CHAPTER 70: CHAPTER 61: GRAND MASTER LOSA

Losa walked alone, slowly towards the center of the grand hall.

The front of his custom-made plate armor was emblazoned with the insignia of King David’s Cross, holding a helmet adorned with black feathers in his left hand, and a black cloak with an eagle badge draped over his shoulders.

A large red gem was embedded in the hilt of the Armed Sword at his waist.

His attire now was entirely different from the first impassioned speech he made in this hall.

At this moment, he appeared like the noble Crown Prince of a Kingdom, exuding an air of heroism and nobility.

Facing the accusatory, angry, disdainful, or doubtful gazes of the various nobles, Losa’s face showed no sign of fear.

He even leisurely looked around, nodding to nobles in each direction.

The King of Jerusalem in the Holy Land never had the final say.

But what truly caused the king’s authority to plummet was Baldwin IV’s worsening leprosy, which led to his long absence from public view.

Before this, due to Eastern traditions and divine authority, the King of Jerusalem, who could use King David’s Cross as an emblem, wielded considerable influence in the Holy Land.

"Baron Losa, how dare you storm the sacred Royal Palace with a troop of armored warriors?"

"This is disrespectful to the numerous nobles!"

"Did Count Werner teach you this way?"

Guy of Lusignan, with bloodshot eyes, shouted: "Guards, why haven’t you quickly expelled this insolent person?"

Despising through association, he considered his defeat by Belian a deep humiliation, and naturally held no goodwill towards Losa.

The guards exchanged glances, but none took a step.

These guards, clad in red and white hooded shirts, were soldiers belonging to the Royal Knight Order, and Count Raymond had just announced the king’s appointment of a new Grand Master.

With a smile, Losa said: "Apologies, gentlemen, whether you agree or not, as of today, I am the Grand Master of the Jerusalem Royal Knight Order."

"The security of the Royal Palace is my responsibility, so leading my armored cavalry and soldiers on patrol here is hardly impolite."

Baron Goffrey nodded and said: "Indeed, as the former Grand Master of the Jerusalem Royal Knight Order, I confirm Baron Losa’s actions are entirely proper and lawful."

Guy’s face turned red with anger, fiercely glancing at both Losa and Goffrey.

"Gentlemen, listen to what I have to say."

Losa didn’t return to his seat but instead walked directly to the table filled with fine wines and delicacies, took a cup, and drank the cold wine in one gulp.

Count Reynard, long unable to suppress his inner fury, shouted: "Enough, Losa, what trick are you trying to pull now?"

Losa glanced at Count Reynard, and with a smile said: "Just a few words I wish to say at this feast."

"His Majesty the King is not dead yet. I know many of you look forward to this day, starting baseless quarrels, opposing for the sake of opposing, trying to grab more power and wealth, wholly ignoring the impending threats."

"People always tend to think in favorable terms; some think of relying on the Crusaders called by the Pope, to resist the heretics, even using this sharp blade to open territories for themselves—anyway, the Crusaders will eventually leave."

"But haven’t they perhaps entertained the same thoughts as you?"

Losa looked around, yet no anticipated rebuttal came.

In fact, after learning that the three kings of Europe simultaneously postponed the Eastern Expedition, the nobles of Jerusalem had also developed this idea.

After all the Crusader states are defeated, and all the old Crusaders occupying positions are dead, they would emerge to clean up the mess—isn’t that a more fruitful endeavor?

To the nobility, lip service is faith, while their hearts are filled with interests, as is normal.

Losa suddenly noticed Count Tirry standing not far away, looking awkward.

Smiling, he raised his glass and said: "Of course, noble people like Count Tirry are exceptions. I believe he is a pure knight, who came to the Holy Land for the will of the Heavenly Father."

He turned the conversation, not waiting for Count Tirry’s response, and continued:

"It’s time to end all of this, at least until Saladin is defeated."

"We all know that even if the three kings cease fire immediately and march together to Jerusalem, it would take at least a year and a half to reach the Holy Land."

"The movement of large armies can’t be as quick as that of dozens or hundreds of Crusaders."

"Before that, can we alone really be Saladin’s match?"

