The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 158: How Does It Feel to Be at the Table?
Once Jansen sits down, Henwell poses a question: "Uncle, do you think the duchy can successfully transform this time?"
Jansen contemplates for a moment, " Can it! There are already talks of peace and ceasefire. The duchy is poised to carve out a significant piece of territory from the Billie Kingdom."
"Once the peace agreement is reached, the next step is elevating the duchy to a kingdom, with Amir set to be crowned. This seems like a done deal, something that can't be changed. I'm also worried that afterward, the duchy might hold some resentment towards us."
Henwell lets out a cold chuckle, "A done deal? Isn't it a bit early to say that? While it's true this war won't last much longer, at the negotiation table, it's all about who holds the most chips. Now, what do you think the key chip is, Uncle?"
Jansen frowns, "Surely it can't be us?"
Henwell doesn't answer directly, but continues to explain, "The key chip is the Ogiro Kingdom's stance. They are very interested in weakening the Billie Kingdom. The duchy's leadership has likely considered these scenarios as well."
"Right now, the northern battlefield is in a stalemate, and the Ogiro Kingdom is sure to only put in half-hearted efforts. Both openly and covertly, they'll pressure the Billie Kingdom into signing a humiliating treaty! All of this hinges on Ogiro believing that Billie won't come out victorious!"
As Henwell speaks, he points to the southern part of the duchy's map on the wall.
"But now, the situation is changing! I've struck Ogiro hard enough for them to feel the pain. The Ogiro Kingdom is furious with me, the audacious knight lord who dared to challenge them. They won't admit that their main legion was defeated by a mere knight lord. They'll insist it was a disguise by the duchy's regular army, claiming it was a despicable sneak attack by the Vorry Duchy on Ogiro."
"Whether to appease domestic opinion or for their own interests, Ogiro will have to respond. However, they originally didn't want to get deeply involved in the war. But now, with just over ten thousand border troops, we've easily dismantled the duchy's southern defense system. Do you think the Ogiro Kingdom might see an opportunity here? What if Ogiro deploys ten legions to attack? What kind of outcome would that produce? How much could they gain in this marriage war filled with intrigue?"
Jansen stares at the map for a while, calculating in his mind, then holds his forehead and says, "The duchy can muster no more than eight legions to the southern front! If Ogiro sends in over a dozen legions, the Billie Kingdom in the southeast will seize the opportunity to attack as well. At that point, the entire southern region of the duchy would be engulfed in war! The situation would be utter chaos!"
Henwell points again on the map to Peace Haven and Baron Jansen's territory: "Here, Uncle, you have nearly ten thousand elite troops. With an emergency draft, you could muster an additional ten thousand reserves. And from my side, even if we face attacks from the south, I can still field another ten thousand capable soldiers!"
"Together, we have a formidable force of thirty thousand. Not only can we crush the invading Ogiro legions, but we can also shatter Ogiro Kingdom's unrealistic ambitions. This would ensure that the duchy has enough leverage at the negotiating table to successfully transform and elevate its status!"
At this point, Henwell gives a chilling smile, "Heh, Uncle, you asked earlier who the key bargaining chip is? Strictly speaking, our combined forces are the most crucial chip. Our stance determines whether Amir can ascend to kingship! The fate of the entire duchy, including all the nobles and the royal family, is now in our hands!"
Hearing this, Viscount Jansen springs up from his seat, quickly strides to the map, and studies it intently for a long time. His eyes light up with realization, "Henwell, what should we ask for then?"
Henwell shrugs, "We can ask for anything! The efforts of several generations of dukes, the accumulation of a hundred years—all of it is at stake. Miss this chance, and there won't be another! Amir is willing to sacrifice his own son, which shows his determination."
"In the last War of the Six Kings, the duchy gave its all, losing hundreds of thousands of troops and exhausting countless resources, all for this chance to elevate. But they were ultimately suppressed by the Billie Kingdom, leading to the current plan to target Billie. So now, the initiative is in our hands. Uncle, your demands can't possibly exceed the sacrifices the duchy has already made for this opportunity, can they?"
Jansen paces for a moment, "Peace Haven granted to you, and my territory doubled!"
Henwell shakes his head, "Peace Haven is already mine; I don't need it granted. I'm not asking for anything; I'm just here to support you, Uncle. It's important for others to see that you have the means to control and restrain me."
"That way, they'll feel more at ease, even if it's just a psychological comfort. As for you, Uncle, how about a title of Count of the Southwest? Your territory could be ten times its current size, fitting for such a title!"
Jansen looks at Henwell in shock, "How is that even possible?"
Henwell shrugs, "Of course it's possible! Don't worry; many will agree to it, everyone except the Grand Duke!"
Henwell doesn’t elaborate further, as Jansen understands his implication. Jansen seizes the opportunity to demand the title of Count and an expansion of his lands. In the eyes of the higher-ups, this isn't a steep price.
Count Marcus of the Noble Alliance wouldn't oppose this because it signifies Jansen's departure from the royal faction. The Noble Alliance would actually push for this to curry Jansen’s favor and later draw him into their ranks to strengthen their influence.
Count Obiken also wouldn't object since Jansen's move indicates he is no longer Amir's confidant, which means a significant loss of support for Arius in his bid for succession. Count Lowel of the North would agree for the same reason.
The neutral nobles, mostly concentrated in the southeastern region, have no reason to oppose Jansen’s demands either, as his military actions directly impact the safety of their territories.
Jansen hesitates, "Isn't this a bit harsh on Amir?"
Henwell replies calmly, "Uncle, you’re no longer his chief guard; you’re the head of the Phoenix family! Besides, if Amir truly valued your relationship, why weren’t you included in the power plays behind this marriage alliance? Uncle, what others give you out of charity is never reliable! Which of the duchy’s influential counts got their power through handouts? They all fought hard for it!"
Henwell points to the desk, "Uncle, the Phoenix family finally has a seat at the table! For this chance, the Phoenix family once risked everything, even bearing the shame of rebellion for years after supporting the prince’s ascent. And now! Today! It’s your time to decide! If you lose, you remain a viscount. But if you win, the two-hundred-year-old dream of the Phoenix family, the hopes of generations, will be realized in your hands!"
After a moment, Jansen slowly walks to the desk and sits in the chair behind it. Henwell's lips curl into a slight smile, "Count Jansen, how does it feel to be a player at the table?"
Chapter 158: How Does It Feel to Be at the Table?
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