The Lord Of Blood Hill

After explaining the future development plans to Obian, Henwell pulls out a box.

He opens it to reveal a complete set of armor.

Henwell explains, “This is extraordinary equipment I acquired through special channels. Only my senior officers get to use gear like this. The design is a bit different from what I use, but I’ve already had it modified so no one will suspect a thing. “

”The armor hasn’t yet been activated by Fighting Spirit. When you take it back, use Fighting Spirit to gradually bond with it. In no more than three days, the armor will adapt perfectly to your body. Even if you get promoted to Iron Knight, this set will still be top-tier gear. “

”In fact, this is the absolute best equipment for an Iron Knight.”

This is the Blood Hill set Henwell specially reserved for his father.

When Henwell had his gear made in Newwood, he asked for this particular set to be treated with special care.

Originally, Henwell planned to send it to his father through secret channels.

But plans changed, he didn’t expect the Ika Kingdom to send his own father along on the westward journey.

Now, taking advantage of this opportunity, Henwell presents the armor to his father.

As a Grand Knight who has fought his way up, Obian only needs a quick inspection to recognize the armor’s value.

It’s easily one of the finest sets he’s ever seen. Even the Golden Guard Knights’ legion commander’s armor isn’t as good.

Perhaps only the royal battle armor worn by King Baleqi surpasses this special Blood Hill set.

Knowing how precious the armor is, Obian politely declines his eldest son’s generous gift. “It’s excellent armor, but you should keep it for your own men. I’m currently a captain in the Golden Guard Knights. The knight order is the kingdom’s elite force and rarely deployed. I don’t get many chances to fight. “

”Your situation is far more dangerous, you’re always on the brink of war. This armor will serve your men better. If I took it, it’d probably just end up as decoration. Besides, you know the Golden Guard Knights use standard-issue gear. Wearing a special set might raise eyebrows.”

Henwell insists, “Father, you must accept it. I can’t be by your side to protect you right now. To avoid detection by Ika’s military intelligence, I can’t even arrange secret guards for you. We’re soldiers, facing death on the battlefield is inevitable. Weapons and armor are our second lives; you must treat them with care.”

“As for the standard-issue armor of the Golden Guard Knights, don’t worry. I’ve heard you’re about to be promoted to deputy commander of the Golden Guard Knights. You must have been preparing for this. “

”Soon after you return, your promotion will come through. As deputy commander, a senior kingdom officer and mid-to-high ranked noble, you have the right to wear your own armor. Having better equipment on you will give me peace of mind. Don’t worry. I have enough stock left for all my top men.”

With Henwell’s insistence, Obian can only accept his eldest son’s heartfelt gift.

Obian recalls an important question. “Henwell, when I return this time, I might have two paths for promotion. One is what everyone’s talking about, I could be promoted to deputy commander of the Golden Guard Knights. The other is a recommendation from the Long Princess; she wants me to develop my career with Baleqi.”

“Baleqi, to consolidate his power, previously disbanded the Second Guard Legion. Now that he’s finally rebuilding it, he’s been missing a legion commander. The Long Princess told me Baleqi has a few candidates, and I’m among them. “

”But back then, I wasn’t yet a Grand Knight. Baleqi worried whether I could handle commanding the kingdom’s new elite legion, so I was ranked lower on the list. Now that I’m a Grand Knight, the Long Princess asked me if I’m willing, and Baleqi can appoint me directly.”

Henwell hasn’t heard this news before.

After thinking for a moment, Henwell shakes his head. “Father, Golden Capital is too far from me. My people do have intelligence stations, but it’s hard to get close to Golden Capital’s top political circles. You’ve been with the Long Princess there for years, so you definitely understand the situation better than I do. I can’t give you solid advice on this.”

Obian explains, “The Golden Guard Knights and the Second Guard Legion are both stationed near Golden Capital. But the Second Guard Legion was formed by Baleqi after the War of the Six Kings, once the situation stabilized, using his trusted elite troops. “

”Being the legion commander of the Second Guard Legion means you’re one of Baleqi’s close allies and right in the center of power at Golden Capital. From the perspective of rank and personal advancement, this path is undoubtedly better.”

“Though the Golden Guard Knights are also newly formed, the top commander of the knight order is usually a royal family member. The highest I can reach there is deputy commander. That position is prestigious but largely ceremonial. “

”Most of the time, I can’t even command more than a hundred knights. I’m thinking that if I join the Second Guard Legion, you could place some trusted men inside. Then, when the time comes…”

Henwell raises his hand to interrupt. “No.”

Then, with a serious tone, he warns Obian, “Father, you’ve been in the military system for a long time, but intelligence and covert operations aren’t your strong suit. The Ika Kingdom’s ‘Golden Spider’ is incredibly formidable. “

”They’ve been spying on my side the most, and their methods are the deadliest. There’s only one like them. The intelligence agents I send to Golden Capital are handpicked, yet even after several years, we’ve barely made any significant progress. We’re just barely holding our ground.”

“Two years ago, during the battle of transformation, an entire base I had in Golden Capital was wiped out by the Golden Spider operatives. Afterward, it took several nobles to negotiate the release of the surviving captured agents.”

“Baleqi is not someone easy to deal with. Trying to pull strings or sabotage his trusted elite troops right under his nose is very likely to be detected. A failed plan is one thing, but I’m most afraid that Golden Spider will trace our connections.”

Henwell pauses, then continues, “Father, don’t rush. I know you want to help me. Trust me, once you and your people ensure your safety, I’ll be able to free up my hands. The plan I laid out for you is just to protect yourselves in the event of war. “

”Whether it’s my expansion or defensive battles, everything is carefully planned. I don’t need your assistance for now. You just need to develop steadily on your side. No need to worry about me, and no need to accommodate my situation.”

Obian sighs and pats Henwell’s shoulder. “I just feel you’re carrying too much on your own. But since you insist, I won’t push it. I’ll think it over when I return. Unless something unexpected happens, I’ll probably take the position in the Second Guard Legion.”