Time Travel? Rebirth? I Win This Time!

Mike Bai looked at Baldwin with suspicion, observing his serious expression, which made it clear he wasn't joking. With a bitter smile, he asked, "Your Highness, you can't be serious, can you? I'm only twelve years old!"

"It doesn't matter. We can get engaged now, and hold the wedding when you turn fifteen," Baldwin replied almost immediately, clearly having already considered this matter.

Mike Bai paused for a moment, then, still intrigued, threw out a question that had been bothering him. "Your Highness, if I may ask, with so many talented young men in the kingdom, why choose me?"

"Mike Bai," Baldwin said with a smile, "It seems you still don't understand your current position. In my eyes, aside from me, you are the kingdom's only true outstanding figure."

Mike Bai feigned anxiety, but inwardly he couldn't help but roll his eyes. This line... it sounds so familiar.

"As for martial prowess, you've personally led the charge on the battlefield, rescuing the kingdom's army in Ascalon, slaying Saladin's nephew at Mungissa, and defeating Saladin at the Yabo River. That alone proves you're second to none in battle."

"However... at Mungissa, it was my subordinates who did most of the work, especially Sassan. It was her fearlessness that brought the greatest victory," Mike Bai insisted, feeling the need to defend his subordinates.

From the roof, Sassan shook her head in exasperation. This stubborn Mike Bai!

"No matter," Baldwin responded, "Ruling over subordinates is still a leader's skill. And having a Hashashin who would willingly die for you speaks volumes about your ability." Baldwin nodded approvingly. He's accomplished without being arrogant, a sentiment that further elevated Mike Bai in Baldwin's esteem.

Baldwin continued, "As for intellect, you've pinpointed the kingdom's problems and come up with solutions, showing your limitless potential."

"Financially, you've come from a remote place, spent no money, and in just three years, you've become a wealthy merchant. If you were to inherit a kingdom, within ten years, your name would be known across the entire world."

"In terms of reputation, your generosity towards mercenaries has made you famous along the eastern Mediterranean coast. If you raise a banner, you could easily recruit tens of thousands of soldiers."

"Regarding relationships, you've cultivated ties with two knight orders, and the archbishop speaks highly of you. Even the mid-tier nobility of the kingdom wishes for your alliance. Even Duke Leonard, that mad dog from Shadyong, shows you much favor."

"At first, I was skeptical about the rumors surrounding you," Baldwin said, lifting his cup to take a sip before looking at Mike Bai with admiration. "But after visiting your estate today, I saw that your people hold you in genuine respect. It seems the outside world hasn't given you enough credit."

"With all this, Mike Bai, do you still think of yourself as an insignificant person?" Baldwin listed Mike Bai's merits, though he didn't mention one key aspect: Mike Bai, as an outsider noble, had remained neutral in the face of Saladin, unlike Duke Leonard of Shadyong, who was eager for war, or Count Raymond of Tripoli, who secretly collaborated with Saladin.

Baldwin could envision that once Mike Bai married his sister, a powerful new force would enter the kingdom's court, balancing the power dynamics and ensuring the stability of the throne. Under Mike Bai's leadership, the kingdom would surely prosper.

"I should have discussed your marriage with your uncle," Baldwin said with a tilt of his head, smiling at Mike Bai. "But I see in you courage and wisdom far beyond your years, and now that the Adler family is under your command, I'll speak directly with you."

Mike Bai listened to Baldwin's praises with a sense of pride. He had no idea that in just four years, he'd earned such an impressive reputation. Yet, as he thought about it, he couldn't help but feel relieved. Good thing I'm in the West. If I were in the East, after rejecting this offer, I'd probably end up with 300 axmen chopping me into pieces to eliminate a potential threat to the powers that be.

"I know my time is limited. You'll marry my sister," Baldwin sighed, his voice heavy with regret and resignation. "After I die, you and she will share the crown."

It was hard not to be swayed by the proposal of marrying a beauty and inheriting a kingdom. It certainly made Mike Bai's heart race.

But was this really the best offer for him?

"Princess Sibylla also has a son," Mike Bai asked seriously, his gaze piercing. "What will happen to him if I marry the princess?"

"He'll be sent to the monastery," Baldwin said nonchalantly. "After my death, whether he lives or dies will be up to you."

Mike Bai closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his mind racing with thoughts. This was a monumental decision. If this were his past life, it would be like a billionaire CEO offering him his only daughter and all his assets. Mike Bai would have thought he was dreaming. But now, this was real.

However…

"Forgive me, Your Highness, but I must refuse!" Mike Bai opened his eyes, looking at Baldwin with unwavering resolve, his gaze filled with an intensity Baldwin couldn't quite comprehend.

Baldwin was stunned. He couldn't fathom why Mike Bai would reject such an offer.

"Is it because of the child?" Baldwin's tone grew cold as he stood up slowly, glaring at Mike Bai. He didn't want to see the kingdom's throne fall into the hands of someone too compassionate.

"It's not just about the child. It's because of this damned era," Mike Bai said, his chest swelling with pride. "The workers toil all day, but the nobility takes it all! The knights fight bravely, yet only for a little coin! The monks chant scriptures, not to transcend, but for promotion."

"In this so-called holy land, this land of milk and honey, everyone claims to fight for the gods, yet they slaughter each other, leaving nothing but ruin. In Your Highness's kingdom, I see no hope."

Mike Bai shook his head. "If I were to take over Your Highness's kingdom, it would only repeat the same mistakes. Every day I'd be forced to fight the court and nobility for power, and battle heathens to the death. The paradise I long for will never come in this place."

Baldwin sneered, "What do you think you can do?"

"I will return, and on my own land, I will slowly build my kingdom—one where everyone has enough to eat, clothes to wear, and a land filled with hope," Mike Bai said with pride. This is the kingdom I've seen before.

Baldwin looked at Mike Bai, the confident fire burning within him, but he couldn't understand where Mike Bai's self-assurance came from. Yet, that confidence seemed to stir up uncomfortable memories within Baldwin.

"You don't understand. You don't understand anything!" Baldwin yelled, nearly exhausting himself in the process.

"How do you know if you don't try?" Mike Bai's chest was held high, calm yet brimming with strength. "Even if this dark age only makes the slightest progress, I will die without regret."

The sunlight hit Mike Bai, causing Baldwin to momentarily lose focus. He almost saw a younger version of himself, full of vigor and confidence, with the world at his feet.

The intensity of the emotion drained Baldwin's strength. He slumped back in his chair, feeling as though his vitality had been sapped.

After a long pause, Baldwin turned his head, his expression complex as he gazed at Mike Bai.

"Then let it be," Baldwin finally said, his voice quiet.

Silence fell. Long, heavy silence. Baldwin's eyes flickered, lost in thought.

Just when Mike Bai's legs were starting to ache from standing, Baldwin spoke again, weakly.

"I will have Archbishop Bethlehem send a letter to the Pope, requesting a letter of absolution for your uncle."

"Really?" Mike Bai couldn't believe it. He'd refused Baldwin's offer, and yet still received such a great benefit.

"As a trade, Mike Bai, you must agree to share your trade routes with the merchants of Genua."

Mike Bai quickly weighed the pros and cons. After all, once he had the letter of absolution, he could return with his uncle. The Venetians wouldn't be able to cross most of the Holy Roman Empire to cause him trouble.

He nodded firmly, satisfied with the terms.

Baldwin relaxed back into his chair, exhausted. He knew there wasn't much more he could do.

With a long sigh, Baldwin thought sadly, Who will protect this kingdom after I'm gone?

4o mini