Knight: Becoming King of the World

A cunning glint flashed in the Count’s eyes. If rebellions were to break out across the empire, the emperor’s authority would be severely challenged.

He wanted to let the emperor know that the other nobles were not so easily ignored. They weren’t the emperor’s pupils, but they wouldn’t be treated like unwanted stepchildren, either!

’When a Lord fails to satisfy his Vassals, he can expect to be overthrown! I’ll make the emperor understand that if he treats the other nobles unjustly, we won’t show any mercy!’

In his study, Count Akakarat’s fingers drummed lightly on his desk. This contest had only just begun, and he was ready.

Henry sat in the center of the command tent, surveying the nobles around him.

Henry and the nobles were completely unaware of Count Akakarat’s thoughts. They resumed the topic they had been discussing before the official’s arrival.

They were discussing how to divide the population, wealth, and other assets from the fiefs of the defeated nobles—the post-war distribution of spoils. Everyone hoped to get the biggest piece of the pie.

They had been arguing for an entire day without coming up with a plan.

Henry watched them, his ears aching after a full day of their bickering and verbal sparring. Each man made a valid point, yet none could win over the others.

This was because everyone had contributed their utmost, most of them bringing their elite troops and the supplies from their warehouses to join the war.

No one had any objections to Henry taking the lion’s share; the main issue was the distribution among themselves.

Henry’s ears were ringing from the noise. He tried to quell the endless dispute. "Gentlemen, we all know that this victory would have been impossible without everyone’s effort."

"However, we must decide on a distribution plan to ensure the stability of our alliance."

The nobles all nodded, but their expressions betrayed a hunger for greater spoils.

They continued to argue, each trying to prove that his contribution was greater and that he deserved a larger reward.

"My domain provided the most grain and supplies," one noble declared loudly. "Without them, the massive Alliance Army would have been impossible to sustain."

Another noble immediately retorted, "But without my large force of Light Cavalry, your supplies would never have reached the battlefield safely."

The discussion grew more heated as each noble tried to justify his own merits and contributions.

Watching them, Henry knew that if he couldn’t find a solution that satisfied everyone, or at least most of them, this argument could go on forever.

But Henry didn’t have a good solution either. He had no idea how to distribute the spoils and divided profits among these Barons and Knights.

Henry looked up at the sky outside the tent. Night had fallen, and torches around the camp were being lit one by one, illuminating the surroundings.

This argument would likely continue late into the night, but what they needed was rest and unity, not endless bickering.

Henry cut off the nobles’ argument. "It is late, and we all need to rest."

"Tomorrow, we will continue this discussion until we find a fair solution. For now, let us all return to our quarters and get some rest."

Although reluctant, the nobles knew Henry was right.

They nodded in agreement, bowed to Henry, and left the tent one after another.

As Henry watched them leave, he knew tomorrow’s discussion would likely be even more difficult.

’People are funny. In the heat of an argument, their brains short-circuit and they can’t think of a good comeback. But later, while tossing and turning in bed, they’ll replay the whole thing and come up with all sorts of retorts that hit right where it hurts and make themselves feel amazing.’

Henry stretched. Time for dinner!

Henry sat in his tent, enjoying a delicious dinner. On the table was freshly grilled fish, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, giving off an alluring aroma.

The mixed rice was seasoned with various spices and vegetables, making every bite burst with flavor.

A crisp, refreshing ale added a clean note to the meal.

As Henry ate, he pondered the next day’s discussion.

Ailia quietly observed Henry, noticing the smile that occasionally played on his lips.

Ailia thought for a moment, then leaned in closer out of curiosity and asked softly, "My lord, you seem to be in a very good mood?"

Henry looked up and met Ailia’s curious gaze. Unconsciously, his smile grew wider.

He set down his knife and fork, leaned back in his chair, and sighed contentedly. "I was just thinking about how interesting it was today. Those nobles, their faces red from arguing, still had to constantly watch my expression."

"And you should have seen it—they’d often get halfway through a sentence and suddenly have no idea how to convince the other person. Hahaha."

Ailia nodded blankly, trying to understand what Henry found so amusing.

However, no matter how she tried, Ailia couldn’t grasp why Henry found it funny. Those men were all nobles. Though not as powerful as Henry, they were still nobles.

Ailia wouldn’t dare laugh at them. It would be disrespectful and could even cause trouble for Henry.

As Henry’s handmaiden and head maid, she could not do anything impolite.

"So, besides that, is there anything else in particular that’s making you happy?" Ailia continued, her gaze slightly evasive.

"For example, are there any other foods you particularly like, or any hobbies?"

Orianna had spoken with Ailia many times. She believed that pigeon pie and lemon cake wouldn’t be his favorites forever; it was rare for someone to never get tired of a food.

Especially for extravagant nobles, seeking out new and different flavors was the norm.

Henry looked at Ailia seriously, thought for a moment, and then said, "I do have some things I particularly like. For example, if you skewer two chicken wings, sprinkle them with some spices, and grill them, they’re incredibly delicious."

Ailia listened intently, mentally taking note of this information.

While methods for preparing chicken wings existed and many people ate them, they rarely appeared on the tables of nobles who preferred hearty bites of meat and extravagant displays.

For them, another very important aspect of dining was the—presentation.

That’s right. Even if they didn’t eat a certain dish, it still had to be on the table. Even if it was just for a glance, it had to be there.

"I will remember that, my lord. Perhaps I can prepare some other foods for you next time."

Henry looked at Ailia. She was a very capable woman, and her thoughtfulness and care were always comforting.

He nodded. "Then I’ll look forward to the food you prepare, Ailia."

After dinner, Henry and Ailia walked out of the tent together. The stars in the night sky twinkled, unobscured by clouds, creating a beautiful sight.

’Does this world have a universe? Are these twinkling lights distant celestial bodies?’

Henry gazed up at the starry sky, his heart filled with curiosity and wonder about this world’s cosmos. This sense of unknown mystery fascinated him and filled him with a desire to explore this world.

However, his reverie was soon interrupted by Ailia.

She gently tugged on Henry’s sleeve and said with concern, "My lord, the night air is quite chilly. What if you catch a cough? We should go back inside the tent."

Henry looked at Ailia and nodded with a smile. "Alright, Ailia. As you say."

Ailia breathed a sigh of relief and led Henry back into the tent.

She knew Henry had been very tired lately, so she had specially arranged for hot water to be heated for him to take a nice bath and relax.

He took off his clothes, which were permeated with various smells, and stepped into the wooden tub. The hot water enveloped his body, bringing a wave of relief.

Henry watched as Ailia approached, ready to scrub and massage him. Neither of them noticed that they were both blushing slightly.

Perhaps it was just the steam?

「The next day.」

A guest arrived at the Alliance Army’s camp—a guest no one had expected.

"Hello, Baron Henry. I didn’t expect we would meet again so soon."

Henry looked at the woman before him, who was nearly perfect in her looks, figure, and taste in clothing, and said politely, "Countess Ratifa Villarreal, it is a pleasure to see you again."

Ratifa arrived at the command tent where they were meeting. The nobles, who had spent the night preparing arguments to secure more spoils, were at a loss.

’What’s she here for?’

"Countess Ratifa, may I ask what brings you all the way here from Tiyaer?"

Ratifa clapped her hands, and an Attendant by her side immediately went out to signal the men with her caravan. They began carrying hundreds of heavy chests to the front of the tent.

Ratifa casually opened one of the chests, revealing it to be full of blindingly shiny Dinars.

"I want to purchase your spoils of war, as well as some of the assets from the fiefs of the nobles you defeated."

The nobles exchanged glances, each hearing the others gulp.