Chapter 364: Early Moves

Within the Vorry Kingdom, besides the major matters of the new army formation and Iron Wall Legion’s restructuring, there are plenty of other changes underway.

But none of these require Henwell’s close attention. Either they don’t affect him directly, or they’re too far away for him to intervene.

Next, Chick reports something that catches Henwell’s interest.

“Sir, Billie’s King Ulysses might be in trouble!”

Henwell pauses in surprise. “King Billie? What happened? Did he suddenly die?”

Chick smiles slightly. “Not exactly, but it’s close. Three months ago, King Ulysses of Billie was assassinated. Veil’s people are the likely culprits. He didn’t die on the spot, but the wounds are said to be severe.”

Henwell frowns. “Is this intel reliable?”

Chick shakes his head. “Ulysses’ current condition is uncertain, but the assassination attempt is confirmed. This came from Flying Ant, and many high-ranking officials know about it. It’s unlikely to be false.”

Henwell stands and moves toward the continent map. After studying it for a while, he asks, “Any news from Princess Catherine’s side?”

“None. Princess Catherine wants to return to Divine Revelation City but hasn’t received permission. Her troops show no signs of movement.”

Henwell paces for a moment. “Keep digging into Ulysses’ situation. If necessary, get in touch with White Butterfly, she has wide connections now.”

Then Henwell adds, “Have the arms factory prepare a hundred sets of knight armor made from extraordinary alloy, not Mountainsteel, but finely crafted Greensteel gear. Assign a trustworthy person to lead the delivery to Catherine. Make sure the armor reaches Princess Catherine personally.”

Chick asks, “Should I deliver any message to Her Highness?”

Henwell shakes his head. “Say nothing. Don’t ask anything. If Catherine pays, then Ulysses is probably stable. If she accepts the gear silently without paying, it means Ulysses might not have held on.”

The reasoning is simple: if Catherine doesn’t pay, it means she’s strapped for cash.

She’s likely planning something big, something costly, like leading troops to the capital to support the throne.

If that’s the case, this expensive armor is a kind of repayment to Catherine.

After all, Catherine has helped Henwell more than once and spared him multiple times.

His own life is priceless, and repaying that debt with money is a bargain for Henwell.

Most importantly, Henwell gains certainty about Ulysses’ condition.

Spending millions of gold coins to buy information on a king’s life or death is a great deal for any major power.

This lets Henwell plan ahead. In the chaos, a single move could bring him benefits far beyond what gold can measure.

Henwell returns to his seat and thinks for a moment before summoning several key members for a meeting.

After explaining the situation, Henwell looks at the commander of the Caravan Guard Corps. “Sera, pull two thousand troops and send them toward Yosui City. I’ll arrange another three thousand to reinforce them. Along with our forces already stationed there, we’ll have roughly a ten-thousand-strong legion. This temporary unit must train intensively and quickly build combat readiness to be prepared for any emergency.”

Then Henwell turns to the smuggling Caravan Guard Corps commander. “Leighton, gather your elite forces and stand by near the border trade zone. I’ll also deploy the Wind Raider Battalion from military intelligence in waves to the border area. Chick will oversee the overall coordination.”

Henwell scans the group. “If there’s any change in Billie’s throne, we need to respond first.”

If the Billie’s king is truly dead, Henwell hasn’t fully settled on a plan yet.

This matter involves too many factors, and Billie is somewhat distant from him.

But that doesn’t mean Henwell will just be a bystander.

There’s a lot he can gain, and he can support Princess Catherine.

Honestly, Henwell doesn’t want this determined woman to take the throne.

With Catherine’s talents and her understanding of him, she would become a formidable enemy in the future.

Yet, in Billie’s network, Catherine is the only one who can play this game.

To claim the throne, Catherine will have to rely on Henwell’s power.

Whether it’s Henwell’s influence over Arius or his elite troops, both will be Catherine’s assets.

If the Billie Kingdom changes, Yosui City, where Arius is based, will be a critical location.

Besides, Henwell’s father-in-law still controls Luon City.

These two regions alone, without even directly intervening in Billie’s affairs, can pose a threat just by adopting an offensive stance, forcing Billie to divert substantial troops.

Henwell’s forces are renowned across the land; any legion sent to support will sway the battle’s outcome.

Moreover, Peace Haven produces vast amounts of weaponry and medicine, even providing potion support.

In any era or world, wars are ultimately won through logistics.

Catherine’s new territory hasn’t been developed long and lacks solid foundations.

If she needs to fight for the throne by force, she’ll require massive logistical backing.

Henwell can assist Catherine, but it’s not charity. There must be returns.

Territory, population, mineral resources, commercial rights. Henwell wants them all.

Beyond gaining benefits from Billie in this crisis, Henwell has another goal.

It’s not the Vorry Kingdom. Though Amir will surely be restless after hearing the news, he can’t intervene.

Years of war have left Vorry weak. They must use this decade of peace to rebuild strength.

Otherwise, even if they seize opportunities now, they won’t hold onto them later.

Henwell’s real target is the Ogiro Kingdom. In the marriage alliance war, Ogiro gained little from Billie, certainly not enough to satisfy. And Henwell even tricked them, snatching a chunk of their territory.

If Billie stirs trouble again, Ogiro will inevitably get involved.

Henwell might not be able to profit directly from Billie, but he can definitely capitalize on neighboring Ogiro.

Without Vorry’s intervention, Ogiro will struggle alone against Billie.

Once Ogiro’s forces are tied down, Henwell will dare to make his move and reap rewards.

Though Henwell’s five-year plan centers on peaceful development, plans often can’t keep up with change.

When opportunity knocks, Henwell must adjust swiftly. That’s the true value of a leader.