The Youngest Prince Of The English Royalty House [EN]: Chapter 56

[56, The Bizarre Journey of Gi (1)]

—Cairo, Egypt, 1186—

In the late 12th century, during the Middle Ages, there were no newspapers, but news of the Fall of Cairo spread far and wide.

Naturally, the commanders involved became overnight celebrities. The ‘conquest’ of Egypt, once hailed as the Roman Empire’s granary alongside Gaul (France), was considered a tremendous achievement.

The Crusader command was ecstatic, declaring,

‘We are now assured of overwhelming supply!’

With Egypt’s substantial food production now at their disposal, the Crusaders wouldn’t have to worry about hunger, even when campaigning far from home.

This victory fostered a jubilant atmosphere among the Crusaders, though it also nurtured a subtle undercurrent of greed.

Indeed, the Crusaders’ confidence bordered on arrogance.

‘Are we not invincible?’ they wondered.

‘Shall we unleash our might?’

Restlessness gripped them.

‘God wills… the next battlefield!’

The already weary soldiers began to regain their strength, and the knights eagerly anticipated another charge. Having tasted victory in Cairo, conquering the port of Alexandria became a sacred duty in their eyes.

‘Very well, let us proceed!’

‘The conquest of Alexandria is the Lord’s work’—this was the prevailing sentiment among the Crusaders.

Human greed knows no bounds.

Thus, the knights clamored for another conquest.

‘Alexandria, we must seize it, correct?’

‘Of course. How can we neglect the port of Alexandria, a land flowing with milk and honey?’

‘Oh Lord, we dedicate Alexandria to you.’

Unsurprisingly, everyone agreed on the recapture of Alexandria, one of the ancient patriarchal sees [important religious center].

The port of Alexandria held immense strategic importance, uniting diplomacy, politics, and economics within the Egyptian region.

Moreover, who could deny the significance of a city that once housed one of the five major bishops of early Christianity?

‘Prince John, as one who has already plundered Alexandria, do you not yearn to conquer it?’

‘The circumstances differ greatly from when I secured victory in the naval battle and initiated the looting. Furthermore, provoking those Muslims, who are currently at the peak of their animosity, would be imprudent.’

‘I understand.’

Watching the departing French knight, Baron Montmorency, I mused,

‘Why would they deliberately drink from a poisoned chalice?’

‘If we attack Alexandria now, our supply lines will be severely strained.’

I possess a sense of responsibility.

The reason I’ve achieved favorable outcomes in several battles is due to the support of core forces like the Holy Roman Empire’s army.

However, my primary contribution to this war has been in the realm of supply.

By implementing meticulous military-style division of labor and prioritizing the protection of supply units, I’ve safeguarded the Crusaders’ supply lines.

As the French knight departed, Duke Godfrey of Ireland inquired,

‘Duke Godfrey of Ireland, does the port of Alexandria not tempt you?’

Godfrey subtly probed.

But I was well aware of my limitations.

‘Lord Godfrey, I believe I have achieved enough. If I overextend myself, I might suffer Samson’s fate, having my eyes gouged out.’

Samson, the Israelite Hercules from the Book of Judges, possessed overwhelming strength but was ultimately captured and blinded due to his arrogance.

‘Moderation is paramount.’

While opportunities for further glory abound, I had no intention of overshadowing others in this Crusade.

Enhancing one’s reputation on the battlefield is advantageous.

The fact that more people now recognize me as John the Crusader, rather than the naive John, benefits me in numerous ways.

Although self-promotion is important in the West, those in ambiguous positions like myself must avoid the perception that their success is solely due to their own brilliance, lest they encounter significant difficulties.

Of course, I have a plan.

‘Do not fret. I shall secure my own gains.’

I have no desire to acquire ‘territory’ in Egypt.

My business model differs from others.

I intend to exploit the human resources of the ‘Coptic Christians’ and tap into Egypt’s economy.

Furthermore, I will mobilize enslaved Muslims for collective farming.

Naturally, I must navigate several steps to realize my ambition. I will extract resources discreetly and conclude appropriately, without attracting undue attention.

