Episode 221
There are certain people whose mere presence can transport you back to the past.
For me, the Count of Damartin was one of those people.
“It’s been ages since we last met in person. How have you been?”
The Count bowed his head with a reverence that was quite unlike his previous demeanor.
“No need for such formality. This is a private meeting, after all.”
“Even so, it wouldn’t be proper to be too casual in the presence of a prophet.”
“You’ve known I was a prophet since we fled Jerusalem, haven’t you?”
“Well… yes, but the circumstances were different back then.”
The Count of Damartin had fully established himself as a French noble, leaving behind any trace of his past as a Crusader knight. I suppose the same could be said for me. The person I was when I escaped Jerusalem and arrived in England is almost unrecognizable compared to who I am now.
“So, how have you been lately? Is life in France treating you well?”
“It’s a good place. At first, I was treated poorly, which was exhausting, but now I can live quietly without being bothered, so I suppose it’s bearable.”
“Haha, I did put you through some trouble with my requests. But your help was invaluable.”
“Not at all. I’m glad if I could assist in achieving your great purpose.”
In the early days, when my foundation was still shaky, the person I had to be most cautious of was Philip II of France. Even now, he requires attention, but back then, he was a serious threat. By using the Count of Damartin as a sort of unofficial spy, I was able to gather useful information and devise a strategy against France. In a way, the Count was instrumental in shackling Philip II.
“If peace continues in this world, at least ten percent of the credit will go to you, Count. Perhaps even more. If you hadn’t decided to leave Jerusalem with me, none of this might have happened.”
“Well… it was a situation where I couldn’t ignore the words of a prophet.”
Damartin smiled wryly, recalling old memories. Naturally, he hadn’t married and had no children. Even though times were changing, it was still centuries too early for a man to openly declare his preference for men. Fortunately, not marrying wasn’t seen as too unusual, especially if one claimed to live a life of devotion to God, like a monk. Whether Damartin truly appreciated such praise was another matter.
“Is there anything troubling you? Any pressure to marry, or demands from King Philip II?”
“No, not really. There was a time when King Philip II kept summoning me for state discussions, which was exhausting. But after I used my health as an excuse to stay at my estate, he rarely calls for me now.”
“That’s a relief.”
In the past, I could predict the future to some extent and pretend to foresee events, but that’s no longer possible. The Count of Damartin, with his extraordinary analytical skills, can no longer showcase his insights. Though he doesn’t say it, I suspect he’s been quite anxious.
“You’re not that old yet, so if you claim poor health, people might worry. You should show some activity.”
“If I do, the King might want to debate with me. I was at ease when he was away on the Crusades, but now that he’s back… I thought things would calm down after the Crusades, but he seems more active than ever.”
“Really? In what way?”
“He’s putting a lot of effort into predicting future political trends. He keeps asking me for my opinion, but all I can do is agree with him.”
With the world’s order changing, it’s natural for secular rulers to react sensitively. I’m curious about what predictions Philip II is making.
“Could you share what predictions the King has made? If it’s confidential, you don’t have to tell me.”
“No, it’s fine. Since you’re asking, I should answer. King Philip II is most interested in when the Maghreb will collapse.”
“I thought as much.”
“He’s also concerned about the movements of the Ayyubids.”
If Philip II is thinking about it, Saladin likely has a similar picture in mind. While their methods may differ, both sides are likely to act.
Damartin continued to share various stories, then hesitated before asking, “Is this okay? Proceeding like this?”
“There’s no harm. The fact that King Philip II shared this with you when I was coming to Paris means he doesn’t mind if it reaches my ears.”
“True… but it feels like it might disrupt the current peace.”
“As long as it doesn’t lead to war, it’s not a big issue. If King Philip II is planning something, I’m curious about the justification he’ll use.”
If Philip II acts alone, that’s one thing, but if Saladin joins him, they’ll likely have an unassailable justification.
“Whatever King Philip II does, just listen and agree appropriately. He seems to be the one most adept at adapting to the new order and extracting the greatest benefit.”
“Is that so?”
