Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 658 - 430: Baldwin IV

Time flies.

The Saracens' army has already camped at Burullus Lake, and their vanguard has had several small skirmishes with the Crusaders.

Richard the Lionheart, draped in a bright red cloak, bore a bloodstained emblem of a lion, ready to pounce and devour, emblazoned on his chest.

He walked into his camp with an air of hostility. Today, he led a charge, achieving yet another small victory, killing hundreds and capturing dozens of warhorses, but such a small victory was merely trivial to him.

"Damn Philip, Count Henry of Montreal, Count Simon of the Mace family originally expressed their support for me, yet they have appeared in Philip's ranks. Their hearts have been enchanted by that serpent-like poison of Philip's, leaving not a trace of honor in them."

Under his command, there are now over ten thousand men, but there are not many true elites.

Philip clearly arrived in the Holy Land after him, yet managed to pry away many of his original supporters, now commanding nearly twenty thousand troops.

"These days, I have repeatedly led troops to break the Saracen riders and even raided the Saracen camps several times. Are such victories still not comparable to Philip staying in his camp, hosting several banquets?"

"Your Majesty need not worry too much. The Saracens are not so easy to deal with. No matter what our King Philip has promised now, once those wolves gathered under him find that King Philip cannot bring them victory, they will switch their allegiance to you without hesitation."

"Hmph, I wonder what potion Nalosa has given to his men, because I haven't heard of any Knights or nobles willing to switch allegiance to me for quite some time, even though he hasn't shown himself for over half a month."

The Count's Guard Captain said solemnly, "In this respect, it's probably the same on King Philip's side."

Richard let out a cold snort: "I want to see if they will remain loyal at the war meeting when he doesn't show up."

No monarch dislikes loyal subjects, but if they find that all these loyal subjects have turned to someone else, leaving only fickle opportunists under their command, such a contrast is too hard to bear.

"Your Majesty, I think you should hope for Duke Losa to show himself."

Standing next to him, the usually invisible young witch Martha suddenly spoke up, "If Duke Losa's caster team doesn't take action, even you might not be able to lead the Crusaders to victory."

Richard narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "You think I am no match for Duke Losa?"

Martha replied softly, "Your Majesty, you should be aware of Duke Losa and his casters' strength. If even such forces were defeated by Rashid, aren't you concerned about the Saracens hiding extraordinary power?"

Richard furrowed his brow, "What about the casters on Philip's side?"

Martha shook her head and said, "I cannot sense them. This means there is at least one powerful quasi-Legendary tier caster following His Majesty Philip. Unless Professor Mary or Her Majesty the Queen comes in person, His Majesty Philip may have more control over caster-based power than us."

Richard's expression grew increasingly serious.

Although he was confident, he never underestimated these extraordinaries. Even wielding the Sword in the Stone, it was difficult to oppose a quasi-Legendary tier wizard; such power is enough to sway the outcome of a war alone.

Richard sneered, "So this is Philip's confidence in vying for the Grand Marshal position against me. Otherwise, with his poor military capability, if he had any self-awareness, he should step aside immediately."

The Count's Guard Captain beside him spoke up, "Your Majesty, I think Miss Martha has a point. His Majesty Philip currently holds the advantage. We might consider allying with Duke Losa's forces. The times have changed; just as you once allied with His Majesty Philip against Losa, now you can ally with Duke Losa against His Majesty Philip."

"Hmph, do you also consider me just another fickle villain?"

Richard paused for a moment, then added, "But you do have a point. Now that Nalosa's life is uncertain, his forces need to engage in battle. If they choose to support me as Grand Marshal, I will promise to treat them equally during wartime. Otherwise, let them follow the incompetent Philip and march to their deaths."

Honestly, Richard had envied Losa's elite forces for a long time.

The soldiers under his command included a considerable number of wandering Knights and pilgrims from Europe, poorly equipped, their fighting prowess average, and their training levels lackluster.

Losa's troops, though comparable in number, were in an entirely different class in terms of combat ability. While he believed a lion leading sheep could defeat a pack of wolves, how much better if his troops were wolves themselves?

Martha and the Count's Guard Captain exchanged nods.

Rumors had it that Losa was still unconscious, and since he hadn't emerged to refute them, it likely held some truth.

His soldiers, occupying the twin cities of Semanud and Damietta, were not going anywhere. Since they ultimately have to fight the Saracens, they would surely choose between Philip and Richard.

With shared interests on both sides, this cooperation was entirely feasible.

…

Meanwhile, in King Philip's camp,

"The King of Jerusalem is about to enter the city."

"What, even that leper wants a contest?"

" "

Baldwin IV lightly coughed. Although his health was good, and he had the nourishing magic potions from young witch Nishaya, without Urding's treatment and after the long journey, he still showed some signs of fatigue on his face.

"Egypt truly is fertile land." 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Nishaya, do you think Lord Losa's body can still hold out?"

Nishaya appeared troubled.

The tier at which Losa and his enemies operated was still too high for the young witch; they were on the same level as her mentor. Despite her talent, she was still an apprentice and could not contribute much.

"Sigh, let's hope things haven't gotten that bad."

After receiving Godfrey's letter, he promptly decided to sail to Damietta and then travel by land to the frontline of Semanud City.

Nishaya appeared troubled.

The tier at which Losa and his enemies operated was still too high for the young witch; they were on the same level as her mentor. Despite her talent, she was still an apprentice and could not contribute much.

"Sigh, let's hope things haven't gotten that bad."

After receiving Godfrey's letter, he promptly decided to sail to Damietta and then travel by land to the frontline of Semanud City.