Knight: Becoming King of the World

Blando and Mato’s loud laughter drew the attention of those around them. The person who had just spoken was very displeased and said, "What are you laughing at? Is this so funny?"

Blando suppressed his laughter and said, "Mato and I just spent the day at the taverns, the cockfights, the theater, and the brothel. Of course you didn’t see me, and we didn’t see you either."

As soon as Blando finished speaking, a wave of sighs and groans was heard. Some of the men grew distressed, realizing they had wasted a great deal of time in the taverns and markets.

Others, however, shared a knowing smile, because their day had been similar to Blando’s and Mato’s.

Around a campfire in the camp, Blando, Mato, and other soldiers who had likewise enjoyed their day sat together.

"You guys know what? The show at the theater was incredible! Every move the actors made, every line they spoke, it was all so perfect, so... so... well, it was just great! I felt like I was one of the characters in the play, like I’d really lived another life."

"Yeah, and that actress was gorgeous!"

The other soldiers, who hadn’t gone, listened with great interest, a hint of envy and regret in their eyes.

"Right, the cockfights Blando and Mato mentioned were awesome too! You guys must have seen that black rooster, right? So agile, with such precise attacks. It would probably taste delicious!"

"I thought the one with the colorful feathers was more interesting. You could raise it and pluck its feathers every day to sell."

A soldier coughed, unable to hide the grin on his face. "And the women at the brothel... don’t even get me started. Their figures, their faces, and those captivating smiles... they’re simply unforgettable."

Blando and Mato raised their eyebrows. "That’s right. They’re beautiful, and they all know how to talk and make you happy. They’re just too expensive."

Listening to Blando and Mato’s descriptions, the other soldiers’ faces showed even more chagrin.

"I knew I should have gone to the theater. I heard the performances there are truly spectacular."

"I missed the cockfights too! I’ve always wanted to see animals fight."

A young soldier said with a blush, "The brothel... I’ve never been to a place like that. Hearing you all talk about it, I feel like I’ve missed out on a lot."

Blando and Mato looked at their expressions, feeling a little smug.

Their choice today had been the right one. They had not only enjoyed the day but also made wonderful memories.

They were almost all from serf backgrounds. The first thing most of them thought of was food; even with money in hand, it wouldn’t occur to them to experience other forms of entertainment.

Just then, an officer walked over and said, "Alright, alright. Get some rest after dinner. We’re setting off tomorrow."

The soldiers immediately dispersed. Those who had to stand watch went to their posts, and those who could sleep went back to their tents.

While the soldiers had a happy day of fun, Henry was rather exhausted.

So, what had Master Heng been busy with?

Securing the ships!

Henry’s brow was tightly furrowed. He sat at the desk in his tent, piles of various documents and regulations before him.

His hands were clenched into tight fists, his knuckles white from the force.

A full day of negotiations had left him exhausted, but what angered him even more was the evasiveness and procrastination of the Gasil officials.

"These bureaucrats!" Henry cursed under his breath, his voice filled with discontent and fury.

He had thought that with his status and the Emperor’s writ, commandeering a few merchant ships would be a simple matter.

But reality had dealt him a heavy blow. The officials of Gasil didn’t seem to care. They used all sorts of excuses to refuse, making Henry run back and forth between municipal halls without ever getting a clear answer.

These officials were probably testing his limits, or perhaps hoping to squeeze some benefits out of the situation.

But Henry had no intention of spending money he shouldn’t have to, nor of playing these corrupt bureaucratic games.

’I transmigrated here and became an imperial noble, and I still have to run around city hall just to get something done? I have a prominent title and the Emperor’s writ, but the officials of Gasil don’t seem to give a damn.’

The municipal halls of the Empire’s Free Cities, or rather, the imperial demesnes, were complicated places, as complex as any imperial agency.

However, as a nobleman and a student of the Emperor, Henry’s authority and influence were not to be trifled with.

Henry’s face darkened as he recalled the day’s events. He had been sitting in a luxurious office in Gasil’s city hall, facing a group of officials who wore smiles but spoke with evasive words.

Their attitude was respectful, but whenever Henry brought up his request to commandeer merchant ships, they would always find some excuse to refuse, as if performing a well-choreographed dance.

"Honored Baron Henry, we understand your needs, but as you know, scheduling merchant ships takes time. There are many factors we must consider."

"Yes, Lord Baron. You are a hero of the Empire, and we are naturally willing to serve you. But you see, the winds and waves at sea are unpredictable. We must ensure your safety and the safety of the ships."

Henry took out the writ bearing the Emperor’s seal from his coat and placed it on the table.

