Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks

Chapter 893: Chapter 117: Alliance Formation

A system notification rang in Losa’s ear.

You have gained a new title "Basileus, Vice Emperor of the Empire," which under your jurisdiction, you may rename as "Emperor of the Southern Empire."

This title is a quarter of an Empire-level title; you will unlock part of the rewards for Empire-level titles.

Your title grants a doubling of your soldier count, with the cavalry recruitment limit increased to seven hundred, and infantry recruitment limit increased to one thousand three.

That’s all there is.

Just a quarter of an Empire-level title...

Losa felt some confusion in his heart. In a past life, after the Venetians broke through Constantinople, they occupied the Aegean Islands, Crete, and the Adriatic Islands, being referred to as Three-Eighths Roman, and he felt by area count, his should at least be equivalent to Half Roman.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"This is your due; I only hope you won’t disdain this nominal honor. Later, Eusebius will hand over the keys to the castles of Famagusta and Nicosia into your hands. From today, you are the commander of the Cyprus military district."

The Empress also instructed the two eunuchs nearby: "Grant a seat for His Majesty Basileus, right at my right hand, as I wish to discuss national affairs with him."

It was as if she only now noticed the numerous "Witch" advisors behind Losa, and spoke: "Also, grant seats to the wise women who pursue truth; I have heard much of your achievements in the Holy Land. You are the model of women worldwide."

Princess Ira, sitting at her left hand, gave a contemptuous smile, feeling her jealousy slightly diminish. This almighty Alamanni savage, although handsome and skilled in battle, had so many breathtaking women around him that there was no room for anyone else to intervene.

People admire your power and call you "Christendom’s First Beauty." Do you sincerely believe you can compete with eternally youthful, beautiful witches for men?

The princess, long overshadowed by her mother’s presence, found dark thoughts sprouting in her heart. How long can you maintain your appearance? Ten years? Twenty years? When you are wrinkled and aged, you will only be an old woman.

Losa glanced somewhat surprised at the princess whose emotions were plainly visible, shaking his head internally. No wonder Ragaya was unwilling to restore the main governance; this co-ruling Empress of Barcelona indeed seemed unable to manage state affairs.

Ragaya also noticed the emotions on Ira’s face, her regal demeanor momentarily shifting to melancholy. She glanced at Losa with a look of sadness, or perhaps it was just Losa’s illusion: "How goes the Aegyptus campaign? I heard from Anna that you were previously advancing on Cairo City?"

"Cairo City has been liberated."

"So quickly... It’s no surprise given that Basileus harbors such magnificent Giant Dragons and has the service of wise women. No matter how strong the fortress, it’s unlikely to withstand your military might."

She sighed lightly: "In just one year, you have conquered Aegyptus, establishing numerous great achievements, while the Empire remains mired in internal strife. The single attempt at avenging against the Normans was rather unsuccessful."

"Lord Losa, if you were to govern the Empire with me, as my co-reigning emperor, the Empire’s revival and the restoration of the Great Emperor Justinian’s feats would surely come with ease."

This was almost an open invitation; she slightly lowered her gray-green eyes, shadows obscuring the pearl necklace on her swan neck: "The Empire needs a military emperor."

Losa shook his head and said: "Thank you for your graciousness, Your Majesty, but I am determined to campaign against Heretics. I am unwilling to fight against my Christian brothers. In the future, I might campaign against the Levant, against Mesopotamia, even advance into Persia, or perhaps the distant Gur Dynasty, but I will not choose to march westward."

"That is indeed unfortunate."

Ragaya smiled somewhat wistfully. As the Empress of the Empire, there was no way she could lower her status like a lovesick princess openly showing affection to a foreign Monarch.

"It is actually not unfortunate, Your Majesty. My future military campaign direction lies in the East, bearing no overlap with your goals. We are perfectly suited as the closest allies, exchanging needs and jointly fighting against future storms. This is a great beginning."

Losa proposed with a smile.

The current focus of the Eastern Empire lies in the prosperous Balkan Region, with future goals naturally set on reclaiming the lands in Asia Minor occupied by the Turkic people, perhaps adding the Sicilian military district, which doesn’t clash much with Losa.

"Jointly weather storms?"

Ragaya mused: "Does Basileus wish to form an alliance with me?"

Losa nodded: "Indeed, a treaty that can be written."

In the evening, after the banquet, Losa came outside to the corridor.

At the banquet, various Greek nobles competed to toast with him, whether feeling discontent or showing goodwill.

The intention of this Empress was too explicit; she was essentially saying to unite with me, which was none other than

"It is actually not unfortunate, Your Majesty. My future military campaign direction lies in the East, bearing no overlap with your goals. We are perfectly suited as the closest allies, exchanging needs and jointly fighting against future storms. This is a great beginning."

Losa proposed with a smile.

The current focus of the Eastern Empire lies in the prosperous Balkan Region, with future goals naturally set on reclaiming the lands in Asia Minor occupied by the Turkic people, perhaps adding the Sicilian military district, which doesn’t clash much with Losa.

"Jointly weather storms?"

Ragaya mused: "Does Basileus wish to form an alliance with me?"

Losa nodded: "Indeed, a treaty that can be written."

In the evening, after the banquet, Losa came outside to the corridor.

At the banquet, various Greek nobles competed to toast with him, whether feeling discontent or showing goodwill.

The intention of this Empress was too explicit; she was essentially saying to unite with me, which was none other than