《Return of the Eastern Roman Emperor》 Chapter 0 Chapter 0 Prologue It had been a truly long time since the last time he had a nightmare. The past that he thought he had completely forgotten and overcame. No, it was now a terrible memory before the return, not even the past. ¡°Gasp.¡± The young man, who woke up soaked in sweat, realized that the white silk that the tailor and artisans had worked hard to prepare was wet. His pupils shook in his blue eyes, and his embarrassed hands tangled golden hair that resembled the brilliant sun. The wet silk cloth stuck to his body felt really bloody to the touch. ¡°Ha¡­ I had a dream. That dream.¡± When was the last time he had had that nightmare? He could not even remember. It was a terrible experience from when he was only 11 years old. It was ten years ago. Whenever he felt like he had forgotten, it came back to put a clear image in his head. ¡°Why? I¡¯ve already overturned the future, and I¡¯ve pioneered my own destiny. Are you saying there¡¯s still something missing?¡± He asked a question without knowing who he was talking to. Of course, there was no reason for an answer to come. Should he ask God? But the officials had shaken their heads, even shouted that it was disrespectful. [Can a man who has lost sight by having his eyeballs stabbed return to normal with divine intervention?] [Can you move against the fate that has already passed?] The answer they gave him, who was suffering from nightmares, was insignificant. [You cannot restore what has been destroyed, nor can you plant what has been pulled out back into its original state.] [To go against fate does not fit the will of the Creator.] ¡°Well, what about me? You¡¯re saying I¡¯m a ghost here? Does sending an eight-year-old child, who was still unable to discern right from left, as an exiled Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire fits the will of the one who created everything?¡± Choking, the young man once again cried out to the wall where there was no answer in return. ¡°Is it fair to take away my sight and lock me in prison after four years?¡± While expressing his frustration toward the air, the cold sweat that flowed all over his body died down. As his body trembled in the chilly mood, Laskarislil jumped out of his bed. He took out his dark purple cape and put it on. ¡°This¡­ I¡¯m sure I heard there was a dedication ceremony for the church mural this morning, tss.¡± Dizzy, he suddenly came to his senses and tripped slightly. However, his 21-year-old¡¯s fresh athleticism quickly balanced his shaky body. Fwoosh! Laskaris lit a candlestick with candles burned to the very end in a corner of the room. He came out into the chilly corridor of the church. The soft sound of the door closing did not wake up the sleeping guards. Thud. His dark purple silk flowing refreshingly, the young Emperor looked at the freshly completed mural on the wall of the church. He only had a very narrow field of view, with sparks flying. In the middle of it was a mosaic depicting a very young child. ¡°loannes, Doukas Vatatzes, Laskaris.¡± That name was attached to the mosaic of the kid. The young man, who raised his hand and examined it with a strange look for a while, continued to sweep his hand toward the other wall. ¡°The failure of the monasteries.¡± A boy holding a sword and standing tall among a group of soldiers. Beneath them were people groaning, depicted as black demons. He glanced for a moment and passed by again. New scenes were revealed one after another in his narrow field of view. Finally, the last section. The young man¡¯s clear voice read the sentences one after another. ¡°The Holy Emperor¡¯s City, Constantinople! Take off the dirt of the Crusaders and see the light of purification. Now you are the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire again!¡± ¡°He is in the middle of the past and the future.¡± ¡°He creates order without being bound by order.¡± By the end of the section, the main character of the painting, who was just a child, had become huge. His arms were facing up to the sky, holding a sword in one hand and a staff in the other. ¡°Come from the dark, Joshua of our time. Lead us out of the darkness.¡± It was the phrase he ordered, but Laskaris felt that his eyes were getting moist again as he uttered these words. ¡°Oh, this is dust, just dust.¡± The 21-year-old Laskaris, who survived healthily and successfully, who changed not only himself but also the fate of the Empire, said so, although he did not know to who he was making such excuses. Trauma would not be able to knock him down. There would be no end to the fight, but at least Laskaris could stand tall. ¡°It was around this time. Fate that did not show any mercy came upon us.¡± Laskaris stepped into a reminiscence in the mosaic with a candlestick dripping down. 10 years ago, he had walked barefoot on a road full of snow. Then, as he suddenly looked up, he saw a remote palace buried in his eyes. ¡°It was in December 1261 at Christmas, maybe a gift for me was just coming in.¡± Ignoring the Emperor with his bare feet and purple silk, German mercenaries were rushing into this lonely palace in his memory. Laskaris, who watched the scene with an indifferent glance, immediately caught his gaze. ¡°Laskaris, long time no see.¡± The young boy Emperor, looking out into the air with his chin on the window. Right before he fell into hell, he was himself. This scary world of self-objectification. ¡°Whoa. I don¡¯t like it, but my feet keep moving in.¡± As if possessed by something, Laskaris followed into the building toward the fate waiting for his young self. It was the moment when the whole story began. ¨C Continue for the next episode ¨C TL notes [1] John IV Laskaris Chapter 1 - Cruel Christmas Chapter 1 Cruel Christmas The whole room could be seen clearly from one corner. The young Emperor, who came here barefoot, looked around the familiar interior and sat in a corner. It was a fantasy scene anyway, so no one could follow him and nag. ¡°Long time no see, me from ten years ago. No, more exactly you would have been my destiny ten years ago if I had left it unchanged.¡± In his sight, there was a boy who looked exactly like himself, but a lot smaller. A boy who only looked at the sky with his chin on the back of his hand said to himself. ¡°Ha¡­ it¡¯s snowing hard again today.