Episode 53
After the Pope’s explosive announcement, countless people sought me out for my opinion.
Groups gathered in threes and fives, engaging in debates or heated arguments.
I imagine similar scenes are unfolding not just in Rome, but in every city that has heard the news.
The Pope is attempting to bring not only the Orthodox Church but even Islam to the council.
Is this realistic? Islam will likely refuse, and if they do, what then?
It’s a difficult situation.
Even a cursory thought reveals no easy answers.
“Things are getting quite complicated, aren’t they?”
“You didn’t make such a bold move without expecting this, did you?”
The Pope, looking a bit more gaunt after a few days, seemed tired but not overwhelmed.
“Of course, I anticipated this level of reaction. Those who weren’t forewarned seem confused, but everything is proceeding smoothly.”
“Indeed. Most monarchs prefer this direction.”
Emperor Henry VI of the Holy Roman Empire has already declared his full support for the Pope’s decision.
Following suit, Philip II of France and Richard I of Anjou have also welcomed the revival of the universal council.
The Iberian states are pressuring Islam to respond immediately to the Pope’s proposal.
Of course, they added that if Islam refuses a peaceful resolution, they should raise an army, perhaps still bitter about the unfinished Reconquista.
“Though I had a hint from the Prophet, I didn’t expect the kings to be so eager. They welcomed it as if they’d been waiting.”
“They have no choice. No matter how devout, sending troops to Jerusalem is a massive burden. Especially for Henry VI, it must feel like a reprieve.”
The Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire is obligated to act as the protector of Catholicism.
If circumstances were different, it might be another story, but Henry VI is the ambitious son of Frederick I, who embarked on a crusade.
However, with concerns about Sicily and the Lionheart, an outright expedition is risky.
In this context, the Pope’s declaration to replace the crusade with a council was nothing short of salvation for Henry.
Moved by his good fortune, he became a staunch supporter of both me and the Pope in this matter.
“What about the Islamic side? Have we received any response?”
“No, nothing yet.”
“I thought they might dismiss it outright, but it seems they haven’t.”
“If they act, it will likely be after assessing our intentions and future plans.”
If they were foolish, they might act rashly, but it seems Islam is not so easily provoked.
I’ve asked the Pope to keep an eye on the Islamic side, so I’ll be informed once an official response arrives.
I’ve also instructed Nasr to keep monitoring the situation on the ground, so I won’t miss any movements from Islam.
“Even if there’s no immediate response, Islam will be busy with this matter. We should particularly watch the Caliph’s actions.”
“Indeed… The Caliph, whose power has been waning, might see this as an opportunity.”
“Still, they’re not a unified group, so it will take time for a coherent response. Meanwhile, we can calmly prepare.”
With at least three or four factions involved, Islam can’t move in secret.
Any action will inevitably be exposed, making it quite entertaining to watch.
It would be nice if they fell into internal strife, but with Saladin on their side, that’s unlikely.
“By the way, Prophet, do you think we’ll get a positive response from the Eastern Roman Empire?”
Celestine III frowned at the mention of the Eastern Roman Empire, even more so than when discussing Islam. The depth of old grudges is evident.
“I’m sure we will.”
“I’ve heard the current emperor is a tyrant ruining the achievements of the Komnenos dynasty. Won’t he make another foolish decision?”
“Precisely because he’s such a person, he’ll easily move as we expect.”
I’m well aware of Isaac II.
A tyrant who drove the Eastern Roman Empire, painstakingly revived by the Komnenos dynasty, into ruin.
To those who love Roman history, he’s one of the greatest historical villains.
Dealing with someone filled with greed is quite simple.
I continued speaking calmly.
“Within a few days, we’ll likely receive a message suggesting a meeting.”
The Pope blinked in surprise but soon nodded.
I was pleased to see him accept my words as truth.
“If such a request comes from the Eastern Roman Empire, will you accept it?”
“Of course. As I’ve already told Your Holiness, I’m here to restore the Church. And the Church isn’t only in the West.”
“I fully support your noble mission with all my heart. But… I’m worried the Orthodox bishops might frustrate you with their stubbornness.”
The mutual disdain is so palpable that neither side bothers to hide it.
If you asked the Orthodox side, you’d likely hear the exact opposite.
Still, since the Fourth Crusade hasn’t started yet, we’re not at the peak of the East-West schism, so there’s hope for resolution.
