He never expected that hiring out his army would bring so much growth and so many rewards.
Vast investments, a growing population of settlers, and minor nobles pledging their allegiance—these were outcomes Henry hadn't foreseen.
Now, a problem lay before Henry: Count John.
As the most powerful noble in the Odoche region, Count John had ruled this land for decades and was highly vigilant against any force that might threaten his position.
Count John had never anticipated the speed of Henry's rise.
'Fast, far too fast! It defies all logic! Where did he find the time to train such an elite army?!'
The expansion of Henry's power and sphere of influence had quietly infiltrated Count John's fief. Merchants began to trade under Henry's banner, and peasants began to cultivate his land.
Even some independent minor nobles who had once looked to Count John for leadership began to waver, secretly contacting Henry in search of a more favorable alliance.
