Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World - Chapter 219

Chapter 219: Tavern
The carriage entered Yomi village, rocking gently as it rolled over the uneven, snow-cleared path. The absence of guards was quite surprising, but understandable. The war was over, and the villagers were left to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Workers were scattered everywhere, hammering, lifting, and hauling, each deeply engrossed in their tasks. Even the children lent their small hands, struggling under the weight of wooden logs.

Henry had issued orders months ago: all villages, old and new, were to be remodeled. Each was to include a Sun God Merchant agency, schools, and administrative buildings to manage local affairs and send regular reports back to the capital. Progress had already transformed many of Stahl’s villages, but here, in the newly conquered lands, the changes were only beginning. For now, the elders remained in charge of administration, given the lack of educated and skilled officials. But Henry’s vision for the future demanded more, a system led by literate and capable individuals who would answer only to him. Individuals that could each lead a piece of his kingdom and bring back great returns.

As the carriage rolled through the center of the village, its wheels crunching through the thin snow, the workers paused briefly. Some stared openly, their curiosity written across their faces, while others stole furtive glances, pretending not to notice the ornate carriage. Yet no one dared to approach or stop it.

The carriage came to a halt before a large two-story wooden house in the middle of the village, where merchants and workers looked from afar. The house’s weathered frame seemed to be as old as the ground beneath them, though it stood tall and sturdy. From the house, an old man hurriedly emerged, breathless and haggard, his ragged clothes barely covering his wiry frame. His left sleeve hide a hand missing two fingers, leaving awkward gaps in his grasp as he nervously clasped his hands together and bowed, deeply.

“It is a great honor to welcome your esteemed selves,” he said, fumbling over his words. “What can this humble one do to be of service?”

Though he was unsure of the travelers’ full identities, the elder was no fool. The ornate carriage and the heavily armed warriors surrounding it were unmistakable signs of power. He was already used to the old nobles that walked on these lands, and every one of them also traveled such an entourage.

Agusa and Zahra dismounted their horses in unison, their hands instinctively resting on the hilts of their swords. The old man’s eyes darted nervously between the two, his throat bobbing as he swallowed hard.

“Our king requires a place to rest,” Zahra said, stepping forward. Her voice was firm, carrying a sharp authority that left no room for hesitation. “We will be using your house.”

The old man’s hands fidgeted as sweat began to bead on his forehead. He nodded quickly, his lips parting as if to agree, but before he could speak, the door of the carriage creaked open.

Henry stepped out, his long black coat flowing slightly in the wind and his black hair neatly framing his face. His sharp gray eyes scanned the village before settling on the elder. Following closely behind Henry was a striking woman with snow-white hair, her face calm and distant, though one eye was hidden by her flowing hair.

Henry’s lips curved into a faint smile as he addressed the elder, his tone polite yet commanding. “I hope you don’t mind. My men are weary from the long journey from the capital.” His gaze briefly shifted past the old man to the house behind him. “We would like to use your home for the night. You can rest assured, my soldiers will sleep outside, and we will depart in the morning.”

The elder froze for a moment, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to form a response. His hands sweating, his missing fingers seeming to ache from some phantom pain. After a moment, he managed to find his voice.

“I-It is no trouble at all, Your Majesty,” he stammered, his voice shaking with fear and respect. Bowing deeply, he gestured toward the open door of the house. “This humble home is yours to use as you see fit. Please, make yourselves comfortable.”

“Good,” Henry replied, his tone calm but resolute, as though no other response had been expected. He turned to Agusa and Zahra, his gray eyes meeting theirs. “Set up the barracks outside. Once that’s done, we’ll head to the tavern and make sure the soldiers get something to drink.”

“Yes, my liege,” Zahra replied without hesitation, her tone crisp and professional. Agusa nodded as well, his hand still resting lightly on his sword as he turned to carry out the orders.

The old man watched silently, his heart pounding in his chest. His hands remained clasped in front of him, though he couldn’t stop them from trembling slightly. Lowering his gaze, he stood aside as the king and his retinue began to take control of his small village.

-x-

Kirk’s tavern was old, a relic passed down through generations. It bore the marks of time, planks nailed to the ceiling to keep out snow and rain, wooden beams worn smooth by years of bustling clients, and a fireplace that had seen countless winters. Yet, it stood sturdy and warm, a haven for the village.

“It’s busier today,” Kirk muttered, his sharp eyes scanning the crowded room. The tavern buzzed with life, unfamiliar faces filling the space. Aside from four regulars tasting their drinks at the bar, Kirk didn’t recognize anyone. His gaze lingered on a few figures wearing leather armor that seemed oddly familiar, though he couldn’t quite place them.

