>>5777018

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(End of POV shift.)

The massive swarming crowd seems to have gathered from all the corners of the empire and shouts of jubilation fill the air. The guards of Myralos already stand in two lines, allowing for easy movement down the streets as the red gold banners of the Thephians flutter in the warm mid-summer breeze.

Many of the senators had their escorts split off back to their private properties. Many of the busier had also excused themselves back to their lands, only leaving about half of the senate to march alongside you. Isaac, the dour man had also excused himself from any and all celebrations rather remaining at the frontlines to guard the undermanned border against any potential Lucenian and Uvergians incursions, naturally helped by the vast numbers of mercenaries you had settled there.

“Basileús (Sovereign) !“ Shouts of the gathered people ring out as you ride down the central street of Myralos. The force that had returned had been quite small, compared to the one that had departed, but that does not seem to stem the excitement in the air, intermixed with the easy goings of summertime.

“The people seem to love you, your majesty.” Irene remarks, her stead right next to yours, both Pistis and Lefkó are following besides you at each side. The two pets, with Pistis now being closer in size to Lefkó, appear to be rather nervous of the shouts, the people, and the numerous flower petals showering everyone as they ride onwards.

Behind you and your fiancée, ride the remaining senators, having private conversations, waving at the public, or simply riding ahead, bored. And after that move the remainder of your Scholae Tagmata (School regiment/battalion), again a small precession, less than a tenth of the total force that had departed. Due to this, the triumphal return is a rather short one and you quickly find yourself before your great palace.

Dismounting, you extend your hand towards Irene whom gingerly grasps it as you help her off her horse and begin to escort her up the stairs, with her father following right behind you, watching the entirely situation like a hawk.

“For how long do you intend to stay ?” You question.

“A month, perhaps two.” Irene responds with a shrug. “The lands cannot stay without oversight for too long, besides, my father requires my assistance for the wedding preparations.” She gestures behind her.

“Speaking of, kyvernítis (governor), what exactly are you planning for our wedding ?” You ask with some trepidation.

>>5777023

“Well, your majesty, I would naturally request the usage of the palace and the cathedral. As it stands, I am planning on inviting every single patrician within the empire to the wedding, as well as a few foreign guests simply due to the necessity of such an event. When it comes to decorations, foodstuffs, entertainment. I am currently preparing things around the cost of perhaps three million silver basilikas.” Delmatius proudly strokes his beard loudly proclaiming the massive amount of wealth he plans to wash down in but a single event. “As for the time, I do believe a week’s worth of celebration would be most appropriate.” You can already feel a headache rising to the fore.
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“It must have been a difficult journey, your majesty.” Parakoimomenos (one who sleeps nearby) Gallienus remarks as your servants assist in undressing you.

“It was our duty.” You simply remark sitting down into the hot bath, finally allowing your muscles to rest after a long and tiring travel. “What had happened whilst we were gone ?” You question as while you received various reports and notices, being far away from the capital for so long had caused quite a bit of time to pass before you were even informed of important goings on.


“Right away your majesty.” The eunuch quickly unfurls pieces of parchment before beginning to rustle through them of things of great note, meanwhile the remainder of your slaves rush about, ensuring that you remain comfortably hot but without too much heat that could nauseate you. Flapping fans, scurrying about to deliver to you cool drinks from the palace’s basements, burning a slight bit of incense and pouring perfumes into the bath.

“Ah, perhaps of greatest import would be letters sent by domestikos Armentarius and Megas doux (Megaduke) Mundus.” Gallienus begins, you simply grunt for him to continue. “I shall begin with the letter sent by the domestikos.” He says clearing his throat:

>>5777028

“To your majesty, greetings.

I wish to inform your majesty of our success at your glorious empire’s frontiers. The isle of Dyrea, the last place of fighting and bloodshed, has finally been won…” Good. You nod absentmindedly, it seems like things are finally working out for you. ”…this victory however has come at a great cost. Most of the isles had been stripped of much of their menfolk. The local kephalia (heads) inform me that with such a loss of men, they will have a hard time meeting their obligations to your majesty, and are requesting a delay in taxation and other such means...” Of course they are. “…I should also note that the isles had been almost entirely tapped for whatever fitting men could be raised for warfare besides a few men of great valour, whose names I had attached in a separate letter. I would request your majesty permission to induct the aforementioned men into the ranks of the Scholae (School).

As for darker matters. This victory had also come with a condition that I had no choice but to accept.” You raise an eyebrow at that. ”The enemy equivalent of a strategos (general) had forced my hand to allow their withdrawal from the isle lest they torch it and burn the already hurting lands and people. I beg for your forgiveness for this decision, but that was the only way towards victory that would still see Dyrea properly restored to imperial rule.”

Gallienus stops speaking and he regards you and your rather ponderous expression. Are the Akeonians that dangerous still ? Trapped like beasts upon an isle, yet posing such threat that they must be negotiated with ? “Continue.” You say with a wave of your hand.

”These negotiations were done entirely separately from the greater war as a whole. As such, whilst the Akeonian invaders had retreated, it still remains unknown whether or not the Akeonians shall launch another attempt at taking the isles, or if they would simply accept defeat.”

“So the war continues ?” You ask.

“It would seem so, your majesty.”

You sigh.

“Shall I continue with the other letter, your majesty ?”

“Do so.”

“This one is from the Megas doux:”

>>5777030

”Greetings to your imperial majesty,

As it stands, the naval war had developed in our favour. Whilst the Akeonians still prowl around your majesty’s lands, their numbers had been vastly decreased to the point where another decisive, large engagement is unlikely. However, I must note, that the Akeonians are still in possession of sufficiently large force to potentially hold a greater threat to your majesty’s realm. As it currently stands, most of the Akeonian vessels are occupied getting their warriors off our isle, with the scouting duties of the holy knights, I can asure your majesty that no untoward acts of betrayal will take place and your majesty’s lands will be secured and your majesty’s seas shall remain open. I must express my concerns. Our ship production is vastly insufficient to maintain the isles and keep them free of pirates and possible Akeonian counterattacks. The representatives of the merchant republics are getting quite grating, your majesty. With the retreat of the Akeonians, they are starting to proclaim an end of the war, as such the beginning of the deals your majesty had to make with them.” You can hear how Gallienus’ voice becomes harsher and harsher as he reads on. ”A solution needs to be found, your majesty. As it stands, many of the merchants loyal to the empire and your majesty had acquired warships themselves, they undoubtedly wish to depart, but they could be employed and conscripted for a prolonged period of time necessary to ensure the recovery of the navy.

I had also sent vessels to investigate the areas around Lefkados. Whilst I do not possess spies and scouts, from what was seen, the Akeonians still have many ships. Few warships, but many merchant vessels that if need be, they could press into service, As such, I must unfortunately inform your majesty that the Akeonians still pose a threat, from the things I had personally observed.”

Once again you remain silent, simply pondering the happenings around you. And how you will have to deal with the endless pain of the Akeonian existence.

“Anything else ?”

Silence this time, you can see Gallienus shift uncomfortably.

“Speak.”

“As your majesty commands.” He takes a moment to clear his throat and take some cold water from the nearby slave. “Numerous letters had been sent to your majesty, directly, by the various kyvernítis (governor) your majesty had appointed, through your majesty’s, ummm, meritocratic system.”

“What is happening now ? More streets falling apart, more taxes failing to be collected ?”

“Well, your majesty…many of the administrators had begun to resign from their positions. It just so coincides that all of those resigning their posts are the subordinates of kyvernítis that do not come from patrician families.”

>>5777031

“If they wish to leave, we shall not stop them then. Instead, their positions shall be replaced by more willing men. We desire to start another recruitment drive.”

“That would be difficult, your majesty.”

“Why ?”

“The arts of writing, reading, counting are rare. These arts are expensive, time consuming. Everyone whom would be able to do so requires vast quantities of riches, strong familial positions, the ability to spend time learning. As such, the only three groups able to do so are the patricians, rich merchants, or the church.”

“And the patricians dislike us, whilst all of the rich merchants are already in our employ ?”

“That is correct, your majesty. The rich merchants are bringing in their own servants to fill in the positions as best they are able, but even then, they are struggling. For the others however…well, their manors lay overflowing with paperwork.”

You sigh yet again.

The Church. The Church ?

“The Church !” You proclaim. “How is the church looking in such matters ?”

“Well, they provide education to all of their members, and potentials, as your majesty had benefitted from. They must govern, keep a track of their flock after all, as such their structure of administration is entirely intact.”

“Could they be potentially be used to assist the locals administrators ?”

“Most likely.”

You sit pondering further. Whilst you of course trust the church and their all holiness, what will happen after ? You will not live forever, nor will any members of the clergy. Asking for church’s help is such a situation, where you are already indebted to them, it could be potentially dangerous. You let out a small chuckle, you are already growing paranoid of others’ influence whilst reigning for such a short time.

“Anything else of import ?” You question a moment of silence later.

“Their all holiness Oikoumenikós Patriárchēs (ecumenical patriarch) Anatolius wishes for an audience, now that your majesty has returned, at whatever time you find most convenient.”

“Inform their all holiness that I shall meet him first thing in the morning.” You say with a nod.

“As you will, your majesty. Next would be a petition from the various merchant houses within Myralos itself, with Critobulus of house Maniakes being their representative.”

“And what do they want ?”

“The prolonged conflict and the conscription of their ships for war has hurt trade, your majesty, with both the Tarrizan and Pateran merchants increasing the amount of trading that they are doing, for a cheaper costs, might I add, compared to our own merchants.”

“Schedule a meeting in the afternoon for tomorrow then.”

>>5777034

“As your majesty commands. Next up would be local petitions for the Kósmosaspída (World shield) théma (placement, district). Your majesty’s campaigns eastwards had seen many of the local petitioners having to wait for your majesty’s return. Quite a bit has built up as it seems, about thirty or so.”

“Schedule them for the evening then.” You respond rising from the hot bath and heading towards the cold one, your servants trailing behind you. “Anything else ?”

“Nothing of great import, your majesty.”
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Clad in your usual silks and velvets, you gaze at the rising sun, the distant sound of waves crashing upon the shore bringing in a peaceful sound for the start of the day intermixed with the noises of birds chirping as they find respite from the city in your gardens.

“Your majesty.” Anatolius calls out, approaching your small wooden table set in a balcony overlooking your gardens and the sea.

“Your all holiness.” You respond with a smile on your face rising from the seat.

“I hope that I had not disturbed your rest with my request ?”

“Not at all. Our duties are never-ending, but that is the burden of leading our people that we must bear.” You respond taking your seat again as Anatolius follows along and takes the other chair. “Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of having this meeting, your all holiness.”

“Nothing too pleasureful, I am afraid. As it stands, with the various wars dying down now, last I heard the Akeonians have been repelled, and of course your majesty’s glorious victory in the East. It would be remiss of me to not bring up the matters of faith to your majesty’s attention.”

“The concerns about the heretics ?”

“That is correct, your majesty. Many in the Church are crying out for this matter to be solved and for it to be dealt with once and for all.” You can see hesitancy in the man’s expression. “Some, especially now, wish for your majesty to take swift and decisive action, due to your interaction with those whom would deviate from the righteous path.”

“You mean Myslik and his supporters ?”

“Unfortunately, yes, your majesty. The beliefs of such peoples, so close to us, well, especially given the fact that it was they whom committed the baptism of the newest of converts.”

“And what do the priests wish to see ?”

“A return to the fold naturally. The mountains had always posed difficulty for travel, the harshness of the lands had further meant that proper church functions had been far too expensive, negligence, or simply the lack of resources on behalf of my predecessors had led to an ever-greater number of deviations from the proper interpretations of Shepherd’s will. I shall not repeat the same mistakes, your majesty.”

>>5777036

You nod slowly along, such acts as actually marrying, that is simply something that cannot be tolerated, priests are meant to guide the soul, how can that be done if the priest is far too concerned with temporal matters to attend to the spiritual ones ? And of course, that is just the beginning.

“Then of course, there’s the issue of the westerners. Their decline of the Shepherd’s omnipresent divinity since the day of his descent upon our mortal plane, is simply unacceptable. The belief that the Shepherd was but a man and fallible to the temptations of man, it is, and I cannot put it in any other way, blasphemous. The Shepherd had always been the son of God, a part of God and as such he had always been and shall always be holy, and no mere man. After all, no saints had dared to proclaim that they are God’s children, despite the virtues that they had shown. But alas, such ideals that the Shepherd is like any other man are popular with the uneducated and blind masses in need of guidance, your majesty. To allow such heresy, especially peddled by the various foreign merchants, to spread like wildfire across the lands is intolerable.”

“We understand these concerns, your all holiness. We had made a promise and we shall keep to it. Like our ancestors before us, we shall call upon a council of the most pious. There and then shall these matters be addressed for all to hear and to know.”

“I thank you, your majesty. Does your majesty have a time in mind for such matters ?”

“The early spring of next year. That should be enough time for all across the empire to gather within Myralos to express their opinions and to showcase their dedications.”

“In that case I shall inform my fellows to prepare for such a great debate. If I may be excused, your majesty ?”

“You are. May the Shepherd guide, your all holiness.”

“And may he watch over you, your majesty.” Anatolius says rising from the chair and swiftly departing your presence, the man will have much to prepare for and for a long time as well.
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It has been a long time since you had sat upon your throne. The slight tinge of incense at the edge of your nose informs you just how thoroughly the entire chamber must have been soaked in it, even after you had ordered it to be cleaned so long ago. The light shines as the far chamber door is opened, and the man that had previously crawled on his knees before you in order to save the life of his son enters. As usual, your Scholae (School) stand stalwart and steadfast at each side of the large red carpet leading towards your raised dais where eunuchs stand around you, carrying documents of the previous months’ worth of trade, tarrifis, taxes, everything you may need for this discussion, you had hopefully fully prepared for.

>>5777039

This time however, Critobulus stands tall as he enters the chamber, you can see from his swift gait that this time he is not coming here as a desperate father, but rather as an outraged merchant. And outraged merchants are quite the handful to deal with.

Coming to halt at a respectful distance from your throne, Critobulus makes a deep bow. His clothes this time made from white linens, decorated with gold thread go along well with the red satin cloak draped over the man’s shoulders, light leather sandals and a black leather belt with a silver buckle finishes off the summer-time look of the oldened man.

“Your majesty, I Critobulus Maniakes greet you.” He says still bowing.

“And we accept this greeting. You may rise and speak for the reason of this audience.”

“I thank you, your majesty.” He does as you had permitted. “I come here this day, and I had requested for your most wise understanding and knowing due to the plight of my peers. Members of the merchant guild of Myralos, and the guilds of other towns and cities. Whilst with great fervour and dedication we had given over our ships. Many of them had been sunk and lost with all hands. These losses had already crippled some of those whom plead for your majesty’s understanding this day. For they, in their service for the empire, can no longer sustain themselves and their families and are requesting for your majesty’s sympathy for their plight.” He pauses for a moment. “In the form of restitution, so that they may, as citizens of this empire and your majesty’s loyal subjects, continue on with their daily work.”

“And what are these losses ?” You gesture towards one of the eunuchs whom quickly opens up a book.

“As it stands, your majesty. A total of twenty-five merchant ships had been lost by house Maniakes. With another five being abandoned in favour of warships due to the needs of the battlefield. Then, when it comes to the various other smaller individual merchants, there had been losses of forty merchant ships. With another ten being abandoned in favour of warships.”

“And what is the value of one of these, merchant ships ?”

“The estimated price of any of these vessels range between ten to perhaps twenty thousand silver basilikas, your majesty.”

“Of course, as we had heard, you had acquired warships as well. What are the prices of those ?” You once again question the eunuch.

“Perhaps fifty thousand silver basilikas, your majesty.”

You nod again. “We presume that you do desire to keep these warships, do you not ?” You direct the question to Critobulus.

“If at all possible, some of the merchants are fine with keeping the vessels.”

“We thought so. They are after all larger, faster, more useful than the ships you and your peers had started with. But as you had heard, there is a great difference in the costs between the warships and the vessels you had to abandon during the fighting.”

>>5777042

“Indeed, your majesty. A difference in price, met by shed blood. Hundreds of men had perished beneath the waves, your majesty. Often times kin of the merchants, if not the merchants themselves, whose families must now try and restore their father’s, grandfather’s, brother’s, uncle’s, what have you, work. As someone whom had pleaded for mercy for one’s family before, your majesty, I can say that even to men of coin, family can be the most precious thing. To replace shattered wood is easy and cheap, but to replace the dead is impossible.”

You grow silent yourself, staring at the man before you. You had forgotten about it, not just ships, but men had been destroyed as well. “We shall ponder upon this. Then, only then, shall we give our reply and what we deem as worthy compensation.”

“That is all I ask for regarding this matter, your majesty. But when it comes to the war itself, many messages had reached the kin of my peers and themselves that the war is coming to a close, as such I am requesting that your majesty would give permission for them to leave to home as it brings me into the final issue. The various merchant hailing from Rogarus, mainly Tarrizans and Paterns had come to dominate trade in the months of conflict, like carrion birds they had watched the situation and they had struck at the most opportune moment.”

“And what is it that you and your peers wish for us to do in this situation ?”

“Whilst these merchants may have exclusive monopolies, it is still in your majesty’s right to bar them from buying and selling other goods. Ores, metals, food, drink. If possible, I would like to request your majesty to prevent these foreigners from trading for perhaps a year, just to ensure that our merchants have a chance at recovery and preparations for more trade.”

“We shall consider that. Anything more ?”

“No, your majesty. Yet again, I thank you for your benevolence.”

“You are dismissed.” You say with a wave of your hand.
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“…the pig herd had wandered off after that and was quickly retaken back to their pens.” The eunuch concludes as you hear yet another petition. A herd of pigs from one local village wandered off and ate cabbages in the field belonging to another village. Both the villagers went to their kephale (head), then they sued one another. Then they both refused to accept the results of the trial, since the pig pen was faulty, but the cabbage fields were left unfenced, they now both wish to appeal to the kyvernítis (governor), which is unfortunately – you.

You sigh heavily. “Fine both parties for not keeping proper fields. But make the fine of the cabbage owner lower, since the pig owners animals got fed.” You say half dismissingly as the two farmers continue to kowtow silently, you simply wave your hand and the two of them are escorted out. “What’s next ?”

“Nothing more, your majesty. That is everything for the day.”

>>5777044

Thank God !

“Then we shall depart.” You quickly rise and more or less run away from the throneroom. Sitting there all day has started aching your muscles in a way that can only be calmed with some good exercise. The gymnasium it is. You think stretching your neck side to side.
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“I had been a long day, your majesty.” Your kanikleiou (keeper of the imperial inkstand) states.

