Knight: Becoming King of the World

Henry frowned and said, "You will be in charge of leading the remaining troops and advancing toward Odoche!"

Bain pouted, a little indignant. Why did everyone else get a real assignment while he was only tasked with marching the army?

’This isn’t fair!’

A storm raged in Bain’s heart, a turbulent sea that refused to be calmed. A shadow passed over his eyes, as if obscured by dark clouds, robbing them of their usual luster.

He stood frozen in place, his body trembling slightly. His hands were clenched into fists so tight his knuckles turned white. His lips were pressed into a thin line, as if trying to suppress the dissatisfaction and grievance welling up inside him.

Sitting in the second row, Leon watched Bain’s back with a pang of sympathy. He knew how much heart and effort Bain had poured into this war.

For countless days and nights, he had meticulously planned, hoping to distinguish himself in this war. He wanted to win Henry’s favor through his heroic performance, earn a fief of his own, and become a true noble Knight.

People always said Bain only got where he was because he’d been by Henry’s side for so long. He refused to accept that. He was confident he could make a name for himself through his own Bravery and command ability!

He yearned to stand by Henry’s side at banquets, to share in the glory and honor.

But Henry’s order was like a bucket of ice water poured over his head, instantly extinguishing the fire burning in his heart and shattering his hopes and dreams.

Now, he could only lead the remaining troops toward Odoche. On the surface, it looked like he was a commander, but in reality, it was just a simple marching mission with no opportunity to achieve any glory.

’Damn it, what kind of merit can I earn just by marching the army? A smooth advance? The only way this mission would be noteworthy is if something went wrong!’

A sour taste filled Bain’s mouth. His heart swelled with grievance and resentment, as if fate had played a cruel joke on him.

He wanted to refuse. He wanted to object. He wanted to tell Henry that this arrangement was unreasonable, that he deserved a more challenging mission, one with a real chance to earn merit!

But when he met Henry’s gaze, his stubborn resolve softened. ’As the person Henry trusts most, I shouldn’t openly defy his orders at such a critical moment. I can’t go against him.’

Bain slowly lowered his head. "Yes, My Lord," he said, his voice low and hoarse.

His body trembled slightly but quickly grew still again. After sitting down, Bain gripped the armrests of his chair tightly. He stared blankly ahead, his gaze unfocused.

He didn’t hear a word of what Henry said next. His thoughts were a chaotic mess. He didn’t know how he was supposed to face the coming march. He didn’t know how... how he could willingly accept this arrangement when there was no chance for glory.

The atmosphere in the council hall grew a little strange. The other officers noticed something was off with Bain, but none of them said anything, simply continuing to listen quietly to Henry’s battle plans.

Henry, too, seemed to notice the shift in Bain’s mood. A complex emotion flickered in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and continued issuing commands.

As Henry gave his final order, the officers in the council hall rose in an orderly fashion. After saluting Henry, they filed out of the room.

The sound of footsteps echoed in the spacious hall and gradually faded away. Bain remained in his seat, his gaze vacant, as if frozen in that moment.

When the last officer’s silhouette vanished through the doorway, only Bain and Henry were left in the council hall.

Henry stood quietly, watching Bain. He didn’t speak right away, seemingly giving Bain some time to compose himself.

After a moment, Henry slowly walked over to Bain. "Bain, I know you feel wronged, and I understand your dissatisfaction with this assignment. But I have my reasons for arranging things this way."

Bain looked up, his eyes holding a trace of confusion and anticipation as he waited for Henry to continue.

Henry sat down beside him and went on, "First, you need to understand that this war is actually very dangerous. Our enemy is a long-established Count. The quality of his armaments and the elite status of his army are comparable to the Lizardmen.

I’ve assigned Selas, Boman, and Fass to the vanguard because their mission requires a high degree of flexibility and combat experience.

They need to strike the enemy’s patrols, supply convoys, and merchant caravans quickly, cutting off Odoche’s supply lines and its contact with the outside world. This is a critical step in ensuring we can successfully besiege Odoche.

This mission may look like simple raiding, but it’s not. There’s a very real chance they could lose their lives."

Bain nodded slightly, understanding that what Henry said was true.

Henry continued, "As for Roland and Leon, their mission is equally important. They need to move fast, gather grain and fodder, and raid farmsteads to provide our army with enough material support.

These tasks require them to accomplish a great deal in a short amount of time, and they will have to face potential resistance from the Private Armies of lesser enemy nobles."

A glimmer of understanding flashed in Bain’s eyes. Perhaps his earlier dissatisfaction was just because he hadn’t been placed on the front lines or given the most conspicuous task.

’The lord is just trying to keep me safe.’

Henry patted Bain’s shoulder gently. "As for you, Bain," he said, "the reason I’m having you lead the remaining troops toward Odoche is because I need my most trusted man to ensure our main force arrives at the battlefield smoothly and in an orderly fashion."