Knight Lords: Infinite Simulation and the Path of Light

Chapter 109 Audience with Frederick IV

Boom ~ boom ~ boom ~
Haven returned home close to midnight, so exhausted he could hardly stay awake. He fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow. In his dream, he once again heard those voices pleading for help. He wanted to shout back at them, but he couldn't utter a single sound.

This anxiety kept Haven from sleeping well all night; he tossed and turned until the sounds finally stopped just before dawn.

Dong~dong~dong~
The door was being knocked on again. Haven's brows were furrowed, and the pounding finally reached its peak. He rolled out of bed like a lazy pig, put on a pair of shorts, jumped off the bed, and opened the door while cursing.

"What time is it? Knock knock knock!!!"

Just after his outburst, Haven noticed a large group of people standing outside the door. Besides his grandfather, mother, housekeeper Su Lin, and little Lori, there were also several elegantly dressed old men.

Sensing everyone's gaze, Haven looked down, then let out a sharp bang and slammed the door shut again.

A bit bewildered by Havent's intense reaction, the crowd exchanged glances. Finally, Marquis Cavendish coughed lightly and said calmly:

"Please excuse the ministers, Havent has always been such a lively child."

Upon hearing the Marquis Cavendish's explanation, the royal attendants from the Platinum Palace quickly bowed in response.

"No, no, Young Master Havent is very energetic and clearly a magnanimous person. It is a great blessing for the Empire to have a noble heir like Young Master Havent."

Just as the group was exchanging pleasantries, the door opened again, and a neatly dressed Haven greeted them with a bright and cheerful smile.

"Ah~ What a lovely day! Good morning, everyone!"

Seeing the silent crowd, Haven was a little puzzled. Finally, Lori, sensing Haven's confused look, whispered:

“Mr. Will, it’s already afternoon.”

"What!!!!"

Sitting in the luxurious carriage made of pure crystal wood, Haven still couldn't believe that he had slept until the afternoon. If it weren't for the people from the palace coming to fetch him to meet His Majesty the Emperor, he probably would have slept until dark.

Leaning back in the chair made of high-grade monster leather, he watched the scenery flash by outside the window and began to ponder. What exactly happened in last night's dream? It felt so important, yet he couldn't remember a single thing.

Seeing Hevent's dejected expression, the Marquis Cavendish, sitting opposite Hevent, assumed his grandson was worried about his upcoming meeting with Frederick IV and offered words of comfort:
"Little Went, don't worry too much. His Majesty just wants to meet the future heir of the White Lion. As for what your father and that guy Mori asked you to bring, that's their business. Relax. This is your first time meeting him, but it certainly won't be the last. You'll get used to it after you meet him more often."

Hearing the Marquis Cavendish speaking to him, Havent snapped out of his reverie.

"Ah~ Grandpa, I'm not nervous. I'm just trying to remember what I dreamed about last night, but I can't quite recall it."

Marquis Cavendish looked at Haven seriously for a moment. After reading from Haven's eyes that the little guy seemed to really think so, the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily. He didn't know whether to praise his grandson for his composure or to say that the little guy was too heartless.

"Alright, as long as you're not nervous. When you meet His Majesty the Emperor, you must be mindful of your words and actions. You cannot be impolite, as that would be an offense to His Majesty and a disgrace to any nobleman."

"If I accidentally say something wrong, will I be sentenced to death for deceiving the emperor?"

Hearing his grandson ask such a strange question again, the Marquis Cavendish sighed deeply, his heart filled with helplessness.

"No, there is no such crime under the laws of the Empire, and we nobles will not be executed for such a strange crime."

Time flew by, and the royal carriage carrying Hevant and Lord Cavendish had already passed through the triumphal arch and entered the palace. This place, known as the White Gold Palace, was the residence of the successive Inggenze emperors. Over thousands of years, every brick and every wall was filled with historical significance, and every place was meticulously crafted by the hands of masters.

"Wow~ Grandpa, Grandpa, this palace is really beautiful. Tsk tsk tsk, it's so big. I imagine how much work it must take them to clean it."

Listening to his grandson spouting such nonsense again, the Marquis Cavendish simply closed his eyes, trying to avoid seeing or hearing it.

After traveling for an unknown amount of time through the palace, the carriage finally came to a stop. Marquis Cavendish, sitting opposite Havent, couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. He hadn't expected his grandson to be so talkative. Even when he had clearly stopped paying attention to him, the grandson continued to chatter on and on. This must be the sunny and cheerful boy he had described.

"Marquis Cavendish, young master Havent, we have arrived. You two may come down now."

Having dismounted and regained his footing, Haven looked up at the magnificent building before him and couldn't help but click his tongue in admiration. He could only say that it looked very beautiful, but he couldn't quite grasp any deeper artistic experience. However, after a few subconscious glances, he noticed several locations that were perfect for demolition.

