Knight: Becoming King of the World

Secondly, for someone to be able to sell the Imperial Legion’s armaments on a massive scale, right in the heart of the Empire, under the Emperor’s very nose, they must hold immense power and status—enough to even deceive the Emperor himself!

’Too terrifying!’ ’I can’t know about someone like that. I don’t dare to know, and I absolutely must not know! The slightest misstep would mean being silenced forever!’

’My heavens, why did I have to hear something like this? I’m just an ordinary Sheriff!’

Cold sweat began to bead on Daimon Horner’s forehead, and his voice trembled slightly. "Count Henry, this is no laughing matter. Are you certain your information is accurate?"

Henry nodded, his expression serious. "Of course I’m certain. I saw a batch of the Legion’s infantry weapons and equipment at the source. That’s why I’ve come to you.

I haven’t been able to find any trace of this person, so I wanted to ask if you had any leads here."

Daimon Horner took a deep breath. The gravity of the situation was overwhelming his ability to think.

"Count Henry, I know nothing about this. As you know, I’m just the North City Sheriff, not a Lukaron Patrol Officer."

"Then can you help me investigate?"

Daimon froze. ’Me?’

"Henry, this is the kind of work that gets you beheaded. I can’t do it. I have to think about my family."

Henry blinked, understanding Daimon’s concerns.

"This kind of affair might involve very high levels of power. I can’t act rashly."

Henry nodded in understanding. "I get it."

Daimon Horner gave a bitter smile. "Count Henry, was this a task given to you by the Emperor?"

"It was not."

Daimon took another deep breath. ’It’s not from the Emperor? Then why the hell are you investigating? To be blunt, what does this have to do with you? Even if the Empire fell, it wouldn’t have much of an effect on you.’

Daimon couldn’t understand Henry’s thinking. If it were him, even if he knew who this merchant was, he would lock the secret away in his heart and never speak a word of it.

Getting nowhere and having gained nothing, Henry stood up and said, "Alright, let’s keep in touch by letter about the situation in the capital. And if you get any news from the western regions, you can tell me that as well."

"Alright."

Henry left the Sheriff’s office, his heart heavy. He had a bad feeling and knew he had to find this Mysterious Merchant as soon as possible.

’What if... just what if... someone else is a cheat, too? What if someone else has received a mysterious blessing from Subspace?’

Of course, these were just wild guesses, but a thorn had been planted in Henry’s mind.

Just as the Emperor strictly controlled the outflow of high-grade armaments, he didn’t want any other cheaters around besides himself! Even if it was just a suspicion, he had to find a way to confirm it. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to eat or sleep in peace.

Walking out of the Sheriff’s station, Henry looked up at the blue sky and white clouds and shook his head. ’Well, things have come to this... Might as well get something to eat first.’

Henry mounted his horse, with Bain and Leon following close behind. Upon returning to the garrison camp, he immediately summoned his officers. He needed their eyes and ears to gather clues about this Mysterious Merchant.

"Listen up. I need you to investigate a mysterious merchant who is selling armaments on a large scale."

These soldiers were his own men, completely trustworthy.

Henry gave them money and sent them fanning out to the various taverns, theaters, bathhouses, and even brothels.

These places were bustling with people from all walks of life; you could find anyone there. Perhaps they could overhear something.

Besides, Henry had only said "selling armaments on a large scale," not that they were *Legion* armaments. Even if they didn’t find anything, it wouldn’t attract unwanted attention.

And even if someone did get curious and look into it, they wouldn’t think much of it. A newly appointed Count wanting to buy a batch of armaments? That was perfectly normal.

"Remember, keep this as secret as possible. Don’t arouse suspicion. If something feels wrong, stop immediately."

At Henry’s command, the soldiers quickly dispersed, their figures vanishing from the corners of the camp and melting into the bustling capital.

The camp commander watched this unfold and walked over to Henry, asking out of habit, "Lord Count Henry, is there an operation underway?"

Henry smiled faintly and waved his hand. "It’s nothing. I just gave them a bonus and sent them out to see the sights of the capital. They’ve worked hard for so long, they deserve to relax a little."

The commander nodded and didn’t press further. He felt a twinge of envy; Henry was a generous leader.

Even though he was a commander here in Lukaron, his life was plain and uneventful. He was the type with a high-ranking title but little actual power.

Henry went back to his room and changed into a set of clothes that was neither too flashy nor too plain. It just wasn’t appropriate to wear the grand imperial robes of a high noble just to go out for a meal. It was too pretentious.

He took Bain and Leon to one of the most luxurious taverns in the capital.

The tavern was lavishly decorated, its air filled with the aroma of fine wine and exquisite food, mingled with melodious music and the sound of laughter and conversation.

They didn’t book a private room, choosing instead to sit in a corner of the main hall.

Henry observed the patrons coming and going. People nearby glanced at them once but paid them no further mind, returning to their drinking, eating, and chatting.

The people here were either rich or noble. Although Henry was dressed expensively, he didn’t stand out.

No one fell silent because of his attire; after all, in a place like this, everyone could have a hidden background.

Henry ordered a few bottles of fine wine, said to be from Zeondika, and then ordered several of the house specialties from the menu.

He chatted casually with Bain and Leon, all the while paying attention to the conversations around them.

The topics ranged from politics to business, from war to art—they covered everything.

Henry’s ears keenly caught any information that might be related to the Mysterious Merchant.

The atmosphere in the tavern was lively. Under the influence of alcohol, people tended to lower their guard and say things they normally wouldn’t.

His gaze swept across the crowd from time to time, observing everyone’s demeanor and expressions.

Time slowly passed. The tavern grew more crowded, and the atmosphere became even more boisterous.

Henry continued to wait patiently. He knew this kind of investigation required time and patience; it couldn’t be rushed.

Besides, it wasn’t like he was just waiting around. He ate and drank with leisurely contentment.

Just then, a group at a nearby table was discussing something in low voices. Though they kept their voices down, Henry still managed to catch a few keywords: "armaments," "deal," "secret." It all sounded very furtive.

His spirits lifted, and he immediately focused on listening more intently.

He subtly gestured to Bain and Leon, directing their attention to the conversation at that table as well.

The three of them continued to pretend to be drinking and chatting, but in reality, all their attention was focused on that one table.

"Hah, bullshit! You’re wrong! Let me tell you..."

"You listen to me! This information I have is absolutely true."

"Then let me ask you, let me ask you this, you’re the Mercenary Guild President of Luotai, and you’re saying something like that? So let me ask you..."

Henry was speechless.

Henry’s brow twitched as he listened, and he had to resist the urge to drag these guys into an alley for a "friendly" chat.

Still, one of them was a Mercenary Guild President. He might actually have a lead on the Mysterious Merchant.

And so, Henry patiently listened for a long time, hoping to hear some useful information. In the end, after all that listening, he’d heard absolutely nothing.

It was all "Listen to me," "Let me tell you," and the like. Utter nonsense.

Leon leaned in and whispered, "My lord, is everyone in the capital like this?"

"Of course not. They’re from out of town."

Henry speared a piece of steak, chewing it viciously. ’Forget it, I’ll just focus on eating.’ He decided that after they left, he would follow them. A quick application of the Great Memory Recovery Technique, and he would know everything.

’Sigh. It’s not that I’m uncivilized, it’s just that this method is too damn effective. I’m really not a thug, you know.’

Seeing Henry start to eat in earnest, Bain and Leon quickly dug in as well. Otherwise, Henry would finish everything in a moment.