Episode 107
Anjou Empire’s Oberne County.
Once, it was just an ordinary county, not much different from any other.
But recently, it has undergone a rapid transformation, becoming the focal point of Western Europe, even surpassing Aquitaine in prominence.
All of this was thanks to the influence of the prophet Edward Marshall.
Both Philip II and Richard couldn’t help but marvel at the ever-changing landscape of the territory each time they visited.
“It seems like we held a meeting here before, but the place looks different again.”
“Indeed. But Your Majesty Richard, you’ve arrived quite early. There’s still plenty of time before the meeting.”
“Well, Your Majesty Philip, you seem to have arrived early as well. I was just exploring my own territory and happened to arrive sooner than expected. But I suspect you have some other plans in mind.”
Richard’s words, laced with subtle implications, were met with a smile from Philip II. It was expected that old grievances might still linger.
However, harboring such feelings wouldn’t be beneficial for the discussions planned for today.
“By the way, did you hear anything from Prophet Marshall about today’s events?”
“I didn’t ask. While it’s true that Marshall and I are close, it wouldn’t look good to leverage that relationship for personal gain in international matters. I value fairness above all.”
“Impressive. I doubt there’s a monarch in the world who can match your chivalry.”
“There’s no need to flatter me. I suspect you, Your Majesty Philip, have a good idea of what’s going on without needing to hear it.”
“You’re too kind. Hahaha!”
Philip II feigned a cheerful demeanor as he glanced around.
He noticed their attendants, standing a bit apart, engaging in their own subtle power plays.
“I’ve heard that you’ve been expanding your influence quite impressively, Your Majesty Richard. I must admit, I’m envious of your strength, something I could never achieve.”
”…On the contrary, I envy your adeptness, Your Majesty Philip. Looking back, if it weren’t for Marshall’s mediation, I might have clashed significantly with the nobles.”
“That’s all thanks to your good fortune with people, isn’t it? No matter how much I strategize, people naturally gravitate towards a strong ruler. In that regard, I can’t compare to you.”
“Ahem, thank you for saying so.”
Richard had a natural tendency to be swayed by flattery. And when someone like Philip II, who could infuse sincerity into falsehoods, complimented him, the effect was doubled.
Though he was still irked by past events, he had received an apology for the lack of control over subordinates, and there was no conclusive evidence linking Philip II directly.
Richard, with his straightforward nature, found it difficult to continue harboring resentment against Philip II.
Philip II, with his keen observational skills, didn’t miss the slight softening of Richard’s expression.
“Your Majesty Richard, perhaps our early arrival is a sign of destiny.”
“Destiny? What destiny?”
“With the new pope initiating such a grand event, it signifies something significant is at play, and it underscores the importance of cooperation among nations.”
“Well… I suppose so.”
“Given our history of collaboration since childhood, aligning our steps shouldn’t be too difficult. But what about the Holy Roman Empire?”
Heinrich VI of the Holy Roman Empire was as ambitious as he was vain. Recently, he had quelled a rebellion in Sicily and negotiated with the Lionheart to preemptively prevent internal divisions within the empire.
If asked who the strongest nation in Western Europe was, nine out of ten would name the Holy Roman Empire, such was the emperor’s towering influence.
Philip II continued to share information about the empire, subtly stoking Richard’s wariness.
“Currently, Heinrich VI seems to be moving to bind the empire to the Hohenstaufen family. Until now, there hasn’t been a law in the empire explicitly stating that a particular family could inherit the throne. With opinions divided, the emperor is likely eager to assert his authority.”
“So you’re suggesting the Holy Roman Empire might act out in the upcoming situation?”
“Yes. And frankly, in terms of sheer power, it’s hard to deny that the Holy Roman Empire has the upper hand. But if we unite, the story changes.”
Richard, lost in thought for a moment, slowly nodded.
“Indeed, while I did ally with the Holy Roman Empire to pressure France before, there’s no obligation to do so again. However, unless the emperor acts aggressively, I can’t guarantee I’ll side with France unconditionally.”
“Of course. I just want you to be aware of the possibility, Your Majesty Richard. And when the time comes, I hope you’ll respond appropriately. That’s all I ask.”
“Who knows what the future holds, but rest assured, the Holy Roman Empire won’t hold all the cards. I’m not foolish enough to let that happen.”
“Is that a promise?”
Satisfied with the response, Philip II leaned back with a contented smile.
Just then, the sound of grand instruments filled the air, heralding the approach of Heinrich VI, the pope, and Prophet Marshall.
If one cannot defy the will of the heavens, the only option is to harness its glory.
The meeting between the new pope and the kings of Europe proceeded in a remarkably peaceful atmosphere.
Thanks to his connections with the kings from his time as a cardinal, Pope Peter II was well-acquainted with them.
The pope reaffirmed that the authority and legitimacy of Richard, Philip II, and Heinrich VI were derived from God.
