The price Henwell quotes for the six medium and two rge fortresses is surprisingly fair.

  It’s only about 30% more expensive than if the family built them themselves, and everyone’s pleased with that.

  After all, they figure Henwell uses some kind of extraordinary materials to speed up construction and boost strength.

  For such a vish method, just a 30% markup is incredibly reasonable.

  Even the family’s conservative faction, like Viscount Tuster and company, feel a bit embarrassed.

  They genuinely believe Henwell means well for the Phoenix family.

  For this deal, Henwell would rather take a loss than not help the family get firmly established.

  Did Henwell really lose money?

  Of course not!

  He’s not actually using any extraordinary materials.

  Each medium fortress is priced at 130,000 gold coins; each rge one at 350,000 gold coins.

  So how much does Henwell actually earn?

  He’s practically ughinging while pocketing an 80% profit!

  The project requires 2,000 skilled workers, while the rest of the borers come from the Phoenix family.

  Over two years, Henwell pays these 2,000 craftsmen less than 100,000 gold coins in wages.

  Steel and concrete costs don’t exceed 200,000 gold coins.

  For a total project price of 1.5 million gold coins, Henwell’s actual expenses are under 300,000 gold coins.

  That’s an 80% profit margin!

  And that’s not even counting the various siege engines and military supplies needed once the fortresses are built.

  Obviously, these will be purchased from Peace Haven.

  Peace Haven holds a massive advantage in quality, price, and delivery times.

  All told, these purchases add up to nearly a million gold coins.

  On those, Henwell takes about half the usual profit.

  To the Phoenix family members, this already looks like he’s practically giving it away.

  At this moment, Henwell shifts the pointer to the northern region. “This area doesn’t need much investment for now. Our retionship with Marquis Descartes is more of a watchful peace—over-fortifying here would seem excessive.”

  ”As for the east, my personal suggestion is to avoid heavy troop deployments as well. The kingdom’s Seventh and Thirteenth Legions have just been redeployed back here. If we both stack too many troops in this zone, it could easily spark unnecessary friction.”

  ”So, I propose stationing our mixed regiments at the border junction between our territories. This unit has been tempered by battle, and their combat effectiveness is well recognized. They can handle those two legions without issue.”

  ”Plus, during the previous war, there was some level of cooperation between the two sides. This arrangement keeps a watchful eye on the kingdom’s forces without escating tensions. Do you have any other suggestions?”

  No one voices objections. The pn seems thorough and reasonable.

  If the kingdom decides to reinforce this area in the future, adjustments can be made accordingly.

  After wrapping up the military deployment, Henwell points out a few spots within the Phoenix family nds.

  “Next spring, I’ll build several industrial zones here to y groundwork for trade with Vorska in the north. These industrial zones will focus on preliminary processing of raw materials. Initially, Peace Haven workers will dominate, with 20% local bor recruited. After one year, locals should make up half the workforce, and by year two, 80%.”

  The room falls silent. Unlike other factions, Phoenix family members fully grasp Peace Haven’s potential influence.

  Before Jansen was elevated to Grand Duke, everyone would have welcomed Henwell’s proposal without hesitation.

  But now, things are different. Phoenix has become a ducal family, earning a top-tier spot on the continent.

  At this stage, the family members naturally view Peace Haven with suspicion.

  Henwell knows well the unease in the room.

  He continues, “Aside from internal security and factory management, the Phoenix family will oversee all other affairs—external security, personnel recruitment and vetting, and so on.”

  ”Additionally, for each industrial zone, I’ll pay 100,000 gold coins in nd rent for ten years. Each zone will also pay taxes to the Phoenix family. The first year might be light, but I guarantee that by year three, each zone will contribute at least 50,000 gold coins annually in taxes.”

  Discussion breaks out among the members, but in the end, the two factions reach consensus and accept Henwell’s terms.

  What should be a cause for celebration over the new project nding is overshadowed by Duke Jansen’s worries.

  Henwell’s visit this time is more a test—to gauge the Phoenix family’s attitude.

  Spending money is trivial, but it signals a trend.

  Some Phoenix members no longer consider Henwell one of their own.

  Yet Henwell still wants to know just how distant the Phoenix family has become toward him.

  Next, Henwell presents several projects—education, agriculture, healthcare, and military personnel exchange and training.

  As soon as he finishes, many Phoenix family members jump up in opposition.

  Their reasons are all over the pce, some even downright unreasonable.

  But the core message is clear: Henwell must not be allowed to meddle in these areas.

  Faced with their endless excuses, Henwell simply smiles and stays composed.

  Watching the chaotic bickering below, Duke Jansen suddenly stands up, stomping the ground with a heavy foot. “Enough!”

  His face darkens as he commands, “Order! The Phoenix Second Legion will head to Peace Haven for intensive training and selection. Henwell will choose half the soldiers, Peace Haven the other half, to form the Mixed Second Legion. The existing mixed unit will be named Mixed First Legion. After one year, the Mixed Second Legion will repce the first in guarding the kingdom’s two legions. Meanwhile, the Mixed First Legion will take full charge of security for Peace Haven’s industrial zones here.”

  “Currently, Peace Haven’s industrial zones, public schools, town hospitals, and agricultural centers will be protected by my personal guard! Peace Haven provides funding and technology for all construction and investment, while the Phoenix family supplies manpower and nd. Peace Haven will not owe the Phoenix family any fees or taxes for the industrial zones and reted facilities!”

  “My lord…”

  “Jansen, this isn’t right…”

  Jansen roars, “Don’t interrupt me! Let me finish! From now on, every branch of the family, every noble, must send their heirs to Peace Haven’s schools for at least three years! Otherwise, they forfeit their inheritance rights!”

  He gres coldly around the room. “Are you all fools? Our current status isn’t because we’re that great—it’s because of Peace Haven. Because of Henwell, we can stand where we do! Now the kingdom throws us an empty ducal title, and you start losing your heads?”

  ”Don’t forget. Our nds were seized by our own hands, not gifted by the kingdom! Even without the ducal title, the Phoenix family holds the power of a duke!”

  He punctuates each word deliberately: “What I just said is not a discussion—it’s an order! In the name of the Phoenix family head!”