Lothar walked alone to the center of the hall.
He wore a bright half plate armor, held a helmet with a black sash in his left hand, and tied a black cloak with an eagle emblem behind him.
There is a huge red gem inlaid on the hilt of the armed sword he wears at his waist.
His appearance was completely different from the first time he made an impassioned speech in this hall.
At this moment, he looked like a very wealthy lord at first glance.
Faced with the questioning, angry, disdainful, or doubtful looks of many nobles, Lothar showed no fear on his face. He even looked around leisurely and nodded to the nobles in every direction.
The King of Jerusalem was never decisive in the Holy Land, but what really caused the king's authority to plummet was because Baldwin IV's leprosy had become more serious and he had not appeared in public for a long time.
Prior to this, due to the Eastern tradition and the blessing of divine authority, the king of Jerusalem, who was able to use the King David's Cross as a heraldry, had more authority than most Western kings.
"Baron Lothar, how dare you lead a team of armored warriors directly into the sacred palace?"
Guy of Lusignan stared with bloodshot eyes and shouted: "Guards, why don't you drive this disrespectful person out quickly?"
He hated the whole house and had no good impression of Lothar at all.
The guards looked at each other, but no one moved a step.
These guards wearing red and white smocks were all sergeants belonging to the Royal Knights, and Earl Raymond had just read out the king's order.
Lothar smiled and said: "Sorry, everyone, whether you agree or not, from the beginning of today, I am the Grand Master of the Royal Knights of Jerusalem."
"I will be responsible for the security of the palace, so I lead my armored cavalry and sergeants to patrol here. This is not considered rude."
Baron Godfrey nodded and said: "Indeed, as the former Grand Master of the Royal Knights of Jerusalem, I am certain that Baron Lothar's behavior is in compliance with the law."
Guy's face turned red with anger, and he gave Lothar and Godfrey a hard look.
"Everyone, please listen to me."
Lothar did not return to her seat, but went straight to the table in front of her that was filled with wine and delicacies, picked up a wine glass, and drank the cold wine in one gulp.
Count Leonard, who had long been unable to restrain his anger, said angrily: "That's enough, Lothar, what other tricks do you want to play?"
Lothar glanced at Count Leonard and smiled: "I just have a few words that I want to use this banquet to say."
"His Majesty the King is not dead yet. I know that many of you have been looking forward to this day. You have begun to attack each other for no reason, opposing for the sake of opposition, trying to grab more power and wealth, regardless of the upcoming threats."
"People always like to think about the good. Some people want to use the Crusade called by the Pope to resist the infidels. The Crusade will go anyway."
"But they don't have the same idea as you?"
Lothar looked around, but did not receive the expected rebuttal.
In fact, after learning that the three European kings had postponed the Eastern Expedition, the nobles in Jerusalem also had this idea in their minds.
After all the Crusader countries have been attacked and destroyed, and all the old Crusaders occupying the pits are dead, wouldn't it be more rewarding if they come out to clean up the mess?
Lothar suddenly noticed Count Thirier standing not far away with an embarrassed look on his face.
He smiled, raised his glass and said: "Of course, except for noble people like Count Thirier. I believe that he is a pure knight who comes to the Holy Land for the will of Heavenly Father."
"It's time to end this, at least, before defeating Saladin."
"We all know that even if the three kings immediately stop fighting and make peace and march toward Jerusalem together, they will not reach the Holy Land in less than a year and a half."
"A large army movement cannot come as fast as dozens or hundreds of crusaders."
"Before this, could we really be Saladin's opponent?"
Leonard suddenly stood up and slapped his chest: "With the blessing of the True Cross, Heavenly Father's soldiers will be invincible! Anyone who dares to propose peace with Saladin is treason!"
Lothar looked surprised: "Who said we were going to negotiate peace with Saladin? People like Count Thirier and I came to the Holy Land to defend Jerusalem. We must fight, but we must also unite!"
"Ah."
Leonard sneered.
Prince Regent, Raymond nodded and said: "Indeed, war is inevitable. As the weaker party, we must unite."
The nobles all showed expressions of approval.
But just like the political correctness that Europe pays attention to in later generations, "unity" is just a beautiful word that is appropriate for the time.
No one can really do that.
Power is a beautiful cup of poison, with a terrifying charm that lasts until death.
At this time, an attendant wearing an Arabic robe slowly walked out of the corridor connecting the main hall. He shouted in a deep voice: "Baron Lothar, your Majesty has summoned you."
Lothar nodded and followed the attendant into the corridor leading to the inner hall.
Only a group of nobles were left behind, talking about it.
"Where did Lothar get such a group of knights wearing Milanese plate armor?"
"Oh, it's just a flashy thing that cost a lot of money to buy."
"Yes, it is said that the desert bandit's wealth can fill an entire castle. Is he the cavalry he hired with this money?"
The defensive power of half-body plate armor is indeed no better than that of exquisite chain armor, but half-body plate armor is more flexible and lighter, and requires higher production craftsmanship, but it is not as cumbersome as chain armor.
Earl Leonard smiled at his followers and said: "Haha, even a young boy is stepping on our heads now. The grand leader of the Royal Knights, haha, have any of you seen such a young man?" Grand leader?"
Someone lowered his voice and muttered, "Why hasn't that leper been called yet?"
Everyone pretended not to hear, and Count Leonard gave him a hard look. Can such words be said here?
Baron Godfrey called to Lothar's subordinates and shouted: "Everyone, come and sit at the same table with my knights; and two distinguished ladies, please sit here."
...
In the dim palace, incense was still burning in the room.
Lothar looked at Baldwin IV. His condition seemed to be getting worse. One arm could not move at all, and he could only use the other hand to point to the seat opposite with difficulty.
"sit down."
"Your Majesty, your body..."
Baldwin IV shook his head slightly, picked up a chess piece, and took the first step: "In the next period of time, we can meet often. There is no rush to discuss this matter."
"I heard about your recent performance, and you didn't disappoint me."
Lothar also picked up a chess piece and took the first step: "Thanks to your respect, I was awarded the title of Baron and the position of Grand Commander before I had even accomplished anything. I was terrified."
"Ha, as I said, that incident was my fault in planning. You have tried your best, so it is certainly a meritorious one."
Baldwin IV shook his head slightly. His movements were always slow and slow. It was obviously due to leprosy, but it did not have the slowness of a patient at all. Instead, it gave people a calm and unhurried feeling.
"Lotha, Saladin is a very powerful enemy. I defeated him once in Mengisa and was defeated by him in Spring Valley. I know him very well."
"Reynard will not be his opponent, Tiberius. Raymond is very smart, but he lacks courage. His territory is concentrated in the north of Jerusalem. If it is just to cut off the southern territory, I think he will be willing to follow Saladin made the treaty."
Lothar nodded and said: "Saladin is indeed powerful. I really didn't expect that he would break the tacit understanding between us and the Sassanid King in this way."
Lower your head and admit your mistake.
It sounds simple, but how difficult is it for a king who occupies a high position?
"I overestimated the determination of the Sasanian king and underestimated Saladin's determination."
Baldwin IV sighed softly: "Losa, grow up quickly. I can help you as much as possible, but you have to keep this kingdom for me."
Lothar nodded: "I will try my best, but it is difficult, Your Majesty."
"Those who perform miracles will always have miracles around them, Lothar."
The eyes under the mask of Baldwin IV were a little dazed.
