"Several hundred Half-Orcs? Boss, that's incredible! You weren't commanding soldiers in battle—you killed them yourself!"
"Yeah, I read that Half-Orcs are ugly. Just looking at them is disgusting. And when they fight, they howl like beasts. That has to be even more disgusting!"
"Boss, do Minotaurs really look like cows?"
"Boss, there was once a desert scholar who kept saying the Lizardmen in the south should be called Kobolds. Now that you've fought Half-Orcs, which do you think should be called Kobolds—the Lizardmen, or the ones with dog heads?"
The moment Henry finished speaking, the private room exploded into chatter. Everyone spoke at once, making Henry's ears ache.
"Quiet down."
As soon as Henry spoke, the room instantly fell silent.
Henry looked up at the ceiling and began recounting the fierce battles of the two campaigns.
They listened intently as Henry spoke, letting out startled cries now and then. Ido and the others had already regarded Henry as their big brother, but after hearing his stories, they admired him even more.
Henry was already the only student in their class to be granted a noble title. Now, he had earned Meritorious Service and been summoned by the King. His future was bright indeed!
Ido and the others kept raising their cups to him. What big brother? He was practically their godfather! The Capital and the royal court were far too safe. They had virtually no opportunities to earn Meritorious Service.
If they spent a few more years standing guard for the King, perhaps their drive would be worn away. But they were young men full of passion. Who didn't want to gain a territory, charge into battle, establish Meritorious Service, and earn the admiration of others?
They couldn't help it. They wanted to get ahead too badly!
Everyone took turns