Episode 213
Even someone with no interest in politics would find the title “co-emperor” a bit odd.
The word “emperor” itself should exude the majesty of being above all others, so what’s this nonsense about sharing the title?
Yet, history is surprisingly full of instances where a nation was ruled by multiple people jointly.
Take Egypt, for example, where there were periods of co-pharaohs, and even the Roman Empire had its share of co-emperors.
In particular, the Eastern Roman Empire frequently adopted this form of joint rule.
While it might seem strange by modern standards, in the context of the Eastern Roman Empire, it wasn’t without precedent.
There were cases where someone without the proper qualifications was elevated alongside a qualified person, or where co-rulership was established according to the wishes of a previous emperor. The examples are quite varied.
So, the idea of Alexios III wanting to make me a co-emperor wasn’t entirely out of the question.
But being an emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire…
I’m not sure if that’s truly beneficial for me.
Of course, it would be advantageous for the Eastern Roman Empire, and I understand why Alexios III is considering it.
If I were to sit on the throne, who would dare challenge the empire’s status?
I’m confident it wouldn’t take long to restore its former glory.
The Eastern Roman Empire isn’t the problem.
If I set my mind to it, I could elevate its status beyond even the peak of the Roman Empire.
I’m talking about real power, not just territorial expansion.
However…
“Do you really think the title of Roman Emperor suits me?”
“Of course. As I mentioned earlier, who could be more suitable than our prophet? Oh, I apologize, I misspoke. If you don’t accept, it would be quite problematic. The position of Roman Emperor itself…”
“I understand that part. But.”
There are too many eyes here for this conversation.
I gave Alexios III a subtle look, and he nodded, leading me to a private chamber.
Once we were alone, I let out a deep sigh and dropped the formalities.
“Father-in-law, how could you bring up the idea of a co-emperor so suddenly in front of everyone?”
“Hahaha, it seems I caught my son-in-law off guard. Naturally, such matters should be discussed publicly, not privately.”
“It’s not just surprise; it’s bewilderment. You should have at least given me a heads-up.”
“I thought you might refuse if I did.”
He knows me well.
“Did you mention this to my wife?”
“I did, in a way. She said she’d follow whatever you decide.”
“Since it’s just the two of us, let’s be honest. Why do you want me to become a co-emperor?”
“As I mentioned earlier, the legitimacy of the Roman Emperor is a significant issue. The position of the head of the Orthodox Church has become too ambiguous.”
It’s more than ambiguous; the very name of the Orthodox Church might disappear. I understand the concern.
If Catholicism, Islam, and Orthodoxy were to merge into a new doctrine, the name “Orthodox Church” might no longer be used.
Though we haven’t decided on a name yet, it might become something like the Roman branch of the Marshall Church in the future.
In such times, an emperor with the grand title of head of the Orthodox Church could be seen as blasphemous.
“But that’s just a matter of adjusting the doctrine. Couldn’t we simply redefine the Roman Emperor as a manager of the Roman Church rather than its head?”
“That’s true, but it might weaken the emperor’s authority.”
“How could it? The next Roman Emperor will be someone connected to me.”
“Hahaha, if you had a son, I’d have already chosen him as the successor. But since there’s no child yet, that’s the issue.”
“Well… I have been away from home for too long. But that won’t be the case anymore, so there should be good news soon. Or we could make my wife the empress. It’s not unprecedented in Rome.”
There have been female rulers like Irene, Zoe, and Theodora, so it’s not impossible for my wife.
Of course, a female ruler in Rome would have a weaker power base.
As expected, Alexios III voiced such concerns.
“If my daughter becomes the sole ruler, there will be much talk. Especially now, when Rome needs to regain its former strength. If a woman holds military power, people will naturally feel uneasy.”
“Wouldn’t that be resolved if it’s my wife? Do you honestly believe there’s anyone who would say Edward Marshall’s wife isn’t fit for the throne?”
“Well… no, there isn’t. Hahaha, there couldn’t be. But it’s still better for you to become a co-emperor.”
Sensing my lukewarm response, the emperor seemed a bit anxious and continued to elaborate.
“Think about it. Isn’t the position of Roman Emperor the most fitting for you? Although the current Roman Emperor’s status has diminished compared to the past, if you ascend the throne, the empire’s former glory will be restored immediately.”
“Well, I was planning to pass it on to my children once they’re born. Whether it’s a daughter or a son, it doesn’t matter. They’re my children.”
“That would be ideal.”
