Knight: Becoming King of the World

Henry was overjoyed, but he suppressed his elation.

On the surface, the proposal seemed to have him doing all the work for Ratifa’s benefit—training another’s soldiers and wasting his own time.

In reality, however, it was a deal that was extremely advantageous for him.

"Countess Ratifa, your proposal is quite farsighted," Henry said with a smile, a hint of admiration in his voice.

"I’m delighted that you trust me enough to entrust me with such an important task."

Ratifa breathed a sigh of relief, a flash of gratitude in her eyes. "Baron Henry, it’s wonderful that you understand my intentions.

I know this might be an imposition, but I believe in your abilities, and I’m confident that our cooperation can lead to a win-win outcome."

Ratifa needed a more elite army, not a larger one. Elite soldiers could often turn the tide of battle.

Henry nodded. As long as Ratifa provided the recruits and funding, he could use his Overlord Training to train these soldiers.

These soldiers would train in his barracks, learning his tactics and following his commands!

In other words, he was borrowing her hen to lay his eggs!

Once these soldiers, loyal to him, were trained, someone else would even be paying for their upkeep!

’Heavens, I must be dreaming.’

"You needn’t worry, Countess Ratifa. I will use the most advanced tactics and the strictest discipline to train these soldiers.

They will become the strongest Warriors in the Northern Lands, and you, as their lord, will gain glory and respect as a result."

A satisfied smile appeared on Ratifa’s face. She knew how formidable Henry’s army was; to have her men receive his training would undoubtedly be a major enhancement to her forces.

Moreover, this cooperation would also tighten the bond between her and Henry, a huge bonus for her political standing in the Northern Lands.

Henry had forged his reputation on the eastern prairies through battle. Ratifa believed this campaign in the Northern Lands would similarly allow him to make a name for himself here.

"Then, it’s settled," Ratifa said, extending her hand. She shook Henry’s, symbolizing the official start of their cooperation.

All their previous interactions had been superficial, never delving into anything deep.

This, however, was the first time they were entering into a private partnership.

Henry gripped Ratifa’s hand tightly. For him, this was an expansion of power.

Through this method, he could expand his influence into the Northern Lands without attracting too much attention.

Moreover, it would allow him to test a new ’playstyle.’

He didn’t know if his strategy of sending his troops out as Mercenaries would bring rich rewards, but this method of using another’s hen to lay his eggs was absolutely worth a shot.

Their agreement was sealed in the study, lending a new layer of meaning to Henry’s army’s stay in the city of Tiyaer.

As the lights of Tiyaer began to flicker on, Henry and Ratifa’s private dinner commenced in the castle’s banquet hall.

The long table was draped with an exquisite tablecloth, where candles in silver holders flickered with a warm glow, illuminating a feast of delicacies from the Northern Lands.

Henry sat in the seat of the guest of honor, while Ratifa sat opposite him. The distance between them was just right—maintaining the etiquette of nobles, but not so far as to make conversation difficult.

The table was filled with all sorts of delicacies: roasted wild boar, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the meat delicious and juicy; cured salmon with a faint smoky flavor; and a thick soup stewed with local herbs and wild mushrooms, its aroma filling the air.

"Baron Henry, please try the roasted boar," Ratifa recommended with a smile, a hint of anticipation in her voice.

"It’s a specialty of the Northern Lands. The meat is from a wild boar caught during the winter hunt, so it’s firm yet tender."

Henry cut a small piece with his knife and fork. After savoring it, he nodded in approval. "Truly delicious, Countess Ratifa. You were right to recommend it. The texture and flavor of this boar are both superb."

A flicker of pride crossed Ratifa’s eyes at Henry’s praise. It was a dish she personally enjoyed, and she considered her taste to be quite good.

Ratifa gently raised her wine glass. "Then, to our partnership and our friendship. Cheers."

Their glasses touched with a soft, clear chime.

They were drinking icewine, a specialty of the Northern Lands. Brewed in the frigid climate, it had a unique taste with a hint of crisp sweetness.

As the dinner progressed, their conversation deepened.

Their topics ranged from military strategy and political affairs to personal interests and family histories.

The icewine went down easy, but there was no escaping it when it finally went to your head.

A tipsy flush colored both their faces, and the atmosphere grew somewhat... intimate...

"Baron Henry, do you know... there’s always such a firmness and depth in your eyes," Ratifa said softly, her voice hazy.

"I’m curious, what keeps you committed to a military life?"

Henry pursed his lips. "Countess Ratifa, everyone has their own mission, their own calling. For me, the greatest calling is to protect my people and expand my domain."

Ratifa nodded, her eyes filled with admiration. "You are a true leader, Baron Henry. Your resolve and courage are truly admirable."

Ratifa didn’t dwell on Henry’s motives for wanting to expand his territory. After all, who didn’t want more land?