kingdom of nations

Chapter 221 The Banquet (Part 2)

“Ah, I know about that.” Geoffroy raised his glass to his lips, leaned closer to Walter, and whispered, “They did send me some small gifts, did you receive some too?”

Valte nodded and snorted. "They want the Templars to support the girl they're using to replace Damara." The Templar chuckled. "Of course, I also received very good hospitality from that noblewoman's brother."

These guys really underestimated them. Like Geoffrey, he was open to bribes, offers, or even what they called "little gifts." But to expect that such things would move them to speak for the Gerard family girl was a pipe dream.

If it were the head of the Gerald family asking them to speak on behalf of his daughter Damara and explore the possibility of arranging the marriage, they might actually give it a try.

Regardless, they had fought alongside Damara's father countless times—despite the fact that the Templars and the Good Order were often at odds on the road to Arrasa, they were inseparable comrades on the battlefield. Once one side left the battlefield, the other could not stand idly by.

Moreover, the patriarch of the Gerard family did not disappoint people's expectations. The Saint Joseph he saw endowed him with the loyalty and composure of a craftsman. Furthermore, compared to other noble ladies, Damara was often taken by her father. They had seen this petite and strong girl more than once and always had some affection for her.

As for the fiancée who was inexplicably pushed out by the other members of the Gerald family, they had absolutely no recollection of her, so why would they be willing to waste their own feelings to speak up for her?

"Besides, I've also heard some very bad rumors."

"That girl has a pair of brothers who are very troublemakers," said Geoffroy. "Back in Arrasa Road, I heard that they had done a lot of wicked things, so much so that the Order of the Good Samaritans refused to let them join."

"Not the eldest son?"

"They are the second and youngest sons. I admit that it is indeed difficult for the second and youngest sons in a family, but that is not a reason for them to act recklessly."

Putting everything else aside, isn't our wandering knight Longinus now the acting lord of Bethlehem? If they had any redeeming qualities, given their surname and the Gerald family's ties to the Knights of the Good Church, they should have long ago secured their place in Holy Cross Castle.”

Were they ever selected?

"The second son was chosen, but the youngest son wasn't. However, I don't think they have any intention of going to the battlefield. They want to be close to the king and enjoy the flattery of others in the court, rather than risk their lives against the Saracens."

"That makes them sound even worse than Abigail."

Joffre nodded. Indeed, one of the most important things Baldwin IV was preparing for after assuming personal rule was the next expedition.

Abigail and the princess have not yet had a second child, but he has said that he hopes to go on a campaign with the king.

"He should be more sensible by now," Walter said dismissively. "His father is too busy with other things lately to take care of him. But when he has some free time, he certainly won't mind teaching that kid a lesson. What has he done besides wanting to go to the battlefield?"

“How would I know?” Rofrua glared at Walter. He was the Inspector General of the Knights Templar, not the Knights of the Holy Grail. Besides, Abigail and Princess Hibern were far away in Naresa, quite a distance from Arazari.

"By the way, you mentioned earlier that something seemed to have happened to the Gerald family?"

Walter responded, "Of course, a family like that is bound to have its share of trouble."

Geoffroy looked at him suspiciously. César was a good boy who knew how to be grateful, but those people had half-forced and half-persuaded Dean John to write that letter—they should have used this favor for something more important.

"You don't know something, do you?"

“What could I possibly know?” Walter turned his gaze with interest to the group of people sitting at the back, the same group that the Cypriot nobleman had mentioned earlier, the one at the worst and the best.

They were in the know, but ultimately remained neutral and observed, neither informing nor fueling the fire. They paid a heavy price for this, but after most of them were exiled and arrested, the members who were fortunate enough to be pardoned decided to stay.

Their long table, though located near the hall entrance—the worst spot—was still better than the group that couldn't get in. Their table was also laden with glistening olives, vibrant green lettuce, and fluffy pita bread stuffed with minced meat.

But no one touched these things, even the sauces were intact.

These men were all dressed in somber black and gray, almost as somber as their lord, Cesar. Among them, the eldest man kept glancing at the main table, his face filled with anxiety, his teeth clenched, and the muscles he tensed were clearly visible even to the distant Geoffroy.

"I think you'd better not make things too big of a deal."

