Intimacy increases instead of decreasing.
Losa, with a peculiar expression, patted Hans on the shoulder, feeling like he might have mastered the essence of pua.
The crowd became increasingly dense.
A checkpoint guarded by soldiers appeared ahead, and a Knight on a brown warhorse, with a sword at his waist, loudly proclaimed.
"Pilgrims from afar, ahead lies the territory of Lord Leopold of the Babenberg Family, Lienz. By order of the lord, I present you with grain, but you must not advance further. A knights' tournament is taking place, and many nobles and Knights are gathered here. If you offend them, severe punishment will follow."
"Everyone, take the grain and head south immediately. If our patrols encounter you again, cruel punishment will be administered!"
Losa sighed deeply: "We've already reached Lienz."
This area already belongs to the Austrian Border Territory.
This land belongs to the Babenberg Family.
The ruler here, Count Leopold, is nominally just a Count, but his power and military strength far exceed those of a typical Count.
The Austrian Border Territory, in terms of size, may not compare even to a typical Duke's domain, but being on the frontier, it is mountainous and impoverished.
Hans followed behind Losa, whispering loyalty: "Sir, this should belong to your family."
Indeed.
Austria has always been the stronghold of the Habsburg Family historically.
Losa shook his head, saying, "I've heard my father mention that Count Leopold here is not easy to deal with, and the Habsburg Family's rise in history wasn't reliant on Austria. While it's a base, it's not irreplaceable."
Losa had no intention of making plans concerning Austria; the King of Bohemia and Lion Henry had long coveted this place. Even if he returned from the Holy Land, he wouldn't rashly make a move here.
If given a choice, he'd rather make headway in the Low Countries, which are truly prosperous.
Lienz is a city built around a castle.
The castle stands in the center of the city, possessing the highest and strongest walls.
The city's outer areas have only a low, small wall, with a haphazard arrangement of buildings, making it hard to realize it's quite a sizable city.
Outside the city gate, attendants were registering names. Upon seeing Losa, one hastily greeted: "Sir, are you here for the knights' tournament too? If you wish to register, please come with me, as the deadline is approaching."
Losa inquired: "What are the rewards of the tournament?"
The attendant smiled: "The winner may win the favor of my master, Lord Leopold, possibly receiving land grants and honorary titles, abundant shiny coins, or a charming maid."
Land is tempting, but he was already determined, so he wouldn't be swayed.
As for the maid, even less reason.
Only this wealth was what he needed.
Losa nodded: "My attendant and I will both participate. Lead me to register."
"Attendant?"
The servant sneered a bit: "Ha, sir, do not underestimate this tournament. Many renowned Knights are participating, and it's no smaller than the one held in Vienna. If he's just an attendant, he might not be able to withstand it and get beaten to death."
Attendants generally lack armor.
Knights' tournaments require participants to bring their own armor.
"Do not underestimate my attendant."
Losa pointed to Hans: "He is fully armored and skilled in martial arts, even surpassing many official Knights. If not for lacking merits, I would have knighted him long ago."
While registering, he spoke to Laine behind him: "Laine, I need four lances made from white beech wood, two lances made from apple wood, and prepare a well-crafted Kite Shield for Hans, either leather-coated or iron-clad."
White beech riding lances are rather brittle, prone to breaking, making them ideal for duels.
Apple wood lances are much sturdier, suitable for battlefield use.
Upon receiving the instructions, Laine immediately took the money bag and left.
Hans responded excitedly: "Sir, I will definitely not disgrace you."
The servant looked surprised: "He's actually an attendant, yet this armor looks more Knight-like than an actual Lord Knight."
He swiftly wrote their names on the registration paper. Hans, lacking a surname, borrowed the Habsburg surname.
"You two, the tournament starts in the afternoon at the hunting grounds outside the city. Please be prepared in advance."