Knight: Becoming King of the World

The Emperor’s words were filled with pride and high expectations for Henry’s former schoolmates. He spoke in detail about the achievements of the cadets who had once excelled at the academy and were now making their mark throughout the empire.

"Do you remember Leonard Bustamante? He’s a Baron in the Poros region and has recently struck it rich.

He led his men to wipe out a nest of bandits that had long been robbing merchant caravans, securing the trade routes. The merchants, in their gratitude, have showered him with gifts."

Henry nodded. The name Leonard Bustamante was familiar; they had even met in the desert.

’It’s just... why does the Emperor’s expression when he said "struck it rich" look so familiar?’

"Then there’s Tosa Bas in the Zeondika Region. He’s not only established a fishery but also planted several new vineyards, generating quite a bit of revenue for the area. These young men are full of ideas and drive."

"As for Rufus Hatton, he’s in the Onira region and has been plagued by highwaymen and mountain bandits lately. The bandit scourge is certainly a problem that needs a proper solution."

"Oh, right, your two old friends, Boman and Fass, have also submitted their applications. They’ve been proactive pioneers and have performed exceptionally. According to the Pioneer Bill, they are eligible for promotion to Baron, and the process is now underway."

Henry couldn’t help but feel happy for them when he heard this.

Boman and Fass were good friends who had fought by his side. The fact that they were now on their way to becoming Barons filled him with a deep sense of satisfaction.

’The kids have finally grown up.’

Boman: "Kids"? Really?

Fass: Huh?

The Emperor continued to ramble on, recounting the stories of other former schoolmates, while Henry listened quietly beside him.

He absorbed the lessons from these stories, and time slipped away as they talked. It wasn’t until the sky began to dim that Henry realized they had chatted for the entire afternoon.

The Emperor stood up and gave a subtle stretch. "Alright, Henry, it’s getting late. You should be heading back. Remember, if you need any help, feel free to come to me at any time."

Henry rose and bowed to the Emperor. "Thank you, Headmaster. I will remember your words."

Henry left the palace with Bain, Leon, and his other retainers, heading for the military barracks where they had stayed before. They would be spending the night there as well.

Inside the barracks, the local garrison had already prepared a vacant room for Henry. His Cavalry busied themselves with setting up their beds. There was no need for patrol or guard duty tonight—the barracks were as secure as the Emperor’s palace itself.

The arrival of Henry’s party shattered the barracks’ solemn tranquility, but it also brought a more relaxed atmosphere.

Bain and Leon trailed closely behind Henry, their stomachs rumbling and their eyes betraying a desperate hunger.

Their stares made Henry a little uneasy. He glanced around and saw that it wasn’t just his retainers; all the Cavalrymen looked famished as well.

’That’s right,’ Henry thought. ’There was no lunch today, and my meeting ran until evening. They’ve been waiting outside all this time and didn’t dare wander off.’

"Ailia, take out one hundred Dinars and have them go to a tavern to buy some meat and wine."

Ailia nodded, counted out one hundred Dinars from a chest, and placed them into two small pouches before handing them to Bain.

Bain’s and Leon’s eyes lit up at once. They excitedly took the money and rounded up the other Cavalry to head to a nearby tavern.

"Thank you, My Lord!" The men erupted in cheers, full of anticipation for the feast to come.

Bain and Leon led the riders and Warriors on foot, cheerfully making their way to the tavern near the barracks.

The tavern owner saw them coming and immediately rushed out to greet them, knowing this was a big sale. ’This army lot... they can eat, they can drink, and there are so many of them.’

"My lords, what can I get for you?" the owner asked, his smile dripping with attentiveness.

"Your best wine and your most savory meat! Bring it all!" Bain boomed, hefting the pouch full of Dinars to show off his spending power.

Despite his grand declaration, even the best a tavern had to offer wouldn’t be particularly expensive, especially not for them.

The tavern owner hurried off. Before long, their tables were laden with all sorts of roasted meats and wine.

After paying, Bain, Leon, and the others still had money left over. They brought everything back to the barracks, and the men immediately fell upon the food like starving wolves, tearing into the meat and downing their wine.

Henry and Ailia ate in their room. While Henry was also hungry, he didn’t wolf down his food like Bain and the others. Ailia ate quietly at his side, occasionally refilling his wine.

"My lord, are you prepared for the ceremony tomorrow?" Ailia asked softly.

Henry nodded. "I’m ready. It’s not a huge affair."

To everyone else, this was a major event, but to Henry, it was nothing special. He had been through a ceremony like this before, so he wasn’t worried about getting nervous and making a fool of himself.

After their meal, Henry and Ailia washed up.

Henry washed away his fatigue with a hot bath and changed into clean sleepwear. Meanwhile, Ailia laid out his clothes, checking the formal robes and accessories he would need for the ceremony the next day.

"Ailia, you should get some rest too."

Lying in bed, Henry gazed at the starry sky outside his window. Before long, he fell into a deep sleep, resting up for the ceremony and banquet to come.

Bain, Leon, and the others also drifted off to sleep, full, content, and slightly drunk.

They were happy, too. When Henry’s fortunes improved, so did theirs.

This was especially true for Bain, who had been with Henry since his academy days. When he learned Henry had become a Count, his dreams were filled with visions of himself becoming a Baron.

’Gods, that would be the life.’

The next day, the ceremony to elevate Henry to the rank of Count and bestow his new lands upon him was held in the palace’s grand hall.

The grand hall was decorated with the banners of the Empire and the crest of Henry’s family, creating a solemn and sacred atmosphere. Dressed in the formal robes of an imperial nobleman, Henry stood in the center of the hall, awaiting the start of the ceremony.

The Emperor was dressed in a long robe woven from gold thread and wore a gem-encrusted crown, looking majestic and dignified.

The scale of this event far surpassed the last celebration. That previous one, while lively, was of little consequence. This time, however, was for a Count! A capable, young Border Count, no less—a title that carried immense weight.

The Emperor rose from his throne, descended the steps, and came to stand before Henry. He held the scepter of power, which he gently laid upon Henry’s shoulder.

"Henry Bro, in the name of the Emperor of the Caladia Empire, I bestow upon you the title of Count and grant you a fief of fertile land," the Emperor’s voice boomed with authority.

Henry dropped to one knee, crossing his hands over his chest. He was calm on the inside, but his face was a mask of profound excitement.

"I, Henry Bro, swear my loyalty to the Emperor of the Caladia Empire, swear my fealty to the royal family of Caladia, and swear to protect my lands and my people, in service to my great and holy Emperor."

With the touch of the scepter, and under the watchful eyes of the Senate and the assembled nobles of Lukaron, Henry officially became a Count.

The grand hall erupted with thunderous applause and cheers. Henry rose to his feet and bowed deeply to the Emperor in gratitude.

After the ceremony, a small banquet was held in the palace’s great hall.

The long tables were laden with all manner of delicacies and fine wines, while a band played cheerful music to the side.

As the guest of honor, Henry was surrounded by people offering their congratulations and praise.

"Congratulations, Count Henry," an elderly nobleman said, stepping forward and raising his cup in a toast.

"Your achievements are admirable. I am certain your domain will prosper even more under your leadership."

Henry replied with a smile, "Thank you for your kind words. I will do my utmost not to disappoint the Emperor’s expectations."

In a corner of the banquet hall, a group of young nobles gathered, discussing Henry’s promotion in hushed tones. They were mostly the heirs of noble houses, Independent Knights, or courtiers.

Their eyes were filled with a mixture of envy and jealousy.