CHAPTER 311: CHAPTER 5: EQUIVALENT EXCHANGE

In Losa’s encampment.

He was in full battle attire, sitting on the throne with a warm smile on his face.

"Turriados, meeting under these circumstances, I can only say, what a pity."

Turriados’s face looked bleak: "Count, I didn’t want this either, but Isaac has already defeated the Crusaders and the Empire’s fleet, we can’t resist him."

Seeing that Losa’s face did not show any surprise, he suddenly realized: "You knew from the beginning, didn’t you? That’s why you guessed my intention to move against you."

"But Isaac has a Black Dragon, and his army is far stronger than mine. Once he gathers the troops of various Lords, your solitary force will be undoubtedly defeated."

He intensified his tone: "I can provide you with ships and promise not to obstruct your retreat, as long as you spare me from paying the ransom."

Losa couldn’t help but laugh.

Even at this point, Turriados still thought he could escape without any cost.

"Chelina, tell our esteemed guest what nicknames I have."

Chelina solemnly said: "Coward, sitting before you is ’Holy Land Guardian’, who defeated Saladin, ’Werewolf Slayer’ who once slaughtered werewolves, ’Generous’ and ’Savior’, venerated by civilians, ’Brave’, always charges at the front in every battle, ’Divine Tree Guardian’ who turned desert into fertile land, and ’Dragon Slayer’, who killed two Giant Dragons consecutively."

Losa’s mouth lightly curved upwards, recalling Daenerys from his "Song of Winter and Summer".

These are just his nicknames; if you count the titles, it’s even longer than Daenerys’s prefixes.

Turriados couldn’t help but be shocked.

He had heard of Losa’s reputation, but always felt the rumors were exaggerated, especially since Losa had never deliberately publicized these, so he didn’t take them seriously.

After all, which Lord doesn’t boast about themselves in their own territory?

He found it hard to believe: "This... is it true?"

Jeanne mocked: "Fool, do you think deceiving you will magically give us the power to deal with a Black Dragon?"

Only then did Turriados realize he had said something foolish again.

If Losa wasn’t confident about dealing with a Black Dragon, he should be hastily preparing for withdrawal now.

Instead of leisurely sitting in the tent, negotiating with him.

Losa stretched lazily: "Turriados, you’ve picked the wrong side. Hand over Limassol (Amathus in Greek)."

Turriados fell silent for a moment, feeling a mix of emotions, even wanting to curse Losa, "Why didn’t you say so earlier?"

He struggled to speak: "I can hand over Limassol to you, as long as you guarantee the safety of my person and property."

Losa frowned: "Turriados, you must understand, even if I capture Limassol, it still belongs to the Eastern Empire, not me."

"So, you want me to ensure your family’s property safety, what benefit will I gain?"

"Do you want me to rob the wealth of rich merchants and minor nobles in the city, or the property of citizens and farmers?"

If you’ve heard of me, you’ll know I’m never someone who likes to bully the weak or condones the army’s plunder."

Turriados sincerely said: "But Count, you have limited manpower and can’t afford any losses."

"Limassol is a large city with thirty thousand people. If time wasn’t limited, I could totally summon more troops. The city militia alone isn’t something you can easily conquer."

"I’m willing to offer Limassol. Isn’t that enough to prove my sincerity?"

Losa snapped his fingers, a flame burst forth, illuminating his face: "Turriados, capturing Limassol is not a difficult task for me."

"If I wanted to, I could even set the entire city ablaze."

Turriados said through clenched teeth: "Half, I am willing to offer half of my property, and also ensure Count’s army supply."

"Deal."

Losa smiled: "You should be glad I’m not like Isaac, a tyrant."

Turriados had no choice but to say: "Thank you for your mercy."

Losa extended his hand, gesturing to Chelina to bring him a seat: "Next time before choosing a side, make sure your eyes are clear."

Turriados sighed softly, with a bitter smile: "Count, you have a good reputation, and losing to you at least won’t cost me my life.

But Isaac, he is a tyrant.

Without knowing who’s stronger between you and him, I had no choice."

...

Outside the encampment.

The soldiers were cleaning the battlefield, tending to the wounded.

Whether friend or foe, the accompanying military physicians of the Saint Lazarus Redemption Order would offer assistance.

In this battle, Losa’s side barely suffered any losses, with casualties numbering only in single digits.

While the enemies left behind at least eight hundred bodies, with nearly a thousand captured.

Worth mentioning was that many Knights lost their Warhorses during the charge.

Even wearing Horse Armor, the loss rate of Warhorses on the battlefield remains astonishingly high.

