Henry won the duel, and the surrounding soldiers erupted in thunderous cheers and applause. They praised his bravery and hailed him as a hero.
Seeing a high-and-mighty noble die before their eyes was far more satisfying than bragging in a tavern.
Yet amid the clamor, Henry sensed an inexplicable threat. He looked at Nulun, who had stopped breathing, and had no idea what was threatening him.
Three senior officers came over to offer their congratulations. "Knight Henry Bro, your valor will be spoken of throughout the Seventh Legion."
Boman, Glen, and the others also came to congratulate him, along with several noble knights who expressed their admiration.
Henry handled everyone's flattery with Effortless Mastery, but he also noticed the coldness and hostility in the eyes of many Barons and Viscounts.
Henry gave Boman a look. Boman frowned and swept his gaze around the area without saying anything.
Henry raised a hand and said to those around him, "I've been out in the wilds for a month and a half and need some rest. Tomorrow night, I'll spend five hundred Denar to host a feast for all of you!"
The crowd burst into cheers, applauding Henry's generosity.
Only after everyone had dispersed did Boman explain under Henry's gaze, "They think your actions are a declaration of war against the local nobles."
Henry tilted his head. "Am I not a local noble?"
Glen pursed his lips. "Henry, we're the Dean's students, aren't we?"
Henry was so irritated that he laughed. These nobles really had nothing better to do. If they had no enemies, they would just create some themselves?
"Either way, you've made enemies of these local nobles now," Boman said worriedly.
"What's there to fear?"
Henry snorted disdainfully. "If enemies come, I have blades and swords. If they dare declare war on me, I'll strike back."
"That may be true, but you still need to be careful," Glen reminded him. "They have deep roots on the border and might resort to some tricks. You're just a newcomer."
The local faction wanted to divide power and weaken royal authority. The court faction relied on the royal family's favor and defended royal authority.
And nobles like Henry, newly granted their titles, were usually part of the court faction. Even if you were not, others would automatically place you there.
"I know." A vicious glint flashed through Henry's eyes.
"These nobles have already rotted away. They are unworthy of serving the great King. The sacred Empire has no need for such incompetent nobles."
"That's right!" Boman and Glen both nodded in agreement.
The four people present were all from the academy. Since Henry had spoken so plainly, the others naturally had no reason to keep putting on airs.
Every student granted a title by the King possessed extensive knowledge, exceptional martial skill, a well-filled purse, and dazzling glory.
To them, those nobles whose titles had been passed down through generations were withered trees—seemingly tall, but hollowed out long ago.
"The Half-Orc threat is right before us, yet they still have the mood to fight among themselves. Hmph. After this counterattack, I'll declare war on them, seize their lands, plunder their people, and contend for their titles.
My squire is already a qualified Knight. I'll grant him a title and make him my Fief. I don't like the way those people look at me, but I'm interested in their lands."
The other three burst into laughter. Nobles declaring war on one another was commonplace; sometimes, wars were even started over a single sheep.
"Henry, let's go to the baths."
"No, Boman. I'm too tired today. I want to be alone for a while. Next time, definitely."
Henry returned to his tent and said to Bain, "Bain, my bow, arrows, and Lance are yours."
"Really, my Lord? Then what will you use?"
"A glaive, a Two-Handed Sword, and a one-handed double-bladed axe are enough. Maybe I'll use a giant hammer in the future?"
Ailiya skillfully removed Henry's armor and wiped the blood from his body. "My Lord, you should bathe immediately."
"Fine, Ailiya. If you can get some hot water, I'm willing to let you soap my back."
Ailiya went out to prepare hot water, while Bain foolishly carried the two weapons Henry had given him outside to show off to Philip. A good weapon and suit of armor could give a person an extra life.
Before long, Ailiya and Oriana carried over a large tub, while Bain followed behind with two large buckets of hot water.
"Oriana, go heat some more water. Squire Bain, please leave."
Henry undressed and lay in the spacious tub. The hot water soothed muscles that had been exhausted for more than a month, while steam filled the entire tent.
Ailiya approached softly, her footsteps light. She picked up a soft towel, gently soaked it in the water, then wrung it dry.
She carefully draped the towel over Henry's shoulders and gently wiped his skin.
Her movements were delicate and tender. She was thoroughly familiar with this work; back in the Capital, Ailiya had always done the same. Whenever Henry was tired, he liked to soak in a bath, a luxury that gave Chamberlain Tommy a headache.
With Ailiya's care, Henry gradually relaxed. He closed his eyes and felt Ailiya's fingers moving over his body, bringing warmth, comfort, and peace of mind.
She carefully washed every inch of Henry's skin, from his neck to his toes, leaving no corner untouched.
Henry seemed to have fallen asleep. Recalling the details of how he had slain the Centaur and the Minotaur, Henry felt... deeply pleased.
Life, death, the world, the universe...
Henry suddenly woke with a start and met Ailiya's eyes.
"What is it, my Lord?"
Henry gently shook his head. "I think I had a dream. I saw several... things I don't understand."
"My Lord, you're tired. After dinner, I'll massage you and help you relax enough to sleep."
After bathing, Henry rose from the tub, feeling full of Vitality. Ailiya wrapped him in a large towel and gently dried his body.
Henry put on his nightclothes and walked out of the tent. The air outside was fresh and pleasant, though the autumn wind across the grasslands was somewhat cold. He took a deep breath and savored the rare crispness.
The soldiers in the camp were busy preparing dinner.
Around the campfires, the soldiers laughed and chatted, all discussing Henry's victory today. They felt honored to fight under such a noble.
"Lord!"
"My Lord."
The corners of Henry's mouth lifted slightly. He picked up a horse brush and walked toward his warhorse, gently stroking its mane. The King had bestowed this warhorse upon him. It had accompanied him through battle and was his most loyal companion.
At that moment, Claude approached with a letter in his hand.
"My Lord, this letter was just delivered. It seems to have come from the Capital."
Henry felt somewhat regretful. A letter from the Capital? The Dean? Henry took the envelope and opened it. A look of surprise appeared on his face.
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