"Please come with me, both of you. I need to inform His Majesty that you have arrived."

Following the minister in charge, they arrived at an exceptionally luxurious room. While waiting, Haven took in the surroundings. It was clear that this place was the epitome of wealth and extravagance. The few things Haven recognized were all worth thousands of gold coins, and these were all insignificant little items.

"Tsk tsk tsk~ Grandpa, the things here are really good."

Seeing Havent's sentimental expression, Marquis Cavendish was about to say something when Havent's last sentence made him cough violently.

"If I dismantle and sell everything in this house, I feel like I could organize half a White Lion Knights."

"Cough cough cough cough cough~~~~~ Havent, if your father, that staunch royalist, heard you say that, he'd break your legs."

Realizing that what he had said was too outrageous, Hevent quickly stuck out his tongue. How could he have blurted out his true thoughts? Fortunately, it wasn't fashionable to offend the emperor here, otherwise, if someone with ill intentions had heard him, he would have been punished by His Majesty Frederick IV.

Just as Haven and the others were getting bored, the wrought iron door of the room was opened, and a burly man wearing a bright red robe and a crown that shone with dazzling light walked in, escorted by several servants.

As the person drew closer, Haven finally saw the face of the country's supreme ruler. His red hair, like burning flames, with a few natural curls, cascaded over his shoulders. His pale golden eyes shone brightly under the room's lights, and his high, straight nose gave him a unique beauty. His aura as a ruler exuded an astonishing charm.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Cavendish. This must be Havent Hylan, our little white lion, the strongest bulwark for the future of the Empire."

Upon seeing Frederick IV enter, Hevant, led by the Marquis of Cavendish, respectfully bowed.

"Hahahaha, sit down, sit down, let's not talk about these things between us."

Looking at the emperor before him, who exuded domineering power and whose every move was full of magnanimity, Haven had to admit that his first impression of the ruler of this empire was quite good.

After the two men sat down, Frederick IV beckoned to his attendants behind him.

"What would you like to drink, Cavendish? I've already prepared something for you. But Havent, since this is our first meeting, what would you like to drink?"

Looking at Frederick IV who was looking at him, Haven instinctively said:

Do you have blackthorn wine?

After saying it, I felt something was off. It was obviously a bit inappropriate that I was going to drink with His Majesty the Emperor on our first meeting.

"Um, no, no, tea, just a cup of tea will do."

Upon hearing Haven's words, Frederick IV was visibly taken aback for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter.

"Hahahaha~ Interesting little guy, don't be shy, this is just a normal meeting. Devon~ get Havet a few bottles of Blackthorn."

The servants quickly brought in some drinks, pastries, and fruit before leaving, leaving only Frederick IV and his grandson Hevent in the large room.

“Dear Cavendish, the Senate is very busy lately, and I need your help.”

Marquis Cavendish quickly rose and replied:
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, these are all things that we, as your subjects, should do."

"Some nobles in the south are becoming less and less involved in the affairs of the empire. It seems that they think their value is already very high, and now they don't even want to put on an act anymore."

Speaking of the southern noble lords, Frederick IV's expression clearly turned to intense hatred. He wished he could hang all these parasites who had no principles and betrayed the empire. While the emperor and his minister discussed state affairs, Haven, unable to get a word in edgewise, began to drift off into thought again. Lost in his own thoughts for an unknown amount of time, he suddenly heard someone call his name.

"Havent is my relative? Hasent is my relative?"

Coming to his senses, Haven quickly turned his head and saw Frederick IV and his maternal grandfather looking at him. Unlike the Marquis Cavendish, whose expression turned gritted teeth, Frederick IV had a faint smile on his face.

"Dear Haven, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

"Dear Cavendish, could I speak with Dear Havent alone?"

Marquis Cavendish readily agreed to His Majesty's request. He stood up, bowed to Frederick IV, and prepared to leave. However, as he passed by Havent, he reached out and patted Havent's shoulder a few times.

After the Marquis Cavendish left, only Hevente and Frederick IV remained in the room. Faced with the suddenly somewhat cold atmosphere, Hevente shifted uncomfortably on the sofa.

"Dear Haven, I must say it again, it's a pleasure to meet you. By the way, your father Kevin and I are also very close friends. Back when I was just an insignificant prince, the time I spent fighting the orcs at the Ammar Line was truly memorable."

Seeing how easygoing Frederick IV was, Hevant's tense mind relaxed.

"Has Your Majesty been to the Arma Line? I haven't been there yet."

Looking at the young man before him, Frederick IV's thoughts seemed to return to thirty years ago, a time of freedom, without scheming or various troublesome matters, when the only thing he had to think about each day was how to survive the orcs' attacks.

"Your Majesty? Your Majesty?"

