Chapter 602 Three Kings Meeting

The King of Jerusalem came to the front. This was big news.

Although they arrived lightly and simply, after the news spread, the entire German Crusaders inside and outside the city of Semanud came to greet them. The atmosphere was very warm, even better than when the two kings arrived in Semanud not long ago.

After all, no matter how revered the two kings were, this was their first confrontation with pagans.

As early as the age of sixteen, Baldwin IV personally led four hundred knights to defeat the tens of thousands of troops commanded by Saladin himself.

In the previous two great victories of the Crusaders against Saladin, although it was Lothar who performed the best and gained the most prestige, the supreme commander was Baldwin IV, who was the nominal King of the Eastern Crusaders.

Standing in the welcoming crowd, Philip, wearing a blue smock with the golden fleur-de-lis embroidered on the front, which is unique to the Gallic royal family, was preparing to welcome Baldwin IV with a warm smile on his face.

But although his face was enthusiastic, he was already wary in his heart.

Lothar was founded by the Royal Party, and its rapid rise was indispensable without the support of the King of Jerusalem. Even now, the Royal Party is still the core force among Lothar's supporters.

This also means that Baldwin IV is fully qualified and capable of taking over Duke Lothar's legacy.

"Oh, he is a leper abandoned by God. He is probably still trying to compete for the position of generalissimo, right?"

"Or is this the talker brought by Lothar's men to fight with us?"

Philip cursed in his heart, but his face did not show it at all.

Just as he was thinking about it, more than a dozen royal knights in dark red smocks were riding in front of them, guarding a young man wearing a white background with a golden Jerusalem Cross. The flying Jerusalem Cross showed the identity of the visitor.

He organized his words and was about to greet them with a smile. Then he saw the direction of the city gate, and Richard, dressed in red robe, took the lead to greet them with long strides.

"Hahaha, Heavenly Father, I heard that my uncle was seriously ill and had to fight against pagan devils. I was worried and couldn't sleep at night. Today I see that my uncle is in good health. I am relieved."

Baldwin IV was not swayed by Richard's preemptive warning, and said calmly: "Thank you for your concern. My body has not recovered yet and I cannot go into battle to fight. I can't say I am fine."

Although they were both members of the Anjou family, he didn't have a good impression of Richard.

Not only was Sibylla's son assassinated by assassins suspected of being instigated by the Anjou family, but the main reason was that when Saladin's army pressed the border, he sent more than ten letters in succession, begging the European monarchs to send troops for assistance.

But none of them wanted to move.

When the fruits of victory were about to be harvested, these people came instead.

Richard secretly breathed a sigh of relief and smiled: "No matter what, uncle, you have given me great support by arriving at the front line when the war is about to begin. I seem to have seen the flag of the Crusaders flying. That moment in Alexandria.”

Philip also came forward and said with a smile: "Your Majesty Baldwin, thank you for coming all the way. I have prepared a banquet and fine wine to welcome your Majesty."

Baldwin shook his head: "What His Majesty Philip said is that my body is not as healthy as ordinary people, and it is already very uncomfortable to come from such a long distance. At this time, I just want to rest this morning, so I can only reluctantly refuse His Majesty's kindness."

"Where does Your Majesty plan to stay?"

"Of course it's the Governor's Palace."

He had already rejected the olive branch offered by the two kings in an understatement. Next, it would be fine if Lothar was in good health. If so, he would stand up for Lothar and finish this crucial battle.

Richard frowned, and his eyes became dangerous. His whole figure was like a reclusive lion, making people dare not look at him at all.

Philip felt a little cold in his heart, but he just responded with a smile: "Since His Majesty Baldwin is ill, it's better to rest early, but I don't know if your Majesty will still be able to attend the grand military conference held tomorrow to unify the Crusaders. "

Baldwin nodded slightly: "The matter is important, so I will naturally attend."

Philip smiled and nodded, signaling his men to get out of the way: "Then I'll see you tomorrow."

Watching Baldwin IV leave, Philip looked at the stern-looking Richard and said with a smile: "This King of Jerusalem is really a bit of a king, but Richard, now that your uncle has arrived, how can you treat this junior? You can't still argue with your elders, right? After all, in terms of military ability, your uncle's record is much better than yours."

Richard snorted coldly: "No matter who becomes the generalissimo, he will be the king of my Anjou family."

He is not a brainless fool, and he cannot even see through Philip's superficial attempts to sow discord. At present, he is not as good as his uncle in terms of performance and prestige. It is indeed very difficult to win.

"On the other hand, you, jumping up and down in the sky, seem to be a joke. I don't know what those eagles and dogs crawling at your feet should do in the face of their true monarch."

A considerable number of lords under Philip were from the Kingdom of Jerusalem, members of the Queen Mother's Party and members of the Prince's Party. Except for Duke Raymond of Tripoli who wanted to guard against Saladin of Damascus, most of them had gathered under his command.

Facing Richard's sarcasm, Philip still smiled, as if he had a plan in mind: "You don't need to worry about it anymore."

…

Inside the Governor's Palace.

As soon as Baldwin walked into the door, he staggered and was supported by Baron Godfrey who came up to him. He couldn't help but said anxiously: "Your Majesty, you are not feeling well, why do you come to Egypt at this time?"

Baldwin smiled and shook his head, indicating that Godfrey didn't need to support him. After he stood firmly, he said: "Lothar is my most trusted minister and one of my few close friends besides you. Now that he has heard that his life or death is uncertain, how can he stay in the palace?"

After he finished speaking, he hesitated and said: "How is his health?"

Godfrey looked heavy and shook his head: "I don't know. Mr. Coors and the witches of Lothar said that Lothar is undergoing treatment and no one is allowed to visit."

Baldwin IV breathed a sigh of relief.

He was really afraid that Godfrey would open his mouth and tell him about Lothar's death.

"It's good that he is still receiving treatment. Lady Prajna, Lady Jeanna, and Miss Fulin are all very capable people. I believe he will recover."

Gofrey sighed lightly: "Your Majesty, the treatment has lasted for more than half a month and there is no improvement. Tomorrow is the Crusaders' military meeting. Even if Lothar can be rescued in the future, he is destined to miss this war."

He raised his head and said with some regret: "This should have been the battle for his coronation as king. He is so outstanding and has made countless contributions to God's cause. Could it be that the two foreign kings will enjoy the fruits of victory in the end?"

"If I can't catch up, I will do it for him."

Baldwin IV said calmly: "Sir Lothar has helped me a lot. This time, it's my turn to help him."

Although his voice was light, his tone was very firm.

"Sir Godfrey, after this battle, I will declare Lothar as my first heir, and the fruit will belong to the one who deserves it the most."