Chapter 361: The Battle for Talent

On the border between Lumir Duchy and Ika Kingdom, on the Ika side, a cavalry unit is already lined up, waiting.

This is the personal cavalry of the Ika Kingdom’s Southeastern Military Governor, led by Roderick’s chief guard.

As soon as Henwell passes the checkpoint, nearly a thousand cavalry salute him in unison under the chief guard’s command.

The chief guard spurs his horse forward. “Sir, I’ve been ordered to escort you!”

Henwell nods slightly and rides alongside him.

The unit doesn’t enter Louis City but instead heads straight toward Peace Haven.

By nightfall, they rest at a garrison fortress.

Only then does Kleios get a chance to ask Henwell, “Sir, are these all your troops?”

Henwell shakes his head. “Of course not. They’re my enemies.”

“But why do they look so respectful toward you?”

“Because I’m their greatest enemy.”

Despite their opposing sides—Peace Haven being the top enemy of the Southeastern Military Governor’s office, the soldiers all respect Henwell deeply.

He’s a self-made man, forged through hardship and bloodshed to become the lord of Blood Hill. Their respect comes from the heart.

Henwell isn’t just a role model for the new generation of professionals; he’s also an inspiration to countless ordinary soldiers.

His legendary exploits motivate everyone serving in the surrounding regions.

In Vorry Kingdom, Ogiro Kingdom, and Ika Kingdom—any young person near the Peace Haven area looks up to Henwell as an example.

Some even leave their homes and travel to Peace Haven to join him.

Never underestimate the power of a role model in any era.

These three kingdoms also want to weaken Henwell’s influence, just like Lumir Duchy tries to do.

But all three have faced Henwell in battle.

His achievements are impossible to erase or downplay.

To smear Henwell as weak is to insult their own incompetence.

After all, Henwell has defeated all three of them.

Diminishing your victorious enemy is just mocking your own weakness.

Many of Henwell’s legendary deeds are eagerly retold by young people.

This influence will bring a flood of newcomers to Peace Haven in the coming years.

Henwell is confident he can keep most of them here.

Peace Haven’s development will accelerate, and miracles are being born on this land.

Every person who experiences or participates in this epic story refuses to miss out on it.

The next morning, Henwell dons his armor and rides out on Night Charger.

Though he holds the horse back to accommodate Roderick’s personal guard, they still cover nearly a hundred kilometers by midday.

They take a break for over an hour. Otherwise, the guard horses wouldn’t hold up.

By afternoon, their pace slows considerably, and by dusk, they finally reach the outskirts of Peace Haven.

Beyond this point lies territory nominally belonging to Ika Kingdom—a so-called lease zone, but in reality, Peace Haven controls it.

Peace Haven’s side has already received word, and all the military commanders arrive early with their personal guards.

Leading them are Henwell’s own Lord Iron Guards.

Henwell nods respectfully to Roderick’s chief guard. “Give your lord my regards. He better come early to my wedding!”

The chief guard salutes back. “I will! Take care, sir!”

Crossing the border, thousands of Peace Haven troops simultaneously dismount and salute Henwell.

Only then does Kleios fully grasp the extent of Henwell’s power.

He senses hundreds of knights among them.

Before Henwell can signal for everyone to remount, another cavalry unit races in from the distance.

The Phoenix family’s wolf claw banner flutters, Jansen himself has arrived.

Now it’s Henwell’s turn to dismount and salute, as Jansen is his elder.

Jansen leaps off his horse before it even stops and strides over to Henwell in three quick steps.

He sizes Henwell up, then pats him on the shoulder. “Good boy. You haven’t lost weight. Actually, you look stronger than before!”

Henwell smiles. “Of course! I’ve eaten plenty of good food on the way. Uncle, why did you come all the way here? You could’ve waited for me to visit.”

Jansen waves him off. “No need for formalities. I had to check if you’re alright. If you aren’t injured, I need to head home soon. I’ve been running back and forth helping you settle things. I’m not looking to keep working so hard. Your wedding’s coming up; that’s top priority now!”

Henwell replies, “Uncle, don’t rush off! Stay here a couple of days, then I’ll go back with you.”

Jansen shakes his head. “No, I’ll go ahead. I haven’t been back to my lands in over a month. When you’re done here, come find me.”

After seeing Duke Jansen off, Henwell returns to Blood Hill Manor with a large cavalry escort, making a grand entrance.

The people of the new city greet their lord’s return like a festival.

Though Henwell left behind a military and administrative system that has kept things running smoothly during his absence, many still worry once they learn he’s been away for so long.

In the feudal era, a charismatic lord like Henwell plays a huge role in the stable development of his lands.

In the newly completed council hall, Henwell spends the whole day listening to reports from the heads of various departments.

Overall, there aren’t any major changes. After all, only half a year has passed, not half a century.

Each department has seen some change, but nothing drastic. The general trend is positive growth.

One thing worth celebrating: the new city’s construction is basically finished.

Next up is naming it. Henwell plans to call it Louis City.

Education has also made good progress. The first batch of students completing six years of schooling has graduated en masse.

Though these ten thousand or so young students have only learned basic subjects, every department is eager to recruit them.

From the military to administration, from R&D to factories, everyone wants a piece of this talent pool.

These eighteen-year-olds are physically strong, thanks to Henwell’s financial support for their upbringing.

Moreover, all departments recognize how much systematic education helps on the job.

The debate over where to assign these graduates grows heated.

Governor Victor and Chief of Staff Rawkins can’t reach a consensus.

Victor believes that since war won’t break out soon, these talents should be prioritized for development.

Rawkins disagrees, arguing that Peace Haven sits amid four warring states, with limited army size, so they must build a more elite military.

Neither side convinces the other, and even Jansen can’t make a ruling.

They can only wait for Henwell’s return to decide.