Chapter 588: The Melancholy Howard
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Chapter 588 The Melancholy Howard
?Kaido was known for his brashness and lack of foresight, which is precisely why Howard sought him out, thinking Kaido might not overthink and genuinely engage in a sword duel.
However, despite his political naivety and clumsiness in managing his subordinates, Kaido's constant pursuit of business opportunities and indulgence in corruption did not make him as straightforward as Howard had hoped.
Kaido made a semblance of effort, joining Howard in a fencing match with fine swords equipped with gold wristguards.
Both slightly bent at the waist, their feet positioned one in front of the other, they exploded with lively bursts of energy.
It was like a coiled spring, storing power then suddenly thrusting forward in a strike, a contest of who had more explosive power, who was quicker to react.
But before Howard could break into a sweat and exclaim in exhilaration, Kaido gradually became listless.
Howard chastised him, "What's the matter? Didn't eat enough? Why are your sword grips so limp?"
Kaido, with an unspoken misery, could only respond, "Sorry, before I left, my wife fed me some cheese, but it seems it wasn't clean. I've got diarrhea."
After saying this, Kaido pretended to clutch his stomach.
Howard, unsure of the truth, waved him off in disappointment, "Go on then, it seems none of you dare to fight me with real effort."
Kaido didn't reply, instead, he ran off, relieved.
The fencing area was almost always occupied by Howard alone.
This space was reserved for the king, and ordinary people couldn't enter.
Howard felt some warmth but was far from the sweat-drenched state he longed for.
As a king, Howard was never short of people flocking around him, from the maids in the palace to the guards outside the palace walls, and even dukes and other nobility behaved submissively in his presence, like children who had just learned to tie their own ties.
Gradually, Howard began to lose sight of what his goal was.
Normally, this is something an ordinary person would never tire of in a lifetime because there are always too many thoughts, too many desires, and material wealth seems endless.
In the New World, gold, mahogany, pearls, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and more, Howard amassed wealth in all forms.
Along with large numbers of indigenous peoples from the New World, Howard gained much, with the nation enjoying abundant manpower and financial resources every day.
With these assurances, Howard could rapidly complete conscription, recruiting from wherever there was a need.
If no one in a particular place was willing to serve, he would use the same price to recruit from the New World.
His army's ranks were always filled, ensuring no gaps in personnel.
"Weren't they reputed to have the ability to turn decay into magic?"
"How then, do they present me with such an outcome?"
Leaning on his cane, the guild leader replied with a desolate tone, "My king, take a look back. Our blacksmiths' guild used to be bustling, crowded with people coming and going. Blacksmiths from all over the empire sought employment here, from apprentices to master craftsmen, all were in high demand."
"But since you, my king, decreed six months ago that they must surrender 30% of their annual income to you, they have left here, fleeing to foreign lands."
Edward, furious, struck the metal armor with his sword again, eliciting another clang of metal.
Despite his anger, Edward was powerless as the nation's economy had already spiraled into chaos.
And so, having been conquered by Howard, time returns to the present.
Thus, with Howard's efforts to open up new lands, there was an inexhaustible supply of manpower and resources, ensuring he never had to resort to desperate measures out of anger.
In the empty fencing arena, Howard sat on the steps, sheltered by an overhang from the building above.
Gazing at the deserted grounds, he felt an overwhelming sense of solitude.
Yet, this was irrational, for a retinue always trailed behind him.
To draw a comparison, it was as if he was lonely in terms of friends, while those seeking favors were abundant.
Suddenly, Howard was seized by an urgent desire to escape, to reinvigorate his life with adventure, much like someone who had once left him behind.
However, entrusting the vast kingdom to someone was a dilemma.
While Howard pondered in his study, he seemed to hallucinate the river monster he had once seen, now grown even larger.
...
Laurent knocked on the study door, announcing, "Your Majesty, the banquet is ready. The high-ranking officials from the recently annexed regions have arrived, including an envoy from Phrus..."
After a long silence and no response, Laurent, puzzled, pushed open the door.
"Your Majesty?"
The study was empty, though a maid mentioned Howard was there just moments ago, having ordered a coffee.
Where could he have gone?
Summoning a guard, Laurent ordered a search.
Just as he was about to leave, Laurent noticed a letter on the desk, conspicuously placed as if meant to be found.