Ah, but this is not the time for such thoughts.

‘Rewards must be distributed, so summon the other knights as well.’

I summoned my four knights: Godfrey, the best bastard; Charles, the French knight; Robin, the Duke of Norfolk; and Akbulhui, the Eastern knight.

I instructed Bernstein, the Jewish merchant I had acquired through Dandolo,

‘Bernstein, distribute their rewards to these men.’

‘···!’

Akbulhui was surprised to receive a ‘reward’ as well.

‘I cannot grant you territories in the Egyptian region, but I shall provide you with rewards for now.’

—Clang.

Thus, I compensated my loyal knights appropriately.

In cash.

* * *

—Egyptian Region, Irish Camp—

Akbulhui.

The most unique, no, legendary Eastern knight among Prince John’s knights.

Akbulhui was already a well-known figure in John’s camp.

His youthful and handsome appearance for an Easterner, his skill in crafting various useful military supplies, and his martial prowess that rivaled nomads made him stand out.

Of course, his fame stemmed primarily from his conversion, inspired by Prince John.

The conversion of a proud Chinese Easterner to Christianity was a significant event.

‘Half true and half false. I converted to survive, and my new lord happened to possess virtue. Regardless… why did Lord Godfrey summon me?’

Akbulhui was preoccupied with other concerns.

Today, Godfrey had unusually sought out Chevalier (Knight) Akbulhui first.

‘Welcome, Ak.’

‘Thank you for the invitation.’

Godfrey regarded Akbulhui with a serious expression and said,

‘Sir Ak.’

‘Yes, Duke Godfrey.’

Akbulhui sensed something was amiss.

Hadn’t Lord Godfrey maintained his distance from him, a new Eastern knight, despite being the most trusted of John’s knights?

Akbulhui, a former slave turned Eastern knight, had familiarized himself with the dynamics of Prince John’s camp.

Godfrey, along with Peter, who was stationed in the territory, enjoyed Prince John’s utmost confidence.

Despite his bastard lineage, Akbulhui recognized him as a prominent vassal within Prince John’s faction.

Godfrey took a sip of wine and stated succinctly,

‘The amount we received is more than double the reward given to the other knights.’

‘Indeed?’

‘Our lord, who bestows rewards in lieu of territory, possesses the financial capacity to mobilize such vast sums of gold at any moment.’

‘I see.’

Akbulhui contemplated the implications of Lord John’s generosity towards his subordinates, realizing that his lord possessed a ‘tolerance’ unlike other Westerners.

Although he feigned indifference, Godfrey’s words suggested that John possessed a unique form of ‘tolerance’.

Then Godfrey changed the subject.

‘What was your impression of His Highness today, coming from the East?’

Akbulhui recalled John’s silent refusal when several Western knights tempted him with the prospect of Alexandria.

‘He displayed wisdom.’

Akbulhui answered Godfrey’s question directly.

Godfrey responded in a chilling tone, ‘But few recognize that wisdom. Consequently, some seek to harm our lord. They dare to harm our lord.’

‘They are fools.’

Akbulhui, having observed the individuals within John’s camp, understood the situation.

It was foolish to meddle in John’s camp, which boasted numerous knights with potential.

‘Sir Ak, I will not remain idle.’

‘What do you intend to do?’

When Akbulhui, now fluent in Latin, inquired, Godfrey replied swiftly.

‘I plan to deal with the most manageable of those who deceive our lord.’

At that moment.

Akbulhui noticed Godfrey’s cold eyes.

They mirrored the eyes of His Majesty (Emperor Xiaozong of Song) when he purged the family of Qin Hui, the traitor who unjustly murdered Yue Fei long ago.

Was the ridiculous nickname of ‘the best bastard’ concealing his true nature?

‘He wouldn’t have summoned me merely to convey that, would he? Interesting… the West harbors such individuals.’

It was the moment when Akbulhui’s life took an intriguing turn.

* * *

—Egyptian Region—

Our Crusaders remained hungry. One main course remained: ‘Alexandria.’

Just then.

[I fear no other Crusader knights. But I was defeated by John, Prince John’s ability.]

