Episode 225

The Emperor had his own plans, and the electors had theirs. For about two weeks, they had been locked in a dance of threats, persuasion, and negotiations. But now, it seemed the Emperor had decided it was time to make a move, whether out of strategic calculation or sheer frustration with the endless talks.

The Emperor announced his decision: “Before a great calamity befalls us, we must secure the next heir to the throne.”

It was clear to everyone that the Emperor wouldn’t choose a stranger as his successor. This was essentially a declaration that he intended to pass the throne to his son. Heinrich VI had already named his son, Friedrich, as the King of Germany, effectively making him the crown prince. However, if the Emperor were to die unexpectedly, the electors could easily change the course of events.

The nobles sensed that Heinrich VI wanted to solidify his son’s position as the official heir. The only way to achieve this was to reform the process by which the King of Germany was elected and crowned by the Pope as Emperor.

Most of the electors were displeased with the Emperor’s intentions, but not all nobles shared this sentiment. Many families realized that their situation wouldn’t change much regardless of which family inherited the throne. These families chose to remain silent, observing the situation and aligning themselves with the most advantageous side.

As a result, Aachen Cathedral, where Charlemagne’s remains were interred, was bustling with electors eager to witness the assembly. The meeting was open to all electors, as discussions about the plague were also on the agenda.

The seating arrangement placed the Emperor at the head, surrounded by the seven electors, with my seat slightly elevated above theirs. Once everyone was settled, a series of minor ceremonies took place for about an hour before the main agenda began.

Following the Emperor’s suggestion to address the most pressing issue first, the first topic was the election of the next Emperor.

Otto, the Duke of Saxony and representative of the secular electors, spoke first. “I agree with Your Majesty that a stable succession is crucial for the Empire’s stability and unity. However, since your son has already been elected King of Germany, isn’t it unnecessary to discuss who should be the successor?”

“While your point is valid, that’s not what I’m suggesting,” the Emperor replied. “How long must our Empire waste time and resources on such a convoluted process? In the long run, this tradition only hinders our unity and encourages division.”

The Emperor’s unexpectedly bold statement caused a stir among the attendees. The Margrave of Brandenburg asked with a stern expression, “Are you suggesting we abolish the election process?”

“Not abolish, but significantly simplify it,” the Emperor clarified.

“Then how do you propose we elect the Roman Emperor without this assembly? The only alternative would be hereditary succession,” the Duke of Austria interjected.

“Is it your wish to establish a hereditary monarchy, Your Majesty?” the Duke pressed further.

The word “hereditary” had always been a contentious issue, causing the room to fall silent. With the electors pushing for clarity, the Emperor had to make his stance clear. Heinrich VI, understanding the gravity of the moment, took a deep breath and nodded slowly.

“You are correct. It is time for change. Look around; no other nation wastes time and energy on such matters. Other countries are uniting under strong leaders and growing stronger, while we have made little progress since the days of Charlemagne.”

“Are you suggesting we abandon our traditions to follow others?” an elector challenged.

“Not abandon, but evolve our traditions,” the Emperor replied. “History has shown that those who fear change and fail to adapt inevitably decline. We must not forget why Assyria, Babylon, and Egypt fell. Our Empire remains the strongest in Western Europe, but how long can we maintain this without change? Look at France and England. Were they ever a concern to us before?”

The electors found it difficult to argue against this point. The Holy Roman Empire was no longer as influential as it once was, while emerging nations were rapidly gaining power. Reports indicated that England and France, in particular, were becoming increasingly formidable after the Crusades.

“Your Majesty, we are entering an era where war must be avoided. Preparing for hereditary succession to strengthen our nation could send a troubling signal to neighboring countries,” Otto quickly interjected, sensing the electors’ silence as a dangerous sign.

Heinrich VI shook his head. “Strengthening a nation isn’t just about military power. As you said, we must reduce conflicts and advance science and technology. But can we compete with England, France, and the Eastern nations with our current disorganized system? I believe not.”

“That’s a matter of us working together with a unified purpose,” Otto countered.

“Moreover, we must consider the looming threat of the plague. A unified response under a strong leader could mitigate its impact. Where do you think the damage will be greater?”

“That’s not something we can guarantee. With thorough discussions and preparations, we can find solutions,” Otto insisted, though he couldn’t deny the efficiency of the Emperor’s approach.

However, efficiency wasn’t the electors’ primary concern. Otto likely believed this, but Heinrich VI had another card to play.

“And when the succession is unstable, society wavers. This isn’t just about this assembly. I know some of you have struggled with succession in your own lands. Isn’t it time to end such farces? I intend to recognize hereditary rights for lands currently held by appointed counts. Does anyone object?”

This proposal caused a stir among the attending nobles, many of whom were intrigued by the idea. Even among the electors, the Count Palatine of Lotharingia, who had recently changed hands, showed interest.

“I emphasize again, this isn’t just about strengthening my position. This applies to all noble titles. People need stability to focus on their duties. How can they fulfill their obligations if their foundation is shaky?”

