Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks

Count Losa comforted, "No need to worry."

"If there is conflict, it wouldn't happen in a short period. Emperor Henry isn't someone who relishes militaristic aggression. He prefers using political means to handle matters rather than brute force."

Otto recalled this emperor's way of conducting affairs and felt slightly reassured.

If the northern Apennine city-states hadn't actively resisted taxation, it wouldn't have provoked Emperor Henry to raise arms against them.

"Hopefully, His Majesty the Emperor can devise a good strategy to resolve the current situation."

The two brothers, guided by the attendant, arrived at the party.

In the party hall, the atmosphere was lively as nobles, ladies, and knights were enjoying the graceful Eastern dance performances.

Women, dressed lightly and covered only by a thin layer of gauze, revealing large portions of smooth skin, swayed their slender waists and danced gracefully to the music.

Persian female slaves always excel at servant duties, outdoing Frankish women.

Saracen women are even less competent; many Ayyubid nobles prefer visiting Frankish brothels.

Losa barely appeared and instantly became the undisputed center of the party.

Knights and nobles flocked to him, holding their wine glasses, attempting to converse with him.

Even putting aside his legendary experiences like "Dragon Slayer" and "Divine Favored," Losa is considered a veritably powerful Count in their eyes, able to turn stone to gold.

In Jerusalem, almost everyone at the most popular armor shops and taverns holds a Gwent card deck created by Losa.

These two inventions have almost changed the lives of all Jerusalem's knightly class greatly, significantly boosting Losa's prestige.

Losa, amid the exchanged toasts, formally introduced his brother Otto into the aristocratic circle of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

At this moment.

Princess Sibilla came over with a wine glass in hand.

"Pleased to see you, Your Highness."

"I thought you wouldn't find seeing me a joyful occasion."

Princess Sibilla was dressed in a deep red long coat and an Eastern-styled long skirt below.

She wore a white veil adorned with pearls on her face, with bare delicate eyebrows and clear blue eyes that appeared increasingly charming.

She was beautiful.

Losa silently praised in his heart, but still not as good-looking as my Prajna

Not even as good as Jeanne.

Losa smiled and replied, "To reunite with Your Highness after a long time is certainly a joyful occasion."

"Speaking of which, I haven't thanked you for saving my child back then."

"Just fulfilling my duty."

Losa smiled and said, "Even now, I haven't stepped down as the Grand Master of the Royal Knight Order, maintaining the Royal Palace's security is still my duty."

"Let's sit inside."

Princess Sibilla and Losa sat opposite each other at the table at the head of the hall.

This was against etiquette, but Princess Sibilla wasn't a simple noblewoman; she is simultaneously a Feudal Lord with knights and vassals loyal to her.

Even in conservative Europe, no one could restrain such a noblewoman.

Let alone in the increasingly Easternized Kingdom of Jerusalem.

"Would you like to play a round of Gwent?"

Princess Sibilla took out a small jewel box she carried and slid it open, revealing neatly stacked luxurious edition cards within—these cards even have gold powder added to the border, a top-level luxury item.

Losa couldn't help but chuckle, "Ha, Your Highness, are you sure you want to play cards with the inventor of Gwent? I have a complete set of special golden cards."

"I have them too, do not underestimate how much a loyal fan of 'Demon Hunter' would spend for a Gwent deck."

Sibilla's brows revealed a hint of pride, "Earlier, I didn't even know you were the author of Demon Hunter."

Losa felt a bit guilty as he said, "Few know the author is me—actually, the book was ghostwritten by a lady under me, I just provided the concept."

"Lady Prajna?"

"You know?"

"Certainly, the acclaimed Iron Knight, if she wasn't constantly by your side, romantic knights would have long crowded your camp pursuing her."

Losa shrugged, "I wouldn't give them such an opportunity."

Sibilla's expression became somewhat complicated.

"Did you reject me because of Lady Prajna? I heard she is a Witch with magic power; European Monarchs are always keen on pursuing such mysterious and affectionate women."

Losa didn't expect Sibilla to say something almost like revealing cards.

"Milady, I'm but an ordinary person. The reason I accomplished so much is due to the help of Witches."

"No need to comfort me with such words."

Sibilla gently pursed her lips, "If you were truly ordinary, how could you repeatedly gain Witches' loyalty? And as far as I know, Prajna is not the only witch under your command."

"Relax, Losa, don't worry about me entangling you. In fact, I married power many years ago."

Sibilla stared at Losa.

"Join me."

Losa detected the fierce emotion in her eyes.

It was like flowing molten emotion.

"Your Highness, I am only loyal to His Majesty."

Sibilla stressed, "But His Majesty, my brother, is afflicted with an incurable disease, and his wife hasn't borne him an heir. I am destined to be this country's Queen."

Losa continued to evade, "Then on the day you are crowned, I will be your most trusted vassal."

Sibilla's voice suddenly rose, "Losa, you are insulting me!"

Losa looked calmly at this angry yet regal noble lady, smiling, "I mean no insult, because I don't possess the ambition for the throne or higher power and wealth like you."

"No, you cannot deceive me; you are ambitious."

"In your eyes, your stories, I see ambition and aspirations."

Losa shook his head, "Your Highness, I am indeed ambitious, but my pursuits differ from yours."

Losa was silent for a moment and then quietly said, "If I sought higher power, it would be for titles like Sinai Border Count or King of Egypt, not busyness with internal strife, ignoring the Kingdom's safety."

Sibilla retorted, "Do you intend solely to expand borders and fight Heretics? If you support me, I'll give you more support!"

"No, Your Highness."

Losa smiled and said, "His Majesty has already given me his maximum support; you cannot, nor can you, provide more."

He stood up and slightly bowed, "I'm sorry, Your Highness, my ambition is indeed substantial, but we are not in alignment."

Just as Sibilla said, she had already married power.

Such people are willing to pay any price for power and status, political animals.

Skilled in intrigue, yet lacking in governance.

In Losa's view, if faced with the choice between the Kingdom falling under Princess Isabella or perishing but she inherits the Queen's title—

Sibilla would unhesitatingly choose the latter.

Also, even more importantly, Losa was quite certain that barring accidents, Baldwin IV would live a long time, with no need to choose sides in advance.

Sibilla watched Losa leave, her expression souring.

But she quickly composed herself, "Stop, Count Losa, we haven't started our game yet. Perhaps as you said, I don't understand your pursuits, but at least we won't be enemies."

Losa had already made clear his reluctance to involve himself in the power struggle between the Empress Faction and the Noble Faction, providing Sibilla reassurance.

Yet, at present, the Noble Faction's strength is suppressing the Empress Faction.

Because the core of the Empress Faction, the former Transjordan Count Reynard, is now just the Lord of Kaler Castle and Montreal.

Replaced by Count Losa, who has good relations with Regent King Raymond, creating feelings of danger for Princess Sibilla and several Empress Faction members.

Losa looked at Sibilla's determined eyes and nodded slightly, "It's an honor to play cards with Your Highness."