Reynard suddenly stood up, thumping his chest forcefully: "Under the protection of the True Cross, the warriors of the Heavenly Father will be invincible! Anyone daring to propose peace with Saladin is a traitor!"

Losa looked surprised: "Who said we should negotiate peace with Saladin? People like Count Tirry and I came to the Holy Land to defend Jerusalem. We must fight, but we must also unite!"

"Ha."

Reynard gave a cold sneer and remained silent.

The Regent King, Raymond nodded and said, "Indeed, war is inevitable. As the weaker side, we must unite."

The nobles all showed approving looks.

But just like the political correctness upheld by future Europe, "unite" is merely an appropriate platitude for any time.

No one can truly achieve this.

Power is a beautiful poison, possessing a terrifying allure that keeps one ensnared until death.

To drink this poison, some people are even willing to make deals with heretics.

At this moment, an attendant dressed in an Arabian-style robe slowly walked out from the corridor linking to the great hall, and in a low voice announced, "Baron Losa, His Majesty summons you."

"Gentlemen, I must take my leave. I hope you will carefully consider what I have said."

Losa nodded slightly and followed the attendant into the corridor leading to the inner hall.

Only leaving behind the murmuring nobles.

"Where did this Losa get this group of knights in Milan-style plate armor?"

"Ha, it’s nothing more than a flashy thing acquired for a high price."

"Indeed, I’ve heard that the wealth of that desert bandit could fill an entire castle. He must have used that money to hire the cavalry, right?"

"This money originally should have belonged to Reynard, right? Haha, how amusing!"

Half-body plate armor, indeed, doesn’t have the defense of the intricate chain armor, but it’s more flexible and lighter, requiring higher craftsmanship, yet not as cumbersome as chain armor.

Count Reynard laughed scornfully to his followers, "Ha, even a young lad wants to step over us now, the Grand Master of the Royal Knight Order, ha, have any of you seen such a young Grand Master?"

Someone lowered their voice and mumbled, "Why hasn’t that leper received the call yet?"

Everyone feigned deafness, and Count Reynard shot him a fierce glance.

Are such words even allowed here?

Baron Goffrey called out to Losa’s subordinates, "Gentlemen, come and sit with my knights; and you two esteemed ladies, please sit here."

...

In the dim palace, the room was still filled with the scent of incense.

Losa looked at Baldwin IV, his condition seemed worse, with one arm completely immobile, he could only point to the opposite seat with difficulty using the other hand.

"Sit down."

"Your Majesty, your health..."

Baldwin IV shook his head slightly, picked up a chess piece, and made the first move: "In the upcoming period, we will meet often, so there’s no rush to discuss this matter."

"I’ve heard about your recent performance, you haven’t disappointed me."

Losa also picked up a piece and made the first move: "Thanks to your favor, although I have achieved nothing, I was granted the title of baron and the position of Grand Master, I am truly anxious."

"Ha, as I said, that matter was my mistake in planning, you have given your all, and naturally, you deserve credit."

Baldwin IV shook his head slightly, his actions were always unhurried, clearly due to his leprosy, but he showed no trace of a patient’s slowness, instead giving a sense of calm composure.

"Losa, Saladin is a very formidable enemy. I once defeated him at Mongisa but also lost to him at Spring Valley. I know him well."

"Reynard cannot be his match. Tiberias, Raymond is clever, but he lacks courage. His territory is concentrated in the north of Jerusalem. If it is just to cut off the southern lands, I think he would be willing to make an agreement with Saladin."

Losa nodded and said, "Saladin is indeed formidable. I honestly didn’t expect him to break our tacit agreement with the Sassanid King in this manner."

Admitting a mistake by lowering one’s head.

Simple in speech, but how difficult for a king in power?

"I overestimated the Sassanid King’s resolve and underestimated Saladin’s resolve."

Baldwin IV sighed lightly, "Losa, grow quickly. I will help you as much as possible, but you must hold this kingdom for me."

Losa nodded, "I will do my best, but it is difficult, Your Majesty."

"A miracle worker always has miracles at their side, Losa."

The eyes beneath Baldwin IV’s mask appeared somewhat lost in thought.