"I heard you've managed Peace Point quite well. Many people have praised you to , saying the Phoenix family has found a worthy successor!"
Facing Jansen's praise, Henwil lowered his head: "My lord, I'm rely doing this to survive! What belongs to the Phoenix family will never change!"
Henwil knew better than to take Jansen's words as genuine praise—they were clearly a warning.
Henwil had indeed perford exceptionally well. Despite not yet reaching adulthood, he demonstrated both civil and military prowess, employing a mix of soft and hard tactics to handle all situations effortlessly.
Within a single year, financially speaking, he had reorganized trade routes and quadrupled the tax revenue.
In terms of maintaining stability, he had eradicated bandits, pacified the people, and defended the territory.
His military developnt was particularly outstanding.
From an initial few hundred soldiers, he now commanded nearly three thousand capable troops.
From any perspective, Henwil proved to be an extrely competent administrator.
There was just one problem—Henwil wasn't the true successor of the Phoenix family!
By performing so excellently, what was he really aiming for?
Professional dedication?
If this was professional dedication, then he was getting a bit too imrsed in his role!
Harboring ulterior motives?
Did he intend to replace the real Arluis and beco the genuine article?
Henwil didn't treat Jansen's words lightly and imdiately clarified his stance.
As a replacent living on borrowed ti, Henwil simply wanted to survive.
If he managed to survive by so miracle, he would absolutely not take anything that didn't belong to him.
Jansen smiled: "No need to be so tense! I told you, once the mission concludes, I'll grant you noble status.
I'm not so short-sighted minor noble, nor am I the kind of diocre talent who can't tolerate outstanding juniors!
When the ti cos, you'll continue managing Peace Point! This is my promise to you, I swear it in the na of the Phoenix family!"
Henwil expressed superficial gratitude, but inwardly he remained skeptical.
Jansen continued speaking to Henwil: "Stay ho for a few days. After spring begins, I'll arrange for you to et Arluis. You two can spend several days exchanging knowledge."
Henwil continued playing the role of Arluis, now having mastered both appearance and mannerisms so perfectly that no one suspected him anymore.
Just before departure, Henwil finally t the person he had been impersonating.
Arluis had black hair, a tall build, fair skin, and wore a gentle smile on his face.
Upon seeing Henwil, Arluis stared in astonishnt for a long mont, then curiously circled around Henwil several tis.
"Wow! Is this really happening? I thought I was looking in a mirror! What's your na?"
"Qin! Young Master Arluis, you can call Qin!"
Arluis bowed in greeting: "Hello, Qin! I'm Arluis Phoenix. I'm very grateful for everything you've done for !"
Henwil returned the courtesy: "Young Master Arluis, there's no need for gratitude. This is simply my mission!"
Arluis patted Henwil's shoulder: "Don't be so formal. No need to call 'young master.'
You're also a young master, rember? You're Arluis too!
Whoever heard of soone calling themselves 'young master'! Just call Arluis!
I heard you've been doing great work at Peace Point. Can you tell about the place?"
After several days of interaction, Henwil discovered that Arluis had a genuinely good character.
He was humble and polite, with a kindness that ca from the heart rather than being feigned.
Arluis gave the impression of soone who had little contact with the outside world, as if he had lived in a relatively isolated environnt.
At the very least, his curiosity about the external world couldn't be faked.
Arluis often asked Henwil to share interesting stories about Peace Point, showing clear interest in visiting the place himself.
The two got along quite pleasantly.
Soon the day of departure arrived, and Henwil prepared himself to be in optimal condition.
That afternoon, several people had already gathered in Baron Jansen's study.
Baron Jansen introduced them to Henwil: "This is Mr. Tansentea, the professional class mber who will protect you from the shadows.
This is Mr. Brur, your contact after the final stage concludes!
This is Mr. Occam, who will escort you into the royal palace for an audience after you reach the capital..."
Henwil carefully observed each person being introduced, which might have seed impolite.
But none of the experts minded; instead, they showed approving expressions.
They understood that Henwil was morizing their physical characteristics to prevent anyone from impersonating them.
To facilitate this, they not only cooperated by walking a few steps to let Henwil observe their gait and movents,
but even extended their hands for Henwil to shake and feel the characteristics of their palms.
Next, Jansen asked Arluis to step forward.
Arluis removed the clothes he was wearing and had Henwil put them on, to prevent anyone from tracking his scent.
When Henwil took off his clothes, Baroness Grace couldn't help but gasp in surprise.
Everyone else also showed astonished expressions, with Arluis looking utterly incredulous.
Henwil's upper body had well-proportioned muscles and an excellent physique.
But this alone wasn't what shocked everyone.
What truly astonished them were the scars that nearly covered his entire body.
Sword wounds, tearing injuries, arrow wounds, whip marks, burn scars from fire...
Grace was already covering her mouth with tears streaming down her face. She couldn't imagine how much suffering this boy, who was the sa age as her son, had endured.
Grace stepped forward and hugged Henwil, whispering softly: "Child! Co back alive!"
Henwil's body stiffened slightly, then he nodded: "I will!"
Jansen also spoke: "Let everyone bear witness! If you can return! You will beco a mber of the Phoenix family!"
After putting on the chainmail, Henwil dressed in the outer garnts.
Arluis stepped forward, unfastened the longsword from his waist, and presented it with both hands: "This is my personal sword! My ntor gifted it to , and now I pass it to you.
Qin! Please carry this sword and witness this trial of the path of glory on my behalf! It shall stand beside you in battle throughout the journey, fighting alongside you!"
Henwil drew the sword. It was a hand-and-a-half sword, similar to his previous personal weapon but longer and wider.
It was considerably heavier than the Dawnbreaker greatsword, with minimalist linear decorations on the blade and a guard that curved slightly toward the blade.
Fine leather was wrapped around the sword hilt, providing both excellent grip and good anti-slip properties.
The counterweight poml was carved with a lion's head, its eyes glowing red, similar to the red patterns on the blade.
It was an excellent sword!
The finest sword Henwil had ever seen, even better than the Dawnbreaker greatsword Kavizé had given him.
Tansentea spoke up: "This is forged from Blood-Drinking Steel! Very few in the Duchy possess such weapons!"
Henwil's aura suddenly transford. Holding the sword, he moved in small circles within the spacious study, demonstrating a complete set of the Silver Wolf Sword Style.
Jansen raised an eyebrow—this young man's Silver Wolf Sword Style was remarkably skilled!
None of his own children had reached this level of proficiency.
Then Henwil sheathed the sword, bowed to everyone, and without another word, turned and walked out of the study.
Outside the castle gates, Henwil rode alone on his horse, stepping into the darkness as the last rays of sunlight faded...
Henwil stroked the sword at his waist: "From now on, you shall be called Twilight!"
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