The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 75: Striking a Deal
After Knight Lowell departs, Viscount Holdsworth looks around at the other knights. "And what about the rest of you? Anyone else growing impatient or found a better lord to serve?"
Every knight, including the knight-baronets, kneels on one knee, their swords grounded, signaling their unwavering loyalty.
Holdsworth chuckles and gestures for them to rise.
"Stand up, all of you. I trust Lowell's loyalty to me as well. I understand his choice; he's getting older and couldn't wait any longer. He never meant to betray me; he just wanted to establish his own legacy while he's still in his prime. I understand all of you, too."
"But let me remind you, are you truly ready? Serving a noble and becoming a noble are entirely different things. Some things can't be learned. Nobility requires not just strength and wealth, but also wisdom and patience. Are the opportunities you see really that promising? If becoming a noble were as easy as taking shortcuts, nobility wouldn't be so esteemed."
He gestures towards Henwell, silently waiting by his warhorse outside the castle.
"Look! That's the price of taking shortcuts! The so-called 'The Path of Honor'—it's a path of blood and fire!"
After mocking the Phoenix family, Holdsworth turns back to his knights.
"This path is fraught with danger, and I don't want my old comrades venturing down it. This time, the 'Path of Honor' is treacherous, with unseen forces competing behind the scenes. It's not just your small frames at risk; even I wouldn't dare step into that mess. A single misstep could lead to complete ruin!"
"Don't be hasty. I've already made arrangements. I will carve out two knightly fiefs within my domain."
"Additionally, I've secured three knight-baronet titles from the duchy, which will be available in a year. Take your time; everything will come in due course. I've promised never to let you down, and what you must do is wait patiently and prepare yourselves to become true nobles!"
At this moment, Viscount Holdsworth signals for the castle gates to open, welcoming Henwell inside. In the grand hall, Holdsworth sits on a high-backed chair, looking down at Henwell as he bows in greeting. On either side, knights stand in formation, clad in armor with swords drawn, their hands gripping the hilts and the tips lightly touching the edge of the central carpet. The atmosphere is solemn and imposing.
Unlike his two tense and wary attendants, Henwell wears a gentle smile, seemingly unfazed by the intimidating display. He greets Viscount Holdsworth with a calm, clear, and articulate voice.
After a moment, Holdsworth remarks, "A promising young man! Would you be interested in developing your talents here with me in the future?"
Henwell responds with composed respect, "My father always said that Viscount Holdsworth is a noble who embodies both wisdom and valor. If possible, I would certainly be eager to learn more from you!"
This story has been taken without authorization. any sightings.
Ah, such talent is hard to keep!
Viscount Holdsworth shifts his tone, "I have no prior dealings with your father, and our families have no ties. I handle matters impartially. However, due to the issues involving you and your father, I've lost a good friend today. This has put me in a foul mood, so watch yourself, young man!"
Henwell smiles, "You're joking, my lord. If someone can be lost, perhaps they aren't a true friend. As for our families having no connection, that's only until now. We can start fresh from today! It's unfortunate you've lost an old friend, but the best compensation is to gain a new one, wouldn't you agree?"
Holdsworth scoffs, "Oh? Quite bold. So, if I decide to make things difficult for you today, does that mean the Phoenix family will become our enemies? Can you make that call?"
Henwell stands tall, "I certainly can! From the moment I embarked on the Path of Honor, I am Arius Phoenix, fully representing the Phoenix family."
Ignoring the disapproving glances from the surrounding knights, Henwell continues, "Becoming friends isn't just about words; that would be deceitful. I believe you would prefer to be our ally, as no one wants to antagonize wealth, right?"
"Oh? Is the Phoenix family offering money?"
"Of course not! Buying friendship with money insults both the friend and you, Viscount. I have a business proposition to discuss with you. If you're willing to spare some time, I suggest we talk privately."
Viscount Holdsworth studies Henwell for a moment, then nods slightly, "Very well."
With that, the surrounding knights withdraw. Henwell also gestures for his two attendants to leave.
Once the hall is empty, Henwell exhales deeply and rubs his thigh. He glances around before casually pulling up a chair and sitting down. Throughout this, Viscount Holdsworth remains silent, simply watching Henwell.
"My lord, as you know, Peace Haven is now under the management of the Phoenix family, and after spending a year there, I've learned quite a bit. It's currently a trade route for three nations and will soon become a trade hub."
"I can open a private trade route for you, with at least three caravans bypassing Iris City to source goods from you. This means selling the duchy's finest sugar products to Ika and Ogiro. You'll save a significant amount on costs, and the purchase price for the caravans will be higher than in Iris City!"
Viscount Holdsworth chuckles, "Sounds a bit like smuggling to me. Sugar products are regulated by the duchy, especially for international trade."
Henwell raises an eyebrow, "That's not quite right! How can it be smuggling? I'm not selling sugar to the other two countries. It's merely a diplomatic gesture to maintain peace among the three nations, gifts to merchants from those countries."
Holdsworth gives Henwell a knowing look, "I suppose they'll return the favor with some gifts of their own?"
Henwell snaps his fingers, "Exactly! It's only polite. But we don't demand reciprocation."
"And how do you ensure they'll reciprocate?"
Henwell shrugs, "We can't guarantee it! After all, we're official representatives. But others can ensure it, like, say, unsavory characters or marauding bandits."
Holdsworth doesn't pursue the topic further, "You know, I agreed to this private conversation not out of respect for the Phoenix family, but to give you a chance."
Henwell isn't surprised that Holdsworth understands his position; after all, he's dealing with an established noble. Though they seldom meddle in politics, a family with a history spanning two to three centuries has its intricate networks, making it easy to know some inside information.
In response to Holdsworth's attempt to recruit him again, Henwell smiles, "My dear lord, I'm not here representing the Phoenix family! The Phoenix family wouldn't associate with bandits, nor would they have ties within those two nations."
After a moment of silence, Viscount Holdsworth simply says, "Interesting!"
.
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Chapter 75: Striking a Deal
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