Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 628 - 401: Why Won’t He Buy Me Off!

At the training ground.

Gallio, satisfied and well-fed, was assigned a set of "new equipment."

This included an old suit of Zha Armor, a Saracen-style cone-shaped helmet, a round shield adorned with two crossed iron swords dyed in red, and a traditional-style Saracen Straight Sword.

Although it's called new equipment, it's obviously old. The helmet has an inconspicuous dent at the back, and there are traces of black blood stains on the rope linking the armor pieces.

While wearing the armor, Gallio even found a big clump of black stiff hair in the gaps between the armor pieces.

It was evident that its previous owner must have been one of the elite City Guard Army that followed Jabri, rather than those idle military thugs. The equipment worn by those thugs wasn't nearly as refined.

Even if it was old armor taken off from a dead person, these Coptic recruits still treasured it.

Normally, they were only equipped with a wooden shield without iron reinforcements and a Long Spear, wearing linen robes as cover. In any era, Armored Soldiers were considered the core strength of an army rather than expendable fillers.

This kind of treatment sufficiently demonstrates that the Franks' insistence on calling them "Christian brothers" was not just an empty gesture.

Perhaps due to the influence of the Seated Angel Statue, or maybe because rarely anyone of significance showed kindness to them, or perhaps it was the hearty meat soup and bread they had for lunch—at this moment, if their loyalty could be quantified, the number would have surged upwards noticeably.

Gallio realized this was winning people's hearts.

The small figures at the bottom also possessed their own wisdom, cunning, shrewdness, fear of death, and tendency to value life over loyalty. But who would usually bother to win the hearts of such people? Do they even deserve this?

"Lord Faris, the Longsword squad is assembled!"

The Coptic recruits lined up in a slightly disorganized formation in front of Hans.

Hans replied in Coptic Language: "Follow me; I need to take you to meet a lady first."

He was quite eager to learn; even when he served as the leader of the Royal Knight Order in Baldwin IV's court, he managed to learn some Saracen and Coptic Languages through the court advisors. Though not completely fluent, daily communication posed no problem.

As the group walked down the street, passersby glanced at them.

Some familiar faces from the past, even merchants and citizens who once harassed them, subconsciously displayed contempt... and also undisguised fear, as the recruits shot back fierce glances.

"Look, they're afraid of us!"

"See that guy! That damn greedy Jericho, who should rot and stink in Hell! I worked for him for free for five years, yet he framed me for theft to leave the position of Master Craftsman to his bastard son, driving me out of his workshop!"

The city's craft industries were monopolized by guilds; with one craftsperson per spot, those unable to obtain a license couldn't open their own workshop no matter their skill because they were outside the guild system. Hoodlums, City Guards, suppliers... any mishap in any link could bankrupt an individual.

"Brother, the Heavenly Father will not favor such a person; sooner or later, he'll face retribution for his despicable actions."

"But now, I want revenge; I want to cut off his head with my sword."

Gallio, with a clear mind, seriously said: "No, brother, they aren't afraid of us—they are afraid of our Lord, the Duke; according to military regulations, we cannot harm civilians."

He paused and added, "Moreover, brother, without the Duke's protection, that damned Jericho craftsman would have no fear of you—a trainee soldier with only days of practice; guild enforcers could easily defeat you."

Hans turned around timely, giving Gallio a look of approval.

Unexpectedly, within these recruits, there was someone with potential.

At least it wasn't a waste to have saved him back then.

They found their target under a shade, opposite a residence.

"Lady Julia."

"Knight Hans."

Both were very courteous.

Though Julia wasn't directly associated with Losa but instead categorized as "reusing captives," it was unknown what methods Kurs utilized. This native world Vampire lady had made significant contributions while forming the Shadow of Darkness, exhibiting the appearance of Losa's loyal servant.

"So that's the situation; perhaps it's to manifest their power, or simply to extract money from the civilians.

"These damned merchants!"

He thought, wasn't that old Hussein a revered elder of the slum just because he worked for Lord Saman?

"I heard that this Lord Saman isn't Saracen?"

"Right, people say he descends from the King of Kings of Elanshahar, Bahram VI, though I think it's just self-glorification."

