"Master Arius, what tipped you off just now?" one of the attendants inquires. Instead of answering directly, Henwell poses a question back, "Rawkins, Ay, did you notice anything?"

  Rawkins ventures, "Was it because they didn’t look at us when we entered?"

  Ay adds, "Was it because they had hidden armor under their clothes?"

  Henwell shakes his head.

  "Of course not! It was because when I approached them, they didn’t stand up. My attire clearly marks me as nobility. Every other patron at the tables either stood or made a move to rise as I passed."

  "Only they remained seated, which is quite unusual. Moreover, the way they looked at me showed they weren’t seeing me for the first time. I bet they've seen my portrait before, and we might even find it on their bodies."

  The two young attendants gaze at Henwell with admiration. He instructs them to prepare food and beds without further expnation. To Henwell, these two are still quite inexperienced. While they might be skilled in combat, their worldly wisdom leaves much to be desired.

  Rawkins and Ay are both in their early twenties, married with children, and aspiring to reach the rank of knight. They come from noble offshoots, families that are fairly well-off. Both possess significant talent, and within three years, they are likely to achieve knight status.

  Throughout the journey, the two have been exceptionally attentive to Henwell, as they believe him to be Arius.

  As for what Henwell said earlier, it was, frankly, just bullshit. He couldn't possibly start killing just because someone didn't stand up. The truth is, as soon as Henwell entered the inn, he immediately sensed a murderous intent directed at him. And it wasn't just one; he simply targeted the most intense source.

  Clearly, the group he dealt with wasn't the only one in the tavern with a desire to kill him. Henwell is on the Path of Honor, not a path of sughter.

  By taking out the most immediate threat, he effectively achieved his goal. If he hadn't acted, they would have surely attempted an assassination on the spot. In the ensuing chaos, other assassins would likely seize the opportunity, and those lurking around would eventually join in.

  Henwell would then face a relentless wave of attacks, making it difficult to defend himself without getting hurt.

  Most importantly, he would have to reveal his true strength to deal with them, leading to more targeted attempts on his life ter. This would make his journey along the Path of Honor even more treacherous. To conserve his energy, Henwell decisively took out this group of assassins, temporarily intimidating the others.

  As for scaring off the assassins and making them too afraid to strike again, that would be a bit naive. Sure, some cowards might back off, but most assassins won't give up so easily. After all, they live by the sword and are used to risking their lives.

  However, Henwell's actions are bound to attract the city's guards. Those lurking in the shadows can't afford to be questioned and will have to retreat for now. This forces them to alter their pns against Henwell, at least for tonight. Assassins operate with a pn; they're not mindless brutes who attack on sight.

  Reorganizing their assassination attempt will take a couple of days. By then, Henwell might have already left Iris City, leaving the assassins to chase him down and continue seeking opportunities.

  Henwell's goal is to disrupt their pns, refusing to fall into their rhythm. Otherwise, he'd face endless battles. It's crucial to avoid being attacked by all the assassins at once; it's better to deal with them one by one over time.

  In any case, Henwell has secured himself a peaceful night's rest. With a murder occurring at the inn, the city's guards will arrive to investigate. Henwell won't need to show his face; his two attendants will present the Duke's orders to expin the situation. The guards won't trouble Henwell, and the Lord of Iris City will be even less inclined to deal with such a troublesome figure.

  The next day, Henwell changes into a fresh set of clothes and, accompanied by his attendants, sets out to visit Viscount Holdsworth. The viscount's castle is located over forty kilometers east of Iris City, with his domain extending about twenty kilometers further east.

  Although not rge among viscounties, his territory is wealthier than many others. The nd is rich with sugar maple trees, boasting four sugar mills and two honey workshops. The production of sugar alone brings in tens of thousands of gold coins annually.

  He commands twenty-six knights, five of whom are knight-baronets sworn to his service. The remaining twenty-one knights serve as the main officers of his army, leading over five hundred elite cavalry. During the War of the Six Kings, Viscount Holdsworth dispatched five hundred cavalry, a majority of his knights, and nine hundred well-trained infantry. Their performance on the battlefield was commendable, surpassing that of typical noble private armies.

  Holdsworth is an old-school noble, loyal to the duchy but seldom involved in its political affairs. When Henwell arrives, the viscount doesn't roll out an extravagant welcome. Nearing fifty, Viscount Holdsworth stands in full military attire atop his castle, calmly observing Henwell's approach.

  After presenting a token of honor akin to a visiting card, Henwell waits for the viscount to set forth his challenge.

  Viscount Holdsworth gnces at the parchment and asks, "Who among you will test this young man's mettle?"

  A knight steps forward, "My lord, I am at your service!"

  Holdsworth turns to the knight, and after a moment, seeing the determination in his eyes, he sighs softly, "Ah, Lowell, how long have you been with me?"

  "Sixteen years!"

  The viscount looks over the knight, now in his forties, "Sixteen years, indeed! Time flies, and how many sixteen years does one have in a lifetime?"

  Knight Lowell replies earnestly, "I can serve you for at least another sixteen years, my lord!"

  Holdsworth counters, "Are you willing to serve me, or is it Viscount Pansy you wish to serve? Lowell, I know you're anxious. You're getting older, and after fighting by my side for so many years, you've always wanted a knighthood."

  "When the War of the Six Kings ended and the duchy granted titles, your name was absent, and I know you felt resentment. You're not alone; others are discontent as well."

  "You've all been with me for so long, and I've never let you down. I asked for patience, just a few more years. Can you not wait even that long? I don't bme you for aligning with Viscount Pansy. But you shouldn't use my honor to curry favor with Pansy while still under my banner, nor should you interfere in this matter."

  "In recognition of your years of service, I won't punish you or reveal your actions. You will become a free knight. Since you can no longer wait and no longer truly serve me from your heart, it's time for you to leave."

  "Perhaps I am indeed getting old, and maybe you'll find better prospects elsewhere. I'll send you off with some gifts, hoping you become a true noble."

  With that, Viscount Holdsworth waves his hand.

  Knight Lowell pauses for a moment, then kneels on one knee in salute before rising and leaving.

  Throughout, he offers no expnations or excuses.

  They're all adults, and saying too much would only insult each other's intelligence and diminish oneself.