Episode 81
In the modern world, the economies of different countries are so intricately linked that war often results in mutual loss. However, in the medieval era, finance was not as developed, and international trade was not as active. If a neighboring country went to war, it often presented an opportunity for gain rather than loss. One could sell war supplies, and as the warring nations weakened, the neighboring country would relatively grow stronger. Thus, few nations genuinely sought to mediate conflicts, hoping instead for mutual destruction.
The Kingdom of France was no exception. In the medieval period, kingdoms were not centralized, and nobles rarely gathered in the capital where the king resided. But recently, the atmosphere had changed significantly. King Philip II of France, with his formidable charisma and unmatched political acumen, had been steadily increasing royal power by diminishing the influence of the nobles. Typically, cunning and popularity are hard to balance, but Philip II was an exception. He divided the nobles, removing those who hindered royal authority and embracing those who needed to be won over. To his allies, he showed angelic mercy, but to others, he brought ruin. This was where Philip II’s true genius shone.
Those purged by the king were not openly opposing him. Even in a decentralized state, few great nobles dared to defy the king openly. Philip II targeted those who, in the long run, did not contribute to strengthening royal power. His methods were so subtle that most people saw it as nothing more than a power struggle among nobles. Through these tactics, Philip II nearly doubled the royal domain in just a few years. Now, Paris was bustling with nobles eager to curry favor with the king. While overt flattery was frowned upon, the current political climate provided ample justification.
The royal palace, where Philip II resided, was abuzz with the voices of numerous nobles engaged in discussions.
“Your Majesty, is it true that King Richard has formally requested reinforcements?”
“News travels fast. An envoy just left two days ago. Since so many nobles are gathered here, it would be good to discuss what we should do. What do you think?”
“Your Majesty, this war is a conflict between England and the Holy Roman Empire. We have no reason to get involved, so maintaining neutrality seems best.”
“Count Dreux is right. We can simply enjoy the spectacle from the sidelines.”
With Count Dreux, a close confidant of Philip II, and the Duke of Burgundy, a royal relative, both in agreement, no dissenting voices emerged. Most nobles shared their sentiment, and consensus was reached in less than ten minutes. This outcome was expected from the start.
Philip II surveyed the nobles with a relaxed gaze, his eyes lingering momentarily on one spot.
“What does Count d’Aumale think? As France’s greatest strategist, we cannot overlook your opinion.”
“Ah, yes.”
“How is your health? I was quite worried when I heard you were unwell.”
“Thanks to Your Majesty’s concern, I have recovered.”
Philip II’s concern for Count d’Aumale, Alberic, was genuine. Alberic was the only one who could converse with the king on equal terms. If anything happened to him, Philip would lose his conversational partner.
“Even when you were unwell, your insight was impressive. You almost predicted the outcome of this council. Remarkable.”
The king’s admiration was echoed by the other nobles, who nodded in agreement.
“Indeed, we were amazed to see the results align so closely with your predictions.”
“Truly, Count d’Aumale is a treasure of France!”
“The Duke of Burgundy has a way with words. A treasure of France! There’s no better description.”
Despite the shower of praise, Alberic waved his hand dismissively, offering a wry smile.
“I was just lucky. I’m just a noble like the rest of you, so please don’t overpraise me.”
“How can he be so humble?”
“That’s why he was renowned for his integrity during the Crusades. I heard he was called a paladin.”
“Those are just exaggerated stories.”
Alberic sighed deeply, scratching his head, but the nobles’ admiration only grew. Even Philip II could see why Alberic was so popular. Unlike other nobles, he showed little attachment to his lands or interest in expanding his influence. He didn’t pursue women and spent his days praying and associating with clergy. Noblewomen often remarked:
No matter how disciplined, a man is naturally drawn to beautiful women. Women are sensitive to such looks. If they all agreed, Alberic must have truly transcended such instincts. Even Philip II hadn’t reached that level. When everyone praises one’s wisdom and reveres them, it’s natural to feel some pride. Yet, Alberic remained unchanged, as if he genuinely believed he was just an ordinary person. He seemed like a paragon of noble virtue straight out of a fairy tale. It was no wonder the king and nobles placed their trust in him.
