Episode 215
Emperor Alexios III was quietly confident that his plan was flawless.
The title of Roman Emperor was not just a mere kingship. It carried the weight of being the ruler of Europe, a legacy that countless kings had tried to associate themselves with throughout history. The purest and most legitimate claim to Rome was a prize that anyone would covet.
The Holy Roman Empire? Let’s be honest, they aren’t Rome. Just because they slapped the name “Rome” onto themselves doesn’t make them the real deal. Their claim to Rome is only because they have influence over Italy and hold the title of protector of the Catholic Church. But now, with Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Islam beginning to merge, that title means nothing.
Rome is just a symbolic name now, a shadow of its former glory. Without this place, no one truly has the right to call themselves Rome. Any wise marshal would understand this.
“I’ve already written to Anna, so she’ll persuade him,” Alexios thought. This isn’t just any country; it’s where his wife and future children will live. Who would refuse the offer to become the Emperor of Rome?
“He said no.”
“What did you say?”
Alexios III couldn’t believe his ears. When his beloved daughter visited him late at night, he was overjoyed. But to hear her say that her husband refused the offer?
“He said no… Your husband, the marshal, isn’t interested in the Roman Emperor’s throne?”
“That’s what it seems like. And when you think about it, it makes sense.”
“How does that make sense? We’re talking about the Roman Emperor! You know what that means.”
“Father, you’re the one not seeing the situation clearly. The Roman Emperor is a grand title, sure, and it might be tempting for ordinary rulers. But so what?”
“What do you mean, ‘so what’? If your husband takes the throne, both Rome and our family will be on solid ground!”
Maybe she’s too young or doesn’t understand politics, Alexios thought. But the way his daughter looked at him made him uneasy.
“Father, you’ve lived here your whole life, so you might be out of touch with reality. My husband doesn’t need the title of Roman Emperor. It’s more of a burden.”
“A burden?”
“He probably didn’t want to say it in front of you, but I’ll tell you. Frankly, in Western Europe or the Islamic world, they don’t care much about the Emperor here. They see us as just Byzantium.”
“Which is why your husband should become Emperor, to change that perception. Then we can restore the old Roman Empire’s prestige!”
“But from my husband’s perspective, there’s no need. His status is already on par with the old Roman Emperors. Why should he follow in your footsteps?”
Alexios III felt as if he’d been struck. He’d dedicated his life to Rome, believing the Emperor’s position was the pinnacle. But was it really so worthless?
He wanted to argue, but upon reflection, he realized she might be right.
“Even before the Council of Jerusalem, my husband’s reputation was unmatched. People saw him as more sacred than any Western king or even the Holy Roman Emperor. And now, with his achievements spreading, like uniting religions and eradicating smallpox, how do you think people will react?”
“Well… they’d praise him beyond words.”
In Constantinople, Edward Marshall was practically a living god. Citizens and nobles alike revered him. It wasn’t an exaggeration. No prophet from the Old Testament could compare to his authority.
That’s why Alexios III wanted him as the Byzantine Emperor, but it turned out there was no need.
“Don’t worry too much. He has plans. You should quickly announce the next heir.”
“Heir? If he doesn’t want to be Emperor, then who… you mean?”
“Yes. I’ll succeed you. And if my husband announces it in front of all the nobles, no one will doubt a female successor.”
“True. No country would dare declare war on us.”
The Ayyubids in Anatolia were friendly, and northern countries weren’t strong enough to challenge them. And who would dare declare war on a country where Edward Marshall’s family lived? The citizens or nobles would overthrow such a king first.
“Do you understand? The Rome you envision doesn’t need him as Emperor. It’s enough for me to take the throne. And if we have a child, they’ll be the next heir.”
“You’re right.”
Alexios III realized he was becoming a relic of the past. Memories of first meeting Marshall flashed through his mind. He never imagined Marshall would grow so influential. Perhaps Marshall foresaw this day.
