Knight: Becoming King of the World

Henry’s figure had already vanished from the training ground’s exit. He had no idea Tommy had so many thoughts. ’Clerks really do overthink things.’

After Henry left, the officials and Civil Servants on the training ground gradually dispersed. They returned to their posts to continue their daily work.

Although they still had their doubts, Henry’s words had given them new motivation.

They began to work even harder, hoping their efforts would earn them a chance at a promotion and a raise.

Days passed, but the rhythm of life in Westwood Laine Fortress seemed unchanged by the small incident.

Everyone bustled about, trying to prove their worth. Their steps were hurried, yet their lives felt fulfilling.

The officials and Civil Servants buried themselves in documents and ledgers, maintaining order and enforcing rules in every corner. Their work, though mundane, was an indispensable part of the domain’s operations.

As time went on, soldiers in the Westwood Laine garrison sweated profusely on the training grounds. Their shouted commands and the clang of steel became an ever-present background noise in the fortress.

Finally, on a bright, sunny morning, the main gate of Westwood Laine Fortress slowly swung open. Company after company of well-equipped soldiers marched out from the camp in perfect formation.

Their gazes were firm and their steps powerful, showcasing the dignity and glory of a true army.

Fifteen companies of new Imperial recruits. Though young, they had undergone "special" training and were ready to shed their blood on the battlefield for Lord Henry to prove their worth!

Six companies of Grassland Warriors. They were the pride of the plains, their daunting Riding Skill and archery making them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

But the most eye-catching of all were the three companies of Imperial Citizen Cavalry. They were not just soldiers; they were the glue that bound the nobility and the commoners!

Their appearance filled the residents of Westwood Laine with immense pride!

If one couldn’t become a noble or an official, wasn’t there still a chance to become one of the Citizen Cavalry?

If this generation couldn’t make it, what about the next?

Residents flooded the streets, cheering, waving flags, and offering gifts to the soldiers. The children’s eyes sparkled with hero worship, while the adults silently prayed in their hearts, hoping they could one day join their ranks.

Westwood Laine was once again swept up in celebration, and the atmosphere was infectious.

The rapid growth of Westwood Laine’s military power attracted the attention of numerous factions.

Henry knew his fief was crawling with spies from various factions, but he didn’t care.

People from all walks of life in the city—caravan merchants, shopkeepers, construction foremen, residents, Minstrels, Travelers, adventurers, and Wandering Knights—all became players in this war of intelligence.

Openly or covertly, intentionally or not, they were all watching Henry’s every move.

Caravan merchants whispered during their dealings, shopkeepers paid close attention to every word while serving customers, and construction foremen kept an eye on the soldiers’ training even as they supervised their projects.

During their idle chatter, city residents inadvertently revealed the fortress’s latest developments.

Minstrels made friends through song, Travelers traded stories for wine, and adventurers and Wandering Knights exchanged what they’d seen and heard in the corners of taverns.

This massive, well-equipped army shocked everyone.

They whispered amongst themselves, discussing how Henry had managed to turn these serfs and shepherd slaves into a formidable army in such a short amount of time.

Some of them had even investigated personally, trying to uncover Henry’s secret, but they all came up empty-handed.

It was simply unbelievable.

’Henry’s army is well-trained and strictly disciplined, something unheard of among the lords of the past.

It’s as if his army appeared overnight. I’ve served under several lords, but I’ve never seen any of them train a group of peasants into such elite soldiers like Henry has.’

It was as if Henry’s army was being mass-produced; both its quantity and quality were beyond belief.

Vast amounts of similar intelligence left Westwood Laine through various channels and methods, delivered into the hands of those watching Henry.

Some by carrier pigeon, some by secret messenger, and others smuggled within the cargo of merchant caravans.

This information circulated among the various factions, causing tremors of varying intensity.

Some factions began to reassess Henry’s strength and potential, considering whether to ally with him or oppose him.

Other factions plotted in the shadows, trying to uncover Henry’s secret to use for their own ends.

Henry’s fame grew more illustrious by the day. It wasn’t just the surrounding powers; even distant nobles began to cast their eyes upon this place on the Imperial frontier.

Meanwhile, the fortress gates welcomed an unusual visitor—Countess Ratifa and her Personal Guard.

Ratifa’s arrival immediately drew the attention of the city’s residents. Her beauty and noble air made her stand out in the crowd, while the Personal Guard at her back was a clear display of her power and status.

The residents were both awed by and curious about the noblewoman. Their gazes drifted toward her from time to time, but they didn’t dare let them linger for fear of offending the distinguished guest.

Claude, Bain, and Leon followed closely at Ratifa’s side.

When the residents saw Claude and Bain, they averted their gazes even more quickly. It was obvious this beautiful noblewoman was Lord Henry’s guest.

As Claude and the other two gazed upon Westwood Laine, blooming in the spring warmth, they felt the joy of a long-awaited homecoming.

’It feels so good to be home. Mmm, even the air smells sweet.’

Soldiers from her Personal Guard were carrying numerous chests. The chests were heavily guarded and bore the crest of Ratifa’s family, indicating their importance.

The residents whispered amongst themselves, speculating about what precious things might be inside the chests.

Gold Coins? Jewels? Or perhaps weapons? No one dared to approach and find out. They could only watch from a distance, their minds filled with speculation.

After all, a person only has so many days. Wouldn’t life be terribly boring if you didn’t find something interesting to occupy your mind?

As Ratifa and her party slowly passed through the city gate and entered the fortress, the residents’ discussions gradually subsided.

The fortress guards saw Claude and Bain and, having already received orders from Henry, immediately opened the gates to welcome them. They stood ramrod straight, their gazes firm, displaying the dignity of Westwood Laine’s soldiers. Ratifa found herself even more impressed by the discipline and spirit of Henry’s army.

"Baron Henry’s army is quite powerful, and his fief is developing well."

Claude nodded and said proudly, "It is all thanks to Baron Henry’s leadership."

Henry was already waiting in the fortress’s conference room. He had little interest in the handsome sum of Dinars about to line his pockets; to him, such wealth was merely a means to achieve his greater goals.

Besides, it had already been agreed upon. It was what he was owed.

He was more concerned with the true purpose of Countess Ratifa’s personal visit.

’She couldn’t possibly have come for a leisurely picnic, could she? This place is all barren mountains and treacherous rivers, hardly a tourist destination.’

The conference room door was pushed open gently, and Ratifa strode in, followed by Claude, Bain, and Leon.

Henry rose to his feet, smiling in welcome. "Welcome, Countess Ratifa."

Ratifa gave a slight nod, a flicker of admiration in her eyes. "Baron Henry, your domain is impeccably managed, and your army is well-trained. It’s truly impressive."

After handing Henry a ledger, Claude left with Bain and Leon.

Clearly, they knew that the conversation to follow was not for their ears.

Henry thumbed through the ledger as he spoke. "You flatter me, Countess. I’ve only done what needed to be done. But I am more curious... what business has brought you here in person?"

Ratifa let out a soft chuckle, a shrewd glint in her eyes. "As perceptive as ever, Baron Henry. I have indeed come to discuss certain matters with you."

Henry nodded, gesturing for Ratifa to continue.

Ratifa didn’t beat around the bush. "Bring your army to the Northern Lands, Baron Henry," she said directly. "There are enemies waiting for you there."