Chapter 858: The Brothers Meet Again

The next day, coalition headquarters announces the penalties for the operation's failures.

Many Lumir nobles are found to be involved. Elite Western Federation troops seize their property and wipe out their clans.

With a Western Federation execution supervisor beside him, a grim-faced Prince Oniro executes the First Warband's military recorder.

The recorder's family is stripped of its noble status, and every member is reduced to a commoner.

The killing strikes at the will to resist as well.

Henwell does not act lightly. When he does, he makes the other side abandon the idea for good.

If something like this happens again, no one in the First Warband will dare obey those voices from within Ika.

Henwell has accompanied Prince Oniro to Five Forts.

The men of all three warbands are thrilled to see the lord of Blood Hill up close for the first time. His name is feared throughout the continent.

Henwell offers encouragement to each officer and personally presents the medals sent by headquarters.

He keeps his address at the ceremony simple. "I can't promise you wealth and status."

"I certainly can't promise to keep you alive."

"The one promise I can make is that you'll never be sacrificed to some bullshit scheme."

"All I can do is make sure you can fight without worrying about a knife in your back."

"Many of you may die. But you'll die with honor for humanity, not as victims of someone else's struggles."

"Your sacrifice is for humanity, not for any one person or faction!"

Whether they serve Peace Haven or not, the men cheer Henwell with fervor.

That evening, Henwell meets Whistler.

They have not seen each other for decades. Now, face to face, the brothers stand in silence for a long time.

At last, Henwell pats Whistler's shoulder. "It's been a long time. You were only three when I carried you in my arms back then!"

Whistler's tears spill over. "Brother..." he chokes out.

Henwell smiles. "All right. Don't be sad. We're both alive. Nothing matters more than that."

The brothers talk at length.

Since gaining a firm foothold, Henwell has kept a quiet watch over his family.

When his younger brother Whistler married, Henwell attended the wedding in disguise.

Whistler married Viscount Theodore's third daughter. The viscount was the Ika noble who had first helped Obian rise.

Back then, Obian's family had married above its station.

Obian's family was newly elevated, with nothing like the generations of resources and influence behind Theodore's lineage.

But Obian kept rising. Today, he is more than the marshal of Livos territory.

He holds a count's title in both the Ika Kingdom and Livos territory, and his publicly recognized eldest son has become the Viscount of Diversion Bay.

Father and son wield real authority. Each has troops under his command.

The family has two Grand Knights, and may soon have three.

The youngest son, Pfeiffer, is already a seasoned Battle Knight while still under thirty. It should not be long before he advances.

With the family so distinguished now, it is Theodore's side that has married above its station.

The marriage has made Viscount Theodore his family's most influential member. He may even become heir to its marquess title.

Henwell's younger sister Jenny is married as well.

She married into an Ika Kingdom count's family aligned with the Grand Princess.

Jenny is in her thirties now and has three children. Henwell has secretly arranged teachers for all his siblings' children.

Jenny learned Henwell's identity earlier than Whistler did.

Her ambitions are more modest than Whistler's. She visits Henwell in Peace Haven from time to time, using supply purchases as an excuse.

She has kept the truth from Whistler, afraid he might give something away if Peace Haven were in danger.

With the family news covered, they turn to their future plans.

Whistler promises to take care of Pabos. Henwell shakes his head. "He can look after himself. I sent him out to gain some experience."

"Too much attention would make people suspicious and hinder his growth."

"Don't worry. After the fuss I've made, everyone will behave for a good while."

"Time is on our side. Before long, all of you will have grown strong."

"Then no one will be able to push the Mobile Strike Group around."

Henwell looks at Whistler. "The Western Federation has placed a great many orders with Peace Haven."

"I'll be opening up sales of many of our better goods."

"I'll make Heart-Piercing Lotus, the Thunder Hand Cannon my personal guard uses, and even the mobile steam ballista available one after another."

"I'll arrange some good things for you. After you rescued Pabos in this battle, outsiders will just think I'm thanking you for your help."

"I'm also giving you five hundred places for professional enhancement."

"Choose soldiers you trust. Men who have already begun to sense and touch extraordinary power would be best."

"I'll give you more places later. That will help you keep a firm grip on the First Warband."

"You command troops. I don't need to explain what to do."

"Your warband's numbers will gradually increase. It's a good opportunity. Make the most of it."

"One last thing you should know in advance. I have a deal with the Grand Princess. She will give me Livos territory."

"Build your strength now. When the time comes, secure your position so I won't have to split off troops to reinforce you."

"I can't tell you yet why the Grand Princess is doing this."

"Work hard. Once you're close to breaking through to Glory Rank, you'll understand."

Whistler nods despite his shock. "I understand, Brother. It's a deeper contest between extraordinary powers."

"My teacher has mentioned such things. I don't know the details, but deals are normal in the extraordinary world."

"But you said the Grand Princess is a top-tier Warlock."

"Since she has kept that so well hidden, be careful when you deal with her, Brother."

Henwell nods. "I know what I'm doing. She won't get the better of me."

He hesitates before continuing. "Whistler, once Livos joins Peace Haven, our family will have to give up its noble status."

"You know that the Peace Haven I founded does not grant noble titles."

"If I make an exception for my family, there'll be no end of trouble later..."

Whistler waves him off. "Say no more, Brother. I owe you my life. A noble title means nothing beside that."

Then he smiles. "Besides, being the younger brother of the lord of Blood Hill is far more impressive than a noble title!"

Henwell chuckles too. "Don't worry. You'll still live very well without being nobles!"