The King's Concern, Three Basic Policies for the Territory

'West Lyme's lord, my vassal knight, my student.

I received your letter, and it pleases me greatly. Your report is clear and well-organized, and your writing is elegant. It seems your cultural studies are not as terrible as your teacher claims.

I received news a week ago that you and your senior classmates had gone missing in an unknown area. I was deeply worried and immediately wrote this letter, and I have already issued a secret order to reprimand Count Sebastian.

One more thing: get your military equipment in order and prepare for battle. The Third Army was ambushed by a large force of Demihumans, which has made me very angry.

If you occupy enough land and gain enough military merit in this war of expansion, I will grant you more titles. You can merge the titles yourself and apply to me for a promotion.

If you and your senior classmates return safely and see this letter, I hope you can reply to me and put my mind at ease.

If you really die at the hands of the Demihumans, I will compensate your family with a large sum of money, although that will mean nothing to you.

I sincerely hope that you can see my letter with your own eyes, rather than receiving a burning letter in the world of the dead.'

Henry curled his lips and could only ask Claude to bring paper and pen to reply to the King.

Originally, he had planned to attend a nighttime opera. Autongard is the wealthiest free city on the Grassland. It is said that the songs and dances here are wild, uninhibited, and passionate, like the steeds galloping across the Grassland.

He had intended to critically appreciate tonight's nighttime opera to see if they were as amazing as rumored.

Unfortunately, he now had to reply to the King and didn't have time to buy today's tickets. He even used the excuse that he needed to rest to turn down the Bathhouse gathering with Boman and the others.

'The ruler of the great Calradia Empire, you are the master of the Calradia continent, a brave, resourceful, and benevolent King, and my loyal liege, my Dean.

Your majesty stands tall like a mountain, inspiring awe; your care is as warm as the sun, giving people hope and strength.

You are like a bright star in the sky, bestowing protection upon every noble and commoner with endless love and wisdom.

Your vassal, student Henry Burley, offers you loyalty and blessings. The four of us have returned safely and with great success. This time, we... those Centaurs and Minotaurs... Glen's command... Boman and Fas's bravery... the soldiers under your glorious light...

After our team returned to Autongard, Baron Nurland of Heppenburg challenged me to a Life-and-Death Duel. I was victorious. My King, another of your vassals died in a meaningless duel. I am saddened for you.

My Dean, I will wield my sword to expand your territory, spread your fame, and gain more land, titles, and Denar for myself.

Please accept my highest respect and deepest love, great King! May your rule be long and stable, and may the Calradia Empire be forever prosperous and strong!

Your vassal, the lord of West Lyme, your student, Henry Burley, offers you respect as boundless as the sky.'

Henry could come up with this kind of flattery without any effort. For him, before he had the power to overturn the entire world, it was best to maintain due respect for the supreme King on the surface.

"Claude, send the letter, make it urgent."

Claude took the letter and asked, "Sir, should we also send a letter to Tommy? You've been out for almost two months, and the castle might be finished soon. If you have further plans, you should tell Tommy sooner rather than later."

Henry nodded. He had forgotten about it and said, "Claude, your reminder is important. How about this, you go send the letter to the King first. I need to think more about the fief."

Claude bowed and said, "Sir, I am your administrative steward. This is my responsibility."

"Hmm, when I become a Baron, I hope you can call yourself Minister of Administration."

After Claude left, Henry lay directly on the bed, not wanting to think about anything.

Fief? Plans? Henry had no interest in anything now, he just wanted to get a good night's sleep.

The next morning, Henry rode his warhorse and began practicing his horsemanship, wielding the Long-handled Crescent Blade. The sound of it cutting through the air made the soldiers swallow hard.

"No wonder the Knight was able to defeat Baron Nurland. It turns out he trains his martial arts so diligently every day."

"Don't say that, hurry up and dispose of the chamber pot, or the Captain will kick your little bull head."

Henry was covered in sweat. He returned to his tent to wash up, eat, and then write down what he wanted to instruct Tommy.

In fact, Henry didn't have much to instruct. In general, there were three things.

First, buy more serfs, both male and female. Cultivate more land and build more housing.

Second, establish the West Lyme Hunting Grounds and the West Lyme Ranch, which can attract some hunters to settle in and purchase a small number of herding slaves.

Third, promulgate a territorial law stating that those who have worked in farming and grazing for two years without any illegal behavior can regain their free status, rent land from Henry to become tenant farmers, and own their own houses, families, and property.

Henry called Claude over and instructed, "Claude, send all our current money back with the letter. Give the office three Denar and tell them my identity. I don't want any accidents to cause me to lose my money."

"Of course, sir, I'll go right away. But... Captain Phillip hopes you can pay the wages. You know, the soldiers need to spend money in taverns and brothels to comfort their minds and bodies."

"Of course, these weapons, armor, and Demihuman heads will bring in a lot of money. It will not only be enough for our military expenses for a long time, but also leave us with a lot of money after holding today's banquet."

Henry took a sip of black tea and said with a smile, "Don't forget Claude, we still have a large bounty and rewards that we haven't received yet."

Soon, it was noon, and the soldiers, eagerly anticipating a feast, gathered near Henry's camp.

Three wagons full of beer, rice bread, cooked chicken, pork, and mutton that they usually couldn't bear to eat—today must be the Empire's New Year festival!

These foods could already be described as "dazzling" to the soldiers, and with Henry's permission, they found places to start eating.

They didn't need etiquette; how to eat faster and eat more was the real skill.

Henry had prepared enough food for over two thousand soldiers to eat their fill. If there wasn't enough to go around, they could have a fight; whoever won, ate, which could also liven up the atmosphere.