¡± The evening of Christmas Eve, when heavy snow was falling and putting everything to rest. Yes, on such a day, he would have been happy despite any kind of anxiety, with his chin on the window. Furthermore, even though he was lonely, his birthday had come. If the Emperor had not bothered him, he would have been satisfied with the little happiness, at the court in this outskirts, left unattended by his mother and father. Until when. ¡°Your Majesty, the day has come.¡± It was the first sound the boy heard on his twelfth birthday as he looked at the snow pouring out of the window. The young Laskaris, leaning against the window, turned around and looked back. ¡°lakobos?¡± lakobos, who played the role of head of the servants. This eunuch, who held the title of ¡®cup-bearer¡¯, was in charge of the court. They had lived together as one family since he was a little over nine years old, so they were quite close. However, whenever he looked at him, his face was always expressionless. In front of him, even his vain honor as the Emperor was let down. ¡°Why is your face like that?¡± The situation in front of the 12-year-old¡¯s eyes was hard to understand. He could not believe that a man who was cool-headed as if he was made of marble was now colored with emotions. Oh, my God, Lord. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± Interest and surprise got mixed up half and half. He jumped out of the stone popping up by the window. The sleek-faced man, kneeling down, fell on his stomach. Feeling embarrassed, he went in front of him and put on knee on the ground next to him. ¡°lakobos, calm down. What¡¯s going on for you to cry so much? Normally, you wouldn¡¯t have come suddenly without saying anything.¡± Since he did not know what was going on, he should smile and ask first. He wiped the eyes of the middle-aged man with his sleeve. ¡°¡­It¡¯s frightening. But we don¡¯t have much time now.¡± That was embarrassing. What the hell happened this evening when he was waiting for a meal? ¡°I¡¯m fine. I think it was safe even when there was a political change. Now, stop and tell me what¡¯s going on.¡± lakobos almost burst into tears again. Of course he did not have to answer. Soldiers who failed to develop endless patience kicked in the door. ¡°Commoner loannes Laskaris, hurry to receive the order of His Majesty the Emperor!¡± His jawline was smooth without a single beard. Blonde hair with a big physique. He was not an ordinary Roman soldier. Yes, he was a Latin man who settled down as a mercenary. He rebuked rudeness with an awkward expression at the sudden situation. ¡°I don¡¯t know how disrespectful this is. How can I be a commoner with three emperors as ancestors? More than that, where are you guys from? You¡¯re not Nicaea¡¯s soldiers.¡± A rude soldier. No, when he looked at him again, there was a big drink attached to the helmet packed next to him. He was a junior officer. He had seen his father at the military parade for a while when he was still alive even though he was sick. The Latin officer stepped over the marble floor. The rug, which had been carefully maintained since his grandfather, became muddy, and the royal insignia and green eagle paintings hanging next to it were torn at will. ¡°The Roman Empire will be governed only by one capital. And only one Emperor will rule the Empire.¡± If he did not listen carefully, he would be constantly lost by the different accent and pronunciation. Now he stuttered his words, mumbled and mumbled again. As he finished, his feet stepped back on their own. The blond officer unfolded a scroll. ¡°His Majesty Mikhael Doukas Komnenos, lll the sole Roman Emperor, has given orders. Laskaris, you are now evicted from the court.¡± ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± The officer opened the scroll forward, ignoring the murmur of a certain eunuch. ¡°Is it just eviction¡­? Are you just going to take the throne?¡± As he asked, Laskaris touched a round golden seal that was revealed in front of him. Colorful sentences in elegant handwriting adorned the parchment paper. He slowly swept down sentences, paragraphs, words and dots with his index finger. That was exactly what he had said. ¡°Phew¡­ it¡¯s really an eviction. That¡¯s a relief.¡± Why did a 12-year-old say with a happy expression that he was relieved of his eviction? No, that was not the only way to look at it. Wouldn¡¯t this be the true gift from God on his birthday? ¡®Three years ago, the Prime Minister, who was like the Emperor¡¯s brother, was robbed and killed just because he was hated.¡¯ When the coup took place, the great nobles who hung in front of his ancestor¡¯s coffin spit at the dead Emperor, mocking him. ¡®I¡­ couldn¡¯t do anything. Or I would have been evicted at that time, and not now. But now again¡­! He was just playing helplessly on the palm of their hands, and now that he had just turned twelve, it was the same as when he was eight. ¡°Can I live in a private residence?¡± ¡°He said that once you are evicted, you will be free to do whatever you want. The law does not allow the sins of the father to affect his descendants.¡± His father¡¯s sin. Yes, what a sin. And that young him was generously punished for only a fraction of that. ¡®It doesn¡¯t make sense.¡¯ It was clear to Laskaris, who was now looking from the position of a third party, as he recalled how he had been struggling. However, it was the voice of a 12-year-old boy who was not even an adult. It was a voice that could not exceed the one of the court even with the authority of the Emperor. ¡°Ugh¡­ ugh!¡± An unknown waterfall-like flow swept him away. His chest became very painful. He lifted the corners of his mouth as hard as he could and spoke softly to the eunuch who was still lying down ¡°For a while¡­ I¡¯m going to live in the monastery of Sosandra and exchange letters with teacher Blemidis, lacobos.¡± ¡°I will always follow. I will follow you until the end. I have already delivered my resignation.¡± The blonde officer, who was quietly listening to the new drama between the two, urged them again. ¡°If you¡¯ve accepted it, Laskaris, you should get ready. We¡¯ll arrange transportation.¡± His low voice was still overwhelming. The boy, who had difficulty making eye contact, first took off the Emperor¡¯s small coffin and put it on the table. ¡°lacobos, help me take off this coat first. I can¡¯t go out wearing this. And I¡¯ll wear simple clothes and take two loaves of bread. I haven¡¯t even eaten yet.¡± ¡°Hurry up.¡± Under the watchman¡¯s eyes, he hurriedly took off his heavy clothes and shoes symbolizing the Emperor. ¡®I feel better inside.