On a ship sailing the Ouse River, Henwell is joined by two guests:

  Count Roderick, the Southeastern Commander of the Kingdom of Ika, and Count Divarak, the Northwest Defense Chief of the Kingdom of Ogiro.

  Roderick speaks first, “Henwell, what’s the matter that you had to call us here? Did it really have to be in person?”

  Divarak pats his beer belly and says, “Henwell, you’re not gearing up for war again, are you? Not to be nosy, but you’re about to get married soon. Can’t you just take it easy? No matter which way you move now, you’re stuck between a rock and a hard pce. This isn’t something the two of us can fix. You should know the top brass in both our countries have reached their limit with you.”

  Henwell replies, “If I wanted to fight, why would I even notify you? Cut the nonsense. I have two things to say this time. First, I’m getting married. I don’t care what methods you use, but you must keep your troops, and your superiors, in check. If anyone dares to cause trouble during my wedding, don’t bme me for cutting ties. I swear, I’ll make a scene that death is coming.”

  Divarak rolls his eyes, “Damn it, you’re always the one attacking others. Who would dare attack you? Besides, bro, I’m coming to your wedding myself. If Ogiro dares to stir up trouble, it won’t just be against you, it’ll be against me too. You don’t need to lift a finger. I won’t let them off the hook either.”

  Roderick also makes his stance clear: “Rest assured, Ika’s Southeastern Command controls six legions under me. No military moves will bypass me. Besides, you’re an expert in military affairs. Anyone wanting to attack Peace Haven needs at least ten legions. Such a rge-scale operation involves troop movements and supply logistics that are impossible to hide. Even your scouts would easily spot something amiss. With over a month until your wedding, that’s simply not enough time to mobilize for war.”

  Henwell continues, “There’s one more thing, Roderick. I need your connections in Three River City. A fleet will be coming from the west, passing through Three River City. I want you to secure me a pass that allows them to bypass inspections.”

  Henwell isn’t talking about Mishasa’s White Scarf Fleet but another fleet quietly supported by the intelligence agency.

  Western Federation’s trading fleets only reach the unreguted border areas, where there’s a trade city.

  This city serves as a transit hub for trade between the Kingdom of Ika and the Western Regions. Usually, Western Federation fleets don’t enter the Eastern countries.

  The White Scarf Fleet docks at a transit port city called Rondo.

  They unload Western Federation goods there, load Eastern products, and head straight back.

  A merchant guild registered in the Lumir Duchy and controlled by Peace Haven sets up a base in Rondo City.

  This guild hands Peace Haven’s goods to the White Scarf Fleet, then loads Western Federation cargo onto its own fleet, which sails downstream into Peace Haven territory.

  Since Rondo City is a trade hub in the Western Regions, it doesn’t strictly inspect Western Federation ships.

  But once the goods continue downstream and reach Three River City, they face multiple inspections.

  Three River City falls under Duke Kolen’s jurisdiction, and Henwell’s Military Intelligence Office has limited influence there.

  So, Roderick must get involved. As Duke Kolen’s trusted confidant, Roderick has the clout and channels needed.

  Hearing this, Roderick frowns. “Why do you need a pass to bypass inspections? We’re not at war. Trade blockades are lifted. You can pass through normally. Why complicate things?”

  Henwell gres at him. “Because there are plenty of contraband goods! Even if they’re legal, the tariffs are sky-high, which slows down my profits!”

  Roderick scoffs, “Why should I do you any favors?”

  Henwell tilts his head toward him. “Because ten percent of the profits from this cargo belong to you.”

  Roderick decres solemnly, “That harms the kingdom’s interests. As the Southeastern Commander appointed by His Majesty, I won’t bend the rules for petty gains!”

  Henwell chuckles to himself.

  Only ten percent profit? What a joke!

  Henwell turns to Divarak, “See? Even with a hundred thousand gold coins a year, Roderick’s not tempted anymore!”

  Roderick immediately straightens up and raises a hand to interrupt, “Wait! Tell me exactly what you’re smuggling. After all, we’re friends. You, the Lord of Blood Hill, are trusting me with this. I can’t let you down.”

  Henwell rolls his eyes. “Your attitude is truly unpleasant!”

  He then expins that he’s secured a channel in the Western Federation for extraordinary materials, such as weapons, equipment, and potions.

  Hearing this, Roderick’s eyes light up, and even Divarak looks eager.

  At their level, ordinary wealth no longer grabs their attention.

  What they really chase is greater power, higher status, and stronger influence.

  Extraordinary materials, especially in rge quantities, are a prized commodity for them and hold significant weight.

  Roderick rubs his hands together, “Give me twenty percent. I don’t want gold, just the materials. I guarantee no issues getting the goods into Peace Haven.”

  Henwell snorts, “Ten percent. Take it or leave it. Otherwise, I’ll just route through Lumir.”

  “Don’t! Don’t forget, Matilda, the Viscountess of Lumir Duchy, doesn’t want to deal with you. If you want goods into Peace Haven, you can’t bypass me.”

  Henwell chuckles coldly, “Here’s some bad news for you. I have connections in Lumir. For example, Count Lierul of the Dienbos family and his Crystal Goblet Guild are ready to open a branch in Peace Haven.”

  ”I’ve also met people from the Rich Trading Group, who can smoothly deliver goods to Peace Haven. And they’re not as greedy as you, ten percent profit is enough for them. After all, they just handle delivery. Buddy, don’t you get it? The only reason I’m entrusting you with something many others could do is to maintain our partnership.”

  Seeing Henwell isn’t bluffing, Roderick hesitates but eventually agrees to the terms.

  In truth, Henwell could bypass Roderick and buy extraordinary materials directly from the Western Federation.

  But that route crosses the Scorching Sand Sea, which is risky and limits cargo volume—insufficient for Peace Haven’s needs.

  Only by transporting goods via the South Wheat River from the Western Federation offers the best cost-effectiveness.

  Roderick doesn’t understand the Western Federation, that’s the advantage of information asymmetry.

  Henwell has taken many risks to maintain this edge, and those information are invaluable.