Knight: Becoming King of the World

Henry never expected that his earlier measures to alleviate military expenses, food consumption, and army housing would make people think he was becoming a mercenary.

’Then again,’ he thought, ’it really does look like what a mercenary would do.’

Henry nodded, gesturing for Carlos to continue. He wanted to know what this "cooperation" Carlos mentioned was all about.

In the Empire’s current political landscape, the Mercenary Guild occupied a middling position—not at the top, but far from the bottom.

Financially, they couldn’t compare to the Imperial Chamber of Commerce, and politically, they couldn’t outmatch the local councils of nobles. However, they were much stronger than the likes of actors, Minstrels, musicians, and adventurers.

The Mercenary Guild’s most important resource was, in fact, its network. By constantly "taking jobs," they befriended a great many nobles and caravan leaders, and could even mediate disputes between weaker minor nobles.

’If the cooperation Carlos is proposing is beneficial to me, I can definitely agree to it and make use of the Mercenary Guild’s network.’

"Lord Baron, the Empire has been at war everywhere these past two years. This is a golden opportunity for our Mercenary Guild to increase its influence." A sharp glint flashed in Carlos’s eyes.

Henry gave a slight nod, motioning for Carlos to go on.

"However, there’s a major contradiction in all this."

Carlos frowned. "If the Mercenary Guild takes on a large number of contracts to assist the Legions in battle, the casualty rate will be extremely high."

"Because with these kinds of contracts... ahem, we can’t just show up and not put in any real effort. Doing so would anger the great Emperor and would only reduce the Mercenary Guild to a useless organization."

Henry nodded in understanding.

"Therefore, veteran soldiers who can be thrown directly into combat are what we desperately need."

After saying this, Carlos fell silent, leaving Henry time to think. Elite troops were the apple of any noble’s eye; no one would be willing to send them out to be Mercenaries.

Henry smiled faintly. He had a good idea of what Carlos was getting at.

"What makes you so sure I would send my army to work as Mercenaries?"

"You once rented out your elite troops to two Barons. That act alone was enough to give people at the Mercenary Guild sleepless nights."

Henry just smiled without saying a word.

"Guildmaster Carlos, what you’re proposing is?"

"Lord Baron, I would like to ask you to provide a batch of veteran soldiers to form a mercenary team. Of course, we will pay appropriate compensation, and you will also have access to the Mercenary Guild’s network."

Henry pondered for a moment. The proposal wasn’t disadvantageous to him at all; in fact, it was an opportunity to expand his own influence.

He would earn back his military expenses, save on food, and have fewer worries. Plus, victorious battles would grant him "Overlord Training" points. It was a win on all fronts.

"I can consider it."

Carlos nodded excitedly. This was no small matter, but the fact that Henry was willing to consider it meant there was a chance!

"Lord Baron, once you’ve made your decision, you can send someone to find me at any time."

Henry nodded. Carlos stood up, bowed to Henry, and then left the private room with his attendant.

Henry watched Carlos’s departing figure, then turned to Claude. "Claude, what do you think?"

"My lord, I believe this proposal is to your advantage."

Claude thought for a moment before saying, "You’ve made similar deals before, so this time it should be familiar territory. It’s entirely acceptable."

Henry nodded; his thoughts mirrored Claude’s.

"Then it’s settled. Claude, the day after tomorrow, you will go and discuss the specific details of our cooperation with Carlos," Henry decided.

"Yes, my lord... My lord, I think it wouldn’t be too late to make a decision after the Emperor’s orders arrive."

Henry slapped his forehead. He suddenly remembered he might have a new combat mission coming.

"You’re right. Let’s wait a few more days. It won’t make a difference."

「On the morning of the third day after Carlos’s visit, Henry received a letter personally delivered to his camp by an official from the imperial office.」

Henry opened the letter and read it carefully.

The Emperor expressed that Henry’s great loyalty and strict adherence to his orders were truly commendable.

The desert region was mostly stable, the rebellion in the west had been quelled, and the Northern Lands were a treasure trove for the eldest Prince to earn favors and military prestige.

Therefore, Henry’s new mission was to make a trip to Lukaron. The Emperor had some matters he wished to discuss with Henry face-to-face.

The letter made no mention of Henry killing the official Gasil, nor of the exorbitant taxes in Vostrom that he had reported.

Henry frowned. ’I wonder what the Emperor is playing at.’ Still, since the Emperor had invited him, he would naturally go and enjoy the hospitality, and see if he could get something out of it.

Henry immediately began preparations. He took Claude and his Attendants, along with the steppe riders, intending to travel light to Lukaron.

’But what if this is a trap?’ Henry wondered. ’Like being invited to collect your pay only to be ambushed?’

So, Henry brought along his Legion infantry and a carriage carrying his black armor and great axe, just in case.

