Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 629 - 402: Gwent Card

A slight increase?

A bit more difficult?

Gallio suppressed the urge to curse and spoke rapidly: "The price of bread has tripled, rice has doubled, tools and ironware have risen fivefold."

"Yes, citizens with a bit of property can still survive, just with more difficulty. But the lower-class people—like us laborers can't even afford a loaf of bread with a day's wages."

Saman sighed lightly: "That's truly a pity. Hopefully, the Church can take on such responsibilities."

With a sincere expression of regret, he said to the obscure Coptic newcomer: "Helping those who can't afford to eat is a duty of the clergy. But that is not mine, I am merely a small merchant from distant Sassan, diligently contributing to the prosperity of this city."

A small merchant... 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Gallio clenched his fists.

"Yes, it is only when we need your efforts that you lower yourself to being 'small merchants.' But who doesn't know that you, Saman, are the uncrowned king of this city? In every trade and profession, there are your people."

"Enough, Gallio."

Hans coughed once, calming the agitated young man, and looked at Saman, who still had an indifferent expression, and said slowly: "Sir, the Duke is merciful."

"This is obvious, otherwise, when he captured this city, he could have reduced everyone to slavery and exchanged freedom for a hefty sum of money. This is a right the victor should enjoy, but he gave it up, for the sake of his Christian brothers and to demonstrate God's mercy."

"But this doesn't mean that the Duke is weak or easily bullied. We can put down our swords, and naturally, we can pick them up again."

Saman's expression was calm, but his mood was terrible: "No one would think the Duke is weak or easily bullied. On the battlefield, he has long proven his might, but a city's operations need order, General Hans."

"If possible, I hope to meet the Duke and discuss things in person."

Saman still hoped to attain a series of privileges.

Because the old privileges were evidently to be abolished after Governor Mahri's death.

This matter is negotiable.

He was confident that he could reach an agreement with this greedy Devil Duke.

Hans nodded slightly:

"I will convey your request, but Mr. Saman, before that, you must first give me your answer. Will you refuse the Duke's orders, or will you comply?"

Saman took a deep breath and nodded: "If the Duke insists, I will comply as he wishes."

Hans grunted: "That's good. If there's any difficulty, Mr. Saman, please do your utmost to overcome it, as it is your difficulty, not mine. Is there anything else you want to say?"

Saman shook his head: "I will try my utmost to overcome all difficulties and give the Duke a satisfactory account."

"That's good."

Hans sighed in feigned regret: "I originally thought we would have another great battle tonight, just the right time to test the training level of these young lads."

Saman forced a smile: "General Hans, you're joking. As a devout Christian, I dare not refuse the Duke's request. Previously, I was merely limited by my personal capabilities, worried that I might delay the Duke's important matters."

With a look of anger he dared not express, Saman watched as Hans led the new recruits out of the mansion.

Once they were outside, everyone couldn't help but smile uncontrollably.

"Who would have thought, that the once high-and-mighty Mr. Saman would one day have to bow to us?"

"Gallio, you were really great just now. I wanted to question that old bloke too, but unfortunately, I'm not that eloquent."

Gallio quickly waved his hand: "Thinking back, I'm still a bit scared. That was Mr. Saman, after all. In the past, even a dog he kept could take my life."

"Yes."

For a moment, all the new recruits couldn't help but sigh.

The arrival of the Crusaders, in this way, doesn't seem to be a bad thing at all.

…

Damietta.

In the bustling tavern, pilgrims and Crusaders from all over were eagerly discussing the recent major events.

Duke Losa conquered another city, captured the western gateway, Semanud City.

And the rumor that the Wild Hunt Knight appeared in the mortal realm and killed the evil mage desecrating the dead.

Together, these events added a lot of legendary color to this otherwise unremarkable campaign of Duke Losa compared to his past battles.

The Crusaders and Knights under Richard now became the darlings of the Damietta City taverns, with Crusaders who didn't participate in this battle willing to spend a meal's worth of drink to listen to the experiences of those who did.

"Those dead cavalry, each with their heads tied to a warhorse decayed to bare bones, their weapons made of white bone. When they run, they are accompanied by black fog. Anyone engulfed by the black fog, no matter how brave a warrior, dies instantly without a trace."

"Luckily, Duke Losa appeared in time, or we all would have been dragged into Purgatory by the heretic devils."

"But I heard that it wasn't the Duke who defeated the Headless Knights, but the legendary Wild Hunt?"

"Yes, it was the Wild Hunt, but Duke Losa also played a crucial role, the former targeted the army of the dead summoned by the heretics, while the Duke defeated the heretics, which perhaps is the will of the Heavenly Father."