Seeing Henry's confused expression, Boman chuckled and said, "Henry, I know it looks like we've just been developing our territory, but our methods are actually a bit... special."
Fass nodded in agreement and continued, "We've focused our main efforts on developing and building our lands. We want passing trade caravans to think our territory is prosperous, completely safe, and ripe with business opportunities, causing them to lower their guard."
Henry frowned and asked, "And then what? You're not telling me you're funding your army with trade taxes from caravans, are you?"
Henry laughed at his own question. 'How high would the trade and customs taxes have to be to make that much money?'
Developing a territory from scratch is a massive undertaking. 'Where would they get the money to train more soldiers?'
Henry had seen Boman's and Fass's Private Armies, and they didn't look like hastily slapped-together militias. They were the product of time, energy, and genuine effort.
