Henwell summons Simon, the leader of the Lord Iron Guards, and Jax, the chief captain of the secret research institute’s guards.

  He gives them strict orders: during his absence, the research institute must be protected at all costs.

  After all, these researchers are Henwell’s pride and joy—seven years of painstaking cultivation—and losing any of them is absolutely out of the question.

  The guard level at the institute is raised by one notch, reaching a wartime readiness status. Everyone entering or leaving must undergo thorough inspection.

  The institute’s finances were usually managed solely by Henwell.

  Now, Simon takes over, handling funds directly through the Blood Hill estate’s treasury.

  The Lord Iron Guards, now expanded to over three hundred strong, won’t be accompanying Henwell on his journey west.

  After Henwell departs, two hundred of them split into two teams.

  One team is stationed near the research institute.

  The other team patrols key departments like the smelting pnt, cement factory, and pharmaceutical pnt on a rotating basis.

  Meanwhile, Chick from intelligence steps up efforts to screen for spies and infiltrators.

  If necessary, Chick will alert Simon to deploy the Lord Iron Guards’ elite to eliminate any professionals crossing the line.

  It’s been five months since the transformation ceremony.

  The Lord Iron Guards’ strength has finally stabilized.

  All three hundred-plus members hold Knight ranks.

  Among them, including Simon, there are eight Grand Knights and over thirty Battle Knights.

  Such an elite force is no easy feat to assemble quickly in any kingdom.

  The Lord Iron Guards stand as the sharpest sword guarding Peace Haven!

  After the transformation event, Henwell investigates the surge in power.

  Besides the Lord Iron Guards, most of the military commanders who have seen battle show varying degrees of power increase.

  Even the soldiers’ physical fitness has improved slightly—not obvious, but Henwell senses it keenly.

  It’s not just the soldiers; the entire popution of Peace Haven has grown physically stronger by about ten percent.

  That’s a remarkable leap. While ten percent might not create a huge gap, it at least boosts the people’s immunity, giving them a better foundation to fight off diseases.

  In short, an increase in health bars is definitely a good thing.

  Henwell guesses this might be linked to his own promotion or Newwood’s support activating some new ability.

  It feels like a buff aura from a game, one that slightly raises the overall strength of all units under command.

  Although it is not much, it covers a wide range!

  For now, Henwell names it the Civilization Aura.

  Henwell wants to discuss Newwood and his recent changes with the chat group members.

  But he receives a warning from the chat group. Don’t reveal any information about himself or Newwood.

  Now, aside from sharing routine updates on technology and governance, he can’t discuss any confidential matters in the chat group.

  Henwell doesn’t dare challenge these restrictions. Since the “big shots” put him here, the means of control must be more than just Newwood.

  Going forward, Henwell expects his communication with the chat group to dwindle.

  Over the years, many members have reached the age to inherit family legacies.

  Some have gradually dropped out or disappeared, each loss deeply affecting the chat group.

  All Henwell can do is raise a gss in remembrance and keep pushing forward with his own efforts.

  After wrapping up the research institute’s affairs, Henwell takes a moment to review next year’s goals.

  He sets growth targets for each department, then shifts focus to preparing for his upcoming trip.

  He pns to depart in mid-January. It’s still over half a month away.

  The journey is expected to take just over three months one way, and he’s confident the return trip will be faster.

  That way, he’ll make it back in time for his wedding.

  During preparations, Henwell stocks up on plenty of supplies.

  Since Newwood reforged his gear, Henwell wears the full set of weapons and armor almost every day—except when he’s sleeping.

  At first, he couldn’t even step onto wooden stairs without hesitation.

  Now, he can walk across the wn without it noticeably sinking beneath him.

  That’s a huge improvement.

  With the full gear on, his effective weight has dropped from over 300 kilograms down to just over 100—a reduction of nearly half.

  Night Charger, after its upgrade, looks even more majestic and powerful.

  Even carrying Henwell fully armored and weighing 300 kilograms, it still gallops like the wind.

  On the agreed day, the Jansen family arrives at Blood Hill estate.

  After bidding farewell to his family, Orak leads over thirty knights westward alongside Henwell.

  Henwell, gripping his war spear, turns to the Jansens and says, “Don’t worry! I’ll make sure my brother arrives safely!”

  This trip, Henwell brings just over ten people.

  Of course, all hold Knight ranks, including two Battle Knights.

  Conrad and Hubert are handpicked by Henwell from the Lord Iron Guards.

  Both are only twenty-seven years old and unmarried.

  Henwell pns to station them within the Western Federation, along with an outstanding intelligence officer recommended by Chick.

  This young man, Barnett, is just twenty-two and only became a Knight st year.

  Yet, he’s worked under Chick for three years and shows remarkable talent—quick learner, adaptable, and highly skilled in intelligence work.

  When the time comes, these three will form the core of an intelligence station in the Western Federation.

  It’s a long-term covert mission, so those with families aren’t suitable.

  As for those without family ties, there’s always a risk of betrayal.

  That’s why Henwell is making this trip personally—to assess whether conditions are right to establish an intelligence outpost.

  The westbound team numbers about fifty, each man with two horses.

  They ride fine steeds, capable of long-distance travel and charging into battle.

  Henwell also commissions six custom four-wheeled Grand Carriages.

  One carries essential supplies; the rest are packed with crates.

  Orak rides beside Henwell and says, “Henwell, you’re about to get married, and you’re off on this trip? I’m worried you might lose time!”

  Henwell ughs, “Brother, Melissa isn’t going anywhere. If I’m a few days te, that doesn’t mean no wedding”

  After chatting a bit, Orak points at the carriages pulled by teams of four horses.

  “Why so much stuff? What’s in those wagons?”

  “Specialties from Peace Haven!”

  “Oh? Like clocks? Telescopes? Or other goods?”

  Henwell grins, “Nope! All gold coins! Two hundred thousand gold coins per carriage—one point two million total!”

  Orak’s eyes widen. “Why bring that much gold? Is Peace Haven’s specialty just gold coins?”