Turning to his wife, Sinne, who was darting between tables with a tray of mugs, he asked, “Sinne, what’s going on here?”

“Oh, darling, you’re finally up!” Sinne beamed, pausing just long enough to plant a quick kiss on his cheek. “Isn’t it wonderful? All these people showed up out of nowhere. They came with a fancy carriage, straight from the capital! It’s been quite a busy day! But we will sure make a lot of money”, a money sign almost appearing in her eyes.

With that, she hurried off, her steps light and her smile bright as she continued serving the tables. Kirk scratched his head, still groggy from the previous night’s work. He had stayed up late attending to the bar, and now, he was faced with a tavern full of strangers.

Curiosity gnawed at him. He approached one of the men sitting at the counter, a merchant giving small sips on his almost empty beer. The man’s eyes, however, kept darting toward a table in the corner of the room. Kirk followed his gaze and froze.

At the table sat two striking figures. One was a black-haired man with sharp gray eyes, his posture calm yet commanding, as if even the breathing air was his own. Opposite him was a stunning white-haired woman. They sat quietly, sharing a meal of roasted rabbit, their conversation low and private.

“Do you know who they are?” Kirk asked the merchant in a hushed tone as he slid a fresh cup of beer across the counter.

The merchant leaned in slightly, his voice just as quiet. “They came from the capital. The man, they’re calling him king. Probably some high noble who likes to play ruler,” he said with a casual shrug. “We’ve seen those types before, haven’t we?”

Kirk’s stomach tightened, and his breath hitched. His eyes remained fixed on the black-haired man. Memories struck him like a thunderbolt. That face, it was unmistakable. His knees felt weak, and his hands began to tremble. He had seen that man before, on the day the soldiers were released. He was on the first line. The king had addressed them all, calling them his own flesh and blood, sending them home instead of keeping them for endless wars or beheading everyone. Kirk had been one of the lucky few to survive the front lines and return to his village. He would never forget the man who made it possible.

“It’s the king,” Kirk whispered, his voice barely audible. “The king…”

The merchant, oblivious to Kirk’s growing realization, kept talking. “Well, whoever he is, thank the gods for the King of Stahl. We don’t have to fight anymore, and business is booming. Clients keep coming in, and the city’s growing. I’m even thinking of getting married soon, might finally settle down once I land a contract with the Sun God Company.”

But Kirk wasn’t listening anymore. His eyes were fixed on the table in the corner, his heart pounding in his chest. The king… here… in my tavern. The thought sent a shiver through him. He swallowed hard, then straightened his apron and wiped his hands. Summoning all his courage, he grabbed two cups of beer and began walking toward the table.

The noise of the tavern seemed to fade as Kirk made his way through the room. Each step felt heavier than the last, his hands trembling slightly as he clutched the mugs. Finally, he reached the table and stopped, bowing deeply before the man seated there.

“Y-Your Majesty…” Kirk stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. “It is an honor, no, a privilege, to have you here. I… I wasn’t prepared. Please forgive me.”

Henry looked up from his plate, his piercing gray eyes softening slightly as they met Kirk’s nervous gaze. For a moment, he said nothing, studying the flustered tavern owner. Then, a faint smile crossed his lips, and he set down his fork.

“You recognize me,” Henry said, his tone calm and even. “You must be Kirk.”

Kirk’s eyes widened in shock. The king knew his name. “Y-Yes, Your Majesty,” he stammered, bowing even lower. “I… I just wanted to thank you, for saving our village, for saving all of us.”

Henry leaned back slightly in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “There’s nothing to thank me for,” he said gently. “You’re all my people. It’s my duty.”

Kirk remained frozen, his head still bowed as if it were a sin to look up. It wasn’t uncommon, many of the people kept their heads bowed for an entire day in his preence. Seeing this, Henry sighed softly and leaned forward, resting his hands on the table.

“You’ve done well, Kirk,” he said, changing the subject. His eyes swept over the tavern, taking in the warm firelight, the sturdy wooden beams, and the lively chatter of clients and soldiers. “This is a fine tavern, well-kept and welcoming. You should be proud. The beer’s good, too.” He raised his cup slightly before taking a small sip.

Kirk’s trembling seemed to ease at the compliment, but before he could respond, he straightened abruptly and shouted to the room, “Today, to honor our king’s visit, all drinks are on me!”

The tavern erupted into cheers, the noise quickly swallowing the moment of tension. Henry’s faint smile returned as he watched Kirk bustle off to the bar, a new spring in his step. Zahra leaned closer to Henry, raising an eyebrow.