Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 433 - 115: Preparations for Battle (Part 3)
Ulm watched Derm’s somewhat disappointed figure, fell silent for a moment, then looked out the window.
In the afternoon, the trees in Alandler rustled.
Groups of three or five dockworkers were gathered together playing dice, occasionally bursting into joyful laughter.
Ascetics were softly conversing with patients who had traveled from afar for medical advice, inquiring about their ailments.
The young Monastic Knights, in inconspicuous corners, were holding bottles of wine and playing self-made Gwent cards—their lifelong vows left them no spare money to purchase official card packs, but since no one else had them either, they didn’t mind the authenticity.
This harmonious scene’s duration was uncertain.
He murmured softly, "My lord, I don’t know whether your insistence on establishing an Earthly Heaven in the Holy Land is right or wrong, but I will always stand by you."
...
Jerusalem, in the Royal Palace Garden.
"Master Hans!"
"Master Conrad."
Hans nodded in greeting to the approaching marquis’s son.
This "Former Imperial Caesar," received great reception in Jerusalem, on one hand because the Marquess of Monferrat had only recently pilgrimaged to the Holy Land, and with his strong financial resources as an Apennine Vassal Prince, he forged friendships with many Jerusalem nobles.
On the other hand, although he often disparaged Greeks in words, the Eastern Empire was undeniably the center of Europe, the widely recognized City of World Desire.
Jerusalem’s nobles held Conrad, who had ascended to the Imperial Caesar’s title in Constantinople and abandoned such a prestigious status for faith, in high esteem.
King Baldwin also appointed him as the Commander of the Royal Knight Order, temporarily acting as Hans’s deputy.
In reality, this was likely just a transitional position. If Conrad achieved merit, even if not particularly outstanding compared to others, His Majesty the King would not withhold granting him a piece of land.
This was also the reason for Conrad’s choice.
Should he seek shelter, appearing noble, not lacking in food, clothing, or material comforts, while effectively just a mascot of the Caesar, and possibly suffering a covert end in a dungeon; or better yet, in the Holy Land, to wield a sword and defend his faith, achieving greatness?
"Did you need to see me for something?"
Hans also had a favorable impression of Conrad, who was upright, brave, and wise. Shortly after his arrival, he managed affairs in an orderly manner, far more reliable than most illiterate Frankish Knights.
"Master Hans, I wish to delay for a few days to pilgrimage to the Holy Wood in New Habsburg."
Hans was somewhat surprised, "At a time like this?"
"I have already dealt with all the matters at hand, the armory is fully equipped, the granary stocked with ample provisions, and the medicines donated by Father Urding are properly sealed..."
"Master Conrad, you are indeed capable. Go ahead then, but return quickly, as no one knows when war might break out."
"I will. Also... may I trouble you with something else? I hoped to custom order some plate armor sets for my attendants, but the orders are queued up beyond fifty, and it’s impossible to complete them before the war starts."
Conrad felt somewhat helpless about this.
Not all orders were from the Holy Land Knights; even as far as Constantinople, many nobles sent their servants personally with their masters’ measurements, hoping to order a set of refined plate armor.
These clients were captivated by Losa’s "seller’s showcase" at the tournament, with extravagant spending; Marles, who managed the Blacksmith Workshop, really had no reason to refuse.
Hans replied helplessly, "There’s nothing much we can do. These were the rules set up before the lord’s departure... I can inquire with Master Marles for you. He was appointed chief Master Craftsman by our lord, and if there’s any standard-sized plate armor left, I’ll secure them for you."
"Thank you very much, Master Hans."
Hans smiled, "It’s a small favor, as fellow comrades fighting shoulder to shoulder and colleagues serving the Royal Knight Order, it’s only natural to help each other."
The attendants under Conrad were temporarily assigned to the Royal Knight Order. Most of them had originally settled in Constantinople and participated in the "Latin Knight Order," proving to be quite formidable in combat.
"For the next few days, I’ll be relying on you for the knight order’s matters."
Conrad said apologetically.
As a commander, he was only responsible for logistics-oriented matters, which were numerous and tedious, not really a desirable position.
"That’s part of my duty."
After bidding farewell, Conrad, just about to leave, suddenly paused in his footsteps.
"Master Hans, will Count Losa return?"
"Of course."
A slight, wry smile crossed Conrad’s face.
During this time, tales of his devout actions were spreading among Jerusalem’s nobles and commoners, but Conrad himself knew very well that he wasn’t as noble as others said. If he could befriend the esteemed Purple Robe Princess and gain favor with the Empress, he would never leave Constantinople.
After all, it was a place countless people dreamed of.
"Is there anything else?"
Hans slightly furrowed his brow.
Conrad shook his head, "I apologize if I offended you."
He made a sign of the cross over his chest, "May the Heavenly Father bless you, Master Hans."
