Baldwin IV gazed into the distance, at the ruins of the castle, and said in a deep voice, "In any event, you will be the Count of Transjordan, there's no doubt about that. But Kaler Castle might indeed deserve to remain in Reynard's hands."

Kaler Castle has long been managed by Reynard, and has recently been ravaged by the flames of war.

If this territory were also stripped away, it would seem too harsh, too lacking in human compassion.

The monarch's punishment of a vassal shouldn't be too severe. There have been plenty of vassals who raised flags in rebellion and openly waged war against the king just because he wanted to increase the royal authority.

If Baldwin IV wished to strip Reynard of all his titles and lands, even his arch-enemy, Regent King Raymond, wouldn't support such actions.

Because his lands are more vast and prosperous than Reynard's!

"Your Majesty, do you intend for Reynard of Chatignon to be my vassal?"

Without the title of Count of Transjordan, Reynard, no matter how many lands he holds, would only be able to call himself Baron Callebaut.

Just like Baron Goffrey, who has multiple baronies such as Ibelin, Ramla, and Beirut, his strength is definitely at Count level, yet he remains just a baron.

Baldwin IV chuckled lightly, "What, are you afraid you can't handle him?"

Losa shook his head, "There is indeed some concern."

Offending people isn't much of an issue.

But offending someone and failing to deal with them is troubling.

It's like being a thief for a thousand days; there's no rationale for guarding against a thief for a thousand days.

"I understand what you mean, but if Reynard is executed, we can't strip him of his lands, all his titles will temporarily be under Lady Stephanie's care, unless you're willing to marry this widow."

Put simply, it's the difference between a death sentence and a fine.

You can only choose one of them.

Trying to do both would amount to "tyranny."

Even under "tyranny," few would dare to rebel against a strong king, but Baldwin IV is clearly not considered a strong monarch.

The defeat at Spring Valley and his leprosy significantly limit his grasp of the kingdom.

As for Lady Stephanie, if Losa were willing to step in, she'd be the third party interested, yet she's still very sought after...

"Your Majesty, please don't joke around."

Losa was somewhat helpless, given he had personally killed her son.

If he were to seize the title of Count of Transjordan, Lady Stephanie would likely hate him even more than Reynard of Chatignon.

"Losa, a fierce general who can only conquer on the battlefield won't make a good lord; you need to learn how to outwit and outsmart the vassals under you."

Baldwin IV spoke with an undertone of amusement.

He had no intention of clearing all obstacles for Losa; he valued Losa but that didn't mean he would remove every obstacle for him.

In his view, Reynard of Chatignon was a whetstone to hone Losa.

With two witches protecting Losa, Reynard could spend a fortune hiring the most elite advanced assassins from the Eagle's Nest and still be unable to kill him.

...

The entrance ceremony wasn't grand.

In recent days, Kaler Castle's defense left it riddled with wounds.

While the stored provisions and arrows were somewhat sufficient, the buildings near the walls either collapsed or were dismantled, the stones and wood used to reinforce the walls.

The ruins marred by flames made the smoke-stained walls appear predominantly black.

Count Reynard led a group to the city gate, respectfully welcoming the royal arrival.

"Count Reynard."

Baldwin IV was mounted on a pure white warhorse without a single streak of stray hair, and from above, he looked down at the infamous "Renegade" before him.

Boundless and brightly armored crusader soldiers and the bloodthirsty cavalry under Losa's lead enhanced his imposing presence.

"You have repeatedly violated my truce with Saladin, provoking one war after another, if I recall correctly, this is the third time."

Count Reynard knelt on one knee, fearful and trembling, "Your Majesty, though it's been three times, with Heavenly Father's blessing, under your leadership, we've already won twice."

In the past, he held no respect whatsoever for this so-called "young hero," but now circumstances demanded it; he genuinely feared Baldwin IV might decide to put him on the gallows.

After all, King Baldwin doesn't have much time left to live.

Baldwin IV raised his riding crop, coldly saying, "The trouble you've brought upon yourself requires the entire kingdom to clean up after, Reynard, do you really think I don't dare kill you?"

Lady Stephanie suddenly spoke, "Your Majesty, our son has already been harmed by a villain, are you now intending for me, already having lost a son, to also lose my husband?"

Her face was pale, her eyes filled with endless hatred: "Your Majesty, I implore you to dispense justice for me and punish the murderer!"

A glint of cold intent flashed in Baldwin IV's eyes.

He spoke calmly, "Your son was under the Evil God's enchantment, attempting to sacrifice all of Montreal to the Evil God; it was Losa who freed him from the Evil God's grasp, you ought to thank him."

"Indeed, madam, His Majesty speaks the truth; we found evidence of Young Master Hanfry's worship of the Evil God under the castle, it certainly wasn't forged by others."

Several knights of Montreal took the initiative to step forward and explain.

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