CHAPTER 312: CHAPTER 6: MILITARY ZONE GENERAL

Cyprus is a good place, quite like the climate at Eira Port.

The northern part of Limassol District features vast and fertile plains, suitable for growing various crops, while the southwest is mountainous, with numerous vineyards.

In Turriados’s estate.

Losa is communicating with Anna.

"Anna, I’ve captured Limassol City, and Turriados has become my prisoner."

"Did you use forbidden magic?"

"No."

Silence fell on the other side.

After a while, a voice came through.

"I don’t know whether to be happy or angry; you took over the fortified Limassol City with just over a thousand people in one day, that’s truly unbelievable."

Anna’s voice was somewhat bitter.

Losa shrugged: "Your military system is flawed, the combat effectiveness is quite poor, no wonder the border of Asia Minor is like a sieve, allowing the Turkic people to plunder at will."

Though Losa specifically brought along originally assigned armored lance for Hans, along with his "charge", and Jeanne’s "Knight’s Flower" for a triple boost.

Greatly elevating the strength of the Teutonic Order.

But most of his soldiers are newly recruited with only a few months’ training.

He said with a leisurely tone: "So, what now? Our friendship aside, the risks I’m facing now can’t be compensated by a mere Mazotos."

Losa was quite blunt about wanting to up the ante.

"I understand what you mean, but I can’t agree to hand Limassol over to you, unless you are willing to swear an oath of fealty to the noble Barcelona."

"Coincidentally, His Majesty has the idea of splitting Cyprus’s military zone into three parts.

If you can capture Isaac, I can make the call to grant you the title of Military Zone General, rather than a mere Count Commander like Turriados."

Limassol is not just a city; it is also the capital of the Limassol region, overseeing several towns, castles, and villages including Mazotos.

"Military Zone General..."

Losa frowned.

In this era, there’s no concept of serving only one master.

He could be a vassal of both the Eastern Empire and the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Like his good brother in simulated battles, Duke Charles of Burgundy, who is both a vassal of the King of France and the Holy Roman Emperor.

Although, in reality, he fulfills none of those feudal obligations.

And has always sought to consolidate his territories under a single title, the Duchy of Burgundy.

And perhaps elevate to the Burgundy Kingdom, becoming a monarch on par with the King of France and the Holy Roman Emperor.

In essence, a fickle double-dealer.

"A tempting proposal, I’ll consider it seriously."

Losa shifted the topic: "Tell me about the Black Dragon’s weaknesses?"

"The temperature of the Black Dragon’s breath is not as terrifying as that of the Tyrannical Dragon, and its body strength is significantly weaker than the Tyrannical Dragon. However, its claws and fangs are laced with a terribly corrosive toxin, quite similar to Demon-Blocking Gold, possessing a degree of anti-magic effect."

"Also, among winged dragons, the Black Dragon’s flying speed can be considered average. But if you really want to identify its weaknesses, it would be its relatively fragile scale armor."

"Overall, this Black Dragon should be slightly weaker than the Tyrannical Dragon you faced."

"Got it, thanks."

Losa was quite confident.

No matter how nimble this Black Dragon might be, as long as its scale armor isn’t durable and its life force isn’t as tenacious as that of the Tyrannical Dragon, it can’t withstand the Holy Spear of Certain Hit that both Jeanne and he can wield.

What merits caution, however, is where Isaac managed to acquire this Black Dragon from.

Ended the communication.

Losa looked at Chelina beside him: "You heard everything, right?"

"Yes."

"What do you think I should choose?"

Chelina was slightly taken aback: "Is this another test for me?"

"It is."

She pondered for a moment and said: "I personally think you can agree. Even if you’re worried about not being able to control the enclave, you could arrange a territory exchange with Princess Sibilla, who holds both Gaza and Jaffa."

"Territory exchange is a good suggestion; I’ve thought about it before. But alas, Limassol isn’t a small town like Mazotos; it can’t be used for exchange."

Losa stretched lazily: "Since you said so, I’ll agree to Anna’s terms then."

Chelina: "?"

Furinira mocked: "Don’t listen to the adult’s nonsense; he probably decided to agree to Anna’s terms long ago, perhaps even hoping to see the legendary first beauty of the East at the ceremony."

...

On the city wall of Limassol.

Losa touched the severely weathered bricks.

Turriados followed him obsequiously from behind.

"In two months, it will be the harvest season for the vineyards of Troodos Mountain. Count, here is a property contract for a vineyard estate."

"Then I won’t be courteous. Consider it part of your half of the assets."

Losa looked toward the port below.

Affected by the war, there were noticeably fewer people here.

"Lord Turriados, how much tax revenue does Limassol pay you annually?"

Losa’s sudden question caught Turriados off guard. He recalled, deliberated, and said:

"If we only count this city, it’s around ten thousand Suludes gold coins."

"Including trade taxes?"

"Of course."

"Pretty much like Hebron."

Losa displayed an unsurprised expression, though Hebron’s permanent population is only one-third of Limassol’s.

Yet being part of the Two Holy Lands, with numerous pilgrims, the tax revenue between the two places is virtually balanced.

In terms of development potential alone, Limassol is still inferior to Eira Port.

Mediterranean trade is indeed more developed, but there are many ports, ultimately not matching Eira Port, the best Red Sea port.

