Episode 58
In the medieval world, marriage was the easiest way to seize power.
I knew this better than anyone, so I always intended to marry someday.
If I hadn’t, I would have firmly rejected the marriage proposals from Aquitaine and the Iberian kingdoms.
But not right now.
Marriage is a quick way to expand one’s influence, but it’s not a cure-all.
If my own power was weak, I’d end up living under my wife’s family’s thumb.
Even if it didn’t come to that, if there was a significant power imbalance between our families, I wouldn’t be free from her family’s influence.
Of course, with my current status, I wouldn’t be easily swayed no matter whom I married.
But it would still be a hassle.
Especially if the prospective bride was the daughter of the future Byzantine Emperor.
“Alexios, weren’t you opposed to His Majesty’s schemes?”
“Of course. That hasn’t changed.”
“Then why propose a marriage alliance?”
“I was angry because His Majesty tried to use my daughter in a despicable way, getting her drunk and taking advantage of her. But meeting you, Prophet, has clarified my thoughts.”
It sounded like clever wordplay, but it wasn’t contradictory.
Alexios, observing my expression, continued.
“I’ve now met you, Prophet. After talking, I don’t think my daughter would have any negative feelings towards you.”
“What if your daughter isn’t interested? I hear there’s already a family discussing marriage with her.”
“It might sound cold, but you know as well as I do that her opinion isn’t that important. Of course, if she absolutely refuses, I’d reconsider as her father, but I doubt it will come to that.”
I couldn’t deny it, so I nodded.
In arranged marriages, practicality outweighs emotions.
The fact that Alexios would reconsider if she refused outright made him a kind father.
Perhaps I should have been a bit harsher with Anna.
But realistically, there was no one more suitable as a bride than her.
The reason I couldn’t cut ties was that her background was too advantageous to ignore.
“If I marry my daughter to you, Prophet, I’ll publicly declare that nothing happened yesterday. In fact, if I say I was impressed by your composure despite the circumstances, your reputation will only grow.”
“I’d appreciate that. But marriage is a sacred and noble act, as Christ said. I need time to think.”
“Of course. I’ll talk to my daughter and get back to you.”
Alexios bowed and left the room.
I watched him leave and clicked my tongue lightly.
He might be a bit petty, but his abilities are undeniable.
Fatima, who had been watching me with a smile, asked cautiously.
“Prophet, what will you do?”
“Well… I’m not sure yet.”
“From my limited perspective, it seems like a good proposal. Doesn’t Alexios have no sons?”
“That’s true.”
When I received previous marriage proposals, Fatima insisted that the suitor should at least be a royal without an heir.
In that sense, Anna Angelos could be the best choice.
“Even if the Byzantine Empire is slightly declining, its symbolic significance is immense. But the fact that she’s the youngest daughter is a bit concerning… though your prestige should more than compensate for that.”
“But it’s not a simple matter. I’m sworn to the King of England. And the Byzantine Emperor is also the head of the Orthodox Church, so marrying into that family might not sit well with the Catholics.”
“The Pope is on your side, so it’s all about how you maneuver. I think you should marry the daughter of a sultan or emperor without a son! Especially since Christianity doesn’t allow polygamy, you need to choose your bride carefully.”
Was she always this articulate?
She seemed more interested in the marriage talk than I was, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Alright, I understand. I can’t postpone marriage talks forever, so I need to consider the consequences carefully.”
I need to stay sharp to avoid leaving with more problems than I came with.
Things were taking an unexpected turn, but I didn’t mind.
Sometimes, a little unpredictability makes life interesting, doesn’t it?
After his conversation with Marshall, Alexios went straight to find Anna.
“You’ve been through a lot these past few days. Has anything unpleasant happened?”
She was only fifteen.
As the Emperor’s niece, her pride might have been hurt, but thankfully, she didn’t seem affected.
Anna shook her head with a playful smile.
“I’m fine. It would have been troublesome if the Prophet had suddenly attacked me.”
