Eagle Byzantium

"But Your Highness, the Emperor conferred the title on that Varangian barbarian. You have no reason to refuse it on behalf of Gawain?"

Anna frowned, "I have announced my return to the surname of Ducas. Now Gawain has unified Seleucia through war and rebellion. I want to complete the marriage contract with Gawain, establish a country here, and exercise power with the seal independently, rather than letting him bear the title of Grand Duke conferred by the Emperor, which will restrict his hands and feet and deprive him of freedom."

"You are so eager to marry this rude barbarian..." Agnes couldn't help but sigh, but she had sworn allegiance to the princess, so she had to consider the other party's position and temporarily abandon her selfish desires. "Your Highness, why not seek allies who can speak within the military government and guide the barbarian to agree to your ideas."

The only allies Anna thought of were Branas, Light and Dolus Lambert. Now Dolus was assigned to guard the newly conquered castle, and Light was also in Sicily to assist the Brotherhood in checking the real estate, and they could not get away.

Only Andronikos Branus, the commander of the Temachi of the Guard Brigade, was left. However, he was now known as "a man of low status but with low words" and "a traitor who escaped for a woman". Although the soldiers were still unaware of this, the senior officers knew it and could not expect him to act as a spokesperson.

"Where is the camp steward Vesart Melo?" Agnes proposed this candidate. "He is a typical Roman and has a strong voice in the camp."

After a while, the steward, who was going up the corridor to attend the meeting, was suddenly invited by Agnes, on the grounds that "I heard that your wife will be coming on board in the fall, and Her Royal Highness Princess Purple wants to know her hobbies and temperament in advance to deepen their friendship." Melo naturally did not dare to neglect it. After taking off his sword to show respect, he walked into the curtain of the chapel. Anna sat on the seat behind him, and after greeting each other, she asked, "Your Madam must be a lady from a famous Italian family, right?"

"I'm ashamed to say that Chiselle was originally someone else's wife, and later she was with me under the protection and support of General Strategos." Melo was very frank and told the truth. This answer made Anna and Agnes a little embarrassed - after all, the princess herself eloped with Gawain and came here.

Anna originally wanted to compliment the couple and start a conversation, but now that this road was blocked, she simply went straight to the point, "Sir Melo, you have always been the most trusted assistant of General Stratigus and I. In the future, you will also be the best candidate for the outer palace to take care of the offspring born after my marriage to the general."

This honor and promise are really great, which made Melo feel grateful and cautious. Anna, who was behind the curtain, was very satisfied with his demeanor, and then stood up with a sigh, "But now. Father wants to win over Gawain with the title of Grand Duke. Originally, I would not directly intervene in such matters, after all, this is the honor that Gawain deserves. But I heard that when the rebellion war achieved a brilliant victory, the soldiers wanted Gawain to board the sacred shield?"

"Yes, it is true." Melo knew everything.

"Gawain refused." Anna said with a little disappointment.

"General Strategos should still have awe and support for the empire and the emperor."

"So it is not convenient for me to persuade him directly. After all, the emperor and I used to be father and daughter. Instead, I hope that you will control the entire meeting on whether to accept the title. Let Seleucia and Western Cilicia be independent from the empire without relying on others, unify Cilicia and Antioch, and then counterattack Anatolia. I remember that Gawain once told me a long time ago that the glory of Rome does not belong to a glorious family, but to truly powerful people. Now he has forgotten his words and is unaware that the truly powerful ones are me and him."

Melo thought about it and bent down, "Yes, the soldiers will also support the princess's feelings."

After receiving such a promise, Anna smiled with relief behind the curtain.

The reason why she did this was not because she cared whether Gawain would accept the title! Accepting or not accepting the "Grand Duke" now will have no fundamental impact on the entire situation. Anyway, Gawain will be independent sooner or later, and she will not fail to see this point. Anna's move is to exert influence on the military meeting, just like many queens of the Roman Empire would win the hearts of the people in the Senate, the people or the court.

About half an hour later, Anna, accompanied by the fat eunuch and Agnes, walked to the seat behind the curtain of the hall, while Gawain sat on the high chair in front, representing that the two had equal power, with only one in front and one behind.

Gottschalk, Melo, Walter, Birrell, Giovanni, Bramson, including the chief herald Andeodate who had just returned, all sat down separately.

"The topic this time is very simple, but also very crucial, that is, whether to continue to accept the emperor's title." After seeing that everyone was present, Gawain sat on the steps and spoke loudly, "Everyone understands that now that I have formed an alliance with Baldwin, I have almost divided the entire Cilicia equally, but the perceptions of the vassal states and tribes have not reached a consensus. Some want to continue to be loyal to the emperor of Constantinople, but some believe that they can establish their own country and organize an army to recover the holy city with pilgrims. The imperial jurist Maupoulos in the inn is here for this matter, so he gathered everyone together to express their views."

Bramson stood up first. He was always very fierce and frank when he expressed his views. He shouted that he wanted to establish an independent country and get the coronation of the Holy See, so that Gawain could become the "Caesar of Seleucia" and the princess could become the "Queen of Seleucia". Don't hesitate, let's do it.

Looking at this greedy guy, Anna also laughed and whispered to Agnes, "Immediately reward the sword instructor with thirty Byzantine gold coins, and take it from my own money."

But Giovanni stood up and fiercely refuted the sword instructor's suggestion. The two of them really didn't get along, but Giovanni's statement was also very reasonable, "Now Mr. Stratigus controls too few people and land. It's not impossible to fight against Constantinople, but it's really unnecessary. He should act cautiously between the Roman Empire and the pilgrim group and slowly accumulate strength."

Giovanni's statement was also agreed by Walter and Birrell.

A correct version can be found in the 16-9 book forum!

Then the herald officer also expressed his opinion: Although the land in the territory has been checked and registered, and folded account books have been made, it can be seen that the attitude of the ginat is still very subtle. If we break with the emperor at this moment, it will give them a reason to revolt.

"Very good, Andeodat said it very well." Gawain, sitting on the high chair, expressed his satisfaction and admiration for the growth of the herald officer's political ability.

Anna was anxious, and hurriedly coughed twice, signaling Melo to speak. (To be continued ~^~)