Reincarnated Into The Middle Ages

The Holy Land, though it appeared to Norn as just another city, was a place of pilgrimage for countless people across the continent, driven by the magic of faith.

Whether it was Christians carrying crosses or bearded men in turbans, Norn observed that most of them were raggedly dressed yet walked with unwavering determination.

"What exactly is faith? And what is the Holy Land?" Norn shook his head, deciding that such questions were best left to scholars. He was more focused on figuring out how to live a good life.

As Norn and his group entered the city, they saw a unique blend of Eastern and Western architecture.

Christian spires with crosses stood alongside Arabic minarets. Though the two seemed to coexist without interaction, their mere presence together was astonishing.

Watching the Arabs performing their evening prayers in the distance, Norn turned to Everard and asked, "Are these people allowed to perform their evening prayers in this holy city?"

"Although the Grand Master does not approve, His Majesty the King has ordered that infidels be allowed to worship and pray," Knight Everard said noncommittally.

"As long as they pay the tax."

Led by Everard, Norn arrived at an inn in the city. Everard had to report on the escort situation, so he took his leave.

"Without any mishaps, Baron Otto's initiation ceremony will be held in a week. Please ensure that Baron Otto has settled his worldly affairs and arrives at the Knight's House three days in advance to prepare for the ceremony," Everard reminded before departing.

"Thank you for the reminder," Norn said, producing a bulging purse. "Please accept these 100 gold nomismata as a believer's contribution to the Lord's cause."

"Thank you for your generosity to the Lord's cause. I'm sure the Grand Master will be very pleased with this!" Everard took the purse, and Norn subtly placed another 10 gold nomismata into Everard's hand.

"There's one more thing I need your help with. We've just arrived in the Holy City and would like to purchase a residence. Do you happen to know of any estates outside the city that are close by and particularly spacious? They don't need to produce anything."

Everard, sensing Norn's "gesture," smiled even more broadly.

"Absolutely, I'll look into it for you and try to get the best price possible. By the way, if you have any difficulties in the future, you can come to me."

After bidding farewell, Everard rode his horse all the way to the Knight's House, the Templar headquarters.

After passing through several layers of guards, Everard met with Grand Master Odod.

The Grand Master was standing behind a map, one hand constantly stroking his chin. Hearing the footsteps behind him, he asked without turning around, "Everard, you're finally back! How was the journey?"

"We encountered an attack by infidels, but fortunately, there were no major casualties."

At this moment, Everard's face no longer had the shrewdness of a merchant, but rather a cunning smile.

"I've long suggested that we should exterminate these infidels completely, but Adrian, that coward, actually wants to coexist peacefully with them!" The Grand Master slammed the table in anger, turning around like an enraged lion to face Everard.

After a while, realizing that the person in front of him was not an enemy, the Grand Master's expression softened.

"Is there anything else?"

"On the way, I met Baron Otto Adler, who says he is about to become one of our fellow believers."

"Otto Adler. I remember that name was mentioned in a letter from Sir Jean Legoff," the Grand Master's eyes twinkled.

"What is this man like?"

"Pious, brave, calm and composed, and highly skilled. Oh, and his nephew donated 100 gold nomismata!" Thinking of the gold coins in his purse, Everard decided to add a few more words.

"Warriors who wield the sword for the Lord and gold are always the more the better. Tell the priest to let this Otto Adler join the initiation ceremony in a week."

"Yes, Your Excellency."

"By the way, there is another mission. In a few days, you will go to..."

Back with Norn, after everyone settled into the inn, Otto came to Norn's room.

"Norn, I'm going to the Holy Mountain to take a look. I might be back late."

"Uncle, I'll go with you."

Otto wanted to persuade Norn to stay, but seeing the determined look in Norn's eyes, he didn't refuse.

After a brief explanation, the two followed the bustling crowd and, guided by passers-by, arrived at the Holy Mountain not far from the city.

Otto simply found a stone to sit on with Norn and then silently watched the pilgrims. Norn just stayed with him.

As the sun set in the west and the pilgrims dispersed, only the two of them remained.

As night fell, Norn, unable to bear the weight of the day, leaned against Otto and fell asleep.

In the morning, when Norn woke up, he found a blanket had been draped over him at some point during the night, and Otto was still sitting there, lost in thought.

After a long while, "Norn," Otto finally spoke. "Do you think the Lord will forgive Eve?"

"He will! If He doesn't, then He doesn't deserve to be called the Lord."

Otto finally got up and dusted the dirt off Norn.

"Let's go, it's time to head back."

"Okay!"

After returning, Otto suddenly became more talkative, constantly reminding Norn of this and that, which left Norn both amused and frustrated.

