Episode 29
Richard stayed at my estate for a few days, waiting for a response from the French side. During that time, I made a point of showing him around, subtly flaunting my influence.
The only prophet in the world who receives direct messages from God, seen in close company with the king? It was enough to silence any dissent from the serfs, knights, or other nobles in the estate. The recent purges had already instilled a significant fear of Richard among the nobility. Those who harbored ambitions of manipulating a seemingly naive prophet had learned their lesson the hard way.
I leveraged the king’s prestige to address the estate’s issues without breaking my guise as a steadfast knight. Just as I was wrapping up the estate’s affairs, word came from France at the perfect moment.
“Philip II is coming here himself? To this place?”
“Yes. His Majesty is here, and King Philip II is eager to meet the renowned prophet of Auvergne.”
“Well… I thought we’d meet somewhere between Tours and Blois, but he’s coming all the way here?”
Richard glanced at me and added, “He must be quite curious about you.”
“It seems the King of France holds me in high regard.”
“Alberic must have sung your praises. If I were in his shoes, I’d want to meet you too after hearing the stories.”
Richard was right. In the medieval Christian world, few doubted the existence of God. Even Philip II, who was somewhat cynical about the church, had a firm belief in God. In such times, someone like me appearing would naturally pique curiosity. I had anticipated Philip II’s interest and had sent Alberic to France in preparation.
“Your Majesty, what will you do?”
“What else? If he’s coming here, we must welcome him grandly. Prepare a place near the border of Auvergne and Bourges and arrange a welcoming crowd.”
“Understood.”
The king’s orders set the preparations in motion to receive the foreign king. Officially, it was a discussion for the smooth progress of the Third Crusade, though in reality, it was a ploy to avoid participating. We even arranged prayers from church clergy for a successful meeting and prepared gifts to show our sincerity to the Pope.
“If the talks go well… no, they must go well. After all, it’s God’s will, isn’t it?”
“Of course. I’ve shared the messages I’ve received as proof.”
“Indeed. As unbelievable as they were, I trust your words. But why haven’t you told the Pope?”
“Unfortunately, the Pope is too fervent about the Crusade. Anything I say would only cause unnecessary conflict and division within the church, so I must tread carefully.”
Though recognized as a prophet by the Western Church, I couldn’t afford to antagonize the Pope just yet. My religious authority was still supported by the Pope and the church. I wouldn’t foolishly undermine my foundation by causing conflict. Besides, the current Pope was destined to pass away soon. There was no need to fight with someone who would naturally pass on.
“But Marshall, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask…”
Still reeling from the shock of the prophecy, Richard hesitated before cautiously asking, “Do your prophecies come when you pray for them, or do they come unexpectedly from God?”
I stroked my chin in silence. I had expected such a question eventually. But a careless answer could lead to contradictions later. In such cases, it’s best to be vague.
”…It’s hard to say. It could be both, or neither.”
“Really?”
“Prophecies are difficult to explain. But I pray daily for clear and understandable messages. That’s all I can say.”
“That makes sense. Your prophecies are so clear they leave no room for interpretation. That’s why they’re believable, but they’re beyond my understanding. Don’t mind my question.”
Richard laughed heartily, patting my shoulder. How should I describe him? Whatever history may say, up close, he was undeniably charming. Though impulsive at times, he possessed considerable intelligence and could be coldly rational. Yet, he was also boisterous and jovial. For now, I planned to continue my schemes with this entertaining king by my side.
The sun shone brightly, and the breeze was cool, typical of the weather in southern France. I stood near the border of Auvergne with Richard and his entourage, ready to welcome our distinguished guest. We timed our arrival well, so the wait wasn’t long. Just as I thought I heard faint music, a large procession appeared in the distance, heading our way.
“It seems the King of France has arrived.”
“Indeed. Let’s go greet him. As our guest, we should welcome him personally.”
Richard rode to the front of the procession, spreading his arms wide to the young man leading it.
“Welcome! It’s been a while.”
“Ah, the King of England himself has come to greet me. I’m honored.”
The young man on a white horse returned the greeting warmly. Unlike Richard, who was clearly a warrior, this young man had an elegant appearance. As he smiled, some women scattering flower petals looked enraptured, unsure of what to do. His presence alone was enough to captivate everyone, living up to his reputation.