Walter stuffed a bulging pita bread into his mouth. "To me, it's not a big deal, but I'm curious to see what decision he'll ultimately make—he might not be able to satisfy everyone on this matter."

He looked at Cesar, who was leaning over to talk to his sister, and said, "He should also learn what it means to make choices."

If Froy wanted to say something more, Walter had already begun intently attacking the newly served dishes—smooth goat cheese, smoked pork tenderloin, peppered sausage, lamb skewers, stewed rabbit…

Moreover, by this time, Geoffroy could no longer see the group of Cypriots—a ship had sailed into the hall.

This is certainly not a real boat, but a model of a galley, but it is not small either, it can carry about two or three people, and it is about ten feet long from bow to stern.

A clown dressed as a bard sat at the bow of the boat, which was laden with barrels of fine wine. Two sailors sat at the stern, propelling the wooden boat with their oars. Of course, the boat couldn't travel on the stone slabs; it moved thanks to the rows of wheels beneath it.

The wooden boat weaved between the long tables, its barrels filled with all sorts of fine wines, from grape wine and mead to distilled spirits. Just as people were handing over their glasses, a clown at the bow hung from the upturned bow, making all sorts of comical gestures that were sure to make anyone laugh.

When the ship reached the main table, the clown nimbly leaped down from the bow, crawled into the cabin, and pretended to rummage around, then, with the help of the sailors, carried out a large box. They opened the box, and on a velvet base, was a real golden ship, about the length of an adult man's outstretched arm.

As the two sailors carried the new ship, the clown leaped onto a wine barrel and nimbly pulled up the mast that had been folded and laid down. As the mast rose, it brought with it a dazzling display of jewels, and the sails were made of deep purple silk adorned with countless gems and pearls.

Moreover, the ship was piled high with precious spices, and on top of it was a small ivory cup, a gift from the Venetians to Cesare.

César took the small wine glass and drank the wine in one gulp. Only then did people shout and laugh, watching with envy as the sailors placed the golden ship on the main table.

The Byzantine envoy's expression changed slightly. Clearly, they hadn't expected Venice to present their gifts at this time. They had brought gifts of their own, of course, but out of the pride of a monarchy, they didn't want to bow down to this once lowly knight in front of everyone. But now, the die was cast, and they had no choice but to proceed.

After a brief discussion, they glanced at the Byzantine princess at the main table, who nodded slightly.

Before long, the hall door was pushed open again, but this time, four black-skinned Ethiopian slaves entered. They were all tall and muscular, and on their shoulders carried a silver-plated tray almost the size of a bed. The tray was covered with purple silk, which was piled high with flowers and all sorts of fresh fruits—pomegranates, grapes, peaches, pears, apricots…

Are people exclaiming in amazement because of these sweet, rare fruits?
of course not.

Surrounded by flowers and fruits, a huge relief panel appeared before everyone's eyes. Its frame was made of pure gold and inlaid with rubies and sapphires. The bases of these gems were made in the shape of eight-pointed stars, interspersed with small flying birds.

Within the gold border is a huge agate relief, which is immediately recognizable due to its unique content.

"This is a relief commemorating the triumph of Constantine I!"

A scholar exclaimed, and the people around him immediately began to inquire about it—of course, they could tell at a glance that the agate relief was indeed very valuable, so could it have some other significance?
Of course there is. This was commissioned by the Roman Senate in 350 AD to celebrate Constantine's great victory. The relief depicts Constantine the Great, his mother, wife, and eldest son sitting in a two-wheeled chariot pulled by two centaurs, whose feet are trampling his enemies.

The goddess of victory flew in the air and crowned the great king with a laurel wreath.

This gift is more than just precious; it is highly symbolic.

Everyone here, whether Frankish knights or Byzantine nobles, who didn't want to be the next Constantine the Great? This omen couldn't be better, instantly overshadowing the golden ships sent by the Venetians.

The Venetians' faces indeed darkened, but there were others even more anxious than them.

The Gerard family members were completely taken aback by the way these two delegations of envoys displayed such undignified respect for the new lord—while they also hoped that Cesar's second wife would be a girl from the Gerard family, they hadn't considered preparing a gift befitting Cesar's current status and position. "Perhaps they still think they can use Dean John's influence a little longer," Walter said sarcastically. "When I get back to Arrasa Road, I'll definitely go and see just how thick-skinned John is; you peel one layer, and there's another."

