The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 8: I've Got a Business That's Low Risk, High Profit!

Despite the siege looking like a complete mess to Henwell, Wilderness City was eventually captured by the coalition. The strategy used was old-fashioned but undeniably classic.
With help from insiders, the city gates were opened in the dead of night.
Soldiers from the Silent Battle Axe Legion, not even bothering with armor, charged into the city under the cover of darkness, weapons in hand.
The combination of spies and a nighttime assault threw the defenders into chaos.
The defending forces had no contingency plans for such an attack.
By the time another fully armed legion from the Duchy of Vorry stormed in, the defenders couldn't reclaim the gates.
When the Fifth Legion from Vorry entered the city, the battle was essentially decided.
The next day, all defenders of Wilderness City were executed, except for the nobles and valuable captives.
The coalition refrained from plundering the city, recognizing its worth as a strategic base for further attacks and a means to significantly ease their logistical burdens.
Two days after the siege, Henwell finds himself living in a three-story house within the city.
This is Kavize's assigned residence, a privilege only granted to nobles or high-ranking officers in the coalition.
Kavize, a lone wolf mercenary, earns such treatment due to his significant contributions during the siege.
He infiltrated the city, coordinated with insiders, and at a crucial moment, diverted the patrols to ensure the gates were opened smoothly.
For his efforts, the legion commander personally rewarded Kavize with substantial wealth. This gesture not only acknowledges Kavize's contributions but also serves as an incentive, hoping to attract more skilled individuals to join their cause.
Upon arriving at the house, Henwell begins cleaning the bloodstains inside.
As for the fate of the house's previous owner, Henwell chooses not to dwell on it—knowing wouldn't change anything.
In the following days, coalition forces gradually assemble, and the allies have missed their best chance to retake the city.
Kavize enjoys a leisurely time; he's not an officer, so he doesn't attend military meetings or lead troops.
This ease extends to Henwell's life as well.
Now, Henwell is responsible for taking care of Kavize's daily needs, including cooking meals.
Kavize praises Henwell's culinary skills, believing he has the potential to become an excellent chef. Although Kavize loves money, he is generous with his spending on food, clothing, and other essentials.
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Henwell goes to the market daily to purchase food and then returns to cook.
Thanks to Kavize's reputation, the soldiers overseeing the market are less inclined to extort him, allowing merchants to offer lower prices. This enables Henwell to save a bit of money regularly.
Henwell also buys some things for himself, like second-hand clothes and shoes—just basic necessities.
Kavize doesn't mind, as he gives Henwell a fixed amount of money each day. In his words, as long as his own standard of living doesn't drop, whatever Henwell manages to save is his own achievement.
One day, Henwell approaches Kavize, "Master, do you want to make more money?" Kavize tosses a dried fruit into his mouth, "Oh? Tell me more. I can never have enough of those shiny little beauties."
Henwell's plan is straightforward: trade some of the coalition's looted artworks with the city's noble families for cash.
Normally, this kind of opportunity wouldn't exist. In Henwell's experience, after a battle of this magnitude, the city would typically face three days of pillaging.
However, in this case, the looting targeted the commoners and middle class, leaving the true aristocrats and wealthy untouched. They only had to pay a protection fee to avoid trouble.
It's a rule among nations on the continent—nobles are considered superior, even those from other countries. Essentially, it boils down to the notion that, strictly speaking, anyone who isn't a noble is practically a different species altogether.
Kavize catches on to Henwell's idea, "So you're saying those local nobles and wealthy folks are willing to take these items? Are they so sure the allies will reclaim this place?"
Henwell shakes his head, "Not certain at all, but no matter who controls this place in the future, they'll always remain part of the nobility."
Kavize sneers, "Clever thinking. Right now, those precious artworks and jewels are dirt cheap. They're buying them at a tenth or even a hundredth of their original value, and once the war ends, their worth skyrockets."
Henwell replies calmly, "Without such bottom-feeding tactics, how do you think they amassed such vast wealth? It's all accumulated bit by bit. Chaos is a ladder to climb."
"Chaos is a ladder. Well said." Kavize sits up, "So, little guy, what's your plan? I'm a mercenary. I could easily take those spoils and leave this chaotic place, selling them at a high price in a peaceful area. Why lose so much here?"
"First, in these turbulent times and with such a long journey, carrying all those items would be quite inconvenient. Second, those items are fragile and easily damaged, which would greatly reduce their value. Lastly, and most importantly, the real profit doesn't come from what you hold, but from what's in the coalition's hands."
Kavize chuckles, "Haha. I admit you're clever. But do you think others haven't thought of this? I'm sure someone in the coalition is already trading with these nobles. Trying to earn a margin might be a bit naive, don't you think?"
Henwell smiles back, "True, but that's the nobles' business. Many coalition soldiers don't have the connections."
"Instead of lugging around cumbersome spoils, it's better to exchange them for shiny little treasures sooner. After all, that's what everyone ultimately desires. Plus, the warehouse supervisor is human too."
"With so many valuable items in there, who's to notice one more or less? Those aren't the supervisor's belongings, so why not secure something for themselves rather than guarding them with risk and effort?"
Kavize looks at Henwell in surprise, "You really know how to surprise me. Are you truly only ten years old? You seem more like forty."
Henwell bows slightly, "To survive, sometimes people think fast."
Kavize frowns in thought for a moment, "Alright. Give me a detailed plan, and I'll execute it. I'm a fair person. Since you're bringing me benefits, what do you want in return? Let me be clear, letting you go is out of the question. Given the current situation, I doubt you'd risk leaving here."
Henwell doesn't directly state a request, "It's my duty. As for what reward the master might want to give me, that depends on how many gold coins this plan earns for you."