¡¯ Perhaps because he felt as if he had been released from the prison system that had been squeezing his fate, he felt rather relieved. The hunting hat of the Phrygia region, which was brought from somewhere in a hurry, was quite large on the head of the young abandoned Emperor. However, it was better to avoid eye contact as much as possible. ¡®A hat that¡¯s too big. It¡¯s like watching that day.¡¯ In my memory, there was still a sound that rang through the church where the enthronement event was held four years ago. ¡°Clothes too big won¡¯t fit. It¡¯s the same. The authority of an Emperor is a power too great for a kid who has not even become an adult.¡± It was the first declaration of Mikhael VIII, the guardian angel of the Empire, who became a great Emperor. It was a ridiculous statement that Laskaris, who had offered to present the throne to him, had to suffer right under his nose. ¡°I¡¯d rather contact the Patriarch somehow to help¡­ no, no. It might damage the church for no reason.¡± Four of the court¡¯s top officials, appointed as regents of Laskaris, died or disappeared in all sorts of ways. There may had been some other breakthrough. However, the 12year-old loannes IV had no idea about it, and even if he did, there was no one to help him. ¡°Uh¡­ Laskaris-nim, we¡¯re ready.¡± lacobos came in and bowed deeply. ¡°Laskaris. It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve lived in a castle. I didn¡¯t know I would be so happy to be a commoner. It was rather a curse to be a member of the royal family.¡± Then he looked up and faced the blond officer for a while. The man, who looked strange for a moment, greeted him more politely than before. ¡°Laskaris-nim, the escort will lead you to your destination. To the old capital, Nympheon.¡± Despite his awkward expression and stiff tone, he did not think about anything else. He opened his woolen collar, feeling a penetrating chill. ¡°Yes. Nicaea is a sick place for me. I don¡¯t want to get caught up in unnecessary things. I should live comfortably in the land where my grandfather¡¯s legacy remains.¡± Let¡¯s leave the land of sorrow! But before that, Laskaris suddenly wondered about the name of the giant German mercenary standing in front of him. Why? He did not know. ¡°¡­Hmm, what¡¯s your name?¡± It was a sudden question. After a short pause, the blonde officer made a rough pronunciation mixed with Latin. ¡°Carlos.¡± ¡°It¡¯s the same name as the great Frankish monarch. I wish you success under the command of the great Emperor Mikhael.¡± He did not say good words in hopes of an answer. He walked past him calmly. It was only well known that this was the last dignity shown by Laskaris as a lord. ¡°Damn it, damn it.¡± Carlos clenched his teeth and cursed. Veins were clearly visible on the back of his hand holding his belt. Laskaris, who left Carlos behind, breathed out white air. The clear and hazy steam soon scattered into the air. ¡°It¡¯s pretty cold out there.¡± ¡°Would you like more blankets?¡± ¡°No, this is fine.¡± Walking silently, he quickly reached the entrance of the court. An arch-shaped ceiling that connected the exterior and inner porch of the building appeared. The huge arched ceiling depicted all kinds of strange animals, angels, gods and armies. ¡°All right, it¡¯s over. Coming all the way here reminds me of teacher Blemidis¡¯ lecture.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± lakobos also looks more comfortable. ¡°As it is the sanctuary of the church, let¡¯s assume that this palace is the realm of God. So this porch is a link between the outside world and this meaningless realm of God.¡± Perhaps because the entrance was close, his breath was white and he felt the cold reaching his bones. The snow was piling up over the entrance of the palace and was swallowing all the sounds. ¡°You follow me well. To the end. To think it would end so smoothly.¡± Smirk, he had been so innocent. Swallowing such thoughts, the 21-year-old Laskaris followed with one hand holding a cape and the other holding a candlestick. The boy Laskaris continued. ¡°Maybe, lakobos, an Empire, let alone an Emperor, must be an illusion without substance. It¡¯s a phantom that gives the image of a complex and emotion-less machine, that can be changed whenever necessary.¡± ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Habits were this scary. Iakobos, who had been an eunuch for more than 30 years, called him ¡®Your Majesty¡¯ again. Laskaris tried to dissuade him, saying they would be scolded by the soldiers. If they could take a few more steps, they would be free just like that. ¡°Huh, huh? What, what are you guys doing?¡± The voice of lacobos was embarrassed. ¡°Why, why?¡± It was even before Laskaris¡¯ question was over. Behind the pillar, a shadow popped out of a corner and quickly grasped his neck. As he was dragged away while being grabbed by the collar, his drooping body naturally pressed his breath as his clothes were pulled down. ¡°Argh! Ugh¡­¡± He was dragged away, speechless. There was a strange swear word coming from behind him¡­ and a blade flashed. All the sounds were absorbed by the snow piled up. On this blessed day, only he was following the wild hand of fate everywhere. ¡°Ha¡­ I can¡¯t see it.¡± It was a decade ago, and even now, it was completely gone. However, even the adult Laskaris could not prevent his hand holding the candlestick from shaking. Candles could not be heavy. ¡°Wook¡­¡± There was a lot of nausea that he wanted to pour out violently from the inside. He turned his eyes away because he did not want to see those vivid memories that came back to life. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you, go away!¡± However, no matter which way he turned his head, he could see an eleven-year-old being dragged into a room. It felt like someone was forcibly grabbing and turning his head. The helpless face of the child in his sight was ridiculous. ¡°Oh, huh!¡± A dark small room. He was thrown inside as soon as the door opened. He hit a bag that was on the floor and some kind of package. He screamed in intense pain and tried to breath out, but he could not even spit it out. ¡°Ha, ha¡­¡± The first thing he felt in the suffocating dust was warm air. In the center of this warehouse, there was a brazier fire. Why¡­? Something like lightning crossed Laskaris¡¯ hectic mind. ¡°B-blinding¡­ was that Mikhael¡¯s order?¡± He tried to spit out theses words. However, his mouth was constrained by a gag, so it only sounded silly. ¡°Hum, hmm, uh-hm!