Episode 75
Time may pass, but the fundamental nature of humanity remains largely unchanged.
That’s why certain proverbs resonate across eras.
“Victory makes a king, defeat makes a traitor.”
In other words, success is seen as a revolution, while failure is labeled a coup.
The West has similar sayings, but the essence is the same: history belongs to the victors.
Of course, if one considers future evaluations, the reasons for a revolution must be clear, and one must not falter after seizing power.
There are numerous instances where successful uprisings were later deemed misguided rebellions.
The military coup in Goryeo is a prime example of a successful event that received harsh criticism from later generations.
However, the current situation in the Eastern Roman Empire is different from Goryeo’s coup.
If one were to compare, it would be more akin to the crossroads faced during the transition from the late Goryeo to the early Joseon Dynasty.
Isaac II was initially expected to be the one to lead Rome’s revival.
But now, everyone knows.
He is one of the most incompetent rulers in Eastern Roman history.
Everyone feels the anxiety that the country might truly fall apart if things continue as they are.
When I first arrived here, there was a hint of this atmosphere, but now it seems everyone is acutely aware of the crisis.
Yet, no matter how much advice is given, the emperor dismisses it, focusing only on filling his own pockets.
And surrounding him are sycophants who care only about their wealth, indifferent to the fate of the nation.
The consequences have already piled up.
What remains is for someone with the right status and qualifications to take the lead and justify this cause.
And Alexios, who fits the bill, has finally made his decision.
First, he summoned Patriarch Georgios II, the symbol of the Orthodox Church, for a meeting.
While others might be uncertain, Georgios II was already completely influenced by me, so I judged there would be no problem.
As expected, he was surprised by Alexios’s plan but did not object.
”…The Lord has chosen Alexios to be the next emperor… As the prophet has spoken, I shall not doubt.”
“Thank you.”
“In truth, I have had my doubts about the current emperor’s policies. How should I put it… It’s something beyond mere mismanagement….”
“To put it bluntly, if things continue, Eastern Rome will fall.”
At my assertion, Georgios II’s face hardened.
No one would remain calm after hearing a prophecy of doom from a prophet with a 100% accuracy rate.
“The Lord is particularly concerned about the current emperor’s lack of faith. The emperor of Eastern Rome must be someone with unwavering faith, as they also serve as the head of the Orthodox Church.”
“I agree with that.”
“But the current emperor, even in jest, cannot be said to be faithful to God’s will. The Lord has declared that the Orthodox Church cannot be left as it is. If we do not correct this now, Rome will follow in Israel’s footsteps.”
The Bible clearly documents instances where ignoring divine warnings led to a nation’s downfall.
And both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches have openly mocked the Jews for their folly.
“How could they ignore a prophet’s direct warning?”
“Fools like that deserve to fall.”
Everyone mocked the Jews, and sermons often included admonitions not to live as foolishly as they did.
Now, finding themselves in a similar situation, the clergy of the Orthodox Church must be feeling a bitter irony.
“Prophet, if I may be so bold, may I ask one question?”
“Ask anything.”
“If Alexios ascends as the new emperor… can this nation experience a revival like during the Komnenos dynasty?”
“If Alexios maintains his faith and dedicates himself fully, it is not impossible.”
Hearing the desired answer, Georgios II closed his eyes and nodded.
The most crucial aspect of a rebellion is stabilizing one’s mental state.
After all, it’s not just any task; it’s about dethroning an emperor and installing a new one.
If discovered, it wouldn’t end with just personal consequences.
Entire families could be destroyed, and descendants might face a lifetime of blocked opportunities.
Thus, secrecy was paramount, and they had to convince themselves they were doing the right thing.
But this time, there was no need for such mental gymnastics.
There was no need to force a justification.
Most importantly, a clear divine mandate had been given.
With God’s declaration that the nation would fall under the current emperor’s rule, what more was needed?
This wasn’t rebellion or betrayal; it was fulfilling one’s duty as a follower of the Orthodox Church.
“Alexios, leave the aftermath to me. I will rally the other patriarchs to support your ascension.”
“Thank you. Then I will trust you and proceed.”
With Alexios controlling the military and the patriarch as the face of the Orthodox Church in agreement, the groundwork was essentially laid.
The two agreed to secure the Senate’s support the next day and finalized their plans.
The day of action was set for a week later.
It was the day Isaac II was scheduled to visit the Hagia Sophia with me.
Isaac II was incompetent, but he wasn’t entirely foolish.
