Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 372 - 59: The General’s Invitation (Part 3)

Losa looked at the roof, at those cats that roamed the eaves, gathering in groups, and wondered, "These days, Constantinople has started a trend of keeping cats."

"Yes, to deal with those rats."

Anna rubbed her forehead. "Even the Brahna Palace has started keeping cats, fortunately this is not a bad thing."

"Indeed."

Losa thought of the reason for the Black Death in the past life; one reason was that people in the late Middle Ages viewed cats as the evil witch’s pet, or an incarnation of the devil, and slaughtered them en masse, even holding grand ceremonies for cruel killings.

This led to rats losing their natural enemies and their numbers soaring.

The true historical Sun King of France, Louis XIV, once personally lit a pyre to burn cats during a ceremony.

This king, who reigned for seventy-two years, was a devout believer and is said to have only bathed seven times in his life. He was always encased in a foul odor, yet he was the one behind the invention of perfumes.

Ironically, one major reason for the Sun King not bathing was his belief that bathing opened pores, making it easier to catch the Black Death.

"Fewer rats are ultimately beneficial to people."

"Unfortunately, these cats are no match for plague-carrying rat hordes."

Anna was silent for a moment, then whispered, "Losa, these days, I’ve been trying to summon Li Yena’s soul."

"No result?"

"Hmm."

Losa was surprised. "Doesn’t this mean she’s not dead?"

"I don’t know, I hope so."

Anna forced a faint smile.

Not everyone becomes a ghost after death, nor does everyone qualify to become an evil spirit.

In fact, to exist like King Seleucus in a spirit form, akin to a twisted longevity as an evil spirit, is quite a rare thing.

But as a caster with extremely powerful spiritual power, Li Yena obviously qualified to become a "ghost."

Anna’s tone was somewhat grave. "If she were still alive, there’s no reason she wouldn’t come back to find me, so I suspect either her soul was destroyed, or it was swallowed by that woman, who took over her body."

"Do you mean that mad witch?"

Losa furrowed his brow. "But we watched her soul being shattered, what did she use to occupy Li Yena’s body?"

In matters of the soul, he still had great trust in Prajna, the expert.

Anna shook her head. "You saw that woman’s body too, she is likely an ancient god left over from the Mythical Era. It’s perfectly normal for her to have supernatural characteristics."

"That’s true."

Losa pondered, "So do we need to go back to the underground palace to investigate?"

Anna shook her head. "No need. I’ve been back many times these past few days, and every time returned empty-handed. I didn’t even find Li Yena’s body... This time I called you out at someone’s request."

She took out an invitation and handed it to Losa.

"What is this?"

"General Nikiforos of the Vasilias Family invites you to a banquet. He’s the Military Zone General of Thessalonica, one of the most powerful lords within the Empire."

"What does he want with me?"

Losa frowned.

He knew Thessalonica was actually Thessaloniki, the wealthiest territory within the Eastern Empire after Constantinople, with very prosperous commerce and industry.

That General Nikiforos holds this as his fiefdom speaks volumes about his status in the noble circles of the Eastern Empire.

"I don’t know either."

"Then forget it."

Anna shook her head. "Don’t rush to refuse. I know you don’t like participating in such occasions, but you want to organize a merchant fleet in the Mediterranean, don’t you? General Nikiforos has substantial influence in the Mediterranean trade circle. Getting along with him would be beneficial for you too."

"Since you’ve said so, I’ll go talk to him."