I Became The King Of Crusaders [EN]: Chapter 107

Intermission (2)

* * *

“When I said you could have wings, I wasn’t just saying it.”

I looked at Ruark.

“I thought the Holy Sepulchre Guard was qualified enough.”

Outside the tent, the sound of soldiers training could be heard.

Even after the Allied forces dispersed, the Knights and the Holy Sepulchre continued to train.

“There were complaints from other knight orders as well. They asked why mercenaries were being given such privileges.”

“…”

I sighed.

I was the one who came up with the Winged Hussars.

‘But I’ve been too lenient with them.’

The Holy Sepulchre Guard couldn’t be the same as other knight orders.

The core of a knight order is dedication and duty.

In contrast, glory, money, and honor were most important to the Holy Sepulchre.

So I often overlooked the occasional noise.

But what happened in this battle is hard to forgive.

Because the Holy Sepulchre joined late, Wigg had to charge with only a few knights.

“This is entirely my responsibility as commander. I will step down from my position as commander…”

“And appoint someone worse than a dog as commander? That won’t happen.”

I shook my head.

Ruark’s position in the Holy Sepulchre Guard was solid.

I didn’t think there would be anyone better to lead in the first place.

“What I want is to tighten the loose reins. I want Jomsvikings [elite Viking warriors], not a ragtag bunch of thieves.”

I said.

“From today, I will ban the Guard from wearing wings.”

“But, Young Master, how important wings are to the members now…”

“I know that very well. That’s why I’m taking this measure.”

I said.

Saying this makes me feel like Napoleon.

Napoleon once disciplined a unit that retreated without orders during the Italian campaign.

[Soldiers, I am disappointed. You have shown no courage, discipline, or perseverance. From this moment on, you are not French soldiers. General, have the words ‘We are no longer the Army of Italy’ sewn onto the collars of their uniforms.]

In a way, it was a light punishment.

It was just a few words.

But the unit then fought most fiercely to restore its lost honor.

That’s the situation I want now.

In this era, honor and pride are as important as life.

“If the Holy Sepulchre Guard proves its worth, then I will allow them to wear wings again. Those who don’t like it are welcome to return to Jerusalem now.”

“Everyone will be satisfied just with the opportunity you’re giving them.”

Ruark sighed in relief.

I grabbed his arm.

This much whip should be enough.

Except for the command mix-up at the end, he and the Guard fought most bravely in this battle.

“We couldn’t have won this battle without you and the Holy Sepulchre Guard. I know that.”

“The Germans fought like they were dying too. Like mice caught by a cat.”

He burst out laughing.

“I almost died smashing a few of their heads. But I didn’t expect Sir Wigg to go like this…”

He opened his mouth and closed it again.

“Sir Wigg was a great warrior.”

“I think so too.”

I nodded.

A great warrior.

That would be the highest praise Ruark, who is from the North, could give.

“So what are you going to do now? You’ve helped His Holiness the Pope defend Italy, so it seems your mission is over.”

“Not yet.”

I said.

As Ruark said, I succeeded in protecting the Pope and making him my ally.

But this is only the first goal.

The problems of England and France must also be resolved.

Stopping Henry II and his sons’ infighting and drawing them into the Crusades.

That was my second goal.

By now, the brothers must be fighting like crazy.

June was already passing.

Time was not on our side.

“We need to hurry as much as possible to get to England.”

“There’s no one who moves as quickly as you, Young Master.”

Ruark shook his head.

“To be honest, when I came to Italy, I thought it would take at least two or three years. But in less than half a year, you’ve brought the Emperor to his knees…”

“It’s not enough yet.”

I shrugged.

This was like a time attack [a challenge to complete a task as quickly as possible].

If we don’t move in time, the Kingdom of Jerusalem will perish.

“As soon as the necessary ships are prepared, we will leave immediately. Let the soldiers know.”

“Then I’ll finish the training before we leave. I’m already looking forward to it.”

Ruark said with a smile.

“I’ve never been to the west of Europe. I’ve heard many stories, though.”

“It’s not a peaceful land.”

I recalled my memories.

Henry II of England.

Queen Eleanor, imprisoned by her husband.

And their children, who fight every day.

I briefly explained the situation to Ruark.

“So which side will you take, Young Master?”

Ruark asked after hearing my explanation.

“Well.”

I shrugged.

Unlike Emperor Frederick, most of them were willing to participate in the Crusades.

The important thing is to make them all my allies.

I said with a smile.

“If I had to choose, I would have to take the side of the Cross.”

* * *

Jerusalem

The Royal Palace

“I have nothing to say. I’m sorry, Balian.”

Baldwin IV leaned forward.

Balian shook his head.

“No. I said goodbye to my brother before leaving for Italy. That’s enough.”

“I wish I could hold a grand funeral.”

Baldwin IV said.

“I don’t think the Knights would accept it.”

“There is no such thing as rank among the Knights. They are all buried the same.”

Balian replied.

He opened his mouth and closed it again.

“For them, being buried in Jerusalem would be the most glorious reward.”

“…”

Silence fell.

Baldwin IV picked up a piece from the chessboard and moved it one space.

“Are you playing alone?”

“No. I’m playing with Baldwin [referring to himself]. It takes a little time, but that gives me more time to think about my moves.”

Baldwin IV said.

