Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 445 - 127: A New Draw

One minister after another, according to their identity and status, paid their respects to Losa. Losa also gave cordial greetings, even though many he hadn’t met more than a few times, let alone had any deep acquaintance with.

Upon returning to Hebron, Losa felt like he had stepped onto a stage, with everyone’s eyes fixed upon him.

Inside the tent, the feast was already set, with mingling of wine cups and dice, creating an atmosphere of great enthusiasm.

Losa’s return was undoubtedly a boost for those worried he might never come back.

Losa called Kurs over, saying, "Kurs, send out the word, tonight the whole army will eat well."

Kurs frowned slightly but, seeing the smile on Losa’s face, still replied, "Yes."

Currently, Transjordan’s financial situation isn’t good. Bearing the logistical spending for so many people every day is like pouring money away.

Losa nodded to him slightly and said quietly, "Don’t worry about the money."

Initially, Losa was financially strained from Prajna and Chelina’s elite training, but while helping General Nikiforos recover the ruby, he also scavenged the shipwrecked ruin, sold the goods on it to the Spoils Store, and exchanged for nearly ten thousand Suludes Gold Coins. These were from dozens of merchant ships loaded with goods; if not for most of the goods having rotted and lost value, they would’ve been worth far more than just ten thousand gold coins.

This money, along with Nikiforos’s reward, caused his originally empty wallet to become stuffed again.

However, this money was clearly not enough to sustain an army of ten thousand troops for long.

Under Losa’s command, aside from the standing army, there are no salaries to speak of. The lower vassals fulfill their feudal contracts, and obviously don’t require wages.

But wages weren’t the main reason limiting the size of the Holy Land forces; to sustain over ten thousand troops with their consumption of man and horse would require tens of thousands of carriages for monthly supply transport.

This also needs to account for losses during transport, as both pack animals and laborers consume supplies during transport. Fortunately, being on home turf means the army can obtain local supplies which prevents difficulty in movement.

Baron Argon then suggested, "Sir, we don’t know when the war will start; perhaps we should find some entertainment for these energetic lads?"

The "entertainment" mentioned by Baron Argon obviously refers not to the camps established by the accompanying merchant fleet, which feature alcohol, prostitutes, and spoil merchants, just like vultures circling over carrion.

Kurs didn’t allow these people to accompany the army. They’re too prone to creating chaos within the camp.

This is Hebron after all, the seat of the Losa Territory. Once these military toughs start trouble, it’s Losa’s interests as a lord that are harmed.

Losa readily accepted Argon’s suggestion: "Alright, I’ve decided to organize a contest tomorrow featuring archery, swordsmanship, mounted combat, and chess, with rewards for the victors."

It’s better to channel their energy; ultimately, these vigorous soldiers need some form of entertainment to let off steam.

The banquet soon dispersed and did not last long.

Compared to most chaotic military camps, Hebron’s camp had rules that were anything but scarce, and Losa didn’t want these "Commanders" to get drunk as he just returned.

Soon, only Losa’s core members remained in the tent.

His gaze swept across the faces of Kurs, Andreas, Ulm, Laine, Model, Stark, and Fabio, sincerely saying, "Thank you all for your hard work during this time."

"Though I wasn’t in the territory, Kurs told me about your performances, and I am very pleased."

He praised them casually and then said, "Kurs, starting today, you will continue as the Steward of the Holy Vault, taking control of all financial powers in the territory, while also serving as the First Governor of Hebron."

"Andreas, for your excellent achievements in Alandler, I appoint you as the First Governor of Eira Port, assisted by Mueller from the Tax Bureau to govern the entire Eira Port."

"Ulm, starting today, I commission you to establish the Circuit Court, while retaining your Patrol Officer duties, you will serve as the Chief Judge of the Transjordan border area, accepting petitions from the people in my name."

A series of appointments were quickly announced.

Kurs managed Transjordan methodically, needing no drastic changes, now was not the right time for it. After the battle ends, he will bring the fame of victory to initiate centralized reforms.

As for losing the battle.

Whether he can keep his territory is another question, and naturally, there’s no need to consider centralization further.

...

By the campfire outside the tent.

Derum eagerly took the food brought to him and sat down. The warm firelight illuminated the plate with fairly sumptuous food—white bread, pea stew, and a bottle of wine shared among several people...

It’s the best meal they’ve had in many days.

"Ah, is there honey spread on this bread? It’s surprisingly sweet."

"Who would’ve thought he really is a Marquis."

"If we had received his favor at the time, we might have become Lord Knights directly."

"At the very least, not working so hard every day like now."

Derum chewed on his bread, speaking indistinctly, "What hard work? It’s definitely better than being cannon fodder for that Rauf guy. I see it clearly now, the Marquis treats us really well."

"Yes, even this dinner, who knows how much it costs. If it were me, I’d surely save it all for myself."

"Let’s work hard; this time, I’ll strive to earn some merits for everyone, even if we’re not knighted, at least each person should get some land, some money as a reward, and then return home to marry."

Derum and the others exchanged smiles.

What’s the biggest difference in life at Transjordan compared to before? It’s not that it’s not hard; rather, it’s that after the hard work, there’s hope in sight.

Unlike before, where after a gruelling year of herding, they were constantly worrying, afraid that Rauf might send someone to suddenly rob them of all their livestock.

...

Returning to the residence in Hebron.

After a simple wash, Losa heard Jeanne casually asking, "By the way, sir, isn’t today another card draw day?"

"No rush, we should first arrange the Iron Marshall’s camp, and if the war doesn’t hurry to break out, I can still train a squad of heavy cavalrymen."

Hundreds of heavy cavalrymen can play a crucial role in war.

His recent card draws have become more philosophical—reason being the increasingly low odds for useful items.

Always a pile of bits and pieces, like a "Deluxe Saddle" or a "Luxurious Silk Shirt", "Purple Lace Underpants".

If one claims they’re useless, they are actually quite useful.

For instance, the Deluxe Saddle is quite comfortable to sit on, the silk underwear is both heat-insulating and warm, and the lace underpants... Prajna looks rather captivating wearing them.

Everyone knows men have two heads, and they belong to different departments, but sometimes, the small head can command the big head.

...

After arranging the Iron Marshall’s camp, Losa returned to the residence and directly chose to draw cards.

A rich purple light flashed.

You have acquired a new retinue—Bloodthirsty Mad Wolf.

Finally, it’s here!

Losa felt a bit of joy inwardly.

After completing the battle record of the Wolf Race civil war, he was temporarily given the status of a "Texas Ally", long overdue for loyalty from a Texas Wolf Race member.

"Who are you?"

Chelina’s expression was full of doubt; the bloodline on this man was so familiar,

but he clearly wasn’t someone she’d met before.

"Who am I? I’m the Bloodthirsty Mad Wolf from Basilicata. Who do you say I am?"

"Bloodthirsty Mad Wolf... sounds kind of familiar."

Chelina was silent for a moment before suddenly saying, "It’s quite an unfortunate matter."

"So you remembered?"

"He is indeed someone from our family."

"Hey, don’t call it your family. I’ve never met you before, don’t think having some Basilicata blood makes you a family member, brat."

The man’s expression was unyielding, his tone full of the arrogance typical of pureblood families.

Watch your words.

Though he temporarily hadn’t thought of doing anything to Chelina, having such a pretty girl around all the time.

However, to say he merely treated her as a friend would be too self-deceptive.

Only then did the arrogant man lower his head, saying with difficulty, "Sorry, sir."