The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 93: I Am Henwell!
If the Phoenix family is elevated to viscount status and Arius eventually inherits the title, a new powerful earl will emerge, pushing the noble alliance entirely into the eastern region of the duchy. This is the main reason they've chosen to stand firm against the Grand Duke.
However, it seems the Grand Duke's side has the upper hand. By bringing in the invaluable Henwell, the Grand Duke's faction has avoided many troubles.
Henwell understands all of this more clearly than anyone might imagine. He has already mapped out his path and is waiting for the right opportunity. When the time comes, he intends to claim his share of the grand feast.
As the Midsummer Festival unfolds successfully, Henwell and his group arrive in Silver Peak City, the duchy's capital. This ancient city predates the duchy itself. With a permanent population exceeding 300,000, not including those off the records, it is a massive urban center.
When adding the population of the surrounding towns and satellite cities, the total easily surpasses a million. These figures account for registered residents, excluding those without documentation and a large number of serfs. Henwell estimates that the population around the duchy's capital is at least two million, which is a significant number.
The Midsummer Festival has become one of the largest celebrations in the duchy, almost akin to the Spring Festival from the past life. People from various regions gather here, along with numerous merchant caravans, making the capital increasingly bustling.
At the eight city gates, there are not only officers inspecting entrants but also city defense troops assisting, with the Royal Guard overseeing everything. The patrol cavalry is densely stationed along the main roads. Long queues form at the city gates, with some people waiting since before dawn. Nearby, many vendors take advantage of the crowds to sell various goods.
Henwell, of course, doesn't have to wait in line. There's a special passage for nobles. Once inside the city, Henwell is allowed to ride his horse at a slow pace, but galloping is strictly prohibited. He must stick to the horse paths, which are designated for nobles. These paths are like expressways within the city, with staff stationed every few meters to clean up after the horses and keep the roads tidy.
As Henwell observes the bustling merchant streets, the street vendors calling out, and the throngs of pedestrians, he marvels at the vibrancy of this feudal era. It's truly impressive. With the Midsummer Festival set to begin tomorrow, held at the end of July, he wonders why so many people would brave the scorching sun to gather in such large numbers. What exactly are they seeking?
Henwell quickly reaches the vicinity of the royal palace, where he meets Mr. Occam, who is responsible for escorting him. Instead of taking Henwell directly into the palace, Occam leads him to a place resembling a royal estate. This estate hosts nobles who have come to pay their respects to the Grand Duke, and Henwell is assigned a small courtyard to stay in.
On the last day of the Midsummer Festival, Henwell is scheduled to be brought into the palace.
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. sightings.
Two days later, Henwell sets out with two attendants, riding warhorses towards the palace. At the palace gates, Occam is surprised by Henwell's attire and asks, "Are you really wearing that?" Henwell nods confidently, "Yes, just this." Occam doesn't press further and signals the palace guards to let them through.
Henwell hangs his war lance on the horse and proceeds on foot to the heart of the duchy, the Grand Duke's palace, also known as Lion Castle. On either side of the palace avenue stand members of the Blood Lion Knights, solemnly armored and holding their swords. They too are puzzled by Henwell's attire. Upon recognizing his outfit, one knight draws his sword and taps his chest in salute.
Henwell commands, "Raise the flag!" His attendants unfurl the Phoenix family banner, raising their arms as flagpoles. The tattered and bloodstained banner flutters in their hands. As they pass each knight, the knight draws his sword in salute. The continuous sound of swords being drawn echoes like cheers across the square.
Henwell looks up at the long flight of steps before him, throws back his cloak, and ascends with his hand on his sword.
Inside the palace, the nobles are intrigued by the continuous sound of swords being drawn outside. When the knights at the palace entrance also draw their swords in salute, everyone turns to see a tall young man entering the grand hall. It becomes clear to them why the knights have been unsheathing their swords.
Henwell's two attendants carry the tattered family banner high, their armor covered in battle scars. Leading them, Henwell wears a once-silver cloak, now tattered and stained a dark purple from blood. His armor bears the marks of fierce battles—pierced holes, slashed gaps, and dents from heavy blows.
The nobles can only imagine the brutal conflicts this armor has endured alongside its wearer.
Regardless of their allegiances, those present in the hall are no cowards. They understand the immense challenges this young man has overcome to stand here today, some of which they themselves may have been responsible for. No one knows better than those who opposed you just how resilient you truly are.
The nobles from the royal faction are the first to draw their swords in acknowledgment. Viscount Holdsworth from Iris City follows suit, and the neutral nobles quickly join in. Finally, with Earl Marcus drawing his sword, every noble in the palace expresses their recognition and respect for this young man.
Henwell steps forward, draws his sword, and plants it into the ground as he kneels, raising the Proof of Glory high with his left hand. The Grand Duke stops his attendants from retrieving the parchment, choosing instead to descend from his throne and approach Henwell personally.
He takes the parchment, unmarred but stained with blood, and unfurls it to reveal the multitude of seals to the assembled nobles. As each noble taps their sword hilt against their chest in acknowledgment, the Grand Duke dismisses the offered stamp and ink.
Amir draws his own sword and gently slices his palm, then inverts the sword, using the lion sculpture on the pommel as a stamp, dipping it in his blood. He presses it onto the Proof of Glory, leaving the roaring lion emblem of the Rhine family.
Returning the document to Henwell, Amir speaks softly, "Child, thank you for everything you've done! This is solely in my name!"
With that, Amir rests his sword on Henwell's shoulder and declares, "Your bravery and wisdom have earned the recognition of everyone here. Now, child, speak your name, and I shall bestow upon you the honor you deserve!"
"Arius Phoenix!" Henwell responds.
Amir laughs heartily, "Hahaha... Child, I asked for your name!"
"...Henwell!" Henwell corrects himself.
"A unique name indeed!" Amir announces loudly. "I hereby declare!"
Amir smiles warmly, "Henwell! You are granted the knighthood of the duchy! I heard you fought at Peace Haven, and that hill is known as Blood Hill. Well done! It shall now be your fief, and you shall be the lord of Blood Hill! Hereditary and unending! Child, with your courage and wisdom, with your loyalty and steadfastness, protect your land and safeguard Peace Haven!"
Chapter 93: I Am Henwell!
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