Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 533 - 312: River Crossing Campaign

"It’s over..."

Losa picked up the helmet at his feet, a relic left by the Blood Knight. Although he didn’t know its use, its price tag at the Spoils Store marked twenty thousand Suludes, which was enough to indicate its value.

As he stepped onto the solid stone slab, familiar figures reappeared.

Except for Venezia, everyone seemed to be unharmed.

Jeanne, sounding fatigued yet smiling, said, "This time, we really owe it to Furin."

Losa glanced surprisingly at the little girl, filled with a sense of accomplishment.

"That’s right, this time I’m the hero."

Through conversation, Losa understood the complexities involved.

He gained a deeper awareness of the Vampire’s tactics.

This battle was far more intense than he had imagined, happening out of his sight.

Losa helped Venezia up, his body soaked in blood.

"Everyone worked hard tonight, go back and have a good rest."

This battle exposed many issues, especially regarding spatial attacks; their countermeasures were extremely limited, tightening his previously slack mood.

As they grow stronger, so will the enemies.

More will covet, wanting to decipher the mysteries they possess.

This time, his blood summoned disaster; next could be secrets unrestrained by Demon-Blocking Gold—regardless, they must strengthen themselves.

When the Crusaders at Feilaimai Castle saw the figure wearing Holy Cross Plate Armor, with flapping cloaks and holding the Holy Spear, all restlessness and unease disappeared.

"Get a good sleep tonight; tomorrow morning, we cross the river."

The simplest way to quickly boost strength is capturing "Lower Egypt" (meaning the Nile River Delta Region); even if they can’t immediately wear the crown, at least they should wear the duke’s laurel.

...

On the other side of the Nile River, the garrison’s watchtower.

"It’s the flood season now; the Nile’s volume is so large, those Franks couldn’t possibly cross unless they grow wings," an old soldier reassured.

The morale of the Saracen garrison was very low.

They almost personally witnessed how the reinforcement troops were annihilated in no time.

The solid walls of Feilaimai Castle couldn’t hold for even a day, plus King Saladin’s main army was defeated; they had even less fighting spirit.

"But they will cross eventually; the Crusader fleet is much more formidable than ours." 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"We can’t just fight for Iben sir’s sake; those Franks are Christians, just like us. Why not kill Hassan Farris when the Crusaders cross, and join them instead?"

"Don’t forget, Franks are rather barbaric; who can guarantee they’ll be more merciful than heretics?"

"Haven’t you heard about Marquis Losa’s policies in his territory? Every poor person praises his kindness and generosity; only the wealthy but unkind heretics fear him."

"You must know, even Marquis Losa’s Crusaders can’t follow his orders alone; Frankish nobles are notoriously cruel and violent. I’ve even heard some enjoy killing for pleasure."

"Anyway, it couldn’t be worse than now," a Coptic soldier said darkly, "Brothers, I won’t serve the heretics any longer; tonight, I’m fleeing."

"You’re crazy; aren’t you afraid of being hanged by Governor Iben along the road?"

"Does he still have the energy to focus on us small soldiers?"

The Coptic soldier surveyed everyone, tone mocking: "The marquis took just one day to conquer Feilaimai Castle; the governor is probably scared out of his wits."

"But don’t forget, the elders of your village are loyalists to Governor Iben; if you return, they will surely hand you over to the governor’s appointed regional official."

The Coptic soldier’s expression darkened, sneering as he retorted: "So now what, oppose the unstoppable Saint Losa wielding the Holy Spear? Even if we survive, we’d fall into the Fire Prison after death."

Similar scenes unfolded almost across the entire Eastern Delta’s coastal region.

Even in Governor Iben’s heartland, Damietta Port, anxiety had spread among the ruling class who once wielded power, viewing every Coptic person as a potential rebel.

Although Copts in Egypt no longer form the overwhelming majority (excluding Fire Worship Egyptians), they remain a considerable group, not to mention many "pretended converts."

Especially Coptic Church priests, privately encouraged by the Shadow of Darkness, began persuading followers not to resist the Crusader invasion.

...

Awake early in the morning, Losa summoned leaders of various levels of the army for a meeting at Feilaimai Castle.

"Firstly, I must clarify one thing: last night, I indeed faced an assassination attempt by deceitful heretics, spending heavily to hire a murderous Vampire."

Upon finishing, Losa carefully observed everyone’s expressions at the scene.

Whether feigned or sincere, almost everyone showed concern.

"However, thanks to the Heavenly Father’s protection, I’m unharmed."

He stood, spinning in place, displaying his body.

"That’s why I dressed so plainly for this meeting; everyone must see, the heretics’ schemes achieved nothing."

"Praise the Heavenly Father!"

Nobles and priests praised in unison.

"Heretics’ intrigue won’t impede the sacred Crusaders; a small Feilaimai Castle and those ruined manors in North Sinai won’t halt us."

"This meeting is convened for our next advance."

This wasn’t unexpected, but they’ve seen the Nile River during flood season; whether building pontoon bridges or recruiting coastal ships for crossing wasn’t simple.

Baron Argon, with his sword at his side, asked respectfully: "Marquis, do you have any plans? Just tell us."

Losa smiled and nodded at him: "If you have no proposals, then return and prepare, until I order the crossing."

Everyone appeared bewildered.

"You said nothing."

Losa pointed to his head: "Transjordan’s troops will act as the vanguard, crossing first. If they fail, I won’t order you to cross; if they succeed, you won’t need details from me."

His tone paused, chuckling lightly: "Everything follows God’s will; tonight, our banner will fly on the opposite shore."