Episode 28
The rumor that someone attempted to assassinate Marshal, the Count of Auvergne and a prophet recognized by the Pope, spread like wildfire across Western Europe.
With numerous witnesses, the unsettling news quickly reached the ears of King Richard.
“I’ve heard the news. Are you alright?”
The king himself had come to visit, drawing a crowd of local nobles to the count’s estate, turning it into an unexpected hub of activity.
“Your Majesty, this wasn’t something that required your personal attention.”
“How could I stay idle in the palace when someone dared to target you, of all people? So, have you caught the culprit? The villain?”
“We caught them, but then let them go.”
Richard blinked in surprise and asked again.
“Let them go? Did I hear that right?”
“You heard correctly. Of course, we didn’t just release them without reason. We judged there was room for redemption.”
”…Not just any Muslims, but the Assassins, known for their fanaticism, and you saw room for redemption? Well, if you say so, it must be God’s will. Ha ha…”
Richard forced a laugh, trying to make sense of it all.
“So, who was the culprit? Were they from the same group that previously targeted you?”
“No, this time it was an Assassin from Syria. It’s a good opportunity to explain the current situation in Islam to Your Majesty.”
I recounted to Richard what I had learned from the assassin siblings about the Islamic perspective.
His face grew serious as he grasped the gravity of the situation.
“So, they think this is all a charade by us… Foolish as they are.”
“From their standpoint, it’s a fundamental issue of doctrine, so their reaction is understandable.”
“True. If our Bible had explicitly stated there would be no prophets after Christ, many would have denounced you as the Antichrist.”
If such a passage existed, there wouldn’t be any modern-day charlatans claiming to be the Second Coming of Christ.
In a way, perhaps Muhammad was wise to preemptively block any challengers to his authority.
“I let the assassins go because I felt we couldn’t just let this incident pass.”
“But will they listen? Especially when it concerns their doctrine.”
“I’ve received a message to deliver to the assassins who targeted me. The real question is how the sultans of Islam will respond.”
”…A message?”
Richard leaned forward, clearly intrigued.
Since this matter indirectly involved him, I had no intention of keeping it a secret. But first, I needed to clarify one thing.
“Your Majesty, you didn’t come here solely to check on my safety, did you? It’s about the Crusader vow, isn’t it?”
Richard gave a wry smile.
”…You’re perceptive. How did you know?”
“The Pope has been sending me letters about it, asking for my help in persuading both Your Majesty and King Philip II.”
“Ah, I suspected as much. So, what did you tell His Holiness?”
“I said I’d try. May I ask what Your Majesty intends to do?”
Richard’s gaze shifted to the large map on the table. Though crude, it prominently featured the word “Jerusalem” at its center.
“As a king of a Christian nation, participating in the Crusades is a duty. And if we could truly reclaim the Holy Land, it would be a great honor. But I’ve just become the King of England. I can’t deny that I want to strengthen my rule here first.”
“Have you discussed this with King Philip II?”
“He doesn’t seem too eager either… But with the Pope so insistent, it might be hard to refuse.”
Historically, both Richard and Philip II participated in the Third Crusade. However, Philip, who was never enthusiastic about the Crusades, found excuses to return home early, leaving Richard’s absence to weaken England and usher in a new era for France.
“As you said, the Crusade is an unavoidable destiny. But we must proceed with caution.”
“Are you saying you also oppose raising an army immediately?”
Richard’s eyes gleamed with interest, almost as if he was relieved.
He really didn’t want to go, did he? It wasn’t this obvious in the original history.
I suppressed a chuckle and replied in a solemn tone.
“God allowed the Holy Land to fall into Islamic hands to punish our sins. If we approach this with a mindset of simply reclaiming what was lost, we’ll fail again.”
“Hmm…”
“Your Majesty, with your strategic acumen, you know better than anyone. The supply lines from Europe to Jerusalem are incredibly long, making it difficult to maintain an army. It will be a challenging battle, both religiously and practically.”
“Indeed. That’s why I plan to have a thorough discussion with Philip II. Would you join us? I’ve already sent Alberic to France.”
“I’d be glad to.”