“Long indeed.” You respond lifting the two halteres, one in each hand, the well crafted and made pieces of rock are once again brilliantly decorated, both being the set of the same story, depicting the exploits of Telines the strong, one of the companions of the Shepherd. Depicting feats of incredible strength, how he could break horseshoes with his bare hands, how he had crushed the greatest warrior – Epicurus – with nought but his fists, destroying the heavy armour worn by the warrior, breaking his shield and spear, and through such a show of force, recruiting him to join the Shepherd. “What has happened ?” You ask with a stiff breath, the halteres now above your head.

“The administration is suffering, your majesty.”

“We are aware.”

“There is a need for a new protasekretis (first secretary). With the position open, the damage done by the mass resignations has hurt us deeply. Tax season is in full swing, your majesty, and the tax collectors are completely swamped, those that still remain in your majesty’s employ, that is.”

“We know.” You respond with a grunt putting the weighs down. “There is however not much to be done. If nothing else, these actions only make us think that we should establish places of learning sponsored by us to fill in those positions.”

“That would take many years, your majesty.”

“But there is little to be done.”

“Perhaps. Though if I may speak freely, your majesty ?”

“You may.”

“Your majesty’s decision to get rid of the numerous courtiers is…laudable. I cannot remember the last time the palace had been so calm. But the intrigues of the court will soon become intrigues of the land.”

You stop exercising. “What do you mean ?”

“Allowing the patricians to return to the court would keep them more concerned of what is before them. Whom sleeps with whom, whom insulted whom, whom are friends, whom are foes. Distance gives time to calm one’s temper and balance the humours.”

“We had already spoken our word. Besides, should we reinstate the courtiers, they would demand once again exceptional extravagance, and for what ? To scheme behind our backs ? To jockey for position, to make it so that we cannot freely appoint whom we choose, wherever we choose ? This is but a simple hardship that we shall overcome.”

“Of course, your majesty.”

“What else ?”

>>5777047

“Kyvernítis (governor) Iovivus Kurkuas of Movmetáxinisiá (Purple silk islands) request an audience with your majesty concerning, private interests that could benefit the empire.”

“Not a proper audience then ?”

“No, your majesty.”

“Schemes made in the night.” You furrow your eyebrows.

“Or the morn’.”

“The morn’ it is then.” You dryly remark.

“As your majesty commands. I shall inform the good kyvernítis.” With a bow the man slowly begins to depart the room.

Left alone again, you sigh. I need a cold bath.
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The scratchings of your quill fills the room as you regard yet another report begging for more funding. You don’t know for how long you will be able to play this balancing game, especially considering that you will seemingly not have the reprieve of taxes coming in, at least not anytime soon, it will not stop tax collectors, God knows nothing can seemingly stop them, but it will delay the collection. Of course, it is not only the taxmen missing that is the issue, you have easy control over them, but without any proper paperwork to look through prepared by the administrators, some people may be taxed too much, some too little, either way, it would cause unrest.

You hear a knocking on the door. “Your majesty, the kyvernítis has come to see you.” The kanikleiou informs you from the other side of the door.

“Allow him inside.” You remark putting away the quill and leaning back into your chair.

“Your majesty.” Iovivus, boisterous as usual enters the room and takes a deep bow.

“Come kyvernítis, sit.” You gesture towards one of the chairs as the door is closed behind the man. “Now, we were informed that you had something you wished to discuss in private ?” You remark once Iovivus seated himself.

“Yes, your majesty.” He clears his throat. “As your majesty knows, the lands that I govern are the halfway between our empire and Rogarus, as such merchants, travellers, pilgrims, what have you continuously visit the shores of the isles as either the goal of their travels or the halfway point.”

“And you wish to use that to our benefit ?”

“That I do, your majesty. The decision to settle the various…interesting folks in the borderlands had given us some opportunities for our own use, your majesty.”

“Such as ?”

“The Jaykins and Escuratans.”

“Both are…hardly trustworthy, the Escuratans especially so.”

“But your majesty had decided to land them.”

“Decisions have to be made, the choosing of a lesser danger than a greater one of leaving the border unguarded.”

“I of course understand your majesty’s pains in choosing he correct decision.”

“These opportunities then ?”

“How aware is your majesty of the going-ons within Rogarus ?”

>>5777050

“Little, unfortunately. I had studied theology, history, mathematics and the like, everything concerning the greatness of our empire and the greatness of God.”

Iovivus nods. “Then I shall outline a bit of history for your majesty. Most of Rogarus is ruled either by the means of the demos, or by electing their rulers from a collection of their peers. The patricians of those lands hold much stronger sway than here, your majesty, they raise armies and fight each other, and even he whom they elected. Now, as that may imply, any would be princeling has a potential of many…allies.”

“The Jaykins prince could be a threat to anyone whom wishes to claim the throne, as he would no doubt have blood ties with many of the local patricians within the land, not to mention the claim to the throne he undoubtedly possesses.”

“And what are you suggesting ?”

“A simple recommendation. Inform the Jaykin king that we have the prince in our lands. And that we are more than happy to house him, as long as the costs of said housing are met.”

“Blackmail.”

“A harsh word, your majesty. However, the potential of this is great. Should we succeed, the empire will profit, should we fail ? Then nothing happens. Unless of course your majesty allows for the exile to raise a force and depart.”

“And the Escuratans ?”

“Ah, civil war is in their blood. They had a truly unified and centralized kingdom only during the age of collapse, when our glorious empire was ailing and had to withdraw from Rogarus. The king there died, and whilst a great blessing for a father, the fact that he had numerous great and capable sons had showed to be a curse for his people. Each and every having their own bits and pieces of land had started butchering one another when the old king died. I do believe whilst they were busy butchering each other, what was it…ah…the forefathers of E’fostye, I cannot recall their name atop of my head. They invaded, conquered the whole place, and then they collapsed into civil war and the Escuratans freed themselves and created their grand principalities. Uniting under a Princeps, the first amongst equals. Usually, the less educated simply refer to their ruler as a king. Their lands are prone to internal conflict and continuous battle, with everyone having a claim, everyone scheming for a greater position.

They cannot afford war with so many dangerous neighbours around them, so they usually turn to scheming. However, the greatest strength of these peoples is wealth. The principalities all have sophisticated system of loans, banks, places to store one’s money and exchange things easily, to the point where many merchants are willing to trade not for real coins, but rather for paperwork indicating value given upon the bank, and the banks, all being unified, whilst still competing, means that one could go to one bank at one end of the continent, and then to another to retrieve their money.”

>>5777051

“Sounds valuable.”

“Oh, yes, they also practice usury.”

You scowl in disgust. “How dare they proclaim to be believer in God when they practice such foul things ? How are they still part of the Church with such foul acts ?”

The man simply shrugs. “Priests need to eat as well, your majesty. And building churches in their name tends to appease the priests of the lands enough to ignore them.”

“So why are you bringing them up ?”

“The complex familial relations means that the people settling here will be enemies, to some, allies to others, and family to all. If this is done correctly, your majesty, we could employ to establish their banks within the lands of our empire, controlled naturally by your majesty. Even without the functions of lending or borrowing, the simple fact that someone can store their wealth in a safe place and then retrieve it in another, well, I do not need to say that trade across the empire would flourish.”

You wonder for a moment.

“And how will we achieve this ? And how long would it take ?”

“Just leave it to me, your majesty, and I will sort out both matters. As for the time, well, perhaps a year, maybe more, it all depends to be seen on how fast the newest inhabitants of your majesty’s border arrive.” The finishes with a smile.

And take your part. You think cynically. “We shall consider it. That is all we can promise.”

“Thank you, your majesty. If I may ?”

“You are dismissed.”
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The endless screeching of seagulls is not something you think you will grow accustomed to. The salty wind however, in midst of a hot summer, now that you do appreciate compared to your old home.

“They are on approach, your majesty.” One of your bodyguards informs you as you watch the first most of the ships approach the docks.

A large congregation is already gathered at the docks, bustling and pushing, whilst your guards and the city watch maintain order as more and more ships slide into dock.

With shouts, and quite a few curses, the sailors aboard the vessel quickly hop onto the docks, carrying a bunch of ropes as they quickly begin to tie them down to ensure that the ship is not moving. As it comes to a halt, a large walking board is placed between the dromōn (runner) and the dock itself.

And swiftly after that, you watch as a self-assured and confident Mundus steps upon the stone dock and begins to march towards you.

“Your majesty !” He bows before you. “I bring you victory !” He loudly proclaims and the crowd begins to cheer behind you.

“These are hearty words to hear, Megas doux (Megaduke). With this, we must commend you for defending our lands and bringing glory to the empire.”

“I thank you, your majesty.” Mundus says rising to his full height.

>>5777053

And behind him, you find Armentarius and the rest of your Scholae Tagmata (School regiment/battalion) stumble out of the ship, each and every trying to maintain their composure, but you can clearly see that they are not in the peak shape that they usually are, but returning victorious as they are, they still try to appear as the glorious warriors that they are.

“Your majesty, your faithful servant would like to report that I had carried out the commands you had given me.” Armentarius, coming to the fore and bowing, quickly says.

“And we find it most pleasing to hear your words and see you in good health. Now, you whom are victorious, come.” You reply with a smile and turnabout, masking your true feelings of the fact that you had to host a banquet, and the fact that everyone of note within the empire will more or less attend the banquet. Still, the cheering citizens will be having their own fairs and fun with such a victorious return. It is midsummer after all, one of the few times of the year where one can afford to have fun. So if nothing else, being able to see your efforts celebrated so by many does bring a hint of pride to your heart.
.
.
.
The musicians continue playing their wondrous tunes and men and women laugh, the large banquet hall filled to the brim with gathered guests feasting upon the fine foods your chefs had laboured for days to prepare for and are still struggling, judging by the looks of the servants delivering everyone’s meals.

“I think you need more servants, your majesty.” Irene remarks sitting next to you upon the raised dais in a position of honour, just slightly to your side.

“It’s not like we host banquets and feasts every single day like some of our predecessors.” You reply.

“Indeed. Your majesty prefers vinegar to wine.”

“It is refreshing.”

“I am certain of it. Still, to have servants move as such would only breed resentment.”

“Then we shall simply let go of them as well.” You dryly reply.

“Interesting rumours are within Myralos, have you heard of them ?” Irene quickly shifts the topic.

“No, we haven’t.”

“People praise your majesty for your victories in one breath, and call you a cheap pauper with the next.”

You cannot help yourself but to slightly chuckle. “Those victories had come exactly through being a careful with our spending.”

“The people don’t view it that, from what I had studied about Myralos, wine and bread would be a constant, a constant that had only stopped a few years ago, at the start of your father’s reign and the monetary reforms he had carried out.”

“We had read about that as well. Unfortunately, we simply cannot dedicate the funds for daily horse races.”

“Then I suggest that your majesty would continue your conquests, as that is currently the distraction of the commonfolk. Give them enough time to ponder and wonder, that is how rebellions are brewed.”

>>5777054

“Experience from the mines ?”

“Partly. Slaves don’t need to be entertained. But the common citizen ? Someone able to raise their hands in warfare ? Better to keep them pliant through theatre and working, rather than bloodily put them down. Workforce comes at a premium in these times, your majesty.”

“Like so much else, we shall consider it.”

“If it is something your majesty cares not for, then I am not pushing for it. Merely a piece of advice from my own perception that could be wrong. Myralos and the mountains are night and day after all. And it breeds different kinds of men.”

You reply with a hum. “Are you enjoying the banquet ?”

“Being gawked at by envious whores, scheming imbeciles, and lustful fools. What is there not to love in my first appearance after our engagement ?”

“Whilst we cannot do much about the scheming imbeciles, as God knows we have to deal with them all day, we can at least take care of the lustful fools.”

“Your kind words warm my heart, your majesty. However, speaking of scheming imbeciles, the greatest of theirs is currently coming along.”

You cannot help but smile at that and you have to hold a chuckle as Nonnosus Bardanes approaches the dais and bows deeply before you.

“Your majesty, if I may ?” He begins with his calm soothing voice.

“You may.” You reply swirling the goblet of wine in your hand.

“I, on behalf of all the gathered patricians here wish to express my thanks for the glory your majesty had brought forth onto our empire. Granting the Akeonians the right to withdraw with their armies from your majesty’s isles, allowing for God’s wrath to smash apart would be pretenders, crushing foolish, uncontrollable foreigners and resettling them at the empire’s furthest reaches. And doing all so in only perhaps a year. Your majesty’s reign is truly unprecedented and worthy of history books.”

“We thank you for the kind words.”

“I aim to please, your majesty.”

“However, we assume that is not only praise that you had come to heap upon us ?”

“Of course not only that, your majesty. I had come here, in times of merry and triumph, to request for your majesty to consider a very important matter. With your majesty leaving for battle as you had, well, it left us and many of my fellows whom were unable to follow your majesty deep into battle without guidance. As I am sure, your majesty must have felt the delay in the various administrative tasks that your majesty has exceptional control over compared to anything. As such, your majesty, I would petition your greatness to consider that perhaps a regent of sorts would be appropriate to manage the day-to-day administration, allowing your majesty to concentrate on greater tasks of immediate import that would draw your majesty’s attention.”

You quickly look about and see the older of the gathered nod along, with their relations following suit.

>>5777056

“A suggestion we shall consider.” You hear Irene’s barely held in snicker. She must have heard you say that to a dozen proposals you had not even bothered to ponder. “As for now, let us not bring down celebrations with the talk of administration.”

“Of course, your majesty. Once again, I congratulate your majesty on your great successes.” Bowing, the man begins to depart.

“A wondrous fellow.” Irene sarcastically says.

“We do wonder what he is scheming.” You say back.

“To overthrow you, to curb your power, or to puppet you. That’s how it usually goes, your majesty.”

“We shall see how scheming he’ll be if we were to cancel the aqueduct and water reserve plans we had put in place.”

“I am sure he will be heartbroken.”

You eye the gathering. With still one thought at the forefront of your mind, the issues of administration, another potential avenue of solving the issue had come to you, and all you need to do is find the opportunity. One of the reasons why you were willing to throw this banquet.

“We shall have to excuse ourselves.” Having spotted your prey, you remark to Irene.

“Do have fun.” She responds sipping upon her wine.

Rising from your seat, you start to make your way to one particular corner of the hall, where the young senators, and now their gathered peers are all loudly having fun.

“Ah, your majesty ! How gracious we are for your august person’s arrival !” One of the young senators remarks, a man you had shared a drink with before.

“We had come to see and ask if all is pleasant.”

“Of course it is, your majesty, no one would dare to complain.”

“That is good to hear. Now then, we do recall our previous conversations, the ones about the desire of you all to prove yourselves.”

“Those are the hopes of any man, your majesty.”

You nod along slowly. “These lands that you now all control, we assume you had grown accustomed to administrating them ?”

“Well, some of us have a better knack than others, though there are plenty of servants to do the work as well.”

“Plenty ?”

“Why yes, with the decrease in people and all that, we have more scribes than we know what to do with, but learned slaves are quite expensive, so it feels like a bit of a waste to let them go.”

“So if you had the opportunity to do so, to earn respect and prestige, though granted not through combat, would anyone take it ?”

“Of course I’d take it.” Another man responds. “Anything to stick it up to the old stooges that look at us like children !” A cheer echoes out due to that.

“Well, it was good to have this short conversation, but alas we must depart.”

“Of course, your majesty. We await for good news that may yet come.” With a smile and a glint in his eyes, the first man says as you depart.

Well, it’s an alternative if nothing else.
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>>5777058

You yawn heavily walking towards the training yard as the Sun still rises over the horizon, but you can already hear the sound of wooden swords impacting one another.

“The left, defend your left ! You there, what are you, a dancer or a proud member of the Scholae (School) ? Grip your blade tighter !” The shouts of an officer ring out as you take your first glance at the training grounds, depressingly half empty with so many of your loyal men having perished in such a short time, to the point where the original four thousand, through betrayal, skirmishes, battles, wars, attrition, disease, simple age had now been reduced to a bit more than a thousand men. 1,096 to be precise, as Armentarius had informed you, a far cry from their original strength, a further cry still from the days of the empire of old.

“Your majesty.” Armentarius says.

Think of the devil.

“Domestikos.” You respond with a nod.

“What brings you here, your majesty ?”

“A desire to spar, we believe we had improved quite a bit in the past months since your departure, and we would like to check our progress.”

“Of course, your majesty.” He quickly turns. “Evgrius, go and get training equipment for his majesty and myself !” Shouting out, he orders a fresh-faced man, similar to age in you of all things.

“We do not recognize him.”

“Newest recruit, your majesty. I had personally inducted him into the Scholae. Named Evgrius Glycas.”

“Glycas ?” You think for a moment. “Yes, we do believe we recall that name. The only survivor of a sabotage mission, we do believe.”

“Yes, your majesty, that one.” Armentarius nods. “Recruits for the Scholae are rare, not only skill but a certain mindset, a certain character. All that is needed to be the best of the best.”

“And you believe him to be so ?”

“In due time. He possesses an unyielding spirit, a sense of honour and loyalty. Skills can follow after that.”

You simply nod. This whole war stuff was never your forte.

Rushing back, the man returns with some wooden shields and swords, handing them over to Armentarius and you.

“Now then, your majesty, let us begin with a simple attack and block routine.”
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The reports had finally started to flood in as if the dam had been broken. And yet again, you find yourself swamped with work, especially concerning the East. The lands you had acquired the most recently. And the situation there, as you had personally observed, is not good. The only silver lining to the ruined economy, mass depopulation, lack of infrastructure, and religious schisms is the fact that no one has yet to threaten the border. So if nothing else, you can look at the reports in peace.

>>5777061

And the few things of import quickly stand out to you. The due taxes of the region that had not been officially collected for years now. But you doubt how much of them you can actually get, everything considering. Another thing would be the lands of the various magnates. They had always owned much of the territory, the land as poor as it is was and most likely will always be, very cheap. However, it has gotten to the point where a territory equivalent to an entire théma (placement, district) is own by a single individual as private property in the most egregious of cases. The purchases had been legalized and officially recorded, however, all of that was done by the rebellious magnates, meaning that if you desire to do, you could dismiss most of these purchases, without having to compensate the buyers. That would certainly make any future growth and resettlement easier, with land to go about for any would be settler.

Speaking of lands. The various families, those that yielded at least, or had not simply perished in the conflicts. They still hold plenty of wealth, wealth that you could use. A deserving punishment needs to meted out, it expected, and naturally, those families that do not exist anymore had already all of their wealth seized by you. However, you could be harsher.

When it comes to the border itself, well, it is guarded well enough for now, the loyalty of your newest border guards remains to be seen, but as of now, it is not a great issue that you have to concern yourself about.

Of course, you could just go with Leontius’ plan he had outlined before. Forgive the debt, exempt both the commoners and the patricians from taxation, exempt the region from recruitment. Whilst you are lacking the funds to reinforce the army, that can always be done later on. And naturally, exempt the region from recruitment for what is essentially the rest of your reign. Forty years is a long time after all.

>>5777064

If this option wins, no other options concerning the region will be taken. This option must reach half+1 of all votes to win.

