Chapter 811: Father and Son

Melissa slips an arm around her husband. She knows Henwell's anger was never truly aimed at her.

He was angry with himself, and every question he hurled at her was another blow against his own conscience.

That was why his composure cracked and his emotions slipped free.

Melissa looks at him with concern. "You should return to seclusion. We can handle everything else."

Henwell shakes his head. "Not yet. If I enter seclusion again, it will have to wait until after the Calamity War."

"As time passes, I can slowly adjust my state of mind."

"I had only just emerged from seclusion and still lacked full control over my power. That was why this happened. It will not happen again."

"The continent's balance of power is about to shift. I need to be here for every step of it."

"Orak's return, the Phoenix family's reorganization... I need to be here to keep both under control."

"Next, I will draft a series of regulations to restructure every aspect of Peace Haven."

"I will focus most of my attention on the military and technology. I need you to oversee matters concerning the people's livelihood."

The couple continues their discussion until dawn.

By the next day, Peace Haven's senior officials can all feel the difference. Their calm, confident lord has returned.

A few days later, Pabos comes home for the holiday.

Henwell sits down with his eldest son. There are certain things Pabos needs to know as well.

First, Henwell tells him about his origins and explains that Jansen and his wife knew the truth.

Pabos is quick to grasp why his mother defied Henwell's wishes and set the Phoenix family's deadly purge in motion.

Seeing Pabos's spirits sink, Henwell consoles him. "Son, I am not indecisive. There are simply many things I cannot tell any of you."

"The Calamity War is one example. I know the deeper cause behind it, but I cannot tell you."

"Your professional power is not yet strong enough to bear that secret."

"Your mother acted not only to protect your biological grandparents. She had a deeper reason as well."

"She wanted to create a rift between Arius and me. If war with Vorry truly breaks out one day, she does not want me to let personal feelings lead me into a disastrous decision."

"I will tell you this much about your Uncle Arius: our relationship is unusual."

"We are not absolute enemies, despite what all of you believe."

"How should I put it?"

"We are interdependent, but we are also competitors within a partnership."

"Calling us mortal enemies would be a gross exaggeration."

"We may clash one day, but that will be a matter between the two of us. It will have nothing to do with any of you."

"I will handle it. None of you need to interfere."

"If any of you tries to help, you could easily create another disaster like the one with the Phoenix family."

Pabos nods. "I understand, Father. I will cooperate with you."

Henwell studies his eldest son, now nearly six feet tall, and pats him on the shoulder. "I have tried to be a good father, but I have never had enough time."

"I did my best to stay by your side throughout your childhood, but I missed far too much of your growth as you entered your teenage years."

"I will teach you properly from now on. You will finish your studies early in the second half of this year, then stay by my side and learn how to govern."

Pabos shakes his head. "Father, I want to study at the Military Academy. The Calamity War is about to erupt in full force."

"As your son, I need to learn more about combat and command."

"You can no longer lead troops into battle yourself, but the soldiers shedding blood at the front need someone of Henwell's bloodline to inspire them."

"They must know that Henwell's family will always stand on the front lines."

Henwell meets his eldest son's unwavering gaze, his heart churning with conflicting emotions.

In the end, Henwell grants his request.

Henwell takes his son to the armory.

It houses all manner of exceptional weapons Henwell has collected over the years.

Henwell gestures toward the rows of weapons and armor. "I heard you went into Phoenix territory alone."

"It took courage, but it was also extremely dangerous."

"You underestimated how determined Veil and the church are to control me."

"If your teacher had not sent word and asked his younger brother to protect you in secret, you would never have made it back to Peace Haven."

Henwell's expression turns serious. "You must think carefully before doing anything so dangerous again."

"If something happened to you, I would certainly kill a great many people."

"But killing them would not bring my son back. Losing you would leave a wound nothing could ever mend."

"Neither the church nor the empire is worth as much as my son's life."

Pabos is visibly moved, and tears gather in his eyes.

Henwell pats him on the shoulder. "Go on. If you intend to become a brave warrior, you need excellent equipment."

"Choose whatever you like. You do not need my advice. Only you can feel whether a weapon truly suits you."

As Pabos excitedly examines the exceptional weapons, he asks, "Father, Mother told me you have a dragon's soul with you. May I see what a dragon looks like?"

The curiosity and excitement shining in his son's eyes delight Henwell. This is how a boy his age should be.

Good.

His son has grown into neither a spoiled wastrel nor a dullard, nor has he become solemn before his time.

With that thought, Henwell envelops his son in the Light of Civilization.

Pabos then sees Barbarossa glaring at him with undisguised malice.

The moment Barbarossa notices Pabos's gaze, he roars, "Ant! What is the meaning of that look? Are you mocking and humiliating me?"

No sound leaves Barbarossa's mouth. The dragon speaks through waves of spiritual power instead.

Pabos is not particularly surprised that Barbarossa can speak. He merely smiles awkwardly. "Lord Dragon, I meant no offense."

"It is just... you are much smaller than I imagined, and you do not seem to be in very good condition."

Barbarossa bellows, "Ignorant fool! Your despicable father is restraining me!"

"The Deathwing is large enough to cover an entire town. I could destroy a human city with ease."

Barbarossa's eyes dart about. "Little one, don't you want to see my true size?"

"Tell your despicable father to release me, and I will show you what true majesty looks like."

Pabos turns to Henwell. "Father, you should bind it more securely. It looks like it is plotting something nasty."

Barbarossa flies into a rage and opens its jaws, trying to bite Pabos.

Neither father nor son pays it any attention. They continue choosing a weapon.

Pabos eventually settles on a longsword Henwell brought back from the Fendicasa ruins.

Barbarossa draws close again. "Little one, do you know what this sword is called?"

"It is called the Kingslayer Blade. Its former owner slew many rulers, most of them human kings."

"It suits you perfectly."

"One day, you can use it to stab your father to death and seize his throne."

Pabos nods. "The Kingslayer Blade? A fine name. I'll use it to cut down every king who stands in my father's way."