¡± Even though he did not want to see the dark interior, he slowly got used to it. Several soldiers were standing in the shadows with no expression. And there was a skewer in the hand of the person standing. The one who steals the eye. The holy mercy of the Emperor. This object had many nicknames, but only one purpose. Stabbing a person in the eye to remove visual ability. ¡°Hmm, hmmmm!¡± He shouted something again. The 21-year-old Laskaris, who had managed to watch this far, closed his eyes. However, closing his eyes did not remove the scenes that he had seen dozens of times. The agent, who was in charge of the new Emperor¡¯s dirty work, had a disgracious smiled while sweating under tension. ¡°Hush, this is His Majesty¡¯s secret order. He told me not to kill you, Laskaris, but to blind you and lock you up. Come on, we¡¯ll be done in a minute. Let your body go, haha!¡± What he thought to be the worst scenario happened. The unimaginable pain had already penetrated his body. A loud sound broke out as he was trembling. ¡°Ugh!¡± The smell of burning squid, terrible shouts and violent body shakes. Even with his eyes closed, it was drawn very clearly in his head. Christmas was passing by for the boy who celebrated his twelfth birthday. The sharp end of a heated iron ball. His shaking body could not even wiggle under the hands of the five wicked soldiers. One of them then ungagged him. ¡°¡­Aahhhhh! Father, mother!¡± The smell of burning skin and a hot pillar that could melt a skull. It was not a shock his young body could take. The young Laskaris¡¯ body trembled weakly and was about to die. ¡°Whew, were you too young to be blinded?¡± ¡°Ah, I feel dirty, heck. If you¡¯re going to kill him, you can just strangle him or poison him.¡± ¡°What can I do? I have to do as I¡¯ve been told. Let¡¯s bring him while he¡¯s alive.¡± The soldiers, who quickly returned to their own concerns, crumpled the monarch¡¯s body into a bag. The 11-year-old Emperor¡¯s body, which could not even resist, was already stiff. His dreams usually ended like this. And he would always wake up to reality again. Still leaning his forehead against the wall of the church, Laskaris breathed heavily. ¡°Phew, it¡¯s over.¡± He only recalled one memory, but now his memory and consciousness were blurred. Let¡¯s just think it went well. Having instilled such a strong sense of revenge, he thought he had come back thinking like this. ¡®I didn¡¯t know anything. I was young, weak and innocent. In the end, I was struck like that.¡¯ Did he survive in the end? He lived alone for 40 years as if he had already died. Even the Empire, which had been taken away from him, was tilted in chaos. ¡°What a strange thing. I can¡¯t believe I suddenly returned to the mid-50s when I didn¡¯t achieve anything or gain anything in that situation. If this is not the will of the devil, can it be God¡¯s providence?¡± At the end of Laskaris¡¯ view, there was a dark room again. The eight-year-old himself was lying in the large Emperor¡¯s room with tear marks left behind. ¡°Uh¡­ uh, what? Huh?¡± The heartache and physical pain of being betrayed had festered and rotted for 40 years. But one day he fell asleep and then woke up, and everything had not happened yet. ¡°It was the beginning of everything. And it was also the beginning of a new path of suffering. Well, I never really hated that hardship.¡± Laskaris once again fixed his cape, grabbed the candlestick, and slowly began to walk backwards, pointing at the wall. Towards the room where he woke up. From afar, bells and wood bats could be heard to announce the daybreak routines of diligent monks. The same was true of the day when Laskaris suddenly woke up from pain. ¡°What the¡­ my hands are so small, no, how am I supposed to see this? What the hell!¡± Laskaris had returned to his eight-year-old body. It was not the twelve-year-old who struggled with his pain, but the time when he inherited at eight-year-old the throne of his father, who had just died. When he blankly thought about what happened and what he should do. -Bong bong bong The sounds announcing the early morning routine of the monastery from afar awakened the consciousness of Laskaris, along with a dim light. It had been only seven days since the new Emperor lost his parents and became Emperor. It was dawn on 26 August 1258 AD. There was only one day left before the coup. ¨C Continue for the next episode ¨C TL notes [1] Michael VIII Palaiologos Chapter 2 - Operation Theft Prevention (1) Chapter 2 Operation Theft Prevention (1) On the same. The lights in the bedroom of the supreme ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire, were not shaking his eyes that he had closed for the night air lit under the marble-covered front yard. ¡°The lights are not working today. Hmm.¡± After watching the flickering light for the eunuchs on duty remained in positions that stone steps and opened the coolness of the skin. He saw two walls, which were as quiet as death. ¡°Your Majesty, where are you going at such hour? It¡¯s the middle of the night.¡± It was a question. However, the shadows of night froze once. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but you have to go read on alvilda-tl.com. How can you read stolen work like that?¡± The only eight-year-old boy standing next to a regretful expression. ¡°lacobos. Your theft is over.¡± The minister turneg a word dig his sleeves, he stepward frobos. ¡°Well, uh¡­ Palace Minderstand. I just wan¡¯t sleep. You know that.¡± A momenrled the corridor. The milent for a while, soothem. ¡°Lol.¡± The memoriest years were vivid in hind. Sud saw a gloomy palace with his ther. The only onen Empire, in aking Conople and defeatinsaders. But of course, he had coups,, cold, intimidation and knew that he was completely on his side. ¡®Of course, I don¡¯t like this because it often stiffens.¡¯ Wether it was with his arms or legs, all he could do was keep his balance with his short and weak body. He really had a mind in his fifties with a juvenile body. ¡°¡­ There¡¯s no discord.¡± Laskaris, who looked at himself and recited to himself, up at the minister aaching him. In the past, he would wnot have see properlyould have heard r head confidBut it did not tdown in front of Laskaris and looked closely into his eyes. ¡°Hum, hum. wrong?¡± Niki. It was the nicknster, that watching for a long time, head with a light smile. ¡°No, nothing. Your become so in the middle of I was if glad you¡¯ve regained your now. I don¡¯t where you to act as if you.