CHAPTER 321: CHAPTER 15: CONRAD OF MONFERRAT

Constantinople.

In a residence adjacent to the Augustanum Senate, only a few candles burn in the narrow corridor.

The corridor leads to a prayer room, where a simple altar is placed, featuring an image of Jesus on the Cross in the center.

On the walls hangs a mural of the Three Eastern Saints clothing Jesus.

Conrad knelt devoutly before the Holy Image, praying.

Conrad Alamic, the second son of the Border Count of Monferrat, is the Empire Consort who married the Purple Robe Princess of the Komnenos Family.

He was once deeply trusted and valued by the late Emperor Aleksey and was granted the title of Caesar of the Empire (Vice Emperor, often an honorary title).

But after the Emperor’s mysterious death in Brahna Palace, Queen Ragaya of the Ducas Family seized power as regent, and as a distant relative of the Komnenos Royal Family, he was gradually pushed out of the power center.

"Master."

A young attendant stood behind him, respectfully presenting a letter.

"It’s a letter from General Branas; he plans to respond to Emperor Isaac and raise the flag of rebellion in Adrian Castle."

Conrad took one glance at it and threw the letter onto the candle to burn.

The contents were nothing more than claims that the late Emperor was poisoned by the Queen and that as a traditional ally of the Komnenos Family, they should stand up now to take back Constantinople with internal and external support.

"Reso, life in Constantinople is truly exhausting for me.

These Greek nobles seem to live every day scheming against each other, and every time I walk down the street, it’s as if I can see through the high walls to the secret rooms behind them, where vipers are flicking their tongues, spewing out conspiracy soaked in venom."

The attendant named Reso smiled bitterly: "Master, what do you plan to do?"

Conrad looked weary: "I plan to leave Constantinople. Have you heard of Losa of the Habsburg Family?"

Reso’s expression changed slightly, forcing a smile: "Of course, he is a rising star in the Holy Land, Count of the Outskirts of Jordan, who at a young age has already reached the same high position as your former master in the Crusader Princes."

"The Algo County of the Habsburg Family is not far from Monferrat; some time ago, my father clashed with his father during the Lombard Alliance, with victories on both sides."

"What are you trying to say?"

"My background is similar to that of Marquis Losa. He is much younger than I am and has repeatedly defeated heretics in the Holy Land, garnering countless merits and honors, while I am still wasting away in Constantinople."

He stated solemnly, "I plan to follow the footsteps of my father, who once accompanied King Louis (father of King Philip of Gaul) to participate in the great Crusaders’ enterprise in the Holy Land, to achieve commendable feats."

The attendant hesitated.

Glancing at Conrad’s luxurious silk robe, he asked reluctantly: "What about the lady?"

Conrad snorted lightly: "Reso, don’t get intoxicated with the wealth of Constantinople; if we stay here any longer, we’ll end up dead inexplicably like the late Emperor. As for the lady—leave her a letter saying we’ve had a falling out and are divorcing."

Reso’s eyes widened: "Master, divorce is sinful..."

"That woman is a heretic, and she has neither loyalty nor affection for me. Even before the priest, I am willing to speak candidly."

Public teaching does not allow divorce, but if there is conclusive evidence proving the wife’s infidelity, it provides grounds for divorce.

However, whether the divorce process can be completed depends on the Church’s approval, meaning the Church must acknowledge the accusation of the wife’s infidelity.

...

When Anna arrived in Limassol City, Losa had just awarded honors to a group of farmer soldiers and knights who had performed outstandingly in war, either knighting them or granting them land, money, and other rewards.

This open commendation not only brought glory to the soldiers but also tangible wealth.

Many of the farmer soldiers who received money immediately planned to spend some leisure time in the city.

As the military judge, Ned could only advise them to avoid mingling with unsavory women, to prevent contracting incurable venereal diseases.

Losa and Anna, dressed in luxurious purple robes, walked together on the walls of Limassol, which was now under the control of Losa’s Black Eagle Banner Team.

"When do you plan to send troops to officially reclaim Cyprus Island?"

"Isaac is dead." Anna’s voice paused slightly, and she asked with some doubt, "Haven’t you considered taking this opportunity to seize more land?"

