In the Middle Ages, people drew cards to be promoted to nobility.

Zain took his Mamluk guards and climbed the marble stairs leading to the Aqaba palace.

This seaport city is now full of defeated troops who have withdrawn.

Fortunately, he had the foresight to retreat safely as soon as he got the news of the defeat.

In this battle, Raouf dispatched about 4,000 troops from his own army, plus the troops of vassals and allies, and the civilian men responsible for transporting baggage, the total number was close to 10,000.

I'm afraid only one tenth can come back.

On the contrary, most of the Bedouin nomads who came to make up the numbers ran away because they were traveling lightly.

Today in Aqaba, weeping can be heard from almost every household.

The guards, petty feudal lords, and local chieftains coming and going looked at Zain with complicated expressions.

In this battle, Zain, who was originally regarded as a bait, escaped unscathed.

With the help of this Mamluk bodyguard under him, his strength suddenly jumped to the number one general under Rauf.

Zain greeted them with a sad expression.

In a daze, he actually felt like he had returned to the way he looked when he was defeated at the gates of Alandre and fled in embarrassment to Habu.

It's just that at this moment, the two sides are changing positions.

For some reason, he felt a little happy in his heart - it was clear that Rauf had a chance to get the territory back after he defeated him, but he just couldn't help but feel happy.

Let you laugh at me before!

You, Rauf, are far more powerful than me. If you fight that Lothar, wouldn't you still lose? And lose even worse!

Ah.

He left the accompanying guards outside the palace and walked straight into the palace.

Raouf was lying on the lord's throne, disheveled and taking a swig of fermented grape juice. His eyes were bloodshot, and he didn't know whether he was drunk or suffered a heavy blow.

You're back.

Rauf raised his head, his eyes no longer as wild as before.

In this battle, his elite troops were severely damaged. If it weren't for the Manticore's support, even he himself would have been defeated by the winged cavalry that jumped out from behind.

At this time, not only was his territory in the Sinai Peninsula destined to be lost, but his territory in the Hijaz region was also at risk of unstable rule.

His rapid expansion over the years has accumulated a large number of potential enemies for him.

For example, in the southern part of his territory, Hashim's lord, Hashem Suleiman, was his mortal enemy.

The territory that originally belonged to the Yanbu and Khaybar areas under Hashim's rule was usurped by him.

If it weren't for the Suleiman family still controlling that holy land, it would be shrouded in a theological halo.

Rauf has long continued southward and expanded his territory to the Yemeni region.

Instead of choosing to go eastward and open up the bad land in the Najd Desert like now.

Now that most of his troops have been lost, the other party will definitely wait for an opportunity to retaliate.

So, he needs Zain now.

An expression of concern appeared on Zain’s face: “Brother, you drank too much. You are an eagle in the sky, a lion blessed by flames. If my mother was still alive, she would never want to see you like you are now. It’s so decadent.”

He silently sighed in his heart that he was so mature now.

In the past, he would never have been able to show such a false expression of concern while feeling extremely happy.

Rauf let out a long sigh and put down the golden wine glass set with rubies: Zain, you are right. I regret not listening to you. This Lothar is indeed not that easy to deal with.

It's all that damn Minometor. I listened to his boast. My manticore knight, I watched him beheaded by the enemy. It was this self-righteous fool who died immediately and even hooked up with me. So many of my loyal soldiers.”

Is Rauf convinced?

Of course I'm not convinced.

In his opinion, Lothar was just lucky and got the help of the witch.

There is absolutely no problem with his strategy.

Zain was silent for a moment, feeling contempt in his heart: At this point, are you still unwilling to admit that you are also a fool?

On his face, the expression became more sincere: My brother, regretting is of no use. Dahab is just a barren land. It doesn't matter if we give up for the time being. At the moment, we still have to keep Hijaz. This is our foundation.

Rauf pondered for a moment and then said: You are right, Zain, I plan to leave Yanbu to you to defend, which is the southernmost border of my territory.

Zain felt a hint of joy in his heart.

Yanbu can also be regarded as a wealthy territory. Although he is only temporarily in charge of it, he can finally use it to continue to develop his own power.

The money he brought from Ella Port was quite large, and he could easily raise another army.

I thought so in my heart.

His face was filled with astonishment: Brother, how can I, a defeated general, shoulder such an important task?

Rauf said without hesitation: Zain, help me guard Yanbu. I can't trust anyone now. Only you. You are my compatriot and brother, connected by blood. I believe in you, and you will definitely be able to defeat Hashem's army. Block there!

Zain's eyes filled with tears, and he looked like a brotherly brother: I will never betray your trust!

Outside Port Ella.

