Chapter 471 - 336: Manufacturing Fear

The man grunted as he hauled himself onto the city wall, his scabbard striking the stone with a loud clang.

He was dressed in fine Chain Armor, its links polished to a shine with sand, vinegar, and wire. Over it, he wore a long, colorful Cloak embroidered with fine gold thread, and a magnificent, brightly colored feather was even pinned to the top of his Helmet.

It was Stephen.

The first thing he did upon reaching the battlements was not to survey his surroundings or take cover, but to pull a notebook from his person and, from who knows where, a quill pen. He chewed on the end for a moment, then began to write, muttering quietly, "February 17th, in the year of our Lord 1079. Stephen, Count of Blois, peerless in courage and fearless in valor, by the Lord’s command and cloaked in glory, was the first to break the enemy and bravely mount the battlements during the siege of Levant Hama City, becoming the first Warrior among the Crusaders to conquer this mighty fortress. His exceptional daring and indomitable spirit are a shining symbol of this campaign, to be passed down through the ages and forever recorded in the annals of history."

Eric shook his head in exasperation and pressed down on Stephen’s head, forcing him into a crouch. "Are you writing your family chronicles, or are you here to fight?"

Just then, another man climbed up. He carried two Crossbows on his back, much smaller than those favored by the Genoese and Pisans, but their craftsmanship was far more exquisite. A Quiver hung from his waist, and he had the look of a professional Crossbowman.

He was more agile than the first man, making no sound as he came over the battlements.

The man was none other than Belem.

"Well, this is a surprise," Eric said with a smile.

"Like my new toys?" Belem noticed Eric’s gaze and took the two Crossbows off his back. "That Greek kid, Brinyos, custom-made them for me. This thing is more useful on horseback than a Knight’s Sword."

"Is that so," Eric teased. "That kid’s an expert at winning people over. I just can’t recall who it was, not long ago, who couldn’t open his mouth without mentioning the ’devious Greeks’."

"Ahahaha," Belem let out a few awkward laughs, then looked over and pointed at Stephen. "Where do you think this guy got this getup? Brinyos had ten whole ships full of gifts, and this guy picked out a Jester’s costume. You’d think he was rushing off to perform at a Roman Theater."

Stephen immediately retorted, "What do you know? We are engaged in a sacred cause..." He paused, apparently realizing his own attire didn’t quite match the so-called sacred mission. He gave a dry laugh and explained, "This outfit is to help me better blend into the city, the better to complete our mission here."

Belem looked at him and grinned. "Right, the ’mission,’ of course. In that getup, you’ll definitely win every spectator’s applause—and the Heretics’ laughter." He patted his Crossbow. "While this can bring these Heretics pain."

Then a third person appeared, then a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, and a seventh. In total, seven men were now on the battlements.

The remaining men were the three’s personal guard knights.

"How are things in Cyprus?"

"Great. Just great. Your Pisans and Genoese are having a field day over there. They’ve finally found a place to dump their cities’ unemployed vagrants, scoundrels, and landless country layabouts.

On top of that scum, they’ve also swindled a bunch of poor folk from among the Franks and from Italy, hyping up Cilicia and Cyprus as Heaven on earth. As if simply setting foot here would send their souls straight to Heaven. And those desperate, idiotic peasants actually believed such a crude lie.

Because the Pisans and Genoese control the sea lanes from Italy to Cyprus, they shamelessly charge exorbitant prices for passage. They’re making a killing.

And that’s not all. Recently, they’ve been wanting to talk to us about reselling Heretic prisoners of war in Italy and the lands of the Franks. After all, Christians aren’t allowed to enslave other Christians, but when it comes to Heretics, it’s a completely different story.

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing," Belem said, his eyes gleaming as he looked at Eric. "After we take Jerusalem and return to the lands of the Franks, you can have the Marchioness squeeze a hefty sum out of these profiteers."

Eric had anticipated as much. The Pisans and Genoese had provided nearly two hundred ships for the expedition. Every ship needed to be manned by rowers, and each rower required wages and food—wages high enough to support their families. From Tuscan to Cyprus, it was a staggering expense.

When Eric had first petitioned the nobles of Pisa and Genoa, they had agreed to provide the ships at no cost, but only on the condition that they be granted a free hand in all matters of commerce and shipping.

With Robert’s consent, Eric had agreed to this demand.

"And Robert? What is Robert’s take on me cooperating with Suleiman unilaterally?" Eric asked.

"Hah, don’t even ask. I didn’t even see him. He isn’t on Cyprus," Belem said with a wave of his hand.

"He isn’t there?" Eric was puzzled.

"That’s right, he isn’t. And what’s more, he’d left just half a day before I arrived," Belem nodded.

"What a coincidence."

"Tell me about it," Belem sighed. "He and Edgar took part of the Pisa Fleet to go raid the Levant coast, following in the footsteps of his ancestors."