¡± Oops. Was it too ingrained? He would be caught if he was too nervous right now. ¡°Well, how do you feel? Since you are the center of the nation, sometimes people will calm down when you show seriousness. And it¡¯s better during the national mourning.¡± Niki¡¯s eyes looked warmer when he looked up again. He may not be able to express his feelings because he was in the mourning, but he a. He also the Laskaris, taking of the faltering. When checked, he did not see much in them. Did he come back years? ¡°¡­I think I made you worrat I can¡¯t.¡± ¡°¡­Were you thinking of? I understand sick.¡± He noddederstood. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll do what you take a morning instead of the?¡± ¡°Tomorroing¡­? Thetings.¡± The advantage of an eight-boy was twith his sparkling eyes. In partiis target working perial fawould be even more influenced by the younzzled loface fwhile and then talked in a tone, sweeping his hair back. ¡°The regents¡­ then?¡± ¡°Yes, as masible. Are they near alvilda-tl.com now?¡± The regents. Despite his sut¡¯s right. The only person. The only people with rank than other words, they were the strongest who could the and back at it, a made of those. ¡°The question is whether I can use this force well because there are only two days left.¡± Nikiforos only moved Laskaris¡¯ murmur as he thought he had was that he did not know what made him like this. ¡°Well, the dawn so hurry up and read on alvilda-tl.com.¡± Only that one absolute command moved him. Under the current circuncelem the chaos outside the monastery of the stage a coup and was. ¡°As it is now, the position to stop this.¡± Most of the people visiting the wervants. Very few guards protected the gate of the natural. ¡®Who would bring armed soldiers at a funeral unless they¡¯re a lunatic like Palaiologos?¡± Without realizing that rebels co started, as only a few people would be deployed. ¡®Fortunately, both my grandfaths inside as a last resort.¡¯ There was a river flowing throuand towers. More than grandfather hd the capit he was fleeing to the area where state was located, to avoid the annoyance of ocracy. He showly. Althougr-old¡¯s wit tal strength felt tired even td a little em. He was dsh this conversatickly. ¡°Anyway, I have an It doesold.¡± While was saf course you¡¯re right. I don¡¯t Looking bnd forth an answer as if hesitaad made cific plans. ¡°It doesn¡¯t mmercenary leaders do. Ido w can do. I¡¯ne who can protecty belongingstors and policies.¡± The two was expecting a look of dismay. ¡°Your Majesty¡­ with all due respect, may I go read on alvilda-tl.com?¡± ¡°If the regent can¡¯t read comfortably, who else can? Do it.¡± Mouzals going to say somethingd to say was rather cute. ¡°It¡¯s good that rkling political power. You seem to have taken off the bhes and become a man in one nrassing for me to say that this could bf in court filledl officials.¡± ¡°In wordserly involved and internt¡­ You mean?¡± Wit harrassment ¡°You¡¯re right. Someto enjoy the jentertainment¡¯s why I this.¡± His purpose was to protect the priest? Mouzaloodness lurking in a corner sygoing. His work was the best¡­ However, he back in. ¡°Your Mom and hiibe headeon. The third regent s expectede in a littl Would ke to have a meal with him sin short?¡± ¡°I will do that. Oh, I have a favor to ask you.¡± The old man, who was shiny without a beard, replied with a light smile. ¡°This servant is pleased to receive the monarch¡¯s will. What is it?¡± or were written under the of the ink bottle supervisor, who was in charge of the Emperor¡¯s ink and pens. Most of the documents were copied by the of the Imperial Library and remained in the arikiforos, who careth, looking for its destination. ¡°It looks like you are sehe plan was good himself as much if he was sure to die because it was a shameless behavior?¡± Chapter 3 - Operation Coup Prevention Chapter 3 Operation Coup Prevention (2) Lunch time passed quickly. Karianitis, who had rushed in when he received the Emperor¡¯s invitation to eat, was told to watch out for a coup. As expected, it was quite frustrating to see him holding his fork blankly. ¡°So¡­ are you saying that there are people plotting something for tomorrow¡¯s memorial service?¡± ¡°There was such a confidential report.¡± ¡°Oh my God, why did such a report go directly to Your Majesty without coming to the regents!¡± The chubby Karianitis hit the table and blamed the mysterious informant. He never knew that the Emperor in front of him was in fact this informant. ¡°That¡¯s not what matters, Regent. I¡¯m glad if it¡¯s wrong, but what if it isn¡¯t?¡± ¡°But would it be even possible? And even if it is, Regent Mouzalon, who will pledge today in the Senate, would take care of it.¡± ¡°You know that my father has taken the eyes out of a few people, don¡¯t you?¡± It had been 60 years since Constantinople was lost in the Fourth Crusade and they went into exile. During his grandfather¡¯s later years, and his father¡¯s brief reign, the imperial family began to clash slowly with the aristocrats who had regained power. The source of the trouble had been to accept the exiled nobles and fill the lack of officials. ¡®During the last few decades, many aristocrats left the fallen capital and came this way in exile. They took land, made an economic comeback, and even challenged the imperial family.¡¯ His revered grandfather intensively restrained the great nobles, including Mikhael Palaiologos, an exile aristocrat from Europe. Theodoros(1), his father, went one step further and pulled their eyes out or put them in prison for trying to lead the state affairs. Of course he did not kill them. ¡®He must have wanted to instill fear so that no one would challenge his authority.¡¯ The problem was that his father, Theodoros, died too soon before he could stabilize the situation. And that was the crucial issue. An eight-year-old child inherited the throne, and had to face the opposition from the aristocracy. Karianitis must have known that too, but he tried to defend his father while wiping his sweat. ¡°¡­ The late Emperor only wanted to stabilize the country¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure he did. However, because of my father¡¯s rule, the nobles will consider me very stern and intimidating. Because I¡¯m my father¡¯s son. Regent, there¡¯s no way you don¡¯t know it.¡± Only then did Karianitis think hard and ask Laskaris as if to confirm something. ¡°Did you say this to Mouzalon? He¡¯s not a man to quietly go to the Senate after hearing such a story.