The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 70: Go Be a Bandit!
Henwell understands that if he were to directly seize military power, it would undoubtedly provoke Baron Jansen's displeasure. Therefore, to avoid arousing Baron Jansen's suspicion and resentment, Henwell needs a suitable excuse. And what better reason than being ambushed by a large bandit force?
For such a valuable stand-in, Baron Jansen would make some inconsequential concessions. As for suspecting Henwell's motives, that's inevitable. After all, Baron Jansen isn't Henwell's father, so naturally, he'd question whether this stand-in has any ulterior motives.
When it comes to seizing control of the Peace Haven territory, it's not just Baron Jansen who hasn't considered it; even Henwell himself hasn't entertained the idea.
Henwell is well aware that he's merely a stand-in, without any legitimate claim to inheritance. No matter how strong he becomes, it's nearly impossible to seize a noble's territory. The issue of legitimacy alone blocks all paths. Seizing territory would provoke attacks from all surrounding nobles, and the duchy would never allow such a thing to happen.
Of course, if one had the strength to withstand attacks from all sides, it might be possible. But clearly, Henwell doesn't yet have the capability to be a rebel, so he hasn't even thought about seizing control here.
For now, Henwell's goal is to build up some personal strength and connections, while quietly amassing some wealth. The various reactions from Peace Haven during the previous attack proved to Henwell that if he wants to stay safe here for a year, he needs a reliable armed force. Knight Umo has already ed this to Baron Jansen upon returning.
Thus, the baron agreed to Henwell's proposal, allowing him to build up military forces as he sees fit.
Henwell plans to assemble an army of over two thousand troops, with six hundred forming the Patrol Cavalry, taking up the majority of the cavalry allocation. The rest will be structured into the Defense Corps, consisting of four hundred-strong cavalry units, with the remainder being infantry.
The acquisition of warhorses is a major concern. Jansen has agreed to transfer two hundred horses, but Henwell needs to find a way to secure the rest. With the existing horses from the Defense Corps and those captured and selected from the bandits, Henwell manages to meet the Patrol Cavalry's requirements. For the remaining gap, Henwell plans to have a chat with Knight Roderick to see if he has any "retired" horses or surplus weapons and equipment.
After Roderick's success in the anti-bandit campaign, he amassed a significant fortune. With a bit of negotiation, Henwell hopes to reach out to the vice-commander of the Kingdom's 11th Border Legion. Establishing the Patrol Cavalry to ensure the prosperity of trade routes is the top priority. As for the Defense Corps, which is predominantly infantry, keeping up with training for now will suffice.
After dividing the 130,000 gold coins among various parties, Henwell ends up with just 50,000 gold coins. However, he cannot use this money to build his army. Henwell can form an army, but he absolutely cannot fund it himself, as that would raise suspicions of rebellion. The funds for army formation must come from the territory's finances.
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This substantial sum is a headache for Chloe, the affairs officer, but Henwell doesn't see it as a major obstacle. With a large number of bandits beheaded and displayed by Henwell, trade caravans are now sticking to official routes. If caught by the Patrol Cavalry trying to evade border taxes by taking shortcuts, they face double penalties. Moreover, Henwell has other methods to ensure caravans stick to the official routes.
On this day, Henwell makes his way to the manor's dungeon to meet someone. The dim, damp dungeon reeks of waste, but Henwell walks down with a calm demeanor.
Reaching the depths of the dungeon, he looks at the person lying with their back to the cell door. Henwell gently knocks on the cell door, "Stop pretending to sleep! Let's have a chat!"
Monroe, disheveled and covered in wounds, struggles to sit up and turns to face Henwell. "What’s there to talk about? When you'll kill me?"
Henwell opens the cell door, pulls up a small stool, and sits across from Monroe. "Of course not! If I wanted you dead, it would have happened already."
At this moment, Henwell is close enough that Monroe could attack with just a step. But he remains seated on the pile of straw, knowing that even if he weren't injured, it would be difficult to overpower this young man with the strength of a knight.
Monroe stares at Henwell for a moment. "What should I call you? Mr. Stand-in?"
Henwell isn't surprised that Monroe knows he's a stand-in. After all, those who bribed Monroe would have informed him of some details. Otherwise, Monroe would never have attempted to kill a noble's heir—an act of digging his own grave.
Henwell chuckles, "Call me whatever you like! You can call me The Flash."
Monroe gives a bitter smile. "I never expected the baron to find such a formidable stand-in!"
Henwell's smile is filled with malice. "Heh... Have you figured something out yet? Still deceiving yourself? There's a larger force at play behind my role as a stand-in. Baron Jansen is just the frontman. Do you know how much he paid for a stand-in like me? Fifty thousand gold coins! Quite a price, isn't it? My life story is quite pitiful, with my value increasing as I drifted around. You know, initially, I was only worth seventeen silver coins. Quite cheap, right?"
At this point, Monroe's face shows a look of fear. Henwell leans forward, bringing his face closer. "Buddy, have you thought of something terrifying? Realizing that death might be the most merciful end for you?"
Seeing Monroe collapse helplessly to the ground, Henwell sighs. "Ah, you... You have some skills, but your brain isn't quite up to par! Being played by Herbert like that, and you dared to get involved in this mess? Do you have a death wish, or are you looking to bring ruin upon your family?"
Monroe pleads, "Please tell the baron that I'm willing to name the mastermind. I just ask for mercy on my family for my years of loyalty."
Henwell shakes his head. "You still don't get it! I'm not here on behalf of the baron. Who wants to kill me is irrelevant to me. Now, let me ask you one question: Do you want to live? Do you want your family to live? As long as I don't pursue this, they won't be harmed."
Monroe immediately kneels. "Please, spare my family. I'll do anything you ask!"
Henwell replies calmly, "No need for oaths or loyalty to me. I value human nature more than empty words. Now, I'm going to let you go. You must still have trusted allies. Tell me their names. You need to leave the territory tonight and head to the Kingdom of Ika. I'll prepare everything for you. Then, follow my instructions to find a bandit named Scar Tiger."
Henwell grins. "From now on, you're no longer Monroe. How about we call you Senra? Sounds more intimidating."
"What do you want me to do?"
In the dim light of the dungeon, Henwell's face is half-hidden in darkness. "I want you to become a bandit!"
Chapter 70: Go Be a Bandit!
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