A Crusader with System in the Middle Ages

"You’ve never even met her, yet you hate her based solely on rumors?" Eric said with a smile.

"Cultivator, you don’t understand. The Marchioness has bribed the nobles of Pisa to try and start a war with Milan. Now she’s bribing the citizens, too. She’s going to drag Pisa into an endless war.

The people of Pisa should live for themselves, not for some self-important Marchioness! They shouldn’t die in a meaningless war. Once it breaks out, how many men will die on the battlefield? How many women and children will starve from the food shortages?

You don’t understand. I mean no offense, but I have to say it. When war breaks out, your status as a Cultivator means you won’t have to go to the front lines. You’ll just have to pray for victory in the Monastery, while other people’s sons are sent to die."

"All I know is that if the citizens of Pisa don’t go to the Church now, they may not survive this Winter."

"I’ll find out what really happened with the Lanfranchi Bank and give the Governance Council an account of the attack. Then, this will all be over," Rolando said stubbornly to Eric.

He let go of Eric’s shoulders and limped away toward the Lanfranchi Mansion.

"Words are easy, but actions are hard. Do you truly believe you can solve all these problems? It’s difficult to find the perfect solution. Often, I have to settle for the next best thing."

"But I’ll do my best. I will never let anyone destroy the city that my great-grandfather and grandfather loved so dearly."

"I’m afraid that even if you do, war will still be unavoidable."

"What do you mean?" Rolando stopped and turned with difficulty to look at Eric.

"A few days ago, at the wedding of the Marchioness of Canossa and the Count of Normandy, your father, Administrative Officer Cesare, was there representing Pisa. I happened to be present. Your father publicly provoked the Marchioness’s husband—the new Marquis of Tuscany—challenging his authority over the Tuscan region." Eric stepped in front of Rolando.

"What? That’s impossible! My father would never do anything to bring such dishonor upon the Lanfranchi family. He’s always been courteous and proper. He’s a humble man," Rolando objected instinctively.

"Before God, I have no reason to lie to you. None of the nobles who attended the wedding would deny it. The Marchioness of Canossa was furious and took this as a sign that the Tuscan rulers have given Pisa far too much freedom for too long."

"Impossible... Impossible! This goes completely against Pisa’s interests! It’s utterly irrational. My father would never..."

"Indeed, it doesn’t align with Pisa’s interests. But perhaps," Eric cut in with a smile, "it aligns with the interests of the Lanfranchi Bank. No one would believe that Administrative Officer Cesare, the most powerful man in Pisa’s history, would suddenly lose his senses. Unless..."

Eric trailed off, watching Rolando with a knowing look, leaving him to imagine the rest.

A terrible thought surfaced in Rolando’s mind.

"I have to find out the truth." Rolando was desperate to get home and question his older brother.

He was determined to get to the bottom of this. ’Father... Father would never do something like this... Absolutely not...’

Eric tossed something to him.

Rolando caught it. It was a silver insignia, emblazoned with a leaping hound.

"After you’ve found out the truth, if you still hold to your convictions, still believe in the sanctity of life, you can come find me at the Cathedral. I’ll be there. I am the Marchioness’s confessor Priest, and perhaps I can help you," Eric said, patting Rolando’s shoulder.

Seeing Rolando’s hesitation, Eric added:

"This decision to recall the citizens’ loans, driving them into bankruptcy and homelessness—who made it? If it’s all just a misunderstanding, you can argue your case. But what if it isn’t? What power do you have to stop it?

Will the employees of the Lanfranchi Bank listen to the commands of a second son? Keep it. Even if you never need it."

Rolando looked at the insignia in his hand, then tucked it inside his coat.

He limped off in the direction of the Lanfranchi Mansion, turning into a small alley.

A moment later, however, a young man emerged from the alley, carrying Rolando over his shoulder. He came to a stop before Eric.

It was Belem.

"What’s with all this talk? Just get it done. Send them to meet God, and the problem’s solved." Belem slapped the unconscious Rolando on the rear and said to Eric.

Before Eric could respond, a crowd of citizens swarmed out of the nearby alley.

They were the same citizens who had just attacked Rolando.

"My lord, my lord, we did exactly as you said!"

"We followed your instructions to the letter! You have to pardon us for the crime of assaulting a nobleman!"

"Yes, that’s right! Please don’t let the city guard punish us!"

"..."

Eric took a pouch from his belt and scattered Silver Coins into the crowd.

Belem also took out his pouch and, copying Eric, tossed coins to the citizens.

Attendants who had been hiding nearby emerged, along with Otto. They too began tossing coins.

"The Marquis and Marchioness of Tuscany—Eric of Normandy and Matilda of Canossa—under the watchful eye of God, grant their protection to any citizen who pledges them allegiance, regardless of wealth or standing.

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