He made no attempt to hide his sarcasm, then tilted his head slightly, "Look, the show's about to begin."

After the fried and grilled fish were served, most of the guests were already enjoying the comfort of being full and slightly tipsy. The Cypriots sitting by the hall door seemed to have finally made their decision.

The eldest of them stepped forward. At first, people thought he was going to the other long tables to toast and speak with familiar friends or the Crusader knights, but he didn't stop and swept across a dozen long tables in one go, walking from one end of the hall to the other.

When he was only ten feet away from the main table, the Gerard family members sitting to the side of the table suddenly changed their expressions. Clearly, they had recognized the Cypriot. A knight nimbly leaped over the long table, seemingly trying to grab the Cypriot, but the man simply swayed slightly and walked past him. The knight reached out his hand, but could only helplessly withdraw it.

Because César had already seen him.

Cesar saw the Cypriot man, recognized his face, and nodded. "What can I do for you?"

The Cypriot bowed deeply to him, and just as Cesar leaned forward, wanting to hear what he had to say, the Cypriot resolutely turned to the Gerard family's long table.

Because Cesar remembered the help he had received from Dean John and the Gerard family, he arranged for them to sit at the head table, directly below it, facing the hall. The Gerard family members were so exposed that they didn't even have time to hide or conceal themselves. They were thus laid bare before everyone's eyes.

The Cypriots lifted their cloaks, and at such banquets, knights were allowed to carry weapons. Heavy weapons such as warhammers and longswords were still required to be left outside the hall, but everyone could carry short swords and daggers.

What the other man pulled out was not a weapon, but a pair of chainmail gloves. He gripped them tightly, as if he had the enemy by the throat, and then forcefully raised them high so that everyone could see what he was holding in his hand before throwing them away.

The heavy chainmail gloves crashed onto the large silver platter used to hold the fish, splashing oil all over the men's faces and heads. They stood up in shock and anger.

But in Geoffrey's view, their shock and anger were more of a shock than an anger.

“I thought we had already reached an agreement!” a member of the Gerald family shouted.

The patriarch of the Gerald family suddenly turned to look at his cousin, as if he were about to break his own neck. His eyes widened as he realized that his relatives had been keeping things from him beyond what he knew.

When he learned that his relatives wanted another Gerald girl to enter the governor's palace, he hesitated but did not stop them.

His refusal to agree to César's marriage to Damara stemmed from his own selfish motives. He never believed that someone like César would be a suitable marriage partner, nor did he want Damara to remain in this perilous and sacred land.

On the other hand, as Damara said, how could an older knight not understand what a girl could see clearly?
He knew that his family wasn't satisfied with what Cesar was giving them; they wanted more. But now it seemed they weren't about to get more, but rather they might have already gotten more.

The weathered old knight instantly lost the color from his face and lips. He knew that the most important thing now was to quell the turmoil before it even began, but they were under the lord's watchful eye, and the other party had already loudly proclaimed his cousin's name and sworn to duel him.

“I know that our lord does not wish to see anyone duel over a word, a laugh, or an empty promise, needlessly wasting life and blood in a vain gladiatorial contest,” the Cypriot said. “But I have come today to make the villains who have harmed the innocent pay the price.”

Upon hearing this, everyone reacted with varying expressions. When the Crusaders captured Arathi Highlands, it could be said that almost none of the pagan inhabitants of the Holy City were able to escape.

Some say that during those days, the blood flowing through the holy city was more turbulent than the Euphrates River, and the churches, icons, and crosses were shrouded in a deathly filth, no longer possessing their former holiness.

In their subsequent conquests, the Crusaders demonstrated that they had little mercy for those who did not share their beliefs.

This is why Cesar was feared like a devil among the Cypriot nobles, but the common people of Cyprus held him in some goodwill. He gave up his spoils of war and distributed them to the crusaders to satisfy their thirst for money and impulses of desire, thus sparing the common people of Cyprus from excessive harm and harassment.

Even those families—after paying the price—will not have their lives affected as long as they do not continue to plot rebellion, even if they harbor resentment.

