Louis made a reverent sign of the cross. "If it be God's will, Charles."
"Yes, yes, if it be God's will that this pope dies, I will already be in Italy," Charles said. "I can be in Rome, athwart Manfred's path, and he will not be able to intimidate the College of Cardinals when they elect the next pope. You must let me go into Italy to protect our interests. Or else give up your dream of Jerusalem."
A long moment of silence passed, Louis staring into Charles's eyes.
Louis held up a finger. "I will not declare war on Manfred. If you go, this is entirely your doing, and that of the pope."
We've won! The king has given in! Simon, wild with joy inside, forced himself to sit silent.
Charles did not look as pleased as Simon felt. "But, if you don't declare war, where will I get the knights and men?"
Louis held up a second finger. "You will get them yourself. I will not provide them. You will have to hire them. And if Manfred beats your army, I will not send more men to rescue you."
Charles shrugged. "Well, I have the best tax collectors in Europe."
Louis raised a third finger. "You will forget about Provence."