Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World

Chapter 217: Stahl’s development

Henry sat alone in his study, leaning over his desk as his gray eyes scanned the pages of a thick, worn tome. Luna had tossed him this book without much thought, she had taken it from the body of a mage during the recent siege, but lost interest when she saw it contained fire magic.

To Henry, however, the book was a treasure. Its pages were filled with hundreds of unfamiliar symbols, and he spent hours trying to decipher them. He was so absorbed in the tome that he barely noticed time passing.

Suddenly, three firm knocks on the door broke the silence and his concentration.

"Come in," Henry called, leaning back to rub the tension in his temples. The door swung open with a low creak. Luther stepped inside, his heavy boots thudding against the stone floor. His broad shoulders steady as always.

"You should take a break, Luther" - Henry said with a faint smile - "I can almost hear you walking more softly than usual, or maybe my hearing’s getting sharper."

Luther chuckled, the roughness of his laughter softened by warmth. "My king, if you’re at the Sixth Stage now, I’d say you’re sharp enough to notice a pin drop." - He nodded at the open book, the puzzling symbols a complete riddle in his eyes - "Don’t worry about me, though. A stiff drink keeps these old bones going. I’m more concerned about you. It’s been days since you left this room."

Henry smirked and let out a tired sigh. "I’m making progress, but Luna’s help was minimal. She claimed fire magic isn’t really her thing. Yet there she is, out there teaching everyone else. I’d bet she’d be more willing to assist if I had more books to barter with."

He momentarily scowled, then regained his composure. "I honestly don’t see why she’s so obsessed with those volumes. I’ve gone through them countless times without finding anything that remarkable."

Luther shrugged. "She might just be one of those people who’ll do anything to get what they want. I’ve met plenty like that in the army and at court." He cleared his throat. "Anyway, your carriage is ready. Zahra and Agusa will be traveling with you to the conquered kingdoms."

Henry nodded, already expecting those words. Closing the tome, he stood and tucked it under his arm. "I will leave the capital’s safety in your hands, Luther. I’ve given Luke a few orders to carry out while I’m gone." He paused by Luther’s side, resting a hand on the old soldier’s shoulder. "Thank you, Luther."

A warm smile flickered across the older man’s face, a hint of fatherly pride in his eyes. He had known Henry all his life, and no matter their titles, he couldn’t help but see the young king as family.

-x-

Inside the royal carriage, Henry leaned back against the polished wood, his fingers drumming idly. The ride was smooth, thanks to the structure of the White Merchant Road and the craftsmanship of the new carriage.

"This is my first time riding such a fine carriage" Henry remarked, glancing around the simple interior. "They did a good job with it. Don’t you think, Leier?"

Leier’s single blue eye locked onto him, her expression plain. "Yes, my liege," she replied shortly, offering nothing more.

Henry sighed, shaking his head with a small smile. "You’re still as strict as ever," he said, his fingers continuing to tap against the wood. "Tell me, have you placed the shadows among the remnants of the nobles?"

Leier nodded sharply. "Yes, my liege."

"How many shadows have you trained so far?" Henry asked, leaning forward slightly.

"We’ve successfully trained thirty shadows," Leier replied, her tone even. "As you instructed, all of them bear the same tribal tattoo as mine. However, the process has a high mortality rate. Over a hundred recruits died during the training, unable to withstand the implant. Only thirty survived. They’ve reached the First Stage and are capable of fending for themselves, at least against the remaining nobles."

Henry nodded thoughtfully, his fingers resuming their rhythmic tapping. "It’s a pity the success rate is still so low. If it weren’t, we could build an army of them. How much longer until we reach our destination?"

"Approximately three hours, my liege," Leier answered, her posture straight and alert despite the relaxed atmosphere of the carriage.

Henry couldn’t help but gaze out the window as the snow-covered landscape rolled by.