After several days of arduous travel, crossing two mountains, a river, and the castle of a Viscount, Henry’s party finally arrived in Lukaron.

Henry and his men passed through the city gates and entered the streets of Lukaron with practiced familiarity. The streets were lined with all sorts of shops and taverns, bustling with an endless stream of pedestrians.

The party made their way to the Emperor’s palace. Its grand gates were closed, and a line of fully armed Palace Guards stood watch before them.

Henry glanced around but didn’t see Yiduo; it seemed he wasn’t on duty. Henry announced his identity to the guards, and one immediately went inside to report.

A short while later, a palace Attendant came out and led Henry’s party into the palace.

The palace interior was lavishly decorated and resplendent in gold. Following the Attendant, Henry and his retinue arrived at the Emperor’s study.

The Emperor was sitting at his desk, reviewing documents. When he saw Henry enter, he set his papers down.

"Henry, welcome to the imperial palace."

Henry immediately stepped forward. "Headmaster, it is my honor to see you."

The Emperor nodded, had an Attendant bring over a leather chair draped with furs, and gestured for Henry to sit.

"Henry, I’ve summoned you this time because I have an important matter to discuss with you."

Henry immediately sat up straight, showing he was all ears.

"As you know, the Empire’s borders are not peaceful. We need more troops to ensure the Empire’s security."

Henry nodded in understanding.

"However, the Empire’s finances are limited; we cannot afford more troops. At present, more than half of our overseas trade has halted, and it will take time to restart the desert trade and erase the influence of the Lizardmen." The Emperor sighed, sounding somewhat helpless.

"Therefore, I have a mission for you."

Henry immediately replied, "Headmaster, whatever you command, I will do my utmost."

"Good. Henry, I want you to establish two new towns and over ten villages outside your current fief within four years."

The Emperor sighed and said, "Henry, I must think about the future—a decade, even several decades from now. I must think of the next generation."

"I hope you can become a capable aide to two emperors."

Henry hadn’t expected the Emperor to make such a request. "Headmaster, this will require a vast amount of funds and manpower. I’m afraid..."

The Emperor pursed his lips. "Rest assured, I will provide a certain amount of financial support. Furthermore, the lands you develop will also be eligible for other favorable policies," the Emperor added quickly, sensing Henry’s hesitation.

’Theoretically, this mission isn’t a loss for me at all. In fact, it’s a huge gain.’

’But why would such a good thing fall into my lap?’

"Headmaster, I am willing to accept this mission."

The Emperor nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Henry, I knew I wasn’t mistaken about you."

"You flatter me, Headmaster," Henry said humbly.

"Henry, begin your preparations as soon as you return to your fief. I will send people to contact you and provide the necessary support. As for that Count John, I will also send someone to find him. You must put your heart into developing Ximira Castle."

"Yes, Headmaster."

Henry stood up, bowed to the Emperor, and then exited the study.

Henry walked out of the palace in a daze and took a deep breath. This had been his fastest conversation with the Emperor ever, so fast that it left Henry no time to think.

All he could do was nod, nod, and nod again.

Henry smelled a hint of something strange. This mission was almost laughably easy. It was *his* fief, after all. Even without the Emperor’s command, he would have done everything in his power to develop it.

This mission was like pie in the sky. Was there really such a thing as a free lunch in this world?

Clinging to a sliver of doubt, Henry grew paranoid, which made him extremely uncomfortable. He hated this kind of scheming, full of suspicion and calculation.

Henry led his troops to the garrison camp. After proving his identity with his noble crest, he was assigned temporary quarters. He needed to think things over carefully.

He summoned Claude and told him about the Emperor’s orders.

"What do you make of it?" Henry asked.

Claude pondered for a moment and said, "My lord, can this even be called a mission? The Emperor may have other motives."

Henry nodded, and Claude continued, "My lord, could the Emperor be using this mission as a way to control your fief?"

Henry shook his head. "That’s unlikely. My fief is too far from the capital for the Emperor to control it directly. Besides, I recruit and train my own army; it would be difficult for him to interfere."

’Alright, so here’s the question: what is the Emperor’s objective? Is this some kind of mega-giveaway?’

Claude thought for a moment and said, "My lord, I think the Emperor might be trying to win you over with this mission. Your strength and prestige are growing, so perhaps he wants to use this method to ensure your loyalty."

Henry mulled this over for a moment, thinking Claude’s view was too one-sided. ’What is my relationship to him? I’m the Emperor’s student! Does he need to win me over? I’m a natural-born royalist!’

"Let’s do this: we’ll set off first thing tomorrow morning. We’ll return to Vostrom quickly, sign the contract with ’Iron Fist’ Carlos, and then immediately head back to Westwood Laine. I have a feeling something is about to happen."