Early the next morning.

Eira Port, the plaza in front of Saint Andrew's Cathedral.

After the charges against Rahman's family, some of the attendants, and Hardy's gang members were read aloud.

With a command from Pepin.

All those on the gallows suddenly found their footing gone, their bodies dropped downward, breaking the necks secured by the nooses.

The crowd erupted in cheers that resembled a sea roaring.

Landon was in tears, nearly driven to ruin by Hardy, Rahman's subordinate.

"In the name of the Holy Fire, you punish no villains, yet the Lord of the Heretics gives us justice."

"Since this is the case, from today, I shall no longer worship the Holy Fire. In this cathedral before me, I shall be baptized and converted."

Many made the same decision as Landon.

That day, numerous converts came forth, though many were motivated by promises of new faith and land distribution.

The people at the bottom remain contradictions of devotion and lack thereof, traveling great distances to the Holy Land, mostly in pursuit of the so-called "land flowing with milk and honey."

If one can live a good life now, who desires only to hope for ascent to the Celestial Kingdom later?

…

Few had anticipated the rapid downfall of Rahman, rich and powerful, who left others disinclined to resist.

The people of Eira Port thanked this Count of Frankish descent—known by nicknames such as Dragon Slayer, Holy Land Guardian, King's Hand—praising his justice and mercy.

Yet, there were those who feared him.

In a manor belonging to a local chief.

Someone spoke passionately:

"Do you not know how this tyrant dealt with local chiefs like us in Hebron? Rahman was only the beginning; he's never intended to spare any of us."

"Indeed, he's greedier than that fool Zane; Zane only wanted our money, but he wants our lives!"

"It's time to unite, brothers. Divided, we will only be defeated one by one!"

Someone exclaimed, "I nominate Mueller as our leader; he is the most wealthy, most powerful, and most respected among us. If we manage to drive away this tyrant, I am willing for Mueller to become our Lord!"

"Yes, I also agree."

The shadows followed suit.

Mueller sat in the highest seat, feeling somewhat amused by the irony.

Who would have thought this group preparing to rebel would elect him, an insider, to lead the rebels?

Mueller paused before speaking, "Gentlemen, perhaps I'm not suited for this position, because I have pledged allegiance to my Lord Losa."

Everyone was in an uproar.

"You traitor!"

"Damn it, he must have already reported our whereabouts."

Someone drew a weapon with a clang, attempting to seize Mueller; Mueller's personal guards likewise unsheathed swords to confront them.

The standoff persisted.

Heavy footsteps began to echo within the manor.

The clash of metal sounded like a grim melody from Hell, quickly approaching them.

Thanks to successive victories, a large amount of captured goods was obtained; the farmer soldiers' equipment improved significantly from the start, with scale armor and chain armor deemed excellent.

Among them, the walking Imperial Knights issued commands from time to time; this was a trial prepared by Losa for the farmer soldiers.

Behind them, veterans bearing heavy spears and square shields remained to ensure no one could escape.

The battle was one-sided.

The farmer soldiers formed a shield wall, their steps orderly, advancing with the Imperial Knights' whistling, compressing the enemy's space.

The opponents, without crossbows or cavalry, were eventually cornered, spears like a forest, stained with blood.

Mueller's expression was somewhat wistful: "My Lord didn't originally plan to treat you like this, so long as you were just and lawful, but alas…"

...

The local chiefs' gathering rebellion plunged Eira Port into an atmosphere of terror.

Many slightly wealthier Saracens became extremely cautious, not daring to venture out.

Even some lower-class Heretics couldn't help but recall the great massacres once carried out by the Crusaders.

Sealed invitations stamped with wax were dispatched by the Winged Cavalry, delivered to the various vassals under Losa.

Then, in rapid succession, land and property were divided, and a large sum flowed from Losa's Small Vault, intended for irrigation and improvement endeavors.

The Karez Well, a type of water conservancy project once recorded in textbooks, has started to be widely constructed.

The workers receive excellent treatment and are even given land. Just one day later, Losa's reputation, which had plummeted, began to rebound.

Losa supported his chin with one hand, sitting at his desk.