A young king whose beauty surpassed mere handsomeness. Philip II seemed the very embodiment of innocence, untouched by the world’s corruption. It was no wonder people vied for his favor. Had he been born a woman, he might have rivaled Maria Theresa as Europe’s greatest beauty in the 18th century. I understood why Richard and John were so easily deceived by him. With such a kind face and sweet words, who would suspect malice?
Even I, without prior knowledge, would have thought him a good person. He was living proof that appearances can be deceiving. After greeting Richard, Philip II turned to me, smiling as if meeting an old friend, and extended his hand.
“So, you’re the famed prophet Edward Marshall? I’ve heard much about you from Alberic. I’m the King of France.”
“It’s an honor to meet you.”
“The honor is mine. As the only prophet in the world, you’re surely beloved by God. In a way, you’re more valuable than any worldly ruler.”
“Your words are too kind.”
This man, with his silver tongue, was quite the flatterer. Even Richard, standing beside me, looked at us with overflowing camaraderie. My previous warnings about Philip II seemed forgotten, lost across the English Channel. Our naive king gestured to the luxurious tents prepared for the occasion, laughing heartily.
“You must be tired from your journey. Rest there first, then head to Clermont to recover. Marshall here personally prepared your quarters.”
“Did he? I’m in for an unexpected treat, then. Ha ha ha!”
Philip II, with a pure smile, followed Richard into the tent. To others, he might have seemed like a good-natured young king, but I felt a chill. It was because of the trait I saw above his head during our greeting.
[Ruthless Schemer]
For such a seemingly kind and angelic person to have that trait was unsettling. Even knowing it beforehand, seeing it so clearly was chilling. If that’s a flaw, how cold can he truly be? He might even be a sociopath. Of course, I was confident in my own acting skills.
This body of mine is so well-disciplined that my poker face never falters. I made sure my expression remained neutral as I followed the two kings into the tent.
Fortunately, Richard hadn’t forgotten the original purpose of this meeting. Unlike outside, he sat with utmost seriousness.
Philip II, puzzled by Richard’s sudden change in demeanor, glanced around the room. “I don’t mind a short break here, but isn’t it a bit much to prepare so extensively when Clermont isn’t that far?”
“Actually, Your Majesty, the reason for inviting you here isn’t for rest, but for discussion. There’s a bishop sent by the Pope in Clermont, and we need to coordinate with him.”
Philip II stood silently for a moment, then seemed to grasp the situation. He smiled brightly and took a seat. That’s the thing about talking to smart people—there’s no need to explain things twice, or even once.
“Your Majesty Richard, as I’ve mentioned before, it’s difficult to stop the launch of the Crusade. Emperor Barbarossa of the Holy Roman Empire has already begun his grand expedition to Jerusalem. The Pope will expect us to send troops right after. If we don’t, other nations might question our faith.”
“That was the case before, but the situation has changed now.”
Richard glanced at me with a look of utmost confidence before continuing. “Marshal here has received a message from God about what’s to come. This might be new to you, Philip II, but just trust it. That’s all you need to do.”
“Trust what exactly…?”
Richard, seeing Philip II’s confusion, recounted the prophecy he had received from me. “The Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire will drown while crossing a river in Anatolia. Their forces will fall apart, giving us an excuse to delay the Crusade for at least a few more years.”
“What kind of nonsense is that…?”
For the first time since arriving, Philip II’s smile vanished as he looked back and forth between Richard and me, bewildered.
Yes, it must sound absurd. How could anyone believe that the emperor of a great empire would drown crossing a river?
If you were to list the most ridiculous events of the late Middle Ages, the drowning of Frederick I would certainly be among them. It was so absurd that even today, he might have been awarded a Darwin Award for contributing to human evolution by removing his foolish genes.
Philip II, seeing my calm expression, scratched his head and pressed on. “So… you’re saying that Emperor Frederick I of the Holy Roman Empire, the great Red Beard, will drown in a river?”
“Yes.”
“And not because of a bridge collapse or anything, but at the age of seventy, he will willingly enter the cold water and drown?”
“Precisely.”
“If this is true, we could indeed delay the Third Crusade by preparing in advance, but still…”
This is how everyone reacts when they first hear a prophecy. King Richard, the successors of Rashid al-Din from the Middle East, and even the esteemed King Philip II were no exceptions.
Satisfied with Philip II’s genuine display of emotion, I spoke up. “Your Majesty, of course, it sounds unbelievable.”
It’s something that defies common sense. Especially for someone as rational and cold-headed as Philip II, this must seem like a joke.
That’s why I asserted with even more conviction, “But it will happen.”