Knight: Becoming King of the World

Bain and the others thought for a moment and had to admit that Selas had a point.

The Citizen Cavalry Team was an elite unit in Henry’s army. While they weren’t yet a match for experienced Knight’s Squires like them, with better equipment and another year or so of rigorous training, they could potentially become just as strong.

They were such fine prospects. It would be a real shame and a terrible waste for them to die fighting an enemy of this caliber.

Leon pulled Bain aside and said to him earnestly, "Bain, in the Lord’s army, the infantry units are the most numerous."

"Infantry obviously carries more weight with the Lord. If we want to improve our standing, we should find a way to command more infantry units."

Bain nodded. He understood what Leon meant.

In Henry’s military system, infantry was the foundation and the most important force.

Henry’s military system was completely different from that of other nobles, many of whom subscribed to a "cavalry-first" doctrine. Their belief was simple: cavalry was good, cavalry was great, and with enough cavalry, you were unstoppable.

But this was not the case in Henry’s army. He put more faith in the combat effectiveness of large-scale infantry formations in a close-quarters melee—a meat grinder. Not only were they numerous, but they also played a pivotal role on the battlefield.

If they could gain command over more infantry units, their standing in Henry’s eyes would naturally rise as well.

’Perhaps...’

"Do you have a plan in mind?" Bain asked.

Leon smiled slyly. "Of course. We need to improve our command skills and let the Lord see what we’re capable of."

Leon had already summarized Henry’s combat habits. If the enemy wasn’t particularly strong and their numbers weren’t particularly large, Henry would command the army into battle himself.

If the enemy was relatively strong or numerous, Henry would get excited, leave the army behind, and charge in alone to cut a bloody swath through them.

At that point, the army would need someone to take command and assist Henry.

Whether it was to help Henry secure the perimeter, creating a better killing ground for him, or to help clean up the battlefield afterward—in short, someone had to be there to command the army.

Henry had told Bain and him before that he would let them command troops and fight independently in the future.

Leon had always kept this in mind, but ever since Henry said it, there had always been new things keeping them busy, and Leon didn’t dare press the issue.

’If Bain doesn’t ask, I certainly don’t dare bring it up. But I’m getting antsy!’

’Bain isn’t in a hurry, but I am!’

’What’s Bain’s relationship with Henry? And what’s *my* relationship with him? They’re not the same at all!’

Bain pondered for a moment, then nodded. "I understand, Leon. Let’s try to earn more glory in the next battle."

Leon patted Bain’s shoulder encouragingly. "I believe in you, Bain. As long as we work hard, we’ll become commanders of our own army one day."

The main army made camp on the spot, and the various units received their assignments.

Henry chose not to lead the army back to the border camp, deciding instead to remain encamped here.

This decision was based on two considerations.

First, his supply train was well-stocked with enough food and necessities to last for some time, so there was no pressing need to resupply.

Second, it would be a huge waste of time to have made this trip just to kill so few enemies.

Time was a precious resource, and even if they were resting, it shouldn’t be wasted on pointless travel.

For Henry, every expedition had to be worthwhile.

Therefore, Henry and Ratifa decided to jointly dispatch a team to take the spoils of war and the enemies’ heads back to the border camp and request new battle orders from the Prince.

This approach would both display their battle achievements and secure new combat opportunities, paving the way for future actions.

Inside Henry’s tent, he and Ratifa were discussing the specific course of action.

"Ratifa, we’ll wait here. This way, we can demonstrate our strength to the Prince and receive new orders as quickly as possible," Henry said, his words revealing his thirst for war and pursuit of victory.

Ratifa, somewhat intimidated by Henry’s gaze, nodded in agreement.

"I will select some reliable men from my Personal Guard to carry out this task. They are familiar with the route and can ensure the safety of the spoils."

"Excellent. I’ll have my Quartermaster, Claude, go with them to ensure all the spoils and heads are properly recorded and packed."

Although skimming from the spoils of war was becoming rarer, it didn’t hurt to be cautious and send someone to supervise.

After the two had settled the details, Henry stood up, walked to the entrance of the tent, and gazed out at the army.

Ratifa followed him, pulling her clothes tighter around herself. Her gaze also fell upon the bustling soldiers.

"Henry, your army is truly powerful."

"Yes, they are."

Early the next morning, the team Henry and Ratifa had assembled set out.

They set off on the road back to the main border camp with cartloads of heads and spoils of war.

Time passed. The journey was peaceful and uneventful. They encountered no enemy ambushes, suffered no internal conflicts, and were not even troubled by the slightest squabble. They returned to the main border camp without a hitch.

When the carts loaded with heads and spoils of war slowly rolled into the main camp, they immediately drew everyone’s attention.