The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 193: Spare My Son’s Life
Obiken seems unfazed by Henwell's icy stare. He continues to muse, "Sometimes I wonder, with the War of the Six Kings dragging on for so long, if we look at personal gains, you and your father have benefited the most! The war destroyed your family, yet it miraculously elevated both of you!"
Henwell remains silent, surprised that his father has become a baron of the kingdom. He had planned to use some tactics to strengthen his original family, but it turns out his father fought valiantly all the way to the baron's position.
However, this also means Henwell's identity becomes an even bigger issue.
As Obiken mentioned, if Henwell's family in the Ika Kingdom were commoners, no one would suspect Henwell of betraying the Vorry Duchy.
But now the situation is different!
Obiken is not only a baron of the Ika Kingdom but also a senior commander of the kingdom's elite combat forces.
If Henwell's identity is exposed, what will the duchy think?
They would only see it as a conspiracy!
How would the Ika Kingdom react?
They would eagerly confirm this conspiracy!
At that point, the Ogiro Kingdom, the Ika Kingdom, and even the future Vorry Kingdom wouldn't allow Henwell to continue developing. The fragile balance of Peace Haven would be shattered instantly. Peace Haven would lose its peace entirely and become a battleground!
For Henwell, this is the worst-case scenario. While the Ika Kingdom and Ogiro Kingdom might offer him good treatment, it wouldn't compare to his current situation. Henwell's connections and channels are all rooted in the Vorry Duchy.
If he breaks away from the duchy, it would greatly impact Peace Haven. He would be under others' control for a while, and regardless of whom he allies with, they wouldn't let him develop freely given past experiences.
What Henwell needs most now is time for peaceful development. His visit to Silver Peak City is aimed at securing a few years of stable growth. When Peace Haven expands its army again, that's when Henwell can do something with authority and confidence.
Since Obiken has come to talk, he must have prepared his contingency plans. Even if Henwell were to kill Obiken, his identity would still be exposed.
However, since Obiken wants to negotiate, things haven't reached the most critical point yet.
Seeing Henwell remain silent, Obiken shifts the topic, "To cut to the chase, I want you to spare Fabio's life, no matter what happens in the future!"
Henwell gathers his thoughts, "Count, do you really think I'm set on taking over Vorry? Can't I choose a different target? The Ika Kingdom is vast, and Ogiro Kingdom is also a good option."
Obiken shakes his head, "I've studied you carefully. Since discovering you're Henwell, I've collected all the intelligence about you in the duchy.”
”You're someone who plans carefully before acting, using force merely as a means to an end. Moreover, you seem to consider force as a last resort.”
”Compared to others with military power, you're quite restrained regarding war. You're not as the outside world portrays you! As long as you can achieve your goals, you're willing to use minor tactics that others overlook.”
”Warfare seems to be one of your last options! I've always wondered why you're like this. You're not a coward!"
Henwell scoffs, "War leads to death and consumes massive resources! If people could communicate rationally, many problems could be solved.”
”Unfortunately, people are selfish. Most of the time, they stubbornly stick to their opinions, even if they're wrong! Force is only used when communication fails and all other methods are exhausted.”
”Of course, some people need a good punch to knock some sense into them!"
Obiken nods in agreement, "That's true. You're even more impressive than I imagined. Calm and composed, you've surpassed many in power. But it's precisely your approach that makes you likely to act against Vorry first!”
”As you said, force and war are not cost-effective. You have connections and influence in Vorry, allowing you to achieve your goals without resorting to force. Just like how you lend money to the duchy to reasonably acquire large tracts of land.”
”Many laugh at your seemingly unprofitable deals, but I've investigated your focus on the population within your territory. Your army is also elite; although forceful acquisition could succeed, it would plunge you into political crisis and lead to significant population loss, hindering your trade development."
Henwell chuckles, "Count, do you know how much it costs in resources for a person to grow into adulthood and become a qualified soldier in Peace Haven?"
He holds up a finger, "Nearly six hundred gold coins! It takes six hundred gold coins worth of resources from Peace Haven. From age twenty to sixty, an adult can generate over three thousand gold coins in value for Peace Haven.”
”So, if I sacrifice ten thousand soldiers, it actually results in a loss of six million gold coins and a future loss of thirty million gold coins over forty years! Population is a renewable resource, but the cycle is too long, and it can't be consumed like this!"
Obiken ponders for a moment, then lightly applauds, "Impressive! It's the first time I've heard population value calculated this way! Truly enlightening! You're indeed remarkable, and my guess was right; you will eventually consume Vorry.”
”Many people are your allies now. But as you grow stronger, you'll need more population, then more land to support them, and finally more, and elite armies. This cycle continues until one day, your allies become enemies, and your friends become rivals!”
”I don't have the power to change this outcome. If Fabio followed my command, there might be a chance to stop you. But now, I'm not strong enough, and Fabio won't target you, nor does the duchy want to provoke you anytime soon. I can only watch as you step towards that future, so I ask you to spare Fabio's life in the future!"
Henwell nods slightly, "Alright! I owe him a favor, and I'll try to avoid direct conflict with him. As for killing him, you misunderstand; we've fought side by side, entrusted our lives to each other. I won't kill him."
Obiken raises his glass, "Good! Then I'll erase all traces of your past. From now on, no one but me will know your secret, and I won't leave any backup plans. The more people know, the greater the risk!"
Henwell raises an eyebrow, "Oh? Aren't you worried I might not keep my word?"
Obiken laughs heartily, "Hahaha... Henwell, you excel in one thing! After the war of capturing bodies, some doubted your loyalty, others your character. But no one doubts your credibility!"
Henwell clinks glasses with him, "Then here's to a successful collaboration! Additionally, I want to add a condition. I need insight into the duchy's high-level policy directions. I trust you won't refuse?"
Chapter 193: Spare My Son’s Life
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