Knight: Becoming King of the World

How intoxicating...

Hm? Ailia?

Henry looked at Ailia, who was holding his arm, and felt something was off.

Instantly, Henry saw the cruelty of war again, saw death and destruction, saw countless people struggling in agony... Henry savored the thrill of smashing his enemies with a warhammer and the satisfaction of his body growing ever stronger.

Henry’s dream continued to shift. He was no longer a Warrior on the battlefield, nor the ruler of a domain, but a carefree Hunter, chasing prey across the vast grasslands with his friend, Bain.

Henry and Bain dashed across the grasslands. Henry felt a long-lost sense of ease and freedom, unburdened by the pressures of war and the political machinations of the empire. There was only pure survival and enjoyment.

They pursued herds of deer, crossed streams, and climbed unfamiliar peaks. Henry felt a simple joy—the joy of escaping the mortal world and returning to nature.

He shared his spoils with Bain by the campfire. He also fished by the lake with his father and older brother. The water was as still as a mirror, its tranquility broken only by the occasional leaping fish, while his mother watched them from a distance.

They savored the peaceful moments, free from the shadow of war and the weight of responsibility, with only the sincere company of family.

No worries, no constraints, only happiness and freedom.

After a whirlwind of scenes, Henry once again saw the familiar face of Ailia. They were no longer master and servant, but a pair of partners deeply in love.

Henry saw his own wedding to Ailia. They exchanged vows amid the blessings of their friends and family. Bain and Orianna cheered, announcing that they would marry as well.

Their eyes were filled with hope for the future and deep affection for one another. They built a warm home together, welcoming the sunrise and bidding farewell to the sunset side-by-side.

Life was sweet. With Ailia by his side, Henry felt a happiness and contentment he had never known before.

They tilled the fields, harvested the fruits of their labor, and raised children together. Henry found himself hopelessly captivated by Ailia’s gentleness and wisdom.

Henry and Ailia grew old together. Their hair gradually turned white and their faces filled with wrinkles, but their hands remained tightly clasped, and their eyes still shone with love.

They sat in rocking chairs in front of their house, reminiscing about the little moments from their youth.

Henry saw Ailia fall ill. He cared for her meticulously, filled with worry and a reluctance to let her go.

He didn’t want Ailia to suffer even the slightest pain. He was willing to trade everything he had for her health and happiness.

When Ailia passed away peacefully in Henry’s arms, he felt a profound sorrow, but he also knew their love would remain in their hearts forever.

Henry saw himself sitting alone before Ailia’s grave, his eyes filled with longing and grief.

He gently caressed the headstone, as if he could still feel her warmth.

He knew that even though Ailia had left him, her love would be with him always, until the end of time.

As the morning light streamed through a crack in the tent and fell upon Henry’s face, he slowly opened his eyes.

Everything in the dream had been enchanting. It was like a grand gift prepared just for him! It had all felt so real!

Dreams usually become blurry and forgotten upon waking, but last night’s dream was as if it had been carved into his mind. The slightest recollection brought it all back.

Huh? Henry frowned and touched his face. Were these... tears?

He recalled having just lived out an "entire life" with Ailia and then burying her. The inexplicable sadness and frustration from the dream surged through him once more.

’Just as expected of you... Pleasure, indulgence, bliss, even love...’

After a moment of contemplation, Henry refrained from tossing his pillow aside.

It’s fine. It’s not like he would get lost in it.

Henry shook his head. It was just a ploy by Slaanesh. He wouldn’t be deceived by such illusions.

He just wanted to familiarize himself with the power of the Four Gods, to observe it. He was only using it critically.

He deceived himself and averted his gaze. Just then, a soft sound came from outside the tent, and Ailia tiptoed in.

In one hand, she carried a basin of fresh water and a clean towel. In the other, she held a tray with his breakfast.

Henry looked at Ailia, and he had to admit, she had indeed become more pleasing to his eye...

Of course she was. He had personally selected her for her beauty. Her presence undoubtedly brought comfort and pleasure to his life.

Henry wasn’t going to spend money to pick a handmaiden he didn’t like, was he?

Ailia sensed Henry’s unusually intense gaze today. Her heart fluttered with a mixture of joy and nervousness.

She carefully placed the breakfast on Henry’s table, then gently dipped the towel into the water, preparing to help him wash up.

"My lord, you’re awake. I’ve prepared breakfast for you. There’s pigeon pie and lemon cake. I hope you like it."

Henry nodded. He took the towel Ailia offered, his movements a bit stiff.

Ailia stood quietly to the side, awaiting Henry’s next instruction.

Her gaze occasionally fell upon Henry, her eyes filled with reverence and a hint of some imperceptible emotion.

"Mm... delicious."

He had eaten these two things countless times in his dream. After Ailia had been laid to rest, he had never eaten them again. The disconnect between the illusion and reality created a bizarre sensation.

After Henry finished his breakfast, Ailia quickly cleared the dishes and quietly withdrew, leaving him with his own space.

Watching Ailia’s retreating figure, Henry felt an inexplicable emotion rise within him.

He didn’t know if it was Slaanesh amplifying his feelings, or if he had felt this way all along.

He stood up, ready to begin the day’s work.

No matter how tempting the dream, the tasks at hand had to be dealt with.

But just as he finished assembling the nobles and Quartermasters, a group of riders arrived from Akakarat City. They looked like they were from the Imperial Office.

"Baron Henry Bro, the powerful and benevolent lord of Westwood Laine Castle and Ximira Castle. I am an official from the Imperial Office in Akakarat City. I have a letter that must be delivered into your hands personally, with no one else present."

The nobles and Quartermasters glanced at Henry curiously, then very tactfully took their leave.

Since it was a secret letter, and one the Imperial Office was taking so seriously, it had to be from the Emperor, or at least the Eldest Prince.

Knowing too much can get you killed. They weren’t the least bit curious about the letter’s contents. Really.

After everyone else had gone, the official sent his own men aside as well. He gave Henry an awkward laugh, then said with a grave expression, "Baron, my apologies, but could you please kneel to read this letter... I’m begging you."

Henry: ???

Huh? It took Henry several seconds to process what he’d just heard.

’What was that? I have to kneel just to read a letter? And he’s begging me?’

The official gritted his teeth, his expression sincere. After a moment’s thought, he said, "Perhaps you’d like to open it and take a look first? And then kneel?"

Henry walked up to the official and asked, "Why do I have to kneel? Did the sender demand it?"

The official hastily explained, "Of course, of course, the sender demanded it! Even if I were made of pure nerve, I would never dare ask you to kneel."

Henry took the letter suspiciously. He looked at the official again and asked, "You’ll be reporting my subsequent actions truthfully, won’t you?"

Cold sweat dripped down the official’s back. "What did you say, my lord? My hearing’s been bad lately, I didn’t hear a thing!"

Henry rubbed his chin, opened the envelope, and began to read carefully.

’Student, this is your dean.

You will now kneel. I have a favor to ask.’

Henry coughed dryly, exchanging a look with the official.

The official looked left and right, then grabbed a few thick cushions from a chair and laid them out in front of Henry. Henry smacked his lips and knelt down on the cushions.

’Henry, you really know how to cause trouble. It hasn’t even been three years since your enfeoffment, and you’re already making problems for me every day!’

Henry laughed out loud when he read that.

In his memory, the emperor had never spoken to anyone in such a tone.