Chapter 799: Two Paths to Choose From

Mixed emotions churn through the nobles as they study the tall, poised young man before them.

After a long silence, Kaku waves him away. "Leave. We can't accept either option."

"As I said before, Henwell is not a king, and the Phoenix family is not a lump of clay for him to shape as he pleases!"

Pabos shakes his head. "The Phoenix family isn't a lump of clay, but only because my father has chosen not to treat you like one."

"You have already realized how dangerous the situation has become."

"I'll settle this before my father emerges from seclusion."

"I will bear all responsibility for it afterward."

"My father won't blame me. Neither will my mother, and no one in Peace Haven will condemn its heir for stepping into this affair."

"Put all the pressure on me. Let as many people live as possible, and let as few as possible die."

"That will give my father peace of mind, preserve more of humanity's strength, and help us survive the Calamity War!"

Viscount Pierre says, "Young Lord Pabos, we appreciate your goodwill. You're impressive, and you're intelligent."

"But you are still young. You do not understand the interests entangled in this matter. It is not as simple as you imagine."

Pabos replies, "My thinking isn't too simple. All of you simply want too much and refuse to choose."

"I know that some people inside Peace Haven have been pushing events in this direction ever since you first withheld our supplies."

"Many people in Peace Haven deliberately indulged you and allowed you to walk, step by step, toward a dead end."

"Someone in Peace Haven wants to force my father to make up his mind and purge the Phoenix family's aristocratic faction."

"My father values old bonds. He and the Phoenix family helped each other reach their present heights, and that history wasn't easily built."

"He treasures that bond and remains grateful for everything Grandpa Jansen has done for him."

"He wants to move slowly and change the Phoenix family a little at a time."

"But others do not want to wait. Peace Haven is developing too quickly, faster than anyone expected, including my father."

"Phoenix has become a thorn in Peace Haven's side, one that keeps stirring its ennoblement faction into action."

"If that thorn is not removed, something like the showdown between two kings could happen again."

"That is an outcome Peace Haven's decision-makers cannot accept."

Pabos's gaze hardens. "For Peace Haven's future, they'll pull out that thorn even if it angers my father."

"Now it is time for all of you to make a choice."

"You want to remain nobles? Fine."

"But you cannot do so in Phoenix territory, and you must go somewhere far from Peace Haven."

"You do not want to leave your homeland? That is also fine."

"Then surrender some of your privileges and become wealthy nobles content to enjoy your lives."

"Every other choice will lead to your destruction."

"Once my father emerges, there'll be no turning back. Peace Haven will strike with overwhelming force and kill every noble involved, whether they're in this room or not."

Kaku shakes his head. "Pabos, you're clever, but you still don't understand. We're nobles, heirs to generations of honor."

"We cannot become parasites who do nothing but enjoy themselves inside their castles, nor will we cross the sea to become tribal chiefs among foreign natives."

"We'll follow our honor and traditions to the end. Even if we're destroyed, we'll die as nobles!"

Pabos falls silent for a moment, then bows slightly. "Very well. I have done all I can."

"Next, I intend to see Grandpa Jansen. After that, I will leave and cause you no further trouble."

Kaku says coolly, "My father is unwell. He needs to rest and cannot receive outsiders."

Pabos steps forward. "First, I am not an outsider. Phoenix is part of my surname, and I have the right to see my grandfather."

"Second, given the present situation, I have serious doubts that my grandfather is still alive. I must confirm that for myself."

"Finally, this may be my last chance to see him. Please do not stand in my way."

Kaku shouts angrily, "Insolence! Guards, seize him!"

Several guards rush in. Pabos turns to face them. "Think carefully. If you try to seize me, I'll fight back. Even if I have to force my way through, I will see Grandpa Jansen."

"If I'm hurt, I promise nothing about what comes next. Every one of you, your entire households, and even your dogs will die."

Pabos then speaks to the guards as their steps begin to slow. "Let me repeat my name. I am Pabos Phoenix Rudolph."

"Yes, you've guessed it. My father is Henwell, the lord of Blood Hill, and I'm his eldest son!"

"When you strike me, think carefully about your families. If you have no family, think about your friends."

"If you have no friends either, then think about your pets."

"My father cares deeply about family."

"And if Peace Haven's heir is beaten here, what do you think its hundreds of thousands of soldiers will feel?"

"What do you think the field officers of the Military Intelligence Office will do?"

A person's reputation carries weight.

At this moment, not only the guards but even the nobles in the chamber are too intimidated to speak.

Kaku sneers. "You haven't learned much of your father's skill, but you've mastered his domineering ways!"

With that, Kaku moves forward to seize Pabos himself.

Pabos raises a hand, then sweeps his palm down. Projected fighting spirit carves a battle scar into the floor.

"Do not. Count Kaku, by seniority I should call you Uncle, but your strength is unimpressive. You are only at Knight level."

"I am already a Battle Knight. I am young, inexperienced in combat, and I have only just broken through."

"I might lose control of my strength and injure you. That would hardly sound good when word gets out."

As the standoff drags on, a voice sounds from the stairwell. "Pabos, is that you? Come. Let's have a proper talk."

Supported by several guards, Duke Jansen has unexpectedly emerged from his room.

Everyone immediately bows. Kaku hurries forward in excitement. "Father, are you feeling better?"

Jansen ignores everyone else and beckons. "Come here, little wolf cub. Let me see how much you've grown!"

Pabos passes through the crowd and walks straight toward the stairs.

Kaku tries to follow, but Lady Grace stops him as she comes down.

When Pabos reaches Jansen, he nudges aside the guards supporting the duke and takes Jansen's arm himself.

Then Pabos freezes.

Jansen smiles and gently pats his arm. "Come. The two of us should have a good talk. It has only been a year, and you have already grown so tall!"

Crossing a little more than ten meters takes them a long time. By the time they reach the room, tears are streaming down Pabos's face.

Jansen gives him a gentle smile. "Little wolf cub, control your emotions. No matter what happens, stay calm. Now close the door."

Without releasing Jansen's arm, Pabos waves his free hand and uses fighting spirit to close the door.

After helping Jansen into a chair, Pabos chokes out, "How did this happen? Who did it? How could they dare?"

Jansen rubs Pabos's tear-streaked face. "I just finished teaching you, and you have already forgotten again."

Pabos has been exceptionally bright since childhood and has studied countless subjects. A brief probe with his fighting spirit tells him that Jansen's life is already at its end.