Episode 46
The reason the Third Crusade fizzled out was because its justification crumbled midway. If reclaiming the Holy Land wasn’t God’s will, then the crusade was fundamentally misguided from the start. That’s why the papacy hadn’t pushed aggressively until now. But with a new cause handed to them, there was nothing holding them back anymore.
Even the Iberian Peninsula nations, who had been trying to tie the prophet Edward Marshall into a marriage alliance, began to react.
“The Muslims are anxious, just as the papacy claims. Let’s seize this opportunity to bring Prophet Marshall to our side. With a solid focal point, we can finally complete the Reconquista!”
Castile and Aragon, already eager to resume their war with the Almohads, welcomed the recent assassination attempt with open arms. The Reconquista had been progressing smoothly until it hit a snag with the unexpected obstacle of the Almohad Caliphate. The Iberian nations, hesitant to unite, were now presented with a perfect justification they couldn’t ignore. Especially if they could involve the prophet, they could also draw in the enraged Knights Templar.
The Templars had been in decline since the fall of Jerusalem, but with Marshall’s growing influence across Western Europe, they were experiencing a resurgence. After ousting their Grand Master who had disgraced them at the Battle of Hattin, the Templars began a renewal, emphasizing their unique status as the only order to produce a prophet. Thanks to this, they were regaining their former glory and had significantly recovered their finances.
If they could bring Marshall into their fold, the Templars, claiming to be the order with the prophet, would have no choice but to join the fray. Marshall’s skyrocketing popularity was not unrelated to this. At their peak, the Templars had controlled all of Cyprus and operated their own fleet. Financially, they were robust enough to lend to kings of other nations. If they could build a force stronger than ever before, what then?
Of course, the Templars weren’t Marshall’s subordinates. But it’s undeniable that they were expanding their influence by leveraging his name. The fact that they had produced a prophet set them apart from other orders. Thus, they couldn’t ignore Marshall’s name and were bound to be influenced by it to some extent.
And it wasn’t just the Iberian nations that recognized this fact. France, which had been closely monitoring the situation in Western Europe for years, was a prime example.
“Alberic, how do you interpret the current political climate?”
Philip II, a king renowned for his exceptional judgment and intelligence, was visibly amused by the recent developments.
“Signs of large-scale unrest are appearing not just in Europe but also in the Islamic world. Other nobles and scholars are saying that an unprecedented great war is imminent. What do you think?”
To Philip II, Count Alberic of Dammartin was a fascinating individual. Initially, he seemed diligent and reasonably intelligent—not exceptionally wise, but certainly not foolish. Yet, his actions defied this initial impression. His predictions, though often unconventional and seemingly baseless, were remarkably accurate. It was the first time Philip II had questioned his own judgment of character, and he found it refreshingly shocking.
“Should we prepare for war, given the pope’s formidable will and the solid justification supporting him?”
“With all due respect, that would be a short-sighted view.”
“Oh? That’s an intriguing response.”
Once again, Alberic offered a prediction that was the complete opposite of what most people expected, surprising not only Philip II but also several courtiers present. The most surprised, however, was Alberic himself.
‘Damn… Is this really right?’
Despite his own belief that war was inevitable, he couldn’t ignore Marshall’s message that the time wasn’t right. He didn’t doubt the prophet, who could hear the voice of the Almighty. The challenge was rationalizing this to others.
“I have several reasons for my prediction. First, can Europe truly achieve such comprehensive unity?”
“Isn’t that happening quite well now?”
“That’s only because no concrete plans have been made yet. If you look closely, everyone has different goals. The Iberian Peninsula is more interested in completing the Reconquista than reclaiming the Holy Land, while other nations have the opposite priority.”
Philip II listened with a curious smile. Alberic, despite his doubts, knew that as long as he presented his arguments convincingly, the results would follow. Once you gain fame, people applaud even your nonsense. Alberic, now renowned enough to make people listen to his ramblings, continued with a brazen confidence.
“We also need to consider the situation on the Islamic side.”
“Aren’t they in turmoil, blaming us for all these events?”
“On the surface, yes, but internally, their situations differ. The Almohads don’t want to lose the Iberian Peninsula, the Ayyubids don’t want to lose Jerusalem, and the Khwarazmians want to reap the benefits without getting involved. Their situation is more complex than ours.”
“So, you’re saying that despite all the talk, the situation won’t escalate? It sounds plausible, but with the papacy’s strong will, won’t war break out in some form?”
