Chapter 962 - 185: Distinction Between Reward and Punishment
Previously, although Losa already held two crowns, the political situation in the Kingdom of Jerusalem remained the same, with the King’s authority simply being reshaped, and no so-called Regent King dominating the court.
Ultimately, they were still two countries, merely both having Losa as King.
Just like the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary, each country had its own leadership, and the central government had no authority over Hungarian affairs.
As the two highest-ranking witnesses present, numerous nobles cast their gazes, trying to discern some clue from their expressions, but unexpectedly, both appeared calm, and the chaotic noise quieted significantly.
Richard lowered his voice and said, "As the eldest daughter of the Heavenly Lord, do you not wish to say something? I recall when Emperor Henry sought to head south to conquer the Apennine States, you were the first to respond to the Holy Throne’s call."
Philip nonchalantly responded with an "Mm": "The one who should be angry ought to be Henry, and the Empress of Greece."
Times have changed, and Hohenstaufen’s Henry, as a neighbor of Gaul, was already powerful enough, and further incorporating the wealthy Apennine States under his rule would immediately disrupt the balance of power.
He is a pragmatist; when the situation favors him, he is the eldest daughter of the Heavenly Lord, the Guardian of the Holy Throne; when unfavorable, he is content to stand aside.
Regardless, with Losa crowned Emperor overseas, the first to be challenged is the Pope, and the Hohenstaufen Emperor Henry; Philip does not acknowledge any authority higher than his own in Gaul, regardless of Emperor, King, or Pope, none can sway him.
Richard sneered, "I suppose the Empress of Greece wouldn’t mind her companion crowning himself Emperor, otherwise she wouldn’t have legally granted these territories to Losa back then, but as for that one from the Hohenstaufen Family, hehe, watching as his subject rises to sit equal with him, it probably won’t sit well."
Philip couldn’t help but roll his eyes.
"It certainly won’t be worse than how I feel looking at you."
Though Losa hails from the Swabian noble line as a direct subject of the Hohenstaufen Family, fortunately, he has no territory in Europe.
Richard pondered, "So, in Losa’s overseas coronation, only the Holy Throne cannot intervene?"
At first sight of the matter, Richard saw Losa as brazen, but upon reflection, realized that at most, it would earn him some harmless criticisms; the only one with a truly humiliated prestige would be the Holy Throne, but what could it do?
Call upon a new wave of Crusaders? Not to mention how many would actually respond, but victory is altogether unattainable.
Seeing Richard silent for a long time, Philip chuckled lightly and said, "What’s the matter, seeing Losa crown himself Emperor, you felt tempted? Coincidentally, aren’t there many who call your lands the Anjou Empire? Simply go for it, and I’ll guarantee my support."
Richard cast an oblique glance at him, restraining the impulse to throw a punch.
In his bones, he was a reckless character, fond of adventure and keen on seeking intangible fame, the mere thought of the Anjou Empire stirred his enthusiasm.
But being fond of adventure doesn’t mean he seeks death.
"If you’ve got stiff bones, we can find a place to loosen them up."
Philip grinned sheepishly and didn’t say more, though he often touted wisdom as a king’s greatest virtue, considering Richard merely a foolhardy brute, the problem was the fellow was truly fierce!
With the two kings not expressing their stance, the nobles below dared not voice opposition, only surreptitiously discussing among themselves.
As these figures remained silent, the fervent supporters of Losa loudly cheered, in their eyes, though the Pope is the supreme shepherd of all believers, the appointed representative of God, he pales in comparison to the "Holy Son" Losa.
Some Jerusalem nobles whispered, "It’s truly audacious; I’ve known that Losa’s former generosity, fairness, and benevolence were all a facade; once his authority faced no opposition, he immediately revealed his tyrannical arrogance."
"First brutally murdering Raymond, then usurping an imperial title over the Holy Throne, I dare not imagine what other audacious deeds he might commit in the future."
A Holy Land noble couldn’t help but tug at a Gaul noble beside him, asking, "Do you think His Holiness the Pope might issue an excommunication decree against him?"
The Gaul noble saw quite clearly and replied with a cold laugh, "Do you think in the East, it’s the Pope’s authority that counts, or His Majesty Losa’s? If an excommunication decree is issued, His Majesty Losa could simply turn to the Great Shepherd of the Eastern Orthodox Church, or the Eastern Orthodox Church for support."
Beside them, a supporter of Losa couldn’t help but speak, "If you ask me, with the merits of His Majesty, crowning himself Emperor is entirely justified, and any opposition from the Holy Throne only proves it’s in the wrong."
"If our Holy Throne calls for a Crusade against Losa, would you join?"
I wouldn’t go!
Wasn’t Charlemagne also crowned Emperor of the Western Empire after his conquests?
Charlemagne had the recognition of His Holiness the Pope!
His Majesty Losa also has the recognition of the Empress of the Eastern Empire, the highest leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, equal in status to His Holiness the Pope.
Gradually, many people realized, it seems Losa’s crowning might actually be somewhat valid.
Others hesitated,
This immediately mobilized a largescale group of people
Some couldn’t help but sneer
"If our Holy Throne calls for a Crusade against Losa, would you join?"
I wouldn’t go!
Wasn’t Charlemagne also crowned Emperor of the Western Empire after his conquests?
Charlemagne had the recognition of His Holiness the Pope!
His Majesty Losa also has the recognition of the Empress of the Eastern Empire, the highest leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, equal in status to His Holiness the Pope.
Gradually, many people realized, it seems Losa’s crowning might actually be somewhat valid.
Others hesitated,
This immediately mobilized a largescale group of people
Some couldn’t help but sneer
"If our Holy Throne calls for a Crusade against Losa, would you join?"
I wouldn’t go!
Wasn’t Charlemagne also crowned Emperor of the Western Empire after his conquests?
Charlemagne had the recognition of His Holiness the Pope!
His Majesty Losa also has the recognition of the Empress of the Eastern Empire, the highest leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, equal in status to His Holiness the Pope.
Gradually, many people realized, it seems Losa’s crowning might actually be somewhat valid.
Others hesitated,
This immediately mobilized a largescale group of people
Some couldn’t help but sneer