In truth, Richard wasn’t the only one who wanted to delay the Third Crusade. I, too, had just received my fief and needed time to consolidate my power, so Richard’s reluctance was a welcome relief.
What Crusade? It’s a fool’s errand, destined to fail and ruin reputations and resources.
“But can we really postpone the Crusade? The Pope is more determined than anyone to push it forward. He’s even secured a vow from Frederick Barbarossa of the Holy Roman Empire…”
“Ah, so you’ve heard.”
“Of course. To be honest, that’s why I rushed to see you.”
Frederick I, the Holy Roman Emperor, known for his distinctive red beard as Barbarossa, was the most powerful ruler in Europe at the time.
Though modern assessments often dismiss his achievements as exaggerated, his power and influence were undeniable.
His imperial authority was so strong it reminded people of Charlemagne, the founder of the Holy Roman Empire, and his reign was long.
Even at the age of seventy, he was still actively leading the empire, having strengthened his rule by ousting his only rival, the Lion Duke.
The Holy Roman Empire, unlike its future reputation as a laughingstock, was the most powerful nation in Western Europe, wielding immense influence.
With the emperor determined to crown his life with the conquest of the Holy Land, the Third Crusade was inevitable.
Pope Clement III, Richard, and Philip II—all were captivated by the giant’s awakening.
Frederick I, having taken the Crusader vow, began to muster an enormous army, using all his influence.
The Christian world buzzed with excitement, while the Islamic world trembled with unprecedented anxiety.
Even the Byzantine Empire, which had been watching from a distance, couldn’t hide its tension as the massive army approached.
The whole world was on edge over the Holy Roman Empire’s advance, but I was different.
“Your Majesty, I understand your anxiety, but there’s no need to worry about this meeting. Instead, we should coordinate with King Philip II on how to appease the Pope.”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“Because…”
I leaned in close to Richard I, who looked puzzled, and whispered about the future that was soon to unfold.
“Frederick I will never reach Jerusalem.”
Unexpectedly released, the siblings Nasr and Fatima walked silently, as if in a daze, leaving the Count of Auvergne’s territory.
Disguised as merchants, they boarded a ship back to the Mediterranean, not speaking a word for days.
But silence couldn’t last forever. As the ship neared the Anatolian Greek region, Fatima nudged Nasr’s arm.
“What are we going to do?”
”…For now, we follow their instructions.”
“Do you really believe that? It’s clearly a ploy to confuse us.”
Nasr sighed deeply, showing little reaction to his sister’s sharp words.
He felt much the same. Perhaps the man had only intended to mock them.
He might be laughing at the thought of them foolishly chasing after an absurd prophecy.
“But what choice do we have? He swore in the name of God. Would you dare break a promise made in Allah’s name?”
”…I’ve heard that Christians often break promises made with non-believers, claiming they’re invalid.”
“So, are you planning to become just like them?”
“I could never do that… But if that man is playing us for fools, I swear I’ll go back and kill him.”
“Well… do as you see fit.”
Nasir shook his head in resignation and began gathering his belongings to disembark.
“But listen, if what’s written on this parchment turns out to be true…”
“There’s no way it could be. Do you really believe everything that man said? That the Quran is corrupted and God has sent a new prophet?”
“No, no. I never said that. I was just considering the possibility.”
“Such a thing is impossible. There’s no need to entertain such thoughts.”
Despite her words, Fatima’s eyes trembled with a hint of unease. The mere thought was terrifying.
If what was written here actually came to pass, could they truly deny Marshall’s claims?
She wasn’t sure. Marshall’s prophecy was so detailed, so precise, and so clear.
Prophecies were supposed to be vague to conceal their true meaning, but this one was different.
It specified the person, the timing, and the actions so clearly that it was impossible to dismiss.
Nasir looked down at the parchment Marshall had given him, his hands shaking.
He rubbed his eyes and checked it again and again, but the words remained unchanged from when he first received it.
[Emperor Frederick I of the Holy Roman Empire. One year from now, in June, while crossing the Saleph River in Anatolia, he will die of a heart attack or drowning. His body will be dismembered, with the flesh buried in Antioch, the bones in Tyre, and the heart in Tarsus.]