“What did you think of him when you met?”
“He’s known to be very straightforward, but… I’m not sure. He seems strong-willed, but also wise and insightful.”
“I felt the same. I think he’s deliberately shown a certain side to the public. Since we’re to be allies, he must have shown us his true self.”
That’s why Alexios decided to make Marshall his son-in-law.
Marshall wasn’t just a prophet with deep faith.
He seemed to possess wisdom that matched his divine insight.
It was like combining the power of Elijah with the wisdom of Solomon.
Such a person must be brought to our side.
Alexios asked his daughter directly.
“I asked the Prophet if he would consider marrying you. He seemed to want to know your opinion. It looked like he wouldn’t proceed if you weren’t interested.”
“That’s unusual.”
“Yes. It made me like him more. I want my beloved daughter to have a happy marriage. A man who considers your feelings would be easier to love, wouldn’t he?”
Of course, Alexios had plans to justify the marriage even if she refused.
But ideally, his daughter would accept the marriage happily.
Anna seemed to understand her father’s thoughts perfectly.
“I have no complaints. In fact, it’s an honor. Becoming the wife of perhaps the most extraordinary person in the world is something special.”
“So you don’t find him unlikable.”
“I’ve only spoken to him once, so I can’t say for sure, but I think I like him. I’d like to talk to him more. But wasn’t there a marriage proposal from Lord Vatatzes? Is that okay?”
“We’ll just have to use my brother’s name a bit. Doesn’t His Majesty want you to marry the Prophet?”
If the Emperor desires it, there are plenty of reasons to cancel the other proposal.
If they have a problem, they can take it up with the Emperor themselves.
Alexios laughed as he continued.
“Considering future prospects, there’s no comparison. You know that, right?”
“Yes.”
“Not only for personal status but also for the benefit of our empire, the Prophet is the better choice. If we join forces, we could restore the power of Justinian I’s era.”
Marshall could help the Byzantine Empire regain its former glory, and they could be his strong support.
An ideal symbiotic relationship.
Of course, there were other calculations in his mind.
‘Before he grows too powerful, I need to secure him.’
From his investigations, Alexios knew Marshall’s growth was extraordinary.
In less than two years, he had become known not only in Western Europe but also in the East, even among Muslims.
He had taken control of the Auvergne territory, established a university with the Pope and King’s approval, and was attracting Western Europe’s intellectuals.
Reports indicated his relationship with the new Pope was even better than before.
In a few years, he might become too influential to control.
So he needed to act now.
He worried about divine retribution for any impure intentions, but he felt justified.
This wasn’t about using the Prophet or discarding him when convenient.
It was about growing together.
Lost in thought, Alexios was brought back by Anna’s voice.
“But Father, have you already decided to follow his lead?”
“Hmm?”
“I thought you were waiting to see if a rebellion would occur next year as he predicted. But it seems like you’ve already decided to join him.”
“True. But it’s always wise to be prepared for anything. And…”
Alexios paused mid-sentence, swallowing his words with an awkward smile.
No need to mention that he had almost convinced himself while talking.
“I’ll head back to His Majesty. I need to smooth things over so he doesn’t get suspicious.”
“Yes.”
It wasn’t too difficult to deceive his brother, who always interpreted things in his favor. The real issue was deciding the timing for the coup…
Seizing the throne seemed like a matter of time, but it was crucial to approach this with caution, especially now.
As he refined his plans in his mind, he entered the palace and immediately ran into the emperor’s messenger.
“General! There you are. His Majesty is looking for you and the prophet. It seems urgent, so you should come at once.”
“In such a hurry, is he? I was just about to see him myself, but it seems he couldn’t wait.”
“That’s not the issue. An envoy from Saladin has arrived!”
“What?”
He couldn’t completely mask his reaction, but he hadn’t expected things to escalate so quickly.
“Saladin… What are you up to this time?”
The excitement that had buoyed Alexios moments ago turned cold as he quickened his pace.