Blood filled Henry's armor, making him feel as though he had bathed in blood. But Henry did not care in the slightest; all he saw were heads waiting for him to harvest.
At the same time, the Half-Orcs' entire battle line began to waver, and some of the Half-Orcs in the rear had already started retreating.
The Half-Orcs' defeat today was certain!
Ooo—ooo—ooo—
Ooo—ooo—ooo—
Henry looked toward the rear and shouted, "These Humanoid Livestock are fleeing! Kill them with me!"
Philip shouted as well, "For the Empire! For the Lord! For Denar!"
Bain swung his sword and cut down a Goatman, roaring, "Skilled Infantry! Charge with me!"
Henry glanced at Bain, wondering when the New Recruit Squad's Military Rank had become higher and higher under Bain's command.
Led by the officers of each battalion, the human army pursued them for a short while before stopping.
This had been a great victory. If they truly drove the Half-Orcs into desperation, they might not get to enjoy the good life ahead.
"Henry, your valor has won my submission."
Boman and Fas bowed deeply to Henry, and many nobles came over afterward... to pay their respects?
Even several viscounts and some barons set aside their prejudices over factional power and greeted Henry with smiles.
No one could... or rather, no one dared make things too tense with someone who killed without batting an eye.
"Philip, take our men and collect the Half-Orc heads that belong to us. Bring back all their weapons and armor. I think... no one will dare stop us."
Philip sheathed his war sword and bowed. "As you command, my Lord!"
Philip, a man of mercenary origins, had followed Henry because Henry had defeated him several times at the Arena Tournament and thoroughly won him over.
Now Henry had his own fief, family, and army, and his martial prowess had grown even stronger. Philip was so excited that words failed him.
"Bain, take the New Recruit Squad and the soldiers of the Seventh Legion to clean up the battlefield. Do not leave anything behind. Bring back as much as possible. Handle it in my capacity as quartermaster of the Right Wing Logistics Team."
"Yes, my Lord. I'll go right away."
The other nobles also went back to organize men to gather the spoils. This was income that could make someone rich overnight!
After a battle, no noble would take too little loot, but neither did they dare take too much.
If it was not excessive, it was fine. But if it was obvious at a glance, then they would suffer dearly!
Henry rode his horse to a slope and gazed from afar at the plain where Blood Flowed Like a River. Who knew how many had died, or how many would grow rich!
Groups of surrendered Half-Orcs had their hands and mouths bound and were escorted away by elite legion troops.
These prisoners had nothing to do with any noble. They were income for the Imperial Legion.
Henry returned alone to his tent and leaned back in his chair. His eyes were bloodshot, his face haggard, as if invisible exhaustion had swallowed him whole.
He had no interest in scavenging anymore. He trusted Philip and Bain's abilities; they would certainly handle such a small matter smoothly.
At that moment, Henry could think only of delicious food and wine.
He had worked up an appetite hacking down Half-Orcs!
Claude rushed in and immediately began checking Henry all over. Only after examining him did he finally relax.
"My Lord, do you know what you look like right now? Your armor is torn to pieces, you're covered in blood, and look at your hair—it's like you washed it with blood... Stop smiling! There's blood on your teeth!"
Henry immediately tucked away his bared teeth and said, "Claude, don't be nervous. The most important thing now is to prepare yourself. Calculating the spoils will be very complicated..."
Henry cleared his throat and lowered his voice. "That assistant, distract him when the time comes. Let the serfs and New Recruits under your command skim a little."
Claude tilted his head. "My Lord, do you really mean that?"
"Of course. Why turn down money? Sebastian was trying to cheat me before. What could that little compensation he paid possibly do?"
If they skimmed a cartload of military equipment, that would be several thousand Denar! If they skimmed a cartload of Half-Orc heads, that would be several years' worth of military pay!
If he became a quartermaster for once and did not experience it, would that not be a wasted appointment?
Claude nodded seriously. "My Lord, even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have done the same. I was only worried you might be too upright!"
"Haha, you old rascal!"
After Claude left, Ailiya and Oriana fluttered about like butterflies, going back and forth to replace the water.
Ailiya carefully washed Henry's body, and she too became stained with the smell of blood.
"My Lord, now that the armor is all ruined, you shouldn't have to go to the battlefield anymore, right?"
"Mm... We won't be fighting like this for a while. This time was very satisfying."
Ailiya breathed a sigh of relief. She was not worried about Henry's safety; it was mainly that every time she had to scrub and clean him so thoroughly, it was simply too exhausting!
Oriana soon came in carrying the meal: Wood Pear Jelly, Pork Chop Stewed Pearl Rice, and Stir-fried Pork.
Only truly wealthy people could afford such stews and stir-fries, because the pots, spatulas, seasonings, supplementary ingredients, and oil required were simply beyond the means of ordinary people.
As for Henry, of course he used ingredients from the legion's logistics supplies!
The lavish meal was spread before him, giving off an enticing aroma. There was also a crystal-clear cup of wine, and Henry habitually took a sip first.
Tsk! Rich and sweet!
This time, no one disturbed him, allowing Henry to enjoy a peaceful dinner.
"Oriana, your cooking keeps getting better. It is hard to imagine where I would find another cook like you if you and Bain became husband and wife."
Oriana smiled shyly. Everyone in Henry's household knew about her relationship with Bain.
"Go and see how Bain and the others are doing. Bain's performance on the battlefield this time greatly satisfied me. His courage and command ability make him a qualified Knight."
"Thank you, my Lord. Bain and I are both members of your household. I will still keep cooking for you until my skills decline."
Oriana left with a smile, but she soon ran back in a panic.
"My Lord! Bain is injured!"
"What? Quickly, call several well-trained physicians!"
"Captain Phillip has already called for physicians. Butler Claude came over after hearing the news as well."
Henry breathed a sigh of relief, but he still could not sit still. The lad had been with him for three years now. How could there be no bond between them? If one was cold-hearted, no one would truly work for them.
Soon, Henry found Bain in a tent. Two physicians were treating Bain, and Claude was there as well.
Bain was drenched in sweat. He looked up, saw Henry, and hurriedly said, "My Lord, why did you come? Just a minor wound, a minor wound."
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