"Gentlemen, I have the Emperor’s writ here. According to imperial law, merchant ships must provide transport for official business. I don’t need your excuses; I need action."

The officials exchanged a glance. They clearly hadn’t expected Henry to be so direct.

"Of course, Lord Henry, we will prepare the ships for you as soon as possible."

The leading official’s attitude became even more respectful, yet he still didn’t specify how many ships would be provided.

"Tomorrow, I expect to see the ships ready."

The officials all nodded, but they still wore expressions that said, ’We got it, we’re on it.’ It was enough to make Henry grind his teeth in frustration.

When he opened his eyes the next day, the anger and exhaustion from the previous night had not dissipated.

Henry rose quickly, donning his Heavy Scale Armor with Chain Liner, Covered Warlord Helmet, Zha Plate Armor Boots, and a pair of deluxe noble armguards—a full four-piece set.

Ailia had already prepared a simple breakfast. Henry took a few quick bites, then gave the order to assemble his Personal Guard.

This force—composed of fifty Legion infantry, one hundred twenty-nine elite Imperial Senior Infantry, and one hundred twenty-three Imperial Veteran Shooters—could be considered the most elite Warriors in his entire contingent.

The fifty Imperial Legion infantry at the head of the formation were especially intimidating, their heads held high and chests puffed out, radiating an aura that warned all to keep their distance.

When Henry’s column reached the city gates, the guards were clearly startled by the sudden arrival of this large force.

They stood trembling to the side, not daring to approach and ask questions, much less try to stop them.

Henry’s troops swaggered into the city just like that. The townspeople were drawn by the sight of the column, peering curiously from windows and through cracks in doors, whispering about the soldiers’ purpose.

Some of the bolder citizens even came out onto the streets, following the column to see what was going on.

In any case, they were flying a noble’s banner and had been camped outside the city since yesterday, so no one was truly afraid.

Before long, this large contingent attracted the attention of the Militia Security Team.

The Security Team was composed of the city’s Militia. Seeing Henry’s troops, they assumed they were there to cause trouble, gathered over a hundred men, and attempted to block their path.

"Halt! What do you think you’re doing?"

In truth, they didn’t want to get involved, but Henry’s procession was too conspicuous. If they didn’t step in, they would immediately lose their status as the Security Team.

The Militia didn’t get paid, but the Security Team did! And they also got to experience the taste of power over the street vendors.

Henry halted, his cold gaze sweeping over the members of the Security Team. He didn’t want to cause a conflict here.

"I am Baron Henry Bro, Vassal to the great Emperor and lord of Westwood Laine and Ximira Castle. I do not wish to cause any trouble here, but I will not allow anyone to stand in my way."

Henry’s words carried an undeniable authority. The Security Team members looked at each other, unsure of what to do.

Usually, they just dealt with disobedient citizens. A noble’s Private Army... they’d never seen one before.

Their captain stepped forward, trembling slightly, his voice shaking. "Respected Lord Baron, we have no intention of obstructing you. It’s just that your retinue is so large, we worry it will cause a panic among the citizens. Please, understand."

Henry nodded. "Now, let us pass."

At their captain’s signal, the members of the Security Team, their hearts pounding with anxiety, quickly cleared a path.

The spears and shields in their hands seemed rather insignificant before the iron armor and sharp swords of Henry’s Personal Guard.

The townspeople had been hoping for an exciting standoff, maybe even a small skirmish, to add some spice to their mundane lives.

But when the Security Team let them pass, they were disappointed. Hisses and complaints of dissatisfaction rose from the crowd.

"They’re just letting them through? I thought this was for real."

"Looks like this Security Team is all show and no go."

The Security Team was instantly enraged. ’I can’t take on Henry, but I can take you on, can’t I?’ The team immediately charged toward the spectating Free People, who scattered in terror.

By the time Henry’s column reached the city hall, the officials had already gotten word. They stood on the steps, their faces pale, awaiting his arrival.

"Lord Henry, you’re here so early. Is there some urgent matter?"

The official asked in a calm tone, but his voice also carried a slight tremor.

"I have waited long enough. I want to see the merchant ships now."

The officials exchanged glances, trying to use various excuses to stall for time, but Henry had already seen through their ploy.

"We are still in negotiations. The ships will be ready soon. Please, just wait a little longer."

The officials’ voices held an obvious lack of confidence, which made Henry furious.

Henry let out a cold laugh. He wasted no more words with them. He directly drew the Knight’s sword from Bain’s waist. With a flash of the blade, several officials’ heads flew from their shoulders, their bodies collapsing into pools of blood.