Henwell isn’t returning to the city alone. Besides his two attendants, he’s accompanied by five knights from the Phoenix family and thirty elite warriors. This is just the escort; there’s also a convoy of over ten large wagons following them.

The journey from Silver Peak City to Peace Haven spans nearly a thousand kilometers, taking about ten days.

The journey is peaceful, and with the completion of the Path of Honor, Henwell, as a stand-in, has been granted noble status. Additionally, the group flies the Phoenix family banner, ensuring no troublemakers come their way. The trip’s beginning was fraught with peril, but the return is smooth sailing.

Before reaching Peace Haven, Henwell receives good news. His attendants, Rawkins and Ayla, have both broken through their limits and officially reached the knight rank after several intense battles, aided by their relaxed state post-mission.

Fortunately, the accompanying knights can guide them in stabilizing their new status and managing the changes in their bodies caused by developing Fighting Spirit.

Henwell is pleased with his attendants, who express their willingness to follow him despite knowing his role as a stand-in. However, this doesn’t affect their loyalty to Henwell, who is now a bona fide knight lord.

The most crucial factor is the battles they’ve faced together. Fighting side by side with them wasn’t the unseen Arius, but Henwell himself, who has saved their lives more than once.

Though Rawkins and Ayla come from knightly backgrounds, they’ve yet to pledge allegiance to anyone. On the road, they were loyal to “Arius,” but now that “Arius” has become Henwell, their loyalty remains unchanged. Henwell doesn’t worry about Baron Jansen holding them back.

After all, Henwell has fulfilled his mission exceptionally well, and the development of Peace Haven still needs his help!

Finally arriving at the baron’s territory, Henwell is greeted by Knight Umo and the baron’s private army as soon as he enters the domain. Outside the baron’s castle, Baron Jansen and his family personally welcome Henwell’s return.

Seeing Baron Jansen, Henwell dismounts and performs a knightly salute, raising the Proof of Glory: “Mission accomplished!”

Baron Jansen steps forward, not taking the Proof of Glory, but instead pulling Henwell up: “You truly didn’t disappoint me, and you came back alive! Come! You’re the star today, and I’ve arranged a banquet in your honor! Everyone is here to celebrate you, the youngest and most formidable knight lord in the duchy!”

With that, Henwell is led into the castle. The banquet is attended by trusted members and close allies of the Phoenix family. Everyone eagerly asks Henwell to share his experiences from the journey. Though they’ve heard much about Henwell’s exploits, it’s never the same as hearing it directly from him.

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Henwell, with his gift of gab, selectively shares some stories, skillfully conveying the perilous nature of the journey. His storytelling captivates the audience, giving them a new appreciation for his bravery and wisdom.

Those present reflect inwardly, realizing that they themselves might not have managed such feats, let alone as a young man. As for their own children, well, there’s no comparison!

After the banquet, only the core members of the Phoenix family remain. Jansen turns to Henwell and asks, “No beating around the bush! What reward do you want? As long as the Phoenix family has it, I won’t be stingy!”

Henwell gestures toward his two attendants, “I’ve fought alongside Rawkins and Ayla. I hope you can let me take them with me. My territory is barren, and having their support would make things a bit easier.”

Jansen chuckles, “No need to be so cautious. Whether you want it or not, you’re already tied to the Phoenix family. So, ask boldly. It’s what you deserve after fighting so hard. As for Rawkins and Ayla, they’ve already pledged their loyalty to you, so this isn’t really a reward.”

Henwell thinks for a while but eventually shakes his head, “Thank you for your generosity, but I feel I’ve already received plenty of rewards.”

Jansen replies, “Your fief is in Blood Hill, and now that you’re a knight lord, you need your own knight’s manor. The Duke has already gifted you one. You can choose the location, I’ll provide the craftsmen, and the Duke will cover the costs, deducted from the taxes collected from Peace Haven.”

Henwell is taken aback. While a knight’s manor isn’t as costly as a castle, building one would still require a significant investment. With his current wealth, it would be quite a strain. He never expected Duke Amir to have arranged everything, gifting him a knight’s manor.

Jansen observes the somewhat stunned Henwell and retrieves an envelope, his expression becoming serious. “Henwell! I have two things to ask you. First, are you willing to give me your armor and cloak? I want to add them to the Phoenix family collection.”

Henwell nods, “Of course!” The armor is heavily damaged and would need extensive repairs to be usable again. While it holds some sentimental value for Henwell, it’s not particularly useful anymore.

Baron Jansen then asks, “Second, are you willing to join the Phoenix family and take on the Phoenix surname? Think it over before you answer.”

Henwell only takes a moment before kneeling on one knee to swear, “I am willing to join the Phoenix family! I will bear the responsibilities of the Phoenix surname and protect its honor!”

Baron Jansen helps Henwell up, “Alright, child! From now on, you’re a member of the Phoenix family! You can call me uncle!”

With that, Baron Jansen hands Henwell the envelope, “Open it! This is my reward for you!”

Inside are three hundred warhorses, complete with armor and weapons, along with fifty thousand gold coins. This is what Baron Jansen offers Henwell.

Jansen smiles at Henwell, “I know you like these things, but acquiring them yourself would be quite inconvenient. So, I’m giving them to you as a reward! Additionally, my wife Grace, your future aunt, will provide all the furniture and essentials for your manor once it’s built. This is our gift to you, congratulating you on becoming a noble. We hope you’ll consider Phoenix your new home!”

Henwell nods slightly, his eyes reddening, his voice choked with emotion, “I will!”

Thus, Henwell officially becomes part of the Phoenix family.

That night, Henwell sits in his room, fiddling with the envelope, his brow furrowed in thought. Did the actions of Baron Jansen and his family today truly move Henwell? He was indeed touched, but only slightly.

He can sense that Baron Jansen genuinely wants him to join the family. But he also notices that when he agreed to join the family and was helped up, Baron Jansen switched the envelope for a new one. In other words, the benefits Jansen offered were contingent on Henwell’s pledge to join the family.

It becomes clear to Henwell that Baron Jansen had prepared two envelopes, and the one he holds now is the most generous.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep