Episode 232
Philip II had been eagerly anticipating today’s meeting.
“Good to see you.”
“Greetings. It’s thrilling to finally meet in person rather than through letters.”
“Hahaha, thank you for the kind words. It’s refreshing to meet such a talented young ruler after so long; it feels like a trip down memory lane.”
Philip II extended his hand for a light handshake with Ferdinand III and continued.
“I don’t know how this will sound, but seeing you reminds me of my younger days, and I feel a strange sense of kinship.”
“Then it’s an honor to think I might grow to be like you someday.”
“While others see me as a demon who took their lands, you treat me with such kindness. It warms my heart.”
“Hahaha! As I mentioned to the prophet recently, I’ve been looking forward to this meeting. I’d love to chat all day, but we should probably get to the urgent matters first, right?”
Since this was a public meeting, they couldn’t discuss the topics exchanged in their letters. Yet, Philip II nodded with a calm smile.
“The Iberian Peninsula holds great geopolitical significance. It’s the gateway between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and a bridge between Africa and Europe, isn’t it?”
“That’s why you occupied Andalusia.”
“Occupied? We merely stationed troops at the request of the local governor.”
“So, you’re not planning to cede the region to us.”
This was a topic that had been settled long ago, but it was brought up again not for persuasion, but to hear a response to the proposal mentioned in the letters.
“We believe we occupied the region through legitimate means, so demanding we relinquish it is unjust. Both sides have strong opinions, so we can discuss it in detail at the summit.”
“I agree.”
“So, can I assume your stance hasn’t changed since you arrived here?”
“My position remains unchanged since I left my castle. Conversations with the prophet have only solidified it.”
It was a clear declaration that he would align with other Iberian kings to pressure France. Yet, Philip II maintained his friendly smile toward Ferdinand III.
“Then I wish you success in your endeavors. Though we may clash, I hope for a mutually satisfying outcome.”
“Agreed. I’ll do my best from my position, so please don’t hold a grudge if things don’t go your way.”
Both sides had clarified their desires. The summit was set for the next day. The outcome would determine who would control the gateway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
On the day of the summit, the atmosphere wasn’t as tense as expected. With observers from the Vatican, England, and the Holy Roman Empire, nearly all of Europe had its eyes on the event.
With so many nations involved, rash actions were unlikely, and maintaining royal dignity was essential. Thus, the meeting began with everyone exchanging pleasantries and laughter.
But that atmosphere was short-lived. As discussions turned to territorial division, tensions began to rise, especially with Ancho VII of Navarre and Jaime I of Aragon leading the charge.
“Your Majesty Philip II, we suspect this is all a French conspiracy. While we haven’t confirmed it, this is a place where the prophet is present. Neither you nor we can lie here. So, let’s confirm once more: we’ve agreed to speak only the absolute truth here, correct?”
“Of course. Who would dare lie here? I never intended to deceive. Prophet, if anyone lies here, they’ll surely face consequences, right?”
“Indeed.”
Though I couldn’t actually discern lies, everyone believed I had some mystical ability to do so. No one wanted to risk divine retribution by lying.
Philip II, hearing my calm response, smiled and addressed Ancho VII.
“As you heard, everyone must speak the truth here. This is my first time in such a meeting, and it’s quite intriguing. So, what do you wish to know?”
“The speed and suddenness of France’s occupation of Andalusia seem too convenient. We believe it was a French plot. Can you truly say France had no prior schemes?”
“It seems there’s a misunderstanding. I never claimed it was mere coincidence or that we did nothing and were simply invited by the Andalusian governor.”
“So, you did scheme!”
Despite Ancho VII’s agitated response, Philip II remained unflustered, blinking calmly. If I were in his shoes, I’d want to punch that smug face.
But Philip II, in a nonchalant voice, asked, “May I pose a question to everyone here? Since we must speak truthfully, please share your honest thoughts. If you saw chaos brewing nearby that could benefit your nation, would you share that information and forgo your country’s advantage?”
“Well, that’s…”
“Let’s hear from Ancho VII first. Would Navarre have shared such information, even at the cost of its own interests?”
“Of course…”
Ancho VII, about to nod reflexively, met my gaze. What happens if you lie?
After a moment of contemplation, he sighed deeply and shook his head slowly.
“No… I wouldn’t have shared it.”
“Exactly. As you asked, I foresaw the collapse of the Almohads. I worked closely with the governor to foster pro-French sentiment in Andalusia, allowing us to respond swiftly when trouble arose. But knowing others would have acted similarly eases my conscience.”
Did they think they could win a truth game? With no solid rebuttal, Jaime I shifted the topic.
“But as you know, Your Majesty, we’ve shed blood for decades, even centuries, to reclaim that region. It’s unreasonable for France to monopolize it, don’t you think?”
“Indeed, it’s unreasonable.”
“Yes, it’s unrea… What?”
Expecting a deflective response, Jaime I was taken aback.
“Of course, monopolizing all of Andalusia is unreasonable. It’s a vast land, over a third of the Iberian Peninsula.”
“Uh… yes, but didn’t France claim its occupation was legitimate and justified?”
“That remains true. France legally stationed troops at the governor’s request and maintains order there. Our rights are legitimate. But as you said, we can’t ignore the bloodshed of Iberian nations. I’m open to negotiations.”
The kings’ expressions shifted as they grasped Philip II’s intent. He was offering a compromise: France never intended to take all of Andalusia, and he was willing to share the spoils.
The ball was now in the Iberian kingdoms’ court. But no one was eager to make the first move.
After a tense silence, Ferdinand III finally spoke.
“What kind of negotiations are you proposing? Are you willing to cede parts of Andalusia to us?”
“That depends on how negotiations proceed. But I agree that France controlling all of Andalusia is problematic.”
“I also think it’s impractical for France to govern all of Andalusia. Without a direct land route, France must pass through Aragon or Navarre and Castile. It’s unrealistic for France to manage such a vast territory alone.”
“With local support, it’s possible. In fact, given the long-standing conflicts, the locals might prefer France over the northern kingdoms.”
King Fernando III bit his lip and took a sip of water, trying to calm himself.
But to me, it seemed like Fernando III was deliberately asking questions that invited contradiction.
Was my intuition right after all?
“However, we must consider this: Andalusia has been part of the Almohad Caliphate, allowing easy trade with Africa. If it becomes French territory, will that still be possible? Without our involvement, Andalusia might struggle to sustain itself.”
“Indeed. But unfortunately, I’ve already arranged a meeting with Sultan Saladin of the Ayyubid dynasty. My envoy is likely in Cairo by now and should return with a response in a few months. If my predictions are correct, trading with African or Asian countries won’t be an issue. However, if they can’t pass through our territory, countries unable to use the Mediterranean might face trade disruptions if they fall out with France.”
Fernando III, realizing the subtle warning to choose his battles wisely, pursed his lips and fell silent.
King Philip II, satisfied with the lack of rebuttal, surveyed the room before continuing.
“Now, since it seems we have a consensus, shall we proceed with negotiations? If we were to appoint a nation to manage the central region of Andalusia, who do you think would be the most suitable candidate?”
”…”
”…”
A different kind of silence settled over the assembly.
Then, as if rehearsed, the kings of the five nations responded in unison.
“Naturally, it should be us.”