Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 659 - 431: Meeting of the Three Kings

The King of Jerusalem arrived at the front line, and this was big news.

Crusaders from both inside and outside Semanud City came to welcome him. The atmosphere was lively, even more so than when the two kings had visited Semanud recently. After all, despite the high status of the two kings, it was their first encounter with the Heretics.

But Baldwin IV, at sixteen, had personally led four hundred knights to defeat a massive army led by Saladin himself.

In the previous two great victories the Crusaders had against Saladin, although Losa shone the brightest and earned the most reputation, the Supreme Commander was Baldwin IV, who was the nominal King of the Eastern Crusaders.

Standing among the welcoming crowd, clad in a blue coverall with the gold fleur-de-lis of the Gaul Royal Family embroidered on the chest, Philip wore a radiant smile on his face, preparing to greet Baldwin IV.

However, though his face showed enthusiasm, he became vigilant inside.

Losa rose with the King's Faction, and his rapid rise owed much to the support of the King of Jerusalem. Even now, the King's Faction remains a core supporter of Losa.

This also means that Baldwin IV is fully qualified and capable of taking over Duke Losa's legacy.

"Heh, that leper abandoned by God, wouldn't he want to compete for the position of Grand Marshal?"

"Or is it that Losa's men have brought him to talk to us on the field like a master?"

Philip thought bitterly, but showed no sign on his face.

As he was thinking, in front of him appeared more than ten Royal Knights in dark red coveralls, escorting a young man clad in a white robe with a golden Jerusalem Cross emblazoned on it, the fluttering Jerusalem Cross indicating the identity of the visitor.

He gathered his words, ready to greet with a smile, when he saw Richard in a red robe taking the lead to welcome them from the direction of the city gate with big strides.

"Hahaha, Heavenly Father above, I had heard that my uncle was gravely ill, yet he had to muster strength to wrestle with the Heretic Devil, and I was worried, unable to sleep night and day. Now, seeing my uncle unharmed, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

Baldwin IV was not overwhelmed by Richard's dramatic entrance, and he calmly said, "Thank you for your concern. My body has not yet recovered; I am not in a condition to battle again, so I can't be said to be unharmed."

Though they were both of the Anjou Family, he had no fondness for Richard.

Not only had Sibilla's son once been assassinated by a suspected Anjou Family assassin, but mainly because when Saladin's army was pressing the borders, he had consecutively sent over ten letters pleading for military aid from the European Monarchs.

Yet not one was willing to move.

Now that victory was near, these people came instead.

Richard breathed an inner sigh of relief and smiled, "No matter what, your arrival here at the start of this great battle greatly supports me, uncle. It seems as though I can already see the Crusaders' banners flying over Alexandria."

Philip also approached, smiling as he said, "His Majesty Baldwin, you have had a long journey, and I have already prepared a banquet and fine wine to welcome Your Majesty."

Baldwin shook his head, "Your Majesty Philip, while I am not as healthy as an ordinary person, and having come a long distance, it is already hard to bear. For now, I only wish to rest early and can only reluctantly refuse Your Majesty's kind offer."

"Where does Your Majesty plan to lodge?"

"Naturally, at the Governor's Mansion."

He lightly rejected the olive branch offered by the two kings, thinking that if Losa is well, it would be fine. But if it were not, he would stand in for Losa and finish this critical battle.

Richard frowned, his eyes growing dangerous, his entire being like a restrained lion, daring no one to meet his gaze.

Philip felt a slight chill in his heart, but responded with a bright smile, "Since His Majesty Baldwin is unwell, it would be best to rest early. However, I wonder if His Majesty can attend tomorrow's grand military meeting to unify all Crusader divisions?"

Baldwin nodded slightly, "Given its importance, I will naturally attend."

Philip nodded with a smile, signaling his men to make way, "Then, see you tomorrow."

Watching Baldwin IV depart, Philip looked at the stern-looking Richard and smiled, "This King of Jerusalem truly has a bit of kingly demeanor. But Richard, since your uncle has arrived, as a junior, you shouldn't compete with your elder, should you? After all, in terms of military talent, your uncle's achievements outweigh yours."

Richard snorted coldly, "No matter who becomes Grand Marshal, it's the king of Anjou."

He wasn't a mindless brute and could see through Philip's shallow provocation. At present, in terms of achievements and prestige, he was not up to his uncle, which made winning rather difficult.

"On the contrary, you've been bouncing around like a joke these days. Who knows how those hounds at your feet would react faced with their true ruler."

Among those under Philip, a considerable number of lords were members of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, Empress Faction, and Noble Faction. Except for Duke Raymond of Tripoli, who had to guard against Saladin in Damascus, most had already gathered under his command.

Upon hearing Richard's mockery, Philip still maintained his smile, as if he had it all under control, "No need for you to worry about that."

…

Inside the Governor's Mansion.

Baldwin had just entered the door when he stumbled, supported by the approaching Baron Goffrey, who couldn't help but exclaim, "Your Majesty, given your health, why come to Egypt at this time?"

Baldwin smiled, shaking his head, signaling Goffrey not to support him, standing firm again before saying, "Losa is not only a most trusted minister but also one of my closest friends besides you. Now, upon hearing news of his uncertain fate, how can I sit in the Royal Palace?"

After he finished, hesitating, he asked, "How is his condition?"

Goffrey's expression was heavy, shaking his head, "I don't know. Mr. Kurs and Losa's witches claim Losa is undergoing treatment, and no visitors are allowed."

Baldwin IV slightly relaxed, genuinely afraid of Goffrey's bad news about Losa's death.

"It's good he's still undergoing treatment. Lady Prajna, Lady Jeanne, and Miss Furin are quite skilled; I believe he'll turn from danger to safety." 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Goffrey sighed softly, "Your Majesty, it's been more than half a month of treatment with no improvement. Tomorrow is the Crusader's grand military meeting, and Losa is likely to miss this great battle."

"If he can't make it, I'll do it for him."

Baldwin IV chuckled softly, "Lord Losa helped me much, and this time, it's my turn to help him."