"I hear you've done quite a remarkable job with Peace Haven. Many have praised you, saying the Phoenix family has found a worthy heir!" Jansen compliments, but Henwell bows his head and replies, "My lord, I'm just trying to survive! What belongs to the Phoenix family will always remain theirs."

  Henwell knows better than to take Jansen's words at face value; he's being tested.

  Indeed, Henwell has achieved much, showing prowess both in strategy and strength, adeptly navigating both legal and illicit realms. In just a year, he has reorganized trade routes, quadrupling tax revenue. On the stability front, he has eradicated bandits and secured the nd. His military development is exceptional, growing from a few hundred soldiers to an effective force of nearly three thousand.

  By all accounts, Henwell is an outstanding administrator. But there's one problem—he's not the true heir of the Phoenix family. So why is he doing all this? Out of dedication to his role? If that's the case, he's taking it a bit too seriously. Or is there a hidden agenda? Does he aim to suppnt the real heir and become Arius himself?

  Henwell doesn't treat Jansen's words as a joke and promptly crifies his stance. As a stand-in with an uncertain future, Henwell simply wants to survive. If he manages to live through this ordeal, he vows not to take anything that doesn't belong to him.

  Jansen chuckles, "No need to be so tense! I've told you, once the task is complete, I'll grant you a noble title. I'm not a short-sighted minor noble, nor am I one who can't tolerate talented successors! When the time comes, you'll continue to manage Peace Haven. That's my promise, and I swear it on the name of the Phoenix family!"

  Outwardly, Henwell appears grateful, but inwardly, he remains skeptical.

  Jansen continues to speak to Henwell, "Stay at home for a few days. Once spring arrives, I'll arrange for you to meet Arius. You two can spend some time getting to know each other."

  Henwell has perfected his role as Arius, so much so that no one doubts him anymore. Just before setting off, Henwell finally meets the person he's been impersonating.

  Arius, with his bck hair, tall stature, fair skin, and a gentle smile, stands before him. Upon seeing Henwell, Arius is momentarily stunned and then curiously circles around him a few times. "Wow! This is incredible! I almost thought I was looking in a mirror! What's your name?"

  "The Fsh! Young Master Arius, you can call me The Fsh!"

  Arius greets him with a bow, "Hello, The Fsh! I'm Arius Phoenix, and I'm grateful for everything you've done for me!"

  Henwell returns the gesture, "Young Master Arius, there's no need to thank me. It's my duty!"

  Arius pats Henwell on the shoulder, "No need to be so formal. Don't call me 'young master.' You're a young master too, remember? You're Arius as well! It's odd to call yourself 'young master.' Just call me Arius! I've heard you've done a great job in Peace Haven. Can you tell me about it?"

  Over the next few days, Henwell discovers that Arius is genuinely a good-natured person. He is humble and polite, with a kindness that seems sincere rather than a facade. Arius seems to have lived in a somewhat sheltered environment, as his curiosity about the outside world appears genuine and unfeigned.

  Arius often asks Henwell to share interesting stories from Peace Haven, showing a keen interest in visiting someday. The two get along quite well.

  Soon, the day of departure arrives, and Henwell prepares himself, ensuring he's in the best possible state.

  That afternoon, a few individuals are already gathered in Baron Jansen's study. Jansen introduces them to Henwell, "This is Mr. Tansentia, your covert protector. Mr. Bloomer, your contact after the final leg of your journey. And Mr. Occam, who will escort you into the royal pace for an audience once you reach the capital."

  Henwell carefully observes each person introduced to him, a behavior that might seem rude. However, these seasoned professionals understand his intent and show approval. They recognize Henwell's effort to memorize their physical features to prevent any impostors from mimicking them.

  To assist him, they each take a few steps to demonstrate their gait and even extend their hands for Henwell to feel the unique characteristics of their palms.

  Next, Jansen asks Arius to step forward. Arius removes his clothing and hands it to Henwell to wear, ensuring no one can track him by scent. As Henwell removes his own clothes, Lady Grace, the baroness, lets out an involuntary gasp. The others are equally astonished, and Arius is downright incredulous.

  Henwell's upper body is well-toned, his physique impressive. But it's not his muscles that shock them. It's the scars covering nearly every inch of his body—sword cuts, cerations, arrow wounds, whip marks, and burns—that truly surprise them.

  Grace is moved to tears, unable to fathom the suffering this boy, who is the same age as her son, has endured. She steps forward to embrace Henwell, whispering softly, "Child, come back alive!"

  Henwell stiffens slightly, then nods, "I will."

  Jansen speaks up, "Witnesses all! If you return, you will become part of the Phoenix family!"

  Having donned the chainmail, Henwell then puts on Arius's coat.

  Arius steps forward, unbuckling the sword from his waist and offering it with both hands. "This is my sword, a gift from my mentor. Now, I give it to you, The Fsh. Please carry this sword and bear witness to the Path of Honor trial in my stead. It will fight alongside you on your journey."

  Henwell draws the sword—a hand-and-a-half sword, simir to his old weapon but longer and wider. It's noticeably heavier than his previous Dawnbreaker. The bde features elegant line engravings, and the guard curves slightly towards the bde. The hilt is wrapped in fine leather, providing a comfortable and secure grip. The pommel is adorned with a lion's head, its eyes glowing red, matching the crimson patterns on the bde.

  It's an exceptional sword, the finest Henwell has ever seen, surpassing even the Dawnbreaker gifted by Kavize.

  Tansentia comments, "It's forged from Bloodsteel! Few in the duchy possess such a weapon."

  Henwell's demeanor shifts dramatically as he wields the sword, moving nimbly in the spacious study to perform a complete set of Silver Wolf sword techniques. Jansen raises an eyebrow, impressed by Henwell's mastery—none of his own offspring have reached this level of skill.

  After sheathing the sword, Henwell bows to the assembled group, saying nothing more, and turns to leave the study. Outside the castle gates, with the st rays of sunlight, Henwell rides into the encroaching darkness.

  Gently patting the sword at his side, Henwell murmurs, "From now on, you'll be called Dusk."