The soldiers on rotating guard duty were in high spirits. Clearly, the day's parade had earned them countless flowers and rounds of applause, causing their sense of honor and pride to swell. The royal rewards had also left them completely satisfied.
Henry returned to his quarters and fell peacefully asleep in his bed. The military camp was steeped in tranquility for the night.
「The next day was a new day.」
Henry had just finished breakfast when he saw a travel-worn Claude.
"Bain, go get Claude a cup of water."
Claude walked forward and smiled sincerely. "My lord, congratulations on becoming an Independent Baron."
"Haha, Claude, even without the three Knight's fiefs granted by the Emperor, I could have consolidated my titles and become a Baron on my own within a year."
Claude shook his head. "My lord, being ennobled for military merit and consolidating titles through expansion are different in significance."
