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

The residence of the general of the Thessalonica Military District was built next to the Grand Palace and covered a large area.

At the main entrance of the mansion, two rows of guards in scale armor stood with batons and long-handled axes. These were the personal weapons of the Thessalonian general and only obeyed his orders.

As the most powerful military general in the empire.

Nikephoros has a private guard of hundreds of people, and thousands of standing troops in his territory. It seems that he is on the same level as Duke Raymond of Tripoli, but in fact, Nikephoros has no financial resources. The prestige is much better than that of Duke Raymond in all aspects.

For example, his family has passed down from generation to generation, the in-laws and allies accumulated in the empire, and the treasures of secrets in his possession. These are all intangible wealth that do not need to be demonstrated by the amount of military power.

The banquet has not yet been held.

The nobles who were invited were already in small groups, gathering together and talking quietly according to their own small circles.

The topics discussed were nothing more than the recently popular Branas rebels and the plague that suddenly came and ended suddenly.

Adrianople has been captured by the Thracian Guards, and Branas has been beheaded. It is said that His Majesty intends to hold a small triumphal ceremony for the Guards.

Someone said with a complicated expression: The potion army created by Her Royal Highness the Princess is really powerful. With the Imperial Guards here, Your Majesty's position is as secure as Mount Tai.

It's not that the Guards are here, but that Princess Anna is here.

Someone said meaningfully.

Among these people, there were many who had corresponded with Branas and even privately funded the rebels.

But just because there are so many of them, even if they collude with the traitors, they are not worried that Her Majesty the Queen will settle accounts for this.

When Lothar and Anna arrived, they didn't attract much attention. They were both dressed simply today. If they weren't outstanding in temperament and had invitations in hand, the guards might not let them in.

The General of the Thessalonica Military District was a handsome middle-aged man with a big beard. He recognized the two of them as soon as they entered the venue and hurried forward to greet them.

Good day, noble princess in purple, Your Highness Anna.

Anna nodded slightly to him, her attitude obviously a little cold: Good day, General Nikephoros.

Nikephorus did not feel dissatisfied and looked at Lothar beside Anna: This must be General Lothar. He is indeed a young hero. Unfortunately, on the day of the competition, I was not feeling well and could not see your heroic appearance with my own eyes.

Lothar said bluntly: What does the general want from me?

Nikephorus chuckled and said: General Lothar is really straightforward. No wonder he became a good friend with Her Royal Highness Anna. You must have heard that my Vasiliakos family is mainly engaged in maritime trade.

Lothar said politely: Of course, your family has a long history and is rich. I have heard about it for a long time.

Some time ago, a fleet sent by the family lost contact in the foggy waters above the Black Sea on its way back from Crimea. According to some pirates who managed to escape, they encountered a sea monster.

Sea monster?

Lothar asked: What kind of sea monster is it?

Nikephorus couldn't help showing an embarrassed look on his face: It could also be a whirlpool. Although there have always been rumors of sea monsters along that route, no one has seen the true appearance of the sea monster, or in other words, No one who has seen its true appearance has escaped alive so far.”

What do you want me to do, General?

cough.

Nikephorus glanced around and lowered his voice and said: The ship on the return trip contains a treasure of our Vasiliakos family. I hope you can help me bring this treasure back.

What treasure?

Lothar was very interested in this and said bluntly: General, please describe its appearance in detail. After all, it is not easy to find this thing from a sunken ship on the seabed.

That's a piece of purple crystal. I can't quite describe what it looks like. Anyway, you'll know it when you see it.

Lothar said thoughtfully: I am willing to take over this commission, but what can I get?

Nikephorus smiled and said: I know General Lothar that you are not short of money, but you also know that there are huge treasures in the Mediterranean trade. I am willing to help you organize a merchant fleet and agree to you using me. The family flag is used to avoid the risk of piracy. After all, General Lothar sits on the two important trading ports of Ella Port and Limassol. It would be a pity not to use them.

Lothar shook his head and said: Forget it, General, you don't know. I am very short of money recently. It is best to exchange the reward for this commission into gold coins.

With the support of Turiados, his merchant fleet in the Limassol Military District cannot be regarded as being established from scratch. This condition has limited significance to Lothar.

Nikephoros was slightly startled, obviously not expecting Lothar to refuse so bluntly.

In this case, as long as General Lothar can bring my treasure back, I am willing to pay 20,000 Surides gold coins for it.

no problem!

Twenty thousand Suledes gold coins were equivalent to more than a year's taxes in Hebron.

Lothar asked strangely: It's just this kind of thing, why don't you ask Ms. Anna to solve it?

Nikephorus couldn't help showing a look of embarrassment on his face: General Lothar, you don't know Ms. Anna's habits. She is only responsible for extraordinary events in Constantinople. She has never been willing to do anything beyond this scope. Intervened.

and

Having said this, Nikephorus paused slightly and said with a hint of flattery: How can I ask the noble princess in purple to do something for me?

After leaving the party.

Anna sneered and said: He is just afraid that I will embezzle his treasure. Nikephorus is just a secular lord after all. Don't you know that the treasure in his eyes is actually worthless in my eyes?

Lothar smiled and said: It seems that this general is confident in handling me.

After all, he is not alone. If he breaks up with General Nikephorus, it will be difficult for him to develop Mediterranean trade with the power of the Vasiliakos family in the Eastern Mediterranean.

It's not all because of this. After all, you have a good reputation, and the cost of breach of contract is higher for you.

Ordinary people actually have an attitude of resistance and resistance towards wizards. For example, in folklore, wizards rarely have a positive image, and they often appear as the masterminds behind certain conspiracies and disasters.

Many lords often stay away from spellcasters who come to their territory.

Indeed, my credibility has always been good. So, I want to ask you for a favor.

What?

Lend me some money.

Didn't His Majesty just reward you with 50,000 Sulades gold coins?

Lothar said calmly: It's all spent.

Anna's face was full of shock: Did you raise a gold-eating beast?

That's 50,000 gold coins and half a ton of gold!

Lothar thought of his followers and was convinced: It is indeed a gold-swallowing beast, and not just one, but a group.

Each retinue has to spend money to upgrade. What is it if it’s not a gold-swallowing beast?

Ana was silent for a long time, nodded and said: I can lend it to you, when do you plan to pay it back?

Within a month.

To record this battle, Lothar planned to call Hogg, and then tell him to come to Constantinople to meet him, and take the treasures he collected during this period with him to help him pay off his debts.

In addition, we have to follow him to complete the entrustment of General Nikephorus. By then, another 20,000 gold coins will be received, and paying off the debt will not be a problem.

How much do you want?

Preferably fifty thousand.

Lothar raised his eyes and glanced at Anna's expression. Seeing that her expression was not very good, he added: Ten thousand or twenty thousand is fine.

If he had 50,000, he would give priority to upgrading Cellinina to the full level.

If it is less than 50,000, it would be more appropriate to upgrade each retinue a few levels.

You have such a bad tone, come with me.