Chapter 298 - 223: Hehe, Part 2
Bain nodded. Though still worried, he knew Henry’s orders were not to be questioned.
He stepped back, allowing the carriage to proceed.
Claude stood a short distance away, his gaze cutting through the crowd to rest on Henry’s carriage.
He had watched Henry grow up. The young man, who had always been clever and perceptive, wasn’t telling the truth. But Claude also understood that if Henry didn’t want to talk, there was no use in pressing him.
He decided to find an opportunity to speak with Henry in private. Perhaps he could learn more without overstepping his bounds.
The carriage ambled forward. Henry closed his eyes, leaning back against the soft cushions.
His body needed rest, but his mind could find no peace.
’This battle is far from over. I have to find a way to deal with this unknown threat.’
’It’s a good thing I haven’t entered the wasteland again these past few days. I don’t know if it’s because my body won’t allow it, or if you have to be near a spatial rift for this to happen.’
’Of course, we’re also about to reach the border of the Caladia Empire. Maybe there’s some mysterious power here that can block the encroachment of Subspace.’
’After all, after that surgery back in the empire, there was that golden power that helped me resist Khorne, Slaanesh, and Jianqi.’
’I wonder what the limits of that golden power are. How much can it really withstand?’
Meanwhile, Claude and Bain had quietly slipped away to confer in hushed tones, keeping their voices low so no one else would overhear.
Cliques within a larger group were perfectly normal, especially for the earliest members of Henry’s inner circle—his most trusted confidants. They considered themselves a cut above the rest.
Even Philip, the most unassuming of the group, was now commander of the entire Westwood Laine Militia and head of the town’s defenses.
Bain frowned and whispered to Claude, "I think our lord might really be hurt this time. Think about it. Back in the dense forest, the shockwave from that spatial rift knocked so many people over. Our lord was the closest. It’s entirely possible he took the worst of it."
This wasn’t just Bain’s opinion; the other Attendants thought so too.
To them, a "spatial rift" was simply too abstract. They had no frame of reference, no real concept of what it was.
In their minds, Henry was invincible, undefeatable. Only a mysterious force like a spatial rift could possibly have an effect on him.
Claude nodded but didn’t follow up on Bain’s line of thought.
Claude’s expression was complicated—a mix of lecherous and gratified.
He leaned closer to Bain and said in an even lower voice, "I’ve often heard... whimpering sounds coming from the carriage. And it’s only ever Henry and Ailia in there... *Heh heh*."
That *heh heh* was loaded with meaning. Bain didn’t get it at first, but after seeing Claude’s expression, an identical smile spread across his own face.
Clearly, Bain was no innocent, and he knew exactly what Claude’s smile implied.
He lowered his voice, a teasing tone creeping in. "Oh? You mean..."
Claude winked, signaling for Bain not to spell it out.
"If something... *happened* between our lord and Ailia, and that’s why he’s been so listless lately, that would also explain why he got so impatient when we asked if he was hurt.
"After all, that’s not exactly something he can tell us about, is it?"
Bain was only half-following, not having much experience in... such matters. But Claude knew. He may not have a wife or children, but a man of his years has seen a thing or two.
The kind of exhaustion that leaves you feeling completely drained.
Bain nodded, his smile turning gossipy. "If that’s the case, then we should probably leave them be. After all, our lord needs his privacy."
The two men shared a knowing smile and decided not to press Henry about his condition any further. Instead, they would focus on other matters. If Henry truly needed help, he would ask for it.
For now, the best thing they could do was give Henry the space to handle this "problem" on his own.
If Henry knew what they were thinking, he would’ve kicked their asses with his boot. Had he actually been engaging in shameless, unrestrained debauchery in the carriage, he would have owned up to it.
But the problem was, he hadn’t done a damn thing!
This was slander!
The carriage continued on its way. Henry remained with his eyes closed in rest, while Ailia kept a silent vigil by his side. An unspoken mood flowed between them.
They hadn’t heard Bain and Claude’s conversation. But even if they had, Ailia would have only smiled shyly, and Henry couldn’t have been bothered to explain.
News of Henry’s imminent return spread like wildfire through the border camp, carried by reports from the scouting parties.
Word of Henry’s triumphant victory spread just as quickly through the ranks.
Soldiers put their heads together, whispering about the return of the legendary hero.
According to the scouts’ estimates, the sheer number of Inferior Horned Beast heads and captured weapons was enough for any Legion to earn the emperor’s personal commendation.
A fortune of staggering proportions!
"Have you heard? They say the pile of Inferior Horned Beast heads Lord Henry is bringing back is higher than a mountain!"
"That’s nothing! I heard he captured enough weapons to equip our entire Legion!" another soldier chimed in, his eyes shining with hero worship.
These exaggerated rumors swept like a gale through the Legions of the Northern Lands and the armies of the high nobility, reaching every corner of the camp.
The soldiers were all familiar with Henry’s exploits. In army life, it was only natural to follow the heroic deeds of the military aristocracy.
Henry’s name was on everyone’s lips, and he had become their idol.
They held special respect for a noble like Henry, whose reputation was built on fighting the Alien Races.
Officers and Viscounts from several Legions were also eagerly anticipating Henry’s return.
They hoped to throw a celebratory banquet for Henry, which would also give them a chance to meet the hero and make his acquaintance.
"We must hold a grand banquet for Lord Henry to honor his valor and accomplishments."
"Exactly. It’s not just a matter of showing Lord Henry respect, it would be a major boost to our Legion’s morale."
The Viscounts were also discussing in private how to use this opportunity to build a good relationship with Henry.
Henry wasn’t just the lord of Westwood Laine and Ximira Castle; he was an Independent Baron of the empire and a student of the emperor himself.
Moreover, he held great prestige on the eastern steppes; nearly all of the most formidable warrior-nobles had rallied to his side!
An alliance with him meant a massive political and military advantage!
Furthermore, according to "well-informed sources," the relationship between Henry and the Northern Lands’ wealthiest countess, Ratifa, was... special.
No one knew where this rumor started, but it spread with incredible speed and force.
Ratifa had returned earlier and had since remained in seclusion, giving the gossips plenty to talk about.
"Lord Henry’s return presents a golden opportunity for us. We must seize it."
People wondered how the commander-in-chief of the Northern Lands border, His Highness the Prince, would receive this triumphant hero. The battle report, after all, was spectacular.
In their eyes, establishing a connection with a man like Henry was both an honor and a perfect opportunity to elevate their own standing.
If the Prince knew what was good for him, he would give Lord Henry a grand and proper victory banquet at the very least!
Amidst such anticipation and excitement, the atmosphere in the border camp grew increasingly feverish.
Most people eagerly awaited Henry’s return and were making preparations, hoping to give the hero the most enthusiastic welcome possible.
Ratifa sat inside her tent, listening to the report from her subordinate. Her expression was unreadable, shifting as she listened.
"Henry is really coming back?"
"Yes."
"Do you know any of the scout captains well? Ask one of them if there’s anything... unusual about Henry’s army."