Chapter 260: Moving It Carefully

The evening meeting ends in chaos, with Jansen’s furious outburst.

In his study, Jansen still fumes, berating the family members for their shortsightedness.

Henwell approaches and pours him a glass of wine. “Uncle, don’t get so worked up. You know, it’s natural that everyone’s struggling to see clearly right now. After all, no one expected King Amir to make such a bold move. Give it some time. Once people cool down, they’ll see through the royal family’s schemes.”

Jansen takes the glass with a sigh. “It’s an open conspiracy, striking right at people’s hearts! The longer this drags on, the more wary they become of you. That distance grows into outright rejection, and eventually…”

What comes after rejection?

Jansen doesn’t say, but it’s obvious: hostility.

He knows Peace Haven’s strength well. It’s not just the Phoenix family—no one else stands a chance against Henwell.

In the end, they’ll only be pawns for the royal family, used to chip away at Peace Haven’s stubborn resistance.

For Henwell, this is a bitter move.

Wiping out the Phoenix family would deal a massive blow to his reputation.

After all, Henwell is part of the Phoenix family.

Strictly speaking, his full name even carries the Phoenix surname!

Destroying one’s own family—no matter how rigid the hierarchy is here, or in any world or era—is never a good idea.

But if Henwell doesn’t act, the Phoenix family that breaks with him will become a shackle, tightly restricting Peace Haven’s growth.

At the very least, Peace Haven won’t be able to extend its influence into the Vorry kingdom and will be forced to focus only on the eastern and western kingdoms.

Standing alone against two kingdoms, Peace Haven simply doesn’t have sufficient strength yet.

Jansen shoots Henwell a look full of frustration. “Didn’t I tell you before? I’ll handle this matter. You shouldn’t have brought up these plans so early!”

Henwell takes a sip of his wine. “Uncle, I don’t want to either, but we can’t afford to delay. You know, the industrial parks in Phoenix territory are just the beginning. Only once I start here can the broader strategies unfold. I can’t wait. I need to know if there’s any chance to mend the family’s attitude toward me.”

Duke Jansen looks up at Henwell. “Henwell, be honest with me. If the Phoenix family stands in your way, what will you do?”

Henwell shakes his head. “I won’t do that! You still have over ten years leading the family. Things will work out. We don’t need to be so pessimistic.”

Jansen’s voice deepens. “I’m speaking hypothetically. Suppose I’m no longer in charge, and the family becomes a stumbling block for you. How would you handle the Phoenix family then?”

Henwell falls silent for a long moment. He chooses not to deceive and replies calmly, “If it’s a stumbling block, it should be moved aside. But I can promise you this—I won’t shove that stone away violently. I’ll move it carefully, with caution.”

Jansen opens his mouth as if to say something but ultimately remains silent.

He exhales with a sigh. “Ah, Henwell, if that day ever comes, you can become the head of the Phoenix family. Then, take the eldest or second son’s heir into your care. Teach him well, so he can inherit the family in the future.”

A warmth stirs in Henwell’s heart. Honestly, the Jansen family has treated him well.

The Phoenix family has played a huge part in his rise.

At first, Henwell only sensed Jansen’s appreciation for him.

Over time, as they spent more moments together, that appreciation grew into genuine care.

Henwell feels that Jansen truly regards him as family.

Though much of their collaboration is driven by mutual benefit, it wouldn’t be fair to say it’s purely transactional.

Henwell speaks gently, “Uncle, rest assured. I won’t let that ‘what if’ happen. You still have ten years leading the family. If you and I work together for those ten years, I promise we’ll have better options. Right now, family members focus on short-term gains simply because our strength isn’t enough.”

”Ten years from now, if both sides double their power, they’ll grow ambitious. By then, Orak will be back, Arius in the east will have grown stronger, and with you holding the fort, the three of us brothers can surely achieve even greater things!”

Jansen nods. “I hope so! Suddenly, I feel a bit old. The future belongs to you kids. As long as you three brothers unite, the Vorry kingdom will surely be inherited by Arius.”

”During the chaos of the transformation ceremony, only Arius stepped forward bravely to shield the Archbishop. The Archbishop holds Arius in high regard and has even blessed his unborn child.”

”I’ve heard that Amir is also starting to take notice of Arius. Kassily, Arius’s birth mother, has already gone to Yosui City. Amir is repairing ties with Arius, officially bringing him into the succession race. If Arius ascends the throne, all current problems will be resolved!”

Henwell nods lightly. “That’s why I need to lay out industrial parks everywhere. This succession battle isn’t like before—it’s going to be a fight. Though not massive in scale, we’re too far from Arius.”

”I have to prepare in advance. When the time comes to finalize things, I’ll disperse troops across the industrial parks. Along with the forces I’ve stationed in Eastern Mist City, these will be crucial support for Arius.”

”But to set up industrial parks elsewhere, the family must take the lead. If the family keeps guarding against me, it sends a warning to others. If this plan proceeds, it’ll get extremely complicated!”

Only now does Jansen realize the deeper purpose behind Henwell’s push for industrial parks.

Not taking any chances, he immediately starts hashing out the details with Henwell.

They talk late into the night until Duchess Grace calls them to bed.

The next morning at breakfast, Grace looks pale and tired.

Noticing this, Henwell asks if she’s alright. Grace just glances at him and shakes her head softly.

Henwell suspects why: next month, Orak is set to resign from his post with the Blood Lion Knights and return to the Phoenix family.