Faced with a perfectly reasonable question, Alberic paused. He couldn’t fathom how Marshall intended to prevent the seemingly inevitable war. Marshall hadn’t shared all the details with him, only hinting that the papacy would have no choice but to heed his words. In such situations, the best approach was to make vague, lofty statements.
“The papacy’s strong will could actually cause problems.”
“Hmm? Are you suggesting what I think you are?”
What was this? Alberic didn’t know what Philip II had inferred, but he nodded with the most relaxed smile he could muster.
“As expected of Your Majesty. You’ve seen right through it.”
“So, all your previous statements were leading up to this. You’re indeed an intriguing talent. Haha.”
“I’m just grateful to serve a sovereign who understands my true intentions. Haha.”
As the two laughed among themselves, one of the courtiers cautiously stepped forward.
“Your Majesty, we are at a loss to understand what you and the count are discussing. How could the papacy’s strong will cause problems? Count Dammartin, could you explain it to us?”
Damn it. Alberic, maintaining his composure, slowly turned his head to the noble who had asked the question, who offered an awkward, apologetic smile.
‘Damn it. How should I know? Can’t you just pretend to understand and move on?’
Despite his inner thoughts, Alberic’s mouth moved unconsciously.
“I’m afraid this is something best left as a future delight. It’s not something I can fully explain right now, nor is it a future that’s set in stone.”
As the courtiers turned their attention to Philip II, the king chuckled and shook his head.
“Don’t blame the count and me for your lack of understanding. This is a sensitive topic, which is why the count spoke in such roundabout terms.”
“A sensitive topic?”
“Let’s leave it as a future delight, as the count suggested. In any case, I share the count’s view, so let’s not waste our energy on this debate. Instead, let’s watch the situation unfold with patience. Send word to the local lords as well.”
Philip II had intended to take this approach from the start. However, making a prediction too far removed from the consensus would lack persuasiveness. He had tested Alberic, and to his delight, the count had matched his own level of insight. Rather than surprise, he felt a sense of joy. There was no longer any doubt about Alberic’s abilities. He had finally found an intellectual equal.
‘I’ll have to call on him for his opinion more often in the future.’
Feeling he had narrowly escaped a crisis, Alberic shivered involuntarily. His stomach ached, and all he wanted was to secure an estate in the countryside and leave Paris behind.
“Welcome, Prophet! We are truly honored by your visit!”
I had come to Rome with Cardinal Lothaire to discuss the assassination attempt, only to be met with an overwhelming crowd of well-wishers.
“All the faithful in Rome are genuinely concerned for the Prophet’s safety and are expressing their anger towards the Muslims.”
“His Holiness the Pope has also expressed deep concern. Was your journey here comfortable?”
“Thanks to everyone’s care, it was a peaceful trip.”
I offered a polite response and glanced back to see Fatima, my escort, surveying the surroundings with a complex expression. Most Europeans react this way when they first arrive in Rome, so it wasn’t unusual. However, as a Muslim, her feelings must have been quite different. It was akin to what a Christian might feel visiting Mecca, yet not quite the same.
I had warned her to be cautious, but I decided to keep a close eye on her just in case.
“Prophet, His Holiness wishes to meet with you immediately. What would you like to do?”
“In that case, I’ll unpack and freshen up before meeting him. I can’t very well present myself covered in dust.”
“Understood. I’ll make the necessary arrangements.”
I watched Cardinal Rotairé hurry out of sight and then continued on to the place where I would be staying during my time in Rome. As I took in the breathtaking medieval scenery, a seasoned cardinal approached me.
“Once your business is concluded, would you like someone to show you around?”
“That would be appreciated. By the way…”
“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Cardinal Orsini, deacon of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.”
“Cardinal Orsini?”
“Ah, do you know of me?”
The future Pope Celestine III. A key figure in my plans, he asked with curiosity. It was a strange feeling to have him appear before me when I had come to Rome specifically to find him. What a stroke of luck.
Things are going smoothly from day one.
I lowered my voice slightly to keep my satisfaction from showing. “Cardinal Orsini, I have something important to discuss with you. Please come to my room once today’s events are over.”
The cardinal blinked in confusion but nodded in agreement.
A wild horse needs a bridle to keep it from causing trouble. This old cardinal would become the strongest bridle to bind the papacy for some time.