Knight: Becoming King of the World

In other words, they realized they were human beings!

On Henry’s fief, although they were still slaves by registration, they were practically no different from commoners.

Henry nodded. He knew these words came from the heart.

He had told the serfs that as long as they followed his demands and policies, they could live more dignified and free lives.

As Henry and his army continued onward, every farmstead they passed along the way expressed their respect and gratitude for him in different ways.

Whether it was a simple wave or a more enthusiastic welcoming ceremony, Henry could feel the people’s support and trust in him.

When Henry arrived outside the city walls of Westwood Laine, he was profoundly shocked by the scene before him.

The streets were lined with people waving their hats and handkerchiefs, cheering for Henry.

These residents, merchants, and artisans from small Workshops, who had received the news in advance, had all flocked to the streets, wanting to catch a glimpse of their lord’s triumphant return.

Henry saw that many vendors had set up their goods by the roadside, taking the opportunity to earn more money.

The artisans from the small Workshops had also stopped their work. Many of them were beneficiaries of Henry’s policies, and so they were filled with gratitude for him.

In other cities, they could only barely survive and had to endure exploitation by the craftsmen’s guilds. But here, they had plenty of orders and dignity.

"Lord, welcome back!"

A merchant shouted, his voice quickly drowned out by the cheers of the others.

The residents’ cheers and words of praise were so numerous that Henry couldn’t hear them clearly, and he even found it so noisy that it made his ears ring.

Henry, mounted on his horse, smiled and waved to the crowd.

The economic activity generated by their work and daily lives had made the city of Westwood Laine more prosperous.

"Thank you for your warm welcome, my people!" Henry shouted, his voice ringing out with particular clarity amidst the cheers.

As Henry’s retinue slowly entered the city and headed for the barracks, the welcoming crowd gradually dispersed, but their cheers and smiles were deeply imprinted on Henry’s heart.

As Henry’s retinue slowly entered the city and advanced toward the barracks, he saw Tommy still waiting outside with the Record Keepers, just as he had been when Henry left last time.

Tommy’s figure was very conspicuous in the crowd. His appearance had changed significantly; he was noticeably thinner, and the dark circles under his eyes and the weariness on his face were palpable.

Henry and Claude exchanged a glance, a pang of guilt rising in their hearts. ’Was it a bit unfair of us to dump all the burdens on Tommy?’

Tommy must have made immense efforts and sacrifices for the sake of the territory during this time.

Henry dismounted and walked over to Tommy, grasping his hand tightly. "You look overworked. I won’t be running around anymore for a while, so you can get some rest."

Tommy smiled. Although his face was etched with exhaustion, he was still very happy to see Henry return safely.

"My lord, as long as I can serve you and the territory, any amount of exhaustion is worth it."

Listening to these sycophantic words, Claude didn’t think Tommy was sucking up at all, because Tommy looked so exhausted it seemed he could fall asleep the moment he lay on the ground.

Henry clapped Tommy on the shoulder. "I know how much you’ve contributed, Tommy. I promise, we will make Westwood Laine even more prosperous together, and you will receive the reward and respect you deserve."

Tommy nodded. He knew Henry was a man of his word.

"My lord, let me report to you now on the state of the territory during this period."

Henry shook his head and said, "There’s no rush. We can talk tomorrow. Your task for today is to get a good rest."

After the main force entered the barracks, Attendants and officers arranged lodging for the troops, moved the items from the carriages into the armory and warehouses, and sorted and stored them neatly.

Henry, Claude, and Tommy crossed the drawbridge and entered the castle. The three of them went upstairs from the great hall and arrived at the study.

"Tommy, did you buy these recently? They’re very nice. Please, have a seat," Henry said, gesturing to several comfortable armchairs in the study.

Claude and Tommy each chose a chair and sat down, while Henry took the large chair behind the desk.

Orianna took the kitchen maids to the kitchen to get busy. They were to prepare a small dinner for the three of them—Henry, Claude, and Tommy—that evening.

Ailia’s task was to prepare Henry’s bath for the evening. Henry had been frequenting the bathhouse more and more, which gave Ailia a sense of crisis.

’There are only so many personal tasks for one person. If someone else does them, you’re left with nothing to do. Everyone knows what happens to people who have no value.’

’I’m the head maid, I can’t let a bathhouse poach my job and make me unemployed, can I?’

Maidservants brought in steeped black tea and poured it for the three men.

"Alright, now we can have a proper chat. No talk of official business today," Henry said, picking up a cup of tea and gently blowing on the steam.

"My lord, your adventures out there must have been very exciting, weren’t they?" Tommy asked curiously.

