Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks

Chapter 879 - 103: Terms

Anna seemed well-prepared, she began directly: "You should be aware of the Ancient Empire Era when there was a period of co-ruling emperors, right?"

"Hmm, Emperor Diocletian divided the Empire Province, military and political affairs into four parts, each governed by a Vice Augustus or Caesar. Do you mean Her Majesty the Empress intends to give me a title of Augustus or Caesar in exchange for my military assistance?"

Losa couldn’t help but chuckle. Titles like Caesar and Augustus, once symbols of supreme imperial power, nowadays hold little value and are accessible to many great nobles and even leaders of barbarian races from foreign lands.

"Of course not."

Anna cleared her throat: "During the co-ruling emperors period, Diocletian governed the Eastern region of the Empire with Nicomedia as the center; Maximian governed the Western region centered around Milan; Galerius ruled Thrace, Macedonia regions, and Constantius governed Gaul, Britain, and Iberia."

"Now, the Empire only has half of its territory remaining. Hence, Your Majesty is willing to emulate Diocletian by appointing you as Vice Emperor, to oversee the Aegyptus Region and Eastern Region."

Losa frowned slightly: "To my knowledge, currently none of these territories are under the Empire’s rule. At this critical moment, a mere title won’t convince me to send troops to relieve the siege."

There is no need to elaborate on the Aegyptus Region, while the Eastern Region includes Cilicia, the Fertile Crescent excluding the Mesopotamian area, and Cyprus. Cilicia is part of the Rom Turkic State and the Rubenid Dynasty of Armenia, while the Fertile Crescent is part of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Ayyubid Dynasty.

Anna justified: "You can’t say that, at least Cyprus is intended to be handed over to you as a reward for your military support."

With the addition of Cyprus...

Losa’s expression changed slightly; he already had the Limassol military district in Cyprus and was quite familiar with this area. The population exceeds 100,000, and the resources are fairly abundant, with flourishing industries in winemaking, brass mining, carpentry, and shipbuilding. Most importantly, controlling this area is crucial for dominating Eastern Mediterranean maritime power.

Additionally, the title promised by Anna isn’t a mere empty gesture. After all, these regions are part of the Eastern Empire’s homeland, and there is a legal foundation. If he gains recognition from the Eastern Empire, he will have a legitimate basis to govern these areas.

It’s not yet the era of 1453 when the Empire’s dignity was worth nothing. With this title of Vice Emperor, he is, on a legal basis, only slightly below His Holiness the Pope.

This condition is fairly generous, indeed.

Losa made up his mind inwardly but said aloud, "If I become this Vice Emperor, I’ll need to reside in Constantinople, won’t I?"

Anna retorted with a short temper: "Vice Emperors aren’t co-ruling emperors. Her Majesty the Empress has her own offspring. Unless you want to marry her, she will naturally appoint Her Imperial Highness as a co-ruler. You won’t need to move into Constantinople, and the Empire won’t interfere with the territories you govern."

"What else?"

Anna snapped: "Are you still not satisfied?"

Losa began to express grievances: "You know that previously my governed territory was barely more than a small corner of Transjordan. Now, I’ve just captured half of Egypt, without much wealth. I’m currently engaged in the siege of Cairo. To support Constantinople, I must seize this city quickly, and I’m uncertain about the losses I might incur. Afterward, I must persuade various vassals, prepare troops, and acquire ships..."

Upon hearing this, Anna’s tone softened considerably, for she understood that even if Losa had high prestige, accomplishing this series of tasks would require immense sacrifices.

Reflecting on this, she couldn’t help but reconsider Her Majesty the Empress’s original proposal, such as spending a fortune to hire the Pechenegs, the Varangians, or even the Rom Turkic people to participate in the war. However, these people are unreliable wolves.

The enemy is strong, and recruiting these people might not necessarily be effective.

After much consideration, she finally said: "Forget it, I will dispatch a fleet to send the funds you need to Alexandria Port immediately."

In her opinion, Losa is powerful enough to defeat the invading enemies. Besides, Losa is a prudent person, which is the most important thing; he wouldn’t recklessly involve unreliable allies, making him the most suitable.

Losa shook his head with a smile and said: "There are indeed challenges, but we are friends. The two countries have agreed to become allies in the future, cooperating in various areas to counter the surrounding wolves, so there’s no need for funds."

The taxes for this quarter are about to be collected, and after successively capturing enemy cities and conducting raids, he is not wealthy at present, but neither is he destitute.

The voice from the other side paused for a long time before speaking again: "Thank you."

"Ah, no need for thanks."

Losa smiled and said.

"I also hope the Empire can transfer some technology, such as the water wheel, silk weaving machinery, Greek Fire, glass manufacturing..."

"A very wise choice. The Empire Library is a treasure trove. Sadly, you are more capable of utilizing this treasure trove than we are."

...

Anna snapped: "Are you still not satisfied?"

Losa began to express grievances: "You know that previously my governed territory was barely more than a small corner of Transjordan. Now, I’ve just captured half of Egypt, without much wealth. I’m currently engaged in the siege of Cairo. To support Constantinople, I must seize this city quickly, and I’m uncertain about the losses I might incur. Afterward, I must persuade various vassals, prepare troops, and acquire ships..."

Upon hearing this, Anna’s tone softened considerably, for she understood that even if Losa had high prestige, accomplishing this series of tasks would require immense sacrifices.

Reflecting on this, she couldn’t help but reconsider Her Majesty the Empress’s original proposal, such as spending a fortune to hire the Pechenegs, the Varangians, or even the Rom Turkic people to participate in the war. However, these people are unreliable wolves.

The enemy is strong, and recruiting these people might not necessarily be effective.

After much consideration, she finally said: "Forget it, I will dispatch a fleet to send the funds you need to Alexandria Port immediately."

In her opinion, Losa is powerful enough to defeat the invading enemies. Besides, Losa is a prudent person, which is the most important thing; he wouldn’t recklessly involve unreliable allies, making him the most suitable.

Losa shook his head with a smile and said: "There are indeed challenges, but we are friends. The two countries have agreed to become allies in the future, cooperating in various areas to counter the surrounding wolves, so there’s no need for funds."

The taxes for this quarter are about to be collected, and after successively capturing enemy cities and conducting raids, he is not wealthy at present, but neither is he destitute.

The voice from the other side paused for a long time before speaking again: "Thank you."

"Ah, no need for thanks."

Losa smiled and said.

"I also hope the Empire can transfer some technology, such as the water wheel, silk weaving machinery, Greek Fire, glass manufacturing..."

"A very wise choice. The Empire Library is a treasure trove. Sadly, you are more capable of utilizing this treasure trove than we are."

...