The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 264: The Westward Journey Begins
Hearing Henwell’s words, Roderick gradually starts to piece things together.
Still, he can’t shake the feeling that Henwell tagging along is a huge risk.
“Henwell, sure, there are plenty of people who want to kill your brother, but even more want to take you out. If you escort him, aren’t you just putting him in greater danger? And what about when you come back? Have you thought about that?”
”Without the Holy Spirit Church’s medal, you’ll be an easy target. Taking out you—the Lord of Blood Hill—would be a prize for the kingdom. They might even dispatch the knight order to hunt you down!”
Henwell chuckles. “That’s a secret! I’ve got my ways when the time comes. One thing’s for sure: I’m going.”
”First, he’s my brother, I owe it to him to keep him safe. Second, I’m a Grand Knight, a seeker of power. I’m definitely interested in improving my strength. Even if I don’t train in the church for long-term, I want to check it out and broaden my horizons!”
Roderick sighs. “Alright then. Since you’ve made up your mind, be careful. Stay in Louis City a bit longer, and I’ll put together some informations on the Ika Kingdom for you. You better come back alive. If you’re not back by the end of the year, I’ll raise an army and attack Peace Haven immediately!”
”You need to understand—Peace Haven with you and without you are two completely different things!”
Henwell laughs heartily. “Hahaha… don’t worry! I won’t give you that chance. I still have a wedding to come back for!”
With that, Henwell leads his team, following Roderick as they set off toward Louis City.
A day later, they arrive in Louis City, and Roderick immediately begins gathering and organizing information.
When asked about Henwell’s presence, Roderick keeps it vague, only saying that Henwell is escorting his brother.
Two days later, Roderick hands over a wealth of intel to Henwell.
It includes detailed route information as well as the factions and preferences of various nobles along the way.
The very next day after receiving the intel, the westbound party sets out from Louis City.
Under Roderick’s personal escort, they reach the border of the Southeast Marshal’s jurisdiction.
Roderick tells Henwell, “I’ve delayed things as much as I can for you. From now on, news of your journey to the Western Federation will spread quickly throughout the kingdom. I hope you move fast. If it were just Lord Orak, I could manage a bit, just call in some favors. But with you involved, I can’t offer your group any more protection. Take care of yourselves.”
With that, Roderick leads his cavalry back toward Louis City.
Orak hesitates. “Henwell, maybe you should just go back. With Roderick watching my back, maybe I can make it safely to the Western Federation.”
Henwell shakes his head. “It’s not that simple. I’ve checked through every channel I can find, there’s basically no intel on the Western Federation. The last time the Holy Spirit Church sent people here was six hundred years ago, and that was to oversee the transformation of the Kosen Kingdom.”
”Back then, it wasn’t nearly as lively as this time, and very few nobles even knew the Holy Spirit Church existed. So, when it comes to the Holy Spirit Church, the Groias Empire, and the mysterious Western Federation, only the royal families of various countries have any information, and they’re not sharing it with us.”
”No matter what, I have to see this place for myself. Only after I’ve been there can you decide whether to continue your training.”
Henwell had considered asking Princess Catherine for information, but in the end, he dismissed the idea.
After all, Catherine was already furious when Henwell got engaged.
Plus, with Orak’s safety at stake, and how Henwell’s relationship with the Phoenix family might unfold, asking Catherine would be dangerous.
If he went to her, that woman would definitely send elite forces to seize the chance to kill Orak.
That would corner Henwell, forcing him into a desperate position, allowing her to come from the east and team up with Henwell to carve up Vorry’s southern borders.
So, after careful thought, Henwell decided not to approach Princess Catherine.
Besides, he didn’t think Catherine knew any more than he did.
Henwell had also asked Newwood before, but Newwood never gave detailed answers.
He only said that the Western Federation is on the Abundant Continent and serves as a gateway on this land.
While it’s not dangerous place, Henwell should still be cautious.
As for more specific intel, Newwood said he simply didn’t know.
He had his own missions coming up and couldn’t help Henwell explore the Western Federation.
However, Newwood did mention that if Henwell really escaped with all his might, the Western Federation probably wouldn’t be able to stop him.
Based on all this, Henwell figures the professionals in the Western Federation pose a threat, but not a deadly one.
But for Orak, that threat is genuinely deadly. After all, Newwood knows he’s already an Iron Knight.
During their time in Peace Haven, Newwood had also coached Henwell in combat skills and recognized his fighting prowess.
In Newwood’s words, most of the old-timers among the Iron Knights on this continent aren’t a match for Henwell anymore.
What’s more, Henwell’s strength and physical condition clearly surpass those veteran Iron Knights by a whole rank.
Henwell might be able to slip away from the Western Federation, but Orak won’t be so lucky.
That’s why Henwell absolutely has to make the trip himself to understand the situation in the Western Federation.
If it turns out the Western Federation isn’t suitable for Orak’s training, Henwell will bring him back to eventually take over Duke Jansen’s position.
As for the assassins on the road, Henwell’s new gear hasn’t even tasted blood yet!
Good equipment is always forged with blood and soul—that’s one of Newwood’s sayings!
Right now, intelligence is flying fast across the Ika Kingdom, and everyone realizes that the lord of Blood Hill is preparing to head to the Western Federation for training.
This news quickly reaches the Kingdom of Vorry as well.
Reactions vary: Arius and Fabio think this is just classic Henwell—bold and unstoppable!
Henwell’s soon-to-be father-in-law, Duke Marcus, is stomping mad, calling Henwell reckless and headstrong.
Meanwhile, the royal factions and even King Amir have realized just how formidable Henwell really is.
Remembering Henwell’s fierce performance at the transformation ceremony—already a seasoned Grand Knight—they quickly order the assassins to halt their attacks and not waste lives on a lost cause.
Within the Phoenix family, Duke Jansen sighs and tells his wife, “Grace, go check on Henwell’s hospital and school. Now that he’s gone, some family members are getting ideas. Make sure they understand exactly where I stand.”
In the following days, the duchess and the duke’s youngest daughter inspect the newly started school and hospital projects.
They come up with names for plenty of orphans and praise many of the staff.
Most members of the Phoenix family get the message loud and clear from Jansen and drop their plans.
.
!
Chapter 264: The Westward Journey Begins
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