Knight: Becoming King of the World

’What a shame Vostrom isn’t my fief,’ Henry thought. ’Otherwise, all these parasites would become my experience points.’

"Claude, don’t let the captains of those five ships leave. If they try to depart after making their purchases, stop them. We’ll deal with them when I return."

Claude nodded, committing Henry’s words to memory.

Henry glanced again at the gang members and the extorting foremen, snorting coldly. He led his Attendants and fifty Legion infantrymen through the bustling port, heading toward the city center.

They followed Henry, crossing through the bustling docks and heading toward the city proper.

Henry chose not to ride. He wanted to experience the city’s atmosphere firsthand, and he also didn’t want to attract unnecessary attention with the clamor of cavalry.

The streets of Vostrom were busy and lively. Vendors hawked all sorts of goods, and citizens bustled about, creating a picture of prosperity.

In the past, Henry had always been in a hurry, passing through cities too quickly to get a good sense of the lives of the Free People in different regions.

The Free People here seemed to be in better spirits than those in Baltahan, Odoche, Autongard, Hobia, Razekh, and Gasil.

This was the Empire’s heartland in the truest sense. Its culture and customs set the tone for all of Caladia.

It was now late autumn. Snow had probably already fallen on the eastern steppes and in the Northern Lands, but Vostrom still retained some warmth.

Along the busy streets, the roadside stalls selling grilled fish and fruit were mouthwatering.

Fresh sea fish were grilled over charcoal until their skin was crisp and the inside tender. A thin layer of spices was sprinkled over the golden-brown skin, releasing an enticing aroma.

Henry couldn’t help but take a deep breath. The scent, a mixture of the sea and spices, instantly awakened his taste buds.

’I ate fish at least three times at sea, and we had grilled fish every time, so why didn’t it ever smell this good? Looks like I’ll have to recruit more cooks to expand my own recipes and menus.’

The stall owners enthusiastically hawked their wares, displaying their fresh fruit. Some even cut off small pieces for passersby to sample.

Henry saw glistening, translucent grapes, orange-yellow oranges, and other fruits he couldn’t name. Their fresh, fruity fragrance reminded him of the smell of summer from his memories.

As they walked, Henry noticed a few taverns interspersed among the various shops. Their doors were open, and from within came waves of laughter and the aroma of alcohol.

Henry could distinguish the mixed scents of malt and grape—the aromas of beer and wine.

These taverns were good places for citizens to relax and socialize, as well as venues for small merchants to negotiate business.

Vostrom, a city with a long history, had been a great city—rich in goods, populous, and economically developed—even before the rise of maritime and desert trade.

Its location was strategically advantageous. It was a key maritime hub connecting the east, south, and west, and a convergence point for the goods, commerce, and cultures of Poros, Lukaron, and Onira.

Henry observed every corner of the city as he walked, feeling its vitality and charm.

’To be honest,’ Henry mused, ’the architecture and style here are very similar to Rome. And with this imperial robe I’m wearing... On second thought, they have an Emperor, a Senate, and an Inner Sea. The resemblance is even stronger.’

Henry led his Attendants and soldiers to the city’s central square. This was where the city hall and the Civil Servant’s office were located—or rather, it was the Count’s castle.

Beside Vostrom’s central square stood a magnificent castle. Its existence was not only a symbol of power but also a guarantee of the city’s safety and prosperity.

The castle’s stone walls were thick and solid, enough to withstand any external invasion or riot. The main gate was made of ironwood, studded with iron nails, making it look exceptionally sturdy.

The castle’s towers were tall, fitted with crenellations that provided the defenders with a good line of sight and firing positions.

According to its size and information publicly known in noble circles, Vostrom’s castle garrison was large enough to accommodate at least fifteen hundred soldiers.

In the imperial system, an Independent Count’s status was second only to the Emperor. They had their own territory and castle, enjoyed hereditary wealth, and as long as they didn’t rebel, they were entitled to the Empire’s protection and respect.

Compared to lesser nobles like Viscounts and Barons, the greatest advantage of an Independent Count was having their own castle within the city.

’Just imagine: your army suffers heavy losses and finally breaches the city walls. You charge into the city center only to find... another castle.’

The guards at the castle gate and the archers on the battlements did not seem nervous when they saw Henry’s party.

"Halt."

"I am Baron Henry Bro, a Vassal of the great Emperor and lord of Westwood Laine and Ximira Castle. I wish to see the Civil Servant here, or Count Sigmargari Parisi."

The guard nodded and went inside to announce him without even checking Henry’s noble banner, coat of arms, or any documents.

They had seen the fifty Legion infantrymen behind Henry. Arming one’s Personal Guard with that kind of armor was in itself a statement of power, status, and identity.