>Implement Leontiu’s plan.

As you ponder, you begin to start noting things down:

Concerning back taxes.

>Forgive them. The people there wouldn’t be able to pay them to begin with.

>Delay the taxes. They will be paid, when the situation becomes more prosperous, let it be a sword hanging above everyone’s head for now, as means of keeping them in check.

>Send the collectors. Every bit of silver, gold, and goods will be wrung out.

Concerning taxes going forwards.

>Keep them going as usual.

>Give a temporary tax break. (How long ?)

Concerning the remaining patrician families.

>A slap on the wrist, nothing more, you have to make showing. No doubt they would appreciate your mercy.

>Crush a few families, utterly. As a warning. And means of securing funds. There would be some discontent and outrage, but you doubt anyone would truly do anything.

>Get rid of the pests entirely. You have no need of those families; you wonder why they exist in the first place. Might as well take anything and everything.

Concerning recruitment.

>Maintain the old policies. A certain amount of fighting men per any given population centre.

>Grant an exemption. (How long ?)

>>5777068

You put down your pen and stretch. Now that you’ve dealt with that, there are still numerous issues for you to address.

First and foremost of them all, the administration; perhaps the easiest and the most dangerous issue is that of the protasekretis (first secretary).

Such a position is of great import, the head of the administration has the potential to be quite disruptive, while at the same time, someone capable and loyal can be quite the boon. But because of that, everyone desires for such a position, and you can already feel the strain upon you no longer having Auxentius to assist you.

Whom should take on such a powerful position ?

>If nothing else, giving the right to the senate will be an olive branch and appeasement. Some of the senators are still appreciative of you because of that, mainly friends of Auxentius, but friends nonetheless.

>Perhaps you can appoint one of the young senators ? Their faction would surely appreciate it and see it as a sign of favour. Undoubtedly their support for you would be greater.

>Whilst your administration is strained, there are surely still skilled individuals you can pick from to appoint to the position.

>Rather unconventional. Most likely able to provoke everyone and anyone. But you do know a certain person able to take the position – your fiancée.

>(Write in)

And now for the other side of the issue, a far greater issue. You have to take a sip of your wine, a large one.

>Lean onto the Church. They have plenty of administrators that they can dedicate to assist you, at least until you are able to acquire more administrators that are loyal to you more than their families.

>The young senators and their friends, whilst their competence is, erm, uncertain. They are loyal enough to keep the work going.

>There are plenty of benefits in marriage. Such as leaning on your father-in-law. Such a powerful family is bound to have plenty of skilled servants that they could lend you for a time.

>The patricians think that they can pressure you ? Let them see that you can govern alone ! SPECIAL OPTION: HIGH ADMINISTRATIVE SKILL. WARNING: MANUEL WILL HAVE TO SHOULDER TAXATION REDISTRIBUTION AS WELL, THIS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO HIS HEALTH.

>(Write in)

>>5777069

Now that the matters of internal administration are dealt with, there still are a few situations that you need to address.

Firstly, the ideas of Iovivus Kurkuas:

When it comes to the Jaykins. Everything about that is a long shot, nothing of real substance, but at the same time, the downsides are non-existent. Especially if you leave it to Iovivus, you have no doubt he’d be able to word any and all letters in such a way that wouldn’t cause issues…maybe.

>Let him prepare to send the message. What’s the worst that could happen ?

>Just leave it be, you doubt anything would come of it.

>(Write in)

Now however, when it comes to the Escuratans, the potential ideals of banking and greater trade, whilst interesting, would also form influence that would be in the hands of foreigners, even if you are in control, at least for a good while.

>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system in its fullest, even if they use the foulness of usury. Maybe that will be a way for you to gain more funding ?

>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system, but limit it to nothing more than a way to store and withdraw funds more easily, you shall not stain your soul and mind with usury being spread throughout your realm.

>No need. If the institution was not established by the empire, then it is an utterly pointless institution.

>(Write in)

>>5777071

And now, the means of warfare, or the end of it more precisely. The entirety of the Akeonian invasion had been repulsed, beaten back and they have no means of invading your lands again…maybe…the reports did showcase that the Akeonians do have a large fleet still in dock. And that was something you were able to find out with light scouting and probing. Though from what you know of Tedwin, he is unlikely to accept anything that could be a defeat, a loss. Still, without a formal treaty, there is nothing preventing him from mounting another attack, and the last victory you had achieved was, costly, too costly to survive another invasion.

>Send for a treaty. A white peace, this would be undoubtedly the easiest to accept. No one gains or losses anything. And you could make a treaty for perhaps, five years. Enough to recover and prepare.

>Send demands, threats of a further invasion unless what you desire for is met ! (What terms do you have ?)

>It is pointless to send messages to a man that does not care for righteousness. You’d rather save the parchment.

Then finally, the matter of recompense for the various merchants. They had obeyed your call to arms, and they had bled and died for the empire, but that is their duty to do so.

>Compensate them for the lost ships and crews, letting them keep the warships.

>Compensate them for the lost ships and crews, seize the warships and give them enough silver for the difference.

>They had done their duty, nothing more, nothing less, but let them keep the warships.

>They had done their duty, nothing more, nothing less. Also, seize their ships, warships are meant for the empire, not the citizen.

Useful links:

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nice, back in to the imperial grind

>>5777072
>Implement Leontiu’s plan.
We need the region to grow, even if i must admit is a long time is for the best.

>Perhaps you can appoint one of the young senators ? Their faction would surely appreciate it and see it as a sign of favour. Undoubtedly their support for you would be greater.
I am sure there is some smart young heads around, beside the old senators needs someone to counter them a bit more. They don't have many that counter them right now : us, the new administrative class need time, merchants are weaker and with not much money, commoners have small power, the military needs to recover from losses and the clergy has to fix religious issues

>There are plenty of benefits in marriage. Such as leaning on your father-in-law. Such a powerful family is bound to have plenty of skilled servants that they could lend you for a time.
Might as well use this a bit, not for long but it's not a bad idea.

>Let him prepare to send the message. What’s the worst that could happen ?
Raids ? wars ?
>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system, but limit it to nothing more than a way to store and withdraw funds more easily, you shall not stain your soul and mind with usury being spread throughout your realm.
Could help.

>Send demands, threats of a further invasion unless what you desire for is met ! (What terms do you have ?)
Immediate withdrawal of all your forces
10 years of peace
Exchange of hostages
Monetary or material reparation for the rebuilding of the villages and farms of the western islands (villages/farms are cheap)
Monetary or material reparation for the rebuilding of the merchant imperial vessels lost (relatively cheap)
Controlled Trade (favorable toward the Empire)

>Compensate them for the lost ships and crews, seize the warships and give them enough silver for the difference.
decent

Lot of stuff to do. Entertainment for the masses needs cash, thought there would be some cheap solutions even here. More servants in the court, maybe but they would again cost.
Court it self instead, no courtiers, something better. Needs money though, i am talking about great minds, learned people and people that are considered of good reputation. Engineers, artists, scholars, pious monks and priests. And so on.
World Shield, i am considering to either : Straight up immediate annexation and fusion with Myralos capital province or Transform with a special edict in the Scholae Military province. It will have no taxation, but it will be fully dedicated to provide many men to the Scholae and fully pay for their equipment, training and other costs.

>>5777204
Ah right to add to the rest of my votes
>Write In
Give Armentarius the title of Imperial Champion, an honorary title given for the heroic defense of the islands he did and the loyalty toward the emperor he showed many times. The title will come with two symbols for this rank (an object to place on armor and a high quality steel weapon), alongside the construction of a small statue in the Scholae barracks. The title of Imperial Champion will be given in the future only to people that do similar deeds to Armentarius, and show his same loyalty.

>>5777068
>Implement Leontius' plan.
In the long run it's honestly the best set of ideas.

>>5777069
>Perhaps you can appoint one of the young senators ? Their faction would surely appreciate it and see it as a sign of favour. Undoubtedly their support for you would be greater.
I like Irene, but continuing to improve our relations with the younger senators is of paramount importance. No doubt they already like us much for the glory Manuel has brought the Empire. Getting a counterweight against the established senators would be great.

>There are plenty of benefits in marriage. Such as leaning on your father-in-law. Such a powerful family is bound to have plenty of skilled servants that they could lend you for a time.
No great options here. The church is unacceptable, the young senators are unreliable, straining the in-laws too much is poor form, and having Manuel kill himself as a office jockey is... no good.

>>5777071
>Just leave it be, you doubt anything would come of it.
I don't want any Viking raids.

>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system in its fullest, even if they use the foulness of usury. Maybe that will be a way for you to gain more funding ?
I'm sorry for ruining the purity of the Empire, but we need money so fucking bad right now

>>5777072
>Send demands, threats of a further invasion unless what you desire for is met!
10 years of peace
Exchange of hostages
Monetary or material reparation for the rebuilding of the villages and farms of the western islands (villages/farms are cheap)
Monetary or material reparation for the rebuilding of the merchant imperial vessels lost (relatively cheap)

I imagine we can start high and negotiate down.

>Compensate them for the lost ships and crews, seize the warships and give them enough silver for the difference
We need those warships more than they do, but the ailing merchant class does need a cash infusion.

We're back, boys!

>>5777068
>Implement Leontiu’s plan.

>>5777069
>Perhaps you can appoint one of the young senators ? Their faction would surely appreciate it and see it as a sign of favour. Undoubtedly their support for you would be greater.
My only fear is that the old guard will try to destroy the young senator faction somehow. Alternatively we could always go for Irene, it would be amazing to see the absolute shitshow that would happen.

>Lean onto the Church. They have plenty of administrators that they can dedicate to assist you, at least until you are able to acquire more administrators that are loyal to you more than their families.
I don't fully think that the in-laws will be that effective, considering how Delmatius used so much wealth so liberally. The young senators seems to not be a good fit for the job. And having our himself over-exerted is never a good plan. Of course having the Church handle it sets a precedent that might not be in the interests of the Imperial family, but I'm hoping if we prove to be in line with them fully they will remain committed to our lineage.

>>5777071
>Just leave it be, you doubt anything would come of it.
I do not trust this sort of blackmail.

>No need. If the institution was not established by the empire, then it is an utterly pointless institution.
Banks will always scheme to be on top and control the powers that exist. Letting them in is far worse for the Empire and the Imperial family than any Church or aristocratic influence.
Also I refuse to go down the usury route, the Escuratans can go fuck themselves.

>>5777072
>Send demands, threats of a further invasion unless what you desire for is met !
>Reparations for villages and farms and merchant imperial vessels, an exchange of hostages and a formalized peace treaty lasting 10-20 years.

>Compensate them for the lost ships and crews, seize the warships and give them enough silver for the difference.

>>5777072
>Implement Leontiu’s plan.

>Perhaps you can appoint one of the young senators ? Their faction would surely appreciate it and see it as a sign of favour. Undoubtedly their support for you would be greater.

Always good to reward our power base, and they’ll be around for many years

>Let him prepare to send the message. What’s the worst that could happen?

Love a mystery box

>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system in its fullest, even if they use the foulness of usury. Maybe that will be a way for you to gain more funding ?

Banking and finance are crucial to state improvement - We can also always make lending illegal if it becomes objectionable.

>Send for a treaty. A white peace, this would be undoubtedly the easiest to accept. No one gains or losses anything. And you could make a treaty for perhaps, five years. Enough to recover and prepare.

In 5 years we’ll invade them!

>Compensate them for the lost ships and crews, seize the warships and give them enough silver for the difference.

Military vessels belong to the state

>>5777944
Forgot one issue

>There are plenty of benefits in marriage. Such as leaning on your father-in-law. Such a powerful family is bound to have plenty of skilled servants that they could lend you for a time.

Also, can we seriously investigate this?

>we should establish places of learning sponsored by us to fill in those positions.

A series of imperial academies located in the capital to train men in warfare and administration, and train women in courtly affairs, would be good start

>>5777072
>Implement Leontius' plan.
Though have the changes be gradient at the end. Having great tax exemptions one year and not the next will risk breeding resentment.

>>5777069 #
>Perhaps you can appoint one of the young senators ? Their faction would surely appreciate it and see it as a sign of favour. Undoubtedly their support for you would be greater.
I concur with other anons' points.

>There are plenty of benefits in marriage. Such as leaning on your father-in-law. Such a powerful family is bound to have plenty of skilled servants that they could lend you for a time.
Same as above.

>>5777071 #
>Just leave it be, you doubt anything would come of it.
The "What's the worst that could happen?" doesn't inspire confidence.

>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system, but limit it to nothing more than a way to store and withdraw funds more easily, you shall not stain your soul and mind with usury being spread throughout your realm.
I would go for implementing the banking system in full were it not for Manuel's religiosity. Allowing usury is therefore out of character in my opinion.

>>5777072 #
>Send demands, threats of a further invasion unless what you desire for is met!
10 years of peace
Exchange of hostages
Monetary or material reparation for the rebuilding of the villages and farms of the western islands (villages/farms are relatively cheap)
Monetary or material reparation for the rebuilding of the merchant imperial vessels lost (relatively cheap)

Like another anon said, start a bit higher than this and negotiate down.

>Compensate them for the lost ships and crews, seize the warships and give them enough silver for the difference
Sorry burgher, we need them ships.

>>5777956
>"Out of character"
>Will benefit the state in the long run
The obvious justification is Irene pushing for it, because she's based and pragmatism-pilled

>>5777966
Yeah it benefits us but would Manuel see it that way? He had a visceral disgust reaction upon hearing about it and yet he'll proliferate it in his own realm?

>>5777072
>Implement Leontiu’s plan
>Rather unconventional. Most likely able to provoke everyone and anyone. But you do know a certain person able to take the position – your fiancée.
C'mon give her a chance at it.
>The patricians think that they can pressure you ? Let them see that you can govern alone !
I believe in you, Manuel!
>Just leave it be, you doubt anything would come of it.
>No need. If the institution was not established by the empire, then it is an utterly pointless institution.
Quick money isn't worth giving away the throne of our grandchildren and killing the longtime stability of the Empire.
>Send demands, threats of a further invasion unless what you desire for is met ! (What terms do you have ?)
I'll vote for more demands the other anons voted for.
>They had done their duty, nothing more, nothing less. Also, seize their ships, warships are meant for the empire, not the citizen.

>>5777966
Sometimes you need to do the right thing instead of going with FACTS and LOGIC.
Besides the pragmatism-pill isn't letting yet another kingmaking political faction grow and become a burden to our children.

>>5777984
Anon will just say Manuel will be taken in by his wife and begrudgingly accept it if she supports it, even though Manuel has been shown to stand his ground when he feels the situation needs it.

>>5777984
This would not be the first time Manuel chose the benefit of realm and dynasty over perfect adherence to the Shepherd's word. Do you really believe Newb would offer the option if it were truly inconceivable that Manuel would do it in the mode of Basileus and Autokrator of the Thephians?

>>5777990
>Kingmaking faction
>Foreign bankers whose people are a distinct and quarrelsome minority
Not for another thousand years, kek. EZ explusion, especially with a conservative and anti-immigrant Senatorial class being the Emperor's principle rivals

>>5777990
I agree with anon that you are overstating the threat posed by these bankers, they are not the financiers of our time. Expelling them is easily in the cards.

>>5777997
Name an example in which he did so despite reacting just as he did here then.

Good good.

Lets keep in touch with Isaac, i don't want to not know what those Lucenians and Uvergians would be up too. Messengers ready and moving West to East is a good thing.
Uhm the Holy Knights could use a place for their griffins. A nest/stable ? Or perhaps a fortress all together. Their numbers need replacement. Like a lot. This fortress will cost a lot so not now.

Then there is those powerful explosives. Also need money. Perhaps an alchemical laboratory could be build up. Garrisoned and protected by Scholae 24/24 hr of course.

In regard to the Scholae, Isaac could have a title like that. Looks and sounds nice on top of domestikos.

>>5777072
>>5777852
On second thought I'll change
>No need. If the institution was not established by the empire, then it is an utterly pointless institution.
to
>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system, but limit it to nothing more than a way to store and withdraw funds more easily, you shall not stain your soul and mind with usury being spread throughout your realm.

Since we're letting them in anyways. But I refuse to go down the usury slippery slope.

>>5777068

>Implement Leontiu’s plan.

>Perhaps you can appoint one of the young senators ? Their faction would surely appreciate it and see it as a sign of favour. Undoubtedly their support for you would be greater.

>There are plenty of benefits in marriage. Such as leaning on your father-in-law. Such a powerful family is bound to have plenty of skilled servants that they could lend you for a time.

>Let him prepare to send the message. What’s the worst that could happen ?

>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system in its fullest, even if they use the foulness of usury. Maybe that will be a way for you to gain more funding ?

>Send for a treaty. A white peace, this would be undoubtedly the easiest to accept. No one gains or losses anything. And you could make a treaty for perhaps, five years. Enough to recover and prepare.

>Compensate them for the lost ships and crews, seize the warships and give them enough silver for the difference.

>>5777072
I'll also change the banking part of my vote to
>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system, but limit it to nothing more than a way to store and withdraw funds more easily, you shall not stain your soul and mind with usury being spread throughout your realm.
The other anons bring up good points, but ursury feels wrong and out of character.

I'm >>5777990 in case my ID changed, since I'm at work.

>>5777068
>Implement Leontiu’s plan.
Seems the best.

>Perhaps you can appoint one of the young senators ? Their faction would surely appreciate it and see it as a sign of favour. Undoubtedly their support for you would be greater.
Building a support base is important.

>There are plenty of benefits in marriage. Such as leaning on your father-in-law. Such a powerful family is bound to have plenty of skilled servants that they could lend you for a time.
When your son-in-law is the Emperor our interests are his interests.

>Let him prepare to send the message. What’s the worst that could happen ?
We need the money. And, if we ever need it, we can throw the Prince at them if they ever get uppity.

>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system, but limit it to nothing more than a way to store and withdraw funds more easily, you shall not stain your soul and mind with usury being spread throughout your realm.
Banking is evil. Simple as. We're not creating a new merchant class that can subvert the power of every single fucking institution in the empire through loans and money. What an awful, awful idea.

>Send demands, threats of a further invasion unless what you desire for is met!
10 years of peace
Exchange of hostages
Monetary or material reparation for the rebuilding of the villages and farms of the western islands (villages/farms are cheap)
Monetary or material reparation for the rebuilding of the merchant imperial vessels lost (relatively cheap)
Negotiation phase. While we haven't won by any means we undoubtedly hold the advantage, with the islands still in our grasp. And while suptg is down and I can't check the demands he gave us last time, I'm pretty sure we can demand a fair bit from him with the islands still under our control.

>Compensate them for the lost ships and crews, seize the warships and give them enough silver for the difference.

>>5777948
Universities are probably something we'll have to consider once we have more money. Though we could probably set them up with the support of the Church, as happened IRL.

