Secondly, we can form an alliance to so extent. Whether you want to do sothing in Billie or elsewhere, I can exert so influence.”
”Yosui City will be handled by Arius, and I trust you don't doubt my influence over him. The distance between us is not a disadvantage. 'Distant alliances and nearby offensives'—if we were too close, we'd have conflicts of interest. “
”If nothing unexpected happens, the kingdom likely won't let you return near the capital after this. They probably won't station you in North Bay City either, given your high prestige there.”
”Moreover, with your good relations in Karitan, you could easily leverage Arius's strength, which ans the kingdom will want to keep you at a distance. I believe they'll send you to Cape City in the southeast, effectively ending your political career.”
”So, you should take this opportunity to claim your mission wasn't completed and stay in Backmount City to expand southward. This way, you avoid the political center and the frequent northern conflicts, gaining a chance for stable developnt."
Catherine thinks for a mont. "Consider that idea your third benefit! Is there more?"
Henwell raises a fourth finger. "The fourth and most crucial benefit: if you spare my life, I'll spare yours as well!"
"How dare you!"
The five Battle Knights rise in unison to rebuke him, but Henwell is faster. He retracts his four fingers and forms a fist, launching himself at the Battle Knights. Before they can draw their swords, he strikes each of them with a single punch, sending them flying. Each knight's chest plate bears a clear imprint of his fist.
Henwell approaches the stunned Catherine with a smile, leaning in to whisper in her ear, "Your Highness, there's sothing I've always wanted to correct. Now, I think you understand. I'm not just a Battle Knight; I'm a Grand Knight."
With that, Henwell gently lifts Catherine's hand and kisses the back of it. "Princess, I believe a Grand Knight is worth sparing, don't you think? After all, I can do a lot, especially since I'm only twenty-one. Quite valuable, wouldn't you say?"
Having said this, Henwell steps back. "As for my true strength, only you and a few others know. Whether for maximizing our mutual benefits or for the sake of our cooperation, I'm sure you'll keep this secret."
Catherine gently claps her hands. "Henwell! You never cease to amaze . How did you hide it so well? A Grand Knight! And one under thirty! Do you realize what that ans?"
Henwell shrugs. "Your Highness, you know I'm always in danger. It's never wrong to leave oneself a way out. I didn't want to hide it! But without any foundation or support, revealing myself too early wouldn't have been good. It would an standing out, drawing attention, and inviting jealousy and sches."
Catherine looks at Henwell with a peculiar expression. "You still don't fully grasp what this ans! If you had told you were a Grand Knight, this conflict wouldn't have erupted. Even if you had just told , I would have done everything to ensure your subordinates' bodies were returned to you."
Henwell spreads his hands. "I didn't want it this way either, but fate has its own plans. I'm just trying to survive in the cracks. What's done is done, and there's no point dwelling on it. Besides, this was a step I had to take sooner or later."
Catherine and Henwell discuss so potential future collaborations.
Suddenly, Catherine asks, "Does the daughter of the count your army captured know you're a Grand Knight?"
Henwell pauses for a mont. "Not yet! She's not fond of all this fighting and killing."
Catherine remains silent for a while, then tosses her sword aside. "Go on, then! You've survived once again!"
Henwell catches the sword. "Your Highness, I'll take my leave, then. Compensation will be sent shortly!"
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