Knight: Becoming King of the World

According to the documents, Shalas had already been recaptured by the time Henry received the Emperor’s new orders!

By the time he reached Gasil, Sagot and Jiequlang had also been successfully retaken.

The very night he boarded his ship, the Emperor’s Forbidden Army ambushed and annihilated the main rebel force from the Galen region that was attempting to provide reinforcements.

Galen was pacified without issue, thanks to the citizens who opened the city gates and created chaos from within.

Henry read the documents in his hands several times over. He looked at the Civil Servant and asked, "So, what should I do now?"

The Civil Servant glanced at the table. ’My, what a fine table this is...’

When he looked up again, he saw Henry still watching him with a bewildered expression. He sighed in resignation. "How about this, Baron Henry? I will process the garrison paperwork for you. For now, you can just wait here in Vostrom."

The Civil Servant was also at a loss as to how to handle Henry’s situation. The timing of it all was just too perfect.

Henry’s feelings were mixed. On one hand, he felt the relief anyone would at a rebellion being swiftly crushed. On the other, he was frustrated that he had made the trip for nothing.

Henry suppressed his emotions and nodded at the Civil Servant, accepting his suggestion.

"Lord Civil Servant, in that case, I’ll trouble you to handle the garrison procedures and paperwork for me. My army will make camp outside the city and await further orders."

The Civil Servant understood Henry’s predicament and promised to process the relevant procedures quickly. Henry was a trustworthy military noble; his army camping outside the city wouldn’t cause any trouble.

"Baron Henry, rest assured, I will arrange everything. Now, is there anything else I can help you with?"

Henry thought for a moment, then asked, "Lord Civil Servant, I’d like to inquire as to the whereabouts of Count Sigmargari. If it’s convenient, I would like to meet with him."

The Civil Servant smiled faintly. "Baron Henry, your timing is unfortunate. Lord Count Sigmargari and his army are on the battlefields of the Northern Lands, fighting alongside the First Prince’s Third Legion to exterminate the Ogres and the last remnants of the Principality of Kyiv."

Henry was somewhat disappointed to hear this, but he thanked the Civil Servant nonetheless.

The two chatted a bit more about the Lizardmen and the desert. Afterward, Henry took his leave, exiting the Town Hall with his Attendants and Personal Guard to arrange for his army’s encampment.

Stepping out of the castle, Henry looked up at the sky. The late autumn sun was warm and gentle.

"My lord, is something wrong?" Bain asked, noticing Henry’s strange expression.

Henry shook his head. "It’s nothing. We don’t need to head west anymore. Leon, the rebellion in the western regions has been quelled. We probably won’t be going to Shalas."

Leon smiled. "My lord, Westwood Laine is my home now. If we don’t have to rush off to the west, then getting to go home sooner would be nice too."

Still, upon hearing that the western rebellion had been put down, Leon felt a pang of disappointment.

It wasn’t that he missed Shalas, where he’d grown up, but that he needed military honors to prove himself.

Bain was a given, and even Selas and Roland had already earned Henry’s trust enough to be sent on missions alone.

But what about him? He was stuck with the logistics train along with two other Attendants, commanding the lowest-ranking troops—Skilled Infantry and serfs. He wanted to earn status and dignity too!

’A pity,’ he thought. ’Those useless rebels had to go and get themselves defeated just like that.’

The Civil Servant was highly efficient. Henry did not have to wait long before an officer delivered the necessary orders and documents.

Before taking the officer from the Vostrom garrison to the designated encampment area outside the city, Henry had other business to attend to.

Henry, with the officer in tow, returned to the port.

Henry summoned the captain of the merchant ship he had traveled on, intending to speak with him privately.

"Lord Baron, why have you returned? You’re not letting us leave... is there another task for us?" the captain asked.

Henry smiled. "Captain, I want to discuss a deal with you. Or, you could call it a mission."

The captain’s eyebrows rose. He relaxed and asked, "Oh? And what kind of deal would that be, Lord Baron?"

Henry leaned in closer, ensuring they would not be overheard.

"I need someone who can provide me with information. As you know, nobles are never satisfied with how slowly news travels. A noble in Poros wishes he could wake up and instantly know what happened in Tiyaer the day before.

And you, Captain, are the man I’m looking for."

The captain’s eyes glinted with a merchant’s characteristic cunning. "Information? What kind of information do you require?"

"Any information that might be of value to me, whether from the sea or the land. You sail between many ports; your eyes and ears are my most valuable resource."

The captain was silent for a moment before nodding slowly. "I understand, Lord Baron. And what would I get in return?"

Henry extended his hand to the captain, who was visibly surprised by the gesture. A powerful noble of his high station was actually shaking his hand.

"The title of Honorary Baron, Captain. When you tire of life at sea, you can come to my domain, Westwood Laine, and enjoy the peaceful life you’ve earned.