"We experienced so much on this trip, I could tell you stories until you doze off."

Henry said with a smile, then began to recount the people and things they had encountered on their journey. Claude was at his side, adding details, and together they vividly described their strange encounters.

For instance, the Lizardmen, the officials of Gasil, the Civil Servants of Vostrom, and so on.

They continued to chat. Although it wasn’t snowing, the days were getting shorter, and the study gradually grew dark.

Henry stood up and stretched.

"Alright, that’s enough talk. Let’s go enjoy a delicious dinner, and then get a good rest."

They left the study and walked down the corridor toward the dining hall.

In the corridor, Orianna and Ailia were directing several maidservants in setting up for dinner.

Seeing Henry and the others approach, she smiled and nodded. "Everything is ready, my lord."

"Excellent, I’m starving."

In the dining hall, the long table was covered with a tablecloth, upon which were set silver candlesticks and exquisite dinnerware. The candlelight flickered, reflecting off the sumptuous dishes on the table and giving them an enticing sheen.

"Wow, this looks amazing!"

The table was laden with all sorts of delicacies: a whole roasted chicken, golden-brown; an aromatic beef stew; a fresh vegetable salad; and several soups and side dishes.

At one end of the table sat an open bottle of wine, next to several glass goblets filled with clear water.

"Please be seated, my lord," Orianna said with a smile.

Henry, Claude, and Tommy sat down in turn. Maidservants began to serve them their food before retreating.

"This chicken is roasted to perfection—the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. The beef stew is also full of flavor, with a rich broth."

Tommy, for his part, was particularly fond of the vegetable salad. He found it fresh and delicious, a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the meat dishes.

"Come, Tommy, a toast to your hard work!"

The three of them clinked their glasses and then downed the contents in one gulp.

The dinner proceeded in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. They continued their earlier conversation, with Tommy exclaiming in amazement from time to time, listening with great interest.

"The things you encountered out there are so incredible. I really wish I could have gone with you."

"You’ll have your chance, Tommy. Once things in the territory have stabilized, we can go to many more places together."

Tommy gradually relaxed in both body and mind. He drank a fair amount of wine, and a flush spread across his face.

"Tommy, you look a little drunk," Claude teased.

"No way, I can still drink more!" Tommy waved his hand, but the movement was clearly a bit unsteady.

By the end of dinner, Tommy was dead drunk. He staggered to his feet and nearly fell over.

"Looks like Tommy really is drunk," Henry said with a laugh.

Henry and Claude stood up, and each took one of Tommy’s sides to support him.

"Tommy, you should just focus on resting tonight," Henry said with concern.

"Okay, my lord," Tommy mumbled.

The two of them carefully carried Tommy back to his room, helped him take off his shoes, and tucked him in.

"Thank you," Tommy said groggily.

"Don’t mention it, Tommy. Get some rest." They gently closed the door and left the room.

"Good night, Claude."

"Good night, my lord."

Henry returned to his own room, took off his jacket, and prepared to lie down and rest.

"My lord, you must be very tired tonight. Please let me help you relax." Ailia’s voice came from the doorway. She held a soft towel in her hand, a gentle smile on her face.

Henry turned to look at Ailia. He had intended to refuse, but seeing the expectant look in her eyes, he knew she genuinely wanted to serve him.

"Alright, then. I’ll trouble you," Henry said with a smile.

Henry followed Ailia into the bathroom. "My lord, the bath is ready. How about a hot soak?"

Henry nodded. The bathroom was steamy, and a faint fragrance filled the air. He slowly stepped into the bathtub, and the warm water enveloped his body, making him feel incredibly relaxed.

Henry soaked for a while, feeling as if the hot water had washed away most of his fatigue.

He got out of the tub, dried himself with a towel, and then put on the sleepwear Ailia had prepared for him.

"Ailia, you’re so thoughtful," Henry said gratefully.

"It is what I’m here for, my lord," Ailia said with a smile.

Henry lay down on the bed, and Ailia began to massage his shoulders.

"Ailia, your massage skills are getting better and better."

Ailia’s face flushed, but Henry couldn’t see it in the darkness. "Thank you for the compliment, my lord. I just want to make you feel comfortable."

After the massage, Henry felt relaxed all over. He lay in bed as Ailia pulled the covers over him.

"Good night, my lord," Ailia said softly.

Henry grunted in response. He was already overcome with drowsiness and wasn’t fully conscious. Ailia gently turned off the light and left the room.

Lying in bed, Henry felt an unprecedented sense of relaxation and comfort, and soon drifted off to sleep.

’It’s good to be home.’