Pleasant journeys always seem to fly by! The cavalry heading back to report to the capital wasn't there specifically to escort Henwell. Even though Lord Keynes hinted for them to take a longer route, they couldn't delay indefinitely. A few days later, Henwell is back on the road alone.
Fortunately, there aren't many noble families left to pass through, and they likely won't trouble him. Until the standoff between the two countries is resolved, no one wants to keep Henwell, who is at the center of the storm, on their land for too long. If sothing unexpected happens, like a group of assassins from the Kingdom of Ika showing up, it would be a nightmare.
If Henwell survives, the noble would be suspected of allowing enemy forces into their territory. If Henwell dies on their land, it's even worse—accusations of colluding with outsiders to kill the duchy's noble heir would arise. Even if they prove their innocence, the damage to their reputation for failing to protect even a child would be significant.
Thus, these nobles, bound by prior agreents, only assign Henwell trivial tasks to mildly inconvenience him. Tasks like collecting taxes, quelling unruly serfs, or finding lost pets. Henwell is more than happy with these harmless tasks; he prefers assignnts that don't involve danger.
Soon enough, Henwell encounters a tough nut to crack—a staunch supporter of the noble alliance. Baron Lawrence glares at Henwell with irritation, "Getting my seal won't be easy! There's a murderer on the loose in my territory. Find them, and I'll give you the seal. Otherwise, you can wait here as long as you like!"
Henwell accepts the task and seeks out the town's sheriff. Lynd, a man in his thirties, once served as a soldier under Baron Lawrence and later beca a knight's squire. Having participated in the War of the Six Kings, he was eventually promoted by the baron to the position of sheriff. Over the past few years, Lynd has done well, maintaining good order in the town.
However, just over a month ago, the tax collector was suddenly murdered at ho, and a few days later, another homicide occurred. To date, nine people have been killed, including a newly appointed tax collector, leaving the townsfolk in fear. Baron Lawrence personally led an investigation but found nothing.
After Lynd recounts the situation, Henwell asks for the nas of the deceased. Accompanied by Lynd, Henwell visits the families of the victims to gain deeper insights into their circumstances. Finally, Henwell arrives at the cetery, gazing at several new tombstones. Suddenly, he points to a distant grave, "Whose grave is that?"
Lynd sighs, "Ah, that's the grave of a poor girl. She had nothing to do with these murders. She accidentally drowned in the river six months ago."
Henwell walks over to the flower-covered tombstone, observing how clean it is, "Shire! How old was she?"
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"Sixteen," Lynd replies.
Henwell smiles, "Was she beautiful?"
Lynd glances at Henwell, "Sir, please don't joke. We should respect the dead."
Henwell says nothing, simply bowing respectfully toward the grave. Then, he turns to Lynd, "Let's head back."
For two consecutive days, Henwell makes little progress, and the knight sent by the baron to oversee the investigation grows impatient. "Are you up to this or not? You're wasting my ti!" This knight, nad Bode, is a trusted confidant of Baron Lawrence.
Henwell smiles, "I'm close to finding sothing. Investigations take ti, no need to rush."
Upon returning to the castle, Baron Lawrence inquires about the progress. Bode, with a cold stare, complains to the baron, "I told you, my lord, getting a little brat to handle this case is absolutely ridiculous!"
Henwell turns and walks up to Bode, tilting his head slightly, "Sorry, what did you just say?"
Bode snaps impatiently, "I said you're wasting my ti!"
Henwell drops his smile, poking a finger at Bode's chest, "I heard you call a little brat! I didn't mishear, right? Who do you think you are to call that? Do you know who I am? I'm the heir to the Phoenix family. In a few months, the Phoenix family will be elevated to viscount, the most powerful viscount in the duchy! Not even Baron Lawrence would dare insult my family like that, so who the hell are you?"
Bode's face turns red as he grips the hilt of his sword, "How dare you insult like this? I demand a..."
Henwell pushes him back, "Don't! Don't even think about challenging to a duel! If I can't take your head within ten moves, I'll change my surna to yours!"
With a swift motion, Bode draws his longsword, but Henwell flicks his finger, revealing a portion of his blade, Dusk, from its sheath. The surrounding knights imdiately sense the killing intent emanating from Henwell and instinctively grip their swords.
Baron Lawrence rises and shouts, "Stand down!" Seeing no reaction from the crowd, he emphasizes again, "I said, stand down! Bode, sheath your weapon!"
Then Baron Lawrence fixes his gaze on Henwell, "Young wolf of the Phoenix family, you shouldn't insult my knight like that!"
Henwell stands his ground, "I'm walking the Path of Honor, not here to play the fool! Along this journey, I can accept challenges, but I won't tolerate insults! If you, Baron, believe your knight's words were justified, then I can assu he speaks for you. In that case, the Phoenix family is not afraid of a challenge! I can declare war on your Ossingvig family right now on behalf of mine!"
With that, Henwell draws his sword, its cold gleam piercing through the air, and drives it into the stone floor through the carpet. The other knights exchange glances—this is a noble declaration of war! Considering the current strength of the Phoenix family, the knights begin to look at Bode with a hint of disdain.
The tension in the room escalates. Baron Lawrence turns to Bode, "Apologize to Arius Phoenix for your rashness and missteps!"
Realizing his overconfidence, Bode reluctantly bows to Henwell, "Apologies! I was too impulsive and failed to recognize your status."
Henwell ignores him, sheathing his sword and flashing his trademark gentle smile, "Baron, please forgive my earlier rashness. As you know, I'm still just a kid, and sotis I act on impulse. After everything I've been through, my nerves are a bit on edge."
Baron Lawrence huffs, "Just focus on solving the case! Of course, if you feel your wisdom is lacking, I can still grant you the seal."
This is a concession, but not what Henwell wants. "My lord, I do have so leads. I'll soon bring the culprit to you!"
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