novelraw Chapter 69: Do you want to get promoted and make money?
Chapter 69: Do you want to get promoted and make money?
Half an hour later, Henwil emerged from the woods with blood on his hands. "Pour some water for me to wash up! The problem with fresh organs is all the mucous membranes—it's really uncomfortable getting them on your hands!"
Knight Mark dismounted and took out his water skin to help Henwil wash his hands.
As he washed, Henwil instructed, "There are still a few survivors inside. Go bring them out!"
A moment later, the soldiers dragged out seven bandits who were pale-faced and had lost control of their bodily functions.
From the soldiers' grim expressions, one could guess the scene in the woods must have been quite shocking.
After all, many of these soldiers were veterans who had participated in the War of Six Kings and were accustomed to bloody scenes.
Even so, they looked at Henwil with strange expressions in their eyes, even carrying a trace of fear.
Monroe approached him. "Arluis, what did you find out? Who was behind this?"
Henwil gave the somewhat nervous Defense Officer a surprised look. "Why would I ask about that? I don't care who wants me dead. I only want to know where they've hidden their treasure! We came all this way—we can't return empty-handed!"
Monroe looked confused. "But... but... but this is neighboring territory! Even if we know where they've hidden their loot, what can we do about it?"Henwil pointed toward the kingdom's cavalry approaching in the distance. "Isn't our solution right there?"
By now, the Ika Kingdom's border cavalry battalion, having received the news, had arrived nearby with over six hundred soldiers.
The two sides faced each other from about half a kilometer apart, maintaining a standoff.
Henwil ordered the others to stay put while he rode toward the opposing force, stopping at a midpoint between the two groups.
After a moment, the other side sent an officer to question why Henwil's group had crossed the border.
Henwil stated, "I am the administrator of the Peace Point territory and the heir of the Phoenix family. Have your commander come speak with me!"
The officer examined Henwil briefly before riding back to camp. A short while later, the commander of the Ika Kingdom's cavalry battalion came to speak with Henwil.
"So you're that youngest son of the Phoenix family, Arluis?"
Henwil nodded in confirmation. "How should I address you? Are you the cavalry battalion commander of the Kingdom's 11th Border Defense Legion? Should I call you Knight Roderick, or General Roderick?"
Roderick gave Henwil a surprised look, beginning to believe that this young man might indeed be the Phoenix family heir.
Roderick said calmly, "I didn't realize your side pays such close attention to us that you've even investigated my name. However, I must correct you—I'm not a general, just a cavalry battalion commander! Don't get that wrong."
Henwil smiled. "But would you like to become a general?"
Instead of answering, Roderick countered, "Now I must formally question you—why have you crossed the border? Also, why are you wearing our military's standard equipment? Do you realize this constitutes espionage and won't qualify for noble prisoner-of-war treatment?"
Henwil didn't answer either, instead asking again, "Would you like to get rich?"
"Answer my questions! Otherwise, my forces will attack you!"
Henwil continued asking, "Would you like to earn merit and get promoted?"
"...Please lay down your weapons immediately! I personally guarantee your safety!"
Henwil spread his hands. "Here! Let me give you an explanation! You've been patrolling the border and hunting bandits all along. By chance, you received intelligence that a bandit group was planning to assassinate the Phoenix family heir. Out of respect for the friendship between our two nations and responsibility toward noble honor, you contacted the Phoenix family heir. Then, both sides devised a plan where, with the Phoenix heir's permission, you dispatched elite soldiers into Peace Point. Together with the Phoenix family heir, you eliminated most of these bandits within Peace Point territory. Afterwards, due to the bandits' cunning, the remnants avoided your pre-arranged ambush points. Therefore, Knight Roderick, motivated by the principle of thoroughly eradicating bandits to restore peace for border residents and merchant caravans, made an exception to allow the Phoenix family's private soldiers to pursue the bandits into the kingdom's territory. But you also took precautions—to prevent the Phoenix family soldiers from engaging in activities harmful to the kingdom's interests, you had your elite soldiers accompany them as supervision. Ultimately, you wiped out all the bandits, beheading three hundred! Returning victorious, while ensuring the Phoenix family soldiers left the kingdom's territory."
After saying this, Henwil pointed behind him. "The bandits' bodies are back there, along with a few survivors, all wanted for major crimes!"
Roderick frowned. "You're twisting the facts. Do you think anyone will believe this?"
Henwil shrugged. "Of course nobody will believe it! But does that matter? Don't worry, I handle things thoroughly. Afterwards, merchant caravans and local residents will come present you with commendation banners!"
Roderick fell silent, well aware that it truly didn't matter!
With the two kingdoms currently in a ceasefire, both sides were licking their wounds, and neither wanted to reignite the war.
If this matter were officially reported, he'd likely earn displeasure from multiple quarters—definitely not a good outcome.
Seeing Roderick's silence, Henwil knew he was halfway to success. "So the merit part is settled! Now let's discuss getting rich! As you know, these bandits have been active for years and have accumulated substantial stores. I've already found out the location. Given our positions, haggling like merchants is pointless. How about we split it fifty-fifty?"
Roderick narrowed his eyes. "Young man! You're quite clever, but as you said yourself, these bandits have operated for years. Do you realize they have powerful backers providing protection? How do you think those protecting the bandits will react when they learn about this? Will they spare you? Or me?"
Henwil countered, "Are you their father?"
While Roderick was still processing this, Henwil continued, "Since you're not their father, why care what they think!"
A moment later, Roderick suddenly became serious and said to Henwil, "Soldier! You've done well! Return to your unit!"
Henwil saluted using the Ika Kingdom's standard military salute. "Yes, General! Henwil reporting for duty!"
...
Several days later, Knight Mark found Henwil. "Sir, the tally is complete! After selling the goods, it amounts to approximately thirteen thousand gold coins!"
Henwil nodded. "It's a bit less than expected, but it'll suffice."
This was several bandit groups' accumulated wealth over years—totaling just over twenty thousand gold coins—which really wasn't much.
Then Henwil asked, "How's the progress with establishing the defense forces and patrol cavalry?"
After returning, Henwil had immediately used the Phoenix family's authority to dismiss Monroe and had him imprisoned.
Within days, the man had committed suicide.
Tax Collector Herbert had also been reassigned.
These two had been the ones dragging their feet and failing to provide timely support at the hill.
Neither had resisted Henwil's decision—when they learned Henwil had survived, they knew they were finished.
The defense forces were now under Henwil's direct command, with several guards promoted to captain positions.
The patrol cavalry was newly established to protect trade routes, with Knight Mark serving as commander.
From this point, Peace Point's military forces fell entirely under Henwil's control, and he also managed half of the civil administration.
This had been Henwil's true purpose in using himself as bait.
He needed to build his own military power, eliminate the bandits, and create space.
So that when circumstances suddenly changed in the future, he could immediately switch sides and become a bandit leader himself!