Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 368 - 57: First Elite Advancement
Even in Constantinople, at night, most of the city remains shrouded in darkness.
"Youβre back."
"Mm."
"Are the wounds on your body okay?" πππππ°π²π―π»ππππΉ.ππ¨π
"The skin has peeled off; the Source of the Plague is gone, so the plague has lost its lethality."
Prajna rolled up her sleeves, revealing her snow-white arm.
Her skin was so fair and tender that the veins were clearly visible, leaving no scars at all.
He had guessed it would be this way, but he was just trying to make conversation, showing that he cared about her.
"For eliminating the Source of the Plague, I received a new combat record about the Wolf Race civil war."
"You gave it to Chelina?"
"How did you know?"
"Weβve been together for so long, isnβt it normal to have some mutual understanding? Besides, Iβm not in a hurry to get promoted."
It was impossible to tell Prajnaβs mood from her tone and expression.
But, anyone in this situation would likely feel somewhat unbalanced.
The same six-star rank, prioritizing Jeanneβs promotion was already excessive.
...
Losaβs actions were somewhat partial.
"You donβt have to think so much; I truly donβt mind this kind of thing. Other than protecting you, I canβt do as much as those two, so donβt treat me as an easily upset little girl."
"Thank you."
Losa tenderly stroked Prajnaβs smooth black hair, feeling inwardly guilty.
After all, this wasnβt the only thing he owed Prajna.
"Sleep now."
Losa watched as Prajna shed her outer garments, her flawless body like beautiful jade, and lay down comfortably beside her.
With Jeanne in the bathroom, the limited time and the thin wall separating them made it too tense, stimulating, yet somehow not satisfying enough.
As a Dragon Descendant, he was indeed excessively enduring.
After an intimate moment, they only truly fell asleep when the night was deep.
Weighted with fatigue, Losa soon fell into a deep slumber.
...
That night, many in the manor tossed and turned in bed.
Chelina gently patted the sleeping Furinjira who clung to her, as familiar faces flashed in her mind.
Finally, that face settled on a stern middle-aged man.
He shared the same bluish-gray hair as Chelina, and his face held no trace of kindness, only a deep authority and perpetually furrowed brows.
Chelina seldom missed her father.
She even harbored some resentment, believing that his ambition ruined the peaceful lives of the tribe.
In her memory, he never smiled, not even when the Saluzzo Familyβs Clan Leader praised her as the most talented clan member in years.
...
Jeanne lay in bed, finding it hard to sleep.
Thinking back to the scene in the bathroom that evening, her cheeks flushed, hotter than drinking down a barrel of strong wine.
Initially, she only wanted to repay her lordβs kindness, but unexpectedly, she found herself craving more.
She really wanted to storm into his room for a match.
Unfortunately, Prajna seemed eager to guard over the lord twenty-four hours a day, making it impossible for her to have the chance.
Thinking of this, Jeanneβs lips curled into a smile.
Whatβs the use of being so watchful?
In the end, Iβm the one who seized the first opportunity.
...
Early the next morning.
The Empressβs Court Dressmaker summoned Losa for an audience.
This audience was evidently much more formal.
With the help of maids, Losa first bathed with incense, then changed into splendid attire before heading to the Imperial Palace to meet the Empress.
"Sit down, General Losa."
"You helped Anna save Constantinople this time; how should I reward your achievements?"
Losa replied politely, "Your Majesty, the plague was a disaster not just for Constantinople but for the entire world. This was my duty; no reward is necessary."
On the Empressβs typically stern face, a rare smile appeared as she said, "If thatβs the case, I wonβt award you anything."
Losa: "?"
Why are you not following the usual protocol?
"Haha, I was just joking with you. While the world may not recognize your achievements, denying you honor and respect, I will not forget your contributions."
"You, Losa, along with Miss Prajna, Miss Chelina, and Miss Furinjira, as Barcelona of the Empire, I am very grateful for your contributions to the Empire."
"Anna told me that youβre short on money recently, is that right?"
Losa, not daring to be modest any longer, plainly admitted, "Indeed, Iβm a bit strapped financially."
"Then Iβll first grant you a reward of fifty thousand Suludes Gold Coins."
Even though he had anticipated it, Losa was still stunned by Her Majesty the Empressβs nonchalant mention of fifty thousand Suludes Gold Coins.
This was enough wealth to form a cavalry unit of thousands.
Even many dukes couldnβt scrape together so much wealth without liquidating their assets.
After all, this was liquid cash, not real estate, manors, or other immovable assets.
"Alright, I wonβt keep you any longer. Anna mentioned that both of you are not lightly injured, so take good care of yourselves during this time. If you need anything, just contact Anna."
The Empressβs smile faded, returning to her stern, idol-like demeanor as if she were a statue on a pedestal.
"Thank you for Your Majestyβs grace."
Losa sincerely expressed his gratitude.
A generous monarch like the Empress was indeed rare.
...
When Losa returned to the manor, escorting the hefty convoy laden with gold coins.
It seemed that Jeanne had been eagerly waiting for quite some time.
Not just Jeanne, but Chelina, Prajna, and Furinjira gathered together as well.
In the courtyard, Losa ordered the boxes filled with gold coins to be stacked together, standing opposite Jeanne.
He drew his sword and rested it on Jeanneβs shoulder.
The elite ceremony required rituals.
With a solemn expression, he declared, "Jeanne DβArc, during your service to me, you have faced formidable enemies, won many battles, fulfilled your duties, and acted with courage and resolve."
"I am fortunate to receive your loyalty, and I bestow upon you this promotion as a reward."
Kneeling on one knee, Jeanne looked up, meeting Losaβs gaze.
There was an unusual seriousness and earnestness on her face.
"I am also fortunate to follow a lord like you, my lord, thank you for the promotion. I vow to continue serving you with my sword and spear for the rest of my life."
As Jeanne finished her words.
A golden light shot out from the heavy chest of money, channeled through Losaβs sword and into Jeanneβs body.
The next moment.
Jeanne seemed to transform into a holy radiance, with a pair of ethereal Light Wings forming behind her.
The light flashed, and it was as if nothing had happened.
She stood up, smiling, "Miss Prajna, shall we have a spar now?"
You have activated a new milestone: Left and Right Arms (Incomplete)
As a powerful Lord, you must have powerful followers. You have gained the loyalty of two elite Six-star Attendants (1/2)
Prajna glanced at her and said nothing.
Now, she was indeed no longer a match for Jeanne. Even if their professions countered each other, Jeanne had the upper hand in attributes and gained the advantage of being elite, boosting her combat power several times over.
Prajna wasnβt one to stubbornly insist.
Losa admonished with a frown, "I promoted you not to quarrel with our own people."
"Tch~"
Jeanne snorted softly.
"Do you understand sparring?"
Jeanne proposed, "Want to test my strength? Shall we meet in the training ground?"
Her face clearly bore a mischievous smile.
Losa hesitated briefly, then nodded, agreeing, "Very well, let me see how much your elite status has enhanced you."