"Have you thought about what kind of punishment you might receive this time?"

Turriados hesitated for a moment, a hint of bitterness appeared on his face.

Involvement in rebellion like this, in the Eastern Dynasty, at minimum would start with the confiscation of assets and family extermination, possibly affecting nine generations.

If it were in the Eastern Empire, during the period when the bureaucratic system was complete, Turriados would at least be sentenced to death, deprived of all noble titles.

"I don’t know. If Your Majesty is merciful, perhaps I’ll be taken back to Constantinople to face trial."

"Let’s put it this way, Turriados, even if you don’t lose your life, it’s impossible for you to continue as the Count Commander of Limassol, you need to consider your family’s interests."

"What do you mean?"

Losa said solemnly, "The esteemed Barcelona is considering splitting the Cyprus military district, appointing me as the Military Zone General of Limassol, and I hope you can help me secure this position."

Turriados remained silent.

A hint of anger grew in his heart, you occupied my position, slaughtered my troops, seized my property, and still want me to help you?

Do you take me for a Minotaur on Crete Island?

"Turriados, everyone must bear the consequences of their choices. If you align with me, I can secure your life and your family’s interests."

Losa’s tone was leisurely, "Or, bear the burden of treason charges and be sent by me to Constantinople for trial?"

Turriados was somewhat incredulous, "You’re willing to use me?"

Losa chuckled lightly, "Would I be joking with you if I weren’t?"

He didn’t care whether Turriados was loyal or not, as after his tenure, he would directly transition to an Imperial Knight.

Turriados hesitated no longer, and said straightforwardly, "I am willing to serve you."

Losa responded with an "Hmm," and asked, "How many troops does Isaac have under his command?"

"Not counting the forces of various commanders and nobles, Isaac has two thousand light cavalry of Turkic and Kuman origins directly under him, along with his Personal Guard from the Cilicia military district, which is a well-structured force also numbering two thousand troops, including numerous Latin knights."

Narrowly speaking, Latin knights refer to Frankish knights hired by the Empire; broadly, they also include the newly formed cavalry the Empire established based on the "Lance Charge" strategy.

After all, the prowess of Latin knights is widely recognized, whereas the Eastern Empire’s armored cavalry, due to the high expense, is no longer appropriate.

"Count, I must remind you, Isaac also has a navy. If he attacks from the sea route..."

"Aren’t the militia of Limassol willing to help me defend Limassol? Everyone knows Isaac’s cruelty. Would his army be an upright force conquering a city but refraining from looting?"

Turriados opened his mouth, sighed gently, "I will help persuade the citizen representatives to deploy town militia to assist in defending the city."

"Not help me."

Losa patted Turriados’ shoulder, "Help yourself. You’ve already made your choice, but after you lost that battle, you have no choice anymore."

"You can only follow me now."

...

Inside the military camp within Limassol City.

The atmosphere was fervent.

A great victory has caused the previously somewhat tense farmer soldiers to relax considerably.

An old farmer soldier was cheerfully counting the coins in his hand—that was his spoils from this battle.

Together, his comrades were enthusiastically discussing today’s entry ceremony: "The Greek girls here are truly pretty, I’ve heard a single silver coin is enough to enjoy oneself wonderfully with the ladies of the town."

The others were salivating at the thought.

The secluded military life had left these young soldiers eager to release their pent-up desires.

Moreover, they coincidentally had money in hand.

The old farmer soldier stuffed the coins into his pocket, coughed, and scolded, "Stop babbling, if Judge Ned hears, you’ll surely receive a whipping."

Thinking of the perpetually stern-faced Ned Stark, the group immediately felt as if a cold bucket of water had been poured over them, their enthusiasm waning.

Noiselessly, Renault suddenly spoke up, "Prostitution is considered a serious crime in the military law established by Knight Commander Jeanne, leaving the camp unauthorized is even more severe."

The group was momentarily stunned.

Someone joked, "Hey, Renault, you brat, are you starting to lecture us on military law?"

"We were just talking."

The old farmer soldier stood up, approached Renault, and smilingly said, "How about it, Renault, all those practice formations and spear thrusts paid off, did they? We aren’t Lords Knights, knowing these is enough."

Someone teased with laughter, "Renault is in the front row, all he has to do is hold up his shield."

Renault sincerely said, "It’s my fault; I shouldn’t have questioned the training regulations established by the Count and Knight Commander Jeanne. However, in this battle, it seems we didn’t play much of a role."

"Hey, we are just a bunch of unlucky infantry; it’s good that we can assist the Lords Knights."

Renault said with some envy, "I heard that in the adjacent barrack of the second company, a small farmer soldier named Karami accumulated enough merit, and is said to be knighted."

The group felt a surge of enthusiasm.

"Old Baal, you’re almost there too, right?"

The old farmer soldier sat cross-legged on his campaign bed, and upon hearing this, displayed a proud look, "Of course, capture just three more enemy heads, I can freely choose between the Winged Cavalry company or the newly formed armored cavalry company."

The Winged Cavalry and Heavy Armored Archers aren’t knights.

But in the eyes of these men, they might as well be.

Those words ignited the fervor in the tent, with every farmer soldier bursting with enthusiasm for killing enemies, itching to immediately fight another major battle.