Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World - Chapter 220

Chapter 220: The letter
Agusa and Zahra sat across from each other, mugs of alcohol clutched tightly in their hands. Their flushed faces betrayed their drunkness, but neither seemed ready to back down. They continued to chug mug after mug of beer, the wooden table between them creaking with their weight. Around them, a crowd of soldiers cheered loudly, their voices rising with each drink as if they were spectators at a grand battle.

“You damn woman!” Agusa growled, slamming his mug onto the table with a loud thud. He wiped his mouth roughly with the back of his hand, narrowing his eyes and locking onto Zahra. “I was personally chosen by General Luther to protect the king! So what are you even doing here, huh? This isn’t your place.”

Zahra didn’t flinch. Instead, she leaned forward, her drunk gaze meeting his as she rested her arm on the table. A smirk played on her lips as her red cheeks glowed under the dim light of the tavern. She casually raised her mug and took another long swig – “Oh, please,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm – “When you were off shooting rabbits in some unknown forest, I was on the battlefield fighting real battles beside the king. What could a scrawny boy with a crooked twig like you possibly offer? Stick to that twig of yours. No, better yet, go back to hunting your rabbits.”

As if to emphasize her point, Zahra raised her mug and drained it in one go, slamming it back onto the table. The soldiers around them roared in approval, cheering them on, giving fuel for this strange duel of egos to continue.

Agusa’s lips curled into a grin as he also leaned forward, pointing a finger at her across the table – “Big words coming from someone who only knows how to swing around a hunk of iron” – he retorted with slurred words – “I bet you couldn’t dodge a single arrow from my bow!” He gestured to the weapon resting nearby, his confidence rising thanks to the alcohol coursing through his veins.

Zahra’s smirk was replaced by a dangerous glint in her eyes – “Oh? Is that a challenge, brat?” she sneered, grabbing her sword from where it leaned against her chair. Rising unsteadily to her feet, she pointed the blade at him, the tip trembling slightly from the effects of her drunken state. “Let’s settle this outside! Right now!”

The tavern erupted in cheers as the soldiers hollered and stomped their boots. Agusa didn’t back down. He staggered to his feet, grabbing his bow and quiver with an exaggerated movement. Without another word, the two stumbled toward the door, their steps unsteady but ready to win.

The soldiers followed, some laughing, others shouting bets on who would come out on top. The atmosphere was chaotic but filled with some kind of camaraderie, one developed after countless battles.

At a corner table, Henry sat watching the scene unfold with quiet amusement, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He rested his chin on his hand as the last of the rowdy crowd filed out, leaving the tavern surprisingly silent.

“Is this really alright, my liege?” Leier asked, her voice calm but carrying a hint of concern. She sat beside him, her posture straight, as she glanced between the king and the now-empty doorway. “What if they hurt each other?”

Henry shook his head, the smile still lingering. “There’s no need to worry,” he said. “They are so drunk they will be lucky to even stand upright, let alone hurt each other. Agusa will probably struggle to even nock an arrow.” He chuckled softly.

He leaned back in his chair, his fingers idly drumming against the edge of the table. “Besides, this isn’t about winning or losing. They’ve been competing with each other from the moment they met, always trying to win against each other. It’s a healthy competitiveness” Henry’s gaze turned toward the doorway, his tone softening. “I just hope this helps them grow closer. Luther chose them well, both of them have the makings of great generals. But they’ll need to trust each other if they’re going to lead together.”

“I understand, my liege” – Leier responded, slightly lowering her head to take another bite of the rabbit on her plate.

The faint sounds of the drunken commotion outside reached their ears. Then, with a quiet chuckle, Henry lifted his cup, taking a small sip of his drink as he waited to see how things would unfold.

-x-

The first rays of sun illuminated Yomi Village, painting the snow covered streets and rooftops in a soft color of gold. The soldiers stationed in the center of the village were already awake, dismantling the temporary barracks rapidly. Despite the feast of the previous night, they showed no signs of sluggishness.

Around them, the villagers were already busy with their daily chores. Some villagers paused in their tasks to steal glances at the soldiers, curiosity flickering in their eyes. Others, having spent time talking to the soldiers the previous evening, exchanged brief nods of familiarity.

Near the house, Zahra and Agusa stood side by side. Their faces were purple, and their eyes were slightly swollen, proof that a fist fight started the night before. Yet, instead of anger, an unusual calm surrounded them. There was no hostility in their expressions, only a quiet, newfound camaraderie and respect.

“Is everyone ready?” – Leier’s loud voice rang out as she stepped outside the elder’s house, her eye scanning the group, pausing momentarily on the battered duo.

“Yes, ma’am!” Zahra and Agusa shouted as they moved quickly to prepare their horses, their actions synchronized as if they had trained together for years.

“Good,” Leier replied with a simple nod. “Where’s the king’s carriage?”

One of the soldiers stepped forward, leading the ornately carved carriage to the front of the house. As it rolled into place, the door of the house creaked open, and Henry stepped outside. His gaze immediately settling on the bruised duo, who bore cheerful expressions. It was amusing how friendship could develop after a fight. Humans were strange.

The elder, who had lent his home to the king, hurried over from the tavern where he had spent the night. He stopped in front of Henry with a deep bow, his hands clasped in front of him – “Thank you for visiting our humble village, Your Majesty,” he said, his voice trembling, praying for everything to have gone well and this noble not holding any kind of grudges – “It has been an honor to receive you.”

Henry gave a simple nod at the old man – “Your hospitality is appreciated. It’s good to see that the people here are adjusting well to Stahl’s rule.”

The elder straightened slightly, his lips stretching into a faint, yellowed smile. “Of course, Your Majesty. We are thankful to the king of Stahl for bringing peace after so many years of war. The people are tired of fighting. We only wish to rebuild and move forward.”

Henry’s gaze drifting over the village. It was true, there was no sign of resentment here, no whispers of rebellion. The people seemed resigned to the natural order of things, accepting that the strong replaced the weak in the grand game of power. There was a quiet sadness for the loss of their previous rulers, but the villagers seemed determined to adapt and survive. It was a mindset Henry respected and intended to nurture.

“We’ll take our leave then,” Henry said, stepping into the carriage with practiced ease. Leier followed closely behind, closing the door behind them as the soldiers mounted their horses.

The carriage began to roll forward, the soldiers forming a disciplined escort as they departed Yomi Village. Behind them, the elder stood watching, bowing once more as the king’s entourage disappeared down the snow-cleared road.

-x-

In the castle of Hidden Stone, the air was cold and still. The once royal and rich halls, carved into the mountain itself, seemed quieter now, no more feasts or laughters filled the castle.

The former queen sat in her chambers, a single candle flickering on the desk before her. In her hand, she held a letter delivered by a strange bird from the south a week prior. The parchment bore a seal unfamiliar to her, and the words written within carried a dangerous news.

Her brow furrowed as she reread the letter for what felt like the hundredth time. – “Should I warn the king?” she wondered to herself.