Episode 216
Despite the sudden appointment of a new co-emperor, the atmosphere in Constantinople remained largely unchanged. In fact, the citizens seemed to welcome the addition of a young and fresh ruler, especially since it was Anna, which seemed to put their minds at ease.
“Isn’t the new emperor the daughter of the current one? So, it’s just a natural succession, right?”
“Yes, they’re father and daughter, but there’s more to it. The new emperor is the Prophet’s wife. That’s probably why she was made co-emperor instead of just a crown princess.”
“That makes sense. So, what does this mean for us?”
“It means good things are ahead. With the Prophet’s family on the throne, what could go wrong for our country? The next heir will likely be the Prophet’s child.”
“Wow! I don’t know all the details, but this is incredible, isn’t it?”
Most citizens viewed the situation with extreme positivity, and this sentiment wasn’t limited to them alone. Nobles and intellectuals were also busy gathering to assess the current situation and predict the new emperor’s era.
“Was the third princess’s ascension the Prophet’s intention or the emperor’s?”
“Considering the Prophet’s blessing, it seems like a divine revelation.”
“Given that the youngest princess was made co-emperor, it’s clear her relationship with the Prophet played a significant role. With the Prophet’s blessing, it’s unlikely this was solely the emperor’s decision.”
“But what about the Senate’s position in all this?”
A moment of silence filled the room. Although many considered the Senate’s power to be largely ceremonial, it still played a role. It had limited influence over legislation, justice, and finance, and served as an advisory body to the emperor.
Alexios III had been praised for ousting an incompetent predecessor and listening to the Senate, achieving a balance between imperial and religious power, at least on the surface. The Senate, though largely honorary, was content with its role. However, the new emperor’s involvement complicated matters for the nobles.
Despite the complexity, no one believed this shift would negatively impact the empire. The Senate needed to act swiftly to welcome the new emperor’s ascension, faster than any other organization in Rome.
“Indeed, most nobles hold seats in the Senate.”
“If we support the new emperor actively, our influence might grow.”
“The key is not to be overly ambitious. By faithfully advising the emperor, the Senate can regain its former prestige. The chairman’s role will be crucial.”
The nobles were convinced that Rome’s return to its former glory was inevitable. With Anatolia reclaimed and northern rebellions quelled, the empire’s territory was larger than during the Komnenos dynasty. The political system promised stability for decades, and there were no hostile nations on any front.
With such favorable conditions, it would be a mystery if the country didn’t thrive. The Prophet had even predicted prosperity for Rome as long as the new emperor fulfilled her duties. The Senate’s task was clear: support the new emperor to the best of their ability, ensuring their own position would naturally be reestablished.
Meanwhile, intellectuals focused on analyzing the current situation rather than their status. They debated the new emperor’s first policies and their implications, often through the night.
“Rome is likely to become the world’s center again.”
“Isn’t that a bit hasty?”
“It’s not. Which country benefited most from the last great war? Opinions may vary for second place, but Rome is undoubtedly first.”
“Rebellions have been quelled, Anatolia is back, and political order restored. But other countries won’t just sit idly by. Ayubids, the Holy Roman Empire, France, and England won’t remain passive.”
“True, but with the third princess as emperor, Rome’s position is unparalleled. Is there any secular ruler as closely connected to the Prophet?”
Previously, rulers like Richard, Philip II, and Saladin were considered close to the Prophet. Alexios III, as the Prophet’s father-in-law, was occasionally mentioned, but he lacked the same stature. A father-in-law is still a step removed, and the Prophet didn’t reside in Constantinople.
But a wife changes everything.
“The Prophet won’t openly favor one side. His actions have shown that. But considering the next heir changes the story.”
If Richard or Philip II died, their sons would become kings, weakening their ties to the Prophet. But in Rome, Anna’s successor would likely be the Prophet’s child, deepening the connection.
“You’re right. I’ll have to rewrite my book.”
“I’m planning to write an analysis of Rome’s future political system.”
“What policies will the new emperor announce? Rumor has it she’ll focus on sanitation.”
“Sanitation’s importance is well-proven in the Prophet’s domain. It’s logical to adopt effective measures here. It’s a positive trend.”
“There’s no need for deep contemplation. Observing the Prophet’s domain reveals new research opportunities.”
Scholars, always eager for new knowledge, found themselves overwhelmed with material to analyze. Their happiness soared as they delved into the implications of the new emperor’s sanitation policies, though even the empire’s brightest minds couldn’t yet grasp their full significance.
The entire city was celebrating the new emperor’s rise, basking in a festive atmosphere. “Could anything major happen now?” “Will we face another terrifying disease like smallpox?”
With past shocks swiftly subdued, a sense of optimism and hope for the future permeated everywhere. This mood was beneficial, as the economy often hinges on public sentiment. For Rome, in recovery mode, such optimism was crucial for growth.
[The Senate sincerely congratulates the new emperor’s ascension!]
[The bishops of Constantinople pray for the divine will to be realized through the new emperor…]
Such flattering messages poured in daily. News would soon spread, prompting other nations to send their own congratulatory envoys. It was a golden age of peace.
Yet, while everyone else reveled in the tranquility, I couldn’t shake my unease.
“Apostle, the investigation is complete as you requested.”
“Really? What did you find?”
“We deployed all Assassins from Alamut for the investigation, but we found no signs of the phenomenon you feared.”
“Phew… that’s a relief.”
I let out a deep sigh of relief, though Fatima, who delivered the report, seemed puzzled.
“Is it really that important?”
“Yes. You may not understand now, but this could be the most crucial issue. Keep a close watch and follow my instructions if anything arises.”
“Of course. Everyone will carry out your orders, even at the cost of their lives.”
“Thank you. A disaster far worse than the Mongols might be looming.”
Fatima still seemed unsure, but I couldn’t explain further. With history diverging from what I knew, I was uncertain how to announce or handle the situation.
Once this final hurdle is cleared, a period of peace is assured. But this last obstacle feels insurmountably high.
The Black Death, medieval Europe’s greatest fear. Smallpox could be managed with basic knowledge, but the plague was a different beast, beyond the reach of simple foresight. If only I were a doctor or pharmacist, I might concoct an antibiotic… but alas.
The silver lining in all this is that, thanks to the Council of Jerusalem, I’ve gained a level of global influence and control. I need to leverage this to minimize the damage from the inevitable arrival of the Black Death.
My biggest concern was that the plague would spread due to the recent Mongol invasion, but thankfully, the worst-case scenario didn’t come to pass. I remembered reading in modern studies that the Mongol invasions might have been the catalyst for the plague, which had me on edge. But it seems our swift action in repelling them paid off.
Still, we can’t afford to be complacent. We need to keep deploying our spies to monitor developments in the East. Once the plague starts spreading, it will be beyond anyone’s control. If it reaches Europe or the Middle East, it will be too late.
There’s a real risk that the system I’ve painstakingly established could be uprooted by this plague. Who’s to say there won’t be those who, like Marshall, deceive the masses, claiming it’s divine retribution?
To prevent such chaos, we need to be the ones to predict the outbreak of the plague. Yet, I’m still undecided on how to present this information. Regardless, if we’re going to face this inevitable blow, we must prepare to soften it as much as possible and raise awareness among the people.
With Philip II soon to initiate a perfect union between Christianity and Islam in Paris, we should make the most of this opportunity. There’s no better plan than this, so there’s no point in overthinking it.
“I need to announce another official prophecy. Go now and ask my father-in-law and wife to arrange a meeting.”