Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World - Chapter 146

Chapter 146: Ella
“I apologize for not greeting you properly, my liege” – Iosif gestured towards his lower body, devoid of legs – “Standing without them is quite the challenge.” – A lost smile appeared on his lips, as if he had told the biggest joke ever.

Olaro shot an annoyed glance at the man – “Don’t give such a lame excuse! You still have two hands to stand up and greet the king!” he said, wishing to hit the man in the head.

Iosif gestured towards the bald general – “Let me cut your legs and see if you can stand on your hands.” – he said. This man had been a nuisance ever since Iosif woke up in the infirmary, forcing him to come to the West, where the ashes of the mines contaminated his lungs. A smile of happiness unconsciously spread across his lips, remembering that it was thanks to this man’s actions that he found the love of his life.

Ignoring the bickering duo, Henry pulled a chair and sat opposite Iosif, pouring himself a cup of hot tea. Leier had also entered the room but opted to linger by the door, while the remaining soldiers maintained their vigil outside.

Seeing the king seated, Olaro approached cautiously and asked – “Where is that brute woman?” – His eyes scanned the room, searching for her shadow. She was always near Iosif, it was strange not seeing her around.

“Don’t call her a brute!” Iosif snapped, clenching his fists.

“Her arms are thicker than mine!” – Olaro retorted, his voice growing louder, not whisper anymore – “She beat us both in arm wrestling and lifted me with one arm. If that’s not a brute, I don’t know what to call her, a barbarian?”

Iosif was about to respond, but the heavy sound of footsteps descending the stairs put their debate at a hold. It felt like a giant was approaching, each step causing the wooden ceiling to tremble, making dust fall unto the table. Iosif swallowed hard, and Henry’s curiosity drew him to the source of the noise.

Before long, a huge figure emerged at the doorway leading to the mansion’s other rooms. She had to lower her head to pass through the door. Her height resembled that of a descendant of giants. Her face held a striking beauty. If not for the muscular and huge body, she could easily fit in the beauty standards of Earth.

“Darling!” – Her voice, deep like a man’s yet with a hint of femininity, echoed through the room. Her affectionate eyes easily found Iosif, their eyes exchanging unvoiced words of love.

After a second, her eyes shifted to the other people by the table. She recognized the bald Olaro, the bold man who often tested her patience, with manly challenges. He always called her a brute after arm-wrestling, which she responded with a powerful slap, like a lady would do to such impertinence. The other figure was a familiar and strikingly handsome black-haired man exuding an air of authority, his grey-purple eyes fixated on her with curiosity. She knew him, it was the king.

She quickly straightened her posture, adjusting her clothes which she had just changed upon hearing of the king’s arrival. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she bowed respectfully – “Ella greets Your Majesty! I’ve heard of your noble deeds throughout the kingdom; it’s an honor to meet you.”

“Olaro is not wrong, she looks like a barbarian, but prettier” – Henry thought, his gaze shifting between Iosif and Ella – “He certainly has unique taste. No wonder he was single for almost forty years. But, who am I to judge? I’ve been too busy since arriving in this world to even think about women.”

Henry gestured towards the chair beside Iosif with a wave of his hand – “The pleasure is mine” – he said warmly, not thinking about her appearance – “General Iosif here is a valued member of my kingdom. It’s wonderful to see him find happiness at last.”

Ella settled into the chair next to Iosif, drawing it close so that she seemed inseparable from the general. Her gestures and gaze conveyed intimacy and affection. Henry’s initial impression was that she was a straightforward woman. Now, he also added another characteristic, disturbingly affectionate.

Upon that scene, Olaro kept his head down, appearing timid as if avoiding eye contact with the woman. He took a sip of his tea, trying to mask his discomfort. He didn’t like these kind of loving birds.

Henry took another sip of his own tea and turned to Ella – “So, Ella, are you from around here?” – he inquired, curious about the woman that gained the heart of the general and managed to drag his heart out of the darkness dwell.

“I’m from the west, but I lived in a village further north. My family and I heard about the king’s efforts in rebuilding…” – She glanced briefly at Olaro before continuing with a mischievous smile – “Cold IronHaven and decided to move here. We wanted to help the throne and live well.” – The mention of the city’s name caused Olaro’s lips to twitch.

Henry noticed the interaction and smiled. It was evident that despite Olaro’s reluctance to admit it, the trio shared a strong bond akin to close friends jesting with each other. The woman had a good and young heart.

“It’s invaluable to have such capable individuals supporting our kingdom’s growth”- Henry remarked – “And, as I mentioned earlier, I’m pleased to see my stubborn but loyal general finding happiness. He barely said a word to me back in the capital.”

Upon hearing those words, Iosif’s expression shifted to one of embarrassment and discomfort. The memory of losing his legs still haunted him, plunging him into despair. He felt utterly useless, like a frog trapped in a suffocating quagmire. He couldn’t fight and wanted to die.

There were countless times when he had attempted to end his own life, yet someone always seemed to intervene, like a shadow guarding his existence. He endured endless nights and days in silence, even during the king’s visits. The world had lost its vibrancy for him until he encountered this simple and beautiful woman. She brought light and color back into his life, renewing his sense of purpose and hope. She didn’t mind his uselessness and even helped him grow back his mind. However, he still felt uselessness, at least for the throne.

Henry looked at Iosif and Ella, a proposition coming out of his lips – “Ella, have you ever wanted to visit the East?” – He wanted to give this man another reason to live.