Losa was somewhat lost in thought.

Baldwin IV's mellow voice suddenly rang out: "Baron Losa, in this battle, you have successively defeated many Saracen Cavalry, earning great accolades."

"Now, please kneel before me in the presence of Heavenly Father and all witnesses."

Buzz—

Losa clearly heard the dense gasps from the nobles surrounding him.

In such a sacred occasion, Baldwin IV asking Losa to kneel before him was self-explanatory.

Isn't this too hasty?

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Though doubtful in his heart, he didn't hesitate for a moment, dismounted, and knelt on one knee on the ground.

Prajna was right behind him.

She nodded slightly at Baldwin IV, as if greeting.

And Baldwin IV didn't take offense, smiling as he said: "Madam, you have also achieved many merits in this battle, I greatly appreciate your contribution to Jerusalem."

After speaking, he raised his tone.

"Archbishop William, as a witness here— I, King Baldwin who rules Jerusalem by the mandate of Heavenly Father, grant the title of Lord of Hebron and Transjordan to the lord of Jorgelisburg, Baron Losa, as a reward for his valor in battle."

"Everyone present here is a witness to this knighthood ceremony."

"May you, in the days ahead, protect your subjects and monarch, and defend the kingdom from the invasions of heretics."

Archbishop William was somewhat taken aback by this, but fortunately he had been instructed to prepare the holy anointing oil, a concoction made from myrrh and other spices mixed with olive oil.

He placed his hand into the clay pot, and as he applied the oil on Losa, he whispered: "Your Majesty, isn't this ceremony rather simplistic?"

Fasting, observing chastity in the church, praying... too many preparations weren't made, this holy anointing oil was originally intended for the newly knighted."

There aren't many counts in the entire Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Under normal circumstances, from start to finish, the ceremony lasts about half a month— this includes inviting some observing lords and the time taken for their arrival.

Baldwin IV smiled and said: "No, this is certainly not simplistic."

"With the testimony of the many feudal lords, nobles, knights, civilians, and clergy of Jerusalem, there's no ceremony more sacred than this."

Baldwin IV carefully observed the crowd behind his mask.

The civilians, already starting to cheer as they watched the spectacle.

When did we commoners get to witness the birth of a count?

This isn't the Empire's Republican era after all!

The members of the Knight Order mostly showed signs of approval, but the nobles of Jerusalem had cold expressions, whispering among themselves.

They were very dissatisfied, but the great nobles weren't in the city, and there was no mainstay, so for the moment, they couldn't figure out how to oppose.

Among them, Amalric wanted to step forward to object, but considering his own embezzlement issues, he hesitated for a moment.

In truth, Baldwin IV also worried that there might be unforeseen events.

Though Losa's battle merits were beyond reproach, ultimately, the battle wasn't a decisive victory and could only be considered a stalemate.

Moreover, Losa was too young— others took generations to advance from baron to count, while he took less than a month.

Baldwin IV wasn't totally confident he could convince everyone to follow his will, thus he hoped to establish a fait accompli here.

As for any future troubles?

Establish the legal framework first!

Baldwin IV believed that Losa had the ability to resolve all future obstacles and secure the count position.

...

On the second floor of a nearby small building.

The noblewoman spoke with hidden disdain: "Hah, that little king is truly muddled, actually conferring the title of Count of Transjordan to a mere lad! Isn't he aware that Reynard's territory is the gateway to Jerusalem?"

Her companion speculated: "Perhaps it's just a nominal title? Moreover, Reynard is a mortal enemy of Saladin, even if he's dissatisfied, he won't defect to Saladin."

It's not uncommon for counts to be overshadowed by powerful vassals.

Take Georgelin, an Edessa count of whom, despite being strong, was equivalent to an average baron.

And Count Reynard, as a pioneer of overland sailing, once reached two Zoroastrian Holy Lands in Hejaz.

This is akin to a slap in the face of all Monarchs of the Zoroastrian World; he and Saladin are absolutely mortal enemies.

Clap, clap—

Applause sounded in their ears.

"Hey, turn your head and let me see!"

Instinctively, they turned their heads but saw a white-haired girl sitting on the table, gently swinging her legs, her face showing a mocking expression.

"Tsk, finally seeing the vampires of this world, they smell awful, like those stale old corpses taken from a coffin, with a musty taste."

The girl's soft laughter was filled with sarcasm.

The noblewoman's face changed suddenly: "Who are you?"

On the girl's body, they sensed an aura similar to the Blood Race but of an essence that differed.

It was like the difference between stagnant water and the open sea.

The girl jumped off the table; as she walked, she stretched out her hand, forming blood magic power into a sharp blood-red longsword.

"Listen, I am Furinjira from the ruling clan of the Blood Royal Court, Cepesh. If you two malintentioned vampires kneel and surrender to me now, I might spare your lives."

The girl raised her chin, her arrogant tone making the two feel a trace of anger.

The noblewoman snorted coldly: "What Blood Royal Court, never heard of it!"

"You presumably are also of the Blood Race?"

Her companion extended two pointed teeth from the corner of her mouth: "As fellow kin, we don't want conflict with you. If you leave now, we can pretend we saw nothing."

"Ah, that's not possible!"

"Even if I agreed… the other would not."

Furinjira approached step by step.

"Go!"

The two turned to escape.

But upon turning, they found on the balcony behind them, a female knight with blonde hair draped over her shoulders and a long spear across her shoulder, unbeknownst to them, had already blocked their way.

Just seeing this woman once, their eyes felt as if they were staring into the sun, squinting reflexively, with large drops of blood seeping from their eyes.

"Damn… damn it, such strong pressure, what kind of monster is this?"

The feeling of fear akin to a rabbit being watched by an eagle made the two panic.

"Heh, standing on high ground, daring to show such obvious killing intent, do you think we're non-existent?"

Jeanne sneered: "Explain the mastermind behind you, and I can give you a prompt death."

Actually, there's nothing much to explain— Losa could easily guess with just his toes who was targeting him.

Just what he didn't expect was the assassins coming so quickly, with the intention of stopping Baldwin IV from appointing Losa as Count of Transjordan.

The noblewoman and her companion exchanged a glance, never expecting that apart from the witch accompanying Losa, there were two others who had long anticipated their intentions.

Run!

Without hesitation, the two flew up and tried to escape from the roof.

But just as they crashed through the roof, a man wielding an Armed Sword made from Demon-Blocking Gold punched and slashed them down.

"Good thing I was prepared, otherwise you might've escaped."

Hans's face carried a smile, but the two who were struck seemed hardly harmed and quickly leaped up from the ground.

"Who exactly are you?"

The noblewoman shouted sharply.

Jeanne smiled and said: "Let me introduce you two, this one is a Vampire, the other a Werewolf, and I am a knight of the Holy Church specifically dealing with demons like you."

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