Welcome back Newb!

>>5777072
>Implement Leontiu’s plan
>Perhaps you can appoint one of the young senators ? Their faction would surely appreciate it and see it as a sign of favour. Undoubtedly their support for you would be greater.
>Just leave it be, you doubt anything would come of it.
I do not trust this Iovivus fellow. He is definitely the type to betray us if we are losing.
>There are plenty of benefits in marriage. Such as leaning on your father-in-law. Such a powerful family is bound to have plenty of skilled servants that they could lend you for a time.
>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system, but limit it to nothing more than a way to store and withdraw funds more easily, you shall not stain your soul and mind with usury being spread throughout your realm.
I don't like banking, but this is better than degrading the empire with usury.
>Send demands, threats of a further invasion unless what you desire for is met ! (What terms do you have ?)
Immediate withdrawal of all your forces
10 years of peace
Exchange of hostages
Monetary or material reparation for the rebuilding of the villages and farms of the western islands (villages/farms are cheap)
Monetary or material reparation for the rebuilding of the merchant imperial vessels lost (relatively cheap)
Controlled Trade (favorable toward the Empire)
>Compensate them for the lost ships and crews, seize the warships and give them enough silver for the difference.

>>5778486
Having Church universities isn't that far of a stretch. Most famous universities had religious origins, and the quality in religious education was pretty good as well.
I'd be down for allowing Church universities to be established.

Just as a reminder, here are Tedwin's demands from when he still controlled a good chunk of the islands:

>First, we demand that the isle known in the Thephian tongue as Dyrea and all isles South and East of it shall be ceded to our domain.
>Secondly, we demand that our first-born son shall marry your first-born daughter,
>For this, we are willing to offer five hundred kilograms of gold and another five hundred kilograms when the marriage is carried out and we shall be able to call each other brother.
>The length of this peace treaty shall be set for two and a half generations, that being fifty years, judging by the years given to us by our lord in heaven.
We can definitely get a lot more out of him now that we've returned the islands to our control. Maybe even the same offer but with more money instead of handing over the islands to him.

>>5779261
I thought that us keeping control of what we got was a given. Or is there some other islands that we have not yet gotten? Getting a longer peace is also good though. The rest is not advantageous to us, we're gonna pay the heretical barbarian to have his daughter marry a purple born prince?

>>5777215
>Give Armentarius the title of Imperial Champion

This is a good idea too - supporting it

>>5777215
Also supporting this.

Saw a bit of a conversation on the usury question. It is an option that Manuel can accept, but he will give it his own religious spin to make it palpable. Any decisions given are in line with what a character could potentially do. A few times in the quest actions were taken based on the character's established personality if I knew what they, as an actual person would pick. But at the end of the day, it is you anons shaping those personalities.

>>5780982
And what would that religious spin be?

>>5780991

Oversight by the Church. Using examples from the holy book to justify limited usury, etc.

Due to Manuel's religiosity, that is as far as you anons could push it.

>>5780991
Maybe you could just accept that arguing against an option by means of appeal to character consistency is weak when that character is making decisions as a public deliberator rather than demand that Newb justify his own artifice to you

>>5781003
I see, it would still alienate our church support and damage our reputation as a pious ruler I imagine?

>>5781005
Condescencion is not a substitute for an argument.

>>5781009

>I see, it would still alienate our church support and damage our reputation as a pious ruler I imagine?

Because Manuel is actually a good theologian, not really. The oversight and justifications would make swallowing the bitter pill acceptable, since the empire needs funds. That is one upside of the character you anons had made. Any other choices or someone less pious and the Church would call you out, but because Manuel had shown time and time again his desire to embrace the Chruch, his actions are seen as acceptable. Now, once the Empire is stable, and maybe you are playing as Manuel's successor, that remains to be seen.

>>5781009
>damage our reputation as a pious ruler
Honestly that should go without saying. Citizens would be affected by this, and the most fanatical towards the faith might see this as a twisting of the holy book, despite Manuel's reputation. If we fully embraced that path (no Church supervision and so on) rumors of our pockets being lined by the Escuratans would probably come about.

>>5778642
Hm, I like this idea.

>>5781014
Sounds like you're fond of the idea of using ursury, Newb. Is there any downside to it?

>>5781019

>Sounds like you're fond of the idea of using ursury, Newb. Is there any downside to it?

Up to you anons to figure out. There were fears that it would ruin Manuel's reputation or be out of character, that is all I wanted to clarify.

>>5781035
Thank you Newb for the clarification, it's appreciated.

>Give Armentarius the title of Imperial Champion
Armentatius honestly deserves this considering everything he has done for us.
>Implement Leontiu’s plan.
It’s a long one, but a good one as well.
>Perhaps you can appoint one of the young senators ? Their faction would surely appreciate it and see it as a sign of favour. Undoubtedly their support for you would be greater.
Gotta get support from one side, even if it’s a small one at the moment.
>There are plenty of benefits in marriage. Such as leaning on your father-in-law. Such a powerful family is bound to have plenty of skilled servants that they could lend you for a time.
One debt is bad enough, health risk to our boy is unexceptable, and the senators for now are dubious at best with their ability at maintaining their own lands, Nevermind being given the duties of governorship.
>Let him prepare to send the message. What’s the worst that could happen ?
We lose nothing from this if we fail, and we have more then enough to gain to outweigh the risk.
>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system in its fullest, even if they use the foulness of usury. Maybe that will be a way for you to gain more funding ?
Who ever said being a banker was a sinful life?
>Send for a treaty. A white peace, this would be undoubtedly the easiest to accept. No one gains or losses anything. And you could make a treaty for perhaps, five years. Enough to recover and prepare.
In five years Tedwin, your brother will be dead, and so will all that your fleet holds dear in their rotten hearts!
>Compensate them for the lost ships and crews, seize the warships and give them enough silver for the difference.
It’s one thing to get paid for doing an action that by all rights is a guaranteed action you must do, getting paid for fighting a war that was less then 6 months long is already more then enough, the ships can be put to far better use then whatever greedy hands the merchantmen would do with such fine ships.

>>5781009
Your "argument" is that it is out of character for Manuel to permit usury within the Empire. If your interpretation of Manuel's character is that he is a religious absolutist who follows every writ of the Shepherd to the utmost, including as public policy, then that is correct. However, considering his choice of wife and the various non-religious obligations Manuel has answered to throughout the quest I don't think him an utter zealot. At any rate, Manuel is a player-controlled character and choosing given options is a way of changing and/or unveiling different facets of his beliefs. I consider appeals to demonstrated character a non-argument against given options under such conditions.

A serious argument on your end would involve practical considerations as to WHY Manuel would consider usury unacceptable, because as voters in a very well done dynasty quest we ought to be driven by such considerations. Harm to reputation and church relations ARE a good argument although I think them weaker than the value banking can give the Empire.

>>5777068
>>Implement Leontiu’s plan.

>>5777069
>>If nothing else, giving the right to the senate will be an olive branch and appeasement. Some of the senators are still appreciative of you because of that, mainly friends of Auxentius, but friends nonetheless

>>There are plenty of benefits in marriage. Such as leaning on your father-in-law. Such a powerful family is bound to have plenty of skilled servants that they could lend you for a time.

>>5777071
>>Just leave it be, you doubt anything would come of it.

>>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system, but limit it to nothing more than a way to store and withdraw funds more easily, you shall not stain your soul and mind with usury being spread throughout your realm.

Attempting to implement usury seems damned stupid with our current issues with religion, further it is wildly out of character.

>>5777072
>>Send for a treaty. A white peace, this would be undoubtedly the easiest to accept. No one gains or losses anything. And you could make a treaty for perhaps, five years. Enough to recover and prepare.

It is a hard pill to swallow, but we must do what is best for most.

>>Compensate them for the lost ships and crews, letting them keep the warships.

With a caveat, their warships will remain part of an inactive reserve during times of peace but they shall be expected to answer the call during times of war.

Perhaps we might introduce some manner of subsidy to the merchant houses in exchange for them building up their own naval forces? Could be tied in to their requests for aid. Say 1 warship per 10 or 15 merchant ships?

>>5781058
Like I said before, Manuel felt utter disgust upon hearing that the Escuratans practice usury and yet he'll proliferate that practice in his own realm? Your scare quotes are unnecessary because that questioning is reasonable even if you disagree with it.

>>5777071
Now, with Newb's assurances, I feel more comfortable in voting in favor of it so I'll amend my vote in >>5777956 to support:
>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system in its fullest, even if they use the foulness of usury. Maybe that will be a way for you to gain more funding ?

>anons seriously want to implement usury and create a new class of bankers who will cause nothing but trouble further down the line
Implementing it now might net us a lot of money, but it's something that can't be taken back later. We can't expel the jews and seize all their property and assets because there are no jews to expel. If we allow this, we'll be creating an alternate power base that WILL be able to control and manipulate all other aspects of society, including ourselves. Do you really want to give the merchants the power to control the army, the navy, the senate, the bureaucracy, everything, through the power of money? Not to mention how it can bring the country to the edge of collapse through bad loans or other means, like what happened IRL in the various financial crises. It's a bad idea anons.

>>5781525
No it is not. This isn't the modern financial system with all of it's priviliges and influence so the fears you have are unfounded, it will be just another minor to medium sized interest group like any other minority merchant class throughout most of history. If the King of France can dismantle the Knights Templar's banking system without too much of a fuss then we'll be just fine.

>>5781535
This.

And it’s a foreign-owned banking system, so not only will there be distrust by the people - it would also allow us to seize their assets and expel them if we wish.

The state is all powerful, it could do that in medieval France, it could do it today if it wished.

>>5781630
>foreign-owned banking system
This doesn't persuade me in trusting them any more. There isn't much to stop them from escaping with all assets into one of their many little countries if they catch wind that they've lost favor with the Emperor.
Now if this was a state-owned bank then it might be different, but this is a private bank working for the private interests of a foreign race that we are allowing to be established. They know how to play the game, the Empire does not.

>>5781535
>Knight's Templar
It's telling that their secret club is still around while the French monarchy has been defunct for ages. Not saying there's any correlation, only that we shouldn't use the kings of France as a basis for ruling unless you want the monarchy's heads to roll lmao

>>5781672
Never said we should trust them, keep that in mind going forward and enjoy the economic boost from the bigger variety of loans.

The point about the French King was to say that if a native monastic banking institution like the Knights' could be destroyed by the King without too much trouble then these barbarian heretics will not be a burdensome issue.

>>5781672

Would it be possible to accept all banking functions but impose a logical limit on them?

From what I've seen, Manuel knows how horrible the banking system can be if left out of control, so it wouldn't be a stretch to imagine that this deal would have some limitations. After all within the empire in itself, there are monopolies and limitations on trade that would justify these rules to reduce excesses.

Not to mention that they would at best lessen the church's groaning over our decision even further, as well as give us an easier way to expel foreigners more quickly if they go too far.

And even with these limitations foreigners still will come to us, the huge profit they will make will generate will be more than enough to justify tolerating some limits.

I would like to make it very clear that, I want all banking functions to be permitted, but for them to be legally regulated.

I think you guys are looking at this the wrong way. Newb said that the Church would oversee the use of usury and use examples in the holy book to justify it. This implies that the Church will canonize the act of usury. Many heresies will take advantage of this and gain more of a following in the population, decrying the corruption of the Church.
If I was a heretical religious leader I know I'd act against them if they started justifying usury and say that my sect is more pure than the Church's.

>>5781688
My guy you compared an institution like the Templars to an entire ethnic group. They have more of a reason to stick with each other than the Templars ever did, and know more about the ins and outs of banking/economy than the Empire or the Church do.
Also please don't underestimate potential threats. The king of France thought he could dispatch of some peasants but was murdered by said people. Hubris is the biggest killer of all Empires.

>>5781864
I agree that there should be limitations if we accept this at all, but that isn't what the option is giving us. It's allowing the Escuratans to use their systems 'in its fullest'. Newb intervened, convincing an anon to change his vote, and explained it would be with oversight (and permission) of the Church and the Empire, sullying both institution while saying how Manuel could reasonably support it. Sorry but I don't want to go down the 'usury is justifiable when necessary' path.

>>5781905
This is also an interesting way to see it. People will definitely start to look at the Church in a more cynical light.

>>5781936
Also to add on to this, the Escuratans are definitely familiar with escaping countries with their assets if their fractured and conquered countries are any indication.

>>5777072
>Give Armentarius the title of Imperial Champion
Having him owe us for this sounds useful. He'll be another string to pull.
>Implement Leontiu’s plan
>Perhaps you can appoint one of the young senators ? Their faction would surely appreciate it and see it as a sign of favour. Undoubtedly their support for you would be greater.
>Just leave it be, you doubt anything would come of it.
There is something to be said about this, but it's best not to shake the proverbial bees nest.
>There are plenty of benefits in marriage. Such as leaning on your father-in-law. Such a powerful family is bound to have plenty of skilled servants that they could lend you for a time.
>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system, but limit it to nothing more than a way to store and withdraw funds more easily, you shall not stain your soul and mind with usury being spread throughout your realm.
I find the moral arguments against banking and usury ridiculous. There is nothing wrong with the strong exploiting the weak for their own gain whether through force or cunning. Money and pragmatism are how all great nations are established, not through religion or sentimentality towards riff raff. However there is the matter of how much we can rely on the Escuratans, I say we give them a test run before fully trusting them. That and the point about potential bitterness towards the Church and the spread of heresy is true. Religion must be under our thumb, not some knockoff Martin Luther.
>Send demands, threats of a further invasion unless what you desire for is met ! (What terms do you have ?)
Immediate withdrawal of all your forces
10 years of peace
Exchange of hostages
Monetary or material reparation for the rebuilding of the villages and farms of the western islands (villages/farms are cheap)
Monetary or material reparation for the rebuilding of the merchant imperial vessels lost (relatively cheap)
Controlled Trade (favorable toward the Empire)
>Compensate them for the lost ships and crews, seize the warships and give them enough silver for the difference.

>>5781055
>Who ever said being a banker was a sinful life?
Those that are jealous of intellectual and successful people, that's who.

>>5781951
Changing only the very last part of the vote:
>They had done their duty, nothing more, nothing less. Also, seize their ships, warships are meant for the empire, not the citizen.
Keeping the rest of my vote the same.

>>5781905
I wouldn't say canonize, but yeah I agree.

>>5781936
This. People underestimate merchants. The fact is that they were able to overthrow the old order in the end and replace it with their own, despite being expelled time after time again.

>>5781951
Thank you for reminding me about why I hate banking so much anon.

>>5781905
This is a very good point

Hemming and hawing over how Manuel perceives this or how it will be justified are hardly the point, what is important are the ramifications of it. In time you'll no doubt see issues arise from the usury itself, in the very near future we WILL see issues from the current heretics, if not increasing their numbers.

With an ecumenical council coming up to mend the schism it is absolutely foolish to do this.

>>5781905
This is a very good point

>>5782472
Yeah could be a very big problem with the different sects of our faith in the empire and the fact we have to do a council. Might be good to reconsider for anyone that voted that. A religious council is no joke

>>5782488
>>5782472
>This is a very good point
I mean I agree but you both said the same thing lmao

>>5782493
Religious councils tend to have a bad habit of making schisms. I mean look at the Orthodox-Catholic divide.

>>5781905
Meh... no printing press, no corruption within the church and no political decentralization means that such sects will not spread as the reformation did. Should Manuel present a good theological argument and the practice become a part of the status quo then I doubt any such issues will arise from it's allowance.

We should make sure that corruption within church is punished severely so that it maintains it's purpose as an institution of moral guidance.

I also find the hooplah about banking humorous. It seems to be derived from nothing besides the misatributed notion that the blunders of the modern banking system were a result of banking, loans and interest as concepts and not from ponzi schemes they are allowed to do.

I find it kind of crazy how there is such a defense for loan sharks. There is a reason why usurers were so hated by most people in the medieval age, and turning the Church into an institution that promotes the idea won't go over well.

>>5781951
If I wanted to follow the story of yet another pragmatic leader I'd read Game of Thrones. Machiavellianism is overrated as a trope. And it isn't true that you need pragmatism to rule successfully; Frederick the Great fiercely opposed Machiavelli yet was one of the more successful monarchs and set the stage for Germany to be unified.

>>5782507
I am certain the Catholic and Orthodox sects were bitterly divided before the age of the printing press.
>Should Manuel present a good theological argument and the practice become a part of the status quo then I doubt any such issues will arise from it's allowance.
Thank you for clearly stating your intent to transform the Church into an investment office and loaning service, a temple were merchants can buy and sell their goods.

>>5782528
> I am certain the Catholic and Orthodox sects were bitterly divided before the age of the printing press.
Apples to oranges. The worry was about various heretical sects sprouting within the empire, not some centuries long cultural and political rift.

> Thank you for clearly stating your intent to transform the Church into an investment office and loaning service, a temple were merchants can buy and sell their goods.
I have explicitly said that that is not their purpose. The purpose of the church is to provide moral guidance, not conduct commerce. Me advocating for allowing loans is not the same as advocating for the clergy to turn into businessmen.

>>5777072
Banking being the new great controversy of Revovatio Imperii is hilarious. Also, in light of >>5781905 I will revise my vote on banking in >>5777328 to
>Have the Escuratans implement their banking system, but limit it to nothing more than a way to store and withdraw funds more easily, you shall not stain your soul and mind with usury being spread throughout your realm.
Permitting usury *is* exactly the sort of choice which could galvanize Myslik into organizing a revolt and/or major ecclesiological heresy. Any sensible absolutist must prioritize stability over innovation.

>>5782538
If not now, when will we have the opportunity to make this positive economic change? I think the risks of resentment or revolt are overstated in this case as we are uniquely positioned to disarm such threats and so I wish to make use of it to bring about our recovery faster.

>>5782535
>The worry was about various heretical sects sprouting within the empire, not some centuries long cultural and political rift.
There already are heretical sects sprouting in what is basically the Arianism heresy. I want to prevent giving them any ammunition to use, because they will use this against us if passed.
>The purpose of the church is to provide moral guidance, not conduct commerce. Me advocating for allowing loans is not the same as advocating for the clergy to turn into businessmen.
Except they will oversee banking matters and actively justify the need for loan sharks, essentially turning clergymen into accountants.

>>5782501
Can happen

>>5782545
I think that introducing banks as depository institutions first before legalizing moneylending will help the Thephians accept finance. Our people are unfortunately hidebound and ought to be eased into the reforms which will make the Empire great again. We will have opportunities in the future if we get a handle on the heretics and aristocrats first.

>>5782553
>make the Empire great again
I kek'd

>>5782548
> There already are heretical sects sprouting in what is basically the Arianism heresy. I want to prevent giving them any ammunition to use, because they will use this against us if passed.
Glad you changed your argument. The cost you present is incredibly small in comparison to the benefit of permitting the practice of banking. Such sects have little power in comparison to the Imperial Bureacracy and the Church, not any significant threat.