While my wife’s connection might be a bit weak, it’s different with children.
A son would be the perfect successor without needing further explanation.
I’m sure the day my son is born, all of Eastern Rome will whisper his name.
A daughter might be slightly less ideal than a son, but many would still find it acceptable.
The fact that they carry Edward Marshall’s blood is infinitely more important than their gender.
“So, I think it’s best for you to govern this country until my children are born and grown. You should witness the restoration of the empire’s glory yourself.”
“Hmm… then let’s do this. If I have grandchildren, I won’t worry about a successor, and that would be best. But even if a grandchild is born, it will take time for them to come of age, right?”
“You’ll have to hold on until then.”
“I’d like to, but life doesn’t always go as planned. If God calls me, I must go. So, if I’m called first or my health fails, I’d like you to act as regent.”
So, he’s determined to place me at the top of this country, one way or another.
If it’s just a temporary position, I could manage, but my hesitation isn’t simply about not wanting to be the Roman Emperor.
There’s a more fundamental issue, but it’s not something I can discuss with Alexios III.
“Understood. Once my wife arrives, we’ll discuss it more calmly.”
“Hahaha, understood. Rest well after your great endeavors.”
It’s exhausting to live as someone whose every word and action can impact the world.
I hoped for a more relaxed life after the council, but it seems that was a futile hope.
I’ll have to accept that I won’t have much personal time for at least the next ten years.
While staying in Constantinople, I focused on selecting agents to send to Eastern and Northern Europe.
Geographically, Greece was a convenient base for dispatching people to Hungary or Poland, making recruitment easier.
Since Fatima and Nasr would handle the selection, hiring, and training, there wasn’t much for me to do.
In the Middle East, the Old Man of the Mountain in Alamut would manage things well, so there shouldn’t be any issues.
My role was more about providing some final mental preparation.
For example:
“Thank you for your dedication. Thanks to your efforts, the world will continue to enjoy peace.”
“Leave it to us! We’ll be your eyes, even at the cost of our lives!”
“Because of you, countless people can sleep peacefully without the fear of war.”
“It’s an honor! Even if it costs my life…!”
With everyone so eager, a little encouragement is all it takes to keep things running smoothly.
Once Anna arrives, I’ll need to discuss the emperor’s request, so I should wrap up the remaining tasks quickly.
“But Apostle, why didn’t you give the Roman Emperor an immediate answer?”
“Was it strange not to answer right away?”
“Well, your wife will support whatever decision you make. So, ultimately, it’s your choice. Couldn’t you have decided then and there?”
True. If Fatima knows, Alexios III probably does too.
Saying I’d discuss it with Anna was just an excuse; it was essentially a way of saying I needed more time to think.
“It seems you’re not too fond of the idea of being the Roman Emperor.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Romans and their emperor might hold great significance, but to us, it doesn’t seem all that impressive.”
“Of course, don’t say that around people from Constantinople.”
Fatima isn’t someone who lacks tact, so she’ll know how to handle it, but she certainly hit the nail on the head.
In the days when Rome ruled the world, the title of Emperor held a value as vast as the sky. Now, the Eastern Roman Emperor’s worth is a shadow of its former glory.
To put it bluntly, it’s like comparing the master of the world to someone merely claiming to be its center.
If, as Alexios III suggests, I were to become the Roman Emperor, the prestige of the title would surely skyrocket. But that would be due to me becoming the Emperor, not because of the inherent value of the Eastern Roman throne.
In the past, perhaps, it might have been different. But now, I must question whether it’s worth taking on a title that is, at its core, just a secular ruler.
And if I’m being honest, for someone like me, who has attained an untouchable sanctity, becoming a secular ruler feels like a step down.
Why bother now? The idea of becoming the Roman Emperor implies that I would be on the same level as all the emperors before me, including Edward Marshall.
In that case, it would be better to create an entirely new position rather than settle for being an emperor.
That’s why I suggested making my wife the next emperor. Even if she becomes the ruler, as long as she’s my wife, the power base remains unshaken.
Isn’t that, in itself, a symbolic testament to my superiority over the Roman Emperor?
Alexios III might be eager to elevate the status of the Eastern Roman and Roman Emperor, but I see no reason to lower myself to that level.
“Fatima, when Anna arrives, inform me immediately. I want to be the first person she meets when she reaches Rome.”
“I’ll make sure of it, as you instructed.”
I feel a bit sorry for my father-in-law, but the decision is already made.
I no longer need titles bestowed by others. If necessary, I’ll just create one myself.