Knight: Becoming King of the World

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.

Not everyone could be like Henry, capable of forging a fiercely loyal army in just one month.

Boman shook his head and said mysteriously, "Of course not, Henry. Don’t underestimate those caravans. They’re carrying plenty of valuable goods."

Fass picked up where he left off, "That’s right. As soon as a caravan passes through Boman’s territory, his Grassland Warriors transform into Bandits and collect a small ’protection fee’."

Henry’s eyes widened in astonishment. "You’re actually running a racket like that?"

Henry felt like he’d missed out on a fortune. ’But then again,’ he thought, ’that kind of behavior is just beneath me. If I were really desperate for money, I could just rob other nobles. The caravans are better left to stimulate the flow of capital and goods for Westwood Laine.’

Boman waved his hand dismissively. "What racket? We’re simply maintaining order in our territory and ensuring the caravans’ safety. If they don’t want to pay the protection fee, they have to risk being attacked by Bandits."

Fass could barely keep a straight face, smirking as he said, "And do they think they’re safe after paying the protection fee? They never expect that when they pass through my fiefdom, I’ll have my own ’Bandits’ relieve them of half their cargo."

Henry couldn’t help but cut in, "Aren’t you afraid the caravans will fight back? Besides, if the losses become too frequent, what will you do when caravans stop coming to your lands altogether?"

Boman shook his head. "We’re smarter than that. We don’t hit every single caravan. We just randomly pick one or two unlucky souls out of every three to five that pass through. That way, they can’t figure out a pattern. All they can do is obediently pay the protection fee and live in fear of us."

Fass nodded in agreement. "Besides, if some fool of a merchant actually comes to us to report trouble and ask for protection, we have an even more legitimate way to make money.

After all, we’re proper nobles. Protecting passing caravans is one of our duties. If they want safe passage, they have to pay up."

’Proper nobles... Right,’ Henry thought. ’Aside from having family crests, vassal deeds, and noble banners, their actions are no different from common thugs and robbers.’

After hearing their explanation, Henry couldn’t help but laugh and shake his head. "So that’s how it is! No wonder your Private Armies have such a high proportion of Grassland Warriors. You’re running a bandit operation!"

Boman and Fass exchanged a smile, not bothering to hide their smug satisfaction.

They knew their methods were shady, but in the world of nobility, such petty schemes were commonplace in the pursuit of wealth and resources.

Though Henry found their methods distasteful, he had to admit that what Boman and Fass were doing was undeniably effective.

Their armies were well-supplied, and their soldiers’ equipment was top-notch. This not only increased the security of their fiefs but also allowed them to stand tall and speak with confidence.

"Alright, since you’re here, get ready. My target is Odoche—the entire Earl’s Domain. I’m going to let Count John and every other noble know who the true master of this land is," Henry declared.

Boman and Fass exchanged a glance and nodded discreetly.

’Now that’s what I’m talking about. Badass. The man’s got guts!’

’Still, guts are one thing, but the entire Earl’s Domain...’

Boman still thought Henry was being too greedy. He had just been promoted from a Baron to a Count, received rewards so generous they made others green with envy, and even got a special "land deed" from the emperor. Even though the lands didn’t technically belong to Henry yet, with the emperor’s decree, no one else would dare try to develop them.

Logically, Henry should be quietly absorbing all those Dinars, weapons, and people, and focusing on peaceful development for a while.

After all, those lands were full of vagrant bands and pioneer groups.

But on second thought, Boman remembered what kind of man Henry was. ’Those groups will either join his administrative system—becoming village heads, major landowners, or chieftains serving him.’

’Or... heh, their heads will most likely end up as pieces of art.’

Henry’s methods were always decisive and ruthless. If anyone dared to resist, their fate would be utterly wretched.

While Boman was thinking about the aftermath of Henry’s victory, Fass was different. He couldn’t understand why Henry was so confident he would win.

They talked as they walked along the streets, which had been completely cleared to prevent any disturbances.

Soon, Henry led Boman and Fass to the military barracks. As the two of them gazed upon the vast, dark sea of soldiers, they couldn’t help but shudder.