> Except they will oversee banking matters and actively justify the need for loan sharks, essentially turning clergymen into accountants.
More like a regulatory agency then. Why are you so insistent on using the term loan sharks anyway? Feels more like an attempt at scary framing like the term assault weapon rather than an accurate representation of the thing being talked about. Loan sharks provide high interest loans to high risk clients in an attempt to make them their slaves, using force when they don't get their way. You think we would allow such a thing?

>>5782553
I think the main sticking point are the loans though. It'd a much bigger change then deposits and withdrawals so I don't think allowing those first will make much of a difference in the response.

>>5782555
>He doesn't realize that the Tarrizian financial system is part of why they are fucking us in trade
Like it or not, loans are necessary for economic advancement. Economically ossifying into the sick man of the continent is death.

>>5782559
You may well be right. Nevertheless, I think that introducing and legitimizing the banking institutions will help with getting moneylending accepted later- especially if we manage to get Thephians into regulatory positions first.

>>5782559
>Glad you changed your argument.
Hah, you realize religious schisms aren't all the same right? Also small threats that people don't worry about destroying eventually grow into larger ones, this should be common knowledge even for one with your hubris.
>Why are you so insistent on using the term loan sharks anyway?
Because that is the literal definition of an usurer. Usury is, by definition, the lending or practice of lending money at an exorbitant interest.

>>5782566
The purity of the Empire has indeed been sullied for the sake of money lmao
The empire has fallen, millions must die.

>>5782591
> Hah, you realize religious schisms aren't all the same right?
That's exactly what Im pointing out. You changed from one schism as an example to another.

> Also small threats that people don't worry about destroying eventually grow into larger ones, this should be common knowledge even for one with tour hubris.
The fact that they are small and that we are willing to crush them is exactly why I don't fear them. And spare me with the hubris comment, your posts have been dripping with condescencion during this entire discussion.

> Because that is the literal definition of an usurer. Usury is, by definition, the lending or practice of lending money at an exorbitant interest.
No it is not.

Usury is the illegal action or practice of lending money at unreasonably high rates of interest.

Unreasonable is a completely subjective standard, it is as stupid of an economic idea as price controls.

Even if it was extortion i.e. take money through threats or use of violence, they can't extort people if we don't allow them to.

>>5782603
>No it is not
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/usury

>the lending of money with an interest charge for its use

>>5782603
>You changed from one schism as an example to another.
Forgive me for not knowing what the future holds in terms of any potential religious schism and wanting to find what might be likely. It is entirely possible this potential religious schism is uncharted ground.

>No it is not.
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/usury
>1. the lending or practice of lending money at an exorbitant interest.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/usury
> 1. the lending of money with an interest charge for its use
>especially : the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/u/usury.asp
>Usury is the act of lending money at an interest rate that is considered unreasonably high or that is higher than the rate permitted by law.

>>5782611
Hang on, I misread exorbitant as extortionate. That's my mistake. The point is, Loan Sharks are about extortion not about what is considered unreasonable interest.

>>5782618
>1

I rest my case. As to "loan shark" I'll agree that can be seen as inflammatory language, however with the vague "exorbitant" or speaking of how reasonable the interest for a loan is does not in any way change the fact of the matter that "usury" is the practice of charging interest on a loan, state or church sponsored regardless.

As has been said, it does not matter how we see it, what matters is how it is perceived. We already have some heretic sects, we might possibly spawn more of them with this decision, nevermind strengthening those that exist.

We have committed to facing the heresy issue, this will only harm our efforts.

As others have said, perhaps the issue might be revisited in the future once the empire has acclimated to the idea of a bank.

>>5782622
That depends on the extortioner. It was common for usurers to practice extortion in the medieval period. I'll even say that the concepts can in fact be considered interchangeable.
See:
https://thesaurus.plus/related/extortion/usury

However I'm not going to bother attempting to defend this position, since definitions rely too much on semantics. I personally like https://brewminate.com/loan-sharks-a-history-of-usury-since-ancient-rome/ as a basic concept (I am a bit critical of this website otherwise, but that is besides the point and will derail things), but the definitions obviously are different from person to person.

>>5782640
That is a fair assessment.

>>5782642
Then let us agree to crack down on extortion, is that not something we can both agree on?

>>5782644
Absolutely.

Bump

I am alive. Update will probably come out this week or early next week, and I will try to push an update soon after that for a new thread.

>>5798812
Nice to see you back Newb.
Don't pressure yourself into updating my guy, you're stuff is pretty good and we'll wait regardless.

>>5798812
yeah

“Your majesty, even with the new budget, I suggest for your majesty to reconsider the rebuilding of the [i]Optimatoi tagmata[/i] (The best, regiment/battalion), professional soldiers are a great expense for the barely recovering treasury !” Your newest [i]protasekretis[/i] (first secretary) – Alexius Rhagabe – exclaims following you as you walk towards your throne room.

“Whilst we are aware of such pressures, the defence of our empire is of the greatest of imports, in order to allow those [i]thémata[/i] (placement, district) to recover from decades of devastation. Not to mention, the foreigners we had decided to resettle at the border, despite how well we had divided them to ensure to one would dare to revolt, having a [i]tagmata[/i] (regiment/battalion) in place to remind them of imperial authority is a necessity.”

The man sighs. “Very well, your majesty I shall begin coordinating the efforts for the recruitment, if nothing else [i]strategos[/i] (general) Isaac will be pleased.”

You nod in response, entering the throne room as the guards there stand at attention noticing your presence.

“What of the new administrators ?”

“[i]Kyvernítis[/i] (governor) Ingerinus’ scribes, slaves, and servants had arrived as your majesty had requested, it will take some time to get things truly going, but we should be fine for a while, still what has come is but a fraction needed to truly run the bureaucracy, your majesty.”

“It shall have to do for now.” Finally reaching the throne, you sit down upon it. “What of other matters ?”

“Other than the meetings planned for today, your majesty, there are but minor things needing your attention, mainly concerning the matters related to [i]Kósmosaspída[/i] (World shield), your majesty.”

You sigh in annoyance. “Whose farmers pigs had wandered into whose field this time ?”

“Mercurius of Milomnos’ into Vitalius of Milomnos’, your majesty.” Dryly the young man responds, though you see a small smile play upon his rather chiselled looking face. Shoulder length black hair, brown eyes and a strong physique indicating constant daily training, the man who’s perhaps a bit your elder, he strikes the look of a proper young and ambitious patrician of the Empire. He is competent and favoured by the younger senators. As for his loyalty, well, he is the striking figure of a young and ambitious patrician, and all that entails. Still, his position is entirely dependant upon your grace and the support of the young senators whom also wish to have close ties with your household.

You simply stare at the man, before slightly shaking your head in resignation. “Carry out your duties [i]protasekretis[/i].” You simply dismiss the man whom bows deeply before starting to depart. “Eunuch.” You address the man closest to you. “Invite the first man.”

“Right away, your majesty.” The eunuch bows and scurries away towards the large door leading into the chamber.

>>5811131

[blue]Here’s to hoping things stay quiet for a while more.[/blue] You think with some optimism as the summer is slowly rolling over to autumn. You had already sent the Akeonian king what you consider entirely reasonable peace treaty, that shall no doubt be declined, but perhaps you will still be able to get something out of it, as for other matters of foreign affairs, you had been informed that the Jaykin prince is on his way to your empire, to swear his fealty to you as your newest vassal, but rather than risking a potential incident by demanding money from his homeland, you had declined Iovivus’ idea, but as for the other one…

The large door opens up and another eunuch besides you loudly proclaims “Cuinte Helzu the Escuratan here upon your majesty’s summons !”

The man, as brightly dressed as seems usual for his people now has to kowtow before you, slowly crawling towards the throne under the watchful gaze of your guards, whom are gazing upon him for even the slightest transgression that could be used to put him down.

Eventually, he reaches the designated spot wherein he loudly proclaims to the room. “I, Cuinte Helzu answer the calls of my magnanimous imperial majesty and crawl before your merciful gaze.”

“Their majesty welcomes you, Escuratan, their majesty grants you his most magnanimous permission to stand as the newest servant of their divinely blessed will.” Finishing the process of greeting your newest subject, the eunuch proclaims as the man begins to rise, a privilege of now being part of the empire.

“As our newest servant, we welcome you.” You yourself now say. “We had called upon your person for we are curious about institution widely spread within your homeland, the things you refer to as banks.”

“Ah, they are great institutions your majesty.” You watch as the man becomes far more animated than you had ever seen him before. “Your majesty would not make a mistake to allow for such institutions to spread, it would bring great wealth and glory, and prestige to the imperial household. The merchant would sing your praises every day your majesty !”

“Enough.” You calmly state raising your hand. “We had heard of the usage of the banks as means of easy and safe places to store money, even using notes indicating amount of money left as means of exchange for trade. We have no doubt that such services would be of use for the traders of our empire.”

“Then-“

“However, such institutions also practice usury, the despicable act of earning money through money. That is something we shall never allow to stain the spirit of our august and venerable empire, nor shall we allow the Thephian people to be made into slaves as means of repaying their debts.”

“I see, then what is that you wish of me, your majesty ?” The man had clearly lost the animated emotion of movement before.

>>5811133

“You and your kin are knowledgeable in matters such as these, as such we wish to invite you and your kin to set up these banks. You shall lend no money and the church shall ensure that no usury shall take place. Instead, you will earn your payment for the services you shall render in protection of the money people would decide to store there.”

“I understand, your majesty. And these banks, whom shall control them ?”

“We shall allow you your initiative in the matters, yet our eyes and ears and those of church shall watch you for anything that would taint the spirits of your people.”

“I shall then inquire with my cousins to set up a bank as your majesty demands, within the limits your majesty had set.”

“Excellent, if you carry out our orders as we demand, then we shall be pleased. You are dismissed.” You state and the man bows, now being able to walk out of the chamber rather than crawl.

“Whom is next ?” You ask the eunuch.

“Critobulus of house Maniakes, your majesty, he is here concerning the matters of recompense for the actions he and his fellow merchants had carried out in the most recent war.”

“Allow him.”

With swift commands given, the large door once more opens and the patriarch of the richest family in the empire once again stands before within your audience chamber.

“Your majesty, I Critobulus Maniakes greet you.” He states with a quick bow.

“We greet you in turn. Now, we had come to a decision after much pondering about your dedication to the war and the empire you had showcased. It is our will to grant you your request for recompense for your losses, however, as the empire has now a greater than ever need to do so, any and all warships captured during the war shall fly the wolf’s banner. For this you shall too be given recompense in ships and silver. Our shipwrights shall build you ships so that you and others may once again sail the waves and bring wealth to our realm.”

“I thank you, your majesty.” He says with another bow.

“You are dismissed. Inform your fellows of our decision.” You state offhandedly as the man begins to depart the chamber.
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-
(POV shift: You are Guillaume de La Mare, the bastard half-brother of the Akeonian King Tedwin de La Mare.)

The rain feels good upon your red hair, anything that doesn’t have salt in it, you will like nowadays, you suppose.

Looking around, you watch as the sailors scramble through the rough weather of a summer’s storm to slide into docks and die the ship to the pier, despite the endless downpour of warm rain, the at the docks are still continuously scurrying around, rain, wind, and large waves seemingly being no obstacle to the more courageous and perhaps foolish merchants. With the war winding down, the isles devastated by it will have a need of many goods, even if they’ll have to be smuggled in half the time.

>>5811136

As the plank slams heavily upon the pier, you gingerly walk upon it and finally reach solid ground, even as you can still feel hateful gazes landing upon you, one of the numerous reasons why you always take the bother of wearing your armour. It is an amusing thought, both the local Thephians and their conquering Akeonians are united in one aspect, absolutely hating you. Being the king’s executioner and mad dog does come with some downsides. Lifting your helmet, you secure it upon your head as your loyal men-at-arms also begin to form around you, just as a colourfully dressed in red velvets servant rushes to meet you.

“Greetings, your lordship, their royal highness wishes to meet with you immediately.” He states bowing before you.

“Does my brother view me as a slave ? I just got back and yet to even have dinner.” You state, your voice slightly muffled by your dragonhelm.

“Their royal highness is in no mood for jests.”

You’ve always hated your brother’s butler, he was there since the times of your father and made sure you would never forget about your [b]lesser[/b] birth.

[blue]Should I kill him ? Make it look like he slipped in the rain and broke his neck. That’d stop him yammering.[/blue]

“Of course, lead the way.” You state a moment of silence later.

Maintaining a neutral expression, the butler once again bows. “Please, follow me my lord, the carriage in near-“

“I’ll walk. It’s been a while since I had been back in our newest home.”

“Bu-“

“Ah, keep in mind, [i][b]serf[/b][/i], that I am being generous right now.” [blue]Oh, that had really set him off.[/blue] You let out a smirk as you see rage pass through the old man’s face, which to his credit, he is able to quickly mask and hide. Just how he liked to remind you of your past, so you shall remind him of his.

Walking the muddy cobblestone road, you watch as the numerous market stalls house clusters of people hiding from the downpour as they wait for their chance to run back to their homes or their workplaces, the raindrops constantly echo outwards as they continuously impact your metal armour. An interesting mix of both Thephians and Akeonians stand side to side, it almost makes it seem like there aren’t constant revolts in the lands and the locals aren’t currently hiding in the various woods around the isle.

Due to the rain, if nothing else, you are not subjected to the endless noise of creaking wooden cranes and masons working around the clock, the entirety of Ryrgos, or well, you suppose the new name would be Akeos is in the process of reconstruction, old buildings being repaired, new ones popping up as the newest nobles of the land desire for proper estates befitting their stature close to the seat of the monarch.

>>5811139

On your way up the muddy road, you take a wide sidestep as a cart bearing goods descends down it, the noise of people drinking deeply and singing loudly spills out of a tavern nearby. And then the bells of the church ring out, that too is in the process of being changed, the sacrilegious idolatry of the Thephians being stripped away, their obsession with the old pagan gods being covered in cloth is a strange one for you, but one you don’t have to worry about as they had long since been crushed to be used as materials for the renovation.

And further away from that, the still clear stonework of a brand-new castle built right atop the old manor of the once Thephian governor of these lands. Built upon a raise of the ground, the main keep juts into the sky, some of the longer and large towers are still under construction, but the main structure is long since finished, a large surrounding wall reaching about 7 or so meters and about a metre or so thick. It had been a priority to build, fears of the locals rising up strong in the minds of your fellow nobles, [i]châteaux[/i] like these are popping up around the land without an end, though most of them are made mainly out of wood. A fortress within a walled town, and said fortifications will only grow as more time goes by.

Eventually, you manage to reach the first gates at the walls, whom are quickly opened as you approach, your armour and banner being carried by your man-at-arms is a clear enough sign of your identity. Clearing the wall, you climb upwards to the main keep itself, your brother’s banners, depicting a golden lion, with a crown above its brow, set in a red background, soaked through, limply hang from the keep’s sides, a symbol of authority and conquest.

Stepping inside the well-lit hall, the warm wind and the strong rain now no longer beating at against your armour finally gives you a moment of reprieve, and you do wonder at your own stubbornness of having insisted to walk.

“My lord, if I may assist you ?” One of the servants rushes to you, as raindrops and mud begins to stain the floor and the decadent red and gold carpet underneath your feet.

“Lead ahead.” You state shaking your gauntlets and letting more water to scatter about the entrance. If nothing else, your brother’s butler looks utterly miserable and completely soaked through.
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Having been stripped out of your armour and given a proper, hot bath, you weren’t even able to fully dry out your hair before you were clad in comfortable silks allowing your skin to breathe in the oppressive, humid heat. Black trousers and a dark blue shirt alongside a lighter tone vest of royal blue adorns your body alongside a black belt and a black pair of shoes all of whom are adorned with diamonds and gold that glisten as what rays of sunshine manage to cut through the rainclouds.

>>5811141

Without much further conversation, the keep’s guards quickly begin escorting you towards your brother’s study at the highest floor of the keep.

A quick knock later and the permission give, you enter the room that still smells of fresh wood, new books, ink and parchment, a large circular crystal clear central window dominates the wall providing illumination for the office as it is directly behind a rather large oaken desk with angel figures carved into its sides, their wings painted white with crushed pearls, whilst their clothing is made out of solid silver, their faces and hands are of clear white-gold, the eyes are in an altering pattern of diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and rubies. Each angel is also grasping something else in their hands, one wields a sword made of pure gold, the other a book, the third holds upon a new-born, the fourth and final one holds the Shepherd’s cross. A large chair, with feather stuffed pillows and a tall backrest offers quite a bit of comfort for anyone working throughout the day and night. Yet for now, it is absent its owner, as your brother stands before the large circular window and is currently in the process of contemplating something. He always fidgets with his royal insignia ring whenever in deep thought, as you had come to notice.

“My [i]Roi[/i].” You proclaim. “I, Guillaume, had come as ordered.”

“And you took your time in doing so.” He dryly remarks, his voice calm and even without any true intonation, he had never been one for shouts and screams, or even raising his voice. “Sit.”

You comply without much second thought, taking one of the two seats before the table, smaller in size than the one behind the desk, but still luxuriously decorated. You also extend your hand to grab an apple from a fruit bowl placed upon the desk and take a deep bite into it, the slightly sweet and sour juice of it fills your mouth and your stomach grumbles demanding for something more hearty.

“How was your journey ?” He finally states a moment later.

“Fine. I grabbed everything I could.”

“And baron Denisot ?”

“Fell overboard in his armour due to a storm, tragic, really.”

“Good. I will have to offer my condolences to his family.”

“Anyone else that needs taking care of.”

“No.”

You pause, not taking another bite of your apple. “Really now ? Quite surprising that no one else is one the chopping block, did you suddenly get a surge of goodwill or are you just simply ill ?”

>>5811145

“It is not a matter to joke about.” Tedwin states calmly once again, now turning around and slowly meandering to his own chair. With brilliant short-cut blonde hair, clean shaven face, and clear blue eyes, the man is almost entirely your opposite in terms of looks and temperament, were it not for the fact that both of your faces share some similarities, most people wouldn’t consider you brothers. Then again, he had been born from a proper noble lady, and you had come from the womb of a foreign slave. “I had already backed everyone into a corner, they tremble whenever they see me, they hang upon my every word, but as it is with wild beasts, if pushed too far with no means of escape, that very same fear can become the greatest of motivating strengths. Sometimes one must learn when to step back.”

“Fair enough.” You bite into the apple again.

“A peace treaty had arrived whilst you were busy moving at a pace of turtle.”

You feel annoyed. “Who was it that had diverted me to put down rebellions ?”

“Ones that broke out at my perceived weakness and defeat.”

You snort. “Things worked out the way you wanted to, didn’t they ?”

“Not perfectly, but nothing goes as such in life, even the Shepherd was executed in the end.”

“So, this peace, what about it ?”

