Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 439 - 121: The Legend of Saint Losa

Early in the morning, it wasn’t just Losa’s group on the road again.

Thirty fully armed Knights, leading their Attendants, clad in mighty cloaks, formed a winding procession.

Princess Sibilla, as the Lord of Jaffa and Ashkelon, also had her own estates, manors, workshops, and shops in multiple places. She was a Great Lord with considerable power in Jerusalem, under whom were more than ten Knights as Vassals.

Plus, counting those Knights who sought her protection but hadn’t received lands yet, gathering more than thirty people was not difficult. Along with the Attendants, they could form a Heavy Cavalry battalion with a scale of over a hundred people.

Behind them was a battalion of tough infantry, composed of mercenaries hired by the wealthier citizens of various cities, or often serving in place of citizens for military duties, numbering five hundred people.

Behind them was another battalion with a similar scale of five hundred Light Infantry. The equipment of these Light Infantry varied, but all belonged to the upper tier of Recruits, equipped with either lightweight Chain Armor Shirts or Leather Armor made from tough leather.

Some, like the Apennine’s crossbowmen, carried Square Shields and held Hand Crossbows.

The majority were soldiers equipped with ordinary foot bows.

Finally, there were the large-scale Recruits, transporting the vast supply convoy, which carried some Armor for the Lord Knights and more food, forage, water pots, arrows, and other consumables.

The total military force exceeded two thousand people.

Of course, these Recruits only handled logistics, mixed with numerous Heretics forced into service, they were without combat capability at all, unlike the Farmer Soldiers under Losa’s command.

The six thousand troops assembled by Losa’s various territories were genuinely and unequivocally combat-ready forces, even the Farmer Soldiers under the Imperial Knights could be classified as Soldiers tier, only with slightly weaker combat capabilities.

After all, many Soldiers were part of the standing army, practicing and patrolling daily, not engaging in production, their combat prowess was still quite impressive.

"Lord Losa."

From the back of the column, a Knight approached Losa.

He was wearing a set outfitted with Half-Body Plate Armor and Chain Armor, his mount was also clad in a green striped Horse Cloth, evidently standing among the wealthiest even among the Knights.

He was the military chief under Sibilla, possessing a small town with a population over a thousand as his fief, had Losa not interceded, he would have been the highest Commander of this army.

"What is it, Knight Stephen?"

Knight Stephen came up to Losa and, gathering his courage, said: "Lord, I just want to say it is an honor to serve under your command. Whatever orders you have, feel free to issue them, and I assure you, I will do everything to fulfill them."

"You’re too kind, Knight Stephen."

Losa was somewhat surprised, knowing that his prestige among the Holy Land Knights was quite high, but he wasn’t like Gold Coins that were universally likable, wasn’t there a saying that being universally liked means mediocrity?

"Knight Stephen, in the last war, did we fight side by side?"

Stephen regrettably replied: "I wish I could say yes, but honestly, I cannot; for in the last war, I was responsible for leading Jaffa’s Town Guard and never faced the enemy directly."

Losa laughed and said: "You’ll have a chance this time."

"Indeed, thanks to Heavenly Father’s blessing, it’s my honor — Lord, I’ve heard some of your stories, they sound just like what is depicted in legendary novels, a Knight brandishing a Silver Sword, declaring war on evil Giant Dragons."

Knight Stephen’s excitement made him somewhat tongue-tied, his face flushed.

"The Silver Sword rose with flames, vanquishing the Evil Dragon..."

Losa looked at him with some surprise.

He calmed down his excited heart a bit, hastily saying: "Sorry, my Lord, I am too excited, whenever I think of these scenarios, I have this yearning feeling, wishing to immediately join your command."

"But I cannot forsake my vow of loyalty to Her Highness. A person like you would not allow allegiance from such a despicable one."

"Indeed."

Losa asked with a smile: "But Knight Stephen, I want to know which battle you are referring to?"

Stephen replied without hesitation: "The one in Cyprus, it’s spread by Minstrels everywhere. The evil Emperor of Cyprus was riding a Black Dragon, diving from the sky, spewing Dragon Flame filled with poison and sulfur. The massive Greek Fleet seemed like toys, scorched easily by it."

His eyes gleamed: "But that Evil Dragon had no room for resistance in front of you, in the entire Limassol City, under the eyes of countless people, you swiftly and decisively dealt with the Evil Dragon."

Losa pursed his lips: "Minstrels often like to exaggerate, actually, that battle was quite tough."

Actually, for that battle, very few people should have clearly seen the scene, only when he and the Black Dragon were clashing Dragon Flames, those two beams of light were seen clearly by many, the vast majority should be fabricated.

Stephen continued: "And the battle at the Tree of Wisdom, where the cave-dwelling Evil Dragon devoured the flesh of miners, you, as the Lord, in a fury, were single-handedly mounted, drawing your sword and executing it. The Giant Dragon’s blood nurtured the Tree of Wisdom — this was a Miracle of Heavenly Father, but also your Miracle. I would say you should be canonized."

"I have yet to return to Heavenly Father’s embrace."

Losa felt somewhat helpless.

That time dealing with the Earth Dragon was by no means just his merit. It’s unclear why when people pass on these stories, they often omit the contributions of Prajna and Jeanne.

Perhaps most people did not think women could possess such tremendous Power, just as in the tales of Wizards, it’s often the Warlocks who are perceived as having greater Power — ironically, the reality is opposite.

There are strong Warlocks, but the number of male Warlocks is much less than Witches. Even with the same proportions, a powerful male Wizard is quite rare — excluding the other Extraordinary Systems.

The title "Saint Losa" has been long used, which is quite taboo. Canonization is not limited to deceased Christians only, but must be by the Holy Department of Pope City. A discussion by Cardinals and Diocesan Bishops, and only with the Pope’s consent can one be canonized.

Although many places have unapproved patron saints self-declared by locals, Losa, after all, being a Secular Lord, this is even more taboo than the former.

"It will happen eventually."

Losa thought to himself, if nothing unexpected occurs, he could live for a long time, so he probably wouldn’t have a chance to be canonized: "Knight Stephen, I heard Saladin has recruited many Casters, are there any rumors about them?"

Stephen shook his head: "I don’t know, Minstrels rarely talk about these things in the Holy Land, nor does anyone want to listen. However, I believe that no matter how terrible evil may be, in front of you it will be like snowflakes facing the blazing sun, easily disappearing."

Losa restrained his smile, solemnly said: "I don’t have such great abilities."