'Lord of West Lyme, my vassal knight, my student.
I received your letter, and it greatly pleased me. Your report was well organized and elegantly written. It seemed your studies were not as terrible as your teacher claimed.
A week ago, I received word that you and your senior students had vanished in the unknown region. I was deeply worried and immediately wrote this letter. I have also secretly ordered Count Sebastian to be reprimanded.
There is one more matter. Put your forces in order and prepare for battle. The Third Army was ambushed by a massive Half-Orc army, and this has greatly angered me.
If you claim enough land and earn sufficient military merit in this Pioneering War, I will grant you more titles. You may merge your titles yourself and apply to me for elevation in rank.
If you and your senior students return safely and see this letter, I hope you will write back and set my mind at ease.
If you truly died at the hands of the Half-Orcs, I will compensate your family with a large sum of money, though it will mean nothing to you.
In my heart, I hope you will see my letter with your own eyes, rather than receive a burning letter in the world of the dead.'
Henry curled his lip and could only have Claude bring paper and pen as he began writing a reply to the King.
He had originally planned to watch an evening opera. Autongard was the most prosperous Free City on the grasslands, and it was said that the singing and dancing here were wild and uninhibited, passionate as fire, like fine steeds galloping across the plains.
He had intended to appreciate tonight's opera with a critical eye, to see whether it was truly as breathtaking as the rumors claimed.
Unfortunately, he now had to reply to the King. He had no time to buy a ticket for today's performance, and he had even declined a bathhouse gathering with Boman and the other two on the excuse that he needed rest.
'Great ruler of the Calradia Empire, sovereign of the Calradia Continent, brave and fearless King of unmatched wisdom and boundless benevolence, my Liege Lord whom I faithfully serve, my Dean.
Your majesty stands as lofty and majestic as a mountain, inspiring awe; your concern warms hearts like the sun, granting hope and strength.
You are like a brilliant star in the heavens, bestowing shelter upon every noble and commoner with endless compassion and wisdom.
Your vassal and student, Henry Burley, offers you his loyalty and blessings. The four of us returned safely, and our achievements were considerable. This time, we... those Centaurs and Minotaurs... Glen's command... Boman and Fas's valor... the soldiers beneath the radiance of your glory...
After our party returned to Autongard, Baron Nurland of Heppenburg challenged me to a Life-and-Death Duel. I emerged victorious. My King, another of your vassals died in a meaningless duel, and I grieve for you.
My Dean, I will wield sword and blade to expand your lands, spread your glorious name, and win more land, titles, and Denars for myself.
Please accept my highest respect and deepest devotion, great King! May your reign endure in stability, and may the Calradia Empire prosper forever!
Your vassal, Lord of West Lyme, your student, Henry Burley, offers you respect as boundless as the sky.'
Henry could spout such flattery without thinking. Before he possessed the power to overturn the entire world, it was best to maintain the proper reverence and respect for the supreme king in name.
"Claude, send the letter. Mark it urgent."
Claude accepted the letter and asked, "Master, should we send one to Tommy as well? You have been away for nearly two months. The castle may be close to completion, and if you have further plans, you should tell Tommy sooner rather than later."
Henry nodded. He had completely forgotten about that. "Claude, your reminder is important. First send the King's letter. I still need to give some thought to matters concerning the fief."
Claude bowed. "Master, I am your Steward. It is my duty."
"Mm-hm. Once I become a Baron, I hope you will call yourself Minister of Political Affairs."
After Claude left, Henry lay directly down on the bed and thought of nothing.
The fief? Plans? Henry had no interest in any of it now. He only wanted to get a good night's sleep.
Early the next morning, Henry mounted his warhorse and began practicing his horsemanship. As he swung the Long-handled Crescent Blade, the sharp whistles of it cutting through the air made the soldiers watching swallow hard.
"No wonder Lord Knight defeated Baron Nurland. So he trains his martial skills this hard every day."
"Quit talking and deal with the piss bucket. Watch out, or the captain will kick your little bull head."
Henry sweated all over, then returned to his tent to wash up, eat, and write down the instructions he wanted to give Tommy.
In truth, Henry had little to instruct him on. In summary, there were only three matters.
First, buy more serfs, both men and women. Reclaim more land and build more housing.
Second, establish the West Lyme Hunting Grounds and West Lyme Ranch. They could attract some hunters to settle there and purchase a small number of Herding Serfs.
Third, issue the Territory Law. Anyone who worked the fields or tended livestock for two years without committing any violations could regain free status. They could rent land from Henry and become tenant farmers, and could own their own homes, families, and property.
Henry summoned Claude and instructed, "Claude, send all the money we have back with the letter. Give the office three Denars and tell them my identity. I do not want any accident to cause the loss of my money."
"Of course, Master. I will go at once. However... Captain Phillip hopes you can pay the wages. You understand, the soldiers need to spend money in taverns and the Girls' Academy to comfort their minds and bodies."
"Of course. These weapons, armor, and Half-Orc heads will bring in a large sum. Not only will it cover our military expenses for a long time, but there will still be a great deal left after today's feast."
Henry took a sip of Black Tea and smiled. "Do not forget, Claude. We still have a large amount of bounty and rewards waiting to be collected."
Before long, noon arrived, and soldiers eagerly anticipating a hearty meal gathered near Henry's camp.
Three whole carts of beer, sacks of rice they had been too reluctant to eat, cooked chicken, pork, and mutton—today truly felt like the Empire's New Year Festival!
To the soldiers, this spread could already be called a lavish feast. With Henry's permission, they found places and began eating.
They did not need etiquette. The true art was eating faster and eating more.
Henry had prepared enough food for over two thousand soldiers to eat their fill. If there was not enough to go around, then they could fight over it. Whoever won would eat. It would liven up the atmosphere, too.
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