He picked it up to read.
By the time he finished, a chill ran down his spine.
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Chapter 588 The Melancholy Howard
?Kaido was known for his brashness and lack of foresight, which is precisely why Howard sought him out, thinking Kaido might not overthink and genuinely engage in a sword duel.
However, despite his political naivety and clumsiness in managing his subordinates, Kaido's constant pursuit of business opportunities and indulgence in corruption did not make him as straightforward as Howard had hoped.
Kaido made a semblance of effort, joining Howard in a fencing match with fine swords equipped with gold wristguards.
Both slightly bent at the waist, their feet positioned one in front of the other, they exploded with lively bursts of energy.
It was like a coiled spring, storing power then suddenly thrusting forward in a strike, a contest of who had more explosive power, who was quicker to react.
But before Howard could break into a sweat and exclaim in exhilaration, Kaido gradually became listless.
Howard chastised him, "What's the matter? Didn't eat enough? Why are your sword grips so limp?"
Kaido, with an unspoken misery, could only respond, "Sorry, before I left, my wife fed me some cheese, but it seems it wasn't clean. I've got diarrhea."
After saying this, Kaido pretended to clutch his stomach.
Howard, unsure of the truth, waved him off in disappointment, "Go on then, it seems none of you dare to fight me with real effort."
Kaido didn't reply, instead, he ran off, relieved.
The fencing area was almost always occupied by Howard alone.
This space was reserved for the king, and ordinary people couldn't enter.
Howard felt some warmth but was far from the sweat-drenched state he longed for.
As a king, Howard was never short of people flocking around him, from the maids in the palace to the guards outside the palace walls, and even dukes and other nobility behaved submissively in his presence, like children who had just learned to tie their own ties.
Gradually, Howard began to lose sight of what his goal was.
Normally, this is something an ordinary person would never tire of in a lifetime because there are always too many thoughts, too many desires, and material wealth seems endless.
In the New World, gold, mahogany, pearls, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and more, Howard amassed wealth in all forms.
Along with large numbers of indigenous peoples from the New World, Howard gained much, with the nation enjoying abundant manpower and financial resources every day.
With these assurances, Howard could rapidly complete conscription, recruiting from wherever there was a need.
If no one in a particular place was willing to serve, he would use the same price to recruit from the New World.
His army's ranks were always filled, ensuring no gaps in personnel.
"Weren't they reputed to have the ability to turn decay into magic?"
"How then, do they present me with such an outcome?"
Leaning on his cane, the guild leader replied with a desolate tone, "My king, take a look back. Our blacksmiths' guild used to be bustling, crowded with people coming and going. Blacksmiths from all over the empire sought employment here, from apprentices to master craftsmen, all were in high demand."
"But since you, my king, decreed six months ago that they must surrender 30% of their annual income to you, they have left here, fleeing to foreign lands."
Edward, furious, struck the metal armor with his sword again, eliciting another clang of metal.
Despite his anger, Edward was powerless as the nation's economy had already spiraled into chaos.
And so, having been conquered by Howard, time returns to the present.
Thus, with Howard's efforts to open up new lands, there was an inexhaustible supply of manpower and resources, ensuring he never had to resort to desperate measures out of anger.
In the empty fencing arena, Howard sat on the steps, sheltered by an overhang from the building above.
Gazing at the deserted grounds, he felt an overwhelming sense of solitude.
Yet, this was irrational, for a retinue always trailed behind him.
To draw a comparison, it was as if he was lonely in terms of friends, while those seeking favors were abundant.
Suddenly, Howard was seized by an urgent desire to escape, to reinvigorate his life with adventure, much like someone who had once left him behind.
However, entrusting the vast kingdom to someone was a dilemma.
While Howard pondered in his study, he seemed to hallucinate the river monster he had once seen, now grown even larger.
...
Laurent knocked on the study door, announcing, "Your Majesty, the banquet is ready. The high-ranking officials from the recently annexed regions have arrived, including an envoy from Phrus..."
After a long silence and no response, Laurent, puzzled, pushed open the door.
"Your Majesty?"
The study was empty, though a maid mentioned Howard was there just moments ago, having ordered a coffee.
Where could he have gone?
Summoning a guard, Laurent ordered a search.
Just as he was about to leave, Laurent noticed a letter on the desk, conspicuously placed as if meant to be found.