“He’s improved quite a bit.”

“I see.”

“…I envy Sir Wigg. He could choose how he died. That’s not a fate everyone can enjoy.”

He said.

“I’ll die in bed like an old, sick chicken. What fate could be more miserable than this?”

“Your Majesty still has many things to do.”

“When has there ever been less work to do?”

Baldwin IV laughed.

He put on his silver mask and looked at Balian.

“Is Saladin still gathering his army?”

“More Saracen [Muslim] warriors are flocking to the Levant [historical region in the Middle East] than I reported last time. They are those who want to participate in the jihad [holy war] declared by Saladin.”

Balian pointed to one side of the map on the table.

Baghdad.

The place ruled by the Sunni Caliph [leader of the Sunni Muslims].

Saladin was also nominally a Sultan recognized by the Caliph.

“I can only pray that Baldwin will bring more support from Europe.”

Baldwin IV replied.

“Right now, we can respond faster thanks to the signal towers. What happened to Saladin’s signal towers?”

“It seems to be in the testing phase so far.”

“We can’t underestimate it. Gather as much information as possible. As you know…”

Baldwin IV coughed.

Wiping the blood-stained saliva, he continued.

“When Baldwin returns, we must deal with Guy immediately. We must prevent Saladin from intervening then.”

“But Saladin has never moved his army during the truce period.”

“That’s been the case so far. But he can put his brother al-Adil forward, as he did last time. Mercy, compassion, and honor are just cloaks Saladin wears.”

Baldwin IV said.

“A man who will throw it off at any time if no one is watching.”

“…”

“Baldwin made a suggestion before leaving for Europe. It’s quite an interesting plan.”

He waved to the guard.

The door opened and two men entered.

Black turbans and masked faces.

Balian frowned as he looked at the strangers.

“These men are…”

“Balian, let me introduce you. These are assassins sent by Rashid ad-Din Sinan, the Old Man of the Mountain [leader of the Nizari Isma’ili state].”

“We greet the King of Jerusalem. The Holy Imam [religious leader] sends his regards.”

The men bowed and spoke in clumsy tones.

Baldwin IV nodded.

“Yes, Count Joscelin also speaks well of you. He says you help ensure that supplies come and go smoothly.”

“The Imam considers the peace of this Levant to be the most important thing.”

“The reason I called you here is also for that peace.”

Baldwin IV looked at Balian.

“Saladin conquered Egypt and deposed the Shiite Caliph [leader of the Shiite Muslims] of the Fatimid dynasty. The Fatimid dynasty was one of the greatest patrons of the Assassins.”

“The traitor Salah ad-Din will pay the price for his sins someday.”

One of the men growled.

Baldwin IV said.

“Try to cooperate with these men. I will entrust you with full authority over Egypt.”

“Egypt…”

“There are still remnants of the Fatimid dynasty there. If Egypt is shaken, wouldn’t Saladin pay attention to that side?”

“I think I know what you mean.”

“Saladin must never interfere when dealing with Guy. Otherwise, everything will go wrong.”

Having said that, Baldwin IV looked at the chessboard.

He muttered in a small voice.

“Indeed, he’s improved quite a bit.”

* * *

Venice

St. Mark’s Basilica

A man came out of the cathedral humming.

Men in silk clothes rushed to him.

“Marco, you’re finally out! We’ve been waiting for you to come out!”

“How did the meeting with the Doge [chief magistrate of Venice] go? Tell us quickly!”

“There’s nothing much to tell.”

Marco looked at the men and smiled.

“The Doge said he would give this contract to our guild. He said there’s no other guild he can trust.”

“Is that really true?!”

The men all cheered.

Some of them waved their fists in the air.

“That’s great! That’s great!”

“There’s never been a contract this big in the history of Venice. It’s a business that will last at least a few years.”

“Didn’t I promise you? If you trust me and follow me, you can make a lot of money. In the end, didn’t we make a lot of money from this Italian job?”

Marco said with a smile.

He coughed, putting on a serious expression.

“But we can’t just be happy. Give some gifts to the merchants who helped us this time. Give them a generous reward, understand?”

“Of course. There are already more than a few guilds that are favorable to you.”

A man patted Marco on the shoulder.

“The Doge will have no choice but to pay attention to you now. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next Doge. Your wife will be a Dogaressa [wife of the Doge]!”

“Let’s discuss the future later.”

Marco waved his hand.

He said.

“The most important thing right now is to keep this momentum going. Soon, Young Master Baldwin will move again.”

At his words, the men all looked at each other.

“Already? He’s moving before the blood on his sword has dried.”

“Well, wouldn’t that be good? Money follows where he goes.”

Marco coughed and said.

“It seems he’s planning to go to Aquitaine [historical region in southwestern France] this time. He’ll probably go all the way to the island of England.”

He added.

“It’s hard to launch a ship in these times when the waves are rough. We need a skilled captain and a ship.”

“We know that much, Marco.”

“Oh, and…”

Marco clapped his hands.

“I don’t know why, but he said he needs European logs. A lot of them.”

“Logs? Is he building a fleet? Or a wooden tower like last time?”

“No. It seems to be related to some elixir… I don’t know exactly. Well, it’s better to prepare anyway.”

Marco said with a smile.

“Have we ever lost money by following his words?”