The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 104: The Perils Behind the Marriage Alliance
The Duke's orders are clear: Henwell must meet Arius at the border before the Harvest Festival. Calculating the travel time, Henwell has just over a month left in his territory. He quickly revises his plans, holding several meetings to arrange the next six months of development.
Henwell has learned that Arius will be staying in the Kingdom of Billie for two years. During this time, Henwell can occasionally return home. He also plans to set up a network of secret couriers to keep him updated on the happenings in his territory, ensuring it stays on the right track.
Duke Amir isn't leaving Henwell empty-handed. Even before setting off, Henwell receives a down payment: a set of armor infused with extraordinary metals, both lightweight and sturdy. Henwell has long wanted to study these metals, but they are closely guarded secrets of the extraordinary beings, beyond his current reach.
Without the reputation or resources to attract such talents, Henwell can only admire from afar. His war spear, commissioned from an alchemist, cost him nearly ten thousand gold coins, crafted from Bloodsteel. More advanced extraordinary metals would surely be pricier.
This makes the intricately crafted armor all the more valuable. Besides the armor, Duke Amir offers something even more enticing: Henwell's Blood Hill territory is more than doubled, now spanning nearly a hundred square kilometers, surpassing the typical baronial standard!
Henwell's territory is now almost touching the new city, just two or three kilometers away. The royal decree is unavoidable, especially with such generous terms. The down payment alone is hard to refuse, not to mention the additional rewards promised upon completion.
With no other choice, Henwell hastens to manage his territory's affairs, adjusting projects that were meant to develop slowly. These include semi-steel crossbows, advanced city defense ballistae, the construction of mini-fortresses, and the accelerated expansion of his army.
After a month of non-stop preparations, Henwell is ready to set off. Both Rawkins and Ayla express their desire to accompany him, but Henwell declines. He decides not to bring any knights or guards. After all, Amir has no shortage of protectors, with professionals at his side. The Duke values Henwell not for his martial prowess but for his courage, wisdom, and ability to adapt in emergencies.
Before departure, Viscount Jansen calls Henwell over. After some pleasantries, Lady Grace takes Elisa to rest, leaving Henwell and Jansen alone in the study. Jansen asks directly, "What do you think about this mission?"
"Marriage alliance!" Henwell's sharp political insight pleases Viscount Jansen.
Jansen then inquires, "Do you think this trip will be dangerous?"
"Yes!" Henwell responds confidently, and Jansen gestures for him to elaborate.
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After organizing his thoughts, Henwell explains, "There are several parties who don't want this marriage alliance to succeed. First, there's the Noble Alliance. Count Marcus and his allies definitely don't want this to happen. They can't allow Arius to gain a powerful ally!"
"Then, there's the Kingdom of Ika, which isn't keen on our duchy strengthening ties with the Kingdom of Billie. Even our ally, the Kingdom of Ogiro, wouldn't be thrilled about the duchy getting too close to Billie."
"Lastly, there are likely factions within Billie itself that oppose this. After all, no family is entirely harmonious, and they wouldn't target their own princess. So, Arius, the not-so-legitimate prince of the duchy, becomes the target."
Viscount Jansen nods slightly, smiling at Henwell. "And what else?"
Henwell glances out the window, and Jansen gestures reassuringly. "There's no one else here, speak freely."
In a low voice, Henwell continues, "There's also Prince Anthony, Prince Christo, and Prince JoeCena... None of them want another brother with a solid foundation and clear succession rights. Count Obiken and Count Lowel each have their own favored princes. They aren't familiar with Arius and don't want him getting close to the core of the duchy..."
Viscount Jansen's expression darkens. "Don't speak nonsense! That won't happen!" Despite his words, Jansen is secretly pleased. Henwell's willingness to share such confidences shows his trust in the Phoenix family.
After a moment of silence, Jansen speaks again. "Henwell! There are some things I need to tell you. Do you remember why I approached you initially?"
Henwell nods, and Jansen gazes at the moonlit window. "You killed the stand-in I had chosen in the arena. But do you know who influenced that stand-in to challenge you? Count Obiken, who has a good relationship with Duke Raymer of the Kingdom of Billie, used that connection to incite the young knight."
"By the time I arrived, the stand-in had already been killed by you in the arena. Count Obiken had watched your fights; he knew your strength and the strength of my stand-in, which is why he set up that deadly situation. Fortunately, I chose you in the end, and I'm grateful I did! Remember, this conversation is just between us; don't tell anyone else!"
Damn it! It's that old bastard Obiken again!
Henwell curses inwardly, already plotting to find a way to take down that old snake someday. He then asks Viscount Jansen, "Uncle, what about Duke Raymer's stance in the Kingdom of Billie?"
Jansen chuckles. "He's an old fox, no real stance. He's only interested in what's beneficial to him." He adds, "You don't need to worry about his choices; that's the king of Billie's concern. But his second son, Daniel, whom you've met, might be someone you can reach out to for some support."
After chatting a bit more, Jansen pats Henwell on the shoulder. "Henwell! It's enough that you're aware of the dangers this time. I was worried about you and Arius, but now I see I needn't have been. As long as you know what kind of enemies you're facing, I'm confident in your wisdom and ability to handle them."
"Lastly, as your uncle and Arius's foster father, my advice is this: if things get too dangerous, just run! Come back here, and I can still offer you protection; no one will be able to harm you. If this marriage alliance doesn't work out, there will be other options. The most important thing to me is that you both return safely."
Henwell nods, assuring that he will bring Arius back safely. After spending three days at the castle, he rides off towards the border to meet up with Arius.
Watching Henwell's departing figure, Jansen's face is expressionless as he says, "Do you think he can bring our son back?"
Grace corrects him, "Our two sons! Henwell is smart and perceptive; he can tell if you truly see him as family. If you want an outstanding foster son, then you need to act like a father!"
Chapter 104: The Perils Behind the Marriage Alliance
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