Though, if this is the state when relations aren’t at their worst… it does feel like a heavy burden.
As I predicted, two days later, Isaac II of the Eastern Roman Empire sent me an invitation in the emperor’s name.
If Isaac II had been even more foolish than I anticipated, it could have been a problem, but fortunately, he was just as expected.
The letter was filled with pages of unnecessary content, but the essence was clear.
In summary, it read:
-Before the council officially begins, I wish to resolve the longstanding conflict between Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Let’s unite at the council to condemn Islam.
Though not stated directly, it’s essentially an agreement to participate in the council.
The Vatican was ecstatic upon hearing the news.
“This is practically an admission of defeat from the Orthodox Church!”
“Soon they’ll be begging us to lift the excommunication. Hahaha!”
“Come to think of it, they’re still excommunicated, aren’t they? It’s absurd for excommunicated individuals to attend the council. We should respond that they must formally seek forgiveness from His Holiness first.”
Over a hundred years ago, in 1054, the churches of the West and East excommunicated each other in a prideful clash over the council.
In truth, mutual excommunications had occurred before, and this incident could have ended as a minor episode.
However, with the formation of the Crusades, relations between Western Europe and the Eastern Roman Empire soured, leading to the current situation.
“The Church seems to want to completely subjugate the Eastern Orthodox.”
Just before departing for Constantinople, the Pope expressed his concerns to me.
“I’m well aware. But Your Holiness knows that such an approach won’t solve the problem.”
“Of course. But if it appears that we’re conceding, it might be difficult for me to support you, even if an agreement is reached. I have my own position to consider…”
“I understand completely. It’s time for me to depart.”
“Yes. With you personally going, I trust there will be a positive outcome.”
I gave the Pope a respectful nod and climbed into the carriage.
Traveling from Rome to the Eastern Roman Empire requires a ship, but there are segments that must be traversed by land.
True to his word, Henry VI provided a grand envoy, boasting a carriage fit for an emperor or pope, with the Knights Templar as escorts.
As we settled into the carriage, Grand Master Robert reclined on the opposite seat.
“The journey to Constantinople is long. Let’s rest until we reach the next port.”
“Having you accompany me on this long journey makes it less tedious. But is it alright for you to be away for so long?”
“The Order isn’t engaged in any wars right now, so it’s not an issue. In fact, accompanying such a historic event is a great honor for the Knights Templar.”
Grand Master Robert’s voice carried an unmistakable excitement.
He wasn’t alone. The cardinals and knights accompanying us also seemed buoyant.
This journey could be a monumental step that might be remembered in history, depending on the outcome.
The schism between Catholicism and Orthodoxy dates back to the 5th century.
Being present at the moment this long-standing conflict is resolved is a profound honor and inspiration for any Christian.
If a council with Islamic participation truly takes place, it could be recorded as a turning point that changed the world.
And at the heart of this grand event stands none other than me, Edward Marshall.
If I can successfully negotiate this agreement, my influence will soar not only in the West but also in the East.
However, if it ends in failure, the repercussions could be significant for me as well.
I’ve never been seen as anything less than an infallible representative of divine will, precisely because I’ve never failed.
I don’t entertain the complacent thought that a single failure wouldn’t matter.
The difference between 100% and 99% might be just 1%, but human perception doesn’t work that way.
There’s a vast difference between being someone who can be followed with absolute trust and someone who, however unlikely, might fail.
Thus, I meticulously plan for every possible scenario, ensuring I’m prepared for anything, and time flies by.
As I crossed the Mediterranean and set foot in the realm of the Eastern Roman Empire, I felt a near-perfect readiness.
“Prophet, look over there!”
At the voice of Chancellor Robert, I turned my head to see an intriguing sight outside the carriage window.
Naturally, my gaze fixed on it.
And, with my inherent love for history, I couldn’t help but let out a gasp of admiration, a satisfied smile spreading across my face.
In the distance stood the imposing and formidable city walls, unmistakable even from afar.
Even when the Eastern Roman Empire’s power waned, these invincible guardians were never breached by foreign invaders through conventional means.
The legendary fortress that even Attila the Hun, known as the scourge of God, dared not attack, choosing instead to retreat.
The ‘Theodosian Walls,’ encircling the entire capital of the empire.
This magnificent symbol of the empire, which had protected the nation from countless invaders, was now etched in my memory.