Maybe he could ask Marshall about Rome’s future. Though he knew he wouldn’t get an answer, he couldn’t help but wonder if Rome would still stand as a mighty empire a thousand years from now.
With Alexios III’s agreement, there was no need to delay the succession ceremony. Initially, he considered making Anna the crown princess, but there was no need. He could appoint her as co-emperor now, and when Alexios III passed, she would become the sole ruler.
It seemed appointing the Emperor directly would enhance both their authorities. So, without further ado, he acted swiftly.
The preparation period wasn’t long, so there wasn’t much publicity. This event was also a test of how much authority he could establish for the Emperor, so a surprise announcement was best.
“A major declaration from the Prophet. Gather at the Hippodrome in Constantinople.”
The Emperor’s decree alone filled the venue with nobles, who didn’t question the summons. They likely had an inkling of what was happening.
“Is the successor finally being announced?”
“Who will it be?”
“I heard His Majesty asked the Prophet to be co-emperor.”
“Then we have nothing to fear.”
The nobles were buzzing with anticipation. As he ascended the platform, he felt their expectant gazes. Behind him stood Alexios III, and further back, the Patriarch, subtly indicating who the main figure was. Yet, no one seemed uncomfortable.
Even with such a revered figure standing behind their Emperor, no one objected. Perhaps it was because his identity was deeply intertwined with Byzantium. The nobles likely saw Edward Marshall as partly Byzantine.
“Thank you for filling this venue despite the sudden announcement. May blessings be upon you all.”
“Oh, the Prophet himself is blessing us.”
“Just hearing that makes coming here worthwhile.”
Their genuine joy at his greeting reassured him. Without further ado, he got to the point.
“As you know, His Majesty has no sons. He sought my counsel on choosing a successor. Rome is at a crucial point, reclaiming its former glory. The one who can fulfill this duty is the rightful heir.”
“Indeed, this position is…”
“So, at the emperor’s request, I offered a prayer. Who, I wondered, could make Rome even greater? Thankfully, I received an answer. My wife and esteemed partner, Anna Angelina, please step forward.”
Some nodded as if they had anticipated this, while others, caught off guard, widened their eyes as they watched Anna approach.
Yet, there was a commonality: everyone cheered and applauded sincerely, without a hint of resentment.
It was only natural, given that the prophet himself had officially declared her the one to elevate Rome to new heights.
With a prophecy that Rome would flourish under her reign, what did gender or ability matter?
“Anna Angelina, youngest daughter of Alexios III, while you sit on the throne, Rome will withstand any foreign invasion, society will prosper like never before, and no one will dare challenge your authority. But with great power comes great responsibility. Can you vow here to humbly accept the power bestowed by God and fulfill your duties?”
“I pledge my life to fulfill my duties. I swear it.”
“Then, I, Edward Marshall, in the name of the Almighty, recognize you as the emperor of Rome. Alongside His Majesty Alexios III, continue to uphold this nation according to God’s will.”
The shocking announcement that she would rule not as a successor, but alongside the current emperor, left the nobles agape. Yet, when Alexios III himself began to applaud enthusiastically, they quickly followed suit with cheers.
“Uoooooh!”
“Make Rome great again!”
“Long live the prophet! Long live the emperor!”
Though the formalities concluded with the crowning and anointing, the celebration was far from over.
To commemorate the new emperor’s ascension, the nobles spontaneously organized a festival, and citizens poured into the streets, singing songs of joy.
It was almost surprising how well this was received.
While it might have seemed like mere platitudes, every word of the prophecy was meticulously calculated and entirely feasible.
All potential external threats had already been neutralized, ensuring safety.
The imminent influx of abundant grain from Anatolia and the proven effectiveness of new agricultural methods were only a matter of time.
The resources provided to the Crusaders were offset by the vast wealth left by the Mongols, minimizing losses.
Naturally, Rome was poised to become several times more prosperous, and Anna’s reign would be recorded as one of the rare golden ages in history.
Now, only one task remained.
To prevent the worst catastrophe in history from ever reaching their shores.