Jerusalem Royal Palace.
The Royal Knights, clad in purple battle robes, had long since formed up outside the palace gates.
Lothar had once served as Grand Commander of the Royal Knightly Order. Though he had not held the post for long before handing it over to Hans, he had clearly left a deep impression on them during that time.
"Good day, Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty, now that you have been crowned the supreme ruler of all Crusaders, are you about to lead us north to wipe out Saladin's remaining forces?"
"His Majesty Lothar, when do we set out to support the two northern Kings and Lord Raymond?"
They looked somewhat excited. As the royal guard, most of them came from distinguished backgrounds and had access to the finest equipment in the royal armory.
But at their core, they were still a garrison force tasked with defending the royal palace. Since the great victory at Montgisard and the disastrous defeat at Spring Valley, their only real combat opportunity in recent years had been following Lothar into the Battle of Kalerburg against Saladin.
That battle had thoroughly established the Royal Knightly Order's reputation, allowing them to straighten the backs that had been broken at Spring Valley.
Now, with most of its members being young men, the Royal Knightly Order clearly still possessed an ambitious, enterprising spirit.
Though Royal Knights received estates and stipends, they had no hereditary fiefs. They were essentially salaried employees, and because the Crown's direct domain was so small, there was little room for advancement.
Lothar looked over the Royal Knights without speaking for a long while.
Only after the excitement faded from their faces and gave way to unease did he slowly ask:
"Where is His Majesty Baldwin?"
They exchanged looks. Many clearly did not know the answer,