“I beg you,” the Cypriot turned to Cesar and pleaded, “please allow me to fight these despicable jackals. I swear to you, my hatred for them is not based on your rightful rights to Cyprus. On the contrary, it is because their actions violate your laws and tarnish your reputation that I must fight them.”

Cesar slowly put down his wine glass, stood up, and said, "State your reasons."

"Just seven days ago, these men abducted my daughter from the street and brutally raped her in turn. They locked her in their room and took pleasure in her. When my son found out about this, he went to find them in anger and demanded that they hand over my daughter. They pretended to agree, but instead led my son and his friends into the courtyard. When they were off guard, they called in soldiers to kill them."

His voice echoed in the suddenly silent hall. The musicians who had been playing music had already stopped playing their instruments and drums, and the clown had tiptoed into the crowd. Even the dogs that used to roam under the tables stopped sleeping and lay down quietly. Everyone could feel a tremendous anger emanating from the lord.

Cesar's anger rarely surges and erupts like magma; it's more like a cold current hidden in the seabed, subtle and delicate, yet capable of freezing you to the bone and chilling you to the bone the moment it touches you.

The chill was sweeping through the entire hall, and the Gerald family, who were the first to be affected, were particularly affected. They even instinctively hid behind their patriarch, as if trying to avoid the lord's gaze by using the old man's suddenly hunched body.

Do you have witnesses or evidence?

“Yes,” the Cypriot answered bluntly. “They did not conceal their crimes, nor did they care about our accusations. He loaded the bodies of my son and his friend into a wagon, transported them to our house, and dumped them in front of me. Along with them came my daughter, who was brought back in a sedan chair, barely alive, and died the night she returned home.”

Why were these people able to act so recklessly? Everyone present knew the answer. Some couldn't help but look at the lord, wondering what judgment the Crusader Knight would make and whether he would grant the grieving father's request for a duel.
Or will they regard all his evidence, possessions, and witnesses as a frame-up by a criminal? Just like the Crusaders before them, will they shelter their own people under their wing?

Cesar didn't speak, but simply stretched out his hand and pointed to the Gerard family's long table. The patriarch of the Gerard family stepped forward, bowed deeply to his lord, and then stepped aside, revealing the few criminals who had been singled out to everyone.

They were the brothers of the girl who had replaced Damara and wanted to become Cesar's wife. They were somewhat apprehensive, but more so enraged and ashamed, with little fear.

Like most people here, they thought that even if they couldn't escape unscathed, they should at least be punished—after all, they had indeed disrupted the island's order. But these punishments should be redeemable with repentance and gold coins; the worst outcome they imagined was nothing more than being reprimanded and then expelled.

"Is it them?"

“Yes.” The Cypriot recognized the two swaggering knights immediately. They had dumped his son’s corpse in front of him. Even in hell, he would never forget those two faces.

As for the others, he believed that as long as he killed the brothers in the duel, those who followed them would not fare well either.

Cesar summoned witnesses, who were not only family members or friends of the nobleman, but also people who lived on that street and were willing to testify for the poor girl and her brother out of justice or pity. However, they were almost all Cypriots.

They described in detail what happened that day, and the two beasts made almost no attempt to conceal their evil deeds.

How did they meet the beautiful girl, how did they approach her and harass her repeatedly, and how, after being severely rebuked by her, did they call her the daughter of a sinner and treat her like a prostitute? They knocked the girl's servants to the ground and then took her away.

They watched as she was led into the house and hurriedly sent word to her father and brothers, who were at the docks and had not yet returned home.

So the girl's brother called a few friends to rescue his sister, but not only did they fail, they all lost their lives.

Although they didn't witness the whole incident, they saw how the girl's brother entered the house and how he was dragged out covered in blood.

They brought some more evidence: the girl's and her brother's blood-stained clothes, jewelry that the killer had accidentally left on the street during their fight, and even a fragment of a smock belonging to the Gerald family, which had been tightly clutched in a fist and was only discovered when people were cleaning and burying the dead.

These items were not only filled with the stench of death, but had also rotted and stank due to the hot weather. Yet Cesar showed no disgust. He even personally examined all the evidence carefully, his eyes lowered and his face calm and expressionless.

The Cypriots clenched their fists, awaiting his verdict.

"No, I cannot agree to that. This matter cannot be a reason for a duel."

(End of this chapter)