Chapter 305 - 227: Who’s the Real Son, Anyway
No one could give a definite answer, but everyone was awaiting the Emperor’s final decision.
Some believed there would be no change, others thought he would be made a Viscount, and the more audacious guessed he would be made a Count.
In the court of Lukaron, the Emperor sat on his throne, holding a battle report from the border.
The Emperor’s gaze lingered on the report, his mind filled with his own considerations.
Henry’s military achievements were undeniable, but he also had to consider the feelings of the other nobles and the balance of power within the Empire.
The speed at which information traveled throughout the Empire was almost uncanny, with messages delivered by courier on horseback, carrier pigeon, and water transport. In every corner of the Empire, many were waiting for the Emperor’s decision.
Henry’s reputation was already dazzling. Not long had passed since the campaigns against the Half-Beastmen and the Lizardmen. Now, Henry had once again taken the initiative to attack without a clear command from his Lord, the Emperor, and had achieved a tremendous victory!
Henry had transcended the scope of an ordinary noble; he had become a hero of the Empire!
Fame, prestige, and honor—these intangible assets were often more influential than actual fiefs and wealth in the world of the Empire’s nobility.
They could bring a person numerous tangible benefits, influence the course of events, and even change one’s destiny.
Henry’s prestige was now remarkably high. Everywhere he went, he was met with respect and welcome.
His name became a focus of conversation, his deeds were sung in ballads, and his image was molded into the epitome of a hero.
For those nobles who had not yet made a name for themselves, Henry’s prestige was an object of immense envy.
They yearned for such renown, as it meant commoners from surrounding lands would spontaneously migrate to their territories, bringing them more labor and tax revenue.
At the same time, cultured scholars and Warriors with superb Martial Arts would also take the initiative to seek them out and pledge their service, enhancing their strength and influence.
They began to reflect on their own actions and decisions, trying to find ways to increase their own prestige.
Henry had carved out a domain for himself through sheer military force. ’But what about us?’ they wondered. ’We don’t have Henry’s level of Martial Arts or military might.’
Some nobles began to pay more attention to their image and conduct, striving to perform better on all occasions to win the respect and approval of others.
They started to actively participate in various social activities and public affairs, hoping to raise their own prestige and influence through their efforts and contributions.
Some commoners also felt their lives had improved recently and silently prayed that this situation would last, rather than being just a flash in the pan.
Henry’s seniors, classmates, and juniors at the academy, as well as the few female students, were extremely envious of their school’s celebrity, whose fame had exploded and remained second to none in recent years.
They looked up to Henry as a role model, studying hard and improving themselves in the hope of gaining recognition and respect in society, just like him.
Within the Knight Academy, Henry had also become a legendary figure. His deeds were recounted, and the students who had yet to graduate set him as their goal, diligently studying academics and Martial Arts skills in the hope of achieving a glorious future like his.
’Henry graduated from the academy too. If he could do it, so can we, right?’
’We have to work harder!’
The academy’s instructors were also proud of Henry. They believed his success proved the academy’s educational philosophy and training methods were correct, which further strengthened their resolve and confidence in cultivating outstanding nobles.
Besides, Henry had indeed performed exceptionally well during his time as a student, improving at a rapid pace—except in his academic courses.
At this moment, Henry’s prestige not only benefited him personally but also had a positive impact on the entire Empire.
His victory and glory became a source of pride for the Empire, boosting its morale and cohesion.
The military nobility was proud of him, the academy-educated nobles boasted of him, and the regional nobles saw him as a role model.
In every corner of the Empire, people discussed Henry’s heroic deeds. In taverns, in marketplaces, and even at nobles’ banquets, Henry’s name was the most prominent topic of conversation.
However, everything in the world has two sides; with the good comes the bad.
In the Empire’s noble circles, Henry’s prestige also aroused the vigilance and concern of certain nobles.
They worried that Henry’s rise would threaten their own status and interests, so they began to secretly observe and analyze his movements and plans, trying to find a countermeasure.
This was especially true for the nobles near the eastern grasslands. They feared that after Henry returned to his fief this time, he would accumulate power and, no longer satisfied with the size of his territory, make a brazen move against Count John.
If Count John were to fall, they would be next, with nothing but a river separating them from the sharp edge of Henry’s army!
Nobles great and small began to strengthen their alliances and cooperation with one another, hoping to resist the potential impact of Henry’s rise through unity.
’We have no choice but to be on guard. That Henry has a screw loose; who knows when he might just attack.’
The rumors and gossip from the outside world blew like a gentle breeze, quietly wafting into the royal court of Lukaron.
The ruler of the Empire, Emperor Anikovarest XIII of Caladia, was currently sitting before a large desk. His brow was slightly furrowed, and he toyed with an exquisite scepter in his hand, his heart filled with conflict and indecision.
’I had originally planned to make Henry a Border Marquis all at once, provide him with Dinars and serfs, and then order him not to wage war without my command, focusing instead on expanding our borders and enlarging the Empire’s territory.’