The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 99: Holding Both Light and Shadow
Henwell has been in his territory for over half a year now. After dealing with the spring farming tasks, construction on his manor begins. Jansen, formerly a baron, has now been elevated to viscount status.
After the new year, Jansen successfully rose to the rank of viscount. The Phoenix family's territory expanded several times over, incorporating parts of Peace Haven. Arius has been sent to live near the capital at the Phoenix family castle, where he'll spend a considerable amount of time.
The Phoenix family's elevation to viscount brings benefits to Henwell, granting him more authority. Additionally, Viscount Jansen begins the construction of Henwell's knightly manor.
With Peace Haven's finances in good shape, it's just a matter of hiring people for the construction. Craftsmen are dispatched from the viscount's territory, including designers and skilled workers who had contributed to building Jansen's castle. Henwell also provides some workers, mainly those looking to gain experience.
Finding laborers isn't difficult, as Peace Haven has a surplus of idle workers readily available for recruitment. With Henwell's recommendation, the designers and builders choose a well-known construction group from the new city.
This group was established two years ago, starting with the warehouse district and growing steadily since. It boasts a large number of skilled workers and extensive experience in building houses, far surpassing the expertise of individually recruited laborers.
Naturally, this is Henwell's own construction group!
Despite the emergence of numerous construction groups due to the new city's development, only two major ones stand out. One is exclusively owned by Henwell, while the other is a joint venture established by Henwell in collaboration with Knight Mark and Officer Chloe.
Henwell has his reasons for involving his own construction group in the construction of his manor. While tapping into the duchy's construction funds is a minor benefit, the primary goal is for his team to gain experience in high-end building projects.
Much like the craftsmen he arranged to "assist" but actually learn from the experts, Henwell is focused on developing skilled craftsmen. Only when his craftsmen are technically proficient can they help build more useful structures, such as small war fortresses and star forts that might be needed far into the future.
This is a subtle way of nurturing his team of building engineers, an aspect many nobles overlook. They often underestimate the value of these so-called lowly craftsmen, but Henwell understands their crucial role in his development plans.
After reviewing the design team's blueprints, Henwell makes a few modifications and instructs them to commence work as soon as possible.
Next, Henwell plans to hold a meeting with his inner circle. On the surface, this includes key figures in the military: Cavalry Commander Rawkins, Infantry Commander Ayla, and Logistics Commander Jacob. In administrative matters, there's Officer Chapman, Workshop District Chief Eulen, Construction Supervisor Marnes, and Agriculture Officer Bowman.
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In finance, Tax Officer Derek, trade caravan leaders Covdale, and commercial group manager Dulles play essential roles. Of course, there's also Henwell's butler and head maid, Wendy.
These individuals form Henwell's official team, each leading a department carefully structured by him. As Henwell's influence grows, he plans to create more departments, though currently, he's working with the talent he has. Even so, the number of departments under Henwell's command already surpasses those of other nobles, and their efficiency is incomparable.
After setting the agenda for the quarter, Henwell secretly gathers another group of trusted allies. This includes the Wind Raider leader, Black Knight Senra, and Scar Tiger Yorkel.
From the Ika line, there are smuggling caravan leaders Mortis and George. From the Ogiro line, Jonah and Joey head the smuggling operations. There are also leaders of more discreet industries—casinos, brothels, money lending, and slave trading.
Though Henwell is always in need of funds, he doesn't rely solely on the profits from these illicit industries. His involvement is strategic; these activities are impossible to eliminate entirely. Rather than allowing them to grow unchecked, Henwell chooses to intervene, setting industry standards to prevent these enterprises from becoming utterly inhumane.
These industries have extensive reach and provide Henwell with crucial intelligence. Currently lacking reliable personnel, Henwell can only dream of establishing a formal intelligence system. This marks the first official meeting of all the leaders of Henwell's illicit ventures; previously, their cooperation had been more clandestine.
Back then, Henwell had no official status, merely using Arius's name to gather these unsavory characters. Without strong means to control them, Henwell maintained single-line contact to avoid complications.
Things are different now. As the lord of Blood Hill and the manager of the new city, backed by the Phoenix family, Henwell has money, power, and military strength. Who would dare oppose him?
Furthermore, as the leaders look around at their peers, they're shocked to realize they're part of the same organization. With Henwell now firmly established, some tasks require effective coordination and collaboration among them.
Not only must the legitimate industries undergo systematic adjustments, but the underground businesses also need proper integration to boost efficiency. "The plan for the next quarter has been distributed to each of you. If you need financial support, go to Mortis and Jonah. If you require forceful solutions, seek out Scar Tiger. For major issues, contact me directly."
Senra and Scar Tiger's Wind Raider now boast three hundred cavalry bandits and six hundred infantry bandits, all elite fighters. They form the strongest bandit group in the region, controlling the area's bandit population.
Bandits can't be completely eradicated; as long as there's profit, there will be those willing to take risks. Rather than exhausting resources to eliminate them, Henwell chooses to guide them, protecting his interests while undermining competitors.
This gathering of illicit industry leaders serves to demonstrate Henwell's formidable influence. It encourages them to set aside any personal agendas, assuring them that following Henwell won't lead to trouble, but warns against causing any. Henwell aims to control both the legitimate and illegitimate sides of Peace Haven, achieving absolute dominance. His strategy is simple: mutual interests.
Henwell offers more than anyone else can. What others can't provide, Henwell still delivers. He doesn't demand their loyalty to him, only that they remain loyal to their own interests.
Chapter 99: Holding Both Light and Shadow
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