¡± ¡°I did not tell him because things could leak or get crazy. My father on his sickbed advised me to talk to you if there was anything to discuss in detail.¡± ¡°I see. Well done.¡± His father had never said such a thing. However, the words of the eight-year-old Emperor sounded credible only when he had the authority of his father. ¡°As expected, the cleverness of Laskaris¡¯ bloodline seems unchanged. If you leave it to me rather than the indecisive Mouzalon, will prepare right away. Like taking control of a legion and preparing for emergencies. That¡¯s what I mean.¡± ¡°Look at me.¡± Putting his fork and spoon down, Karianitis looked up. Laskaris nodded in agreement with the regent. ¡°The Lord¡¯s will is my will. Make sure the legion officers are on the lookout and keep an eye on the legion. Keep telling the soldiers I trust them.¡± ¡°I will do as you say. Although the name of the officers may not be known, Laskaris and Vatatzes are still symbols of reverence to the families of the civilian soldiers. It will help.¡± ¡°All right. If anything happens to the monastery, we will have to move right away. Should we prepare scouts in advance?¡± Karianitis, who had been lost in thought for a while, offered a better alternative. ¡°It would take time, and deploying scouts could reveal that we know about the coup. It would be better to use visual signals than that. If you wave the green eagle flag, the symbol of the Vatatzes imperial family, we will move right away.¡± The memorial service would be held in the morning, so the troops near the monastery would be able to gather just by looking at the flag signal ¡°I¡¯ll leave that to you, Regent. I¡¯m going to show those who think I¡¯m funny that my little finger is bigger than my father¡¯s waist.¡± It was an incredible commitment for an eight-year-old child. Karianitis fumbled and answered, slightly embarrassed. ¡°R-right. You¡¯re right. I didn¡¯t know that Your Majesty would suddenly act as if you had grown up a few years. If you know some of the conspirators, wouldn¡¯t it be better to investigate and imprison them right now? For example, Palaiologos.¡± Karianitis wiped his sweat off with a pale face as if he were feeling sick after eating the expensive meal. His reaction was more realistic than Mouzalon, but he still lacked courage. He was sweating just from saying the name Palaiologos. ¡®If your health deteriorates due to old age, will your courage weaken that much? Anyway, I made a decision.¡¯ He wondered for a moment if choosing this regent was really the right decision. ¡®Even if he is good at his job and at commanding the army, I need someone who can show his ability when he¡¯s told to, but there¡¯s no one determined to do that.¡¯ Perhaps the problem was that Angelos, the second regent, who should balance the two other regents, did not remain in the capital for long. After finishing his meal with a proper smile and putting down his tableware, Laskaris asked Karianitis. ¡°Who am I? Whose descendant am I?¡± ¡°¡­Aren¡¯t you the Emperor? You are the great-grandchild of Theodoros 1111, who raised the country in exile, Bithynia.¡± After taking a moment to catch his breath, Karianitis explained. ¡°You are the grandson of loannes III, who achieved a revival in Nymphaion. You are also the successor of Theodoros II, who prepared for the restoration of Constantinople.¡± He had an authority that had been passed down through three generations. It was the last means to keep the nobles from playing with him. Of course, in order to do so, he had to refrain from quickly checking the nobles. His authority would obviously evaporate if he were to move hastily. ¡°You can see why I¡¯m trying to establish authority, even if it¡¯s in a hurry. Just because I¡¯m young, I don¡¯t mean to compromise with the great people.¡± Karianitis listened silently. After a short pause, Laskaris continued. ¡°If there are people who think of this moment as an opportunity, I will have to take care of them. However, I will not imprison them without any evidence like my father did. If I do that, all those who already care about me will be on the offensive.¡± Karianitis held his breath for a while and suggested that one more thing was needed. ¡°At least you should not cause suspicion or disturbance in the military. Then, it is necessary to avoid suspicions from the elite family members who have the right to lead.¡± Laskaris also nodded. ¡°It is impossible for me to imprison someone just with unproven intelligence or suspicion. Then what do I have to do?¡± Karianitis looked at him for a moment, and replied with a whisper. ¡°Let me guess¡­ Are you waiting for the conspirators to reveal themselves?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I had in mind.¡± Laskaris folded his hands on top of his plate after eating and rested his chin on them. For a while, he shared meaningful eyes with Karianitis, or Karian for short. ¡°So now, what we have to do is clear. Don¡¯t show any gaps, but when we have to move, we have to move boldly.¡± * * * 10 minutes later. Karianitis, who could not control his stomach, left the dining room in a cold sweat. How many steps did he take out of the building? He looked back and obsessively stroked his mustache, which he had spent a lot of money on and manicured. ¡°Huh, huh. It¡¯s a big deal.¡± Thanks to his low cardiopulmonary abilities, his breathing was rough and he was sweating a lot. The eunuch leading the way was also surprised by the sound and looked at him strangely. However, he did not dare to question the actions of the regent. Karianitis shook his head with a deep sigh. ¡°That¡¯s weird. It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s like the late Emperor were still alive. A few days ago, he innocently went to play polo with children of his age. Ugh, what a sign this is.¡± For some time, Karianitis struggled to control his anxiety, watching a sea of clouds flowing over the dining room and settling there. * * * The conference hall was full of people. Thanks to the announcement that there was a significant agenda for the Senate meeting, it seemed that not only prestigious families but also officials and members of the imperial family attended. ¡°Oh¡­ there are some elders from the Laskaris family. And the Strategopoulos family came too?