The meeting hall buzzed with unending noise, like a chaotic marketplace.
Under Lothar's command, they had been strictly forbidden from slaughtering civilians or plundering their property. Though many had been forced to obey, each of them had kept a fire burning in their hearts.
"We cannot show mercy to these despicable 'sinners who murdered the Son of God.' They are adept at following the wind. When they served the infidels, they acted as their claws and tax collectors, squeezing the Christians under their rule to the bone. Now that the tide has turned against them, they wish to abandon their old masters. They have neither loyalty nor honor. Accepting such people would undoubtedly disgrace our holy cause!"
A regional bishop from Gaul shouted loudly.
The Crusader Knights beside him also began shouting, "No forgiveness! An eye for an eye!"
The slogan quickly spread beyond the meeting hall, surging like the tides.
Just as the situation was about to spiral out of control, Raymond cleared his throat and prepared to restore order. Yet a servant hurried into the room and whispered something in his ear.
A trace of astonishment crossed Raymond's gaunt face, which had previously been full of confidence.
"Hadn't His Majesty's condition already stabilized?" he asked in surprise.
The servant hesitated for a long while before saying, "Perhaps there has been some new development."
Only moments ago, he had received earth-shattering news from Jerusalem—Baldwin IV intended to pass the throne to Lothar!
Countless thoughts flashed through Raymond's mind in an instant.
Even though he had sent his young son to Lothar, and even though he held Lothar in awe, his first thought upon hearing the news was still—Absolutely not!
Richard casually drained a cup of red wine. Philip, beside him, sneered. "What news do you suppose our Prince of