Henwell freezes for a moment after hearing Newwood’s words, then presses on, “Why am I so effective against bloodline users? I’ve heard bloodline professionals are favorites among extraordinary paths and far stronger than ordinary professionals!”

  Newwood lets out a mocking ugh. “Heh... Little Comrade Henwell, there you go again with your old habit—being way too curious!”

  Seeing Henwell smile awkwardly, Newwood doesn’t drop the topic entirely. “Bloodline professionals are powerful because of their mysterious bloodline spells. These come from their ancestors, w abilities imprinted on their souls. Their uniqueness lies in their souls.”

  ”But sometimes, when the soul isn’t pure, all sorts of problems arise. You’re a smart guy; you should know nothing comes without a price. Those so-called chosen ones or bloodline scions? They’re just a bunch of pitiful souls with no choice. Honestly, I think calling them ‘cursed bloodlines’ fits better.”

  “Do you know how many bloodline experts, once they reach Glory Rank, spend the rest of their lives trying to remove their bloodline traits?”

  Henwell seems to realize something and is about to speak, but Newwood waves him off. “Don’t ask, I don’t want to get into it. Focus on getting stronger; that’s what matters most. One day, you’ll reach the point where you can imprint w powers into your bloodline naturally. When that happens, you’ll understand everything.”

  Taking Newwood’s advice, Henwell decides to set aside his curiosity and focus on honing his abilities.

  Training with Newwood might not directly increase his combat power, but it helps develop his skills and sharpens his techniques. Having such a master to spar with is a rare luxury, even geniuses on the Abundant Continent rarely get this chance.

  Henwell also has a strong grasp of combat concepts, improving bit by bit every day. Though the progress is small, for an Iron Knight, every step forward is precious.

  In Newwood’s eyes, if Henwell trains steadily for a few years, he should break through to Glory Knight around age thirty. By then, there won’t be many experts on the Forgotten Continent who can challenge him.

  Henwell also knows the Forgotten Continent is somewhat special, professionals above Glory Rank rarely come here. The exact reason? Henwell doesn’t know yet, or rather, he isn’t ready to know now.

  Time flies when you’re busy, another two weeks slip by in the blink of an eye.

  By now, representatives from various factions have gradually arrived in Peace Haven. Some require Henwell’s personal attention, like influential guild leaders or high-ranking nobles from the Kingdom of Vorry. Delegations from several other countries wait near the borders of Peace Haven, only pnning to enter just before the wedding.

  Finally, three days before the wedding, the Amir King’s envoy arrives in Peace Haven.

  The main member of the delegation is Prince Jonathan, the fourth prince, a prince who absolutely despises Henwell. Amir’s message to the outside world is clear: he dislikes Henwell but will still show him the respect he deserves.

  Also part of the envoy is the chief official, the upright old baron Cronin, who happens to be an acquaintance of Henwell’s. Everyone in the kingdom knows this envoy mission is a hot potato, especially because of Prince Jonathan, who’s on bad terms with Henwell and likely won’t behave quietly. One wrong move could spark a conflict.

  Most officials avoid this mission like the pgue, but this stubborn old man, Cronin, volunteers to take on the tricky task.

  By rank, Jonathan should be calling Cronin “grandfather.” Cronin is bold enough to stand up to Amir himself, let alone teach Jonathan a lesson. On the way here, Cronin scolded Jonathan several times, even once swinging a cane after him, which made the envoy’s guards quite uncomfortable.

  As for Jonathan, he’s helpless against the old man. If he dared fight back, he’d probably be beaten by Amir when they return.

  Since this is a royal envoy, Henwell naturally arranges for them to stay at the Blood Hill Manor. Once the main guests arrive, other factions begin moving into Peace Haven as well.

  The Kingdom of Ika sends its eldest princess as their representative. Accompanied by Ika’s southeastern commander, Roderick, she takes residence in Blood Hill Manor. Her personal guard is the Golden Guard Knights, with Obian acting as her temporary chief of guards, escorting the princess inside.

  Looking at every bde of grass and tree in Peace Haven, Obian feels a deep pride in the legacy his son built with his own hands.

  With so many people around, Henwell avoids approaching Obian recklessly, especially since he’s about to leave soon for a business trip to another world.

  The Kingdom of Ogiro sends its sixth prince, Prince Sundike, accompanied by Divarak. Sundike is currently the child of the Queen of Ogiro and cks any significant family backing. With almost no chance of ciming the throne, he holds a respectable but somewhat sidelined position. Rumor has it that this prince is about to receive a fiefdom near the Peace Haven area.

  The Duchy of Lumir sends the second prince, Obilian, a powerful prince with a real shot at the crown. Accompanying him is Pawari, the third son of the Marquis of South Bay.

  Also present are Duaili, the eldest son of Count Lierul from the Dienbos family, along with many senior figures from the Trade Alliance.

  To the north, the Kingdom of Kosen dispatches a delegation, though not as high-profile as those nearby. Eivind, the second son of Duke Sendor of Kitamori City, arrives bearing Kosen’s blessings.

  The Western Federation sends representatives from the Holy Spirit Church, who also happen to be members of Henwell’s Padin squad. Led by Grand Knight McComb and Sosie, all forty-nine members are present. After all, this is the wedding of their nominal superior, and in the workpce, you show up to support.

  Surprisingly, the Kingdom of Billie doesn’t send an official envoy, but Princess Catherine sends gifts through her trusted aide, Daniel—an old acquaintance of Henwell’s. Although this isn’t an official high-level delegation, Henwell still arranges for them to stay at Blood Hill Manor out of respect for his friendship with Princess Catherine.

  With this, envoys from six countries have all arrived.

  There are also personal friends who come to congratute Henwell. From the Kingdom of Vorry, there’s Viscount Holdsworth and Lord Pacino of Waterhill, the plump baron who often hangs out with young nobles, spinning tales about Henwell’s legend. A carefree good guy, he frequently writes to Henwell and sends little gifts.

  Other countries have their own well-wishers, the most prominent being Fred, the lord of Tusyat from Ika Kingdom. However, Fred clearly isn’t here just to congratute; he’s come to see the eldest princess of Ika. Henwell thoughtfully arranges for him to stay next door to the Ika princess, so he won’t have to sneak over the balcony in the middle of the night.