The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 162: The War Subsides
As the conflict in the southern border of Vorry Duchy settles, the war in the east with Billie transitions from fierce battles to a stalemate. Seizing the opportunity of the border ceasefire agreement with Vorry, Ogiro Kingdom steps in, aiming to mediate this ongoing war.
Meanwhile, Henwell focuses on consolidating the gains already secured. The main task now is to effectively integrate these benefits into his domain.
Henwell is busy exchanging prisoners for serfs and relocating his population to the new territories. The earliest serfs working the fields have already gained the status of freemen.
According to the agreement, if they choose to stay, Henwell continues to employ them. Houses are built for these freemen, providing them with free accommodation. They are leased at least ten acres of land to continue farming.
Henwell supplies basic rations for the first year and distributes seeds for crops that have been carefully selected.
Why provide rations?
Because these freemen are penniless, and there's a risk they might consume the valuable seeds. The rent tax is set at half of their harvest for the year. Although taking half of the grain sounds harsh, please trust Henwell's conscience.
Compared to neighboring countries, Henwell is considered a remarkably benevolent lord.
Based on average yields, ten acres of land produce grain worth seven to nine gold coins annually. In farming alone, these new freemen can save about four gold coins each year.
Additionally, during the off-season, Henwell often organizes them for collective projects, like road construction, offering some wages in return. Even the monthly two-day militia training comes with meals and pocket money.
If a freeman is particularly industrious or possesses some skills, they can save up to nine gold coins annually. After accounting for yearly expenses, each can save around six gold coins. With frugality, in five years, they could purchase the house Henwell built for them.
Henwell's goal is for them to establish roots in the territory, becoming the cornerstone of his interest group.
Now, everyone in Peace Haven knows that the new territory was seized from Ogiro Kingdom.
While the residents take pride in their army's prowess, they can't shake off the feeling of unease. In their eyes, Ogiro Kingdom is too powerful, and there's always the fear that they might launch another war to reclaim the land. The development of the new territory demands a significant influx of population, so Henwell resorts to filling it with people through these means.
Even though many serfs have been taken in, Henwell is cautious not to settle them all in the new territory. It's almost certain that among these serfs are spies or infiltrators. If conflicts with Ogiro Kingdom arise again, having so many serfs from Ogiro could pose a significant risk.
Therefore, Henwell plans to keep only a portion of the Ogiro serfs in the new territory. The rest are split into two groups: one is sent to the lands acquired from Vorry Duchy, and the other is integrated into Peace Haven.
In addition to these serfs, Henwell plans to relocate some of the workshops from Blood Hill to the new territory. By reallocating excess manpower from Peace Haven and using trade to stimulate population movement, Henwell aims to maintain balanced development across all regions.
The duchy, aware of Henwell's large stockpile of military equipment, requests ten thousand sets of weapons as an advance tax payment.
Henwell doesn't refuse and instead sends the duchy the weapons and equipment seized from Ogiro Kingdom, far exceeding their request. In return, Peace Haven is exempted from paying taxes to the duchy for this year and the next. As for whether Henwell will continue to pay taxes to the duchy in the future, that depends on how things unfold.
With the conclusion of the southern war, trade in Peace Haven begins to slowly recover. Merchants are surprised to find that Henwell's acquisition of new territories has effectively severed the direct connection between Ogiro Kingdom and Ika Kingdom.
This means that trade between the two kingdoms must now pass through Peace Haven. Fortunately, Henwell hasn't raised border taxes and continues to extend favorable treatment to the merchants from both kingdoms. This brings a sigh of relief to the cross-border trading groups.
Currently, both Ogiro and Vorry are embroiled in war. The southwest of the duchy and the northwest of the kingdom have been thrown into chaos by this brief but intense conflict. All parties need supplies, making it an opportune time for merchants to profit.
Peace Haven's workshops are actively purchasing raw materials, and large quantities of goods are being packaged and shipped out daily. Rather than falling into silence after the war, Peace Haven experiences a strange kind of prosperity.
In the third month following the end of the war in Peace Haven, Henwell celebrates his twenty-first birthday. Meanwhile, the war with Billie Kingdom is starting to wind down, and all parties are beginning to send representatives for secret negotiations.
Disguised, Henwell makes his way to the distribution point outside the new district where the caravans gather. He approaches a junior steward from the Ika caravan. Upon seeing Henwell, the steward smiles and says, "Mate, it's great to see you're still alive!"
Henwell chuckles, "Though I served before, the lord’s recent summons didn’t include me."
The steward says, "War is terrifying! Why fight when you can make money peacefully?"
Henwell steers the conversation back, "Pinel, did you find anything?"
Pinel grins, "You've helped me plenty, securing supplies from the leather workshop. I wouldn't forget your request. There's news already! The person you're looking for is quite remarkable. I thought it would take ages, but a casual inquiry brought results. That person survived The War of the Six Kings and is now a knight with his own estate near Namwon City. He's serving in the kingdom's knight order."
Henwell frowns thoughtfully, "What about this Obian knight’s family?"
Pinel's smile fades, "Adolf! Are you sure you don’t have a grudge against him? If you do, I'd advise you to let it go. He's a knight and part of the kingdom’s knight order, quite powerful. You can't compete with that!"
Henwell laughs and waves his hand, "What nonsense! I merely crossed paths with him before. He showed me kindness, and I just wanted to ensure his safety."
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Chapter 162: The War Subsides
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