In return, the kings pledged to continue safeguarding Catholicism and to show their respect for the pope.
I silently observed their conversation from the sidelines.
After nearly two hours of exchanging pleasantries and pledging mutual cooperation, Philip II naturally steered the conversation.
“Your Holiness, it’s truly impressive. You recently returned from Constantinople, and now you’ve come all the way north.”
“I’m merely doing what is required of me as a servant of the Lord. Perhaps the Lord saw the need for stamina in this role and entrusted me with the papacy.”
“Then can we assume that gathering us here is related to the Lord’s work?”
With formalities out of the way, it was time to get to the point.
Pope Peter II nodded leisurely with a smile.
“To be direct, yes. And for the record, everything I’m about to say has been verified by Prophet Marshall.”
Though I could have spoken myself, I had the pope do it to emphasize that this was a collective effort between the papacy and the nations.
The name Edward Marshall carries weight, but it suggests an individual rather than a collective.
In this context, having the pope initiate the discussion was more effective.
It also had the added benefit of making the pope appear as my spokesperson, a win-win situation.
“So, can we assume this is related to your visit to Constantinople? Is it about Islam?”
“Islam?”
Heinrich VI’s eyes widened in surprise, while Philip II nodded slightly.
“It’s natural to think so. And gathering us here suggests a somewhat dangerous… even warlike atmosphere.”
“War? Surely not…”
Heinrich VI’s eyes gleamed with a hint of anticipation.
As all eyes turned to the pope, Peter II finally confirmed with a nod.
“Indeed. The time has come for Christianity to unite once more under the banner of the Crusades.”
“Oh!”
”…Why now, of all times?”
“Is the target Jerusalem, as before?”
Heinrich VI expressed pure excitement.
Philip II questioned the fundamental reason.
Richard was most interested in the strategic objective.
The distinct characteristics of the three monarchs were evident in their reactions, and the pope gently shook his head with a smile.
“To answer each question: the target is not Jerusalem. As for the timing, it’s because a conflict between Christianity and Islam is expected to erupt over Anatolia.”
“Is Saladin advancing into Anatolia? That doesn’t seem like his style.”
“The opponent will be the Khwarazmian Empire, not Saladin.”
The pope shared the intelligence from Byzantium with the kings, explaining that this war was not just a clash between Byzantium and Khwarazm but a symbolic battle between Christianity and Islam.
Heinrich VI, always eager for an opportunity to gain military glory, was the first to speak.
“So, the Byzantine army will also join under the Crusader banner?”
“Yes. Strictly speaking, this will be the first true Crusade. Until now, it was a Catholic Crusade, not a Christian one.”
“However, in the military, a unified command structure is essential. Whether in name or in practice, someone must take on the role of supreme commander. So, who will be honored with that position?”
Though he phrased it as a question, it was clear from his tone that he believed no one was more suited for the role than himself.
This was expected, so it wasn’t surprising in the least.
And with such blatant self-promotion, naturally…
“The supreme commander should be someone who can lead the war better than anyone else.”
Of course, Richard, the war machine, would have something to say about that.
“Then surely I’m the most qualified, am I not? I recently led the Sicilian expedition to perfection.”
“I’m sorry, but Sicily was a pushover. That doesn’t set a precedent. If we conduct war like that, we could face disaster against the Muslims. From what we’ve heard, Khwarezm is at least as strong as, if not stronger than, Saladin’s Ayyubids.”
“But this should be judged by how many troops one commands. If the supreme commander doesn’t lead the largest army, will the other nations’ forces even listen? There needs to be a model to follow.”
“No, what’s important is the ability to achieve significant victories. Even with large numbers, if you lack achievements, your voice won’t carry weight. That’s obvious without needing to think too hard.”
Heinrich VI, openly declaring he’d lead a massive army, and Richard, confident in his combat prowess above all else. Meanwhile, Philip II subtly guided the conversation, encouraging their rivalry.
In this chaotic gathering, where cooperation seemed impossible, the Pope looked at me with a troubled expression.
‘It can’t be helped. It would be stranger if things didn’t turn out this way.’
What foolish king would quietly watch another nation’s king take the lead?
In reality, the idea of a united Crusade was always an unrealistic ideal, more of a theoretical discussion than a practical one.
The practical approach was to hang the Crusader banner and let each do as they pleased, as in previous Crusades.
But that wouldn’t achieve my goals.
Having observed the debate in silence, I cleared my throat and stepped into the fray.
“If I may, whoever assumes the role of supreme commander of the Crusade will face an unprecedented challenge. I urge you to reconsider the weight of the responsibility of waging a war that aligns with God’s will.”
As soon as I finished speaking, Heinrich VI and Richard changed their expressions and fell silent.
If you want the rights, you must be prepared to bear the responsibilities. Did you think I’d just sit back and watch you reap all the benefits?