The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 156: A Deal with the Lord
Note：Meredith first appeared in Chapter 79.
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On the twenty-first day of the war, news of the kingdom's army and the noble coalition's total defeat spreads across the northwest region of Ogiro. The logistical counterattack and the border fortress battle deliver nearly thirty thousand prisoners to Peace Haven.
Including the fortress raid, the logistical node city assault, and the ambush counterattack, Ogiro's northern army and four border defense corps are either annihilated or severely weakened. As a result, Ogiro Kingdom can't assemble an attack force of over fifty thousand in the northwest for a while. It will take at least two months for Ogiro to redeploy troops from elsewhere and restore logistical nodes.
Henwell now plans to redefine Peace Haven's territory. He mobilizes his private forces scattered among the populace, forming a ten-thousand-strong unit to garrison the newly conquered lands. Meanwhile, his construction corps, equipped with abundant materials, enters Ogiro to build garrison fortresses.
Concrete and steel are used liberally, with the goal of constructing over fifteen fortresses within three months. Each fortress, housing two hundred troops in peacetime and five hundred in wartime, will become a solid defense line for Peace Haven. They are spaced ten kilometers apart, matching the rapid march distance of his forces.
Henwell doesn't intend to idle the prisoners, either. Aside from nobles and officers, the captives are set to work building roads in the new territories. These meticulously planned routes are being swiftly constructed.
Riding the wave of victory, Henwell begins a large-scale recruitment drive in Peace Haven. With over twenty thousand serfs under his control, he offers freedom from serfdom as an incentive, selecting six thousand. From the eager Peace Haven populace, he picks another six thousand strong men. These recruits immediately start intensive training.
Contrary to others' expectations, Henwell isn't forming a new army; these recruits are merely reinforcements. In a few months, they will be integrated into the expanded corps. Henwell has shown his fangs and tasted victory; now it's time to redirect the trouble elsewhere.
At this moment, Viscount Divarak is still reeling from the kingdom's crushing defeat, feeling a chill of fear.
Fortunately, he had listened to Henwell and exchanged part of his lands with kingdom. Otherwise, Henwell would have swallowed all his territories by now.
However, he is distressed that half of his lands remain under Henwell's control, and reclaiming them seems unrealistic. While he wears a mask of relief at the ball, inside, he's filled with regret. He curses himself for not exchanging all his lands when Henwell suggested it.
Just then, a socialite approaches him. "My lord, would you care for a dance?"
Divarak, still smarting from his losses, has no interest. "Leave me be! I'm in no mood tonight!"
The woman giggles and cozies up to him. "Viscount, what would it take to lift your spirits? Perhaps you should come to my room and have some fun with me?"
Divarak frowns. "I said I'm not interested today! Didn't you understand?"
"Oh? Then what does interest the Viscount? Maybe earning some merits and expanding your territory?"
Divarak raises his hand to push her away. "Are you mocking me? You have no idea who you're messing with..."
Halfway through his sentence, Divarak stops. He notices the woman looking at him with a mysterious smile.
"What do you mean?" he asks, frowning.
"Someone wants to sell you some information. Are you interested?"
"What information?"
The woman leans in, whispering in his ear, "The military defense map of the southern border of Vorry Duchy. Is the Viscount interested?"
Divarak's eyes widen as he grabs her arm. "What did you say?"
The woman pouts playfully. "My lord, you're hurting me! Now, are you interested in discussing this in my room?"
Moments later, inside the woman's boudoir, Divarak speaks with a serious tone, "Who are you?"
"I'm the one to help ease your worries, my lord!"
Divarak catches on quickly, "You're one of Henwell's people!"
Meredith laughs softly, covering her mouth, "Hehe... I never said that! I won't deny it, nor will I admit it!"
Divarak paces around the room for a while, "What does that bastard Henwell want you to say?"
Meredith waves her hand dismissively, "It's about what I want to say!"
"...Alright, what do you want to say?"
"This is the defense map of Vorry's southern border, including internal layouts of some border fortresses, complete with emergency escape routes. Additionally, I'll provide you with timely informations on Vorry's latest military movements!"
Divarak questions, "Henwell... Why is he doing this?"
Meredith pulls out a document, "The information is right here! I aim to relieve your worries, my lord. You can compensate for your territorial losses by achieving military success. What better way to restore Ogiro Kingdom's prestige than by invading Vorry Duchy? "
"Your cousin is currently the commander of the 15th Border Corps, perfectly positioned to cooperate with you for mutual success! It's a deal with no risk and all reward! Does the Viscount need to think it over?"
Divarak responds gravely, "This is asking me to collude with a rival nation!"
Meredith smiles, "So, does the lord wish to be a high-ranking official with limited influence, or a clever man who knows how to adapt?"
Divarak doesn't agree immediately. Instead, he stares at Meredith and asks, "And what's the cost?"
"First, our cooperation has been quite fruitful, hasn't it? Let's consider this as compensation. Peace Haven will remain peaceful in the future. I don't want to switch to a new partner; it's too much hassle and effects everyone's profits!"
Meredith lifts a second finger, "Second, I need someone to divert attention away from Peace Haven. The best way is for a big mess to arise elsewhere, especially within Vorry Duchy!"
"Is that all?"
Meredith leans closer to Divarak, "Of course, I have some minor troubles! If you pity me, my lord, perhaps you could help me out."
"Oh? Henwell... uh, what trouble could you possibly have? With your power, who could challenge you?"
Meredith sighs wistfully, "It's beyond my control! Some people are blocking my path to wealth, and in the future, they'll block yours too. So why not take advantage of this chaotic time to remove these obstacles? In war, people die—soldiers, knights, civilians. So isn't it normal for a few nobles to die too?"
Divarak remains silent for a moment, then bursts into laughter, "Hahaha... Good! Very good! You're right; anyone can die! What a person you are, with such ambition! I agree to this! So, who are these obstacles?"
Meredith shrugs, "There are none! Just focus on your own affairs. When it's time for certain people to die, they will, without you having to worry about it!"
"...Deal! When should I mobilize my troops?"
"That depends on your plan! I'm only providing information; I won't interfere in any way!"
Chapter 156: A Deal with the Lord
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