¡± Mouzalon fiddled with the clasp under his official uniform as if nervous. His beard was not even trimmed, and his hair was ruffled by malignant curly hair. His raised cheekbones were the only thing correcting his impression. Although he was already tired, he should inspect the army as soon as the speech was over. ¡°After the inspection, we must go to Magnesia immediately. I¡¯m tired of having this memorial service for the late Emperor. So, are the guys in there quiet?¡± loannakis, who had been accompanying him all along, peeked through the curtains that covered the platform and looked across. ¡°I see. It looks like the ones missing eyes all stand in front of each family. In this way, it¡¯s like the Emperor died only to provoke the nobles. Each family seems to have a cyclops.¡± A cyclops was a one-eyed monster. Most of the people who had their eyes pulled out during Emperor Theodoros¡¯ reign had only one eye removed. Mouzalon could not help but laugh at the creepy term. ¡°Hah¡­ don¡¯t talk about cyclops in front of them. Haha, I can¡¯t stop laughing because I keep thinking about it. Damn it. Anyway! At least today we¡¯re going to have a temporary cease-fire with them and form a great alliance. Even the old men of the Laskaris family said they would help out to some extent. Mikhael Palaiologos, my brother-in-law, will also help.¡± What was this? loannakis doubted his ears. ¡°¡­You said Palaiologos? The mercenary commander?¡± The minister of the Horse Ministry asked again because he could not believe it. Mikhael was the most intact person, without a single eye pulled out. He was of royal descent and many of his ancestors were married to the imperial family. No other aristocrat would be more honorable at this point. The only and biggest problem was that he was the representative of the anti-emperor faction. But Mouzalon did not seem to mind that. ¡°Yes. What a relief to be able to count on a brother-in-law at times like this. At least the Emperor did not touch Prince Mikhael because he knew he would not break his loyalty.¡± ¡®Crazy!¡¯ Unlike Mouzalon who was relieved, loannakis swore inwardly. After a quick look inside, loannakis put the curtains in place again, and pressured his superior. ¡°You had a discussion with him about what you were going to do, not with anyone else? The previous two Emperors couldn¡¯t mess with Mikhael, but they were more wary of him than anyone else! Do you know where the seemingly obedient but rebellious elite gather around?¡± This was obviously a mistake. When he proposed a speech to the Senate in the first place, his main purpose was to find out who would openly rebel against the Emperor, who was the center of power, after the late Emperor disappeared. But it was also aimed at temporarily establishing a truce with the aristocrats so that conflicts accumulated over the past four years would not consume the nation¡¯s energy. ¡®No, it doesn¡¯t matter if a real civil war breaks out. I¡¯m sure the military is good.¡¯ If a civil war were really to break out, it would mean that the responsibility was not on the ruling power. And the identity of the one who had a high possibility of leading such a rebellion was known. Even now, there was a lot of information stating that those who could not bear the grudge of losing their eyes or having their tongues pulled were often coming and going to Palaiologos¡¯ house. Nevertheless, Mouzalon was talking calmly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If they are that close to Prince Mikhael but don¡¯t forget their loyalty, then we can willingly rely on them.¡± ¡°No matter how high the rank of the elders is, you must not forget that Palaiologos is almost equal to the Emperor. Ha, I¡¯d like to get rid of most senators. But if we make a mistake, we may be attacked and deliberately threatened for revealing that we are distrustful.¡± Mouzalon blatantly expressed his unwillingness to listen. It was not just because his wife, Theodora, guaranteed that her brother, Palaiologos, would have no intention of treason. ¡°Isn¡¯t Mikhael getting the best treatment in the country? What would he plot treason for? He has no reason to conspire.¡± In that sense, Mouzalon was rather thinking that Mikhael was actually calming down the potential rebels. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t listen to rumors. There are nobles who talk nonsense to Prince Mikhael, how could I not know this? But at times like this, adults in the country shouldn¡¯t be shaken. We all have different purposes, but our belief that we are serving our country must not waver.¡± ¡°Of course, but I think it would better to think about it a little more¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re noisy!¡± Since he was such a good person, his voice was mixed with anger, but his tone was not that high. But that alone was enough to make loannakis flinch. ¡°Don¡¯t think of a division among the nation¡¯s top leaders! Don¡¯t you know that the more you¡¯re swayed by such words, the more harm will return to the Emperor?¡± Mildly angry, Mouzalon waved his hand, flapping his sleeve roughly. ¡°There¡¯s nothing good about building conflict now. You know what I mean, so let¡¯s stop here and go in. Clerk, open the curtains!¡± At this point, there was nothing the Minister could do. loannakis said one last word before leaving. ¡°I hope you¡¯re right¡­ Good luck.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going in.¡± As the clerk opened the curtains, the head of the regents entered the place of shining glory under the dazzling light of the lanterns. The members of the Senate, who had been standing by their seats, welcomed him with applause. Clap clap clap! He would publicly confirm possible rumors about the imperial family and regents, and receive their opinions. That in itself was a wonderful gesture. He would be able to verify the legitimacy of the current government. However, Mouzalon¡¯s thoughts were very complicated as he considered loannakis¡¯ arguments. ¡®Will Mikhael and his colleagues really show their hostility or accept reconciliation? It¡¯s already been 10 years since the Laskaris and Palaiologos families confronted each other. Is the Palaiologos standing now a loyal general?¡¯ He could not find an answer to loannakis¡¯ concerns. He just swore and complained inwardly. ¡®Damn it, he¡¯s working in the administration, and talking about politics will only bring disaster to all of us.¡¯ Clicking his tongue, he repeated this false self-comfort, wondering what would happen. Seeing him determined, loannakis naturally stepped back into the shadow behind him and looked forward. Among the seats of the Senate, Mikhael Palaiologos was sitting close to the podium, side by side with senators from prestigious families. ¡®Every time I look at him, I get goosebumps.