Knight: Becoming King of the World

As soon as Henry finished speaking, a thunderous cheer erupted from the square.

The common folk waved their hands, their faces wreathed in happy smiles, exuding an air of gratitude.

"Long live the Lord!"

It was unclear who shouted it first, but soon, everyone in the square was chanting along. Henry smiled, waving back in response to their enthusiasm.

"Tonight, let us enjoy ourselves to the fullest and forget all our worries and sorrows!" Henry continued.

’For one person, such extravagance is a vice, but for everyone to indulge together, it is a shared joy! The reason such excess has a bad name is that not everyone gets to live that kind of life.’

’But if everyone could live like this? Wouldn’t it just be a normal life?’

’It’s the New Year, after all. Happiness and joy are more important than anything else.’

As the sky grew dark, countless torches were lit in the square, illuminating the night as if it were day.

The band began to play a cheerful dance tune. People on the streets, their breath misting white in the cold, couldn’t help but join the dancing, moving their bodies freely and releasing their innermost emotions.

In the taverns, fine wine and delicious food were served in a continuous stream.

The people indulged themselves to their hearts’ content. Some even drank until they were dead drunk, but no one minded. This was the New Year’s celebration, the one Lord Henry had prepared for them.

Children with red-cheeked faces chased each other playfully through the streets. Their clear, pleasant laughter added even more joy to the lively night.

Some young couples slipped away quietly to the side, taking advantage of the atmosphere to enjoy their own sweet moments together.

The night grew late, but the joy did not end. Tonight’s celebration would last until dawn, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the New Year’s evening.

’What? What about work tomorrow? Who works the day after New Year’s? It’s a holiday!’

Some of the townsfolk, weary from all the eating, drinking, and merrymaking, found cozy corners in the taverns. They leaned on friends’ shoulders or lay on benches covered with warm blankets, slowly drifting off to sleep.

But the energetic young people kept drinking and dancing with abandon, enjoying the sleepless night.

The celebration in the square was a carnival for the common folk; the great hall of Henry’s castle was a carnival for the nobles.

Henry invited all the nobles who came for the celebration, as well as the Knights and Attendants who had participated in the afternoon’s tournament, to attend this banquet.

The castle’s great hall was lavishly decorated. Exquisite tapestries hung on the walls, and ornate oil chandeliers suspended from the ceiling brightly illuminated the entire hall.

Several long tables were laden with silver tableware and crystal wine glasses, all of which had been procured from the collections of two Barons.

The silverware, engraved with intricate patterns, reflected the light from the chandeliers, adding a touch of grandeur to the banquet.

Sculptures stood silently in the corners. The throne Henry now sat upon was crafted from the finest wood and draped with the precious hide of a great beast.

Most of these decorative luxuries came from the "friendly gifts" of the former Baron Sura and the previous Baron of Ximira Castle.

Henry rarely purchased luxuries himself; he much preferred to take them from others through war.

Golden-brown roasted turkey, fragrant grilled steak, fresh seafood platters, and a variety of exquisite desserts.

The beverages included rich wines and sweet fruit wines—there was something for everyone.

Henry raised his wine glass and addressed all the nobles present. "Everyone, tonight we celebrate the arrival of the New Year. Let us toast to the great Emperor and to the future of the great Caladian Empire!"

The nobles all raised their glasses in response, their eyes filled with respect for Henry.

The orchestra and the Minstrels showcased their talents, capturing the nobles’ attention. Some of the more generous nobles, when pleased, would toss them three or four Silver Coins or a Dinar.

The Minstrel Jesmin was in charge of Henry’s intelligence network, handling information from the imperial capital and composing poems in the eastern grasslands. He made a fortune on this occasion.

’More funds for recruitment!’

After clinking glasses with the nobles, Henry turned to the Knights and Attendants who had achieved good results or had put on a striking performance in the afternoon’s tournament.

"Your performance today was impressive. Your strength, skill, and courage are an example to us all. Come, let us raise another glass to your victory and your courage!"

Hearing Henry’s praise, the faces of the Knights and Attendants turned red. Some of them were blushing from shyness at the compliment, while for others, the fine wine was going to their heads.

They all raised their glasses, paying their respects to Henry and the other nobles and thanking them for their recognition and encouragement.

The band played soft music, adding an elegant atmosphere to the banquet. Maidservants moved among the guests, refilling their wine and replacing dishes.

As the night deepened, the banquet gradually drew to a close.

The nobles, satisfied and inebriated, expressed their thanks and well-wishes to Henry one by one before leaving the castle to return to their accommodations and rest.

Henry stood on the castle balcony, gazing out at the slowly dispersing crowds and the gradually quieting town.

The people would remember this night. They would remember how their lord had given them a happy and unforgettable New Year.

At midnight, the New Year’s bells rang out, and the entirety of Westwood Laine was immersed in joy and blessings.