Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 600 - 374: The King Takes Action

The majestic Duke's Guard slowly proceeded down the main street.

The Winged Cavalry leading the way, clutching their drawn Armed Swords, commanded the crowd to make a path.

The townspeople had little reaction to Losa's arrival.

They had seen plenty of Crusader nobles flaunting their power lately and realized these Franks weren't as murderous as the legends had claimed. It was simply another new Lord to bow to, as life goes on.

However, some Crusaders and Pilgrims, recognizing the Double-headed Eagle Banner and the Winged Cavalry's attire, eagerly gathered around the column, raising their crosses or banners, excitedly chanting Losa's nickname and titles.

"Hail to the greatest Duke Losa!"

"Victor, Brave, Dragon Slayer, mighty Holy Spear Guardian, bless me, please."

"Holy Son be with me, invincible in battle!"

Some idle Coptics, plucking up their courage, also joined the commotion.

"Is this the legendary Holy Spear Guardian?"

"By Saint Margaret, is he riding a Pegasus? It looks even taller and more imposing than my camel!"

"I must admit, seeing this lord, those incredible legends seem to have some credibility after all. This is definitely no ordinary lord!"

They marveled, eyes fixed on Losa and his Guards, scarcely blinking.

For the first time, a rare thought dawned upon them that perhaps this presence could defeat the Saracens who had ruled Egypt for over five hundred years.

The military council's location today was set at the Crusaders' camp on the outskirts of the city, amidst lush banyan and palm trees under whose canopy scores of noble lords had already assembled.

Richard the Lionheart, looking distantly at the dust and flags swirling around the Guard, couldn't help but smile and say, "Quite a spectacle."

His Guard Captain, a Norman Count, scoffed, "Eastern nobles love their luxury so much, no wonder they lost their bravery, losing Antioch and Edessa in succession."

His tone was somewhat bitter. To finance the Crusade, Richard the Lionheart had nearly emptied his treasury and imposed the hefty "Saladin Tax," leaving Albion's nobility in hard times.

Having reached the Holy Land, he found his family heirloom armor less fine than the gear worn by an average Crusader soldier, a former Swabia villager from half a year ago. This filled him with a keen sense of injustice.

"And he's only claiming the title of Duke. If he truly takes all Egypt, wouldn't his entourage number in the thousands?"

Richard frowned; he cared little for wealth, but he knew its importance to an army.

"Enough, stop lamenting, my Knight. We didn't come to the East for wealth gathering."

Richard the Lionheart chuckled softly; risking his untrustworthy brother seizing his throne, he wasn't seeking Eastern riches or power but a glorious battle and supreme renown.

"Don't underestimate him; a Swabia villager couldn't accomplish these feats. You've seen it, the soldiers adore him, the nobles respect him, the Saracens fear him; even I must admit, he's indeed a fitting Crusade Commander."

"That's only because you weren't here."

The Count's Guard Captain sneered, "Any so-called illustrious victory he claims, you would surpass with ease."

"You're too arrogant, Fuller."

Though spoken aloud, Richard inwardly agreed with his Count's Guard Captain.

"Enough, Fuller, we should greet our Marquis now. Remember, hide your disdain; I heard, when this Duke was merely a Baron, he enjoyed tossing his gloves at people's faces. And you, you're not his match."

The Count's Guard Captain was somewhat defiant, but upon seeing the figure astride his colossal steed, he swallowed his words.

This fellow, whether in mount, horse armor, or armor, radiated exceptionalism, evoking instinctive awe.

Richard warmly greeted Losa, exchanged pleasantries, and as more Crusader nobles gathered, they smiled at each other and returned to their factions.

In the field, hundreds of Crusader nobles, along with entourage, gathered in groups of threes and fives. Viewed from above, one would see these nobles forming two somewhat indistinct circles.

The circles' central figures were Losa and Richard.

Richard gazed at Losa, surrounded by people, feeling a sense of amazement at how remarkably young he seemed.

In truth, he admired Losa.

Still, they were destined to oppose each other.

This military council aimed to garner more followers and secure command, though Losa was Baldwin IV's appointed Crusade Marshal, the position wasn't immutable.

By custom, a Crusade leader was typically the highest noble or formed into a temporary military council by similar-ranked lords jointly planning strategies.