Moreover, the Greek cavalry changed sides swiftly, escaping at an incredible speed.

Resulting in numerous pack horses being captured, but very few Warhorses.

Luckily, Turriados has already decided to offer Limassol City, so next, all their supplies have found a source, and there is no need to worry about the army’s combat effectiveness plummeting.

Losa has no intention of advancing further to Nicosia.

He plans to stay in this city and wait for Isaac to bring his troops to attack.

Currently, the enemy is strong while we are weak. Isaac just defeated the allied fleet and is full of ambition; Losa doesn’t believe he can restrain himself and continue to hide in Nicosia.

Limassol City is the Gaulish name, while the Greeks call it Amathus.

This coastal city is the largest port city in the southern part of Cyprus Island, with a permanent population of over thirty thousand.

In the evening.

Through Turriados’ mediation, Losa signed a contract with representatives of the citizens, City Defense Army, and nobles.

In the big cities of this era, the citizen class, represented by various guilds (such as the Stonemason Guild and Blacksmith Guild), generally held considerable influence.

Some autonomous cities in Central and Western Europe even have full autonomy, apart from paying taxes to the Lord.

This is the result of a long struggle and compromise between the Lords and the citizen class.

Many Lords have no experience in managing cities, and after taking over, they only make a mess.

It’s better to leave the city to professionals to manage, which can also bring in a large sum of tax revenue, making everyone happy.

This is quite similar to the tax farming system.

The contract stipulates that Losa will ensure the personal and property safety of all citizens in Limassol.

Meanwhile, Limassol City must pay a substantial "war indemnity" and guarantee all necessary military supplies for Losa’s army in the process of quelling the rebellion.

Without a single soldier, this prosperous port city opened its gates to Losa.

He rode on his warhorse, walking side by side with Turriados: "I’ve heard that this city still retains the glorious traditions of the Ancient Empire, there is a Great Arena and a temple of Aphrodite?"

Aphrodite is one of the twelve Olympian gods in Greek mythology, presiding over love and seafaring.

Greek culture and Ancient Empire culture had long been indistinguishable from each other.

For example: Zeus is called Jupiter in Ancient Empire culture; Aphrodite is called Venus.

Turriados respectfully said, "Yes, if you wish to tour, I can be your guide."

Losa shook his head and said: "No need, have your men prepare food, hot water, drinking water, and lodgings."

He paused slightly, chuckled, and said: "Prepare clean food; Isaac may be a tyrant, but that doesn’t mean I will keep forgiving your offenses."

He smiled broadly, but in Turriados’ eyes, it was like an Evil Dragon.

"Never again, definitely not this time!"

Turriados’ gaze swept over those subjects whose faces were full of fear and anxiety.

Not a single one showed an expression of indignation.

He couldn’t help but feel a tinge of lament—is the bravery of the Empire’s people truly lost in the long river of history?

Seemingly seeing through Turriados’ thoughts.

Losa chuckled: "When did the once mighty Empire end up like this? Have her (the Empress of All Cities) citizens truly become cowardly?"

"In my opinion, it’s you nobles who are utterly rotten."

...

In the palace of Nicosia.

A colossal Giant Dragon lay coiled in the garden, its wings covering most of its ugly and ferocious dragon face, sleeping leisurely.

Beside it, a giant tray held a cow leg that had been gnawed to the bone.

Its fiery breath from its mouth and nose cracked the ground beneath it.

Isaac, full of ambition, said: "Simply unbelievable, this is the great might of the Giant Dragon! I cannot fathom how those knights of legend challenged such a behemoth."

The shadow behind him slowly stretched its body and teasingly said: "Not all Giant Dragons are so powerful; you should be grateful for my powerful divine favor."

"Indeed, I am very grateful!"

Isaac’s eyes flickered: "To thank you for your help, I will prepare an additional ten young maidens for you to enjoy."

The shadow lazily refused: "No need, the price you paid before was already sufficient. I am not the Devil, I hold the principle of equivalent exchange."

Isaac was slightly taken aback, then said calmly: "Then forget it."

Yet in his heart, a wave of shock surged.

A mere dozen maidens, even if they were all of unparalleled beauty, how could they compare to the value of a Black Dragon?

Only after acquiring the dragon beast did he realize just how unequal this so-called "equivalent exchange" really was.

Recalling the shadow’s oft-repeated phrase "I am not the Devil," a faint unease surfaced in his heart.

But even if it were the Devil.

I can no longer escape.

He reached out, stroking the slightly warm Dragon Scale of the Black Dragon, voicing his thoughts silently in his heart.