There is no doubt that he footed the bills for tournaments and banquets, that he was vigilantly 'tapped' by the courtiers, and that he lent the king staggering sums.

But in spite of his popularity he never seems to have evaded responsibility and wallowed in debauchery, like the king.

We find Gilles shortly afterward defending Anjou and Maine against the English.
The chronicles say that he was 'a good and hardy captain,' but his 'goodness' and 'hardiness' did not prevent him from being borne back by force of numbers.

The English armies, uniting, inundated the country, and, pushing on unchecked, invaded the interior.

The king was ready to flee to the Mediterranean provinces and let France go, when Jeanne d'Arc appeared.
"Gilles returned to court and was entrusted by Charles with the 'guard and defence' of the Maid of Orleans.