Chapter 411 - 280: Mad King Henry?

Henry sighed, leaned back in his chair, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I know, but I still can't help but feel frustrated. He actually just ran off like that, without even taking his family. He only left behind some sacrificial soldiers to buy time."

Claude thought for a moment before speaking. "Was he scheming against us, or was he just trying to save his own skin?"

Henry frowned slightly and shook his head, his voice tinged with disdain. "Claude, I don't think Count Akakarat is some brilliant strategist. He's as timid as a mouse, nothing more than a coward blinded by money."

Claude was momentarily taken aback, then a thoughtful expression crossed his face and he nodded lightly. "My lord has a point. Count Akakarat's family has long been accustomed to commerce. After generations of peace, they've grown used to making a living in the world of trade.

They're used to calculating every transaction, to weighing their options endlessly when profit is on the line. They've long since lost the martial spirit a noble should possess."

Henry picked up a glass of wine and took a small sip, a cold glint in his eyes. "Perhaps he once considered resisting, but when he saw our invincible army, all his courage evaporated.

He only thought of preserving his own wealth and life, abandoning his entire family and this city. A man like that doesn't deserve to be called a noble.

He has lost the honor of Caladia!"

Claude walked to Henry's side and smiled faintly. "My lord, you're right. Count Akakarat's actions are merely a reflection of a merchant's nature.

He's used to seeing which way the wind blows in the world of commerce, used to backing down when faced with a threat to his profits. His escape was likely just an instinct to protect his wealth and status, not some well-thought-out strategy."

Henry set his glass down hard on the table. "A man like that isn't worth our attention. His escape actually saves us some trouble. Without him as a hindrance, we can govern this city more smoothly."

'Just a wandering noble! One who's lost his honor...'

Henry shook his head forcefully. 'I've been so restrained, I haven't killed anyone. How am I still falling deeper under Khorne's influence?'

Seeing Henry shake his head, Claude thought he was lamenting the tarnishing of a noble family's name.

He nodded in agreement. "My lord, you're right. Although Count Akakarat's escape cost us some wealth, it also removed a potential rival.

Moreover, his actions have made it clear to the citizens that this city needs a true noble, a lord with courage and a sense of duty."

Henry looked up at the night sky outside the window, a determined glint in his eyes. "That's right. This city needs a true noble. I will prove to everyone through my actions that I am the most suitable master for this city.

'Count Akakarat's flight was nothing more than a coward's instinctual reaction. He has lost the martial spirit of the nobility...

No, not just this city. I am the rightful master of the entire eastern steppe.'

Claude froze for a second, his eyes darting about before he replied, "My lord, I am certain you can achieve it."

Henry smiled, then raised an eyebrow. "But the problem right now is that our merchant Count took too much money with him, and I need to reward the nobles who fought for me."

Claude turned to look at the lights gradually appearing outside and smiled faintly. "My lord, you needn't worry about Baron Boman and the others. The wealth we've plundered these past few days is more than enough to keep them quiet...

As for your army, their loyalty to you is rare. A small reward of land will be sufficient... and it's not like you're short on land."

Henry paused, taken aback for a moment, then slapped his forehead and broke into a relieved smile. "I've been too busy lately, Claude. You're right.

Sometimes I take things too seriously and just get myself stuck. You're right, we're not short on money, and we're not short on land.

If Count Akakarat ran, then let him run. As long as we can govern this city well and give the citizens a good life, what do his petty schemes matter?"

'With land and people, the money will come back. Resources are the real wealth!'

Claude nodded, a look of relief on his face. "It's good that you've thought it through, my lord. Count Akakarat running away isn't necessarily a bad thing for us."

Henry quickly understood Claude's meaning, a flash of realization in his eyes.

Claude was right. Count Akakarat's escape could even become a part of Henry's prestige.

Henry had crushed the cities of major nobles with unstoppable momentum, and that kind of prestige needed to be spread and embellished. And his vanquished foes were the best channels for that message.

Even if they did their utmost to avoid the topic, their very existence would inevitably remind others of the might of Henry's army!

Henry smiled, his voice filled with a newfound confidence. "You're right, Claude. These vanquished foes are actually part of my prestige. Their being alive is the best proof of my strength. Even if they say nothing, people will sense my power in their silence."

Claude nodded slightly, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "My lord, this intangible prestige is more powerful than any words. Count Akakarat's flight will, in fact, make people see your strength and your unstoppable nature in his actions."