“Here.” Tedwin passes a piece of paper and then leans back in comfort.

“Withdrawal of all forces, blah, blah, blah, ten years of peace…hostages ? Heh, I’d like to see the face of whomever we’d send as a hostage there, the Thephians are sure riled up after the war.”

“You will.”

You nearly choke upon the fruit, coughing heavily, your regard your brother once more. “What do you mean me ?”

“Exactly as I said.”

“If you are telling me to die, at least have the decency to use your own blade !” You can feel your anger rise.

“You will not die, the Thephian Emperor is a…calm man. Dufour’s prolonged survival had proven that.”

“Oh, I am sure that as I am being tortured for any and all scraps of information, that will be a calming thought !”

“I have no plans to break the treaty, as of now, so you have no need to worry.”

“Your surety is assuring.” You spit with quite a bit of venom.

“Everything here is fine, but for two points. The trade and the tying of our two houses. Negotiate that.”

“I am no diplomat.”

“You are smart enough manage, I am sure.”

“As I am hanging from the gallows, I will be cursing your name till my dying breath in the most diplomatic of manners.”

“I shall endeavour to pray to get rid of them in the church. You are an important person, if the Thephian Emperor is no fool, and I’ve yet to see any indications of being as such, besides his blind piety, I suppose, you will be fine. If need be, offer your military expertise, I doubt they’d decline it.”

>>5811149

Just as you are about to open your mouth for further protests, the door behind is opened and the noise of small feet rapidly scurrying forwards becomes apparent in the room.

“Papa !” A small child proclaims, a spitting image of your brother, rushing forwards to him.

“Giles ? Why are you here, where’s your nanny ?” Your brother proclaims taking the child on his knees as an exhausted woman rushes in offering her most profuse apologies.

“Well then. I shall leave this beautiful gathering and march off to certain doom.” You proclaim leaving the remains of the apple as you rise from your seat. “Your royal highness, nephew.”

-
(End of POV shift.)

The man before you dressed in simple clothing scrambles as he lifts up a large door after making the rather large iron lock undone. As sunlight enters the darkness, you see what appears to be perhaps a quarter full granary.

“As you see your majesty, we do not have much grain left.” The person now speaks, old, with a grey beard and some thinning head hair, despite the age, the man is still relatively strong, due to the fact of his good eating and constant exercise. Despite being the granary manager of Myralos, he dresses simply in woollen or linen clothes with the minimum of decorations his position would demand. “And what we do have.” He states throwing down a bucket and then quickly drawing it up, revealing the golden grains, with disturbing black spots appearing on some of them. “Is going bad.”

“How could this have happen ?” You quickly question.

“The droughts, your majesty. If I may speak freely ?” You simply nod. “The reason why we are not starving right now is because so many folks ended up dying in the wars and the plagues that our reserves could shoulder the burden. But now many fields lay abandoned and so many men had perished that we’re in a situation like this, your majesty.”

“From what we heard, since the lands lay abandoned and that slaves come at a great expense, foodstuffs should be plentiful enough.”

“For some, aye, but not for most.”

“[i]Protasekretis[/i].” You call for him having remembered a previous conversation.

“Yes, your majesty ?” Alexius quickly responds.

“As we recall, the senators that we had conversed with a few months prior had been boasting about purchasing more lands for cheap.”

“That is correct, your majesty, with the deaths of so many family heads, the lands are usually inherited and split up by their sons, or their closest male relatives.”

“And not everyone wishes to farm or can.”

“That is correct, your majesty.”

“Your majesty, if I may ?” The old man asks, and with a wave of your hand you grant him permission. “Despite the countryside being as empty as it is, people are flocking to Myralos, or any township for that matter.”

“Why ?”

>>5811152

“Fear of uncertainty, no one knows when another outbreak of disease may happen or where, it is hard to maintain lands with barely any hands, so many folks take what the patricians offer for their lands and head here for the search of a better life.”

“I doubt that everyone whom comes here is met with opportunity.”

“More often than not, your majesty.” Alexius quickly interjects, unfurling one of the scrolls that he had carried in his sack. “Based on the census carried out recently, the populace of Myralos had remained around a similar size of roughly two hundred thousand people, give or take a few thousand, but the surrounding areas around Myralos, including your majesty’s personally governed [i]Kósmosaspída[/i], the numbers have been in a steady and occasional sharp decline for the past couple of decades if not more, I’d have to check the archives for that, your majesty. This does cause some issues as the amount of work overall needed within the city is limited, due to that roughly a third of all people living within Myralos rely upon the grain dole implement in 681 AD, another perhaps tenth of the populace is qualified for a lesser version of this dole due to their higher income. All doles are exclusively only for the citizens of our glorious Empire, no freedmen or slaves are eligible for it.”

“Then all of these people, could we potentially move them back to the countryside ?”

“Potentially, though most lands are held privately, your majesty, either compensation would have to be offered for the lands to their owners or alternatively some other deal would need to be struck, such as perhaps even forced tenancy contracts, wherein the poor would farm the lands and give parts of the harvest to the land owners or recompense the land owners in some other way, though I would caution your majesty that the land owners would demand far greater terms than usual, and these people, well, they are used to being nothing, but leeches of society.” He remarks as befitting a patrician, with utter disregard of the lower classes.

[blue]Another issue to solve.[/blue]

“What do you think ?” You ask the old man. “As someone whom interacts with the common man more closely than any two of us ?”

“Well, I would have to both agree and disagree with the most honourable senator. Some would be willing to work, many had abandoned their lands due to simple bad luck, but others would most certainly despise having to leave the towns they had grown accustomed to. Also there’s the matter of tenancy, many commonfolk despise such contracts, they tend to be long, expensive, and being tied to one’s land with the risk of being imprisoned or God forbid made into a slave due to the sheer amount of debt, well that terrifies most.”

>>5811155

“Then what about distant lands, just beyond the mountains, we hold much land that we are willing to give out, we had also instituted plans to not raise men for battle or even tax those lands for multiple years.”

“Certainly attractive to some.” The old man nods. ”But no one wants to live at the border full of savages, not to mention.” He pauses for a moment. “Well, living side by side with former criminals, freedmen, and please forgive me, but [i]barbaroi[/i] now pretending to be proper Thephians whilst still acting like savages that they are, no honest folk would go. Not to mention the dreary weather of the place.”

“If it is a matter of spreading people out, then perhaps the lands we own that had once belonged to our family ? It is close by; the lands are fertile and bountiful.”

“Well, your majesty.” Once again Alexius interjects.

“The lands now owned personally by your majesty are well-developed, especially now with the slaves your majesty possesses there, with the tenant farmers present also delivering their share of harvests. However, the amount of people we need to transport, if your majesty chooses to transport them, would never have enough land. Even if your majesty offers generous terms of tenancy, it is a simple matter of fact that your majesty’s personal lands are limited in size.”

You ponder for a moment, looking around the granary as you stand atop of it, the warm sunlight beats down upon you making you sweat and your silken clothes are long since soaked through. The granary and it surrounded buildings are built from a concrete mixture, with stones jutting out, showcasing a cheaper production far more concerned about function than looks, a few cracks are visible here and there indicating the great age of one of the numerous granaries across the entire capital, a good portion of whom now standing abandoned as the town’s once massive population had been reduced to a fraction of the total now present.

“If we do not remove the people, would the city be hurt ?”

“It has survived so far, your majesty.” The old man gruffly says.

“And if we are short on food ?”

He now pauses, clearly wondering how he should word his answer to avoid your wrath. “Your majesty’s wisdom and piety are known to all. However, rumbling stomachs, starving children…it is, it is the greatest motivator, a simple desire to eat can make even the most cautious of men into brave lions.”

“So, they shall revolt.” You respond bluntly.

“In short, yes.”

“That is of course if the weather remains bad, your majesty, occasional rains do come down, once harvest season gets truly going, we shall have to see how well the granaries are filled.”

You make a mental note, that perhaps a week, maybe one and a half remains until the harvest season goes into full swing, signalling the oncoming end of summer and the imminent beginning of autumn.

>>5811156

“Then we shall have to strongly consider it. However, if it is a poor harvest, then it does not matter where we send these people, as they shall starve either upon the streets of Myralos or some other town, or in the fields somewhere.”

“Except those starving in the fields will not try to burn the palace down, your majesty. And any whom would try to do so outside of the town, would have to get through the walls.” Rather callously Alexius responds. “Your majesty’s safety is of a much greater importance than the death of thousands, tens of thousands even.”

“It is still our duty to protect the citizen, to deliver justice and to act in temperance is something we had promised to keep to our people as their father, and it is something that we shall keep.” You turn to the old man. “The issues that remain will be addressed in time, we shall not neglect the plight of our subjects.”

“I feel assured by that, your majesty.” The old man says.

“When can the people be moved, [i]protasekretis[/i] ?”

“If the people are to be moved, your majesty, they would need time to build shelter, find food, prepare the fields. Perhaps early spring of next year.”

[blue]Just in time for the council.[/blue] You nod, if nothing else, you will be able to attend to your promise and the issue about the countryside around the same time.

For now however, you will have to tough it out for the coming months, with winter on the way and with so much of your bureaucracy non-functioning, much of the burden will be upon you to divert finances and for but a fraction of the needed amount of bureaucrats to manage the entirety of the empire.
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“We had poor harvest across the empire, nearly two-thirds less than we had expected, whilst not disastrous, it is still an exceptionally poor harvest, the food we do have alongside our existing reserves means that we have sufficient supplies to ensure that everyone under arms will be fed alongside the workers being employed by your majesty’s administration. Unfortunately, the grain dole and other such initiatives will have to be constrained, but we do not need to remove them in their entirety.” Alexius reports to you in the middle of the day.

>>5811157

It had been a stressful few months, to say the absolute least, to reach the middle of autumn. The administrators sent by Delmatius had proven essential in preventing the administration coming to a grinding halt, but there had been issues, with so much work, things slip through the cracks, supplies not sent when they should have, wrongful documents sent to wrong places further wasting time, luckily nothing major had occurred, but is only a matter of time. Luckily, the most important part of the administration, payments and tax collection, directly under your supervision, thanks to you dedicating much of your time towards it, had functioned acceptably, so if nothing else, you do not need to fear your soldiers rebelling across the empire. Though you had to turn your once tranquil personal office into a more or less public space where your administrators are busy running back and forth trying to cut down on as much bloat as possible.

“I should also note this, your majesty.” Alexius continues. “Whilst the [i]thémata[/i] (placement, district) of [i]Chloerógi[/i] (Verdant land) had reported a bumper harvest thanks to the aqueducts that were diverted from the [i]Drómosapózōḗ[/i] (Road of life). Due to this, it can afford to feed the surrounding [i]thémata[/i], however, due to the droughts, the areas beyond [i]Chloerógi[/i] are suffering a lack of water, the towns there have to deal with constant unrest from the discontent locals. But, if there is any silver lining for such a horror, your majesty, it is the fact that the people are abandoning the towns and moving back to the countryside.”

You stare at the man for a moment. “We doubt that they have the needed amount of money to purchase lands. So, what sort of tenancy contracts are being formed there ?”

“Ah, yes. Unfortunately, due to the situation, the contracts had been reported as quite harsh, yet there’s nothing illegal about them.”

“What are the most common terms ?”

“Twenty year long contracts, half of all the harvest, half of all days in the week of labour will be provided for the land owner.”

You sigh. [blue]That will cause resentment.[/blue] You think dourly.

“And the private land owners, how are their harvests and food situation ?”

“Usually, just as bad. Due to that the amount of food on the market will no doubt decrease and the price increase.”

“Then can we impose a limit on the food costs ?”

“Yes, your majesty, you can. However, I should note that your majesty’s predecessors whom tried to do so failed.”

“Why ?”

“Your majesty’s representatives cannot be everywhere at all time at once. People will simply start selling things outside of your majesty’s servant’s reach.”

“And those whom succeeded in gaining a large harvest will either way sell for a large sum of silver, gold, or even slaves. Have the citizens become desperate enough to sell themselves, or their children into it ?”

>>5811158

“Not yet, your majesty. But another harvest like this and I have no doubt that we shall see such situation happening.”

“What of the foreign lands ? Do we know how well their harvests are going ?”

“I do not know, your majesty should inquire with the [i]kyvernítis[/i] (governor) Kurkuas, his control of the [i]Movmetáxinisiá[/i] (Purple silk islands) makes him knowledgeable about the going ons of distant lands.”

“We shall endeavour to send him a letter then.” You nod. “What of the gathering of the priests ?”

“Proceeding as expected, your majesty. Many of the members of the Church closest to Myralos had already gathered, a good few dozens of them. Ah, I should note that his all holiness had sent a request for your majesty if you would be willing to host the priests within the palace due to their ever-increasing numbers. The cathedral simply doesn’t have the living space for all of them.”

“Inform his holiness that We accept. Much of the palace is left unused after all. Tell [i]parakoimomenos[/i] (one who sleeps nearby) Gallienus to make the arrangements for it.”

“Very well, I-“

“Your majesty !” The [i]kanikleiou[/i] (keeper of the imperial inkstand) calls out rushing into your office. “The Akeonian diplomat has arrived, a vessel with the flag of their ruler has just reached the docks.”

“Prepare our throneroom, we shall greet them there.” You nod and swiftly rise from your seat.
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As the heavy door opens, you quickly glance at Armentarius and Leontius to your right, just a step below your throne, and towards Gallienus and Alexius to your left. The most important persons that could be called upon on such a short time. No doubt the messenger sent now would have the authority to negotiate, and you do not want to lose out in any manner. For that reason, you have now assembled a military man, a politician, one familiar and skilled with courtly intrigue and an administrator. You won’t back down easily.

The sound of steady and proud footsteps rings out as the messenger, red haired and possessing emerald eyes, halts a distance away from your throne, quickly upsetting the guards as he refuses to bow, much less so kowtow before you. Most interestingly enough, you see Armentarius’ eyes fill up with rage as he grasps the hilt of his blade.

“Greetings to you, Emperor of the Thephians.” The man speaks out, with perfectly articulated and unaccented tone. “I am Guillaume de La Mare, brother to the King of us Akeonians. I had been sent here to negotiate on behalf of our people.” He finally goes silent, seemingly bored at the situation staring up at your throne.

For the brother of the Akeonian king to showcase himself as a messenger such as this, well, it is unprecedented.

The eunuch next to you, incensed by the fact that yet again a rude Akeonian had showcased himself is about to begin, but you simply raise your hand.

>>5811159

“Then speak, and speak well for we shall listen.” You calmly state, more curious than anything else. Perhaps this man had been sent to die just like count Dufour before him ? He had been a most gracious guest when you had treated him with a modicum of respect. Though, from what Armentarius said, and how he is currently acting, you are unsure of the latter.

“I come under the promise of Shepherd’s peace, bringing terms. Their royal highness had deemed the terms your majesty had outlined as acceptable. All Akeonian forces had already withdrawn from the lands claimed by the empire, the king is also willing to enforce a truce that would last ten years, that is half a generation. Their highness is willing to also provide recompense to rebuild the damaged farms and villages upon the isles, as well as to repay for lost merchantships. And as for the reason why I am here, it is to ensure the peace in your majesty’s demand for hostages. Their royal highness shall also expect a hostage, or a series of hostages equal to my worth to be sent to their highness’ kingdom.”

Now that causes pause for everyone gathered here as glances are rapidly exchanged.

“Yet we are yet to hear about our demand for favourable trade.” You reply a moment of pondering later.

“That is something their royal highness is unwilling to budge upon. Trade can be established, in fact, their royal highness wishes for trade to prosper between the two realms. To the point where their royal highness is willing to pay 100 kilograms of gold in order to establish a treaty of free trade that would see merchants from both realms trade with no tariffs enforced upon them.”

“We shall consider this counter-offer.” You nod.

“Yet there’s still more.” Guillaume loudly proclaims. “Their royal highness wishes to have any upcoming legal heir of his marry your majesty’s daughter. The entire treaty hinges upon this term.”

[blue]Oh, Armentarius looks like he’s about to explode.[/blue] Meanwhile, Leontius is in deep thought, Gallienus has a glint in his eyes, and Alexius appears to be entirely indifferent.

“We’ve yet to have a daughter, and it is not a sure thing that we ever shall, for it all depends on the blessings of the Shepherd, not to mention God’s grace.”

“My brother knows. That is still the term, ah, and I was informed that he is willing to provide a metric ton of gold should your majesty accept, and another ton if the marriage is carried out.”

“We shall ponder on this. Leave.” You state with a wave of your hand.

For once, the man shows some respect as he bows before turning about and leaving.

“Your majesty, that man cannot be trusted, I had fought against him for months, he is nothing but a tricky snake, using traps, trickery and spies to gain his way !” Armentarius quickly says.

>>5811162

“Now, now [i]domestikos[/i] (domestic, commander).” Leontius quickly tries to cool down the rising hate in Armentarius’ mind. “Your majesty, the angle here is clear, the Akeonians do not wish for war, at least not for now. I say we take the deal, it will keep the peace for long enough for our empire to regain its strength. Let the Akeonians think that we are willing and eager for peace while we build our strength to strike against them the moment of their weakness.”

“So you already plan to betray them ?”

“Such a strong word, your majesty, and I advocate for nothing such. In ten years’ time we can strike ahead, and not to mention, the gold will come first, gold that we can use to reconquer lands stolen from us, mind you, this is not betrayal, betrayal requires for both sides to be civilised and reasonable to begin with.”

“If I may, your majesty.” After a few moments of silence, Gallienus finally speaks up.

“We are more than willing to listen, this is why we had gathered you all here.”

“Thank you, your majesty.” He clears his throat and takes a deep breath. “If I am correct here, the demand for marriage, at such absurd terms, had been raised before ?”

“That is correct.”

“Then that is what their so-called king wants, that is something that he had wanted from the start.”

“How so ?”

“Blood, your majesty, blood. The very reason why your majesty is upon the throne.”

“The Akeonian king desires my blood in the veins of his heir’s heir. Is that what you are implying ?”

“Yes, your majesty.”

“But why ? The senate would never accept a foreigner. If they try to take the lands, wheter their ruler has our blood or not would be irrelevant.”

“Ah, I see.” Leontius speaks up. “What your majesty says is correct, and the fact that the Akeonian king does not wish for war is also correct, which does raise the question, why ?”

“Internal matters then.” You nod.

“No proud Thephian would ever accept a foreigner as is ruler.” Alexius speaks up for the first time in the conversation.

“I can personally state, that I would do everything in my power to overthrow whatever [i]barbaroi[/i] would dare to proclaim to be my better.” Armentarius fiercely states.

“And what would happen if said ruler would have the blood of the imperial family ? You heard that, whomever he was I was never good at remembering outsider names, way of speaking, he was clearly thought Thephian in the proper and correct manner.”

“If the Akeonian king were to have our blood, speak our tongue, and dress as us. The local Thephians would be subdued.” You state having reached the most obvious conclusion.

