Chapter 71: The Hashashin
Chapter 71: The Hashashin
The Treasurer, Richard, who had hurried over, happened to cross paths with Count Philip, who was leaving in a huff. "Milord, did you have a conflict with Count Philip?"
Lothar nodded. "He tried to assert his authority over me. Unfortunately for him, he got thoroughly rebuffed."
Treasurer Richard said seriously, "Milord, Lord Philip enjoys high prestige within the Knightly Order because he is a very generous commander. Many have benefited from his largesse."
The unspoken implication, naturally, was a hope that Lothar would handle this matter with caution.
"How do you think he will try to deal with me?"
Richard hesitated for a moment, then said, "It will be nothing more than inciting those knights and sergeants who have benefited from him to feign compliance while secretly disobeying your orders. Then, he’ll seize upon any oversight on your part to use as a means to attack you in the council, ideally rallying nobles close to him to pressure His Majesty into relieving you of your duties."
Lothar nodded slightly; he could have thought of these tactics himself. There was nothing particularly sophisticated about them. But unsophisticated didn’t mean ineffective.
"Richard, by telling me these things, aren’t you afraid that if Count Philip one day ascends to the position of Grand Master, he will cause trouble for you?"
Richard looked at Lothar, who had a knowing half-smile, his expression frank. "Milord, I very much liked what you said in the great hall. The situation in the Holy Land is as precarious as a pile of eggs. If we do not unite, we will all become corpses under the infidels’ blades."
Lothar nodded. "Let’s hope this Philip is smart enough not to cause me trouble."