Knight: Becoming King of the World

The official’s panicked retreat didn’t give Henry any particular feelings. It wasn’t like he was going to eat the man. And honestly, had he even tried to scare the official?

’If you got scared on your own, what does that have to do with me?’

After leaving Henry’s tent, the official immediately gathered his entourage and, carrying the reply, galloped straight for Akakarat City.

Count Akakarat knew the official from the imperial office had gone to Henry’s camp to deliver a message that day, so he kept watch from the city walls.

The moment he saw the official’s party galloping back at full speed, he immediately arranged a meeting with the visibly shaken man.

Seeing the official’s state, the Count was baffled. ’What did Henry do? Surely he didn’t tie the man up and whip him, did he?’

If Henry knew his reputation had come to this, he would have undoubtedly flayed the rumor-mongers, stuffed them with straw, then chopped them up, torn out their sinews, and fed them to the dogs.

The official was brought to the Count’s study. His face was pale, and his body was still trembling slightly.

Count Akakarat’s brow was tightly furrowed. He could sense the official’s terror, which made his own heart grow heavier.

"Tell me, what did Henry do to you?" Count Akakarat’s voice was low, carrying a hint of unquestionable authority.

The official took a deep breath. He had to convey Henry’s words to the Count.

"Lord Baron Henry said he doesn’t like people who file reports. He said he didn’t have much of an impression of you before, but now he’ll remember you... just like he remembers Count John of Odoche."

Count Akakarat’s face turned instantly grim, and he began to tremble even more violently than the official.

’What is the meaning of this? A blatant threat!’ His hands clenched into tight fists, his knuckles turning white from the force.

’Isn’t the Emperor reining in Henry’s behavior? Didn’t the Prince write to him, telling him to show some restraint?’

Flames of fury flickered in Count Akakarat’s eyes. ’How dare he?!’

The official didn’t know if he was getting ahead of himself, but looking at the furious Count Akakarat, he found him less terrifying than the calm and composed Henry.

It was an intangible aura, a suppressive presence, a powerful demeanor.

The more Count Akakarat thought about it, the more terrified he became, and he could only use anger to mask his inner fear.

He couldn’t sit still any longer. He paced back and forth in his study. Henry’s threat made him realize that he might have underestimated the Baron’s power and ambition.

’Does he want to be the king of the grasslands? Does he want to become the Empire’s Khan?!’

"Prepare a carriage for me. I must see the Emperor at once," Count Akakarat commanded, his voice filled with resolve.

"I need the Emperor’s support. I cannot allow Henry to continue acting so recklessly."

The attendant outside hurried in, and after receiving the Count’s confirmation of the order, immediately went to make preparations.

"Thank you for your cooperation."

"You’re welcome, Count."

After the official left, Count Akakarat stood alone in his study, his gaze falling upon the scenery outside the window.

He was about to face a frenzied power struggle, the outcome of which could very well be his own death—his head separated from his body!

He clenched his fists and swore a silent oath. He would not simply yield to Henry’s threat.

He was a noble of the Caladia Empire. He had his own dignity and power. He would let Henry know that he was not so easily defeated.

The Count’s gaze was fixed firmly on the distance. As a nobleman, he had not only to protect his wealth and status, but more importantly, to defend his family’s honor and dignity.

Although the prosperity of commerce had changed his way of life, he had never forgotten his roots and responsibilities.

Commerce brought wealth quickly, but the military honor won on horseback remained the foundation of his pride and his family’s legacy!

He remembered his younger self: clad in armor and wielding a Riding Spear, he would lead his loyal and valiant steppe lancers, ferocious as a wolf pack, charging into the heart of battle.

In those days, he had earned the respect and fear of others through his martial prowess and courage.

Though the years had passed, his martial spirit had not faded. His blades were still sharp, and his heart still burned with fire.

Count Akakarat turned. There, hanging on the wall, were his armor and weapons.

He gently caressed these old companions that had once accompanied him on the battlefield, a long-forgotten passion surging within him.

If Henry truly wished to challenge his authority, he would not shrink back. He would once again don this armor, take up these weapons, and fight for the honor of his family.

Count Akakarat suddenly remembered that the relationship between the Emperor and Henry was not merely that of sovereign and subject; they were also bound by their shared past as headmaster and student.

This special relationship meant the Emperor and the Prince were naturally inclined to support Henry, rather than an "outsider" like him.

This left the Count with a complicated mix of feelings.

Back when he was young, he had been around when the current Emperor established the very first Knight Academy, but he had not attended.

’If only I had attended back then... what if...’ ’What a shame. Truly, what a shame.’

But soon, he snorted coldly, his heart filling with discontent.

If the Emperor was truly going to favor Henry time and time again, then he would not just sit back and wait for his doom.

The people of the eastern grasslands had harbored discontent toward the Empire for far too long.

’Do they really think the Anikovarest Imperial Family is so divinely gifted and universally supported by all under heaven? All that’s missing is someone to lead a rebellion.’

If he could channel this discontent and make the people of the eastern grasslands emulate the prosperous western coastal regions by starting a rebellion, then how would the Emperor respond?