“Perhaps the situation within Lefkados is far more unstable than we had thought, proud Thephians must still actively resist the rule of the Akeonians.” Alexius states looking now intrigued.

>>5811165

“[i]Parakoimomenos[/i] how long could we drag out the peace treaty negotiations ?” You quickly pose the question.

“Well, if your majesty wishes to conduct the matters in a proper fashion, perhaps two months, the need for proper ceremony and rank is tantamount. Though, such a peace treaty between two nations following the word of God also need to be confirmed by the greatest priest in each realm, so as so bound the treaty in the eyes of God and ensure that both sides keep to it. However, as it just so happens, their all holiness [i]Oikoumenikós Patriárchēs[/i] (ecumenical patriarch) Anatolius is currently busy preparing for the upcoming council, and he will be busy until perhaps early to mid-spring.”

“We see. In that case we shall hold our own council until then, for now, begin carrying out the procedures, ensure that our guest remains sufficiently distracted until then, for now however we must attend to numerous and great matters.”

“Of course, your majesty.” Gallienus bows and quickly moves away to carry out your orders.

“Your majesty, should the deal go through, all I am saying is that the treasury would not be hurt by a few hundred kilograms of gold.” Alexius states beginning to depart alongside the remainder of your council as you yourself have to immediately return to work, lest the bureaucracy collapse under its own weight.
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[b]Anno domini 1086[/b]

Despite the chill and cold of winter, you sit outside in your garden, watching the few snowflakes fall, the winter, it seems, will be just as dry as the summer. If nothing else the late summer harvests and early autumn plantings had gone swiftly due to that very dryness, even if the crops were lacking.

You let out a breath and see the mist form before you as you stand before the glassed-up gazebo, inside of there a small furnace had long since warmed up the place, candles burn there and illuminate the dark garden.

Pistis whines in protest wondering why you are out here in the cold when there is plenty of warmth back in your chambers or even the gazebo right next to you.

>>5811167

Letting out a chuckle you pet him on the head as you stare at the city itself proper, where even in the depth of night, lights can still be seen, the richer inhabitants hosting their dinners and entertaining guests, the few poorer people also in celebration of the day of Shepherd’s ascension. Your birthday had come and gone as well. You are now officially twenty. Two full years and a couple of months, not the shortest reign in history, so you will not be remembered for that, if nothing else. Still, you do miss your mother, you do miss your old village, despite the toughness of simply having to survive another day, the times of having to strain your muscles almost every day upon the farm. But you at least hadn’t to worry about being assassinated in your sleep, usurped, blinded, and thrown into a dungeon or other horrid fates may await you. It was a simpler life, if harsh in its own regards, at least you had not gone a day hungry after you had become a person of authority.

Pistis growls looking towards the darkness, and soon enough you hear the noise of footsteps cracking upon snow. You prepare your own blade, just in case, your guards know of your location and should be preventing anyone from entering unannounced.

A cloaked figure halts before the gazebo, a few good steps away from you as well, with a small wooden box, adorned with gold and diamonds. Revealing a pale hand, the hood is undone and the face of red-cheeked Irene is revealed. “Good evening, your majesty.”

“Irene ? What are you doing here ?”

“To celebrate your majesty’s birthday, even if a bit late. Ah, you do not have to worry, your guards already checked me for any weapons. That uprising put up by your uncle has made them quite paranoid. Now, despite my warm dressings, I’d still prefer to be somewhere warmer.” She says eyeing the gazebo.

“Then allow us to invite you inside.” You state letting go of your grip and moving towards the entrance, whilst Pistis is still clearly displeased by the presence of an outsider.

Opening the door, you allow Irene inside as she sits down upon one of the chairs and you yourself feel warmth surround you when you step inside with Pistis quickly running in ahead of the both of you and taking the dominating position before the table, moving in a circle until he lays down upon the large collection of pillows specifically left there for him.

“We must admit, we had not expected you here.”

“I would be far more concerning if you had, that would ruin surprise.” She says neutral-faced before putting down the box on the table and pushing it towards you. “A humble gift, but seeing as how you had yet to celebrate your birthday since your enthronement, I’d say it’d be the first one your majesty had gotten.”

“That would be correct.” You smile. “The treasury cannot allow for extravagance and birthdays. Not to mention it is tradition to celebrate birthdays only on great occasions.”

>>5811168

“Such as a decade on this green earth ?”

“Yes.”

“Such as your current twentieth birthday ?”

Your smile turns into a sheepish one. “Yes, that too I suppose.”

“Well then, allow me to be the first person, no doubt.” She side-eyes you. “To congratulate your majesty upon your birthday.”

“Thank you.” You say a moment silence later. “I am still surprised that you had showed yourself for something so sentimental.”

“We are officially engaged, if we do not see each other for a few months, the priests will start murmuring that we had not truly spent a year preparing for our marriage.”

“Yes, we suppose that is accurate.” You knew she had a far more pragmatic reason.

“Well then, your majesty, open up your gift.”

Without waiting for more, you undo the latch of the box and open it, revealing a masterfully crafted dip pen. A grip made of polished ebony, no doubt imported at a great cost from the distant southern lands, with comfortable and slight padding of velvet allowing for an easy and comfortable grip. The nib itself appears to be case from gold, with the engravings of a wolf’s head clear upon it. The metal connecting the nib and the rest of the pen is made out clear glimmering silver with crisp writing made out of gold, which you can only imagine how long that took, having clearly written words – [i]to my husband.[/i]

Suddenly, your light is obstructed as a shadow looms over you and…warmth. Warmth that brushes past your lips as Irene withdraws from her quick kiss and sits back in her seat.

“Happy new year, your majesty.” She says with a neutral face, other than the red upon her face from the cold she had just escaped.

You stare at her for a second. “I- yes, happy new year.”

“Unfortunately, I have to excuse myself now, with the reclamation of the east and our central position, it had meant that my father and I have much more to manage and to deal with.”

“We shall esco-“

“No need, your majesty. Enjoy your moment of respite, I had heard that many matters are currently pressing upon you.” She flatly responds before rising from her chair and with measured steps departing the garden.

Pistis snorts in annoyance watching the strange person that had approached and dared touch his master.

Meanwhile, you sit in the warmth and light of the gazebo, clenching the pen and watching the snowflakes land upon the glass and then swiftly melt.

It had been a long day.
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>>5811171

The sound of a staff hitting the pristine marble floor and the following echo of it brings you back to the present as the gathered murmurs come to a close.

“We, [i]Oikoumenikós Patriárchēs[/i] Anatolius in this year of our lord ten eighty-six, declare the council of Myralos open. I would also like to extend my thanks, and the thanks of everyone gathered here towards our most gracious and pious [i]Imperator, Basileús kai Autokrátōr Thephaiōn[/i] (General, Sovereign and Autocrat of Thephians) Manuel.” With a powerful voice, in the middle of the cathedral Anatolius proclaims.

Murmured agreements come from the gathered hundreds of priests, each and every now already dividing themselves into smaller groups where their beliefs align the most with each other. The numerous pews had now been removed, leaving smaller chairs that would allow everyone to gather together as one, with no one being greater than anyone else, no need to further alight the tensions you suppose. Meanwhile, you yourself, surrounded by a line of your guards, sit upon a throne right before the altar, a step lower than the Shepherd, but at the same time, a step higher than the gathered priests. A subtle hint, if somehow someone would have missed the line of your [i]Scholae[/i] (School) standing in their resplended armour, perhaps annoyingly blinding a few of the gathered priests. Speaking of whom, you see both Myslik and Goran alongside another gaggle of priests, and most interestingly of all, they are all wearing armour, though your guards had confiscated their weapons when they had tried to enter the cathedral with them.

As for others, there appear to be two larger groups, though you do note that each is also subdivided into smaller ones, but it seems that they are providing a united front against each other. The side of those whom believe the Shepherd was always the son of God, are dressed in white fine clothing, with beautiful adornments of golden thread and silver, with inlayed jewels in their crosses hanging from their necks. And the side stating that the Shepherd was human, but through his actions had become the son of God having a far humbler style of dressing, the usual pale white clothing, with the occasional silver thread or a mark of rank, but nowhere near the scale of the other side, and notably not as utterly lacking when it comes to Myslik and his lot.

And just like the aforementioned lot, there are perhaps four or so other minor groups, but ones you do not have much knowledge of besides what his all holiness had told you. Minor disagreements upon doctrine and the like, but too numerous to fit in with any group.

“Now, upon this day of days.” Anatolius begins once everyone’s settled down. “We had come to discuss the ever-increasing divide within the Church.”

“You mean you wish to enforce tyranny upon your fellow man !” One of the priests of the humble-birth faction shouts out.

>>5811172

“Silence ! You dare to interrupt his all holiness ?!” One from divine-birth faction quickly backs Anatolius.

“Is this not a council ? If we wish to speak, then we shall ! We had waited in silence, as you had so demanded, long enough ! It is clear that those of us whom believe in the greater good of man had been side-lined by you whom cannot showcase such understanding and kindness !”

“Kindness ?! Kindness is us tolerating your existence ! You whom would dare proclaim the holy to be muddled with sin ! For man is capable of great good, but the temptations of evil are also always following closely behind us !”

“You had spoken correctly, brother ! That evil, greed perhaps, closely guides you !”

“You dare !?”

“I must interject.” One member of the much smaller group interjects. Mountain monks, if you recall correctly. “It is clear that the Shepherd is not a son of God, rather he is a part of God that had descended from heavens to guide us all !”

“Heretic !” The divine-birth faction starts shouting almost as one.

“Blasphemer !” The humble-birth faction begins chanting.

[blue]Well, it seems they found a common enemy.[/blue]

“Enough !” Myslik’s powerful voice, hardened by years of battle, rings out over the dim of arguments. “Whilst you all sit here and argue, our foes – pagans, infidels, and heretics, all encroach upon us. That is why I had come here to plea the return to the age of the sword, to the age of us priests marching into battle with God’s graces upon us and Shepherd’s words upon our lips ! To waste time and gold on such minutia is a waste of-”

“Your people break the church’s doctrine ! You being invited here and not excommunicated is an extension of peace already-“ A priest begins, one you cannot make out through the incensed argumentation.

“Enough !” Anatolius once again slams the gold-plated staff onto the marble floor. “We are in presence of God in his home, we are all also present before their imperial majesty. We are all grown men, and we shall all act as such. We had gathered to mend the schisms, rather than widen them !”

“Tell that those fools whom believe in the lack of divinity of our lord ! And the plague that is their belief that had spread throughout the west !” One member from another minor faction, this time based upon the southern shores of the empire, shouts out. “Everyone knows that God sees and knows all, this is why the Shep-“

“Nonsense, I had heard your arguments before and I wonder how you were even ever able to become a priest !”

By God’s grace, you had only ever witnessed so many old men shout at each other with such vigour and childness in one other place – the senate.

It seems that while Anatolius can bring back peace and order, it does not last for long. It will be a long day ahead of you.
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>>5811174

“So, your majesty, how was the council.” Gallienus asks as servants rush to help you out of your winter clothing, made out a collection of wolf’s furs, masterfully sown together embedded with sapphires to add a bit of colour to the grey encompassing you, with the top of the fur clothing having brilliant red fox fur tied down with buttons made out of rubies. Despite the coming of spring, its early beginning had proven to be quite chilly.

“Tiring.” You respond with but a single word, before sitting down before the table where plentiful food had been prepared for you, and you take a freshly cut piece of bread and spreading some fruit jam upon it and taking a bite. “What matters of import do we need to know ?” You now ask taking a sip of wine.

“Word was sent ahead, the Jaykins’ prince shall be arriving in a few weeks to swear fealty and then he shall depart towards the border. The Escuratans had already made the first bank within the Myralos, also making it the first one within the Empire. Some of the merchants are already making a use of it, as well as some curious locals. Ah, yes, [i]kyvernítis[/i] (governor) Ingerinus of [i]Orospulón[/i] (east mountain) had recently arrived with an army-sized baggage train in preparations for your majesty’s weddings. Ah, your majesty had received a letter from Iovivus Kurkuas, in response to your majesty’s inquiry. And finally, the brother of the Akeonian ruler has grown quite irate as of late, his patience seems to be running thin. That is it for the day.” Gallienus surmises whilst you continue having your dinner, you had skipped lunch due to the council, so you are especially hungry.

“Deliver to us the letter, oh, and prepare our office. With the coming of spring there’s much work for us to do.”

“Right away, your majesty.”

Just as you finishing the honeyed piece of pork, a good few minutes later Gallienus returns bearing the letter. You extend your hands outwards and your slaves quickly rush to clean them to ensure that you do not stain the parchment, if you miss something important due to grease, that would be most unfortunate.

Now taking the letter, you undo the seal and take a quick gander at it, not even bothering to go through the entire prolonged greeting and small talk, you are far too tired for that, instead you get straight to the point, the inquiry about foreign imports, and the message there is not a good one.

>>5811176

The droughts seem to be quite widespread, and Thephia is actually on the better end of it, the further north one goes, the worse the drought becomes, whilst the further south, the more normal, if not perhaps wetter it gets. This means that the no doubt already expensive imports would only now be even more expensive than usual. It should also be of note that your empire is depopulated, heavily at that, whilst Rogarus for example is overflowing with people, and such a harsh drought would have no doubt struck them even worse. A small blessing that, the suffering of others, but hopefully it will prevent the suffering of your people.

Folding up the letter, you regard the small feast placed before you, and suddenly you do not feel the pangs of hunger that had disturbed you for the past few hours. Instead, you rise and begin heading to your office, there’s much work to be done.

And speaking of work, a few most pressing issues are of concern for you right now:

Firstly, the populace gathering within the townships, it is currently the best time to move them to the countryside, that is if you truly wish to do so, but even then, that has many issues.

[red]If this option wins, no other will be taken. More than one option can be taken.[/red]
>Leave it be. In time the empire will recover and the towns will need the workers. Besides, those people are not farmers after all, not most of them at least.

>Send the locals to your private lands, do give them generous tenancy terms to ease the transition.

>Send the locals to your private lands, whilst harsh, you cannot afford to give them leanier tenancy terms.

>Start buying land from the patricians and give them out to the people. It will be expensive, but perhaps worth it.

>Start seizing land from the patricians and give them out to the people. If the people back you, they will not dare revolt.

>Force the people onto patrician lands, even if that means harsh tenancy terms.

>Force the people onto patrician lands, and force the patricians to give out more reasonable tenancy terms.

>The lands out east are there for the taking. The people will grumble, sure, but you need that border secured.

>(Write in)

Secondly, the peace treaty. You are surprised by how readily they were accepted, yet the trade and marriage deal does irritate you somewhat.

>Accept the deal upon the given terms.

>Offer counter-terms (What ?)

>>5811177

And of course, should the terms be accepted, someone of equal worth would need to be exchanged as a hostage. To the point where if you would decide to launch and invasion of your own, their connections could prove an annoyance. Perhaps that is why the king’s brother is currently a part of your humble court. Although he had kept to himself with surprising quiet for a few months. So, the question still stands, whom would be of great enough import to send ?

>Send Leontius. His expression will be funny, if nothing else.

>Whilst it would hurt, Issac is powerful and important enough to be sent off. He would probably teach numerous new swear words as well as he’s being sent off.

>They would surely never hurt a religious figure, send his all holiness Anatolius.

>Whilst painful, it would make some sense to do so. Send Armentarius.

>Mundus leads the navy and is from an important family. If anyone will be able to break out and paddle his way back home worst come to worst, it’d be him.

>This is a perfect opportunity ! Pick out the most annoying senators and patricians. Rather blatant, but you doubt they will be able to do much.

>(Write in)

Then finally, the greatest threat of the them all, for your hearing that is. The council is in a deadlock, in such occasions the emperor would intervene, and well, you are the emperor.

>Side with one side and use your power to crush the rest (Which ?)

>Let them fight it out, eventually they will grow tired of it.

>Engage in a theological debate. You are more than skilled in it, surely they will obey your well-argued words. [red]AVAILABLE DUE TO BACKGROUND[/red]

>The council of Smyrnousa in the 365th year since the Shepherd’s ascension. You do recall how the deadlock there was solved. Bar the doors, lock the gates, board up the windows and remove the roof. Once they grow thirsty enough, they will learn to compromise. [red]AVAILABLE DUE TO BACKGROUND[/red]

>(Write in)

>>5811177
>The lands out east are there for the taking. The people will grumble, sure, but you need that border secured.
>Offer counter-terms (What ?)
The marriage is unacceptable. Especially if we don't want them to potentially consolidate the lands they conquered from us. All the Thepians in their lands would hear is the fact a treaty was signed to unite both houses.
The rest is fine I suppose. But put pressure on the trade agreement if they become stubborn.

>>5811179
>This is a perfect opportunity ! Pick out the most annoying senators and patricians. Rather blatant, but you doubt they will be able to do much.
>Engage in a theological debate. You are more than skilled in it, surely they will obey your well-argued words. [red]AVAILABLE DUE TO BACKGROUND[/red]

I'm tempted to use the free pass for this update. It'll help with all these issues, which seem critical (schism mending, settling the borders (maybe it could even start assimilating barbarians?), and the peace treaty especially).

>>5811177
>Send the locals to your private lands, do give them generous tenancy terms to ease the transition.
Most people. Hopefully the funds will help us with...

>Start buying land from the patricians and give them out to the people. It will be expensive, but perhaps worth it.
Favored/valuable people. Anyone who seems like they'd be a good freeholder.

>The lands out east are there for the taking. The people will grumble, sure, but you need that border secured.
Criminals, homeless, and other undesirables.

>Accept the deal upon the given terms
The marriage clause will be a problem later, but the gold and free trade will be a massive boon for our floundering economy NOW.

>>5811179
>Whilst painful, it would make some sense to do so. Send Armentarius.
Realistically Armentarius is the best choice. Sending him will bother no faction overmuch, his loss won't compromise the Empire's security in the immediate, and his loyalty while in foreign lands is utterly reliable. We should give him a large gift of some kind.

>Engage in a theological debate. You are more than skilled in it, surely they will obey your well-argued words.
This+free pass = based?

I love Irene bros, Manuel hit the jackpot.

>>5811177
>Send the locals to your private lands, do give them generous tenancy terms to ease the transition.
The terms need to be lenient but adaptable so that we may discern who is worthy of them and who is not. If they prove themselves we can set up a more long term deal but if they fail we take the land back and try again with someone else.
>The lands out east are there for the taking. The people will grumble, sure, but you need that border secured.
Same deal as with our private lands, we can do the same with the reconquered islands right? They are also a border region which has been depopulated.
>Start buying land from the patricians and give them out to the people. It will be expensive, but perhaps worth it.
This is a more long term process. Buy opportunisticaly!

>Offer counter-terms (What ?)
The trade part is acceptable but the marriage absolutely isn't. I think the most we should give is an imperial declaration of peace between Thephians and Akeonians for the duration of the truce in exchange for 100kg of gold, a tenth of the peace he desires for a tenth of the gold he offers.

