By ruining the Phoenix family’s reputation first, Henwell’s eventual takeover carries much less backsh.

  Moreover, once Peace Haven absorbs the Phoenix family, there’s far more room to maneuver.

  If Marquis Descartes in the north doesn’t behave or fails to see the true nature of things, Duke Marcus has already arranged his fate.

  Colborating with the king and betraying the Nobles’ Alliance would be enough to drag Marquis Descartes into the abyss.

  When that time comes, Duke Marcus will step in to coordinate the various factions within the Nobles’ Alliance.

  Henwell can then annex Vorska City in the north without any psychological burden or cost.

  Looking east, there’s Cloud Tree City, controlled by the king, ripe for the taking.

  To the north lies Iris City, the core of the neutral faction, also within reach.

  Once the Phoenix family—the major obstacle—is removed, Peace Haven’s expansion will immediately accelerate.

  If Henwell unifies the South Regions, with support from Eastern Mist City, he’ll have a real shot at being crowned king.

  Much intelligence has already confirmed Henwell’s suspicions about his future father-in-w’s schemes.

  Yet Henwell can only pretend ignorance and dare not accuse Duke Marcus of meddling.

  So he feels no anger toward Kaku, the pawn pushed into the spotlight.

  No matter whether the schemes come from allies or rivals, Henwell is powerless to stop them.

  All he can do now is grow stronger, make Peace Haven more powerful.

  Until his strength and influence reach a point where he can disregard these concerns.

  After Kaku’s provocative test today, Henwell cannot leave the Phoenix family’s territory prematurely.

  Otherwise, it would confirm the rift between him and the Phoenix family, especially the Jansens.

  Leadership sets the tone.

  If Henwell shows any dissatisfaction with the Phoenix family, Peace Haven will immediately sense it.

  The result: military and political officials across Peace Haven will begin to exclude the Phoenix family outright.

  Personnel under both sides will escate tensions, eventually spiraling out of control.

  Therefore, Henwell must act as if nothing happened and continue attending the Phoenix family’s banquet.

  Though the pn is risky, at least Jansen isn’t a fool.

  As head of the Phoenix family, nothing here escapes his notice.

  At the banquet, the Jansen family enjoys themselves warmly, with no one showing any sign of discomfort.

  After the banquet, Jansen sends for Henwell to come to the study.

  As soon as Henwell enters, he sees Kaku kneeling on the floor, blood dripping from his mouth, and the knight who had spoken rudely to Henwell earlier.

  The knight lies on the floor, limbs twisted and broken, a pitiful sight.

  Several core members of the Phoenix family are also in the room.

  Henwell sighs, “Uncle, there’s no need for this! Second Brother didn’t understand the stakes, let it go…”

  Jansen raises his hand to stop his speaking, then draws his sword and throws it down in front of Kaku.

  Pointing at the bruised knight, he coldly orders his second son, “Go! Cut this man’s head off! Then go apologize to Henwell and make amends!”

  Henwell steps forward and grabs Jansen’s arm, “Uncle, it’s unnecessary! If Second Brother swings his sword now, no one will dare follow him anymore! You’re cutting off his future! He still has a family to think about. What about his descendants? Besides, it was just a small misunderstanding. Doing this will only make Second Brother truly resent me, and the problem will get worse!”

  Jansen ignores Henwell. When he can’t pry Henwell’s arm loose, Jansen hands the sword to another person.

  He throws the sword to his younger brother. “Tuster, you’re closest to Kaku and often counsel him. You do it.”

  Tuster looks troubled. “Brother, you’re too emotional. Henwell already said this will only worsen Kaku’s retionship with him!”

  Jansen doesn’t respond, only asks coldly, “Will you strike or not? If you won’t, then I will. But be warned. If I do it, it won’t stop at just one or two deaths.”

  After a moment’s silence, Tuster picks up the sword and beheads the knight.

  “Brother! Is this really what you want? Kaku was impulsive, yes, but forcing him like this only puts Henwell in a tough spot!”

  Jansen kicks the head toward Kaku. “Everyone here, including you, can choose to be Henwell’s enemy! He’s never short of foes. From the king down to the lowest soldier, Henwell has enemies everywhere! You need to think carefully about what it costs to become his enemy!

  “And most importantly, ask yourselves, are you truly worthy of being Henwell’s enemy?!”

  The room falls silent, faces darkening.

  Sometimes, harsh truths are the hardest to swallow.

  The fact is, no one in the Phoenix family is qualified to oppose Henwell.

  Who are Henwell’s real enemies?

  They’re the rulers of the nations!

  Ordinary people simply don’t qualify as Henwell’s enemies.

  Only Henwell himself fully understands that his enemies might well be the entire continent.

  Jansen scans the room and decres, “I’m making this clear today: if Orak does not inherit the Phoenix family title, I will choose Henwell as the heir. You can oppose it all you want, but it won’t change anything. I am still the head of the Phoenix family.

  “Here’s a simpler option for you: unch a family coup! Overthrow me, and then you can do whatever you please.”

  No one speaks. A family coup?

  If they decre their intention to overthrow Jansen, that very night Henwell will storm their castle with his sword drawn, cutting off their heads.

  Jansen would then ruthlessly purge all rebellious family members, something no one can interfere with.

  Not even King Amir!

  Intervening in a noble family’s internal rebellion is tantamount to decring war.

  Jansen already commands two legions and is a battle-hardened general who earned his reputation on the front lines. His prestige within the family army is immense.

  More importantly, Jansen has backing from the Lord of Blood Hill, and Arius, the true power prince of the Vorry Kingdom.

  Forget about a family coup; even King Amir wouldn’t dare entertain the thought.

  After delivering this harsh warning, Jansen looks at Henwell.

  “You are my sworn son and a member of the Phoenix family. You enjoy all the rights of a family member. Show your ruthless side. If anyone dares provoke you, strike back hard. The more you hold back, the more they sense your hesitation. No matter how complicated things get, remember what you said: dead men have no value, dead men have no allies.

  “You are the Lord of Blood Hill, the finest young man on the continent. Whoever you kill, there’s always a way to deal with it. Do you really think everyone in this world is like you, willing to start a war over a bunch of dead men? They don’t have that courage! Kill them, and no one will risk their lives over the dead!”