"We have an agreement."

Losa frowned: "I am not a person who breaks promises."

"Anna, between us, there’s no need to test each other like this. My troops have suffered heavy losses and are incapable of advancing further. Do you expect me to rely on magic to subdue those rebels?"

Anna was clearly satisfied with this answer, her face breaking into a bright smile: "Then have you decided when to accompany me to Constantinople?"

"As soon as possible, the earlier I see Barcelona, the sooner I can return to Jerusalem."

"Are you that eager?"

"Of course. Though I’ve been appointed as a Military Zone General, I don’t plan to get involved in the Empire’s power center—however, rest assured, I will fulfill my duty as the Limassol Military Zone General and pay taxes to Constantinople every year."

Anna said with some dissatisfaction, "Once you arrive in Constantinople, you’ll regret it. It’s the grandest city in the world, far surpassing your Franks’ Paris, Aachen, and London in every way, receiving tens of thousands of Suludes gold coins in taxes every day."

Every day?

Ten thousand gold coins?

Even though he was somewhat prepared, Losa was still deeply shocked by this number.

"Anna, I know compared to Constantinople, everywhere else seems like a backwater."

"But I’m serious, given the Greeks’ dislike for the Franks, I don’t think developing within the Empire is a promising venture for me."

The conflict between the Franks and the Greeks has a long history.

Many Franks view Greeks as cunning, despicable frauds akin to Jews, while Greeks consider Franks as violent, savage, and cruel robbers.

During the Second Crusade, Greeks mixed lime in flour, deliberately led them astray, deceiving Emperor Conrad III’s German Crusaders.

Which led to the Crusaders’ disintegration in hunger.

"They’re not Greeks, they’re Imperial people!"

Anna emphasized, then added, "Do you know Conrad of Monferrat? He’s a Frank who married a princess of the Komnenos Family and ascended the high position of Caesar in the Empire."

Losa certainly knew about this person, in history, the defender of Tyr and the legendary arrival during the Third Crusade, was elected King of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, only to be assassinated by Assassin’s killers not long after.

"Then his situation in Constantinople must be difficult."

Seeing Losa’s indifference, Anna took a deep breath, striving to maintain her good manners without resorting to insults.

"Barcelona has already decided to divide Cyprus into the southwestern Limassol Military Zone, the eastern Famagusta Military Zone, and the northern Nicosia Military Zone, with you appointed as the General of Limassol Military Zone."

"You may let the original Count Commander here come to see me, I will lawfully strip him of his title and all property, award them to you, and bring him back to Constantinople for trial."

"So ruthless?"

Losa said with some surprise, "At this moment, shouldn’t you be thinking about pardoning Turriados to make those rebels surrender?"

"Only blood can reestablish the Emperor’s authority."

Anna said solemnly.

"It seems that Isaac’s rebellion has caused you significant trouble."

Anna’s expression dimmed, "I have to admit it’s true, at the Empire’s borders, Bulgarians, Serbians, Hungarians, and Turkic peoples are all significant threats to the Empire."

"I intend to keep Turriados as my representative in the Limassol Military Zone. This place is going to be my money bag in the future, and I don’t plan to make any radical changes here."

"Since you’ve pleaded for him, sparing his life is not a difficult matter."

"But do you trust him?"

Losa hummed in agreement, "Since I dare to use him, I have my reasons that he won’t deceive me."

Anna was somewhat skeptical, saying, "Even the best Master of Magic Potions can’t concoct a potion to control minds; I really can’t understand where you get such confidence."

"That’s not something you need to worry about."

"Shall we depart tomorrow morning?"

"Alright."

"Remember to bring along your Personal Guard."

"Why?"

"Barcelona wants to see the army under your command, which I’ve praised highly for possessing the ancient imperial military might. They will be reviewed and rewarded by Your Majesty."

Losa suddenly understood, "You mean the Eagle Banner Brigade."

Unfortunately, the Heavy Cavalry Archers unit hasn’t been fully assembled yet.

Losa thought to himself, readily agreeing to Anna’s request. With the Black Eagle Banner Team and Monastic Knights stationed in Limassol City for defense, it would be more than enough.