By evening, the group arrives outside a city. This is Count Marcus's stronghold—Eastern Mist City. In the center of the city stands a massive fortress, one of the seven most famous castles in the duchy—Mist Fortress. At the city gates, two rows of soldiers are already lined up, holding banners to welco the young lady ho.
Henwell shalessly pokes his head into the carriage. "I never imagined you were Count Marcus's youngest daughter. I must apologize for my ignorance! No wonder you exude such nobility and grace. Turns out you're a true heiress!"
lissa ignores him, and her maid, Mildred, promptly pushes Henwell's head back out of the carriage.
Once inside the city, as Henwell considers how to approach Count Marcus, a knight rides up to him. "Sir Arius Phoenix! The Count invites you to tonight's banquet!"
Henwell drops his playful deanor and bows respectfully. "I will be there on ti. Thank you for the Count's invitation!"
After entering the city, soone is already waiting to escort Henwell and his companions to the guest residence. Finally, Henwell feels at ease. This perilous journey is finally over.
After a wash, Henwell changes into a set of noble hunting attire. The trousers and jacket ensemble make him look quite sharp. Without a formal suit, he has to make do with hunting clothes. Fortunately, the luxurious fabric and tailored fit prevent him from looking out of place.
However, compared to the other guests in their noble robes, Henwell and his companions resemble the staff more than attendees. Amidst the grand music, guests twirl elegantly in the center of the dance floor. As for Henwell, nobody pays him any mind, and he doesn't care either. He simply helps himself to his favorite foods at the banquet table.
As Henwell indulges in the feast, a middle-aged man approaches him. "Enjoying the food, I see!"
"Absolutely! On this journey, I haven't had a decent al. It's been all about 'enjoying' plots and sches!" Henwell replies, holding up a fruit that resembles an apple. "Count, this fruit is delicious. Would you like to try so?"
Count Marcus responds, “That’s a honeyfruit. It is quite tasty. I used to love it, but as I've aged, I find it a bit too sweet.”
Henwell pops another fruit into his mouth, "I envy your lifestyle!"
Count Marcus chuckles, "We do live well, but we aren't without our troubles. For instance, you, young man, have brought quite a few headaches."
Henwell sets down his plate, searching for more fruit, and says with a hint of grievance, "Please, Count, don’t say that. I've been terrified. In the grand gas you all play, I'm just an insignificant ant. A little pressure from any side, and I'd be finished! Count, you should have pity on . I'm just trying to survive; I have no other choice!"
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Marcus smiles, "Haha... Alright, stop playing innocent. To be honest, your journey along the Path of Honor will certainly be noted in the duchy's history. Throughout, you've acted like a noble. So why here, do you seem so..."
Henwell finishes Marcus's thought, "So crude! Because I'm not a noble! If I truly were Arius, the fortunate one, I'd be the epito of elegance! But deep down, I'm just a desperate soul trying to survive."
"Now that I've finally reached this point and t you, my most critical task is complete. Even if I were to die now, it wouldn't affect Phoenix, Arius, or even the Duke. So, I can finally relax and enjoy myself—eat, drink, and be rry! Whether what awaits is a rich reward or a grim fate, that's a problem for tomorrow."
Count Marcus nods slightly. "A knight's title now, and in three years, a baron! How does that sound?"
Henwell laughs, "Count, you really think highly of ! What have I done to deserve such generous terms?"
Count Marcus replies, "Because you’re worth it. You’re talented, and I appreciate talent!"
Henwell thinks for a mont. "I’m grateful for your appreciation, but I’ve taken soone else’s money, and I need to see the job through."
"Is that your only reason?"
Henwell flashes a sly smile. "With such generous offers from you, it won't be long before the other party hears about it. I doubt they’ll be stingy! So, I must thank you for raising my value. If I ever get the chance, within my abilities, I’ll surely repay your kindness!"
Marcus pats Henwell on the shoulder. "See! I said you were worth the price. Your cleverness truly surprises !"
With that, Count Marcus turns and walks away. After a few steps, he pauses. "I initially intended to give you an official seal right away, but you’re too cunning. To punish you for refusing my goodwill and for bothering my precious daughter, I’ve decided to give you a test!"
Leaving Henwell standing there, dumbfounded, Count Marcus chuckles and heads off to mingle with other guests.
As Henwell ponders what kind of test Count Marcus might have in store for him, lissa approaches, dressed elegantly. The fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl wears a white gown, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. Her striking features and fair skin make her more dazzling than any jewel she wears. Yet, Henwell senses trouble.
Sure enough, after sizing him up, lissa performs a curtsey. "I'm glad you could attend my banquet, Mr. Rogue!"
Henwell awkwardly rubs his nose, responding earnestly, "Miss lissa, I can actually explain!"
lissa raises an eyebrow. "Explain what? Using to dodge assassins? Is that your Path of Honor?"
Henwell rubs the back of his neck, trying to hide his embarrassnt. "Uh, doesn't it show your influence? Just your na alone was enough to scare off those assassins!"
"...You really are a rogue!"
lissa smiles sweetly. "My father just told to give you your final test of honor! Can you guess what task I have for you?"
Henwell feels a bit overwheld. "How about you just beat up to vent your anger?"
The young lady gives him a stern look—how could he even suggest sothing so ridiculous?
Seeing Henwell sweat nervously, she suddenly cos up with a good idea. "Can you dance? How about you dance with ?"
A sword dance? That was sothing he learned in the arena, and it would be utterly inappropriate here!
Street dance? Damn! They’d think he was possessed and burn him at the stake!
After thinking for a while, Henwell says seriously, "Miss lissa, are you sure you don't want to consider just hitting ? I can take a beating!"
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