novelraw Chapter 70: Go Become a Bandit!
Chapter 70: Go Become a Bandit!
Henwil knew that if he directly intervened with military authority, it would definitely displease Baron Jansen.
Therefore, for Henwil to avoid arousing Baron Jansen's vigilance and suspicion, he needed a suitable excuse.
And what better reason could there be than being ambushed on a large scale by bandits?
As for suspecting Henwil's motives, that was inevitable.
After all, Baron Jansen wasn't Henwil's father, so of course he would suspect this stand-in might have some ideas.
Regarding the issue of seizing control of Peace Point territory, not only had Baron Jansen never suspected it, even Henwil himself had never entertained such thoughts.
Henwil clearly understood he was merely a stand-in, without legitimate inheritance rights.
No matter how strong his capabilities were, seizing a noble's territory would be extremely difficult.
The issue of legitimacy alone blocked all possible paths.
Occupying territory would provoke attacks from all surrounding nobles, and the Duchy would never permit such a thing to happen.Of course, if one possessed the ability to withstand assaults from all sides, it would obviously be possible.
But clearly, Henwil didn't yet have the capability to be a Rebel, so he had never considered seizing this place.
For now, Henwil only wanted to accumulate some personal strength and connections, while secretly earning some money to save up.
The various reactions from all parties in Peace Point during the previous attack proved that for Henwil to safely stay here for a year, he needed a reliable armed force.
Knight Umo had already reported this point to Baron Jansen after returning.
Therefore, the Baron agreed to Henwil's suggestion, allowing him to build armed forces at his discretion.
The rest would be organized into the Defense Camp, consisting of four hundred-man cavalry units, with the remainder being infantry.
Warhorses were a major expense. Sir Jansen promised to transfer two hundred Warhorses, but Henwil would have to find ways to acquire the rest himself.
Combined with the Defense Camp's existing Warhorses and those captured and selected from the bandits, they basically met the Patrol Cavalry Camp's requirements.
For the remaining Warhorse shortage, Henwil planned to discuss with the neighboring Knight Roderick.
To see if he had any decommissioned Warhorses and weapons equipment available.
With just a little maneuvering, reaching for the position of Deputy Legion Commander of the kingdom's 11th Border Defense Legion might be possible.
As for the defense forces, which were mostly infantry, keeping up with training for now was sufficient.
After the 130,000 gold coins were distributed among the various parties, only 50,000 gold coins remained for Henwil.
But this money couldn't be used for military construction.
Henwil could form an army, but absolutely must not use his own money, otherwise it would raise suspicions of rebellion.
The funds for forming the army must come from the territory's finances.
For such a large amount of money, Administrator Colo was extremely troubled.
As large numbers of bandits were beheaded and displayed publicly by Henwil, merchant caravans began obediently using the official roads.
If the Patrol Cavalry Camp caught them using small paths to avoid border taxes, the penalty would be doubled.
Additionally, Henwil had other methods to make merchant caravans comply and use the official roads.
The dim, damp dungeon emitted the smell of excrement, but Henwil walked down with a normal expression.
Reaching the depths of the dungeon, he looked at the person lying with their back to the cell door.
Henwil gently knocked on the cell door: "Stop pretending to sleep! Get up and chat!"
Disheveled and covered in wounds, Monroe struggled to get up, turning to look at Henwil: "Chat about what? When you'll kill me?"
Henwil opened the cell door, pulled over a small stool, and sat facing Monroe: "Of course not! If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it long ago!"
At this moment, Henwil was very close to him. With just one step, Monroe could attack Henwil.
But he still sat obediently on the hay pile. He knew that even uninjured, it would be difficult to subdue this youth with knight-level strength.
Monroe stared at Henwil for a moment: "What should I call you? Mr. Stand-in!"
Henwil wasn't surprised that Monroe knew he was a stand-in.
After all, those who bribed Monroe would naturally inform him of some things.
Otherwise, Monroe would never attempt to kill a noble's heir—that would be digging his own grave.
Henwil smiled: "Whatever! You can call me Qin!"
Monroe smiled bitterly: "I never imagined the Baron could find a stand-in as capable as you!"
Me being a stand-in surely means there are larger forces contending behind the scenes. Baron Jansen is just the public spokesperson.
Speaking of which! My background is quite pitiful too, my 'value' kept increasing through displacement.
You know? Initially, I was only worth seventeen silver coins! Pretty cheap, right?"
By now, fear had appeared on Monroe's face.
Henwil leaned forward, bringing his face closer: "Buddy! Thinking of something scary?
Suddenly realizing that death might be the most merciful outcome for you?"
Seeing Monroe slump collapsed to the ground, Henwil sighed: "Ah~! You! Have some skills, but just not clever enough!
Monroe pleaded: "Please tell the Baron, I'm willing to identify the mastermind, just begging him to spare my family considering my years of service!"
Henwil shook his head: "You still don't understand! I'm not here to communicate with you on the Baron's behalf.
Who wants to kill me isn't important to me! Now, I'll ask you one question!
Do you want to live? Do you want your family to live? As long as I don't pursue it, they'll be fine."
Monroe immediately knelt: "I beg you to spare my family! I'll do anything you want!"
Henwil said calmly: "No need for vows! No need to swear loyalty to me! Compared to empty words, I respect human nature more!
You must cross the border overnight into Ika Kingdom territory. I'll prepare everything for you.
Then, follow my instructions to find a bandit called Scar Tiger."
Henwil grinned: "From now on, you're not Monroe anymore. How about Senluo? Sounds intimidating."
"What do you want me to do?"
The dim light in the dungeon cast half of Henwil's face in darkness: "I want you to go become a bandit!"