I will provide you with a small courtyard home and a shop, allowing you to live out your days respectably and happily."

A satisfied smile spread across the captain’s face. "That sounds like an excellent... mission, Lord Baron. I accept."

Henry nodded. "Very good. Now, I have your first task."

"Please, speak, Lord Baron."

"I need you to continue your voyages, but this time, pay attention to any news regarding the rebellion. For example, why did they rebel? Was someone pulling the strings? Have foreign powers infiltrated the Empire? It doesn’t have to be top-secret intelligence. What’s important is that the information is plentiful and comprehensive, without any useless chatter."

The captain nodded. "I will, Lord Baron. I will provide you with the most accurate information I can find. But how do I contact you?"

"Send a letter to Westwood Laine."

Henry clapped the captain on the shoulder and turned to leave.

"I’m counting on you, Captain. Now, I must go see to my army. I wish you a pleasant voyage."

"It is my honor to serve you, my lord. May fortune favor you in battle."

The captain watched Henry depart, unable to suppress the smile tugging at his lips. This decision would change his life, and his family’s.

As for the possibility that Henry was just making an empty promise—that he would do the work only to be denied his reward—the captain didn’t think it likely.

For a man like Henry, a title and a house were trivial assets. Exchanging them for useful resources and a good reputation was an all-too-perfect trade.

Claude, Selas, Roland, Philip, and the others led the army to the encampment area outside the city under the guidance of the officer from Vostrom, and began to set up camp.

Meanwhile, Henry took Bain and the Legion infantry to the Imperial Office. He needed to communicate with the Emperor to find out what was next for him: go home and wait for the new year, or receive a new assignment.

The official at the Imperial Office became very accommodating upon seeing Henry’s imperial robe. After inspecting Henry’s fief deed and crest, he immediately prepared a room with paper and a quill.

Indeed, the so-called proof of nobility was simply the deed to one’s fief. A title was, in essence, a property deed.

Henry sat at a desk in the Imperial Office, a delicate sheet of parchment spread before him. Quill in hand, he contemplated how to compose his letter to the Emperor.

’Your Imperial Majesty,

I am Baron Henry Bro, Lord of Westwood Laine and Ximira Castle, your most loyal Vassal and adoring student. I offer you my utmost respect and fealty.

Your student received your command and intended to march to Shalas to assist in quelling the rebellion. However, upon my army’s arrival in Vostrom, I learned that the rebellion has already been swiftly crushed. Your student deeply regrets being unable to take to the field of battle.

My army has now reached Vostrom and awaits further instructions. In the interim, your student has ordered the army to make camp outside the city, ready for any contingency. My Attendants and Personal Guard are also prepared and await your call at any moment.

With the assistance of the Civil Servant, my army has completed the necessary garrison procedures and paperwork. The rebellion has been put down, but much follow-up work or other battlefronts may still require attention. Your student wishes to contribute my humble strength to the stability and prosperity of the Empire.

Furthermore, your student was forced to kill corrupt officials at the Huobia Town Hall who attempted to obstruct my departure by sea. Your student has also learned that the patrolman system in coastal cities like Vostrom is a hotbed of corruption, where a great number of merchant ships are extorted for various fees akin to a head tax.

From Vostrom, your student humbly requests your instructions, Headmaster, on how my army should proceed to best serve the Empire. Your student awaits your reply and will unconditionally obey your will.

May the Empire prosper, and may you, Headmaster, enjoy a long and healthy life.

Your Vassal and student, Baron Henry Bro.’

Henry wrote fluidly until he had filled an entire sheet of parchment. He then carefully reviewed the letter’s contents, ensuring he hadn’t omitted any important information.

He sealed the letter and handed it to the courier at the Imperial Office, who would be responsible for its safe delivery to the Emperor.

Henry stood up and walked out of the Imperial Office. All he could do now was wait for the Emperor’s reply.

Henry, along with Bain and the Legion infantry, passed through the city gates of Vostrom and headed toward the encampment area outside the walls.

The camp was already set up, with tents arranged in neat rows. Henry’s noble banner fluttered in the wind.

Some soldiers were organizing their gear while others set up cooking stoves. Though Henry’s army had failed to participate in quelling the rebellion, their training and discipline had not slackened in the slightest.

Henry made a round of the camp to ensure everything was in order, then prepared to return to his tent to rest.

Just then, he noticed that the officer from Vostrom who had led them to the site hadn’t left. Instead, he was lingering at the edge of the camp, seemingly waiting for something.

Henry frowned and walked over to him.

"Officer, is there something you need?" he asked.

The officer seemed nervous upon seeing Henry. His eyes darted about as if searching for the right words.

"Ah, Lord Baron, I was just... just wondering if there was anything else I could do to be of service."