A Crusader with System in the Middle Ages

"Can you please shut up," Eric said, a hint of impatience in his voice as he threw back the covers.

The beautiful Saracen girl sat up, bewildered. She knelt before Eric, her head bowed low.

"Send her back," Eric said, tapping his forehead.

Eric stripped off the clothes he was wearing, tossed them aside, and put on a fresh set.

He then started to leave the room. Just as he reached the door, he glanced back as if remembering something, then turned his gaze to Otto at his side.

"If she goes back, will she just be given to someone else?"

Otto nodded, then quickly shook his head.

"Did you leave your vocal cords at home?" Eric kicked Otto.

"No, it's just that you told me to shut... er... Yes, she'd most likely be given to someone else. She's just an object, after all. Your uncle Roger doesn't have much interest in these things."

"Then why were you shaking your head just now..."

"You'd better not let Aunt Judith find out; she doesn't know about this. If you want to send her back, and you don't want to cause trouble for your uncle, you can only return her to the person responsible for her. And who knows, that person might just sell her on the spot.

Because your uncle probably didn't expect you to return her, he likely didn't set aside funds for her return trip. All the other funds are in your aunt's hands.

And even if there were extra funds, wouldn't it be better for the person in charge to just pocket them? They could even make a profit by selling her... These days, you can't assume everyone is so loyal and noble.

By the time you see your uncle again, you'll have long forgotten that you returned some insignificant Saracen girl to him, so naturally, no one will be held accountable.

Besides, according to doctrine and the laws of Italy, Heretics receive no protection whatsoever.

And really, this is as bad as it gets. What nobleman in the Catholic World leads a perfectly pure personal life?

Also, what married nobleman sleeps alone nowadays? Even on days of purity for God, a wife and husband should still be in the same room.

Like I said before, the best marriages are built on either calm goodwill or benevolent indifference.

Besides, you didn't do anything. The girl is still untouched. What grounds would she have to question you?" Otto reminded him, helpfully.

Eric looked at the bewildered Saracen girl. "Matilda's opinion is a minor issue. The key is that the Holy See is currently staying in Canossa. The Holy See won't make things difficult for me over an incident like this.

But this is blatant disrespect, or even a provocation. No one knows what he'll ultimately think."

"Who says Saracens are necessarily Heretics? Even if she was, she isn't now. What's wrong with persuading a Heretic to convert to the true faith? I'd say it's unreasonable if the Holy See *doesn't* reward you for it."

"Fine. I'll keep her. By the way, how are you so experienced with this?" Eric asked, looking at Otto.

"Because I'm a good person." Otto raised his head. A ray of sunlight hit his face, making him look beautiful and holy—it would have been more convincing if one could ignore his swollen, red nose.

"Speak plainly," Eric said, shattering the illusion.

"I have one too, though he's a boy. If we're going to Hell, it's better to have company." As he spoke, Otto nudged Eric's chest with his elbow.

Eric: "...."

'Someone like you... even Hell can't save you.'

....

After bathing, Eric went to the great hall.

A corpse was laid out in the great hall. It was that of a man around fifty years old—none other than the Administrative Officer of Pisa, Cesare de' Lanfranchi.

Matilda was sitting on a chair on the high platform. When she saw Eric arrive, she merely glanced at him before looking away.

She was clearly in a bad mood.

Matilda's Guard Captain, Ugo, the local Knights of Canossa, and a number of other dignitaries were present. Matilda had not invited any Normans.

After all, there was Cesare's attack on Belem and many Norman Knights the other day.

Eric walked over to the corpse and crouched down. He lifted the clothing to examine Cesare's body.

"When was he found?" Eric looked at Ugo, motioning for him to come closer.

"This morning. A maid found him when she brought him his breakfast," Ugo replied, crouching down as well.

"Has a physician been to examine him?"

"He's on his way. Should be here soon."

Eric discreetly leaned in close to Ugo and whispered something in his ear.

Then he coughed violently a few times.

"Ah, it seems someone was poisoned by the food. I recall that Administrative Officer Cesare attended the banquet yesterday. Oh dear, and that banquet was held to welcome my aunt, Judith, the Countess of Sicily.

It accidentally ended up being a bit large in scale, and because it was arranged in a hurry, we could only invite the guests and friends already residing within the castle. Although my aunt didn't want me to make a big fuss, I still wanted to do my part for her.

After all, she often took care of me when I was young, so as her nephew, I had to give her the grandest reception possible. I was very pleased that Administrative Officer Cesare could grace us with his presence. I only learned yesterday that the Administrative Officer was an old friend of my aunt's, which is why she specifically invited him, despite the minor disagreement he and I had not long ago.

There were so many different dishes at the banquet yesterday. For the poisoner to be able to so precisely kill one person without harming any others... such skill is simply unheard of. Forgive my ignorance and my imprecise wording, but rather than murder, this seems more like a 'miracle.'"

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