A Crusader with System in the Middle Ages

In the center of the main hall, where only a single chair for the Marchioness had been before, another had now been placed. It was for Eric, and it was more ornate and taller. The two seats were arranged side-by-side, but Eric’s was clearly closer to the center.

To the side, a ceremonial chair was placed for Gregory.

Eric took Matilda by the hand and sat down. The moment Matilda saw the arrangement, her brow furrowed.

Although she had long been mentally prepared, the sight still pained her, and she had to force herself to look away.

"Yahweh is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul, He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake..."

Gerard’s Otto led the Priestly Order and the Bishops of Tuscany in singing a hymn.

After the hymn, a prayer of blessing began. The Bishops and the Priestly Order raised their hands, praying to God for His blessing,

"Almighty God, we beseech You to bestow Your blessing upon Your servant, Eric De Outville, the future lord of Tuscany.

Grant him wisdom and Courage, so that he may justly govern his domain, protect the weak, and punish the wicked.

May he, under Your guidance, become a merciful and just ruler, bringing glory to Your name and blessings to his people.

May the peace and Power of the Lord be with him always. Amen."

Gregory then rose. An attendant at his side presented the regalia symbolizing the station of the Marquis of Tuscany: the Longsword and a golden circlet.

The Longsword had belonged to the previous Marquis of Tuscany, Matilda’s father, Marquis Boniface.

Gregory handed the Longsword to Eric, who received it with both hands.

"May this Sword symbolize justice and Courage, that you may protect the innocent and punish the wicked."

Gregory then took the golden circlet and placed it on Eric’s head.

"May this crown symbolize glory and responsibility. Under God’s guidance, may you become a merciful and just ruler."

Matilda then rose, removed the ring from her finger, and offered it to Eric.

For Matilda, this was an agonizing process. She wanted it to be over quickly.

However, just as the ring reached Eric’s hand, he grasped hers. He took hold of her ring finger and slid a Norman-style ring onto it.

"In all the territories I shall rule henceforth, in every manor that belongs to me, be it in Tuscany or Normandy, the authority of my wife and I shall be equal.

When she sets foot in any of my territories, she has the right to the allegiance of all my vassals and liegemen, in matters both economic and military.

In the affairs of Tuscany, all official documents shall bear the seals of both my wife and myself. When I am absent from Tuscany, she shall possess full authority, and the Normans residing in Tuscany shall also be subject to her command.

In Tuscany, Normans and Tuscans shall enjoy equal status.

My Knights, swear fealty to your Countess."

Eric spoke these words first in Norman French, and then again in Latin.

Before Matilda could even react, Eric raised her hand high.

It was not only Matilda who was taken aback. Many in attendance, especially the Tuscan vassals, were stunned by this gesture.

"It seems the Marchioness has found a good husband."

"What is he doing? A Norman tradition?"

"If he means it, then Tuscany can remain as it always has, unlike what happened in Southern Italy."

"Norman lies. How can their words be trusted? It’s just a ploy to placate us."

"Just as I thought. Normans enjoy turning their backs on God. How can men pledge fealty to a woman?"

"So does this mean we can do business in Normandy and England now without paying tariffs? Is that what he’s saying?"

"..."

The Tuscan vassals erupted in a flurry of discussion. Some praised the move, others opposed it, some were simply stunned, and still others were already calculating the commercial benefits.

The Normans present, however, though initially surprised, recovered quickly. The Norman Knights sworn to Eric almost immediately dropped to one knee, faced Matilda, performed the rite of fealty, and cried out their oaths of loyalty.

Having followed the Earl of Gloucester for the past few months, they had grown somewhat accustomed to his frequently surprising behavior.

No matter what, this rising noble of the Norman Kingdom always led them to victory. During the Mann expedition, his glory had all but reduced them to the supporting cast.

’It seemed the Earl didn’t need Knights at all to achieve victory.’

This left them with a sense of inadequacy. Fortunately, the Earl was not stingy. Even when the victory was his alone, he would share some of the glory with them, which offered them some small consolation.

Even so, they couldn’t help but blush whenever Knights serving other Earls asked them about recent battles.

’After all, there hadn’t been any proper battles—unless you counted clearing out a city’s infantry garrison?’

They hoped this Tuscan campaign would finally satisfy their desire for a real fight. The prospect of battling the Emperor gave them something to look forward to.

"Can’t you see what’s going on? You useless, clueless fool."

Belem kicked the Norman Knight standing beside him—his own personal guard knight.

"What?" the personal guard knight said, confused.

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