Episode 57
Alexios Angelos was born the third son among the six sons of Andronikos Angelos, a former military commander of the Byzantine Empire.
His younger brother, Isaac, overthrew the tyrant Andronikos and ascended to the throne, while Alexios succeeded their father as a military commander.
Initially, Alexios harbored no resentment towards his brother. After all, apart from the two of them, their other siblings had either perished or been left disabled by Andronikos’s bloody purges.
Isaac was the only family left, the brother who had dethroned a tyrant and become emperor. Alexios felt both pride and a deep affection for him.
So, even when Isaac began to show signs of misrule early in his reign, Alexios chose to trust and follow him silently.
But the hope that his brother would soon come to his senses was short-lived. Isaac indulged in rampant corruption, dismantling the administrative system, imposing unreasonable taxes that devastated the populace, and alienating neighboring countries with his lack of diplomatic acumen.
The situation worsened when the empire suffered a near-catastrophic defeat in a war against Bulgaria, leaving its very survival in question.
Had it not been for Alexios’s foresight in preserving the vanguard’s strength, the Byzantine Empire might have truly fallen.
“Commander, please, you must advise His Majesty!”
“We barely have enough troops to defend the borders.”
“I hear they’re taxing us to recover from the war, yet our supplies keep dwindling. Why is that?”
“I understand your concerns. I’ll seize the opportunity to speak with His Majesty, so please bear with it a little longer.”
Alexios, well-connected in the capital, knew exactly why supplies were lacking on the front lines.
Given the empire’s economic capacity, there should be no shortage of provisions for the soldiers. Moreover, they were collecting special taxes to recover from the war’s defeat.
The fact that such complaints were arising meant that the funds were being misappropriated, and the one responsible was none other than the emperor himself.
“I hear a prophet from the West is in the capital for the upcoming council. I’ll visit the palace under the pretext of greeting him and try to meet with His Majesty.”
“Please, we beg you. If the Bulgarians attack again, we’ll be defeated once more.”
Just a decade ago, the Byzantine Empire was said to have regained its former glory.
The commanders felt a deep sense of shame that they now had to worry about a Bulgarian invasion.
Alexios, responsible for the military, felt no different.
A creeping sense of crisis emerged, fearing the empire might truly collapse if things continued as they were.
And as if understanding his concerns, a divine voice reached Alexios upon his arrival in the capital.
“Your Majesty, I heard you had a banquet with the prophet yesterday.”
“Hahaha! Brother, you’re always so diligent. Is that the first thing you ask upon arriving?”
“Isn’t it a matter that could directly impact the empire? What was your impression of him?”
“Just as I expected. A naive young man who can be easily swayed with a little flattery. Oh, and he seemed quite interested in my niece. So, I allowed them to share a bed.”
Though Alexios knew the truth, his brother’s indifferent words angered him.
A political marriage was one thing. If the match was with a genuine prophet, it would be an honor, and he would willingly offer his youngest daughter.
But to force a drunken encounter and use it as leverage for marriage? That was unacceptable, especially for a member of the imperial family.
“Your Majesty, you know I was preparing to marry her to Isaac Vatatzes, the grandson of Manuel I, right?”
“Oh, brother, of course, I know. He’s a decent match, given his Komnenos lineage. But compared to the groom I’ve found, isn’t he objectively lacking?”
”…You could see it that way.”
“After all, the Komnenos blood flows in us too. Instead of strengthening a defunct imperial line, wouldn’t it be better to bring the world’s only prophet into our family?”
“Your Majesty is right.”
From a broader perspective, his brother’s words made sense.
The prophet, based on his actions so far, could predict the future, and knowing the future was an unparalleled power.
Had the marriage proposal been made through proper channels, Alexios would have eagerly supported the emperor’s suggestion, but not like this.
To treat his daughter like a common concubine was unacceptable.
“Your Majesty, aside from the prophet, there’s an urgent matter. The Bulgarian rebels are growing stronger. If we don’t act, our borders will be at risk in a few years.”
“Can’t you handle it, brother?”
“With sufficient troops and supplies, yes. But there’s a clamor on the front lines about the lack of central support. If Your Majesty provides assistance, I will crush the Bulgarian rebels.”
“I’d love to support you, but the finances are tight right now. Hahaha…”
Despite witnessing the palace’s extravagant spending on his way here, the claim of financial difficulty seemed absurd.
In the past, such words would have infuriated him, but surprisingly, he felt no anger or despair now.
Perhaps because he had made up his mind.
