The Lord Of Blood Hill

Obian feels a headache brewing from Vanessa’s quiet sobbing.

He tries changing the subject. “You shouldn’t have asked Henwell for a badge in public! That draws too much attention.”

Vanessa snaps back, even angrier. “What are you talking about? If you hadn’t destroyed all of Henwell’s childhood toys, could I have asked for a keepsake?”

Obian’s temper flares. “Foolish! Didn’t you hear what Henwell said? His situation is delicate right now. He can’t reveal our connection. It’s a huge risk for him and for us. Those toys from his childhood, the wooden swords and dolls all bear his current emblem. If I hadn’t destroyed them, wouldn’t they be used against him?”

Vanessa cries, “Those were the only mementos my son left me! They’re all I have!”

Obian takes a deep breath, looking at his grieving wife with a heavy sigh. “Alright. The important thing is that Henwell is alive. Those lifeless things can never compare to having our son still with us.”

Vanessa wipes her tears.

“I’m not a foolish country woman anymore,” she says. “I know maybe this lifetime we won’t reunite properly with Henwell. But what’s wrong with asking for a badge? As a mother, keeping something of my son, is that so wrong?”

Obian remains silent for a moment, then pulls his wife into an embrace. “Henwell is destined for greatness. He won’t stop here. I’ll keep fighting upward, and you take care of the kids at home. Trust me, one day, Henwell will be with us.”

Vanessa pushes Obian’s arm away. “I don’t believe you. I only believe in my son.”

Obian shrugs helplessly. “Fine, fine. You believe in your outstanding son. That’ll do. Now hurry inside. Don’t keep the eldest princess waiting. The duke and others are already calling me.”

Vanessa replies, “I must go inside. I want to have a proper talk with my daughter-in-law.”

With that, Vanessa turns and enters the inner chamber.

Obian composes himself and returns to the Ika nobles’ circle.

Fred leans in quietly. “What happened? Vanessa’s upset?”

Obian shakes his head. “It’s nothing.”

Once seated, Henwell gives Obian a slight nod, it’s a greeting.

Fred, simple-minded as he is, thinks Henwell is greeting him instead!

The guards clear the area, and only then do the group begin discussing more sensitive topics.

Duke Kolen speaks first. “Henwell, recently two ships have arrived from the west. Both have secured inspection exemptions, and their final destination is Peace Haven. Out of respect for both our nations and for you personally, I have not interfered. But I expect an explanation. “

”Given the current situation, eight exempted shipments per year puts me in a difficult position. Though I trust you wouldn’t do anything to harm relations between our countries, taxation remains a cornerstone of the state. I can’t simply overlook this.”

Henwell nods gently. “This is exactly what I wanted to discuss with you, Duke. The shipments do come from the Western Federation. As you guessed, they contain extraordinary materials controlled by Ika. These supplies are essential for a special squad under my command, which requires annual replenishment.”

He pulls out a Paladin badge. “If you recognize this, you’ll understand what I mean. If not, that means you haven’t yet reached the level to access this kind of intelligence.”

Judging by Duke Kolen’s expression, he clearly understands the significance.

Wist, the noble speaker from the South Regions, asks, “Henwell, what exactly are you implying? Just because we don’t recognize it, you think you can smuggle goods without consequence?”

Henwell shrugs. “My squad just arrived, that’s the group you saw, the Holy Spirit Church knights. Soon, royal families across nations will issue me absolute clearance. Our mission is to hunt down members of the Veil Organization across the continent. “

”If anyone here hasn’t heard of the Veil Organization, it’s best not to ask further. What you need to know is that these shipments supply my pursuit team, and they’re authorized by His Majesty Baleqi of your country.”

Kolen falls silent for a moment before speaking. “If that’s the case, then there’s no problem. But there’s one thing I worry about. I’m not sure if I should say it.”

Henwell replies, “Please, Duke, speak freely.”

Kolen says, “The Veil is a cancer on this continent, a menace we all must work to eradicate. But are eight shipments a year really enough? You have to understand, the Veil’s strength is formidable, that’s how they’ve lasted so long.”

Henwell catches the implication and smiles. “Duke Kolen, as an elder, you have the experience we younger ones lack. So, in your opinion, how many shipments would it take to sustain my pursuit squad for a year?”

The duke ponders. “Hmm. Since you asked, for the sake of peace on the continent, I’ll offer a small suggestion. If you disagree, don’t take it to heart. After all ,your judgment is paramount.“

”Your squad includes you, two Grand Knights, seven Battle Knights, and the rest are elite knights. Maintaining such an elite, extraordinary-armed squad must consume a lot of supplies annually.”

Henwell nods. “That’s true. Those eight shipments of extraordinary materials are barely enough.”

Kolen frowns. “That won’t do. Pursuing and fighting require massive consumption of extraordinary supplies. In my view, to make real progress against the Veil, the amount of extraordinary materials needs to at least double.”

Henwell looks troubled. “I’ve considered that, but these are duty- and inspection-exempt shipments. Too many might damage Ika’s interests and cause unwanted repercussions.”

Kolen replies firmly, “For the continent’s peace, Ika won’t have a problem with that.”

Henwell furrows his brow. “But the church’s supply of extraordinary resources is limited, and I’m already spending quite a bit out of pocket.”

Kolen declares with conviction, “For the continent’s safety, I personally represent South Regions to cover the procurement for eight ships’ worth of supplies.”

Henwell glances at him. “Eight ships a year is a heavy burden for your grace. How about four ships annually? Otherwise, I’ll feel uneasy.”

“Six ships,” Kolen counters. “Though my resources aren’t as abundant as yours and I’m older, I hope you understand my commitment to the continent’s safety.”

Henwell raises his hand. “Five ships. No more. Any higher and it becomes difficult.”

Wist, the noble speaker from South Regions, sensing the underlying negotiation, chimes in, “I can cover the cost for ten ships.”

Henwell rolls his eyes. “Speaker, have you had too much to drink?”

Wist replies earnestly, “The church knights risk their lives in battle. How can I just sit back and enjoy the fruits? Also, we can’t let the Western Federation look down on us eastern nations. They came all this way to help, how could we be petty? Supply ships? That’s not enough. I think thirty is reasonable.”

Damn!

Is this guy really that greedy?!