A peculiar rumor began to circulate from the Islamic camp.

I did not anticipate that our esteemed Islamic friends would resort to smear campaigns….

Of course, the rumor persisted.

[The Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire is a figure of importance. However, unlike other Christians, he is aged, and his Western Empire is destined to fragment. Yet, we fear John, who will remain.]

Excessive praise, like excessive packaging, is making the safe zone dangerous.

How could this be? How much affection do these Islamic individuals harbor for me that they seek to drown me in the Nile?

‘Wow… these Islamic guys are crossing the line.’

I couldn’t help but think this.

Jealousy is the most perilous emotion for humans.

Why did the diligent farmer Cain murder his brother Abel, becoming humanity’s first murderer? It was out of jealousy.

As I anticipated, many individuals, starting with the French, began to regard me with suspicion.

Through Godfrey, the best bastard, I learned of the growing public sentiment of envy towards me. In a negative sense, the safe zone was becoming a dangerous zone.

Frankly, it was unfair.

I am merely fulfilling my duties, so why am I subjected to such excessive jealousy?

Of course, some knights reasoned, [Ah, but Prince John does not act recklessly.] [He is not arrogant, considering his abilities] due to my humble demeanor.

However, the prevailing opinion shifted towards ‘Prince John is arrogant!’

Whether they understood my intentions or not, Friedrich the Elder summoned me.

Arriving before the Emperor’s tent under escort, I encountered the old Count of Sulzbach.

‘Count Sulzbach, it has been some time.’

‘Your Majesty, you may enter.’

‘Thank you for your diligence.’

Upon entering, the scent of alcohol assaulted my nostrils.

‘Have you arrived, John?’

‘Your Majesty, you summoned me?’

‘He is drunk, as expected.’

Friedrich the Elder, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, was every bit the ‘German’ stereotype. He greeted me with a drunken countenance.

The air reeked of alcohol. How much had this old man consumed?

‘Do you perceive me as a senile old man, mindlessly intoxicated?’

‘…How could I?’

Nevertheless, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire would never become intoxicated without reason. Of course, I refrained from voicing my personal thoughts.

For the ‘voice of the heart’ should remain within the heart.

‘Saphadin as well. No Islamic commander would squander troops to recapture Cairo.’

‘That is correct.’

I concurred. Unless the Crusaders descended into utter chaos, attempting an Islamic recapture now would be foolish.

As I nodded solemnly, Friedrich the Elder declared,

‘Hahaha, John, congratulations. You have certainly matured.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘A knight who does not inspire envy upon reaching a certain level is not a true knight.’

‘Indeed?’

‘Do you believe your brothers did not encounter envy in Europe? Consider the forces that aided you… I mean. Perhaps those who sided with Henry II when you seized Ireland for nothing were those who envied your brothers? And observe, there will be those who act on your behalf.’

And a few days later, a strange rumor spread throughout the Crusader camp.

‘The greatest knight of Christianity is Guy de Lusignan.’

‘The most underrated knight. Prince John is but a fledgling compared to him.’

‘The reason Baldwin IV spared Guy de Lusignan from a death sentence is that Guy de Lusignan is an eccentric but capable knight.’

His name was the illustrious Guy de Lusignan.

Once confined and relegated to a minor position for failing in a supply operation, he succumbed to the illusion that he was a true master upon hearing these rumors.

He began to act out in full force.

‘Cowards, I shall demonstrate my worth. I am a knight of the Crusaders!’

‘Waaaaaah!’

And Guy de Lusignan charged towards Alexandria in a splendid display.

I experienced a sense of déjà vu. Guy de Lusignan’s appearance reminded me of someone.

‘This is the Western version of Won Gyun?’

Ah, who is Won Gyun? He was the one who destroyed the fleet that Admiral Yi Sun-sin had painstakingly assembled.

And, as expected! My hunch proved correct. Guy de Lusignan, the brother-in-law of Baldwin IV and a proud Crusader knight,

Demonstrated to the Crusaders that Saphadin was not merely an Islamic commander adept at fleeing.

The Bizarre Journey of Gi (2)