CHAPTER 69: CHAPTER 60: THE CENTER OF POWER (DOUBLE-LENGTH)

Many years ago, after the disastrous defeat of the Crusader states at the hands of Saladin in the Battle of Spring Valley.

The majority of Crusader nobility had come to realize that without help from Europe, Saladin was not an opponent they could contend with.

Even Count Reynard of Transjordan, who always clamored to wage war with Saladin, and the radical Grand Master of the Templar Order, Gerard, proposed initiating conflict only after considering that they could receive continuous support from Crusaders in Europe.

At this moment, Regent King, Prince of Tiberias (also Tabaria), Count Raymond of Tripoli, spoke again: "Besides the feast, His Majesty has another announcement to make."

Raymond glanced at the written content on the paper, his expression slightly changed, and he proclaimed loudly: "In the name of the King of Jerusalem, I appoint Baron Losa of Jorgelis as the Grand Master of the Jerusalem Royal Knight Order. Additionally, Baron Godfrey of Ibelin is appointed as Commander of the Jerusalem Knight Order, assisting Count Raymond, the Regent King, in handling the affairs of the entire order."

As soon as the words were spoken.

A noble dressed in a red robe raised his hand and shouted: "I oppose!"

Raymond shouted loudly: "Baron Reginald, state your reason for opposition!"

Baron Reginald from Sidon spread his arms and looked around: "I must admit that this Baron Losa is an excellent knight and has commendable skills in training troops."

He abruptly changed his tone and shouted: "But he is by no means an outstanding cavalry commander because he simply does not have any cavalry under his command!"

After speaking, laughter immediately echoed through the hall.

Not everyone can afford to maintain cavalry.

The training period for an elite cavalryman is measured in years, and how long has Losa been in the Holy Land?

It’s uncertain whether the impoverished fiefdom of Jorgelisburg can even sustain his armored soldiers.

Immediately, someone below echoed: "That’s right, he’s merely a newly landed baron who recently acquired a fief, how can such an important duty be entrusted to him?"

Godfrey’s expression turned cold; he coughed heavily and said: "If even the son of Count Werner is considered a nouveau riche, then what are some of you who, due to marriage or distant kinship connections rather than battle merits, have assumed positions?"

Count Reginald de Grenier, Lord of Jibert loudly declared:

"Baron Godfrey, I don’t mean to demean the identity of this Baron Losa, but in the Templar Order, even prominent royal family members can only start as sergeants. The position of Grand Master can only be elected from the revered masters."

The crowd below immediately concurred: "That’s right, according to Templar tradition, the position of Grand Master should be elected by the royal knights."

At this moment, whether members of the Empress Faction or the Noble Faction, all rare united in a common front against a potential outsider seizing one of the most powerful positions within Jerusalem City.

Baron Godfrey shouted: "Count of Jibert, I must remind you, the Jerusalem Royal Knight Order is a personal military force of His Majesty the King, belonging to secular authority rather than spiritual, and cannot be equated with the Templar Order."

"As for those of you saying Baron Losa lacks experience in commanding cavalry..."

Baron Godfrey shifted his tone and looked at the unusually silent Count Reynard.

This "King of the Dead Sea," Lord of Transjordan, realized something foreboding as Godfrey gazed at him.

Sure enough, Baron Godfrey bluntly stated: "Count Reynard, I have heard that in your territory there is a group of desert bandits, who for years plundered wealth enough to fill an entire castle, and despite frequent offensives, you haven’t been able to eliminate them."

Count Reynard’s face turned red then pale: "A mere bandit crew is not worthy of excessive attention from me, hence allowing them to barely survive."

Baron Godfrey showed a hint of satisfied smile; he courteously stepped into the center of the hall:

"Count Reynard, there’s no need to use such words to dodge; we all know how troublesome a light cavalry that moves as swiftly as the wind through the desert can be, and this does not diminish your renown."

"Indeed."

"That’s right."

Various nobles nodded in agreement, though lacking full understanding.

In this place, most people were no longer concerned about the affairs following Jorgelisburg, the remote fiefdom, nor aware of recent events there.

Yet, many of them had once encountered the disruptive raids of desert bandits.

Baron Godfrey raised a finger, and declared loudly: "It only took one day! For those who claim Baron Losa lacks cavalry command, it took him merely one day to lead his cavalry in defeating this bandit gang face-to-face and subsequently breaking through their hidden wooden castle."

"I must inform everyone that not only does Losa possess cavalry, but it is a battle-ready elite troop, at least comparable to those under Count Reynard!"

Godfrey looked at Reynard with eyes full of ridicule; this instantly provoked the impulsive Count of Transjordan.

He nearly erupted in curses.

This Count of Transjordan, burdened with the moniker "Renegade," might be usually courteous, yet in the throes of anger, he wouldn’t consider noble decorum.

At this time.

The sound of heavy hooves arose outside the palace gates.

"Somebody, who is making a commotion outside?"

"Don’t they know riding is forbidden in front of the Royal Palace?"

"Drive them away!"

Someone rebuked angrily.

In the next moment.

A group of elite knights in shining plate armor, accompanied a young knight into the palace.

The knight removed his helmet, revealing a vigorous and handsome face: "Good morning, everyone. I’ve heard that my affairs are the topic of discussion in the hall, so I have come uninvited."

"Dare I ask, since when has it been in Jerusalem, that the words of the King need the consent of his subjects?"