He wasn’t so oblivious as to not realize that public perception of him was plummeting.
Yet, he never considered the possibility of being overthrown.
After all, his brother had a firm grip on the military, so who would dare oppose him?
Moreover, the prophet from the West was a boon for him.
By using this figure to enhance the sanctity of the emperor, he could find another reason to raise taxes.
Of course, there were complaints about the already high taxes, but those were shortsighted.
Compared to other cities, the standard of living in Constantinople was high.
This meant more consumption, often leading to overspending.
Thus, taxes were a way to curb the people’s tendency to overspend.
And who knew when they might have to fight the Bulgarian rebels again? It was wise to have reserves.
Thinking of the ignorant ministers who couldn’t grasp these basic facts made him sigh.
“Still, that Marshall fellow seems reasonable… Perhaps I can use him again?”
The emperor had a sudden idea.
What if he asked Marshall to bless him during the upcoming mass at the Hagia Sophia?
And if he could slip in a phrase about being the true emperor of Rome?
That would naturally paint the Bulgarian rebels as scoundrels defying a divinely endorsed emperor.
“Perfect. This is the strategy of a true victor.”
Marshall might find it troublesome, but if so, he could always tweak the blessing’s content.
“I’d love to keep Marshall here… What is my brother doing?”
Edward Marshall’s value had soared even higher after the council.
The emperor, in his heart of hearts, didn’t want to send him back west.
With endless potential uses, why should only the Catholics benefit?
He had even tried to have his niece bear Marshall’s child, but one attempt hadn’t been enough.
“That’s why those who’ve only been on the battlefield are no good. If it were me, I’d have done whatever it took to make my daughter Marshall’s bride.”
But there was still time, so there was no need to rush.
“Your Majesty, it’s time.”
Isaac II stopped his musings at the call and rose from his seat.
“Is it time already?”
Dressed in opulent robes and adorned with lavish decorations, the emperor left the palace with his attendants.
As he approached the waiting carriage, he spotted Edward Marshall.
Though they could have met at the cathedral, Marshall had insisted on riding together, waiting here.
How thoughtful.
“Your Majesty! Seeing you in good health today brings peace to my heart.”
“Yes, yes. I’m glad to see you well too. By the way, I have something important to discuss on our way to the cathedral. Will you hear me out?”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
As the door closed and the carriage began to glide forward, the emperor shared his earlier idea.
”…Could you say something like this for me? I’m not asking you to say anything untrue, just to add a touch of that nuance.”
“I was planning to publicly announce the divine revelation I received during today’s mass. I can include your request then.”
“Oh, really? Thank you. I’ll finally get to witness the famous Edward Marshall’s prophecy firsthand.”
With a broad smile, the emperor eagerly awaited their arrival at the cathedral.
And finally.
As the emperor set foot in the cathedral, grand music played, and everyone bowed in respect.
Though it was a ceremonial act performed whenever the emperor arrived, Isaac II never tired of it.
The sense of conquest, of ruling over all, was something he wished to savor for a lifetime.
Once the emperor took his seat, the music ceased, and the thunderous cheers subsided.
Soon, Georgios II, holding the scriptures, recited the formal phrases, signaling the start of the ceremony.
The choir sang hymns to God, and the bishops offered their prayers, following the usual order of the mass.
That was until Prophet Edward Marshall took the stage.
“Normally, I would share the word of God with you, but today we have something even more special. Prophet Edward Marshall has received a divine revelation that he wishes to share with us all.”
As soon as these words left the lips of Georgios II, the audience erupted into thunderous applause.
Isaac II joined in, eager to see how skillfully Marshall would flatter him.
“Ladies and gentlemen.”
The room, which had been buzzing with noise, fell silent as Marshall began to speak. He surveyed the now-quiet crowd, his voice calm yet tinged with a hint of tension.
“I have pondered and prayed countless times about whether it is right to share this message. Yet, the answer from God has been unwavering.”
Is he about to deliver some grave prophecy?
Marshall had an uncanny knack for predicting deaths, and this might be another one of those times.
Curiosity piqued, Isaac II straightened up, sharpening his focus to catch every word that followed.
“There is much I could add, but doing so might suggest my personal opinions are involved. Therefore, I will convey only the message God has entrusted to me.”
Clearing his throat, Marshall steadied his voice and looked directly at the emperor, declaring with resounding clarity:
“As long as Isaac II continues to rule this land, Rome will not last beyond twelve years!”