He didn't attend the second round of the public trial. Jeanne and Hans were not in Eira Port, as they led the Varangian Guard and most of the Winged Cavalry to Alandler.

The changes here could not be hidden from Saracen leaders in Alandler, so rebellion there was only a matter of time.

"Prajna, I don't intend to kill so many people. If they were a bit more honest and didn't collude to resist me, I wouldn't have plans to go after them."

In Losa's expectations, he indeed intended to be lenient toward the local leaders of Eira Port.

But they are like frightened birds, and with the precedent set by Hebron, they were scared enough to raise flags and rebel just by picking a typical example.

Unfortunately, there was a traitor among them.

Otherwise, they could have caused considerable loss to Losa.

It's important to know that the local leaders of Eira Port, benefiting from trade, are far wealthier than those in Hebron.

"This might become the norm in the future because my reputation is already widespread. Every chief who is a heretic in my territory will feel fear."

"My enemies will be more united. For example, the Piercer—if I attack him, his chiefs will surely contribute money and effort."

Prajna murmured softly, "For any monarch, the throne beneath them is cast from bones."

Losa smiled and said, "Rest assured, Prajna. My resolve is as firm as iron now. I am not shaken just by seeing those children and feeling a bit of compassion."

"Hmm, not bad."

Prajna concisely said.

Losa understood that Prajna was saying that he still maintained abundant humanity, and the Dragon Bloodline had not further eroded him.

At this time, a guard stepped forward to report.

"Sir, Baron Argon is here."

Losa was a bit surprised and said, "So soon?"

The letter was sent out just a day ago, right?

The reporting guard hesitated and asked, "Sir, shall I invite Baron Argon in?"

"Of course."

"Sir, it's been a while."

As soon as he entered the door, Baron Argon respectfully greeted Losa.

In fact, it hadn't been long since the last time the two met.

He reached out to assist Baron Argon, and they exchanged pleasantries.

Baron Argon then revealed his intention: "Sir, I hope you can let my son work under you, be it as an attendant, wine master, or food server."

Losa immediately realized that Baron Argon was entrusting him with a "hostage."

"Baron Argon, you are my most trusted and relied-upon vassal. Why do you need to do this?"

Baron Argon knelt on one knee and solemnly said: "Sir, I just hope to gain more of your trust. Whether against Reynard or heretics, when you confront any enemies, you can include me."

Losa pondered for a moment and said:

"Here's what we'll do. Baron Argon, I confer upon you the title of Honorary Decree Knight. Under my command, Decree Knights are my most close and trusted group of knights."

Baron Argon was slightly startled: "Sir, as a Decree Knight, what do you need me to do?"

The system notification sounded: "It has been detected that you are attempting to recruit a junior lord with a noble rank as a Decree Knight. This will result in the default decrease of loyalty level by two levels, from 'Admiration' to 'Respect.'

It is suggested to use a blank One-Star Attendant template to recruit him under your command, but loyalty will change to intimacy."

Losa remained silent for a moment; "Respect"—what use is that? Baron Argon's attitude toward him was already respectful enough.

It seems his plan to rely on appointing Decree Knights to subdue all vassals is going to fall through.

Losa quickly shook off the disappointment. Without the help of the system, he wasn't a complete waste.

Furthermore, he still had the Statue of the Throne Angel in effect, and most of the major and minor vassals in his territory had fought under him against Saladin.

Losa silently chose to abandon converting Argon into a Decree Knight. The quota was limited, and he had to conserve it.

He spoke, "Argon, an Honorary Decree Knight means you do not need to fulfill the duties of a Decree Knight during usual times, but it's more than just a title; it's also an honor and an obligation."

"Argon, answer me: are you willing to respond to my call at the first moment when I need you, even if you have already served forty days this year?"

Vassals generally need to serve the superior lord loyally for forty days each year, which can be bypassed by paying shield taxes or not attending personally, sending knights and soldiers as substitutes.

Argon, without hesitation, knelt on one knee and said, "Sir, I am willing!"

"Good, Argon, I promise you will not regret your decision today."

Losa extended his hand and helped Argon up from the ground.

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