With that, Heinrich VI glanced at the Count Palatine of the Rhine. Otto, realizing the significance of the Emperor’s gaze, bit his lip and surveyed the room. The Count Palatine seemed swayed by the Emperor’s offer, but the Duke of Austria and the Margrave remained skeptical.

Otto’s lips curled into a faint smile. So, the Emperor’s grand show was just to secure one vote out of seven? It was a smile of victory, visible even from afar.

Yet, Heinrich VI remained composed, despite the unfavorable odds. He glanced at me, nodding as if to say he had done his best. I had told him to secure at least one ally, but I hadn’t expected him to take it so literally. Still, it was enough.

Since he couldn’t secure more than one ally, it seemed we would proceed with the original plan. I had given him a chance to resolve it himself, but now the ball was in my court.

At my signal, the Archbishop of Mainz, who had remained silent until now, took the floor.

“The Archbishops of Cologne, Trier, and I have all agreed to support His Majesty’s proposal.”

“What? That’s absurd… Aren’t you the ones who should oppose this the most?” Otto reacted sharply, scrutinizing Heinrich VI’s expression.

He might have suspected this was all prearranged, but Heinrich VI seemed just as surprised by the archbishops’ support.

“Ah… I see. Thank you for your understanding,” the Emperor said, regaining his composure.

He seemed to realize that my promise to secure at least one ally had resulted in three.

“No, Your Majesty. We made this decision not for personal gain, but for the future of the Empire and the happiness of all who live here,” the Archbishop of Mainz replied.

“Indeed. You are true patriots and men of faith,” the Emperor praised them.

While the Emperor was pleased, Otto and the secular electors were still in disbelief. Otto, having regained his composure, looked at me, silently questioning.

-Is this your doing, Prophet?

His eyes betrayed his disappointment, but I simply gestured for him to wait and see.

With the support of the three archbishops and the Count Palatine, the Emperor now had four votes. The outcome of the assembly was all but decided.

Just as the Holy Roman Empire’s throne seemed poised to pass to the Hohenstaufen family, the room buzzed with tension.

The Archbishop of Mainz raised his hand slowly, as if to calm the crowd, and spoke.

“Your Majesty, such a significant decision cannot be made by our will alone.”

”…Hmm? Well, that’s…”

“Especially since Your Majesty is the true ruler of our time, having successfully carried out God’s will as the supreme commander of the Crusades. For someone of your stature to make such a monumental decision without seeking divine guidance would not set a good example for other monarchs.”

“So, you’re saying I should seek the prophet’s counsel as well?”

Emperor Heinrich VI glanced at me, gauging my reaction.

Otto, sensing that this matter wouldn’t resolve easily, scratched his head, looking between Heinrich VI and me.

“Alright, I see your point. I, too, wanted to consult the prophet first. After all, only the prophet can now crown the emperor of the empire.”

Traditionally, the Holy Roman Emperor needed the Pope’s coronation to be recognized as the true emperor.

However, the Pope no longer held that level of authority.

Thus, the only one who could perform the coronation was naturally me.

In fact, it was essential for me to do it to maintain the significance of the Holy Roman Emperor’s coronation.

Emphasizing that this was a natural part of the emperor’s appointment process, not an interference in internal affairs, I rose slowly from my seat.

As I approached Heinrich VI, he hurriedly stood and knelt on one knee in respect.

“I humbly ask the prophet to seek the divine word and confirm whether I and my family are worthy to be the empire’s rulers.”

“The prayer has already been answered. Emperor Heinrich VI, you and your lineage are indeed worthy to lead the empire.”

At that moment, Heinrich VI’s fist trembled with joy, while Otto sighed and clicked his tongue, as if to say, “I knew it.”

“However, the Roman Emperor is unlike other kings. While the emperor has always been the church’s protector, some have failed in this duty, engaging in power struggles with the Pope and displaying unseemly behavior.”

“I swear such things will never happen again!”

“Indeed, they must not. At this moment, Emperor Heinrich VI and his lineage are blessed by God. As long as you fulfill your duties, the Holy Roman Empire will remain peaceful under the Hohenstaufen family. But the moment you fail in your duties, the crown granted to you will be taken away.”

Heinrich VI’s smile, which had been beaming as he bowed his head, faltered slightly.

To have the crown taken away meant being ousted from the throne.

This prophecy essentially gave the other electors permission to depose the emperor if he neglected his duties.

“Now, let me inform you of the duties that the emperor, who will be the foremost servant of God in the western Rome, must uphold.”

Though the succession was confirmed, Heinrich VI sensed something unsettling and glanced up at me.

If he wanted to do as he pleased, he should have secured a majority vote on his own.

Still, the succession he so desired would be recognized, and Otto wouldn’t have to watch the Hohenstaufen family devour the empire, so perhaps everyone would be content.

Of course, the happiest person was someone else entirely, but it seemed best not to mention that for the sake of everyone involved.