Henwell's maneuver leaves Jonathan in a tight spot. It's clear Henwell doesn't want to share a table with him. This meeting is meant for the representatives of various factions to test each other's boundaries ahead of dividing the spoils of victory, ensuring things don't get too awkward ter.

  Jonathan represents the royal family, sent by Grand Duke Amir to gauge everyone's stance and conditions. Being excluded from the table means the task he painstakingly secured from Grand Duke Amir is a complete failure.

  Jonathan's smile fades, and he quietly asks, "Henwell, what do you really want?"

  Crocker steps in to smooth things over, "Henwell, maybe we can discuss things right here."

  Henwell remains silent, simply staring at Jonathan.

  After a moment, he chuckles softly, "Your Highness, it's not your time to set the rules yet. Understand?"

  Jonathan's face turns red, fists clenched, gring at Henwell. Finally, he grits out a few words, "I've learned my lesson. Thank you, lord of Blood Hill, for the guidance."

  Henwell seems unfazed by Jonathan's predatory expression and turns to the nervous Pacino, "Why don't you wait at another table for a bit? I'll catch up with you once I'm done here."

  Pacino nods hurriedly, "OK, I won't disturb you!"

  As Pacino leaves his seat, he asks Henwell, "Will you really send me the clothes? And can I buy one of those pocket watches?"

  Henwell is at a loss; this guy is genuinely clueless! Initially, he thought Pacino approached him with a hidden agenda, like Watson. But it turns out Pacino is just innocently curious.

  Henwell nods lightly, "I promised, so I'll definitely send them to you."

  Pacino grins, "Then I'm relieved. I'll send you some berry wine!"

  Once Pacino leaves, the fourth prince finally has a seat. Karitan ughs, "That Baron Pacino is quite amusing!"

  Jonathan, simmering with anger, mutters disdainfully, "What a fool! Coming here with nothing to offer, not realizing what kind of gathering this is!"

  Arius interjects, "Brother, Your definition is not fair! While Pacino's family might not excel in warfare, they manage their nds exceptionally well."

  "Their people live in peace and prosperity, and they supply the royal family with fine wines and delicacies every year. A nation needs sharp swords, but it also needs a solid foundation. Their diligent management is what fuels the duchy's steady growth!"

  Jonathan sneers, "Oh really, Arius? Are you going to lecture me too? Nobles should manage their nds, but someone like Pacino, who can't even fight, how will he defend the country when the duchy needs him?"

  Henwell pops a berry into his mouth, juices bursting as he remarks, "Pacino is a decent noble, a rare good man!"

  He then looks around at everyone, "But we, we're all vilins here!"

  Henwell adds, "Of course, excluding the two dies and Your Highness! Only vilins live long enough to sit at this table. Because we're bad enough, we're here dining instead of worrying about crops."

  Karitan covers her mouth, giggling, "Henwell, that's very interesting. Does that mean I'm in danger as a good person?"

  Henwell waves it off, "You're fine! You've got Arius, and he's a vilin too, full of cunning!"

  The table erupts in ughter. Every man here has fought on the battlefield, grown through schemes and strategies. Their current positions are a testament to their cunning nature. Otherwise, they'd have fallen long ago in the pursuit of power.

  They don't mind Henwell's words because being "bad" is what keeps others from daring to target them.

  Unlike the others, Jonathan feels awkward. Henwell's omission of himself as a vilin implies a denial of his abilities. Yet he can't argue back; he can't very well cim to be a vilin himself! So, he's left to awkwardly ugh along with everyone else.

  In the distance, other nobles are drawn by the ughter from the table. They whisper among themselves, aware that those seated there represent the future power core of the duchy.

  Henwell, in particur, stands out. As a knight lord, his presence at the table is already legendary.

  While Fabio is also a knight lord, he has royal blood. No matter how strained his retionship with Count Obiken is, he's still the sole heir to the earldom.

  Seeing Henwell engaging in lively conversation with the duchy's core members, the onlookers are filled with admiration and respect. A true man should be like this!

  After some lighthearted anecdotes, the conversation at the table gradually shifts to more critical matters. Attendants discreetly section off the area, and the other nobles wisely keep their distance.

  Ronald speaks first, "The pressure of defending against the northern Kosen Kingdom is immense. We need substantial support."

  Jonathan asks, "What do you need?"

  "The northern region requires the formation of three additional legions, which means we need a support of three million gold coins from the duchy!"

  Jonathan shakes his head, "That's too much. One million might be possible."

  "That's not enough for the formation..."

  Jonathan interrupts, "Hear me out. The duchy will supply the northern region with weapons and equipment for twenty thousand troops—not outdated ones, but brand new. Additionally, for other military supplies, the duchy will provide for two legions. The rest will require the northern region to find a way."

  Ronald continues, "Regarding the new territories..."

  Jonathan interrupts again, "That's not under my jurisdiction; Arius is in charge of that matter!"

  Jonathan turns to Henwell, "This year, Peace Haven needs to send weapons and equipment for twenty thousand troops to the northern region."

  "No excuses; this is official duchy business. If you can't provide them, send your army's equipment first. Everyone knows you were generous for the fifth brother's wedding, gifting five thousand sets of gear. I assume you won't mind this."

  Henwell nods, "Alright. But the taxes from Peace Haven should be deferred for four more years, totaling six years."

  Jonathan squints, "Are you asking the duchy for money?"

  Henwell sets down his knife and fork, "Is that not allowed?"

  "Peace Haven belongs to the duchy, not you personally. You're merely managing it; the duchy has the right to requisition supplies!"

  Henwell doesn't argue, "That's true, but the armory is mine, located on the territory I seized east of Peace Haven. Whether it's private property or jurisdiction, the duchy has no grounds to demand these weapons for free."

  Jonathan pauses, "State your terms."

  Henwell smiles, "A three-year tax deferment. Additionally, I want jurisdiction over the northeastern territories of Peace Haven. The duchy can't bypass me in granting fiefs there, and my caravans should pass through without inspection.”

  “I dislike unnecessary discussion; this is my bottom line. If agreed, I'll deliver ten thousand sets of equipment to Silver Peak City this year, and the remaining ten thousand next year. If not, I'm afraid I can't help."