Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks

Prajna, who was squatting by the spring washing linens, suddenly heard footsteps behind her.

Jeanne's voice followed: "Tch, why did you suddenly think of washing linens? Let those maids do it; they are idle all day long."

Prajna's movement paused slightly, then she continued scrubbing.

Jeanne pretended to be nonchalant as she approached, and seeing no mysterious bloodstains on the linens, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Ah, if I were an adult, I definitely wouldn't let your tender fingers scrub linens."

Prajna lifted her head, her eyes cold: "If you are truly feeling restless, I would advise the Count to let you return to training new recruits."

The words Jeanne originally intended to say were swallowed back.

"How could I be idle? I have to inspect those newly promoted Armored Archers."

She casually made an excuse and quickly fled the scene.

Prajna's lips slightly curled: "What a cunning woman."

…

After sending off the Teutonic Order, Losa took a quick shower, washing away the sweat, then took out the emblem and infused spiritual power into it: "Hey, is it convenient now?"

"Hold on."

The voice on the other end was somewhat noisy, as if there was an argument going on.

After a while, the voice became clear.

Anna, clearly still upset, cursed: "That little bastard Isaac Komnenos, it's bad enough he was defeated by the Armenians, but he dared to recruit a bunch of pirates and mercenaries, and with a forged document, he occupied Nicosia, openly claiming himself as the Emperor of the Empire."

"Cyprus?"

Losa reacted for a moment before realizing that Nicosia must be a major city on Cyprus Island.

The place names of this era were too easily confused for him, like Nicaea and Nicomedia.

"It's just a minor ailment. Your Eastern Empire's navy shouldn't have trouble taking back Cyprus, right?"

Anna's voice paused slightly.

Indeed, that was the case.

Though the Eastern Empire's navy wasn't weak, after Isaac Komnenos occupied Cyprus Island, holding a significant amount of gold and silver, forming a large fleet might not be feasible, but hiring a fleet to fight for him was no problem.

She hummed twice, not mentioning this topic again, but instead asked: "I heard you've assembled a new team of Armored Cavalry under your command?"

Losa was a bit surprised: "Your information is quite well-informed."

Anna chose her words carefully: "Of course, Losa, if I tell you that within your territory there's a resident who is actually a member of our association, would you be angry?"

Losa shook his head: "Of course not—as long as he pays legal taxes, he's a good resident of mine."

Anna felt relieved, her tone becoming light again: "Speaking of which, under you there's a troop of Heavy Infantry equipped similarly to the Varangian Guard.

And a Square Shield Soldier troop reminiscent of the Ancient Empire's army corps style.

Now a team of Armored Cavalry has been added—remember, after the Manzikert and Durazzo battles, even the Empire no longer has a proper Armored Cavalry regiment."

Anna teased: "You really are passionate about reviving the Empire's former glory, so I think you should definitely stand on our side."

Losa chuckled lightly: "Heh, it's just a coincidence. I have no interest in reviving the Empire; that's the business of you Greeks."

Anna muttered under her breath, "Barbarians have also ruled as emperors before."

Her tone paused slightly, then she said: "So, how about acting as mercenaries for us to seize Cyprus? I'll offer you quite a lucrative reward."

"Not interested. I'm the Count of the Outskirts of Jordan, considered high-ranking and powerful, not some landless wandering noble. How could I become a mercenary?"

Losa's tone paused, and he laughed: "Don't forget, you still owe me."

If it were nearby, low-intensity fights, he might be willing to send troops to sharpen them, but not to attack Cyprus.

Cyprus is one of the Eastern Empire's richest sources of wealth, crucial for wheat, olive oil, copper ore, and cheese production.

It's also the hub of Mediterranean trade, and one of the few sources still directly taxed by the Empire Center.

Even if it's seized, the Eastern Empire wouldn't just grant this land to Losa as his domain.

Moreover, Losa couldn't manage two maritime territories.

If it's just monetary rewards, Losa wasn't planning to risk his soldiers' lives for it.

Anna playfully said: "How about handing me over to you then?"

"No thanks."

Losa replied coldly.

If it were before, he might have been tempted, but now he's quite Buddhist.

Sage Mode activated.

"I advise you all to reclaim Asia Minor quickly, many Latin scholars have already started calling you the Aegean Sea Empire or Constantinople Empire."

Losa hoped the Eastern Empire would take action, it would further distract Saladin.

Compared to the Crusaders of Jerusalem, the Eastern Empire was undoubtedly a more formidable opponent.

Anna frowned deeply: "Where did you hear that? It's utterly shameless!"

Just like the Roman Empire, this world's Empire is the legitimate Empire, no such Byzantine terminology.

Losa said seriously: "I actually think there's nothing wrong with what they're saying; at this stage, we should be allies, purging Turkic Influence in Asia Minor and fighting against the Fire Worship power is the glorious mission of us, the children of Christ."

"Huh, before I never noticed you had such a pious side."

Anna teased, then couldn't help feeling: "I know Asia Minor is crucial, but Losa, the Empire now lacks no elite troops, it's just missing fierce generals like you, are you really not considering serving a different monarch? I guarantee you'll rise rapidly."

"No."

Losa replied firmly.

Perhaps by switching allegiance now, he could quickly rise as a major prince.

But he's not a turncoat.

Moreover, compared to the straightforward, blunt Franks, Greeks have far too many tricks, hence the term "Greek conspiracy."

"Speak, what exactly are you looking for me for?"

"To connect me to Nishaya, I want to sell her a Tyrannical Dragon core."

Anna's voice paused briefly, then sounded again: "So, during these days you disappeared, you really took down that Tyrannical Dragon?"

"Mm, it didn't take much time to kill it, most of it was spent traveling."

"Leave this matter to me, I'll have Nishaya rush over right away. I'll give you five thousand Suludes gold coins along with a magic book, how about that?"

"It's a very fair price, the Magic Book, I want the Fire Element one."

Losa agreed straightforwardly.

"Then, Hallelujah."

Losa slightly paused, then laughed and said: "Hallelujah."

This is a prayer phrase praising the Heavenly Father; Anna using this to bid farewell to Losa apparently had some sarcastic teasing.

...

By evening, the magic scroll and a chest full of heavy gold coins had arrived.

Losa had no intention of saving the money and instead, with a wave, spent it all on Chelina, Jeanne, Furinjira, and Prajna.

Raising their level to sixty.

Just as he intended to thoroughly study the magic scroll in his hand, Prajna's cold voice sounded behind him.

"Tonight, still want to sleep together?"

He turned to look.

Under the moonlight, Prajna's pure and clear, untainted face.

Losa replied without hesitation: "Sleep."