Time Travel? Rebirth? I Win This Time!

Before dawn, in the chapel of the Jerusalem Royal Palace, the vast dome and countless columns were swallowed by the darkness, with only the holy icon glowing faintly in the candlelight, its eyes reflecting a look of compassion.

Mike Bai stood alone before the icon. Despite having no faith in it, he couldn't help but view it as a companion in the night's solitude.

Before the holy icon lay his shield and armor, marked with many signs of repair. Mike Bai gazed at these patches with mixed feelings. If not for this armor, he would have likely perished many times over by now.

As the first rays of dawn streamed through the chapel's dome, the heavy wooden doors slowly creaked open. A monk in black entered, offering Mike Bai a friendly smile. "My lord Baron, it is time."

Snapping out of his thoughts, Mike Bai nodded in acknowledgment. A few servants, guided by the black-robed monk, approached with various ceremonial items.

After the monk blessed Mike Bai's gear with a prayer, he turned back to face him with a smile.

"To symbolize the purity of your soul..."

Mike Bai was draped in a simple white linen robe.

"To symbolize the blood of your devotion..."

A red cloak was then placed over his shoulders.

"Only thus may you walk into the halls of glory."

Under the monk's guidance, Mike Bai exited the chapel. The sunlight was momentarily blinding, causing him to instinctively shield his eyes with a hand.

On either side of the road stood fully armored kingdom soldiers, their bright armor gleaming as they held swords upright, their eager gazes fixed on Mike Bai, the hero of the kingdom.

Thanks to his exploits in the Battle of Montgisard, where he had cut down the banner of Saladin, Mike Bai had gained considerable renown among the kingdom's soldiers. His fame had spread far and wide.

Amidst the public's attention, Mike Bai walked up to the palace hall. The door had already been opened by servants, and the hall was richly adorned. Fresh silk curtains were hung, exotic incense burned freely, and golden candle holders, still lit, emphasized the opulence of the palace.

King Baldwin sat solemnly on the throne, his silver mask concealing his expression, though his gaze softened when it landed on Mike Bai.

At the king's right hand stood the kingdom's religious leaders, headed by the Archbishop of Bethlehem. After Mike Bai had playfully duped him with the "Holy Water," the Archbishop had taken to using it in every mass, his face now flushed in a constant, awkward rosacea. Mike Bai secretly hoped that the "Holy Water" wouldn't poison him too much.

Beside the Archbishop stood the commanders of the Knights Templar and the Hospitaliers, both of whom had interacted with Mike Bai during the Battle of Montgisard. After Mike Bai had generously donated a distillation apparatus to them, their gazes toward him were filled with a warmth that even surpassed affection for their own children.

To the left of King Baldwin were the kingdom's nobles, led by Duke Reynard, who had gained great prestige after defeating Saladin. His status had placed him at the head of the kingdom's pro-war faction. He was particularly generous toward Mike Bai, especially since they had fought together against Saladin, capturing one and slaying another of the sultan's kin.

Behind the duke stood many other nobles, some Mike Bai knew from previous interactions, while others were strangers. Thanks to his performance in Ascalon and Montgisard, as well as the immense wealth he had gained from the war, Mike Bai had become the talk of the noble circles.

Looking at their eager faces, Mike Bai had no doubt that if he spoke, a wedding could be arranged by afternoon, with noble daughters and widows coming to his bed by evening. As for Mike Bai's age? That was of little concern to them.

Feigning excitement, Mike Bai walked to the center of the hall. "May the Lord bless you, my child," the Archbishop began, stepping forward to anoint Mike Bai's forehead with the "Holy Water."

Mike Bai's nose twitched as the familiar scent filled the air—yes, that same old recipe.

Once the first step was completed, the Archbishop took a sword from the Templar commander, dipped it in "Holy Water," and then strapped it to Mike Bai's waist.

"I bestow upon you this sword to symbolize the sacred duty of a warrior of the Lord," the Archbishop intoned.

Mike Bai, ever the actor, nodded enthusiastically, pretending to be overwhelmed with reverence. The Archbishop, satisfied with his apparent sincerity, made the sign of the cross and stepped aside.

King Baldwin slowly approached Mike Bai, his voice rich with authority. "Kneel, Baron Mike Bai!" At the command, Mike Bai dropped to one knee, his expression turning solemn.

The king drew his own sword and, with great dignity, tapped it gently upon Mike Bai's shoulder.

"Swear your oath, Baron Mike Bai."

Mike Bai looked up at the king's gaze, warm with pride, and began to recite his oath:

"I swear to treat the weak with kindness."

"I swear to bravely oppose injustice."

"I swear to fight against all wrongs."

"I swear to defend the defenseless."

"I swear to aid anyone who seeks my help."

"I swear not to harm any woman."

"I swear to aid my brother knights."

"I swear to treat my friends with sincerity."

"I swear to love those dear to me, to the death."

King Baldwin smiled with satisfaction, his hand gently resting on Mike Bai's head. "Thus, as the King of Jerusalem, I knight you, Mike Bai Adler, Baron of Adler, as a knight of the realm."

The hall erupted in cheers. The nobles raised their cups in celebration, and servants hastily draped Mike Bai in the blessed armor.

Outside, Patrick, holding the reins of "Carrot," awaited with a grin, handing them over to Mike Bai.

With a swift motion, Mike Bai mounted the horse. William, slightly tipsy, handed him the lance, still burping.

Fully armored, Mike Bai urged Carrot forward, the steed galloping down the path. At the end of the road, several targets dressed in Mamluk gear awaited.

With ease, Mike Bai struck the target, completing the ceremony.

The entire hall broke into uproarious celebration. Servants carried out endless platters of food and wine, while even the rare court jesters appeared, performing their antics in the corner.

Mike Bai removed his helmet, looking over the crowd of revelers: William was chugging wine, Patrick and Demore were teasing him, Captain Hanno looked overwhelmed by the attention, and Anna waved at Mike Bai like an adoring fan, while Sasan was nowhere to be seen, likely in disguise, awaiting orders.

A strong hand landed on Mike Bai's shoulder, and he looked up to find Otto. For a brief moment, Mike Bai thought he saw a tear glistening in Otto's eyes before it vanished.

"Congratulations, Mike Bai. You're a knight now. Your father would surely be proud," Otto said, his voice filled with pride.

Mike Bai smiled foolishly, feeling that in this dark age, he had found a warm haven.