On the black and white chessboard, the black pieces held by Losa have already lost multiple times.

The system prompts also echoed in Losa's ears many times.

You have been promoted to a Baron of the Kingdom and received an Extraordinary Servant Lottery Ticket. By using this ticket, you will gain the loyalty of any Four-Star Attendant.

You have gained Jorgelisburg as your fief, please proceed to the fief soon, and activate all features of the Yesterday's Giant Ship system.

"Baron, you seem a bit absent-minded."

Baldwin IV was somewhat displeased with Losa's "holding back".

Losa nodded in acknowledgment: "Indeed, somewhat, as I am merely a second son of the family, my lifelong goal prior had only been to seek a piece of land as a place to settle."

"I understand, I hope next time we play, your chess skills will improve."

Baldwin IV gestured for Losa to leave.

Before departing, Baldwin IV spoke again: "Losa, do not devote too much effort to that land; Jerusalem is your true stage."

To be far from Jerusalem is to be distant from the Kingdom's center of power.

Just like when Losa returned, passing through Kaimont City.

Although it is a fairly prosperous city fief, its Lord was reluctant to reside there, preferring to take a position in Jerusalem City.

"I understand, Your Majesty."

Baldwin IV nodded slightly, waved his hand, and said:

"When the situation eases, I will have another appointment for you, or to command an army, so be mentally prepared."

"Go ahead, Losa, don't forget to seek out my Herald, I'll have him make your personal insignia and record it in the Kingdom's noble genealogy."

"May Heavenly Father bless you, my liege."

"And may Heavenly Father bless you, my loyal knight and baron."

Losa bid farewell to Baldwin IV, holding in his hand a Land Grant personally written by Baldwin IV, walked briskly down the narrow corridor.

This was his identification document, specifying his authority over appointments and dismissals of officials, tax levies, ownership of all lands in the fief, among other powers.

It also declared the "feudal obligation" required as a noble of the Kingdom.

Losa found the Herald, presented his Land Grant, generously paid a gold coin for the manual labor fee and material cost, and then took his leave.

He did not need to personally design his own insignia; he only had to wait for a time, and the Herald would deliver his seal and insignia flag.

In this era, personal insignia was closely linked to land and title, not something one could change easily.

Before leaving, Losa couldn't help but glance back at the majestic palace.

One dies for a confidant.

Though he wouldn't die for Baldwin IV, being so valued, how could he not be grateful?

...

Leaving the Royal Palace.

Losa finally mounted his warhorse, Nisian, which he brought from Algo, and went straight to Baron Godfrey's manor.

He handed the reins to the servant.

Without waiting for a notification, he barged into the manor.

"Belian, Knight Kevin."

At this moment, Belian was fully armed, wearing heavy chain armor and a barrel helmet, training with Knight Kevin, the crisp sound of metal collision echoed.

Seeing Losa arrive, the two halted their training.

Their faces showed expressions of joy, "Knight Losa, you finally returned!"

"You should now call him Baron Losa."

Baron Godfrey, wearing a silk everyday outfit, stood up and walked toward Losa.

Clearly, he had already communicated with Baldwin IV.

"The Majesty has already summoned you, right?"

"Yes."

"You two continue. Losa, come with me, there's something I need to discuss with you."

Losa nodded to Belian and Knight Kevin and followed Baron Godfrey into the inner courtyard of the manor.

Belian watched Losa's back.

His expression was somewhat complex, both envious and admiring: "Knight Losa is truly valued by His Majesty, promoted to Baron so quickly."

Knight Kevin sighed lightly: "Baron Losa, he's an outstanding person, under him, there are brilliant talents like Hans, his promotion to Baron is no surprise to me."

"But you, my young master, we should continue practicing."

Knight Kevin also felt somewhat bitter inside.

He served the Ibelin Family for so many years, yet never attained a true noble title, how could he not feel regret?

Outside, the sound of metal clashing echoed once again.

Inside the room.

Baron Godfrey's expression was somewhat complex after Losa had finished telling him about the whereabouts of the Kurdish Cavalry.

"Is this Abdullah's decision?"

He sighed deeply: "Actually, when I learned there were still offspring of King Nuruddin alive, I already anticipated this day would come."

