The Lord Of Blood Hill

Despite everyone's objections, Henwell insists on campaigning with one legion.

Afterward, Henwell has Hank, commander of the newly formed Seventh Legion, stay behind.

In the study, Henwell pours Hank a cup of wine. "The newly formed Seventh Legion has only been established for one year. How do you feel about the legion's condition?"

Hank rises and salutes. "My lord, the Seventh Legion has completed its battle preparations and can go to war at any time!"

Henwell gestures for him to sit. "Hank, I know many people have come to you and explained all the stakes, trying to have you find a way to delay the army's marching speed."

Hank says nothing, which is as good as admitting it.

Henwell sighs. "I know they are doing it for Peace Haven, and for my own good as well."

"But there are some things I can't share with everyone yet. I have my reasons for protecting Arius."

"This is about more than the friendship between the two of us. There are broader strategic considerations behind it."

"I can't become king yet, because the Church and the Empire won't agree."

"Pay attention. I mean the Church and the Empire, not the Western Federation!"

"All right. There are too many things I can't say. That is all I can say. Do not tell anyone about this."

Hank frowns as he thinks over the meaning in Henwell's words. Henwell continues, "Hank, do you trust me?"

"Of course!"

"Hank, this time I can only take your legion out."

"There will be many enemies along the road. We may fall into a situation where we are attacked from all sides. Are you afraid?"

Hank raises his head. "They will all become stepping stones for the Seventh Legion's fame!"

Henwell chuckles and pats his shoulder. "Good. You have spirit and confidence. I like that."

"Go back and prepare. This is your debut. Make sure it is a splendid one."

"When we return, I will give the Seventh Legion a title!"

After Hank leaves, Henwell stands by the window and sinks into thought.

That night, Dalton returns in a hurry. "My lord, the Lord's Knight Order has completed its preparations. We have three thousand three hundred men and can set out at any time!"

Henwell nods lightly. "Go. Prepare more military supplies. We set out the day after tomorrow. This expedition may be a hard one."

Two days later, Henwell once again puts on his armor and leaves Blood Hill Manor in full military dress.

Behind Henwell is the Lord's Knight Order. Farther behind them is the high-spirited Seventh Legion.

At the very rear is the logistics and baggage warband escorting the supply convoy.

The logistics and baggage warband is no easy target. Anyone who wants to attack this warband will truly have kicked an iron plate.

This is a temporary warband formed by Iron Guards. It can be considered the strongest fighting force under the Lord's Knight Order.

Having Iron Guards serve as logistics escorts is extravagant, but this is Henwell's helpless choice.

He understands clearly now that every faction inside Peace Haven opposes this expedition.

They don't dare defy Henwell's decision, but if they can delay it a little, they will consider that a good thing.

This expedition covers a very long distance, and the logistics convoy is the top priority. Once something goes wrong with the logistics convoy, Henwell's expedition will have failed.

As for total annihilation of the army, that won't happen.

The other side may even actively provide food and supplies to Henwell's expeditionary army. They don't want to fight Henwell to the death, and they don't have the ability to keep Henwell and the Lord's Knight Order there.

If they dare slaughter the Seventh Legion, that means forming a death feud with Henwell.

In the future, no matter who takes the throne, they will have to throw out the culprit to extinguish Henwell's rage.

No one is a fool. Fighting Henwell is one thing. How to fight him is another matter entirely.

Therefore, Henwell must guarantee his logistics. He can only temporarily pull the people from Iron Guard Camp and turn them into an elite logistics guard warband.

At the same time, Henwell is warning the people below him not to play petty tricks.

On the day of departure, many people from Peace Haven come to watch.

Although they cheer because they can see their lord, the people also don't understand why Henwell insists on launching such a long expedition to save Prince Arius.

Everyone can only treat it as Henwell valuing loyalty and friendship. They don't realize that this is a major strategic decision tied to Peace Haven's rise or fall, survival or destruction.

That night, the army reaches the border region.

Duke Jansen has been waiting there for Henwell since early on, and Duchess Grace is with him.

When Grace sees Henwell, she immediately runs over crying. "Henwell! You must save Arius!"

Henwell dismounts and supports Grace. "Aunt, don't worry. I am going there precisely for this."

"As long as I am there, I will definitely bring Arius back safely and whole!"

Arius grew up at Grace's side from childhood and was only sent to a secret location to cultivate when he turned twelve.

When he was fifteen, Arius returned to Grace's side again. Only after that, all the way until the Marriage Alliance War, did he truly leave the Phoenix family.

Grace's feelings for this adopted son far surpass her feelings for most others.

After comforting Lady Grace, Duke Jansen steps forward and says, "Henwell, I didn't know about this. Someone was hiding it from both of us!"

Henwell nods. "Yes. And that includes our subordinates. They believe Arius's death would help us greatly."

Duke Jansen snaps angrily, "Short-sighted! Stupid! If the throne could be obtained just by sitting back and waiting for others to exhaust themselves, how could the royal houses have maintained themselves for so many years?"

After cursing for a while, Duke Jansen continues to Henwell, "I can't go with you. I need to stay behind and watch the reactions of every side."

"However, you are taking too few men."

"Take the two mixed legions with you. I will take over your northern defense line."

Henwell shakes his head. "No. Phoenix has only two legions. Although there is still one noble private legion, that one was put together from scattered forces."

"Once Military Governor Virgil chooses to attack, whether he attacks Phoenix or Peace Haven, they won't be able to hold."

"At that time, I will have to return to support them, which will play directly into the enemy's hands."

"So, for me to campaign without worry, those two mixed legions can't move. The Phoenix family also needs you, Uncle, to deter and suppress others right now."

"With those two mixed legions beside you, it will also be more convenient for you to act."

"As I said, I am going to save someone, not to fight a war."

"Likewise, the others understand this clearly. There aren't many people who truly want to fight me to the death."

"This one legion and one knight order are already enough."

"A smaller but elite army is suitable for the current operation, whether in terms of reducing logistical pressure or maintaining tactical flexibility."

"This time, either we deploy on a large scale, or we use this kind of compact force for rapid penetration and assault."

Jansen pats Henwell's shoulder. "Bring Arius back."

"I will."

Afterward, Jansen personally leads the two Phoenix legions and joins with the two mixed legions, pressing them beside the kingdom army.

This also forces Southwest Military Governor Virgil to watch helplessly as Henwell leads his army across the border and leaves.

The principle remains the same. In this operation, as long as everyone has an opponent, they won't choose Henwell, that troublesome hard bone.