…
Ultimately, the decision to use Henry II's military funds to purchase arms and train pilgrim soldiers was passed.
The Crusader nobles were more inclined to attack rather than defend.
This likely stemmed from their penchant for looting; if the war occurred at their doorstep, it would only cause indelible damage to their territories without any profit.
Upon exiting the great hall, Godfrey patted Losa on the shoulder and praised, "Well done, Losa. As expected of Werner's son. To be honest, in the past correspondence with your father, he always praised your bravery, but I didn't anticipate that your wisdom and eloquence are no less than your father's."
"Knight Losa, you are indeed impressive!"
Berian was also full of admiration.
He could understand these words, but if he were to organize his thoughts and express them in front of so many nobles, it would be something he could not achieve at all.
So… is this gaze actually the admiration of the socially anxious for the socially adept?
"You flatter me."
Godfrey smiled and said, "Come with me, I'll take you to meet His Majesty the King."
Losa asked curiously, "What about Berian?"
"Though he is my heir, I have not yet knighted him, so he is not eligible to meet His Majesty."
Losa smiled at Berian, comforting him, "It's just a matter of time, I'll go first then."
...
Through a dim passageway, Losa entered a bright and spacious palace where he saw the young king, diligently writing at his desk.
On the table, there were many golden vessels filled with seasonal fruits, but the king seemingly hadn't touched them.
"Come forward, knight."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Losa was taken aback by the young king's face, shrouded in a turban and mask, yet his face betrayed no offense.
Baldwin IV looked Losa up and down, his gaze somewhat complex, and after a long while said, "Wearing this robe, you indeed resemble your father; I almost thought I was back three years ago."
"How has your father's health been recently?"
This was the first time Losa had heard someone say he resembled Count Werner, and he thought he was much more handsome than Werner.
"He is in good health. Your Majesty, here is a letter from my father to you."
Baldwin placed the letter on the table without opening it, merely giving Losa a deep look: "Your father was once my most trusted partner and a good teacher and friend who taught me to command the army and lead a multitude of forces."
"He was wise and clever, full of strategies, courageous in battle, and fearless."
"But what I envy most is his robust body, seemingly impervious to any injury or illness."
Baldwin IV pointed to a chair beside him, saying with a smile—or so it seemed, for his mask hid his illness and emotions.
"Sit, Knight Losa. There are some fruits on the table, but I regret that I cannot share them with you because I am afflicted with a contagious malady, and once contracted, even a wizard cannot save you."
Speaking of his illness, the king's tone was quite indifferent.
"Guy brought back twenty-five Crusader knights from Gaul, and they swore allegiance to me, but I have not met them."
Losa had a hunch, yet still asked, "Why?"
"Losa, everyone in this world has their own beliefs, and they are not clay figures. I don't have much time left, and that's no secret, so those loyal to me, strictly speaking, only those loyal to me alone are becoming fewer."
Losa fell silent.
He had a fondness for this young ruler and felt a pang of sadness hearing him speak this way.
Baldwin IV seemed to see through Losa's thoughts and smiled gently.
His laughter was somewhat hoarse, speaking unhurriedly: "Losa, I trust your father and trust Godfrey who recommended you, so I'm willing to trust you and consider you as my trusted pillar."
"But you are too weak and have yet to earn any merit, and even I find it difficult to secure a title for you."
"There are too many knights in Jerusalem, and I can't grant you a fiefdom without reason. As you saw in the great hall, as a king, my word is not absolute."
Losa nodded and said, "Your Majesty, I understand your predicament, please assign me a task where I can prove myself."
Trust does not entail gaining everything.
Losa understood that Baldwin needed someone trustworthy and capable, so there would surely be a trial.
Baldwin IV smiled and said, "I had just that in mind."
"Now that you've arrived in the Holy Land, you should know that though the Sassanid Dynasty of Persia has allied with the Ayyubid Kingdom, they are far from united."
Losa nodded slightly, "I am already aware."
He chose his words carefully and said, "The Sassanid Dynasty, a thousand-year empire no less than the Eastern Empire, once had influence over many territories now controlled by the Ayyubid Empire."
"Though in decline, the Sassanid King of Kings would not be willing to hand over the position of the Great Shepherd of the Fire Worship to Saladin."
Baldwin praised, "It seems you have done your homework. I haven't misjudged you; you are not one of those foolish knights who come to the Holy Land thinking only of fighting heretics."
"What I want you to do is to lead an elite cavalry, disguised as Kurds, and raid the border area between the two kingdoms."