Soon, the guard emerged from the castle and said, "Lord Baron, the Civil Servant is waiting. I can lead you and your Attendants into the castle."

"Vasco, you and your men stay here."

"Yes, my lord."

Henry followed the guard into the castle with his Attendants, his footsteps echoing crisply on the stone-paved ground.

’Damn that Count Sigmargari, is he really this rich? We’re just inside the castle gate, and all this open ground is paved with stone slabs?’

After passing the stables and the servants’ quarters, Henry and his Attendants were led by the guard into the city hall on the right.

’It might sound strange, but it’s perfectly logical. A great noble’s city administration is almost a carbon copy of the Emperor’s municipal system.’

’Simple, easy to understand, and easy to get the hang of.’

The interior of the city hall was luxurious yet elegant. Exquisite tapestries hung on the walls, depicting imperial history and folk legends.

In the center of the hall was a long table covered with a tablecloth embroidered with a clan emblem—the symbol of the Count’s clan.

’It seems Vostrom’s Civil Servant is also a member of the Parisi Clan,’ Henry mused. ’Otherwise, the decor and treatment wouldn’t be this lavish.’

Henry’s Attendants were warmly received in the city hall’s main hall by other Civil Servants, who provided them with fresh water and comfortable chairs to rest.

The atmosphere in the hall was formal yet welcoming, demonstrating the Vostrom Civil Servant’s respect and courtesy toward visiting nobles. Henry was very pleased with this. ’The local nobility is so polite.’

Led by a Record Keeper, Henry passed through a long corridor adorned with beautiful murals and arrived at the Civil Servant’s office.

The office door opened slowly, and Henry stepped inside. The room was spacious and bright, furnished with a huge oak desk piled high with various documents and scrolls.

The Civil Servant of Vostrom, an elderly but vigorous man, rose from behind the desk. His eyes held a sharp, shrewd glint.

He wore an exquisite imperial robe with the emblem of the Parisi Clan embroidered on his chest, indicating his identity and status.

The Civil Servant’s voice was gentle yet firm. "Welcome, Baron Henry Bro. Your arrival is an honor for our Parisi Clan. I have heard of your heroic deeds on the battlefield. You are a true traditional military noble, an example for all of us."

Henry bowed slightly in thanks.

The Civil Servant’s words were both a compliment and an affirmation of his identity.

In the Empire’s noble hierarchy, the status of military nobility was indisputable, earned through valor on the battlefield which won them honor and respect.

The Civil Servant continued, "I must say, I feel contempt and dissatisfaction toward those nobles who have climbed to high positions through money and connections. They have not been baptized by war, they have not bled for the Empire, yet they enjoy the same treatment as we do."

Henry could only remain silent. The Civil Servant’s words were a bit extreme, but they also reflected the sentiments of some of the old, established noble families.

The old noble families often held a disdainful attitude toward the group that had gained status through money and connections, transitioning into a merchant aristocracy.

They believed that only nobles who had won great merit on the battlefield were qualified to enjoy the glory and privileges of the aristocracy.

"Lord Civil Servant, I understand your feelings, but the Empire’s prosperity also requires the joint efforts of all kinds of talented people. We cannot deny that some have contributed to the Empire in other ways."

The Civil Servant nodded. In any case, this was a bill passed by both the Emperor and the Senate, so he was merely voicing his dissatisfaction.

The Civil Servant sighed and said, "You’re right, Baron Henry. I was just getting sentimental. Please, sit. Let us discuss business.

Baron Henry, what can I help you with?"

Henry’s tone was urgent. "Lord Civil Servant, I need detailed information about the latest rebellion-suppression campaign in the western coastal region.

His Majesty the Emperor has ordered me to go to Shalas, but before that, I must understand if my route will be affected.

According to the route ordered by the Emperor, I traveled from Gasil to Vostrom. I’ve been at sea for days, almost completely cut off from the world, and I know nothing of what has happened on land."

The Civil Servant’s eyes widened when he heard this. He said in surprise, "Baron Henry, the rebellion in the western coastal region has already been put down by the Emperor’s Forbidden Army and several Legions."

"Huh?"

The Civil Servant looked in confusion at Henry, whose eyes were just as wide. He said, "The matter of who will take ownership of the rebellious cities, castles, and villages is currently being discussed by His Majesty the Emperor and the Senate. This was all four or five days ago."

Henry leaned back in his chair, completely dumbfounded. ’Then what was all that rushing through the desert for? Do I just enjoy running on sand? Do I like eating dirt?’

Still dazed, Henry asked uncertainly, "Lord Civil Servant, are you certain the rebellion in the western coastal region has been suppressed?"

The Civil Servant pulled a document from the large pile and handed it to Henry.

After reading it, Henry was utterly speechless.