Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World

Chapter 147  Iosif decision

Iosif looked at the king, his expression filled with confusion. He understood his words, but couldn't grasp the king's intention with such question. What's all about visiting the East?

"The East?" - Ella asked, also unable to understand the king's question - "I don't understand, your highness."

"Yes, the east" - Henry reiterated, leaning forward with his elbows on the table - "I require someone dependable to oversee that region. They must be trustworthy and hold a high position in the army, as they will be leading the entire area. Currently, I have no one of such stature except..." - He gestured towards Iosif - "The selfless General Iosif, right there."

Iosif shifted uncomfortably in his chair, trying to maintain his balance with his hands as he looked at the king, unable to meet those piercing eyes directly. He was afraid to not meet those high expectation.

After a moment of silence, Iosif spoke - "...I'm sorry to disappoint you, Your Majesty, but as you can see, a useless cripple like myself can't be of much help to the throne" - he said, his tone filled with self-deprecation, as if he wasn't even worthy of the king's gaze - "I have no more use for battles, and I can't even walk on my own."

At those words, Henry's expression turned into a serious one as if he had been insulted - "Are you doubting my ability to judge my own people, General?" he asked in a stern tone. He then turned to Olaro. "Is he doubting me?"

Olaro swallowed hard, about to speak, when a loud bang echoed through the room. Ella swiftly slapped the back of Iosif's head, nearly causing him to topple from his chair, and pushed his head down.

"I-I'm sorry, Your Majesty! My dar-Iosif doesn't know what he's talking about. He's just grateful to be chosen by you" - she stammered, her desperation evident as she spoke, almost calling Iosif darling in such situation.

Despite her brute and somewhat intimidating appearance, she was truly a simple-minded and sincere person. Henry could see that she was deflecting blame away from Iosif with her actions, apologizing on his behalf and taking the blame. Iosif found the right one, indeed.

The king crossed his fingers and leaned back in his chair - "Iosif, you're one of my most trusted generals. I refuse to believe that losing a leg or two could ever diminish your worth. You are not weak, and I won't allow you to label yourself as such" - he said.

Despite Ella's firm hands, pressing his face against the wooden desk, Iosif absorbed every word of the king. However, he couldn't scare away the sense of uselessness and self-loathing within his mind. He hated himself. He hated being useless. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Henry continued - "There are countless people in the capital alive today because of you... including a young soldier who is telling the whole city how a general selflessly shielded him from an explosion. He's waiting there with his child, eager to thank his savior."

You are not useless. You are a hero, and a hero cannot sink into the mud. A hero must raise. Henry wanted to convey this message, but Iosif seemed unable to welcome such a change of thought.

"Your Majesty, I... I don't know what to say" - the general stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. Ella's firm grip kept his head down, preventing him from meeting the king's gaze, not that he really wanted - "I never thought I'd have another chance to serve. But my legs..." "Dumb fool! Legs make no difference!" - Olaro's voice thundered, unable to contain his anger in front of such words - "I've seen wolves without their front legs hunting down entire herds of deers and even rising as leaders of the pack! I've witnessed commoners without arms chopping down trees using only their feet to wield the axe! So what about a General? What can a general do without their legs?" Olaro really wanted to punch some sense into this man. For months, he had watched him mourn over the past, unable to let go and move forward. Olaro refused to believe that a few setbacks could turn Iosif into such a pathetic individual. He must be hiding inside this pathetic shell.

"The king is offering you a chance to be useful again, to reclaim your dignity as a respected general, to live with pride once more... Why are you just wasting it?" - He shouted.

At Olaro's words, Iosif flinched, and Ella shot him a mixed look. She found some truths in his words. Iosif had been squandering his life away, dwelling on the past over and over again. She didn't mind it. She could support both of them. However, Ella could sense that Iosif desired to be useful, to go back and work for the king. He wanted to keep being himself, but instead, he was spiraling into self-loathing.

Henry raised a hand, signaling for calm - "Olaro, that's enough" - he said firmly, his voice cutting through the tension in the room - "And, Iosif, I'll be awaiting your response. I'll be staying here for two weeks, and I expect an answer by then" - Henry stated - "Don't disappoint me." With that, the king rose from his chair. Accompanied by Leier and Olaro, they departed, leaving Ella and the bewildered Iosif alone in the room. Iosif wore a lost expression, as if deeply contemplating something and wrestling with himself over the future.

"Although I am angry for the way he talked to you..." - Ella began, her voice gentle, her large fingers tenderly caressing Iosif's cheeks - "...he is right. It's time for a change. You need to become yourself."

Again, silence settled over the room, broken only by Iosif's trembling murmur - "Will you go with me?" - he asked, unable to meet her gaze.

Ella looked taken aback, then a joyful smile spread across her face - "Of course, how could I ever leave my darling to go alone to the East?" - she said, snapping her fingers - "I have to accompany you and make sure no vixen ever dares to come near you. I'll have to break a couple of bones if that happens, won't I?"

Iosif swallowed hard. "R-Right."