Chapter 224 - 187: An Emotional Roller Coaster
Henry gripped the war hammer, an involuntary, satisfied smile spreading across his face.
’He loved this thing so damn much. If this book and pillow don’t have any special effects, I’ll just burn them and toss them in a shit pit!’
Henry stared at the thick book and pillow in his hands, thinking viciously.
He wasn’t sure if it was because Jianqi and Slaanesh were still watching him, but as soon as the thought crossed Henry’s mind, a wave of warmth emanated from the book and pillow in his hands.
Feeling the sensation, Henry sneered. He turned to face the nobles who were watching him quietly.
The nobles’ gazes held only awe, but when they saw the war hammer in Henry’s hand and the smile on his face, a chill ran down their spines.
A smile like that from Henry usually meant he had a new plan, and those plans were often accompanied by bloodshed and death.
’Looks like someone else is about to suffer!’
Edmund, Calvin, and the others exchanged a look. They could all read the same thing in each other’s eyes... Excitement?
They knew how powerful Henry was. Did he already have his next target?
Wasn’t it too soon? They hadn’t even had time to absorb and digest the spoils of this victory!
Henry ignored their stares. He strode away from the three skull pyramids, the war hammer swaying gently in his hand as if to announce to everyone that his power had grown once more.
The nobles silently parted to make way for him; no one dared to stand in his path.
The nobles watched Henry’s retreating back, their hearts filled with awe. They envied his power.
Henry led the nobles back to the camp and entered the command tent. His steps were steady and powerful, carrying an air of authority.
He casually placed the war hammer on the ground, while the thick book and soft pillow were set on the table.
The nobles followed close behind, their faces a mixture of post-victory elation and greedy anticipation.
’Henry brought them back here. It must be to discuss how to divide the spoils of war and the enemy’s fiefs!’
After a month of camping in the field and the recent frenzied battle, they had vented their battle madness.
Now, it was time to talk about their gains.
But Henry remained silent, and the atmosphere in the tent gradually grew heavy.
Henry sat in his seat—a large, sturdy oaken chair with a high back carved with intricate patterns, symbolizing power and status.
Henry’s gaze swept over the nobles’ faces. Their expressions slowly shifted from initial excitement to solemn silence.
"Baron Henry, my lord, about the distribution of the spoils..."
One of the nobles began tentatively, but a single gesture from Henry silenced him.
Henry didn’t speak. He just sat there quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the tabletop.
The simple motion sounded exceptionally loud in the silent tent, each tap striking like a beat against every person’s heart.
The nobles began to exchange glances, trying to find answers in each other’s expressions, but no one dared to break the silence.
Time ticked by, second by second, and the atmosphere in the tent grew increasingly oppressive.
Some of the nobles began to fidget, wanting to say something but afraid of disturbing Henry’s thoughts.
Finally, Henry stopped tapping. He looked up, his gaze as sharp as a blade, scanning everyone present.
His voice, deep and powerful, broke the long silence. "The distribution of spoils and fiefs is what everyone is most concerned about, and it’s what I am most concerned about as well. However, we have more important matters to consider right now."
His words surprised the nobles. They couldn’t imagine what could be more important to Henry than dividing the spoils.
Some began to wonder if Henry was thinking about how to consolidate his power, or perhaps planning an attack on their next enemy.
Henry stood up. His towering figure seemed immense in the tent, exuding an intense pressure, his head nearly touching the roof.
Henry’s gaze swept across the tent. Some seats were empty. The Barons and Knights who had supported him and fought by his side were gone forever.
An indescribable emotion welled up in his heart. He couldn’t let his followers die in vain.
"As for the Barons and Knights who fought bravely and sacrificed their lives in battle, their families must also receive a fair share," Henry said, his voice filled with determination and fairness.
He held himself to a different standard; he would not let his supporters shed blood only to have their families shed tears.
His words were like a warm current, warming the hearts of everyone present. In their eyes, Henry’s image transformed from a figure reeking of blood and shrouded in black mist into a good man radiating a golden light.
The nobles were shocked by Henry’s display of compassion. It reminded them of His Majesty the Emperor, who always put the people first... and yes, by "people," he meant not just the nobility, but also the Free People and self-employed farmers.
’Henry, that top student from the Imperial Capital Knight Academy, is truly incredible!’
"Then, what should we do about the nobles who have no heirs?" a noble asked.
Hearing this, Henry sighed. His eyes revealed a trace of helplessness, but more so, determination. "For those nobles without heirs, we can only select the closest eligible successor from their family and lineage to receive the compensation. It’s the best we can do, and it is what we must do."