Knight: Becoming King of the World

Ever since Henry’s army arrived in the Akakarat Region, the Count of Akakarat’s mood had been swinging like a pendulum.

When Henry’s army marched straight for Akakarat City, he was almost certain his end had come.

According to his spies, Henry’s army was only about three thousand strong, but he was still terrified.

Even if Henry couldn’t break into the city, he could still blockade them, trapping them inside.

However, when he saw that Henry’s army wasn’t launching a direct assault but was instead setting up camp far from the city, he could breathe a little easier.

’It seems Henry isn’t coming for me,’ Count Akakarat thought, a hint of relief in his eyes.

He stood on the city wall, observing Henry’s army from afar.

They showed no signs of aggression, simply remaining encamped in silence, as if waiting for something.

Count Akakarat breathed a sigh of relief. He began to doubt his earlier judgment. ’Perhaps Henry’s army is just passing through, or maybe their target is somewhere farther away?’

’Perhaps I should send someone to talk with Henry,’ Count Akakarat thought.

He didn’t want to make an enemy of Henry over a misunderstanding. But just as the Count was breathing easier, he was stunned to see more and more noble banners appearing on the horizon.

These nobles, leading their armies and supplies, streamed into Henry’s camp.

’What’s going on?’

The Count was baffled. He didn’t understand why these nobles would join Henry’s army.

’Don’t those nobles know that Henry is already being targeted by an Alliance Army of Viscounts, Barons, and Knights? Why are they willingly throwing themselves into this storm?’

As more and more nobles joined, Henry’s army grew ever larger. They seemed to be gathering their strength, preparing for a large-scale battle.

’Are they coming to attack me?’

The Count recalled how that old codger Count John had been so thoroughly beaten by Henry last year that he couldn’t show his face in public. At the time, he and the other Counts had laughed at John.

’Is it my turn now?’

The Count’s heart was once again filled with unease. He didn’t know who Henry’s target was, but he knew that if Henry’s army turned against him, he would be hard-pressed to resist.

His heart filled with doubt and anxiety, Count Akakarat decided to dispatch his chief Knight and a minister to Henry’s camp to ascertain his true intentions.

The chief Knight’s name was Gareth. He was Count Akakarat’s most valiant Knight and one of his trusted confidants. The minister was the Count’s strategist, known for his wisdom and prudence.

On the Count’s orders, Gareth and the minister, accompanied by a small escort, left Akakarat on swift horses and galloped toward Henry’s camp.

They crossed the fields outside the city and were eventually stopped by sentries outside Henry’s camp.

"We are envoys of Count Akakarat, here to see Lord Baron Henry," Gareth announced loudly.

After the sentries inspected their credentials, they were allowed to pass. Guided by a soldier, Gareth and the minister entered the camp.

Inside the camp, soldiers were bustling about. Some were polishing their weapons, others were preparing food, and still others were inspecting tents.

Despite the activity, everything was orderly and disciplined.

Gareth and the minister observed the scene and nodded to themselves in approval. This was a well-disciplined army capable of winning battles.

Not some rabble composed of a few professional soldiers mixed with armed serfs.

Gareth and the minister were led to Henry’s tent. Inside, Henry was waiting for them, sipping hot tea as he studied a map.

"Welcome, envoys of Count Akakarat. Please, come in. Let’s sit and talk."

Henry’s voice was gentle, not at all like the rumors that claimed he ate a child a day.

Gareth and the minister exchanged a glance and relaxed considerably. They entered the tent together and saw Henry sitting at a simple wooden table, a map spread out before him.

"Lord Baron Henry." Gareth and the minister bowed respectfully.

On paper, Count Akakarat’s strength, influence, and status were all higher than Henry’s. As the Count’s envoys, they didn’t need to be so deferential.

However, the reality of the situation spoke for itself. Henry was no ordinary Baron—he was the kind of Baron who could make a Count suffer.

Henry gestured for them to sit and said with a smile, "I know why you’re here. The Count must be curious about the purpose of my army, and the other nobles’ Private Armies, in this area."

The minister nodded and said gravely, "Indeed, Lord Baron. Our lord Count is unsettled by your army gathering here. After all... he wishes to know your objective."

Henry smiled, but there was a sharpness in his eyes that made the minister feel as if he had been pierced by a blade.

"I am gathering my forces here to fight an enemy that threatens us all. Our target is not Akakarat City, but a place much farther away."

"Then, could you tell us who your target is?" Gareth asked, a hint of speculation in his voice.

"Our enemies are the malevolent forces that seek to shatter the peace, plunder our people, and threaten our lands. I trust that Count Akakarat would also not wish to see such things happen."

Gareth and the minister understood. It seemed Henry had mobilized his army to destroy the so-called "Anti-Henry Alliance."