Chapter 74: Chapter 65: Arriving at the Center of Power, Lukaron
As the three of them chatted, they started drinking wine again. Even though it had been known for a century that boiled water didn’t spoil easily, most people still chose to drink beer or wine.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Henry sighed and instructed, "Claude, our route will take us to Feikawen. I need you to go to my home for me and give my father five thousand Dinars. Consider it repayment... I won’t be going back myself. This way, we won’t put Father and my older brother in an awkward position."
Upon being summoned by the King to the Royal Capital, Henry’s first thought was of the home where he had lived for nearly twenty years.
After hearing Henry’s words, Claude fell silent for a moment before nodding in agreement.
When the second son of an Independent Noble acquired his own fief, it was a joyous occasion for all. However, it also meant being separated from his original family and struck from their genealogical records.
This was the empire’s customary law, and also a measure by the Royal Family to minimize the possibility of a single family’s network of connections spreading throughout the empire.
What if some prodigy came along, had a brood of children, and married them all into the surrounding noble families? What kind of network would that create? Building a web of connections that vast, what are you planning? Hmm?
After dinner, a wave of drowsiness washed over Henry. Supported by Ailia, he slowly rose to his feet and stretched.
Ailia took out some tooth powder and applied it to a bristle brush. Henry took it and began to clean his teeth.
It was a rare item from an overseas kingdom, all the rage among the empire’s nobility and urban Free People. Though a bit pricey, it helped prevent yellow teeth.
After cleaning his teeth, Henry’s mouth felt pleasantly fresh, and his drowsiness had lessened somewhat. He changed into comfortable sleepwear, lay down in bed, pulled up the soft covers, and peacefully fell asleep.
Time flowed like the rivers of Feikawen, rushing into the empire’s Inner Sea, never to look back.
After two weeks of travel, the delegation successfully journeyed from Xilonia to Feikawen, incidentally wiping out two bands of mountain bandits along the way.
Henry assigned ten Grassland Warriors to accompany Claude to his former home to deliver the Dinars, along with a final letter to his family.
He was no longer a member of Baron Chase’s family. This was the empire’s custom, and it would also allow his father and older brother to be completely at ease.
Once Claude completed his task, he was to ride by swift horse to the Royal Capital and rejoin Henry.
Three days later, the delegation finally arrived at the empire’s most magnificent city—Lukaron.
Lukaron, the Royal Capital of the Caladia Empire, was the center of power and wealth. Its walls soared to almost desperate heights, manned by fully armored elite soldiers, though it was unlikely any trouble would ever occur here.
Every day after the city gates opened, countless merchant caravans would converge from all directions, bringing with them all manner of goods and riches.
The city streets were wide and clean; even the trash and snow were cleared by dedicated crews. The smooth, slab-paved roads proclaimed to the world the "civilization" that existed here.
The buildings on both sides were tall and magnificent, their shops filled with a dazzling and overwhelming array of goods.
Outside of the coastal regions, it boasted the largest open-air market in any city. The market teemed with people and bustled with excitement as shoppers weaved between stalls. Merchants from all corners of the land engaged in brisk trade, the air filled with the constant rise and fall of haggling voices.
In the cluster of Workshops in the western district, laborers were beginning their arduous day’s work. Nearby, the taverns and inns were already filled with merchants, workers, and Travelers, all passing the time, relaxing, and swapping tall tales.
The delegation had already changed into plain clothes and discreetly settled into the barracks within the Royal Capital. The Half-Beastman captives and their severed heads were also properly secured, waiting to be displayed to the city’s Free People during the celebration the King would hold.
Returning to this familiar place, Henry was filled with an indescribable feeling—a mix of familiarity and strangeness.
In just half a year, from summer to winter, he had gone from a newly graduated and titled Knight to a "frontier star" to whom even Legion Commanders would go out of their way to greet with a smile. It had all happened so fast.
After arranging the delegation’s quarters, the three Legion Commanders immediately departed to seek an audience with the great King. Henry and the others, however, had to wait for a royal summons before they could enter the palace.
"Bain, take Orianna to buy some ingredients and any other supplies we need. While you’re at it, listen for any imperial gossip at the open-air market."
Bain nodded. He knew this kind of work well. A few years ago, he had been a beggar boy. After joining Henry, he had tagged along and audited the academy’s courses for Attendants on combat, conversation, and other skills. For him, gathering information was not a difficult task.
Ailia led the other female Attendants in cleaning the barracks quarters assigned to Henry. As she made his bed, she asked, "Sir, will you be dining here today, or eating out?"
Henry thought for a moment, then said, "Have Orianna prepare a meal as usual."
"Yes, Sir."
After giving his instructions, Henry headed out alone toward the most magnificent complex in Lukaron. At the heart of the city stood a grand palace, the very core of the Caladia Empire’s power.
The palace’s architecture was both magnificent and solemn, a testament to the Royal Family’s majesty and glory. It was surrounded by a beautiful garden, shaded by lush trees and filled with the fragrance of flowers.
Here, the King and his court officials managed the affairs of the state, deciding the future of the empire.
He hadn’t come to see the King. Even though he was a former student of the King, he could not enter and leave the palace as he pleased; he needed a direct command from the King.
He was looking for his old classmates from commoner backgrounds, the ones with average grades. After graduation, they had often become palace guards—a position coveted by many.
Even as a mere gatekeeper, the post was prestigious. They ate meat every day, and the salary was higher than most.
"Halt, noble sir!" A guard clad in the armor of the Palace Guard blocked Henry as he approached the palace.
The voice sounded familiar. Henry looked up, made a greeting gesture from their academy days, and grinned. "Yiduo, have you forgotten your old leader?"
Yiduo stared at Henry, then said in shock, "Henry? You... Knight Henry, it’s great to see you again."
Yiduo broke into a sincere smile, but an unavoidable note of respect had entered his voice.
Henry stepped forward to size up the burly man from a craftsman’s family. He nodded. "Not bad. Judging by your armor, you’ve made squad leader?"
"Haha, I just manage a team of five. I wouldn’t call myself a leader."
Henry gave Yiduo’s Chest Armor a light thump. "When do you get off duty today? Get the old classmates together, and we’ll all go to the tavern for a few drinks."
"My shift ends at 17:00 today. A few of our classmates can make it, but some can’t. They’re on the night watch."
"Hah, whoever can make it is fine. The usual spot. I’ll wait for you all there. I’ll even order your favorite goat’s milk wine, though I still have no idea why you like the taste of that stuff."
