Thanks to the administrative divisions Henwell has established, preparations for war are progressing swiftly.

  Within just half a month, the allocation of resources and personnel for the war effort is nearly complete. The troops have already commenced targeted training, while Count Jansen's side has yet to finish basic war mobilization.

  Count Jansen is considered one of the more progressive nobles, having adopted many of Henwell's strategies.

  His efficiency in war mobilization surpasses that of other, more conservative nobles. Take Vorska City, for instance, which is poised to be the most perilous front in the upcoming conflict.

  Yet, Count Descartes is still embroiled in disputes over various interests, causing a sluggish mobilization process.

  This is precisely why Henwell, with just Peace Haven, dares to engage in strategic games with major kingdoms.

  As Peace Haven continues to develop, Henwell's military and administrative systems are becoming increasingly refined. When it comes to war, Henwell's efficiency far exceeds that of other factions.

  Henwell requires a minimum of five days to prepare a single legion for deployment. For three main battle legions, the preparation time is as short as half a month. Even for full-scale mobilization, Henwell can ensure completion within a month.

  In contrast, surrounding powers need over a month to prepare a standard ten-thousand-strong legion. This isn't about rapid skirmishes but rather prolonged, grueling battles. For defensive counterattacks relying on fortifications, Henwell's legion can be ready in a day.

  This is the primary advantage of a fully professional standing army.

  Speed is of the essence!

  It's not just a saying but a reality where time equates to survival.

  With war anticipated to begin in two months, Henwell has pced the First Legion on standby, ready for intensive training and immediate action.

  Now, Henwell is faced with delegations from various factions, marking a crucial phase in Peace Haven's next leap forward.

  The delegations have all arrived in the new district, marveling at the massive city walls that have already reached over five meters in height and are nearly complete. Some sections even rise to six or seven meters, leaving the visitors in awe.

  Initially, they specute that the walls must have been hastily constructed, assuming that the outer yer is stone while the inside is just packed earth, thus doubting the walls' defensive capabilities. In reality, while the inner core does contain rammed earth, the outer yer is not just a single yer of stone. Beneath that exterior lies a meticulously arranged yer of concrete blocks.

  Since the duchy has stopped funding the construction, Henwell has paused the building of the new city walls. This decision not only prevents the secret of concrete from being discovered by outsiders but also allows for the accumution of more concrete materials.

  Once Henwell seizes territory from the Ika Kingdom, he pns to swiftly construct a series of defensive fortifications.

  Henwell personally escorts the representatives of various delegations to tour several workshops, that spark significant interest among them.

  Particurly captivating is Henwell's armory, where the assembly line production method leaves everyone astonished. The efficiency is so impressive that they are eager to learn and replicate it back home. Henwell doesn't shy away from letting them observe, knowing full well that a mere gnce won't suffice to replicate his years of effort.

  The armory's success hinges on skilled craftsmen, systematic organization, specialized equipment, and a well-developed training program—all requiring years of investment.

  This facility is just Henwell's third armory.

  The first is located in a secret factory district, while the second near the Ouse River has begun trial production.

  The third armory, situated in the industrial zone outside the new city, primarily serves as a rge-scale talent training center. Yet, its production techniques and speed astonish all parties.

  Even the most challenging equipment, like armor, can be completed at a rate of dozens of sets per day at this facility. In a year, this armory alone can equip two elite legions with full armor, not to mention the leather armor production line at the adjacent tannery.

  After inspecting the quality of armor and weapons produced, the grand duke's delegation wastes no time in clearing out Henwell's inventory and securing the next year's production. This amounts to enough weaponry to arm four legions, valued at two million gold coins.

  Of course, this expense is deducted from the loans Henwell extended to the duchy. People tend to be generous when spending someone else's money.

  Before the tour concludes, the grand duke's delegation has already exhausted five million gold coins from the loan.

  Setting aside profits, Henwell effectively spends just over one million gold coins to acquire the nd pledged by the grand duke—a highly lucrative deal. If the duchy continues this pattern, Henwell might gradually buy out the entire duchy.

  Of course, after a few such transactions, the duchy will likely no longer tolerate Henwell's expansion.

  Currently, the duchy's delegation is sweeping through Peace Haven's strategic resources, acquiring them with great enthusiasm.

  However, other factions aren't leaving empty-handed when it comes to military gear. Next to the third armory is a workshop specializing in high-quality equipment. Although the output here is lower, the weapons and armor are of superior performance.

  Representatives from various noble families purchase these items to equip their private guards. After all, when it comes to life-saving gear, they're willing to spend.

  As for the bulk standard weapons, only a few influential counts have the need to purchase them. In the eyes of the average noble, arming serf soldiers with such expensive full sets of equipment seems unnecessary. They'd rather invest in equipping their elite private guards.

  High-end equipment comes at a steep price and is seen as an impractical investment for major powers. They might buy a few pieces if they have extra funds, but it's not a primary need unless Henwell offers those premium special alloy armaments.

  However, Henwell's production of such items is limited, and he can't even meet his own demands. Besides, these items are sensitive, and Henwell isn't keen on attracting too much attention.

  Henwell also persuades the lesser nobles to purchase a significant amount of basic weaponry. Items like spearheads made from substandard steel, combined with a wooden shaft, can still be deadly on the battlefield. Henwell sells these simple weapons, crafted from compressed steel, at ten silver coins each to the nobles.

  Despite their simplicity, they are vastly superior to the makeshift weapons of the serf soldiers, who often go to battle with pitchforks and sharpened sticks. Compared to that, these spears with proper heads are a real upgrade.

  At just ten silver coins each, a single gold coin can buy six of them.

  In contrast, a set of high-quality equipment for the lesser nobles costs over two hundred gold coins. One set of premium gear could instead arm nearly a thousand serf soldiers.

  During this rge-scale procurement, many nobles are willing to spend for appearances, allowing Henwell to clear out a significant amount of inventory. With such high cost-effectiveness, Henwell also secures numerous orders for other products.