Christian doesn’t quite understand Henwell’s meaning. “Sir, are you offering me a job?”

  Henwell shrugs. “I’m giving you a chance to become a noble, but not in the way you imagine.”

  With that, he pats Christian on the shoulder and raises his voice a bit: “I believe in you. This opportunity is rare. Think it over carefully before you answer me. If you’re ready, come find me in Peace Haven. I’ll give you a position worthy of your talents. I won’t let you go to waste.”

  Turning his back to the crowd, Henwell winks at Christian.

  Caught off guard, Christian watches him leave.

  After that, Christian clearly feels many eyes on him, sizing him up.

  He wonders who Henwell really is, just a few words from him have drawn so much attention.

  Before he can figure it out, the banquet grows lively again.

  Pawari stirs up trouble once more, noticing how curious everyone is about Christian after Henwell’s remark.

  So, he orders the Knight Champion to challenge Christian again, to put Henwell’s confidence to the test.

  He wants everyone to see that the person Henwell favors isn’t all that impressive.

  Faced with the Knight Champion’s challenge, Christian feels uneasy. He doesn’t even have a weapon now.

  Just as he’s awkwardly standing there, Henwell waves from afar: “Come here!”

  After hesitating briefly, Christian approaches and salutes. “Sir, what are your orders?”

  Henwell reaches behind and takes a longsword from the mute ranger: “This is one of my swords. I call it Sin Measurement. I know you’re disappointed I didn’t lend you a weapon before.”

  ”Now, I’m giving you this chance, and a fair fight. Go prove yourself with this sword. Don’t disgrace my bde, and don’t waste your own efforts.”

  Christian takes the Sin Measurement longsword and draws the bde.

  He notes its matte finish and hefty feel, this is the finest weapon he’s ever seen.

  The Knight Champion’s weapon is excellent but not extraordinary.

  After just two cshes, the Sin Measurement longsword, imbued with the extraordinary effects of Armor Break and Sharpness, slices through it.

  When the bde rests against his opponent’s neck, Christian’s long-held frustration finally fades.

  Then, he respectfully sheathes the sword and returns it to Henwell.

  Just as Christian is about to speak, he looks up in shock at Henwell.

  Because Henwell’s voice echoes directly inside his mind.

  “I don’t need your loyalty. Now, you must refuse my offer, and then you’ll gain an even better opportunity. I’m just helping you out casually. Remember this favor; you might never have to repay me.”

  ”But perhaps one day in the future, I’ll ask you to return it. When that time comes, I hope you’ll recall the fairness I gave you today.”

  After finishing the mental message, Henwell speaks aloud again: “What was your name? Christian, right? So, what do you say? Want to follow me? I may not be able to grant you the title of Knight Lord, but I can offer you much more besides.”

  Christian stays silent for a moment, holding the Sin Measurement longsword in both hands.

  “Sorry, sir. I truly appreciate your recognition, but I still feel I should stay here.”

  At that moment, Pawari casually rubs his palms and approaches Christian.

  “You probably don’t realize what you just refused. Do you know who this gentleman is? He’s the Lord of Blood Hill from the Kingdom of Vorry, the uncrowned king of Peace Haven, and the youngest Grand Knight.”

  ”His subordinates are full of experts, and his elite troops are countless. Forget ordinary nobles, even kings have to show him respect.”

  Henwell shoots Pawari a gnce. “You just want to get beaten up, huh?”

  Pawari bows slightly with a grin. “Getting a beating from the youngest Grand Knight is still an honor.”

  Christian finally understands why Henwell’s words command such attention.

  At the same time, he realizes why Henwell chose to speak to him quietly, through mental communication.

  Christian bows again to Henwell. “Thank you, Lord of Blood Hill. But I’m from Lumir. Swearing loyalty to a foreign noble isn’t my intention. I do want to become a noble, but more importantly, I want to serve Lumir and its people.”

  Pawari cps his hands and says, “You’ve got guts, I like that! Lord of Blood Hill really has an eye for talent. Thinking of heading somewhere else to advance? Like Hornbay? If you go, I can offer you a knight lordship there. Given time, you might even build a great reputation and become a renowned knight lord!”

  His words clearly mock Henwell, no matter how powerful he is, he’s still just a knight lord.

  Seeing Henwell’s face darken, Count Lierul steps forward with a smile. “Young Pawari, you can’t just poach my people. I’ve always valued this knight highly. Your family is influential and full of talent, and you’re a prodigy yourself. I’ve finally found someone promising. I won’t let you take him away!”

  Pawari ughs along. “Of course not! I just admire his spirit. He seems like a good prospect worth nurturing.”

  Count Lierul turns to Christian. “I’ve been watching your matches closely. You’ve made it this far relying solely on your own strength, without any outside help. That proves your skill and potential, and shows your determination.”

  ”I originally pnned to talk to you ter, but now I have to speak with you sooner. There are many who value you. I can’t let the Dienbos family miss out on such talent.”

  Christian looks at the sincere Count Lierul and the curious nobles around him.

  Then his eyes catch Henwell’s half-smile, half-smirk expression, and suddenly Christian feels that noble status might not be as lofty as it seems.

  After the banquet ends, Pawari reluctantly goes to apologize to Henwell.

  Entering the room, Pawari forces a smile. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you tonight.”

  Henwell sighs. “Didn’t I tell you before? If your father came to talk, maybe I’d listen. But you, the third son of a marquis without a title, why insist on private talks with me? I might be able to give you what you want, but what you can offer me won’t be what I need.”

  Pawari drops his spoiled expression and his demeanor turns calm and steady.

  He says quietly to Henwell, “I need to make a deal with you. To avoid drawing attention, this is the only way. Please understand.”