Alexios clicked his tongue and nodded as if resigned.
“If finances are tight, I can’t insist on local conditions. I’ll make do with what we have.”
“Hahaha! That’s my brother. Then I’ll trust you and focus on my current tasks.”
“Understood. Since I’m here, may I meet the prophet? I’d like to see the man who might become my son-in-law.”
“Of course. I’ll arrange it immediately.”
This way, Alexios could meet with the prophet without arousing any suspicion from the emperor.
Alexios bowed respectfully and replied.
“Thank you. I’ll be on my way then.”
I dressed neatly to welcome the emperor’s brother, the man I had marked as the next emperor.
Unlike his brother, the current emperor, he had been on the front lines until recently, and his presence was distinctly different.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Alexios Angelos.”
“Edward Marshall, Count of Auvergne. Please, have a seat.”
At my gesture, Fatima quickly pulled back a chair for Alexios to sit comfortably.
Alexios stared at her for a moment before sitting down slowly.
Perhaps, as a seasoned soldier, he sensed something unusual.
But beyond a feeling, there was nothing more to discover.
Alexios soon turned his gaze back to me and asked.
“Forgive my impudence, but I must ask. Nothing happened with my daughter last night, did it?”
“Of course not. I wouldn’t dare touch the daughter of the man who will be the next emperor.”
”…The next emperor…”
Understanding the weight of those words, Alexios sighed deeply and continued.
“If anyone else had said that, they’d have lost their head. But you, the prophet, specifically sent me a letter. What if I had shown it to His Majesty?”
“The reason is in the title you use for me. I see, hear, and know far more than you might think.”
Alexios Angelos was once unfairly criticized as an incompetent ruler until further research revealed otherwise.
As more historical records were studied, his reputation dramatically improved. Modern scholars now believe that, barring a few minor mistakes, he could have revived the declining Byzantine Empire.
If he ascends the throne before Isaac completely ruins the country, his potential will be even greater.
Though he doesn’t seem intent on overthrowing the imperial family yet, he must harbor discontent.
I was confident that if I provided him with insights into the future, he would follow my guidance.
And the results were already evident.
“If what you wrote in your letter is true, I have no choice. But could my brother, His Majesty, really be so thoughtless? He was sharp before he ascended the throne.”
“You know better than anyone that sharpness vanished long ago. As I mentioned in my letter, it will only worsen.”
”…Nomads will rebel, the empire’s two wings, the western and eastern armies, will be shattered, and only after everything is beyond repair will he muster all resources for a final battle…”
“All of it will happen.”
Elsewhere, such words might be dismissed as the ravings of a madman, but Alexios had witnessed his brother’s blunders up close.
He knew the taxes were lining the emperor’s pockets and how weakened the eastern and western armies had become.
Here it was, a prophecy from none other than the highly esteemed and thoroughly verified seer, Marshall.
I had one final ace up my sleeve to solidify his wavering resolve.
“As I mentioned earlier, the rebellion, bolstered by the nomads, will occur next year. You can wait to act until you’ve confirmed this, and you won’t be too late. You’re a fortunate man, General.”
“So, you’re saying it’s safe to wait until there’s undeniable proof of your prophecy?”
“In return, you’ll need to promise to trust my words from then on. The divine has chosen you, Alexios, to resurrect this crumbling empire. You have a duty to fulfill this monumental task.”
If the Eastern Roman Empire stands firm, unlike in the original timeline, it would prevent the rise of a massive empire like the Ottoman Turks in the Middle East. Moreover, it would make it much easier to extend my influence not only across Western Europe but also into Eastern Europe and beyond the Middle East.
With the conversation having progressed this far, Alexios was bound to accept my proposal. I waited patiently for him to speak.
“Very well. If your words are indeed the words of God, I will trust them.”
“Wise decision. You’ll see the results as soon as next year, so it won’t take long.”
Just as I was about to rise, satisfied with my persuasive prowess, Alexios called out to me.
“May I ask you one more thing?”
“Of course. Ask anything.”
Was he seeking a more detailed prophecy? Or perhaps advice on how the Eastern Roman Empire could regain its former glory? I was prepared for either.
I had anticipated this and had deliberately left room for further elaboration in my prophecy.
After all, being prepared is key…
“What do you think of my youngest daughter, whom you met yesterday? Did she catch your fancy?”
”…?”
What on earth is he talking about?
Sir… weren’t you upset with your brother for treating your daughter like a courtesan?
I could only stare in disbelief at Alexios, who was looking at me with utmost seriousness.