Knight: Becoming King of the World

Their gazes met in the candlelight, a silent understanding seeming to flow through the air between them.

Henry sensed the deeper meaning in Ratifa’s words and couldn’t help but take a deep breath.

’Is this plotline finally happening to me?’

"Countess Ratifa, your wisdom and charm are equally unforgettable. I believe our partnership will be a wonderful journey."

A faint blush appeared on Ratifa’s face. She lowered her head slightly, then raised it again and said with a hint of provocation, "Well then, Baron Henry, are you willing to share a dance with me, to deepen our collaboration?"

Henry stood and extended a hand to Ratifa. "I would be honored, Countess Ratifa."

The two began to dance slowly in the banquet hall. As the music flowed through the air, their steps were light and harmonious.

In their slightly tipsy state, their conversation flowed more naturally. They touched more and more frequently, their movements growing bolder.

As the final note of the dance faded, Henry and Ratifa slowly came to a stop.

They were both breathing a little heavily, but the light in their eyes shone even brighter. At that moment, Ratifa’s bold nature as a woman of the Northern Lands was on full display.

"Baron Henry, we people of the Northern Lands are not only good at fighting, but also at drinking. Why don’t we have a contest to see who can hold their liquor better?" Ratifa said provocatively, her hand hooking Henry’s forearm.

Henry laughed at her words. He knew how formidable his constitution was; mere alcohol posed little threat to him.

"I would be delighted to accept your challenge, Countess Ratifa. However, I fear you may come to regret it."

Ratifa roared with laughter. She clapped her hands, and servants immediately brought over more ice wine.

"Then, let’s see who’s the last one standing," Ratifa said, raising her glass and downing it in one go.

Not to be outdone, Henry also drained his glass.

They went back and forth, their glasses constantly being refilled and emptied.

As time went on, their conversation grew louder, and their laughter grew more boisterous.

A flush spread across Ratifa’s face. She kept toasting Henry, seeming to use alcohol to prove the characteristic boldness of her people from the Northern Lands.

Henry, on the other hand, remained composed. His tolerance for alcohol was astonishing, but eventually, it began to take its effect.

Ratifa’s gaze started to become hazy, and her movements grew sluggish. Although Henry was still clear-headed, he too could feel the alcohol’s power.

’How should I put it? I’m getting a little buzzed.’

"Countess Ratifa, perhaps we should call it a night."

But Ratifa shook her head, insisting on continuing. "No, Baron Henry. We of the Northern Lands never admit defeat so easily."

Eventually, Henry’s vision blurred. All he could remember was Ratifa’s laughter and her constantly raised glass. He saw that Ratifa had already passed out on the floor.

Henry shook his head, trying to clear it. He stood, walked over to Ratifa, and gently helped her up.

Then, they both tumbled to the floor.

Fortunately, the castle servants weren’t idiots. They immediately came in and carried the two of them to their respective rooms.

In a military camp outside Tiyaer City, Bain and the other Attendants were sitting in a tent, gnawing on roast mutton with large mugs of ale beside them.

They were clearly in high spirits, occasionally humming a few lines from some unknown tune.

They were laughing, happy that their lord had finally gotten the hint and was spending time with a noblewoman.

Suddenly, the tent flap was thrown open, and Claude walked in.

The moment he appeared, the relaxed atmosphere immediately turned serious. Bain and the others put down their mutton.

"Lord Claude."

Claude nodded, signaling for them not to be so formal.

"I’ve already made contact with a few local merchants and soldiers. Countess Ratifa holds a great deal of prestige in Tiyaer. Her administration of the city is strict but fair, so she is respected and loved by the citizens.

As for her wealth, it is said to be considerable. She controls several important trade routes, as well as vast amounts of land and mineral resources.

The exact amount is difficult to estimate, but it’s certain she has enough funds to support a powerful army.

Regarding her military, Countess Ratifa has a standing army of about five thousand men, which includes Heavy Infantry, archers, and Cavalry.

Her army is well-trained and well-equipped, a force to be reckoned with in the Northern Lands."

Bain and the others furrowed their brows, clearly contemplating the meaning behind this information.

This intelligence was crucial for Baron Henry, especially while they were currently inside Tiyaer City.

Of course, they had to take this opportunity to map the great city, gather intelligence on its culture and geography, and so on.

Claude glanced at the men in the tent, noticing the smiles that hadn’t yet faded from their faces.

’Hm? Something amusing happen?’

Claude didn’t press further on the intelligence regarding Countess Ratifa, instead changing the subject.

"Why are you all back here?" Claude asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.

"And where’s the Baron? I don’t see him."

Bain was practically glued to Henry’s side; wherever Henry went, Bain was usually there too.

Bain and the others exchanged a look, their expressions tinged with amusement.

Bain replied, "Sir Quartermaster, the Baron... he’s having dinner with Countess Ratifa.

From the looks of it, I don’t think he’ll be coming back tonight."

Hearing this, Claude’s face broke into an expression of dawning comprehension.

The corners of his mouth curved into a smile, and his eyes revealed a trace of relief.

’Finally, the Baron’s finally growing up!’

The men’s smiles grew more and more conspiratorial as they exchanged glances, seemingly communicating without words.

Claude joined in. Although he was usually serious and professional, when it came to the Baron’s private affairs, he couldn’t help but show a hint of a gossip’s interest.

They weren’t merely master and servants, but family partners—friends. Chatting about a little gossip wasn’t considered disrespectful.

"It seems our dear Baron is not only invincible on the battlefield, but also quite accomplished in the field of romance," Claude teased.

Bain and the others roared with laughter, nodding in agreement.

Roland laughed heartily. "That’s right, Lord Claude! Looks like we’ll be having a new mistress soon."

Just as their laughter peaked, far away in the castle, Henry unconsciously turned over in his sleep. As if sensing their teasing even in his dreams, his foot twitched slightly in protest.

He didn’t wake up, however, remaining deep in his slumber, completely oblivious to the discussion taking place in the camp.

Otherwise, Henry would have definitely kicked their asses good and hard.

Sunlight streamed through a gap in the curtains, spilling onto Henry’s face.

His eyes fluttered, finally opening slowly around noon. The hangover left his mouth and nose unbearably dry, his throat feeling as if it were on fire.

He struggled to sit up, his gaze falling on a small table by the bed where a glass of water sat.

He reached for the glass and drank it down in great gulps, the cool water soothing his throat.

Henry stood up and put on the clothes that were scattered on the floor.

He straightened his appearance a bit, then walked out of the room.

A maid was standing outside the door. When she saw Henry emerge, she immediately curtsied.

"Baron Henry, you’re awake," the maid said, her voice soft and respectful.

Henry nodded, his voice still a bit hoarse. "Where is Countess Ratifa? Is she awake?"

The maid replied with a smile, "The Countess is still resting. She had a bit too much to drink last night."

Hearing this, Henry couldn’t help but chuckle. He shook his head and thought to himself, ’This woman... if you can’t handle your drink, you shouldn’t drink.’

’If you’re bad at it, practice more. Still, she was pretty cute last night.’

"Alright, I understand. Please prepare some breakfast for me. I’m hungry."

The maid nodded and withdrew to prepare his "breakfast."

Henry, meanwhile, walked to the castle balcony. He needed some fresh air to clear his head.

The sunlight felt warm and comfortable on his skin.

He stood on the balcony, feeling the cool air and gazing out at the scenery of Tiyaer City, his mind already turning to his next plans.