This banquet will be remembered by every Lord of Transjordan, as well as the nobles who came uninvited yet unbidden.

After bidding farewell to the last wave of nobles.

Losa accepted allegiance from a new batch of Knights, yet this time, he simply accepted their pledge without retaining them in his court.

In this era, many Knights pledged allegiance to multiple Monarchs, serving them.

Keeping one's foot in many camps was commonplace.

In such situations, Monarchs also did not have to pay them salary and land, as they were not true vassals.

Time flew by swiftly.

In a blink of an eye, another week had passed.

During this time, Eira Port showed signs of recovery, at least it was no longer so lonely at the port, and many merchant ships visiting here discovered that the number of pirates wandering the Red Sea had significantly decreased.

Previously, the rampant pirates here meant that even the fishermen steering small boats along the coast might be informants for pirate gangs.

On the streets, newly organized squads of Farmer Soldiers patrolled orderly under the guidance of Imperial Knights, maintaining order within the port.

All gang members were cleared out. Some were publicly tried and sent to the gallows along with rebellious Saracen chiefs, but most were demoted to Peasant Slaves and forced into labor. After redeeming themselves, they could regain their freedom.

This markedly improved the previously grave public order issues at Eira Port.

The weekly card draw reward majestically stood within the city walls of Eira Port—it was a giant tower, with a Gothic spire that contrasted with the architectural styles of this era.

Losa christened it: Siegfried.

Not as in the "Siegfried Line," but as referring to a warrior from Northern Europe's mythology who became invincible after bathing in Dragon Blood.

Despite having converted and changed beliefs for many years, Nordic Mythology still held considerable influence in Germania and the Three Northern European Countries.

The scene of "Siegfried" rising overnight just a few days ago frightened many.

As a "wonder" or "miracle," it stood solid and reliable, with mysterious Magic Arrays inside, inferior to this world's Wizard Tower, but only if a Wizard resided therein.

Otherwise, the firepower of Siegfried was not actually inferior to that of a Wizard.

Its special effect was that "projectiles" and "crossbow arrows" fired from this tower would have significantly improved accuracy and range.

This would render Eira Port almost an unconquerable city, as even small catapults launching from here could strike the era's most advanced giant counterweight catapults.

Unfortunately, the crossbow cannon and catapults on this tower would cease to be effective once dismantled; it's sufficient for defense, but lacks offensive capability.

Otherwise, Losa would surely prefer to dismantle the tower into countless pieces, use pack animals to transport the siege weapons as "support artillery" in military campaigns.

A catapult is challenging to use in field battles due to its poor accuracy, often merely making a noise for the opponent.

Losa still hoped to draw a siege machinery workshop, lacking more advanced siege machinery posed a significant problem concerning the complex, scattered castles of various sizes along the Red Sea coast.

…

Last night, a member sent by the Witch Anna of the Levant Witch Association arrived. She was a witch shrouded in a black robe, yet her exposed skin appeared impeccably smooth and white.

She hurriedly left right after delivering the "Meditation Method," not even mentioning her name—Losa thought he should be rather popular as a Warlock in the Levant Witch Association.

Last night, before going to sleep, he began meditating.

And continued until this morning.

He awoke from his meditation with a frown and said, "The effect seems quite good."

His Spiritual Power had actually increased by one point!

That effect was simply instantaneous.

"Furin, could your Meditation Method be more suitable for Vampires, resulting in the subpar effect on me?"

Furinjira's expression turned a little displeased, muttering softly, "It doesn't make sense for you to be unable to use the Blood Race's Meditation Method when you can use Blood Magic."

Losa couldn't help but laugh: "Isn't it because of you that I'm able to use Blood Magic?"

Including Prajna's "Solid Stone," Jeanne's "Holy Spear," Hans's "Beast Intuition," Losa could use them but did not understand their principles.

Blood Magic was manageable since Losa's Spiritual Power was sufficient enough, and he used it frequently, thus figuring out some tricks.

However, this was merely an increase in proficiency, akin to skillfully applying formulas, yet still not comprehending the underlying principles.

"No worries, it's not your fault, Anna probably didn't guess that it was my first time meditating either."

Losa smiled, thinking that perhaps in future meditations, the effect wouldn't be as immediate, but as long as there was an improvement, he could save many Attribute Points to increase strength, agility, and physique.

Jeanne rushed in:

"My Lord, your neighbor, nicknamed the Piercer, the Saracen Lord, has sent troops to attack us!"

…

By the time Losa hurriedly led the Winged Cavalry to arrive, a farmhouse near the border had already been looted, only flaming huts remained, billowing thick smoke.

The dead were impaled on stakes, letting out despairing wails.

From the hill opposite, Piercer Rauf, flanked by Mamluks, made a throat-slitting gesture at Losa.

Losa showed a hint of a cold smile.

Jeanne's face displayed a trace of anger: "Shall we wage war against this Piercer?"

The nickname Piercer came simply, just like Dracula being called the Piercing Duke, this neighbor was fond of impaling opponents on sharpened wooden stakes.

The weight of the body would cause the victim to slide down gradually, and their intestines and other organs wouldn't be brutally pierced but rather gently "pushed aside."

This often allowed the victims to survive for many days.

"No, he is provoking me, trying to get me to start a war, thus he can seek Adil's help—this old nemesis just became the Governor of Egypt, as far as I know."

Losa was unwilling to bear the reputation of starting a war like Reynard did.

Eira Port and the Alandler Bishopric were part of the Earl's Domain of Transjordan, and Zain Saladin had initiated trade conflict first.

But continuing expansion was challenging as Losa lacked the manpower to assimilate occupied territories, and it might easily provoke interference from Adil, the Governor of Egypt.

Unless Losa was willing to crudely parcel out the newly conquered lands to his vassals, relying on their strength to control these territories.

That would be akin to making bridal dresses for others.

Mighty vassals were no good for Lords; for instance, Count Leopold, by occupying the Austrian Border Region, almost rivaled the power of the Duke of Bavaria, coveted independence for Austria from under Bavaria's title and wanted it elevated to a Duchy.

Hans frowned, his eyes filled with concern: "So shall we just let him provoke us? Your hard-earned authority at Eira Port could waver because of this."

"It's indeed a problem."

"Increase patrol manpower on the border—the Saracens' hawks are excellent reconnaissance tools, ask Mueller if he can provide some Hawk Trainers to join our team."

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