Half a month later, Henwell returns to Peace Haven with his n. Viscount Jansen is the first to visit Henwell's knight estate.
"I'm glad you're back safely! I knew you could make it!"
Henwell replies calmly, "I had to."
Jansen sighs, "I know you have grievances. But believe , the plan wasn't supposed to go that way."
"Originally, we intended to act after picking you up. However, due to certain reasons, we had to move early. Both you and Arius ended up in that dangerous situation. A month before the operation, Count Lowel from the northern region had already organized troops and reached Kosen Kingdom, ready to launch an attack at any mont. anwhile, Count Obiken had Fabio lead the Iron Wall Legion east along the river, getting close to the border."
"The Grand Duke did his best to suppress and delay, but the situation was urgent. Soone needed to bring Arius back. Leaving Arius there was too risky for us. In truth, as long as they couldn't capture Arius, the Billie Kingdom wouldn't harm you. At most, you'd suffer a bit, but after things cald down, during the exchange of many prisoners, you'd be prioritized. This was guaranteed by all parties to the Grand Duke, and he personally promised this."
Henwell chuckles lightly, "I'm not blaming anyone. Being weak ans accepting the fate arranged by the strong."
What a joke. Surrendering might have ensured survival, but it was a gamble—betting that the high officials of Billie wouldn't get angry and take it out on us, or that no one would seek revenge by getting us killed in prison.
Hearing Henwell's response, Viscount Jansen is montarily speechless and can only pat Henwell's shoulder.
"Alright! It's all in the past! We must look forward! The Grand Duke won't treat you poorly!"
Henwell responds with a hint of sarcasm, "Yes, to ensure I'm not treated poorly, and to make sure I'm willing to be a stand-in again, he's thoughtfully stationed three entire legions to watch over my base!"
Jansen replies seriously, "You've misunderstood! Those three legions aren't there to guard against you; they're there to guard against the Ika Kingdom! The Ika Kingdom wouldn't want to see us grow stronger. If they seize the opportunity to attack, the Grand Duke worries Peace Haven might not be able to handle it. Once things settle and the duchy transforms, I'll recomnd you beco the lord of Peace Haven! You'll manage it as a baron, and no one can take that away from you!"
Henwell changes the subject, "Uncle, let show you around my estate."
As the two stroll through the estate, they discuss the current situation on the front lines. Fabio's Iron Wall Legion, at the core of tens of thousands of troops, has already established a stronghold in Yosui City. anwhile, Count Lowel's northern army has advanced over 200 kiloters into the northeastern territory of Billie.
The main battlefield remains in the central region, where Count Marcus leads his 20,000 private troops along with seven legions from the duchy. They've already captured Harvest City, with their sights set on Billie Kingdom's capital, Divine Revelation City. anwhile, Kosen Kingdom's forces have seized large swathes of Billie's northeastern territory.
It seems the allied forces of the two countries have effectively cut Billie Kingdom in half. However, Henwell sees clearly that neither country can digest such vast territories. Moreover, Billie, as an established kingdom, has deep roots and isn't easily defeated.
Currently, Billie Kingdom has mobilized thirty legions to the front lines. Additionally, the allied forces of Ogiro and Billie are rapidly moving north, aiming to sever the connection between Luon City and Vorry Duchy. Both Vorry Duchy and Kosen Kingdom are actively deploying troops, escalating their involvent in the war.
For Billie Kingdom, the situation is grim. If Kosen Kingdom pushes south and captures North Bay City, the main battlefield at Rainze City will be surrounded on three sides, facing a dire situation. Rainze City has now gathered 300,000 troops from Billie Kingdom. If these elite forces are wiped out, Billie Kingdom will be in real danger. At that point, both Kosen Kingdom and Vorry Duchy will likely increase their stakes.
Most importantly, after losing so many elite troops, Ogiro Kingdom's stance becos crucial. If Ogiro sees Billie's weakened state and decides to claim a share, Billie truly faces the risk of annihilation. Rainze City cannot be lost! If it falls, the allied forces will threaten Divine Revelation City. Signing a treaty under such circumstances would be even more humiliating and disadvantageous for Billie.
Henwell predicts that in three months, there will likely be a significant shift in the war.
After bidding farewell to Viscount Jansen, Henwell stands in his estate, gazing towards the direction of the new city. Compensation? A baron? Just the caretaker of Peace Haven? Is that all? It seems so things must be claid by oneself.
In the following two weeks, Henwell holds several intensive etings. He has received so news recently and must be prepared. On this day, Henwell secretly ets with his partner at the border.
Viscount Divarak from Ogiro Kingdom greets him with a smile, "Henwell, I thought you might have died in Billie!"
Henwell chuckles, "Heh... that wouldn't do! If I died, you'd lose a lucrative channel!"
After exchanging pleasantries, Viscount Divarak gets to the point, "There's talk within the kingdom about making a move on Peace Haven. My cousin's legion has received word and is preparing to test Vorry Duchy's response."
"You an so in Ogiro want to carve up my territory?"
"That's the idea."
Henwell pulls out a map and draws a line across the border area, "I rember your territory is here!"
"Yes."
"Many must envy your territory. After all, you've made a lot of money, and others can't get a piece of it!"
Divarak says, "Stop beating around the bush, just say it!"
Henwell points slightly behind his territory, "This area should also belong to a viscount. Try to swap your lands to here. Though this area is larger, it doesn't have the resources your land does. I'm sure they'd be willing to trade!"
Divarak's face darkens, "What are you planning?"
Henwell doesn't answer directly, "Have your cousin find a reason to oppose the attack, ideally getting the Ninth Border Legion reassigned out of the kingdom."
"You want to launch an offensive? Are you crazy?"
Henwell smiles, "I'm the kind of person who hits back when attacked. And when I strike, I aim to gain sothing. Besides, don't you think Peace Haven is too small and ready for expansion?"
"What gives you such confidence?"
Henwell gestures behind him, "I've invested my money wisely, and you know well after working together for so long. We've had a fruitful partnership, and I don't want to lose you as a partner. Out of goodwill and mutual benefit, you'd best do as I suggest! And rember, act quickly! Others are eager to reap the rewards, and I can hardly wait myself!"
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