In the end, Henwell's terms are recorded to be reported to the Grand Duke for a decision. However, this agreement has basically reached a consensus!

  Fabio chimes in, "I want to expand the Iron Wall Legion. I won't make it hard for the duchy—just one legion's worth."

  Jonathan agrees to this request, and Henwell seizes the opportunity to join in.

  "Fabio, do you need weapons and equipment for your legion expansion?"

  Fabio replies, "Of course! Are you pnning to give me some?"

  "Sure! But can you send me some warhorses? You've got plenty of stables in the western region."

  Fabio rolls his eyes, "Someone will talk to you about it ter!"

  Crocker jokes, "Henwell, you're doing well in business! I want some equipment too, but I have nothing to offer in return."

  Henwell waves his hand generously, "Reyes, the old count, has looked after me before. I must express my gratitude. So I'll send you a thousand sets!"

  Crocker gives a thumbs-up, "Alright! That's generous! I'll send someone to see if we have any projects to colborate on."

  Spencer adds, "Henwell, how about sending me some too?"

  "Brother-in-w, calling it a gift sounds too formal. Consider it part of my dowry!"

  "…Get lost!"

  Subsequently, many express their intention to send representatives to Peace Haven to further discuss cooperation.

  Jonathan teases, "Peace Haven is indeed prosperous! People call you the War Knight, but that's a bit misleading. With your wealth, you should be called the Wealth Knight!"

  Henwell, unfazed by the sarcasm, replies, "I've got a bit of money! Why? Is the duchy short on funds? If so, I can lend the duchy some money at a very low annual interest rate of just twenty percent!"

  Jonathan looks at Henwell in surprise, "How much can you lend?"

  Jonathan is genuinely interested; the duchy is indeed facing a financial crisis. If he can secure some funds from Henwell, it would certainly earn him the Grand Duke Amir's admiration. He's not worried about the high interest rate, as he doesn't pn on repaying it. His only concern is that Henwell might not lend enough.

  Henwell extends his hand, "How about five million gold coins?"

  This isn't a small amount, and it catches everyone's attention.

  Jonathan furrows his brow, not because he thinks Henwell's offer is too little, but because it's surprisingly rge.

  "You're not joking, are you?"

  Henwell replies, "Of course not! However, my loan comes with conditions. It requires colteral. Land will do! But don't worry, I'm not looking to seize the nd outright; I'm only asking for temporary ownership. Since I'm lending money, I need something to hedge against the risk of not being repaid."

  Jonathan responds coldly, "And if the duchy can't repay on time?"

  Henwell smiles, "Then, unfortunately, I'll have to help the duchy by temporarily holding and managing those nds."

  "And for five million gold coins, how much nd needs to be pledged?"

  Henwell names a figure—about a thousand square kilometers of nd. It's a lucrative deal. For the duchy, five million gold coins is no small sum and could fund the reformation of several legions. If repayment becomes impossible, the thousand square kilometers could be considered sold to Henwell.

  The pledged nd is not far from the current borders of Peace Haven, with limited arable nd. The annual taxes from this area amount to only a few thousand gold coins for the duchy. To accumute five million gold coins, it would take over a hundred years.

  For Henwell, it's a win-win situation. He's well aware that the duchy is strapped for cash and unlikely to repay him.

  A thousand square kilometers of nd!

  In Henwell's view, this money is a small price to pay.

  More importantly, if the duchy defaults, he has a justified reason to cim the nd. Eventually, the area between the pledged nd and Peace Haven would fall under Henwell's control, totaling roughly three thousand square kilometers.

  Additionally, Henwell's influence over the southern regions of the duchy will expand significantly, extending his actual reach even further.

  Importantly, this loan isn't just handed over as cash to the duchy; it's earmarked for specific purposes. At least seventy percent of it must be spent on purchasing goods from Peace Haven. Such a rge procurement order will greatly stimute Peace Haven's industrial and agricultural production.

  Moreover, the teams transporting supplies for the duchy will also spend money in Peace Haven, contributing to the local economy.

  Henwell is indeed in need of resources, but not in the way others might think. What he needs is productivity and resource reserves. Gold and silver are not in short supply for Henwell, as Peace Haven boasts two gold mines and a silver mine, providing him with millions of gold and silver coins annually.

  After this deal, the delegations visiting Peace Haven are sure to bring in numerous orders. Henwell is confident in the quality and pricing of his industrial products. The mere description of his products and their prices has already piqued the interest of many parties.

  After over an hour of discussion, Jonathan has a clear grasp of everyone's demands. Some he can agree to on the spot, while others need to be reported to Grand Duke Amir.

  Finally, Jonathan looks around at the group, "Gentlemen, are there any other requests? If not, we can rex and truly enjoy the banquet!"

  Henwell raises his hand, "I have one more! The construction of the new city in Peace Haven has a funding gap, especially for the city walls. Construction has been halted for over two months, with at least a three million gold coin shortfall!"

  Jonathan gres at him, "Isn't that your responsibility? Why are you asking the duchy?"

  Henwell responds with feigned surprise, "Your Highness, are you saying the new city is mine?"

  Jonathan is at a loss for words; he can't make such a cim. Although Henwell effectively controls Peace Haven, the duchy officially only grants him the title of a knightly lord. Peace Haven is nominally part of the duchy, merely administered by Henwell.

  Jonathan, with a stern expression, says, "The duchy is short on funds; otherwise, why would we be borrowing from you? As for the new city's construction, if there are no funds, then it should halt. After all, your army is rge enough to deter any bandit threats!"

  Since the duchy can't manage Peace Haven, it naturally doesn't want to support Henwell further. If the city can't be built, it's because Henwell isn't providing the funds, which is unreted to the duchy.

  Henwell appears displeased, but inwardly he is smirking.

  He wants the duchy to relinquish any nominal control over the new city. The duchy borrows money without repaying it, uses the borrowed funds to buy goods from Peace Haven, and refuses to finance the city walls. Ultimately, Henwell will pay for the walls himself, which seems like a losing proposition.

  But this is exactly what Henwell wants—to sever the people of Peace Haven's sense of belonging to the Vorry Duchy. As Henwell continues to exert influence, Peace Haven will drift further from the duchy.