Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 604 - 376: New Spear’s Transformation (Part 2)

Chapter 604: Chapter 376: New Spear’s Transformation (Part 2)

"And you also led us to victory!"

"You are the Holy Spear Guardian, the miracle itself!"

"Praise Losa!"

Losa paused slightly in his tone, coldly asking the stunned Gaul noble, "May I ask, at that time, where was this fearless noble gentleman?"

Richard frowned, "Please do not blame this ignorant, blind, and deaf poor soul any further, Marquis. I understand your concerns, but I still demand equal command authority, because you do not have the right to command a King, and I will also bring new victories to the Heavenly Father."

Losa was silent for a moment, then spoke:

"Your Majesty, you must know that as the Crusade Commander, my legitimacy is not only derived from the election of various Lords but also from the appointment by Your Majesty’s uncle, Baldwin IV."

King Amalric was the father of Baldwin IV, whose father was Fulk V, Count of Anjou and Count of Maine. Fulk V passed his domain to his eldest son Geoffrey and went to the Holy Land alone, initiating the rule of the Anjou Royal Family in the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

And Geoffrey’s son was Henry II of Albion, the father of Richard the Lionheart.

It implies that Richard the Lionheart is actually Baldwin IV’s nephew, though his age is indeed much older than Baldwin IV.

Richard was momentarily speechless.

Though as the chief of the main branch of the Anjou Family, his status would not be lower than Baldwin IV of the Jerusalem Anjou branch, after all, it is not suitable to blatantly disregard Baldwin IV’s orders as a junior.

Losa said solemnly, "Your Majesty, I have no intention of dictating to a noble King, especially to a distinguished Monarch whose courage and battle achievements are renowned throughout Europe. Nevertheless, if we cannot unite as one, the tragic defeat of the last Eastern Expedition might repeat before us."

Losa paused slightly again and added, "If Your Majesty has any opinions on the battle situation, you can propose them for discussion with me. During wartime, you and I can each command a force and cooperate with each other, but in overall strategy, it must be devised by me, as it undeniably relates to the success or failure of this Crusade against Egypt!"

Richard was silent for a moment, then nodded, "Alright, you have successfully convinced me."

Rather than being convinced by Losa, it’s more accurate to say Richard realized that with his current chips, obtaining military power is impossible. The Marquis born from a country knight has a status in the Crusaders far beyond what Sebastian previously told him as merely a facade.

He has truly gained the allegiance of a large group of vassals. As long as these people remain tightly united around him, unless Richard’s Albion Crusaders arrive in the Holy Land, Losa’s position is unshakeable.

This is evidenced by how Losa’s command summoned the Crusaders from all paths back for a meeting without delay.

It’s worth knowing that he had started preparing for the Crusade since more than half a year ago, and now, this army of over ten thousand has only just set off, having to bypass Iberia, cross the Gibraltar Strait to enter the Mediterranean, without knowing how much time it will take.

But Richard did not simply relent.

On the contrary, he is quite confident, despite having only his Imperial Guard temporarily, along with the allegiance of two Crusader Lords from Aquitaine, combined, his forces are less than a thousand, he believes he can also make a name for himself in the Holy Land.

After all, his achievements are although illustrious, mostly involving quelling rebellions, internal conflicts among Lords, or dealing with his own cavalry’s uprisings. Losa’s victories, however, are real experiences felt personally by most of the Crusader nobles.

If he can also achieve those victories that Losa won relying on magic, wouldn’t he be able to gain even more prestige than Losa?

...

Ending the military council, Losa held a banquet here, though he himself was disinclined to participate in such occasions.

He did not need such occasions to bond with his vassals, and those with no intention to align with him would not change their minds just because they ate a meal at his banquet.

"Master, many Latin merchants wish to see you."

Model, holding Eclipse, approached Losa and asked, "They have sent considerable gifts to you. Would you like to find some time to meet with them?"

"No rush, just say I’m busy, will talk later."

Losa patted the shoulder of his old comrade standing before him.

Model was one of the earliest Attendants by his side, serving in the Varangian Guard (i.e., Duke’s Guard) through many battles, earning a Knight’s title due to his merits. He designed a boar emblem for himself and printed it on the shield he carries on his back.

While his good partner "Laine," after last decisive battle with Saladin, was transferred to the "Shadow of Darkness" by Kurs citing a lack of manpower; this fellow designed a stallion emblem for himself.

Both are quite particular.

The most common emblems across Europe are usually eagle, lion, and cross, but among lower nobility, boar, warhorse, bear, wolf, and even sheep are frequently seen.

For example, the boar symbolizes courage that bursts forth in dire situations; it is a tradition in many hunter tribes to worship boars.

A warhorse represents obedience and loyalty to the lord; typically families serving as courtier families prefer using such emblems to demonstrate their loyalty and status.

Regarding Latin merchants visiting him, they see that not even Richard the Lionheart could shake his position, have abandoned opportunistic thoughts, and rightly sought Losa, the true "decision-maker" Crusade Commander.

What they seek are probably commercial privileges, tax-exemption permits, leasing urban areas for trading posts, etc.

Although it would certainly bring considerable wealth and materials in the short term, Losa is allergic to the word "concession." Having an Apennine City-States Republic concession within his domain is like having black spots on a white jade plate, even if in the short term it would be more beneficial than harmful, he still wouldn’t consider it.

After all, the originally urgent financial issue was mitigated by reclaiming Crusade spoils, alongside several industries under Losa’s control, and the commercial taxes collected at Eira Port. Although his finances are somewhat tight at the moment, he can still manage.

... 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Mounted on Eclipse, with the Guard.

Losa did not plan to directly return to the residence but instead was interested in taking a tour to inspect the domains attached to Damietta City.

To see what kind of attitude the Copts have towards his rule; although since he captured Damietta, every day, local chiefs, wealthy merchants, nobles originate from the Copts wish to see him.

But he does not believe these people truly regard him as a liberator because of his "brother of Christ" status — that’s internal propaganda!

Consider after the demise of the Great Yuan Dynasty, there were still countless Han ministers mourning and dedicating for its cause. Though the Saracens’ rule surely isn’t as relaxed as the Yuan Dynasty’s grip over local clans, but up to this point, no Copt rebellion has occurred, making Losa feel quite magical.

Of course, it might be due to his frighteningly impressive record, and temporarily refraining from major reforms in Damietta Province’s institutions, not yet touching their core interests.

Thus, these people remain dormant, watching.

If Losa were defeated, he dares to guarantee that these Coptic "brothers of Christ," including the currently seemingly bribed Coptic Archbishop, would, at the first opportunity, disassociate themselves from him and eagerly come to attack him.

The Duke’s New Spear revealed a situation much improved than before; at least its legitimacy has increased significantly, no longer at "very low" status, but reached "relatively low."

This is because most of the domains in Damietta Province have now been incorporated into his jurisdiction.

However, Damietta is merely part of the Duke of Lower Egypt’s domain, i.e., a segment of the Nile Delta.

As for national loyalty and people’s living standards, they remain unchanged, the former being fraught with undercurrents, the latter struggling, in just a few days, nothing fundamentally changed.

He extended his hand, the silver light gathered, turning into a simple and unadorned silver long spear in his hand, swinging it, the whistle of wind arose, its evaluation changed from initially "useless" to "usable."

Description: You have reclaimed some legal territories, allowing the new spear in your hand to be considered equivalent to an iron spear that would be re-forged after fracturing, but don’t expect it to manifest any special mystical effects.

Losa couldn’t help but laugh, "Not bad, at least I don’t have to use ordinary lances anymore."