Chapter 446: I Mean No Harm

Henwell’s proposal leaves Prince Sundike stunned for a long moment.

He furrows his brow. “Henwell, I may be a useless prince, but I still have my pride. I carry the royal bloodline and would never betray the kingdom’s interests!”

Henwell shakes his head. “Your Highness, you’re worrying too much. I’m not asking you to betray Ogiro’s interests. What I’m doing may seem unreasonable to you, but there’s a simple explanation. There’s only one reason, I need to make more money. I need Peace Haven to have a period of peaceful development.“

“If you start fighting with these two, with all the scheming and secret battles, the border will become unstable, and trade routes will be affected. This will seriously impact Peace Haven’s commercial growth.“

“Trade caravans will be blocked, goods will pile up, prices in other markets will drop, factories will produce less, and ultimately, the people of Peace Haven will suffer losses. That’s why I don’t want to see such instability here now.”

Sundike is no fool. “Then you could use this as an excuse to send troops. The kingdom’s northwest can’t stop you. You could seize vast territories. The cost of raising four legions is huge. That’s not a reason for you to fund a neighboring power’s army!”

Henwell smiles. “I’m not just giving you money, I’m offering you an interest-free loan. You’ll have to pay me back after three years.Also, your troops’ equipment, basic training, and infrastructure will be purchased from Peace Haven.”

Sundike protests, “You’re trying to build your own army inside the kingdom! I won’t agree to that, and the kingdom won’t either!”

Henwell gently swirls his wine glass. “Hear me out. Peace Haven produces the highest cost-performance weapons and equipment. Not just you, but all the surrounding powers buy from me. Kingdom won’t mind that.”

“As for basic training, I’m only sending instructors to handle six months of recruit training. The appointment of officers and command structure will be up to you.”

“Kingdom will surely assign commanders, but my suggestion is to have your team study at my military academy for a year in advance. Then they can take command of your units directly. I don’t think kingdom will refuse that.”

“After all, being neighbors with me is seen as risky by many. You can’t expect a horse to run fast if it isn’t well fed.”

“Finally, regarding infrastructure, the construction of barracks, bases, fortresses, and outposts. I’m sure you’ve seen Peace Haven’s excellent team of builders. I offer the most reasonable prices.”

“Everyone recognizes our speed and quality. The price is a bit higher, but it’s worth it.”

Prince Sundike thinks for a moment but still shakes his head. “No, it won’t work. These will cost five million gold coins, and I have to pay you back in three years. Where am I supposed to get that kind of money? Even if I sold myself, it wouldn’t be enough. If I can’t repay you, and you use force to collect, that just gives you an excuse to invade.”

Henwell makes an exaggerated expression. “Your Highness, why do you think so little of yourself? You’re definitely worth five million gold coins! You can repay me, I’m sure of it. Like I said, I want peaceful development. War doesn’t serve my interests.”

“As for repayment, it’s simple. My trade guild can set up industrial zones in your territory. Your lands aren’t small. I’ll establish three industrial zones with minimal defensive guards, no garrisons.”

“Every year, I’ll pay you 300,000 gold coins in taxes. Plus, you’ll own 30% shares of the industrial zones, bringing in at least 500,000 gold coins annually.”

“That’s 800,000 gold coins a year, which can cover the debt. Over three years, that’s 2.5 million gold coins.”

“Also, as you’re raising legions, kingdom won’t give you zero funds. Even if they don’t grant you the full five million, they’ll at least provide one or two million gold coins.”

“Finally, we’ll form a large trade guild. Count Divarak, Commander Pavaro, and you will each hold 25% shares. This guild will mainly trade across Ogiro’s markets.”

“You don’t have to invest money, but you have to lend your name. We need you to negotiate tax exemptions for the guild’s trade from kingdom.”

“This guild will bring you 300,000 gold coins in income, nearly a million over three years.”

“See? Five million gold coins isn’t such a big deal for Your Highness!”

Sundike considers this. “Tax-exempt trade? Many will oppose that, especially goods coming from Peace Haven.”

Henwell nods. “True enough. But at the start, to have you as my neighbor, most of the kingdom will compromise. If anyone objects, you can ask His Majesty the King to send those opponents to be your neighbors too.”

“I’m often misunderstood, and my bad reputation has some small uses. If you say that, they probably won’t oppose anymore.”

“Being my neighbor takes courage!”

“As trade grows and others get jealous, that won’t be a problem either.”

“A prince commanding four elite legions, backed by Count Divarak and Commander Pavaro, People will have to face reality.”

At this, Henwell reveals a meaningful smile. “Your Highness, three years from now, you’ll command fifty thousand elite troops. Count Divarak has thirty thousand elite soldiers and the backing of many nobles, enough to rally tens of thousands more in a noble coalition. Commander Pavaro commands a hundred thousand border troops. If both support you, that’s nearly three hundred thousand soldiers.

At that point, do you really think you won’t have a chance to become the heir to the throne?

So now, do you still think being my neighbor is such a misfortune?”

Sundike notices the two men beside him nodding gently, and a spark of passion rises in his heart.

He fixes Henwell with a steady gaze. “Are you saying that you’d even lend me troops then?”

Henwell takes a sip of wine and replies calmly, “That would come at another price. If Your Highness truly has that ambition, as a good neighbor, I’d be willing to offer necessary support. Whether it’s financial aid, intelligence sharing, or hiring mercenaries, it’s all negotiable.”

Then Henwell shifts the tone. “But that’s a matter for the future. For now, we must focus on the present and make our cooperation work. What do you think of my proposal? If you agree, we can get started.”

Sundike falls silent, pondering deeply. After a long moment, he slowly raises his glass. “I suppose the outside world has misunderstood you. Maybe being your neighbor isn’t so bad after all.”

Henwell smiles and clinks his glass with Sundike’s. “To a successful partnership! As a gift for my new neighbor, once you choose your territory, I’ll build you a castle to serve as your palace!”