He picked it up to read.
By the time he finished, a chill ran down his spine.
Chapter 588 The Melancholy Howard ?Kaido was known for his brashness and lack of foresight, which is precisely why Howard sought him out, thinking Kaido might not overthink and genuinely engage in a sword duel. However, despite his political naivety and clumsiness in managing his subordinates, Kaido's constant pursuit of business opportunities and indulgence in corruption did not make him as straightforward as Howard had hoped. Kaido made a semblance of effort, joining Howard in a fencing match with fine swords equipped with gold wristguards. Both slightly bent at the waist, their feet positioned one in front of the other, they exploded with lively bursts of energy. It was like a coiled spring, storing power then suddenly thrusting forward in a strike, a contest of who had more explosive power, who was quicker to react. But before Howard could break into a sweat and exclaim in exhilaration, Kaido gradually became listless. Howard chastised him, "What's the matter? Didn't eat enough? Why are your sword grips so limp?" Kaido, with an unspoken misery, could only respond, "Sorry, before I left, my wife fed me some cheese, but it seems it wasn't clean. I've got diarrhea." After saying this, Kaido pretended to clutch his stomach. Howard, unsure of the truth, waved him off in disappointment, "Go on then, it seems none of you dare to fight me with real effort." Kaido didn't reply, instead, he ran off, relieved. The fencing area was almost always occupied by Howard alone. This space was reserved for the king, and ordinary people couldn't enter. Howard felt some warmth but was far from the sweat-drenched state he longed for. As a king, Howard was never short of people flocking around him, from the maids in the palace to the guards outside the palace walls, and even dukes and other nobility behaved submissively in his presence, like children who had just learned to tie their own ties. Gradually, Howard began to lose sight of what his goal was. Normally, this is something an ordinary person would never tire of in a lifetime because there are always too many thoughts, too many desires, and material wealth seems endless. In the New World, gold, mahogany, pearls, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and more, Howard amassed wealth in all forms. Along with large numbers of indigenous peoples from the New World, Howard gained much, with the nation enjoying abundant manpower and financial resources every day. With these assurances, Howard could rapidly complete conscription, recruiting from wherever there was a need. If no one in a particular place was willing to serve, he would use the same price to recruit from the New World. His army's ranks were always filled, ensuring no gaps in personnel. "Weren't they reputed to have the ability to turn decay into magic?" "How then, do they present me with such an outcome?" Leaning on his cane, the guild leader replied with a desolate tone, "My king, take a look back. Our blacksmiths' guild used to be bustling, crowded with people coming and going. Blacksmiths from all over the empire sought employment here, from apprentices to master craftsmen, all were in high demand." "But since you, my king, decreed six months ago that they must surrender 30% of their annual income to you, they have left here, fleeing to foreign lands." Edward, furious, struck the metal armor with his sword again, eliciting another clang of metal. Despite his anger, Edward was powerless as the nation's economy had already spiraled into chaos. And so, having been conquered by Howard, time returns to the present. Thus, with Howard's efforts to open up new lands, there was an inexhaustible supply of manpower and resources, ensuring he never had to resort to desperate measures out of anger. In the empty fencing arena, Howard sat on the steps, sheltered by an overhang from the building above. Gazing at the deserted grounds, he felt an overwhelming sense of solitude. Yet, this was irrational, for a retinue always trailed behind him. To draw a comparison, it was as if he was lonely in terms of friends, while those seeking favors were abundant. Suddenly, Howard was seized by an urgent desire to escape, to reinvigorate his life with adventure, much like someone who had once left him behind. However, entrusting the vast kingdom to someone was a dilemma. While Howard pondered in his study, he seemed to hallucinate the river monster he had once seen, now grown even larger. ... Laurent knocked on the study door, announcing, "Your Majesty, the banquet is ready. The high-ranking officials from the recently annexed regions have arrived, including an envoy from Phrus..." After a long silence and no response, Laurent, puzzled, pushed open the door. "Your Majesty?" The study was empty, though a maid mentioned Howard was there just moments ago, having ordered a coffee. Where could he have gone? Summoning a guard, Laurent ordered a search. Just as he was about to leave, Laurent noticed a letter on the desk, conspicuously placed as if meant to be found. He picked it up to read. By the time he finished, a chill ran down his spine.
