Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 423 - 108: The King’s Worries

Saladin is waiting for an opportunity.

Baldwin IV also knows he is waiting for this opportunity.

The young king, who is seen by the outside world as confined to his bedchamber awaiting death, is now sitting in front of the throne, slowly pressing a signet ring onto the letter before him: "Have Lord Godfrey deliver this letter to His Holiness the Pope."

"Is it urgent?"

The young witch, holding a thick magic book, asked without looking up.

"Not urgent, even if it were, it would be of no use."

This is a letter requesting assistance, but it makes no difference whether it arrives early or late.

It’s simply doing one’s duty and leaving the rest to fate.

The incense that once filled his bedchamber day and night has been removed, and the leprosy marks remaining on his body have become fewer and fewer, making him look almost like an ordinary person.

"Then I’ll give it to Berian when I leave tonight."

"Hmm."

Baldwin IV watched the young witch put away the letter, and the situation deteriorating faster than he had imagined, Salah had started a large-scale rebellion in Syria, which was quelled in just two months.

It is said that this was because Saladin also had casters under his command.

"War is about to break out."

All that is lacking is an excuse.

He could not restrain all the Crusaders, even if peace had become a consensus among the princes.

But those lawless "little colts" don’t care about such things.

These fervent individuals, unruly even in their own fiefs, could not be expected to behave in foreign lands, and they held the "sacred war" banner.

Just a spark could ignite them.

"When will Losa return?"

Nishaya replied without looking up: "Mr. Losa has not returned from his voyage, You just asked yesterday."

Baldwin IV sighed lightly: "Is that so..."

"Yes."

Baldwin IV was silent for a while, then suddenly asked: "Nishaya, have you seen that Barcelona lady?"

"I have seen her a few times with my teacher."

"Is she really that beautiful?"

Nishaya put down the magic book, surprised: "Your Majesty even cares about such things?"

"Why shouldn’t I care about such things?"

"Indeed... Barcelona is very beautiful, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."

"How does she compare to the ladies around Losa?"

Nishaya pondered for a moment, feeling a bit troubled: "It’s really hard to compare, if I have to say, I can only say each has their own merits, they are not the same type."

"Then it seems the reputation is well-deserved."

A hint of worry appeared on Baldwin IV’s face; he had seen the attendants around Losa, each an uncommon beauty in this world, to be compared to them, she must indeed be a top-notch beauty.

"Are you worried that Mr. Losa will be captivated by Barcelona’s beauty and choose not to return?"

"How could I..."

His Majesty the King replied somewhat insincerely.

How could he not be concerned.

That is, after all, the most noble position in the world, even if it’s just a nominal co-emperor, it would make ninety-nine percent of the noble hearts in this world flutter.

Moreover, that Empress evidently is not a stingy person; she offered Losa a Military Zone General title at the very start, isn’t this clearly trying to steal my people?

Baldwin IV knows Losa is a person who understands gratitude, but who wouldn’t pale in comparison to the Empire’s Emperor?

Nishaya couldn’t help but laugh: "Haha, you’ve overthought, my teacher once complained, wondering what enchanting potion you’ve used on Losa to make him so devoted to you."

"Rest assured, Mr. Losa will return to the Holy Land as soon as he finishes his business overseas."

Baldwin IV smiled awkwardly.

Nowadays, the only direct armed forces Baldwin IV has are the Royal Knight Order led by Hans and the Jerusalem Knight Order commanded by Baron Godfrey, both considered standing forces, while the City Guard Army controlled by Lusignan’s Amalric can only be counted as regional garrison units with questionable combat effectiveness.

The former, after post-war expansion, has reached over a hundred knights, and including attendants and soldiers, totals over eight hundred troops; the latter is almost double the former in number.

Yet, in the realm’s private armed forces, these troops can only rank third—first and second positions have already been claimed by Duke Raymond and Marquis Losa, two influential nobles.

Saladin, on his end, merely counts on his direct Casagia Imperial Guard, composed of nearly a thousand super-heavy cavalry encased entirely in heavy armor, not to mention his massive Mamluk army.

