Through the window of the inn, one could see a large crowd of idlers crazily rushing towards the direction of the castle.

The news that two Knights were about to duel in the square in front of the castle had spread throughout the city.

For Montreal, lacking in entertainment, this was definitely a rare leisure activity.

Especially for those from the lower class, being able to watch the high and mighty Lord Knights in their eyes, both competing and deciding life and death, was simply amazing!

"The duel is just starting now?"

Losa was unsure of what exactly was happening and indeed had no interest in watching a Knight duel devoid of suspense, but not appearing at all seemed inappropriate.

After all, that Montreal Knight had insulted the honor of the Royal Knight Order.

"Ulm!"

Losa called upon his first Winged Cavalry, took out a heavy money bag, and said, "Tell Pepin this is the bonus I've privately prepared for him. Remember, give it to him before the battle begins. Also, tell him that I am not watching, because I know this battle, he will surely win!"

Ulm nodded, "Sir, I will remember the words you pass on to him."

"Andreas!"

Losa called upon another Winged Cavalry, placed a heavy money bag filled with Silver Denars in his hand.

"Go buy some silk and hire a Priest as well as a craftsman knowledgeable in Heraldry. I wish to hold the Knight ceremony this noon."

Andreas' face changed slightly; he opened his mouth but stopped short.

"Don't worry, you are included in it."

Losa patted his shoulder, which was known as his signature gesture of appreciation towards someone by almost all Winged Cavalry.

Even many Knights of the Royal Knight Order felt honored to have Losa pat their shoulder.

Andreas instantly brimmed with tears.

Transforming into Winged Cavalry didn't mean fully turning them into ignorant and unfeeling puppets. Andreas once served as a personal valet to a Lord Knight.

He knew better than anyone the enormous leap from being a servant to a freeman and then to a Knight!

Many Attendants dedicate their lives to running errands for their masters, yet it's almost impossible for them to gain such honor.

Losa smiled and said, "Do you remember what I said when I brought you to the Holy Land?"

Andreas nodded heavily, "I remember a lot, like how you once commanded us to prohibit murderous revenge, fulfill military service, and pay taxes..."

Losa felt slightly helpless.

Would Hans always be the only one who got his cues?

"Not those things; it's the promise I gave that whoever renders meritorious service, irrespective of their background, would be granted the honor they deserve."

Andreas' face was full of excitement, "Yes, yes, it's that statement, I remember, but I never thought this is what we deserved; it's clearly your generous gift."

As he spoke, he made a motion to kneel.

Losa held him up by the arm, "No need to hurry; during the ceremony, you can kneel. Now go fulfill my task, don't be frugal, spend all the budget."

Losa watched Andreas leave and did not immediately return to his room; instead, he flicked a Silver Coin onto the counter on the inn's ground floor, "Bring me a glass of iced wine."

"Yes, Sir."

The bartender offered a pleasing smile.

This generous patron had earned them quite a fortune over the past few days.

The street appeared deserted due to the upcoming duel.

Losa took his drink and found a spot by the window to sit down.

He drank the cup of wine.

Faint shouting came to his ears.

The Dragon Bloodline had enhanced his five senses, improving not only his vision but also his hearing.

"Lords (referring to all nobles), Knights, Soldiers, and others, this is a duel for honor to cleanse shame!"

"According to the sacred Knight duel rules, this duel is strictly between Pepin from Mantua and Odule from Sekhem. No attendants, soldiers, or any other armed persons are allowed to participate."

"You must ensure not to use Crossbows, Witchcraft, or any methods and weapons unworthy of a 'good Christian.' Use Lance and Knight's Sword, to conduct a regulation-compliant duel."

"If either side uses weaponry and armor crafted by Evil Art or Magic, they will be deemed rebels against the Heavenly Father, and though victorious, shall be considered murderers and severely punished."

As he listened to what was likely the clergy's speech, Losa couldn't help but recall witnessing the duel between Belian and Lusignan's Guy.

Dueling was a deeply ingrained custom and tradition for the Franks.

Sometimes, even on the battlefield, both sides would still choose to duel a representative to decide the battle's outcome.

It had a resemblance to the duel segments depicted in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

In such an environment, the national spirit naturally became one of abundant martial virtue, so the formidable combat power of the Frankish Knights was to be expected.

But at the same time, this also meant that the Frankish people, mostly composed of reckless adventurers, could be even more terrifying than cowardice when facing formidable foes like Saladin!

"Ride—"

Hans dismounted and approached Losa, "Sir, I watched them leave the city with my own eyes. They didn't linger in the city or converse with suspicious individuals."

Losa ignored the inn's dancer who kept casting flirtatious glances at him as he headed upstairs with Hans, "It seems I had a moment of pettiness."

Petty or not.

The lesson from Hanfry was to never speculate about others using common sense.

For instance, Hanfry was not supposed to harm him according to common sense, yet he did because of the asymmetric information that Losa couldn't have expected what "Evil God's Enchantment" could entail.

Who knew whether or not Safudin had also gone mad, willing to forsake his noble governor status to trigger some chaos in Montreal?

"Does this qualify as having a persecution complex?"

Losa rubbed his brow.

Hans whispered, "Sir, being cautious is never wrong."

He hesitated.

Losa said helplessly, "Is there anything you can't say directly to me?"

Hans scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, "Sir, to be honest, I am a bit afraid for your ordeal in the castle... If possible, I hope you can take me with you everywhere. Sometimes, the tasks that General Prajna finds inconvenient to do can be handled by me."

Losa patted his shoulder, "I appreciate your goodwill, but it's really unnecessary. Besides, I am not the same as before, want to spar?"

"Are you sure?"

Hans was somewhat doubtful.

A while back, Losa fought Hans, and although Hans went easy on him purely using Swordsmanship, Losa could barely last a few rounds.

It was just simple battering.

"Certainly."

"Come, let's put on the armor and have a good fight."

Losa didn't think he was Hans's match now, but his combat abilities had definitely improved comprehensively, as long as Hans goes easy on him, he felt there should be a solid back and forth.

Both donned their armor and came to the inn's backyard.

Losa held the hilt and blade of the Half Sword with both hands. His view became narrow because of the Helmet.

But Losa's Spiritual Power had soared, using channels beyond just his eyes to observe the outside world.

"Let's begin, Hans, go easy first, scale down your Power and speed to half!"

"Alright!"

Clang—

Losa took a big step forward, landing a plain and straightforward strike, Hans immediately spotted an opening, slashed upward with the Longsword to fend off.

Once remarkably swift in his eyes, Hans's actions now felt a bit slow.

He immediately halted his slashing motion, avoided Hans's counterstrike, and gently tapped Hans's Helmet with the sharp hilt of the Half Sword, producing a crisp sound.

Hans halted his actions in astonishment.

Losa lifted his visor, somewhat smug, "How about it? Isn't it a major transformation? Let's go again, this time you go all out, I'll also use Blood Magic to assist in battle!"

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