Knight: Becoming King of the World

"Baron Henry, we aren’t far from Tiyaer now. I think your army ought to rest here for a couple of days. Let the soldiers relax and enjoy the cuisine of the Northern Lands."

Henry considered her words and thought the suggestion made a lot of sense.

After all, they had already reached the Northern Lands, so a day or two wouldn’t make a difference. Besides, the soldiers really did need some time to acclimate to the local climate and environment.

He nodded, readily accepting Ratifa’s proposal. "Very well, Countess Ratifa. I agree with your suggestion. We’re already in the Northern Lands, so what’s another two days?"

Ratifa was visibly pleased, her smile holding a hint of triumph.

The spending from Henry’s army in Tiyaer would provide a significant boost to the local economy. It would also be an opportunity for her to flex her influence and warn the major merchants against trying to gouge her.

Not all nobles possessed the absolute authority over their fiefs that Henry did. More often, several factions vied for power, leading to constant squabbles over the spoils.

Executing a few merchants and officials on a whim, as Henry could, was a privilege reserved for the Emperor and a handful of Grand Dukes.

"Wonderful, Baron Henry! I will have the finest accommodations and food prepared to ensure your army is well-rested," Ratifa said warmly.

Henry smiled and thanked her. He knew her warmth stemmed from more than just simple hospitality; she clearly had her own agenda.

But he didn’t mind. After all, this kind of cooperation was mutually beneficial.

’Having his soldiers wander around Tiyaer would also allow them to sketch out a rough map of the city for him. If he ever went on a rampage in the future, who knew if he and Ratifa might end up on opposite sides?’

As the army neared Tiyaer, the soldiers could already taste their upcoming period of rest.

After a long and arduous journey, they would finally have the chance to unwind in a city of the Northern Lands and enjoy its local cuisine and culture.

Ratifa returned to her carriage and began formulating a plan. She needed to ensure that the spending from Henry’s army in Tiyaer would benefit her domain as much as possible.

At the same time, she would use this opportunity to demonstrate her close ties to Baron Henry, sending a clear message to the greedy merchants that she was not to be trifled with.

Guided by Ratifa, Henry’s army slowly entered the city of Tiyaer.

Indeed, Ratifa’s "generosity" was astounding. She actually allowed a foreign army to be quartered in a military barracks *inside* the city walls!

The city’s residents, filled with curiosity about this powerful army, gathered on both sides of the streets to watch the Warriors from a distant land.

Henry’s soldiers, for their part, were excited by the novel sights of the city, looking forward to the fun and relaxation their brief stay would bring.

The moment the soldiers entered the camp, they immediately set to work under the command of Claude and the other officers.

They moved with speed and precision, each man to his task.

Setting up tents, preparing dinner, distributing supplies—every task proceeded in a systematic fashion.

The sooner they finished their duties, the sooner they could enjoy their well-earned rest.

As the head of logistics, Claude’s command abilities were on full display.

He issued a steady stream of orders, ensuring every task was completed on schedule.

"Faster, lads! Get those tents pitched before the night chill sets in!" Claude bellowed, his sharp gaze sweeping over every busy soldier.

The soldiers responded to his command, deftly pitching the tents one after another with a skill that clearly came from long hours of training and practice.

Before long, neat rows of tents stood on the campsite, providing the soldiers with a temporary refuge from the elements.

Some of the barracks’ original soldiers, who were preparing to leave, watched them setting up the camp with great confusion.

’Why aren’t they staying in the barracks buildings?’

In truth, Claude was far more wary of Ratifa than Henry was.

’A woman who could manage such a large faction, and see it grow stronger and stronger, was definitely no pushover. He had to be ready to fight Ratifa at a moment’s notice.’

’What if the barracks Ratifa provided had been tampered with? What if the buildings suddenly collapsed during the night? Or were set on fire? Anything was possible!’

Meanwhile, accompanied by Ratifa and followed by his Attendant, Henry arrived at her castle and was stunned by the magnificent sight before him.

Compared to the castle at Westwood Laine, Ratifa’s was undeniably a grand palace.

Soaring towers, sprawling courtyards, and exquisite carvings and decorations—every detail, steeped in the distinct style of the Northern Lands, showcased Ratifa’s wealth and taste.

The great gates of the castle slowly swung open, and Henry and Ratifa entered together.

The interior was just as opulent. A magnificent, gilded hall, exquisite tapestries and wall hangings, and dazzling crystal chandeliers all proclaimed the status and power of the castle’s master.

"Baron Henry, please make yourself at home."

Ratifa said with a smile, her eyes revealing a hint of pride. "This is my home. I hope you’ll be comfortable here."

Henry nodded, deeply impressed by Ratifa’s castle. This level of wealth and status wasn’t something one could accumulate overnight.

It couldn’t have been plundered; it had to have been built up over time.

"Your castle is magnificent, Countess Ratifa. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be your guest."

Ratifa led Henry on a tour of the castle’s main rooms, including the banquet hall, the library, and the reception hall.

Each room was exquisitely appointed, displaying the hostess’s refined taste.

In Ratifa’s castle, Henry sensed an atmosphere completely different from that of Westwood Laine.

This place wasn’t merely a military fortification; it was a hub of culture and art.

As night fell, Henry’s army settled into their camp while Henry himself enjoyed the treatment of an honored guest in Ratifa’s castle.

At Ratifa’s command, preparations for dinner were already quietly underway.

The finest chefs in Tiyaer had been summoned and were busily preparing the most exquisite and distinctive dishes of the Northern Lands, all to ensure Henry would enjoy an unforgettable dinner.

Henry and Ratifa retired to her study, a warm room filled with the scent of old books.

The bookshelves were lined with all manner of books, from ancient classics to the latest collections of poetry, each one a testament to Ratifa’s broad literary interests.

She pulled a few books from a shelf and handed them to Henry. "These are a few of my favorites," she recommended. "I thought you might find them interesting."

Henry accepted the books, thanking Ratifa for the recommendation.

They sat on a long bench in the study, chatting idly while sipping an herbal tea unique to the Northern Lands.

The fragrant steam of the tea filled the air, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Suddenly, Ratifa set down her teacup, her expression turning serious.

She proposed an idea that took Henry by surprise. "Baron Henry," she began, "I’ve been thinking... perhaps I could invest in you."

Henry froze. ’An investment?’ He hadn’t expected Ratifa to make such a proposal. It reminded him of that one Honorary Baron whose name he’d long since forgotten.

Ratifa continued, "I would like to provide you with funds and recruits, and have you train them. Your army is incredibly powerful. I’m certain that under your training, they could become the elite force of the Northern Lands."

The idea left Henry utterly stunned. Seeing his expression, Ratifa grew a little nervous.

’Is it a no-go? That makes sense, I suppose. Why would someone else train an elite army for you? That would be arming a potential enemy!’

"Perhaps we should just forget I—"

"Done! Ratifa, I’ll help you!"

Ratifa blinked, quickly snapping her mouth shut.

Henry was overjoyed. ’An offer this good actually exists?’

’Someone else provides the recruits and the money for him to train them. And after that "training"... the soldiers...’

’...would listen to who? Why, General Henry, of course!’