Knight: Becoming King of the World

Henry continued to read the letter, his expression shifting from surprise to solemnity.

’I know you’re an ambitious man, Henry. But sometimes, being too brazen isn’t a good thing. I hope you can rein in your ambitions for now—at least for the time being—and keep a low profile.’

Henry’s brow furrowed slightly. He could sense the gravity and warning in the Emperor’s words. This was no mere conversation. It was a clear directive.

’I’ve given you so much political backing, and my sons have offered you considerable support as well. Is that not enough? Can’t you be content with expanding within the empire’s borders and cultivating those vast, unclaimed lands?

I hear you’ve even sent out thousands of elite veterans to work as Mercenaries just to earn money.

While clever, such a move is also far too risky. Is that income not enough for your needs?’

Henry’s heart lurched. He hadn’t expected the Emperor to be so well-informed about his activities.

’It seems the Emperor’s intelligence network is far more extensive than I imagined.’

At the same time, Henry knew the Emperor had a point. He had, in fact, received a great deal of support.

’I’m not saying you can’t make any moves, nor am I telling you to cower in your shell if someone attacks you. I just hope you don’t stir up too much turmoil.’

Kneeling on a cushion, Henry adjusted his posture. He could understand the Emperor’s concerns.

Internal stability was of the utmost importance to the Emperor, especially while he was occupied with the war in the snowfields of the Northern Lands and solidifying his control over the desert.

’What I need are stable territories to provide logistical support, not scorched earth torn by war. I hope you understand this, Henry.’

Toward the end of the letter, the Emperor’s tone softened.

’I know you’re a capable man, Henry. I trust you can understand my predicament. Please be patient for the time being. When the time is right, I will give you more support and opportunities.’

The Emperor went on to write that his expectations for Henry were far greater than just this.

He laid out a detailed blueprint in which Henry’s domain would become the jewel of the eastern empire.

’I will give you ample support. I hope you can build Ximira Castle into an even more prosperous stronghold.

This land languished in the hands of the nobles under John. It should be a strategic fortress, a major crossroads for trade.

You must strive to build new villages, pastures, farms, ranches, and manors—put all the land to full use.

I am confident that under your leadership, the Buluo Baron’s Domain can become a paragon within the empire—a prosperous and peaceful land.’

Henry read on, nodding in approval. The Emperor’s promises were incredibly tempting. Not only did he pledge to issue an official decree promoting Henry to the rank of Viscount,

but he would also grant him a considerable sum of money to support his development plans.

A rush of warmth spread through Henry’s chest. ’This is practically funding the enemy... ah, no, it’s more like he’s cultivating his own student!’

’All this political backing and financial aid... How could I ever repay him!’

’As for that so-called Viscount title?’

’What’s the point? It’s like I always say, you can’t even count on two hands the number of Barons in this empire who could pulverize a Count. The imperial system of nobility isn’t just a simple ladder...’

’A Duke and a Knight under the Emperor are technically equal in status. Of course, if a Knight wants to go lick a Duke’s boots, that’s his business. But if a Duke has it out for you, you might as well just wait to die.’

’To put it bluntly, in this empire, what really matters is the size and quality of your army! It’s Dinars! It’s how efficiently you develop your lands!’

’The Counts in the snowfields of the Northern Lands have absurdly large fiefdoms, but which of them dares to tangle with a Baron from the empire’s central regions?’

Henry decided to accept the Dean’s instructions. He would scale back his activities for now, focus on developing his own domain, and prepare for future opportunities.

The main reason he agreed was that the Dean’s request didn’t conflict with his own plans.

’The Caladian Empire? What was that in the grand scheme of things? His future enemies were the boundless east, the mysterious lands overseas, the desert hiding who-knows-how-many secrets, and the northern snowfields ruled by an unknown master.’

’Henry, too, wished he could spend his days in his study, going over ledgers, reviewing records of funds and supplies, and checking on regional security.’

’To feast and drink his fill every day, then take a bath at night and sleep like a log.’

’Just listen to that. What a sweet life.’

Unfortunately, someone always had to stir up trouble just when Henry wanted to take a break.

’If it weren’t for this bullshit "Anti-Henry Alliance," I’d still be in Westwood Laine eating roast duck right now. It’s not like I’m some warmonger; people just keep starting shit with me.’

’I look forward to seeing your achievements, Henry. Do not disappoint me.’

Henry gently folded the letter, the rough outline of a plan already forming in his mind.

Ximira Castle itself was a key location, a vital link between Westwood Laine and the nearest trading hub, Odoche.

If Henry’s domain were a person, Ximira Castle would be its throat—the passage through which it consumed its nourishment.

Just as the Emperor had said, Ximira Castle was supposed to be a strategic fortress, a major trade artery. It should have been bustling with traffic, with an endless stream of merchant caravans.

And yet, it had been occupied for so long by some useless coaster under John’s command.

’Talk about hogging the latrine without taking a crap. You think you’ve earned the right to just coast? You can’t handle this. I’ll have to be the one to do it right!’