Chapter 224: Persuasion

The war between the Ika Kingdom and the Vorry Duchy has already reached a massive scale, nobody wants to escalate it any further.

Especially with spring planting season looming, everyone naturally opts for a ceasefire.

Though the standoff continues, everyone understands the war’s basically over.

Now, it’s just up to the high-ups on both sides to negotiate the aftermath.

When it comes to prisoner exchanges, both sides have no objections.

But on war reparations, neither side is willing to budge an inch.

No matter how much compensation is demanded—even if it’s just a damn copper coin—it’s an admission about defeat.

Then there’s the issue of occupied territories.

The Ika Kingdom is absolutely refusing to return the lands near Vorska and is even insisting on asking for the territories Henwell seized.

On this point, Ika is being tough as nails.

The duchy’s willing to swap occupied lands, but here’s the catch: the Vorry Duchy barely managed to hold its ground in this war.

At the Iron Wall front, holding back Ika’s assault was already a stretch.

The Vorska line was even worse, just barely hanging on.

In the end, Ika’s forces grabbed thousands of square kilometers of land.

The only territory the Ika Kingdom lost was in the Peace Haven area, but that was Henwell’s doing, and the duchy didn’t lift a finger.

More than that, Henwell even pulled elite troops from his own ranks to reinforce the Vorska front up north, breaking the siege and saving the duchy’s ass.

Now the duchy can’t just expect Henwell to hand over all these spoils on a whim.

If that happened, all the effort and financial drain Henwell went through was just for the duchy’s benefit?

He’s not Amir’s father, why the hell should he do them any favors?

So when the duchy’s envoys start dropping hints about returning the lands to Ika Kingdom, Henwell just laughs it off like it’s pure bullshit.

The duchy knows convincing Henwell is a lost cause, so they switch tactics and turn to Count Jansen.

They offer to grant the Phoenix family all the lands westward up to the border—about 4,000 square kilometers.

Plus, they promise even bigger rewards once the duchy officially rises in status.

But Jansen couldn’t care less.

The duchy’s border garrison in that area was wiped out when troops moved north to the Vorska front.

That whole region needs Jansen’s forces to hold for a long time.

So those lands basically already belong to the Phoenix family.

As Henwell puts it: “Why the hell do you keep handing me back my own stuff as a reward?”

The duchy grits its teeth in frustration but knows Jansen’s right.

They simply can’t manage that region in the short term.

The Phoenix family’s elite must defend that border, but they can’t be expected to do it for free.

With no other options, Duke Amir turns to Arius, practically begging him to talk some sense into Henwell and get him to prioritize the bigger picture.

Henwell, still respecting Arius, agrees to return nearly 4,000 square kilometers to the Ika Kingdom.

Everyone sees this as a significant concession.

Next, Duke Amir approaches Obiken to persuade Fabio, who then talks to Henwell.

Henwell, again showing respect, returns another 4,000 square kilometers.

At his wit’s end, Duke Amir reluctantly seeks out Count Marcus.

After making substantial political concessions, Marcus smugly writes Henwell a letter, which Melissa delivers to Peace Haven.

Out of respect for his future wife and father-in-law, Henwell returns yet another 4,000 square kilometers.

The favors are almost exhausted now, and Henwell still holds over 15,000 square kilometers of Ika territory.

Desperate, Amir turns to the neutral Count Reyes.

Since Reyes helped him during the previous battle, and is a neighboring neutral noble, Henwell shows respect again, returning nearly 3,000 square kilometers more.

At this point, the duchy is utterly powerless against Henwell.

Everyone thinks Henwell has gone above and beyond, showing loyalty and generosity.

He’s been fighting alone in the southwest against hundreds of thousands of Ika troops, barely holding onto his hard-won gains.

Now, he’s given up the majority of those lands, that’s way beyond what’s considered proper among nobles.

If the duchy keeps playing this way, who’s going to bother fighting in future wars?

Just at that moment, Duke Kolen of the Ika Kingdom arrives, accompanied by Roderick.

While receiving the territories returned at Peace Haven, in front of the duchy’s envoys, he openly tries to win Henwell over.

Duke Kolen sizes up Henwell—tall, imposing, exuding the aura of a true leader.

Though Henwell wears a smile, he still radiates that unmistakable commanding presence.

After a moment, Duke Kolen speaks: “So, you’re the lord of Blood Hill, Henwell? Not quite what I expected!”

Henwell chuckles: “Good afternoon, Duke Kolen. How so? Were you expecting some burly, rough-faced, arrogant brute?”

Kolen shakes his head: “Not at all! You give off a unique vibe. Usually, a self-made man like you would carry a hefty dose of arrogance and supreme confidence. Not as an insult, just the truth. Anyone commanding a strong army before thirty and holding the rank of Grand Knight would have every reason to be cocky and wild.”

”But you’re different! I’ve heard your stories and imagined you as a fiery young man full of passion. But seeing you now, you’re surprisingly mature, calm, composed, unshaken. Truly a remarkable figure! So, how about it? Are you interested in coming to Ika for development?”

The duchy’s envoys turn pale: “Your Grace, Duke Kolen, please respect the treaty between our nations. You’re—”

Kolen shoots him a cold glance: “This conversation doesn’t concern you. If Amir were here, I might respond. But you? You don’t have the standing to interrupt a discussion at this level.”

Then, smiling at Henwell, Kolen continues: “Henwell, the Ika Kingdom values talent, especially young prodigies like you.”

”If you come over, all the lands you returned earlier will be reassigned to you. You’ll become the Marquis guarding the southeast, with full military and civil authority, plus a ten-year tax exemption.”

”On top of that, you’ll also serve as the Southeast Commander-in-Chief, commanding seven armies and twelve garrison legions! As for how much land you will get by battle, that is your ability, as long as you can fight down, it will belong to you. The Ika Kingdom isn’t stingy, we back you fully in your campaigns!”

This is a blatant slap in the face to the Vorry Duchy.

The duchy’s envoy trembles with rage.