Elanshahar is, in fact, the Sassanid Dynasty. The latter's designation is corresponding to the Gaul Capet Dynasty and Eastern Empire Comnenian Dynasty, not an actual country name.

In this world line, the Saracen did not conquer Elanshahar; Sassanid Persia remained the center of Fire Worship, with the King of Kings seen as the highest leader of the Fire Worship. The Sassanid Royal Family lineage still holds some value.

Of course, it's only a bit of value.

Inside the hall, there hung a cross.

"Praise the Heavenly Father, you must be General Knight Hans."

Lord Saman wore a smile that felt like the warmth of spring sunshine. Although he felt disgruntled that Duke Losa did not personally attend, he chose not to show it.

As before, despite holding deep contempt for the foolish and obstinate Governor Mahri, it did not prevent Mahri from considering him a close friend. Smart people find it all too easy to make friends.

"I am in fact a devout Christian as well, a Nestorian preacher. In my hometown, it is not banned from spreading, and in many local chiefdoms, Nestorianism is even regarded as the orthodox belief."

Nestorianism, known as Jingjiao, was considered heretical by the Eastern Orthodox Church. It entered the East during the Tang era, and in Chang'an and across the nation, "Cross Temples" were established.

In Europe, following such a doctrine would surely brand one as a heretic deserving of death, but here in Egypt, followers of the Coptic Church are considered brethren of Christ.

Heretics of the Eastern Orthodox Church seeking assistance? The Crusaders also strive to aid them.

In this context, Nestorianism seems to make a much more amicable impression.

Knight Hans showed a polite smile: "I hadn't expected us to be brothers in Christ."

"Haha."

The two exchanged smiles and did not delve deeper into that topic.

Although Elanshahar does not ban Nestorianism, it does not change the fact that its state religion is the Fire Worship, and it is naturally impossible for them to express any enthusiasm for "Christians rescuing Semanude from the clutches of the Fire Worship rulers."

"I've heard of General Hans' reputation far and wide. You are known as the bravest warrior under Duke Losa, always leading the charge at the frontlines. Meeting a warrior like you is truly my honor."

"Since we are all brothers in Christ, I shall speak candidly. Does the Duke ask you if you are willing to obey?"

"Obey?"

"With God as my witness, I have certainly not been involved in any grain price manipulation. Such unethical actions should be firmly resisted by every Christian and even by those who believe in the sacred fire."

He spoke with righteous indignation, as if the city's turbulent currents and unrest had nothing to do with him.

"That would be best then. The Duke requires the guilds of this city, all major merchants, to do everything they can to stabilize prices and ensure the survival of the residents. Moreover, the Duke hopes you might donate a batch of grain to the Saint Lazarus Monastery, where monks will distribute it to those in need."

The smile on his face quickly turned somber.

How dare he!

I thought he was a smart man, yet he is so greedy and detestable, wanting everything without intending to pay any price.

Am I, compared to the weak, exploitable, and ignorant Coptic Bishop, less worth his buy-in?

He's already gathered information.

His actions are practically digging at his roots because it undermines the interests of the entire civilian class.

"I have no right to restrain them because the guilds inherently have the liberty to set their own prices."

Honestly, if Losa were willing to grant him privileges like tax exemptions, operating permits, and the right to settle in Eira Port or Limasol Port, he would reluctantly accept.

Just consider it an investment.

But apparently, this Duke behaves more like all Franks—no, perhaps more like those marauding Normans! Franks have more of a contractual spirit!

Of course Losa doesn't want to buy off these people!

Most of the Coptic clergy are paupers, and those who aren't have been sidelined.

What does it cost to buy off these dejected souls?

The properties divided among them are even subject to normal taxation, without any privileges.

Far better to deal with the Catholic Church!

And what would it take to issue all those permits? Practically costs nothing to secure the city.

Even if this could garner enough money and grain, the issue is—he has the sword!

Those heavily funded armored cavalry.

Those well-equipped foot soldiers.

Is the purpose of their existence meant to have Losa obediently conduct business with these merchants?

What a joke!

Moreover, without clearing out some of the local guild members, how can space be made for the Eira Port Chamber of Commerce managed by Mueller?