Having experienced the Crusades, Damartin didn’t yet understand how Philip II had shifted his policies, but he accepted my words.
After that, we talked about trivial matters—how life had been over the years, how people at the church were adapting to the times. Damartin mentioned that the spread of a cure for smallpox in France had brought joy and praise for me. He looked at me and smiled.
“To think it’s only been a few decades since the Crusades… so much has changed.”
“Indeed.”
“Prophet.”
Damartin poured wine into my empty glass with a light smile.
“Thank you for confirming that my choice back then wasn’t wrong.”
I took the glass and chuckled.
“Why thank me so soon? There’s much more change to come.”
For a moment, as we relaxed and talked, memories of when I first arrived came flooding back. It’s not bad to indulge in nostalgia occasionally. I paused, reflecting on the past before moving forward into the future.
The so-called Holy Roman Empire is neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire.
This scathing remark by Voltaire in the 18th century has been used for centuries as a slogan to mock the Holy Roman Empire. Voltaire’s intention was not merely to criticize but to lament the decline of the empire. But who cares about that?
At this point, the Holy Roman Empire wasn’t in a state to warrant such harsh words. Despite the constant power struggles between the princes and the emperor, it was still the most powerful state in Europe by sheer numbers.
Even if it was mocked as being Roman in name only, many in Western Europe saw the Holy Roman Empire as the successor to Rome. And while it was precarious, it was still worthy of being called an empire.
Of course, that’s only true for now. If things continue as they are, it will inevitably fall behind. England, under Richard, was unifying at a terrifying pace, and without the disaster of John, it wouldn’t lose its western territories to France.
If time continues to pass, it’s a given that the Holy Roman Empire will be overtaken by England; it’s just a matter of when.
And what about France? Its situation was better than in the original history. Although the western region was English territory, Philip II’s goal, as Damartin mentioned, was Andalusia. If he succeeds in taking the southern Iberian Peninsula, including Gibraltar, and gradually absorbing northern Italy, what then?
There’s a good chance that, without even realizing it, the power of France and England could surpass that of the Holy Roman Empire.
So, Henry VI’s attempt to involve me at this point is a wise choice. But that’s the perspective of a ruler who wants to dominate the country. How many of the princes share that sentiment?
Even in modern times, there are politicians who would choose to stay in power in their constituencies, even if their party is struggling. The same goes for the nobility. Regardless of the state’s structure, the most important thing is securing their position and power.
If that’s not achieved, what does it matter if the Holy Roman Empire is overtaken by England or France?
Naturally, what the nobles know, the emperor knows too, and vice versa. If there’s an elector who doesn’t grasp the significance of Heinrich VI bringing me to the Holy Roman Empire, that person has no business in politics.
Even those electors who are considered pro-emperor aren’t keen on granting him absolute power. Honestly, I wanted to avoid getting entangled in these intricate relationships, but leaving things unchecked could lead to unpredictable outcomes. Perhaps it’s best to sort things out now.
The tension between the emperor and the nobles over the imperial succession was evident the moment we crossed the French border.
“Welcome to the Holy Roman Empire, O Prophet!”
“We are honored to meet the great Prophet!”
“Our Teutonic Knights will ensure your safety, Prophet.”
“I am Duke Ludwig I of Bavaria. It is an honor to behold your presence, Prophet.”
“I am Duke Leopold VI of Austria. We are delighted to welcome the great Prophet.”
What a grand procession this is.
It was a breathtaking sight to see not just ordinary nobles, but the most powerful of the great lords, each ruling over territories akin to small countries, gathered in one place, bowing their heads in my direction.
Naturally, Heinrich VI’s expression tightened ever so slightly at the spectacle.
“I thought I made it clear that such an excessive gathering wasn’t necessary.”
“Your Majesty, we apologize, but we believed it was imperative to ensure no oversight in welcoming the Prophet to our land.”
“The Prophet dislikes pomp and ceremony.”
“This is not mere ceremony, but our genuine sincerity.”
“Ha… it’s like talking to a wall.”
It took less than an hour after entering the country to realize: this place is definitely not Rome.