The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 181: A Chance to Choose
Note: Senra first appears in Chapter 69 and Chapter 70.
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The next day, Henwell visits Senra, who is recuperating in Peace Haven. As soon as Senra sees Henwell, he tries to stand up to salute, but Henwell waves him off, signaling him to lie down. Henwell first examines the medicine Senra is using and then asks the doctor about his condition. After the doctor leaves, Henwell pulls up a chair and sits across from Senra.
"First, I want to thank you and your warriors for your brave fight on behalf of the residents of Peace Haven," Henwell begins.
"Secondly, I'm here to ask about your future plans. You once abandoned your knightly vows to become a noble, which shows your determination. Now, I'm giving you that chance."
"Apart from the Lumir Duchy and Kosen Kingdom, which I can't influence, you can choose from the remaining three kingdoms—no, soon it will be four, as Vorry is about to become a kingdom. You can pick any of these four kingdoms to become a noble. While I can't promise much, I can secure you a hereditary knighthood with your own fief."
Henwell isn't just making empty promises. Over the past few years, Senra has honed his skills and talents significantly.
Divarak from Ogiro is eager for a capable knight-lord to help manage military affairs.
Catherine from Billie is also in need of competent people.
After recent events, Roderick from Ika realizes that he needs a solid team, not just money.
In Vorry, neither Count Jansen nor Count Marcus would refuse a skilled senior officer who has commanded legion-level operations. Fabio and Arius are even more desperate to recruit such high-level officers.
As for loyalty, none of these people are overly concerned. A knight's loyalty is tied to their territory, a natural limitation and bond of geography.
Senra is stunned for a long time, sensing that Henwell is not testing him. Over the years, he's come to understand Henwell's character.
Henwell generally treats his subordinates well, and the war that just happened has shown the entire continent Henwell's commitment to keeping his promises. The thing he had been dreaming of, and it suddenly appeared before him, making him feel as if it wasn't real.
He forces himself to calm down and begins to think deeply, furrowing his brow. Henwell doesn't rush him, simply waiting quietly. After a long while, Senra asks, "If I stay, what can I expect to gain?"
Henwell shrugs, "I can't promise anything specific. I won't be granting knighthood with lands here, as I'm just a knight-lord myself. You're skilled in military matters, but I'm about to reform my military. There won't be any nepotism in my ranks."
"Positions will be earned through competition. If you lack the skills, you might only end up as a mid-level officer. But if you're truly capable, I could entrust an entire legion to your command! You've been through real battles and know that an inept leader can doom an entire army. War is a deadly serious affair, not a game, and I won't gamble with my soldiers' lives."
Senra takes a deep breath, "Then I'll stay!"
Henwell smiles, "Are you sure? This isn't just a spur-of-the-moment decision? We were partners in a transaction before, but staying means you're joining my side."
Senra nods, indicating he's thought it through. It's not a rash decision; he's seen the true nature of things. He has witnessed Henwell's rise firsthand—from a stand-in to the renowned lord of Blood Hill. Henwell's actions have earned Senra's trust and loyalty.
Moreover, Senra understands that his acceptance by various factions and the potential for noble titles are largely due to his military leadership skills, most of which he learned under Henwell. It's because of Henwell that others respect him, not because he's inherently remarkable on his own.
Henwell stands and nods, "Good! Since you've decided, focus on your recovery. In ten days, I'll hold a high-level meeting at Peace Haven to announce your appointment."
In the days leading up to the meeting, Henwell, with Victor's assistance, focuses on organizing military documents and affairs. On the day of the meeting, officers from various ranks arrive at Henwell's estate. The front lawn of the estate has been cleared to make way for tables and chairs, with plans to build a large conference room there in the future.
As everyone gathers, familiar officers exchange greetings and chat. The estate's servants serve platters of fruits and drinks, creating a lively atmosphere akin to an outdoor banquet with hundreds of mid- to high-ranking officers present.
After a while, Henwell arrives at the scene in full military attire. The officers stand and salute, then he ascends the platform and gestures for everyone to sit.
"With the Midsummer Festival approaching and the heat rising, I'll keep this brief. The main purpose today is the reorganization of Peace Haven's forces. But before that, I'd like to introduce a partner—not a newcomer, but someone who's been quietly safeguarding Peace Haven."
Senra steps onto the stage, and Henwell announces, "This is Senra. While we were away, his forces, in coordination with Count Jansen, successfully held off the invasion from the Ika Kingdom."
The gathered officers bow slightly to Senra in acknowledgment. After all, their families and livelihoods are at stake here, so expressing gratitude to Senra is only fitting. The senior commanders in the front row also nod to him, signifying their acceptance of Senra's role and contributions.
Henwell then pulls out a sheet of paper and begins, "Next, I'll announce the appointments for the heads of each division.”
“The Left Wing Army is reorganized into the Peace Haven First Legion, comprising two infantry regiments of 5,000 each, a cavalry battalion of 1,500, along with messengers, scouts, and the legion commander's guard, totaling 12,000 personnel.”
“The Right Wing Army becomes the Peace Haven Second Legion, with the same structure.”
“The Northern Army is reorganized into the Peace Haven Garrison Legion, also with the same structure.”
“These three legions will form the core of Peace Haven's external combat forces!”
“In the east towards Ogiro, the west towards Ika, and the north towards Vorry, we will establish a border defense regiment of 5,000 each.”
“The cavalry units will be reorganized into the First Cavalry Regiment, with 6,000 personnel.”
“The Trade Route Patrol Battalion will have 2,000 personnel, responsible for maintaining the security of trade routes.”
“Both the Workshop District and the New City will each have a garrison regiment of 4,000."
Henwell scans the officers below, who appear somewhat disappointed. They had expected a major military expansion, perhaps in preparing for action against the Ika Kingdom.
Henwell continues, "Additionally, I will establish the Constabulary, a semi-military department dedicated to handling banditry, murders, and various crimes within our borders. "
"This new department will need personnel, so I expect you to submit lists of retired veterans. Exclude those with disabilities; they will be taken care of by the employment placement office in the Workshop District."
The officers look displeased, realizing they'll have to give up more personnel.
Henwell gives them a stern look and proceeds, "Now, I'll announce the commanders of each legion and regiment, who will also be members of the Peace Haven Military Affairs Office.”
“First Legion Commander Rawkins, Deputy Legion Commander Ayla, who will also lead the First Infantry Regiment...;”
”Second Legion Commander Arnold, Deputy Legion Commander Gevana, who will also lead the Third Infantry Regiment...;”
”Garrison Legion Commander Dominic, Deputy Legion Commander Orus, who will also lead the First Garrison Infantry Regiment..."
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Chapter 181: A Chance to Choose
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