As everyone awaited Alberic’s esteemed opinion, he spoke with a weary voice.
“Even a child knows that maintaining neutrality is the right course. However, if we act too obviously, it could leave a bad impression on both England and the Holy Roman Empire.”
“That’s true.”
“We need to consider how the war will end and how the international landscape will change afterward before deciding on a course of action. I can’t offer a concrete opinion yet, but I’ll give it more thought.”
“Hahaha! Count, you are ever so cautious.”
“Indeed, indeed. Considering all the variables we can’t see, it’s only natural you need more time.”
Once again, the nobles showered him with praise, and Alberic bowed his head modestly. From his throne, Philip II watched the proceedings with a gleam in his eye.
“Things have gone as Your Majesty planned.”
After the meeting, in the now quiet audience chamber, Count Dreux, who hadn’t left like the other nobles, bowed to Philip II.
“What should we do next?”
“Now is the time to observe. As Count d’Aumale suggested, we need to watch how the situation unfolds and devise a detailed plan.”
“Won’t King Richard be upset if we refuse to send reinforcements?”
“In such cases, we can use the papacy as an excuse.”
With Catholic nations at war, it was difficult for devout Catholic France to openly support one side. They could simply say they were waiting to see which side the papacy would support.
“Of course, I’ve conveyed that, considering my friendship with Richard, we could sell war supplies at a discount. Richard is hot-tempered but intelligent enough to understand my sincerity. More importantly…”
Philip II rubbed his temples. He wished the new development had come later, as he wasn’t pleased with the sudden turn of events.
“The Prophet of Auvergne has returned, and with the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor, no less.”
“Yes, by now, they should have reached the papacy.”
“This incident occurred in the Prophet’s domain of Auvergne. There’s a high chance he’ll get involved, which could complicate matters.”
“The Prophet is Richard’s vassal, so he might side with England.”
On the surface, that seemed likely. But from their previous encounter, the Prophet appeared to be a thoughtful person, more committed to divine will than personal ties.
“Who knows? If the Prophet openly sides with Richard, will Henry VI stand idly by? The Holy Roman Empire is nominally the protector of the papacy. For a Catholic to openly oppose the Holy Roman Emperor is no easy task.”
Philip II tapped his fingers on the table, staring intently at the map. His gaze was fixed on the region of Auvergne, where the borders of France, England, and the Holy Roman Empire converged.
“I’m considering various plans, but there’s no need for us to act first. Keep an eye on the papacy’s movements, and inform me immediately if the Prophet returns to his domain.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“And assign someone to watch Count d’Aumale, Alberic. If he sends any letters or messengers to Auvergne, let me know at once.”
“Are you suggesting we spy on Count d’Aumale?”
Count Dreux’s eyes were filled with doubt.
Sensing the earl’s intentions, Philip II added calmly, “The Count of Dammartin was with the prophet of Auvergne during the Crusades, and even after returning to Europe, they stayed together in England. They’ve maintained their friendship ever since.”
“That’s well-known. Your Majesty suspects the Count might leak information to them, doesn’t he?”
“Suspect… is too strong a word. Let’s say I want to verify a few things.”
Though everything seemed to be in their favor, no one could predict how the variables would play out. Alberic might be in league with the prophet, or he might not. Even in the worst-case scenario, it wouldn’t change much. Alberic wasn’t crucial to the current plan anyway. If he were healthy and active, it might have posed a risk, but luck was on their side this time.
‘Still, the timing is curious,’ Philip mused. Returning at such a moment—was it mere coincidence? Or was there a gap he had overlooked?
‘England, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Papacy.’ And then there was Edward Marshall.
Philip II closed his eyes, reviewing all the circumstances and plans once more. He sought to eliminate any chance of unforeseen interference. As a ruler who pursued not just perfection but absolute certainty, he suppressed his emotions and focused solely on the facts, determined to uncover the truth.