Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 594 - 368: New Attendant

Skipping over this unpleasant topic, the conversation between the two returned to a harmonious atmosphere.

This Lionheart was evidently a proud and ambitious character, but Losa's prominent military achievements in the Holy Land, along with the power he currently held, were enough to make the monarch set aside his arrogance and instead reveal his charm.

He looked behind Losa, a flash of amazement in his eyes, then said, "Marquis Losa, which of them is the legendary Knight Commander Jeanne?"

Jeanne took the initiative and said, "It is I, Your Majesty."

Her expression held a subtle smile, remembering well that the enemy she faced back then bore this three-lion banner.

"Lady, your performance on the battlefield is truly astonishing. I've studied several of your classic battle cases meticulously, absolutely worth the study of any general. I look forward to fighting alongside you and Marquis Losa."

Jeanne exchanged a glance with Losa, a trace of humor flashing in their eyes.

"What are you two laughing at?"

Richard felt somewhat baffled.

"Your Majesty, the sun is blazing here; why don't we discuss this further at the banquet?"

Due to time constraints, the scale of the banquet was also not very large.

Wine and toasts flowed at the table, but the atmosphere could not be considered very lively.

This monarch came alone; while he added a great general to the Crusaders' ranks, he also sowed the seeds of division among them.

With two monarchs present, both qualified to lead the Crusaders, who should they listen to?

The Crusaders were already complex with factions: the native faction, the newly arrived colts, the Germans, the Gauls…

It could be imagined that with the arrival of the King, most Crusaders from Albion and part of the Gaul Crusaders would unite around him.

Losa chatted with Richard for a moment and then got up to take his leave; he still had matters to handle regarding Lavinia and Valentina.

But Sebastian suddenly stepped forward, this Bishop wearing a Golden Crown and a luxurious Vestment Robe, with a hint of ostentation in his tone.

"Marquis Losa accepted the consecration of a heretical sect, which is a rebellion against His Holiness the Pope and an insult to the Orthodox Church."

"Marquis, I hope that a devout Christian protector like yourself can find a way back."

Losa sneered:

"Jesus Christ lived among fishermen and beggars, Cardinal Sebastian. Greed and luxury have never been qualities a clergy member should possess."

In truth, it could be understood; do people travel thousands of miles to the Holy Land really for God's glory?

Indeed, a considerable number of people do so.

But more people are there for land, wealth, and fame.

Among these, fame is often the pursuit of higher nobles; a noble of great prestige might suddenly be chosen as a King by a country, even without their own land and just sitting at home.

Sebastian wanted land, wanted wealth, which could be understood but would never be allowed unless he, a dignified Cardinal, was willing to swear allegiance to him, a highly unlikely event.

Losa wished not to be subjected to the conflict between royal and ecclesiastical power, decisively cutting it off at the root.

Sebastian's face slightly changed, his expression turning even colder.

Losa's words were indeed piercing to the heart; among the bishops and priests of various dioceses, who was not immensely wealthy with servants everywhere, living lives more lavish than secular nobles—this even included His Holiness the Pope.

Losa spoke softly, then added, "I suggest you learn from Patriarch Urding. I think he is more qualified than you to sit as the Patriarch of Alexandria."

"But unfortunately, that's not for you to decide."

In Christendom, there are a total of five Patriarchates. According to the Eastern Empire's terminology, these are the Five Great Bishopric Regions—Pope City, Constantinople, Antioch, Jerusalem, and Alexandria.

The status of the Patriarch can be seen.

Sebastian had spent such a great cost to obtain the appointment of Patriarch of Alexandria from His Holiness the Pope, even sacrificing himself, so he couldn't possibly give it up easily.

Losa chuckled coldly and strode away from the banquet.

At this banquet, most of those welcoming the Lionheart were his own people and minor nobles of no real power. In the coming days, once the Crusaders campaigning against the heretics returned, the real drama of factions pulling and maneuvering would begin.

…

Governor's Mansion.

Losa, carrying the heat of summer with him, strode into the mansion.

Prajna stepped forward to help him remove his armor: "What do you think of this King?"

"Not too bad; at the very least, he doesn't seem like someone who enjoys scheming."

Losa chuckled: "If it were a cunning fox coming, I'd be more wary."

He thought of Baldwin IV's previous speculations of someone attacking young Baldwin (Princess Sibylla's son).

Baldwin IV had once suspected the Anjou Family, but looking back now, it shouldn't have been them, at least not something done by the Lionheart.

The throne of Jerusalem is worth coveting, but the Anjou Family evidently didn't invest much energy into it.

Otherwise, they should at least lobby in the Holy Land. Although the Royal Family of Jerusalem is also from the Anjou Family, it doesn't mean that after the king's lineage is extinct, only an Anjou Family member can inherit.

"I don't wish to be an enemy of this Lionheart, but it seems that not being an enemy may not be an option." 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

The Lionheart won't be content to be under others; yet it's absolutely impossible for Losa to obey his commands.

Losa changed into fresh, dry clothes and returned to his room.

He needed to select his new entourage.

…

In the Combat Recording World.

In the dark room, Losa's voice suddenly emerged: "Miss."

"Who?"

Valentina frowned: "Losa?"

Her expression shifted slightly, as if she recalled something, and she sighed softly, "Do you have any unfulfilled wishes?"

"Miss, you misunderstand; I'm not dead."

Losa paused in his tone, starting to explain.

...

On the other side:

"Nia, sorry I'm late."

Lavinia awoke abruptly, somewhat delighted, "It's good you're here... where are you, why don't you come out to meet me."

"Nia, do you remember the other world I told you about?"

Golden lights filled the entire room.

You have activated a new milestone: Master of the Wolf Race (commanding at least five epic quality wolf race retainers)

Hans, Chelina, Venezia, Lavinia, this milestone was relatively easy to complete.

Seeing Losa, Lavinia's mood slightly relaxed. She carefully examined Losa for a moment, then laughed uncontrollably: "So it turns out"

"My power greatly weakened."

She furrowed her brows and remarked.

Before arriving, her strength was at least at the initial stage of being elite; after arriving, it reverted to a level one state—"greatly weakened" was an understatement.

But soon, Losa patched it up with Gold Coins, enhancing Lavinia's strength back to maximum level.