¡¯ It was not a coincidence that he felt a creepy chill on his face, on which no expression could be read. loannakis shuddered with fear that he had never felt since entering the public office. ¡°It¡¯s not abilities or qualifications that led me to become regent, and to the first position of regent. I¡¯m sure everyone here knows that.¡± ¡°We know that, yes. It was possible because the late Emperor put you there.¡± Strategopoulos, next to Palaiologos, talked over Mouzalon, expressing a persistent discontent. He did not care at all about Mikhael¡¯s demand to be quiet because he was upset. ¡°Enough, Alexios.121 The Regent is speaking now.¡± ¡°That damned regent, hehe.¡± Mouzalon continued. ¡°I only take care of the tasks entrusted to me and do my best in return for your trust, and I think the same goes for the prestigious people who are present here. Then, it would not be impossible to forget the bad feelings that originated from past faults and harshness and concentrate on national affairs for a while.¡± ¡°Bad feelings.¡± Mikhael smoothed the rings on his fingers, repeating the significant words. One of his rings had his own Palaiologos family¡¯s seal. The other had the official seal of the mercenary commander. In particular, when he smoothed the second ring, he stroked it with more effort. ¡°If the public opinion is that I really don¡¯t have the qualities to be a regent, then I can¡¯t help it. Choose a new regent and prove that such impure regency could not be in the land of the Romans in the first place. That is all.¡± Mouzalon quickly descended from the podium. Because it was a heavy speech, people just coughed and did not show much response. Everyone¡¯s eyes were focused on one place. ¡°Ahem, ahem! Everyone, please focus!¡± The clerk of the Senate finally broke the small whispering and proceeded with the procedure. ¡°¡­Hmm, next up is the 10th in the protocol hierarchy, Megas Konostaulos 31, who requested the right to speak. Grand Commander, Prince Mikhael Palaiologos, please speak.¡± ¡°Commander, why don¡¯t you say something?¡± ¡°You have to practice in advance at times like this, hehe.¡± After being urged by a few people, Mikhael slowly rose to his feet. A silver belt around his waist and neatly cut clothes with complex patterns revealed his high position. ¡°¡­Well, I¡¯m Mikhael Palaiologos. I would like to thank the clerk and the Regent for giving me the opportunity to speak.¡± Mikhael, who made a ceremonial greeting, opened the notes he had brought in advance and began to fumble through it. ¡°I just learned that there are some rumors about the current regency. And I couldn¡¯t help but be surprised. I am deeply concerned that there is some kind of ulterior motive to spread this false rumor, to loosen discipline or to create division.¡± After taking a moment to unfold the rest of his notes, Mikhael looked at his brother-in-law, who was watching from the other side. Mouzalon bowed slightly. ¡°Our great regents have been chosen directly by the Emperor. Who would doubt George Mouzalon¡¯s education or abilities to work?¡± Mikhael took a deep breath and entered the last part of his speech. ¡°If the country does not want to go into anarchy, we should not challenge the regents. Especially in the current situation where we have to assist the young Emperor.¡± A short answer was enough. Mikhael slightly smiled as he rolled up the notes and tucked it into his sleeve. ¡°I hope that the regent will take care of the country as he currently is, unshakable by false rumors. The tragedy of Andronikos Komnenos141 should no longer exist for us.¡± ¡°That¡¯s crazy, damn it.¡± The Laskaris boy could not resist his curiosity and dragged the eunuch lacobos to listen to the Senate meeting. This was what the Emperor truly thought after hearing the last part of Mikhael¡¯s speech. However, there were a series of praise coming from the senators, as if they were very impressed. The elders of the Laskaris family were the first to clap their hands. ¡°This is the virtue of the Romans! Joy in heaven, peace on earth!¡± ¡°Long live the Roman Empire!¡± ¡°What?¡± Contrary to the Emperor¡¯s expectations, Palaiologos and the other senators seemed to be praising the unity of the Empire with no hesitation. Only Laskaris, the Emperor, looked like he was ready to stab someone to death. ¡°Kill them all and gut them¡­!¡± lacobos grabbed the soon-to-be-nine-year-old monarch by the sleeve. ¡°Shh, Your Majesty! Your language is too vulgar.¡± ¡°If my father were alive, he wouldn¡¯t have been fooled by that pretense, huh.¡± What really provoked his anger at the moment was the direct mention of Andronikos Komnenos by Mikhael. Wasn¡¯t he a tyrant who brutally murdered a young monarch and usurped the throne!? The mention of Andronikos here itself was no different from a confession that he already intended to do something similar. ¡®But is it really? No, maybe he¡¯s determined to succeed, not end up as miserable as Andronikos. Maybe that¡¯s what he meant.¡¯ His heart started beating like crazy again after a brief relaxing time. He heard that fateful night¡¯s speech once again. With the same content. ¡®Tomorrow is Sosandra¡¯s coup.¡¯ Laskaris¡¯ fate might be entangled with Mikhael¡¯s, but the most important thing for him was to survive on his own first. ¡°Let¡¯s see if the tragic fate of Andronikos komninos will happen this time.¡± ¡°Your Majesty?¡± As lacobos was looking worriedly at the boy who was swept away by passion and saying to himself things that he could not understand, Laskaris coldly thought that he had to be successful this time, even when he saw the man responsible for the incoming events. He had already given up on kindness. ¡°I have to be a monarch who can be cool-headed and instill fear.¡¯ He slapped his cheeks a couple of times. There was no reason for him to hesitate anymore as the chill of the stone corridor and the heat of his cheeks made his mind a little clearer. ¡°Let¡¯s go, lacobos. I have a lot to do tomorrow.¡± August 26th ended like that. Now August 27th, the day of the coup, had come. TL notes [1] Laskaris¡¯ father. Theodore || Laskaris, grandfather. loannes III Doukas Vatatzes and great-grandfather. Theodore I Laskaris [2] Alexios Strategopoulos [3] Konostaulos [4] Andronikos I Komnenos ordered the assassination of the Emperor Alexios II Komnenos, who was 14 years old, and took the throne for himself.