"Uncle Otto, you're not going to be gone forever. I live right next to you. And we agreed to go back together!"

Otto laughed after hearing this, called over DeMol, and handed a key to Norn.

"This is the key to the Adler family's treasure chest. I trust you'll use it wisely."

"I will! By the way, Uncle, when you come back from your leave, remember to bring friends over for dinner! I'll cook a lot of dishes to entertain you all."

Otto smiled and patted Norn on the head, praying in his heart, "I hope the Lord blesses Norn. It would be even better if he could resist the temptation of money."

At that moment, Everard came to visit.

"Norn, we happen to have an estate that meets your requirements. If you're free today, we can go take a look together."

Norn was more than happy to escape Otto's constant reminders and set off with several knights following Everard.

The estate was about 3 kilometers from the Holy City. Its low adobe walls enclosed more than 20 acres of land. Inside were typical desert-style buildings, including guest rooms, stables, warehouses, and even a weaving room and a blacksmith's shop.

"Although the soil of this estate is barren and produces little, it is conveniently close to both the Knight's House and the Holy City. It originally belonged to a bearded merchant. However, last year he was exiled for treason, and the estate was confiscated by the Knights. The servants were all dismissed, but the furniture inside the estate can still be used directly."

Everard continued to introduce, "What do you think? You can buy this estate for just 500 gold nomismata!"

"Uncle Everard, you dropped your wallet!"

Everard quickly bent down to pick up the wallet that had appeared on the ground.

"Oh dear, how careless of me!" Everard happily counted the 20 gold nomismata in the wallet.

"And the price of the estate?"

"Oh, I made a mistake just now. It's actually 400 gold nomismata."

"Uncle Everard, you dropped your wallet again."

Seeing another wallet appear at his feet, Everard gritted his teeth but still picked it up.

"The estate has been unused for so long and is a bit dilapidated. I'll talk to them when I get back. It should be possible to get it for 350 gold nomismata."

Seeing yet another wallet in Norn's hand, Everard quickly waved his hands.

"That's enough, that's really the lowest price."

Norn reluctantly put away the wallet. "Can we sign the contract today then?"

"Sure!"

A week later, Otto and several others participated in the Solomon Knight's Order initiation ceremony. These men, dressed in coarse linen and wearing a hemp rope around their waists to symbolize chastity, knelt on one knee.

Armored Templar Knights surrounded them, witnessing the newcomers' induction.

The Grand Master, standing in the center, held a sword in one hand and placed the other on the Bible on the altar.

"Fellow believers, swear an oath facing the Bible."

"I will wield the sword for the Lord and defend the Holy Land."

"Obey orders until death."

"Live in poverty and chastity, and be humble and obedient."

"Perform your duties and maintain pure friendship."

After the oath, a priest brought them white tunics with red crosses, armor, and swords.

The Grand Master walked up to each of them and warmly helped them to their feet.

"In the name of the Lord, defend the glory of the Lord!"

Everyone present roared in response.

At the same time, in a mountainous area of Levant, a Templar Knight stood beside a skull-like stone. Despite it being daytime, he swung a torch three times.

After a while, a man fully wrapped in black emerged from a cave, signaling the knight to follow.

The two traversed winding mountain paths, under the watchful eyes of many, until they reached a stone chamber.

In the middle of the chamber stood a screen, with a flickering brazier in front of it, casting eerie shadows of the person behind.

"What brings you here, Knight?" came a voice from behind the screen, sharp and hoarse, belonging to an old woman.

"Can't I just pay a visit?"

If Norn had been there, he would have been astonished to see that this knight was none other than Everard, the man he had done business with.

"You're joking."

"Hahaha, you lot still have no sense of humor," Everard chuckled dryly, then his tone became slightly more serious.

"I'm here to inform you that the tribute for this year will be increased by 30%."

A long silence followed.

"For the past few years, we've been at peace. Why the sudden increase in tribute?"

"We've been attacked by infidels more and more lately! Just ten days ago, I almost met my maker."

"What does that have to do with us?" came a gruff male voice from behind Everard.

A burly man, also dressed in black, had appeared behind Everard without anyone noticing.

"I don't care about the differences between your sects. Either you pay up or bring us Saladin's head," Everard said coldly.

"You..." the man began.

"Enough!" the person behind the screen interrupted. "We will prepare the tribute before the appointed day."

"You'd better be sensible!" Everard said, then turned and left.

"Hassan! Can we just endure these people's constant insults?" the burly man stormed forward, shouting in anger.

"Ibrahim, I know you value the honor of the organization above all else, but..." the person behind the screen began.

Before they could finish, the burly man slammed the door and left.

"Alas!" was all that remained in the stone chamber, a clear and beautiful sigh.