Having snapped out of his reverie, Frederick IV looked at Havent, who was staring at him, and replied with a smile.

"Ah, yes, I've been to the Ama Line. That's where I became good friends with your father. Well, enough of that. If you want to hear more stories, I'll tell you another time."

I think you know why I left you alone; your father must have something to give me, right?

Upon hearing Frederick IV's words, Haven quickly took out the letter from his ring and handed it over.

Then, in front of Havent, Frederick IV affixed the ring, and as the huge gem on the ring flashed a glimmer of light, the magic runes on the envelope slowly faded away.

Frederick IV took out the papers and began to read them intently. Although there were only five or six sheets of paper, His Majesty the Emperor spent about half an hour reading them.

Just as Havent was about to become restless again, Frederick IV finally put down the papers in his hand, pondered for a moment, and then slowly spoke:
Have you read the contents of the letter?

Haven quickly shook his head.

"No, Your Majesty. I was simply told to deliver this letter to you. What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

Frederick IV shook his head with a faint smile on his face.

"No, no, dear Haven, what are your thoughts on what happened?"

He thought he could go back after completing his mission, and he even planned to go back and wander around with Lori later. Unexpectedly, Frederick IV asked him some questions.

"Huh? What do I think? But my opinion doesn't matter, it's not your business, and what I, a little kid, say won't make any difference."

"Don't be nervous, child. This isn't a test. Just think of it as a chat with an elder. After all, Mori has mentioned you several times in his letters."

Upon hearing that it was all the work of that old fox, Count Mori, Haven rolled his eyes so hard they almost reached the sky, but seeing Frederick IV smiling at him, he could only suppress his inner turmoil.

"Your Majesty, what would you like to discuss? Is it the matter of the Church of Death, the matter of the Orc Empire, or something else?"

Frederick IV had only asked the question casually after reading the letter out of curiosity. He hadn't expected the young man to seem so well-prepared.

"Hahaha~ Then you can tell us everything, and we can just treat it as a casual chat."

Haven thought for a moment and figured there were no laws against speaking out of turn. After all, it was him who made me say it, and it wasn't what I really wanted to say. After a brief moment of thought, he began to explain his understanding of the matter.

"If you ask me, all of this is actually a game of chess, and we are all both pieces and players."

The difference lies in what bargaining chips you have and what you want to get. Just like the sudden appearance of the Church of Death in the North, it is nothing more than the result of a game between the two sides.

Now I have to talk about you, Your Majesty.

You didn't even know your own pawn had been turned. Although I don't know what was written in the letters I sent you, judging from the outcome, compared to the possible opportunists in our Northern Territory, the blatant opportunism here is far more terrifying.

Frederick IV watched Havel, who was speaking with great enthusiasm and spittle flying everywhere, and his expression became serious. Although he spoke in a somewhat childish manner, his views on the essence of some things were quite profound.

"On another note, any powerful force will eventually move towards cooperation and mutual benefit, because it is difficult for any major power to produce a true winner in a struggle, although I don't quite understand the conflict between the Empire and the Church."

However, such covert internal strife and power struggles offer no benefit to the empire's development; on the contrary, they deplete its strength.

"But what if the conditions for cooperation between the two parties are extremely unequal, and for one party it is even a form of cooperation akin to self-harm? Would you choose to endure it for the sake of the bigger picture, or would you choose to bring down the other party and take control of the situation?"

When Frederick IV asked the question, Hevent was visibly taken aback; he seemed to recall being asked this question before.

"Can't we negotiate?"

Frederick IV chuckled softly and said quietly to Havendabur, who looked troubled:

"Have you ever seen any benefits obtained through negotiation?"

"This……"

"Alright, dear Haven, you're still young, and it's already quite good that you have this level of understanding. As you grow older, you'll discover that many factors influence everything. Once you've experienced more, I believe you'll have new insights and answers."

Looking at Frederick IV, who had a profound and wise demeanor like a life mentor, she couldn't help but think to herself, "Adults always have so many ideas, they're always trying to guess what others are thinking."

But they insist on complicating things that are actually very simple, and they insist on turning a one-sided approach into a double-edged sword, only finding happiness when everyone is unhappy.

"Your Majesty is right. I am still too young. I need to experience more things."

"Hehehe~ You've already done a fantastic job. By the way, you're going to study at the Royal Academy again this time, right?"

"Yes~"

"Then you must work hard, and I hope you can become the most outstanding student in the Royal Academy."

Alright, we'll have plenty of opportunities to chat again in the future. I won't keep idly chatting with this old man like you; your grandfather has been waiting for a long time.

After Havent bowed and left the room, Frederick IV, who was sitting quietly alone on the sofa, suddenly raised his head.

“Pogart, go check out this kid. He’s quite an interesting little fellow.”

"Yes, Your Majesty."

(End of this chapter)