Furthermore, there are large auxiliary corps such as Turkmen Cavalry, Bedouin Cavalry, Berber Infantry, Nubian Infantry, mainly contributed by lower vassals and organized mercenary groups, forming professional armies not engaged in production.

The previous war lasted less than six months.

Though the kingdom’s forces have replenished fallen knights due to the enfeoffment system.

Those without successors are replaced by new knights of the fief.

The weapons acquired can be reused to arm numerous pilgrims.

But the combat effectiveness of these knights is inevitably declining.

It’s not a matter of individual prowess; attendants and soldiers don’t grow back like grass once they die.

A well-trained armored soldier is incomparable to ordinary town militia and conscripted old farmers; a knight newly possessing a fief, without accumulated wealth, cannot even arm attendants, resulting in significantly decreased battle power.

More importantly—Jerusalem is out of money.

Previously, the setup of a twenty-thousand strong pilgrim army nearly exhausted the military resources left by Henry II (father of Richard the Lionheart) in the Great Treasury.

Though the Grand Monastery and various lords definitely still have funds, obtaining them from their hands is no easy task.

Once, right after winning the Mongisa campaign, when his prestige was at its peak, he could achieve it.

But not now.

Baldwin needs Losa’s support.

However, with Losa having solid grounds even if he loses all territory in the Holy Land, Baldwin IV now finds himself at a loss for direction.

Nishaya wondered, "Your Majesty, why do you not reinstate your personal governance to let those who underestimate you know that you are the supreme monarch of the kingdom?"

"The king has never been supreme."

Baldwin IV sighed, "At least not in the Kingdom of Jerusalem; it’s purely a result of victors distributing spoils—Norman prince Bohemond got Antioch; Godfrey of Bouillon received Jerusalem; Raymond of Toulouse gained Tripoli; Godfrey’s brother Baldwin acquired Edessa."

"Among them, only Godfrey of Bouillon, the Holy Tomb Guardian, and the title of First Governor of Jerusalem were chosen." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"Do you think even if I step up now, I can rectify the situation?"

Baldwin IV’s expression was somewhat regretful; had it been when he first led a massive army to defeat Saladin and if he could heal such ailments, he naturally could construct an unparalleled legacy.

But now...

If he stood up again, it would be no different from an ailing emperor suddenly rising during a struggle for succession among twins, proclaiming he could reign another thirty years—not only would the two crown princes be intolerant, but those who bet on them in the background would also find it unbearable.

...

Under the Black Sea.

The Ghost Ship continued to sail swiftly and steadily through the sea.

"Six sixes, I win, pay up!"

On deck, Losa looked triumphantly at the zombie sailor opposite him, whose face was filled with disbelief—this period, relying on agility beyond ordinary people, he managed to hone an astonishing dice-rolling skill without cheating using spiritual power.

The zombie sailor could only obediently pay up, grumbling, "Sir, you’re getting ridiculous lately, always rolling sixes, how can anyone want to play dice with you anymore?"

Losa pocketed the silver coins, raising his brow, "I didn’t cheat, all based on skill, play willingly or quit, don’t let me look down on you, alright?"

"Yes!"

The zombie sailor nearly ground his molars to pieces.

"Attention, we’re surfacing soon!"

Captain Hog’s loud voice rang out, "Ahead is Golden Horn Bay, Sir, I’ll drop you off at the shore and wait nearby."

Losa said with a smile, "No need to wait too long; I’ll give Anna the ruby that Duke Nikiforos wants and then return. I’ve been away from home for too long, and I’m eager to return to my domain."

The Unihorn Nightmare Beast pranced joyfully on the deck, seeming to sense the imminent fresh air of the sea surface, impatiently tugging at Losa’s sleeve with its mouth.

No wonder the knights from Europe see a startling loss rate for their mounts.

Even a supernatural warhorse like the Unihorn Nightmare Beast, stuck in the cabin for these many days, visibly became unwell.