Civilians are cleaning up the corpses in an organized manner. There are too many dead. If they are not cleaned up as soon as possible, it may lead to a terrible plague.

The belongings on these corpses had been looted by the soldiers, some were sold in trophy shops, and more were thrown into warehouses.

These old armors, weapons, and helmets can be used again with just a little repair.

Most of the weapons and equipment used by the Black Hawk Flag Team come from this.

The corpses were piled up like rags.

Spread the fire, and soon it will burn with thick smoke.

The people had a happy expression. The enemy was repulsed and the whole army was rewarded. Most of the militiamen had no chance to participate in the war, but they could also receive food generously donated by the lord. It was so beautiful!

The new week's draw did not gain the allegiance of Miss Cellinina.

But the rewards you get are still very practical.

It is a large Roman-style irrigation canal that can be placed in a manor near the Port of Ella, which can greatly speed up the construction of hydraulic projects.

Of course, practicality is practical, but the value is not that high.

Lothar spent hundreds of gold coins on his own and hired some workers to build irrigation canals and karez that could be used. Although the effect was not as good as those produced by the system, they were still usable.

Sir, you must be disappointed, right?

After all, she is the new beautiful lady. If it were me, I would be crying with anger right now.

Jeanne's face was full of amusement.

Then you're a real crybaby.

Lothar lay on the couch without raising her eyes, closing her eyes to rest.

In this battle, although the spent mana bars and energy were replenished several times due to upgrades, he still felt a fatigue that seemed to penetrate deep into his soul.

tired!

It’s so tiring!

I wish I could sleep for ten days in a row!

But he could not do that yet; he had to wait for his vassals to arrive and swear allegiance to him.

The vassals of Transjordan responded quickly to the call for the first time.

Normally, the vassals in Europe would not have such enthusiasm.

Dilly-dally, set off slowly and leisurely.

Many times, the war is over and the vassals arrive belatedly.

Or, some people come early, hang out leisurely in the military camp for a month or two, and then leave regardless of whether they fought or not when their service period is over.

Unfortunately, this behavior is completely legal.

Even the feudal lord has no right to punish them.

But this time, Lothar's vassals would not hesitate, because this was a spoils-sharing feast, and the dishes were all put on the table, waiting for them to eat.

If you have a quick hand, you will have it, but if you have a slow hand, you will not have it.

…

After many noble children swore allegiance to Lothar.

The Transjordanian Crusaders began their western expedition.

The war was progressing smoothly.

Lothar didn't even show up in person. He just sent Jeanne and Hans to lead the army and held a grand parade. The main battles were completed by the vassals.

Although it is a division of spoils.

But it also depends on the strength. The decision of who can eat more and who can eat less all depends on the individual performance in this battle.

It only took three days for the Crusaders in Transjordan to capture Fier Aoun (Dahab) and a large area to its west.

Lothar reestablished the Diocese of St. Catherine, the Barony of Tich, and enfeoffed forty-six knights. Due to the limited number of edict knights, Lothar actually divided out many knights.

Among them, the Diocese of St. Catherine is temporarily under the control of Moreno, the second son of Baron Zugar. Whether it will be directly secularized and become a lord fief, or Moreno will make a lifelong vow to join the ranks of the clergy, it depends on him. How the family promoted it.

Moreno originally wanted to ask Lothar for his opinion, but Lothar had no objection.

Baron Tich was succeeded by Bolvar, the second son of Baron Argonne.

The knight collar below will not be described in detail.

Many noble families have received varying numbers of knighthoods. It is none of Lothar's business whether they are preparing to develop their territory or exploit the common people.

Lothar has no plans to attack the coastal territories of Tour, Farlan, and Garat in the southwest of the Sinai Peninsula due to the obstruction of high mountains.

It is not easy to defend after it is captured. From a high place, you can even see Egypt on the other side and the Arabian Desert east of the Nile River.

Adil would not allow Lothar to expand to this point.

Lothar only plans to take over the southeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula for the time being. As for those who don't get a piece of the pie, they can only wait until next time.

With one-third of the Sinai Peninsula annexed, the territory of the County of Transjordan nearly doubled, but the additional population was only about 30,000.

Also included here are some Bedouins who are semi-nomadic and semi-settled near oases.

Jeanne, who had completed a grand armed parade and made almost no effort, announced it to Lothar as soon as she returned to her mansion in Port Ella.

Sir, from today on, you will be a great desert monarch.

Eighty percent of Lothar's territory is now desert.

With such a vast area, it was more than enough to be a Duke on the European continent, but in the Holy Land, if it were not for business, Lothar felt that he was at best equivalent to an ordinary earl.