The idea of unifying the Christian forces of southern Balkans had been contemplated for a long time. However, due to internal weaknesses and Ottoman vigilance, making a hasty move had not been feasible. Taking advantage of this situation, the city-states scattered around the Epirus region and southern Thessaly in western Balkans maintained their independence. But how long could this unstable balance that preserved their independence last?
These city-states enjoyed a fragile peace by simply paying tribute to Mehmed, who had yet to fully quell the chaos of civil war. They likely regarded the Ottoman’s tolerance, stemming from concerns about administrative inefficiency and organized Christian resistance, as their own achievement.
However, as the end of peace loomed, everything was changing.
The Empire and the Ottomans—once one side was defeated, the independence of these small city-states would be untenable. The only task left was to make these minor states realize the reality. The Empire’s singular objective now was to act swiftly and reclaim central and western Greece, which had served as a buffer zone, before the Serbia-Ottoman war concluded.
To this end, not only had 2,000 troops been assembled in Corinth, but cooperation from Venice had also been secured. Once the Sultan commenced his campaign, the expedition would officially begin. Of course, they hadn’t been idle; the expeditionary force, comprising 1,600 infantry and 400 cavalry, had undergone extensive preparations to enhance their chances of success.
Consequently, the remaining time was spent redistributing surplus funds and supplies to the expeditionary force. Particularly in the case of the Duchy of Ainetos, which would be the first to confront them, a well-established state with considerable stability, the longer they delayed, the greater the disadvantage.
Thus, the sound of ominous footsteps interrupted the prince as he diligently moved his pen.
“I cannot understand this, Your Highness!”
It was Ivania, the blond-haired, blue-eyed female mercenary captain, her cheeks puffed slightly to express her displeasure.
“Why have I been excluded from this expedition?!”
Her complaint was evidently about her mercenary band not being deployed to the front. Given her lack of notable achievements since the Achaea expedition seven years ago, her anxiety was understandable. Although a reasonable cause occurred to him, he was focused on something else.
“Am I no longer needed? Is it because you’re satisfied with your wife now?”
The opportunity to accompany the prince after months had finally arrived…! At her ensuing words, a headache began to throb. Although he had a vague inkling, he hoped it wasn’t the case. Alas, his hopes were brutally dashed. Nevertheless, Ivanya was one of the few seasoned officers in Morea. Besides, there was a specific task for her, so he tried to persuade her gently.
“Ivania, you and your mercenary band must stay in Mistra, as I have conveyed.”
“I cannot understand why! To maintain order? Surely, it isn’t necessary to entrust us with that!”
“Indeed, there is also a ‘real reason’ you would understand.”
There were two reasons, one for the future and one for the present. He intended to co-opt and absorb Ivania’s mercenaries eventually, to implement a comprehensive non-commissioned officer system he was planning. Allowing these valuable mercenaries to be wasted too early would be a significant loss.
Naturally, saying to her face, “I plan to take over your men,” would immediately terminate the employment relationship.
Instead, the reason he offered to Ivania was related to a particular individual that came to mind—his wife, who was likely indulging in self-admiration, possibly already entertaining another man in her bed. He had no interest in others’ affairs, but his concern for Sophia stemmed from a different reason.
“Sophia, the Princess of Serbia, would likely disapprove of participating in this war as an ally of the Ottomans. I need someone to block and monitor any interference she might attempt. And currently, your mercenary band is the most elite force for this task.”
“Tch…! To associate me with that thief…! But if this is a decision made because you trust me… hehehe…”
Ivania, biting her thumbnail in anger, yet slightly relaxing her lips at the thought of being trusted, was a complex woman. Would she reject the carrot he dangled? The answer was evident.
“I will await your return in Mistra, Your Highness.”
“Please, Ivania. No matter what happens, prevent Sophia from contacting the outside world.”
“Understood.”
Only after causing quite a commotion did Ivania finally retreat, and as soon as her back disappeared from sight, a sigh escaped. The tenacity she displayed last time, clinging and refusing to give up, seemed entirely absent now. It didn’t seem like someone who had given up at all… what a headache.
“Good grief. My wife, who seems content with doing nothing, and even the few capable subordinates are a mess…”
A deep, profound sigh followed. The burden of this cross on his shoulders was already overwhelming, yet chaos erupted from all directions. These troubles, a consequence of not pursuing personal happiness alone, were self-inflicted. Complaining about them was pathetic. After all, this was the result of his own actions—if only he had just enjoyed what he had without interfering unnecessarily.
He felt ashamed of himself. Foolish and naive. Once again, he asked himself the question he had pondered countless times: Why do I make life so difficult for myself?
Stupid.
Overbearing.
Self-important.
The day when this absurd, foolish life of his would end didn’t seem far off. Even amidst his self-reproach, he observed the preparations progressing under his direction. Meanwhile, the opponent was likely inscribing entirely different figures in their ledgers. Each time these thoughts surfaced, his confidence decreased. The moment when he would face the mighty Ottomans drew closer by the second.
He posed the question he had asked himself endlessly, never with certainty:
Could this feeble struggle succeed?
In the midst of this swirling fog of deep doubt, he repeatedly reminded himself of a single resolution. Even if all of this proved meaningless, he would ensure that the people of the Empire could show future generations that they had not passively surrendered their sovereignty.
Thus, the subjects of the Empire would stand tall, unashamed, proclaiming to the future generations that :
We fought to the end, seeking hope amidst despair. We defended our sovereignty until the very moment of our downfall.
//
And so, on December 23, 1420, upon hearing the news that the Ottoman army had set out, the prince also embarked on his campaign.
The first to face the launch of the 2,000-strong Morea army was the Duchy of Athens, which had continued as a tributary state of the Ottomans.
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