>Whilst painful, it would make some sense to do so. Send Armentarius.
Remember that Tedwin expects an equivalent exchange of hostages so we get his right hand man for our right hand man. Though give Armentarius an "entourage" to go with him. We also need to have a personal conversation about this choice, something along the lines of what Tedwin had with his brother.
>This is a perfect opportunity ! Pick out the most annoying senators and patricians. Rather blatant, but you doubt they will be able to do much.

>Engage in a theological debate. You are more than skilled in it, surely they will obey your well-argued words. [red]AVAILABLE DUE TO BACKGROUND[/red]
>The council of Smyrnousa in the 365th year since the Shepherd’s ascension. You do recall how the deadlock there was solved. Bar the doors, lock the gates, board up the windows and remove the roof. Once they grow thirsty enough, they will learn to compromise. [red]AVAILABLE DUE TO BACKGROUND[/red]
I think this a great opportunity for a PR stunt. We are such an involved and dedicated emperor that we lock ourselves inside along with the priests to solve this debate. We may be emperor and they may be priests but we are all men before the Lord and so we shall be in these halls when the material needs of our bodies bring about spiritual communion.

Furthermore, I consider that Irene is best girl.

>>5811177
>>Send the locals to your private lands, do give them generous tenancy terms to ease the transition.

>>The lands out east are there for the taking. The people will grumble, sure, but you need that border secured.

>>Start buying land from the patricians and give them out to the people. It will be expensive, but perhaps worth it.

Send undesirables out east, buy land that is not being used to it's full extent, and buff up our own personal holdings, should balance out.

>>5811177
>Offer counter-terms

If he so wishes to join his line to ours, we would need more than just gold. Religious conversion, and fealty.

>>5811179
>>Whilst painful, it would make some sense to do so. Send Armentarius.

>>This is a perfect opportunity ! Pick out the most annoying senators and patricians. Rather blatant, but you doubt they will be able to do much.

It would hurt so much to lose Armentarius for so long, but it is the logical choice. As to the disposables, well Armentarius is not our half brother so it would only be fair to send additional hostages. As recompense to Armentarius, I say we give him World Shield.

>>5811179
>>Engage in a theological debate. You are more than skilled in it, surely they will obey your well-argued words. [red]AVAILABLE DUE TO BACKGROUND[/red]

>>The council of Smyrnousa in the 365th year since the Shepherd’s ascension. You do recall how the deadlock there was solved. Bar the doors, lock the gates, board up the windows and remove the roof. Once they grow thirsty enough, they will learn to compromise. [red]AVAILABLE DUE TO BACKGROUND[/red]

Doubling down seems proper and appropriate.

>>5811302
>>5811398
About the gift to Armentarius, I think giving him a province is a bad idea. Not only do we lose out on the province we also lose out on Armentarius as our right hand man due to splitting his time and attention. I want to Manuel to have a personal conversation with him, acknowledging him and asking what he would like instead. And by like I mean something long term such as what does he want in life?

>>5811466
A fair point. I agree that a whole province is excessive. I was thinking a retirement property, a nice estate for his service

Sorry I had to ask, but which options were the ones that won last vote? Did we agree to do ulcery for the greater good of the Empire?

>>5811681

>>5811136
>“You and your kin are knowledgeable in matters such as these, as such we wish to invite you and your kin to set up these banks. You shall lend no money and the church shall ensure that no usury shall take place. Instead, you will earn your payment for the services you shall render in protection of the money people would decide to store there.”

>>5811398
Voting for this. I can’t wait to see what the people are going to say about this Conclave, because God Willing, this is going to be the most memorable one in history if we play our cards right.

>>5811177
>Leave it be. In time the empire will recover and the towns will need the workers. Besides, those people are not farmers after all, not most of them at least.
As long as we don't have another set of droughts the problem should solve itself.

>Accept the deal upon the given terms.
We need the money, and we could do with it soon. The marriage thing is also entirely conditional upon us having a daughter, and even if we do there's no need for us to hand her over to barbarians. I think, in fact, that we may exploit it once we build ourselves up for an opportunity to invade their lands and free the waiting Thephians who will surely rise up against their barbarian oppressors. We just need to lull the Akeonians into a false sense of security. And I don't think there's any reason why we couldn't install our own daughter as the ruler of such a region. Hell, we might even want to save our free pass for this if the council goes well without it.

>Whilst painful, it would make some sense to do so. Send Armentarius.
We should also give him instructions to gather as much information as he can over there, and make contact with the Thephians under the Akeonian yoke. He won't be a hostage, rather, an agent provocateur, a man on the inside when we finally get round to taking Akeonia for ourselves.

>Engage in a theological debate. You are more than skilled in it, surely they will obey your well-argued words. [red]AVAILABLE DUE TO BACKGROUND[/red]

>>5811878
No, you don't understand what Tedwyn is capable and the role of Armentarius. Armentarius is no spy, courtier, diplomat or what not. He is a warrior, tactician and leader of men, i am fully opposed to give Armentarius such a task that will put him in a coffin accidentally for sure.
He has already been enough of a hero for us and this might be seen has more a punishment by him. Even if explained.

>>5811466
World Shield could be reformed in a new type of province though, there is nothing that says we can't change things and rules around for our own lands.
Personal conversation, meh. While i like it because i like Arm and Manuel chatting, we are sending him again in the lion (heh) maw. Without an army to command though this time and the murderous, cunning and smart ruler in the flesh. What he is going to do with an estate if he isnt there or any big gift really.
A promise to not allow the Schola to be badly rebuilt/reformed and a title like imperial champion, are perhaps better.

>>5811177
>Send the locals to your private lands, do give them generous tenancy terms to ease the transition.
>Start buying land from the patricians and give them out to the people. It will be expensive, but perhaps worth it.
>The lands out east are there for the taking. The people will grumble, sure, but you need that border secured.
a mix of choices

>Offer counter-terms (What ?)
- No marriage promise ... yet. We can see about it when they are of age. If we will have a daughter that is. It will be also of the true faith if it happens.
- For trade yes, but akeonian prices of food need to be lowered
Don't think i want to betray a promise made in front of Shepherd and God, last thing i want really. And the Thepian people in Akeonia will feel betrayed.

>>5811179
>Whilst painful, it would make some sense to do so. Send Armentarius.
This is so much suffering. Not just personal, but because he is the head of our schola. Not having him here is a big blow for us and the schola. Having a great leader, commander and warrior gone cannot be replaced. Not easily at all, especially with such loyalty.
I would have want for him to be there for see the Schola return to glory and our first kid with Irene too. Chances are he will just be brutally murdered at the start of the new conflict.


>Engage in a theological debate. You are more than skilled in it, surely they will obey your well-argued words. [red]AVAILABLE DUE TO BACKGROUND[/red]
We don't have time to be locked inside a hall, this choice will still take time don't think its easy. Manuel knows how to talk about this argument though, that's the difference. We will talk, we can see about integrating certain different practices for create a more common ground. For example with the pagans on the border they need to be reckoned with. A new holy order perhaps (moderate proportions, less expensive and fully under the holy knights), that watches the border from pagans and fights them.

>>5779375
>Give Armentarius the title of Imperial Champion

Did this idea not get enough support for the latest update?

>>5811179
>>Send the locals to your private lands, do give them generous tenancy terms to ease the transition.

>>The lands out east are there for the taking. The people will grumble, sure, but you need that border secured.
I like the idea of having this hasten assimilation of the barbarians.

>>Start buying land from the patricians and give them out to the people. It will be expensive, but perhaps worth it.

>Offer counter-terms (What ?)
>Refuse the marriage demand.
If they truly want to force this stipulation then they must cede all conquered territory back to us, effective immediately.

>>Whilst painful, it would make some sense to do so. Send Armentarius.
If we send Armentarius we shouldn't send him with the most annoying senators and patricians or vice versa. Armentarius will get murdered by them and they'll pin the blame on the Aekonians.

>>Engage in a theological debate. You are more than skilled in it, surely they will obey your well-argued words. [red]AVAILABLE DUE TO BACKGROUND[/red]
>>The council of Smyrnousa in the 365th year since the Shepherd’s ascension. You do recall how the deadlock there was solved. Bar the doors, lock the gates, board up the windows and remove the roof. Once they grow thirsty enough, they will learn to compromise. [red]AVAILABLE DUE TO BACKGROUND[/red]
A good combination. It shows the conviction of the emperor's faith and the need for unity in the Church.

And I support using the free pass for this.

>>5812263
The free pass was used in the battle to the east against the barbarians that joined the 2 usurper (the one that raised from the other magnates and then died with his own army and fleet in a storm) and then used the situation for attempt to carve their place.
And i think they already did move out of our purple islands. If you refer to Akeonia the big island they are going to be offended/laugh at us. Which is an option if one votes for write it in such way.

>>5812231
probably

>>5812231

>Did this idea not get enough support for the latest update?

No.

>>5812301

>The free pass was used in the battle to the east against the barbarians

The free pass was not used. There was not enough support to use it despite the risky frontal charge. But hey, it worked.

>>5812361
Alright I'll formally vote for the free pass to be used for this.
Are you going to make a separate vote for if we want to use it like the last time it was being discussed?

I have been abstaining from voting much since it goes a bit over my head, but I would like to add some input.
The marriage is dangerous, we would need to write a hell of a marriage contract and have the highest authorities of BOTH churches, along with both monarchs and princes to avoid wiggle room.
Marriage to a kingdom formed from a splinter of our empire would legitimize it, taking away any immediate casus belli to it, whilst it means little to us, it would soil our reputation and make the akeonians more fervent on a defense.
The contract, besides the marriage; should include in no vague words that whilst the marriage will be made in good faith between our families, the empire DOES NOT carry or recognize claimants to the throne who are or descent from a daughter, maybe unless we directly appoint them heiress.
It needs to be very specific and both parties need to be aware and acknowledge this; why am I being so militant about this?
Because this kind of bullshit is what started the hundred years war, or that was the excuse. French princess married to a later overthrown English monarch, Edward III then used it as an excuse to invade England. I really don't want us to give the chucklefuck a reason to undermine us and then try to reclaim his grandson's right to the throne.

>>5812435
Yeah that's mostly the reason why I just want to outright refuse while using our free pass, since I can't express how much it'll help us in the long run if we deny the marriage stipulation with the best possible result happening to us.

>>5812435
Exactly why this marriage is more trouble than it's worth. A child of the emperor being betrothed to a barbarian under these circumstances is just courting a delayed disaster.

>>5812451
I think using the pass here is a waste, if it was to be used anywhere it should've been during Armentarius' battle. I'd rather advocate an alternative like the imperial declaration like I suggested, get his holiness in on it too and it makes it a fairer trade for both rulers.

>>5812658
The main reason I'm advocating for using the pass is for the simple fact that the Akeonians have made it very clear that they want that marriage deal and will not accept peace otherwise. It does not matter if the act of marrying any future daughter doesn't hold any legitimacy for their claims on the throne, what matters is the fact that they will parade the peace treaty in front of any Thepians in their lands and thus neutralize any wishes to reunite with the empire.
And the fact that this will cause a very bad precedent for us in the future, since this is (like the other anon said) legitimizing their independence from the empire in the eyes of the world.
Combine that with the free pass mending the schism (along with increasing our prestige) better than it already can be, as well as helping facilitate all the population resettlement (something about it just feels like it'll blow up in our faces, I just can't pinpoint what) I feel like it's worth it.

>>5812699
>they will parade the peace treaty in front of any Thepians in their lands and thus neutralize any wishes to reunite with the empire.
But until we have a daughter and actually marry her to the Akeonian prince it's just words on paper. It shouldn't change the feelings of the Thephians under Akeonian rule, people don't just roll over and give up ambitions of independence because of a betrothal to a non-existent child. And remember, we'll be sending in an agent of our own, hopefully someone that can make contact with the Thephians there to prepare them for an uprising later down the road. Plus the gold, which we urgently, urgently need. We're in an okay position now, but we can't just go demanding concessions without giving the Akeonians some wiggle room, it's a white peace to our advantage, not a total victory. What do you think is going to happen if we say no to the marriage? The Akeonian king will just roll over and say "lol ok"?

>>5812699
> The main reason I'm advocating for using the pass is for the simple fact that the Akeonians have made it very clear that they want that marriage deal and will not accept peace otherwise.
I doubt that he wouldn't be willing to give up on this idea, he knows how big of a demand it is. And even if they did insist, I'd rather the war continue and use the pass on a decisive battle than use it here.

>>5812729
He's saying to use to auto pass to make him say ok to the refusal.

>>5812729
>But until we have a daughter and actually marry her to the Akeonian prince it's just words on paper.
How we react to that paper and how the Aekonians use it is what matters. If we agree they will use this to its fullest and make it come to haunt us in the form of either ruining the trustworthiness of the empire or giving the Aekonians legitimacy or a claim to the imperial throne.
>It shouldn't change the feelings of the Thephians under Akeonian rule, people don't just roll over and give up ambitions of independence because of a betrothal to a non-existent child.
Propaganda can go a long way. There is nothing stopping the Aekonian royalty from saying that this means our kingdoms will eventually be united, and therefore rebelling is meaningless.
If I was a peasant resisting foreign rule and I heard that the king I serve gave his daughter to the occupying power, I might reconsider rebelling if it means I'd be going against my king's royal lineage.
>What do you think is going to happen if we say no to the marriage? The Akeonian king will just roll over and say "lol ok"?
If we use the free pass then yes.

>>5812738
I don't believe so
>“Everything here is fine, but for two points. The trade and the tying of our two houses. Negotiate that.”
They aren't going to budge. They may even demand some concession in order to let it slip.
>And even if they did insist, I'd rather the war continue and use the pass on a decisive battle than use it here.
I would agree with you, but I feel like that would stretch the empire a bit too much. Especially now that everyone thinks there's going to be peace.

>>5812751
He said "negotiate that" not demand that. He's not completely stuck to it.
> I would agree with you, but I feel like that would stretch the empire a bit too much. Especially now that everyone thinks there's going to be peace.
That's why I want to do the decisive battle ASAP. Proud thephians will understand if we spread the word of this ridiculous demand, the only people who will bitch and moan are the merchants but they'll need to put up with it if they want the priviliges they've worked so hard for.

>>5811398
Here, the terms I have proposed as a counter offer are so outrageous that I am certain that they will be refused, though it does give us a way of refusing the peace without refusing it. What matters is that we can say that we tried to make peace with the barbaroi, but they refused.

And I say we use the free pass for the religious council.

>>5811179
>>5811308
>supporting

>>5812435
This is me.
>>5812762
I could get behind using the pass, though is it for all the votes in an update (so God smiles on us for all the votes) ot just one decision?
Bridging this schism is pretty important, we are about to have a Bohemian/Protestant reform on us, not to mention a good result on theological debate could get us a lot of popular/political power.
Think about it this way; we are a peasant raised, yet educated and pious man, unknowing of the sword and the ways of war. Uplifted to Imperator by the grace of God and providence, slayer of barbaroi, pillar of the empire; we are not the Shepperd nor do we aspire to be, but if we can heal this schism it will prove to this damn clergy and the people the emperor is the next best thing without shadow of a doubt.
I would like to propose an argument sometimes used by more religious friends than I (catholic schools bruh); notJesus was born both man and son of God; let me go through the motions, the Shepperd was sent to save mankind yes, but not before testing the worth of man, so he was given free will and the ability to sin (so like the manborn faction argues) but so was he born with the choice to be virtuous and find virtue in his companions. If mankind was truly flawed, a part of our God, emulating man would not have been able to be virtuous when given choice; the Shepperd was born as a fragment of God, to be the best man he could possibly be, but free of our God's infinite knowledge and power.
For the priest divide, the marrying and ascetic lifestyles are beyond me. I would propose knightly/crusading orders for Myslik and his folks, warrior priests that are bound to the church but not reigned by it, like the knights Hospitallier; we need to remind these chucklefucks the shepperd was a warrior by necessity, and boy is it needed right now.

>>5812361
really ? i could be interested in using it....

>>5812756
While normally I'd agree with you I feel like the last couple of updates have really emphasized how much the empire is reeling from the war. Combined with the fact the Aekonians have much of their army intact due to the agreed retreat they made from that island I don't think it's worth it for us to continue it.

>>5812938
>I could get behind using the pass, though is it for all the votes in an update (so God smiles on us for all the votes) ot just one decision?
I always assumed it was for all decisions and not just one thing, since it's a combined update and all that.
Also you bring up an extremely good point with the warrior priest-crusaders. It seems necessary to cultivate a religious warrior class that's fanatic about the empire and what it stands for, and I honestly really like the idea.

>>5812938

>I could get behind using the pass, though is it for all the votes in an update (so God smiles on us for all the votes) ot just one decision?

One decision. Be it the council, the peace negotiations, the outcome of a certain battle. It is one thing that can be the decisive turning point basically. Also reserve the right to veto.

>>5812729
Armentarius is not an agent. He is not going to create a spy network or anything of sort. Tedwyn will literally watch his every movement.
The suicidal mission of sending some schola disguised at the start of the war for burn some of the akeonians ships, was that a suicidal mission. It mostly worked out but it doesn't change what it was.
They are royal guards not 007.

>>5812938
These sound like reasonable arguments and ideas

>>5812751
Propaganda can only go so far, especially when we don't actually have a daughter yet, especially when it'll be 10+ years before she's of marriageable age (if we even get one). I'm telling you, the Thephian loyalists aren't going to roll over just because we make a hypothetical betrothal. And people are forgetting the significant amount of gold involved, something we could really do with after all the fighting and drought.

>>5812938
I had similar ideas to this (integrating Myslik and his followers as a knightly order). In addition to the theology I would like to add an additional flourish where we emphasize that not fixing the schism would split the Thepians and ultimately bring down the faith, and THAT would be the real act of blasphemy and sacrilege

>>5813128
>daughters
Maybe, yet we don't know what the future will bring. We could have five daughters for all we know. And 10 years or not I don't think it's worth it to sign something that'll come haunting us later, especially something that can be used as proof that the empire doesn't keep its word.
>the Thephian loyalists aren't going to roll over just because we make a hypothetical betrothal
This I disagree with. People in the past had less attachment to their respective countries and ethnic groups, instead putting more emphasis on the royal lineage. Most peasants were against the idea of foreign occupation simply because the throne that rules over them isn't from the line they or their people served. If the promise of uniting the houses (as well as the implicit legitimacy towards the Aekonians this piece of paper is giving) we can expect there to be less enthusiasm in resistance. I mean something like Austria-Hungary couldn't of been possible without the uniting of royal blood, and uprisings there were almost never national in nature only religious (of course this changed when nationalism and self determination started to gain traction, but the era this quest is in is reminiscent of the medieval/renaissance period and not the enlightenment/victorian age).