"Hopefully, they can truly disrupt Saladin's rule over Antioch and Edessa, which would be beneficial for us."

Losa said solemnly, "Lord Godfrey, I don't understand how the situation in the city changed so drastically after I was away for just half a month."

"Ah, politics are like that, ever-changing."

Baron Godfrey sighed: "Ever since the court meeting decided to form the Pilgrim Crusade, the seeds of factional struggle were planted."

"Everyone wants to secure more wealth and military quotas, while I happen to be appointed by Your Majesty as the leader of the Jerusalem Royal Knight Order."

Losa frowned slightly.

He knew that the Royal Knight Order consisted of thirty knights and two hundred armored cavalry.

This knight order's power was no weaker than the Jerusalem Knight Order controlled by Regent Raymond.

Now, all major corps are expanding their forces, the Royal Knight Order is no exception, which involves the distribution of military funds and positions.

"Regent Raymond wants me to side with him, he promises to do his utmost to deny the legitimacy of this duel; Reynard wants to pressure me to resign from the position of leader of the Royal Knight Order, he assures that in this duel, Guy won't harm Belian one bit."

Losa pondered: "No wonder Your Majesty suggested I represent Belian in this duel, it turns out this duel is actually related to the fate of the King's Faction."

Baron Godfrey smiled wryly: "Guy is a very formidable knight, who once achieved the prestigious title of Champion Knight throughout Provence, you might not be his match."

"I've already vetoed Your Majesty's proposal."

Losa said solemnly: "Belian has been a blacksmith for a long time, but that doesn't mean he lacks pride in his heart, he won't agree to let someone else take his place in this sacred duel."

Losa said solemnly: "If that were to happen, Belian's pride would be completely crushed, and the impact on him would undoubtedly be devastating."

Godfrey was silent for a moment, nodding: "Indeed, that child has such a character, so I often feel he isn't suitable for the power dynamics of the Kingdom."

Losa's mood was also somewhat heavy.

Baron Godfrey is undoubtedly the leading figure of the King's Faction, although now promoted to Baron himself, in terms of status, influence, and power, he is far inferior to Baron Godfrey.

If Baron Godfrey falls, the King's Faction can basically be declared extinct.

He alone could never possibly carry the flag of the King's Faction.

"You need not worry too much, there might still be a way."

Baron Godfrey's expression suddenly turned somewhat peculiar.

Losa was a bit puzzled by this but recalled that this was a cunning old fox who had been battling in the power arena of Jerusalem for many years, his inner tension finally eased slightly.

He asked, "Where is the duel taking place?"

"At the parade ground to the west of the city."

Losa nodded: "I will bring my private soldiers to watch, this army of mine is now somewhat reputable, all armored soldiers, hopefully, able to give Guy pause when taking action."

Baron Godfrey smiled: "You go ahead, we'll meet again later."

...

After finishing training.

Belian cleaned himself up and walked into his room.

Suddenly, he stopped, astonished.

On the table, a crystal bottle filled with azure liquid was reflecting a rainbow-like radiance under the sunlight.

By the window, a woman in a black wizard robe was coldly staring at him: "If you wish to defeat Guy and marry Princess Sibilla, drink this Dragon's Blood."

Belian said in surprise: "Eve, what brings you to Jerusalem too."

The voice from the woman wrapped in the wizard robe was icy: "Of course, to repay a favor and settle the grievances between us, you once saved my life, I cannot stand watching you perish under Guy's sword."

Belian's expression grew a bit desolate.

If he weren't a devout believer, unable to accept being with a witch.

He would definitely choose Eve.

"Dragon's Blood is a potion made by my teacher, sourced from Thorny Dragon Blood on the Scandinavian snow mountains, capable of greatly enhancing your physical attributes."

"This potion is quite precious, isn't it?"

"No, nothing, it's nothing to me."

"You're lying to me."

Belian picked up the crystal bottle, saying deeply: "If this potion truly meant nothing, Emperor Henry would've long armed his knights with it."

Eve let out a "hum": "It's none of your concern, I'm leaving. Go on dreaming of being a King."

Bam——

She transformed into a black raven, filled with ominous aura, flew through the window, soaring straight into the clouds.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.