It was true that I had hesitated until now.
Originally, I had no desire for the throne and avoided this path due to concerns about the potential repercussions. The establishment of an independent archbishopric in Morea was a dangerous decision. Reflecting on my father Manuel’s original vision of divided rule in Morea, he believed that the presence of large local Independence powers would significantly hinder the future unification of the empire.
This vision crumbled when a single person became the Autokrator – the absolute ruler – of Morea. I, too, had tried to adhere as much as possible to the central government’s control, fearing the long-term negative impact.
However, if the central government continued its misjudgements and control, the situation would change. Establishing an archbishopric would be a new measure to block such interference from the central government.
If Morea’s independent archbishopric were established, it would become much harder for the central government to suppress Morea using the authority of the Patriarch. Naturally, this would provoke strong opposition from many priest and the central government.
However, even if they refused to approve the archbishopric, it wouldn’t be a total loss. If it fell through, it would only sharpen the conflict between Morea and the capital.
From the day John turned against me, I decided deep in my heart to walk an independent path from the capital without anyone noticing. The opposition to the capital in Morea would translate into support for their sovereign, me.
One should never underestimate the support of the people. Though the empire emphasized bloodline succession, it only did so when accompanied by a certain level of competence. If someone with far superior ability and reputation appeared, they could challenge the throne.
If the day comes when John expels pro-Morean forces from within the capital, that will be the moment the war between brothers breaks out. This is the reason behind my proclamation to establish the archbishopric. I don’t truly expect it to succeed; I only hope the message as a powerful warning will be conveyed.
If the central government of the empire remains uncooperative, Morea will no longer bow to its authority and history.
Due to the surprise nature of my announcement, the court descended into chaos. Half were in shock, while the other half were moved.
The fact that Morea’s prince, the emperor’s brother, openly opposed the central government and Emperor John VIII, suggested a growing ambition for the throne. Moreover, most people in Morea supported me over John. This background allowed me to make such a bold statement.
Even Bishop Nikephoros, who had been intensely opposing me, knelt with tears streaming down his face. He had long urged me to become emperor. Perhaps realizing that I had finally decided to become emperor, he barely managed to speak with trembling lips.
“How many have awaited this decision! How many people of Morea, how many of Greece, have watched with hesitant breath until Your Highness made this choice!”
His excessive flattery made my cheeks flush. Ahem, it slightly broke the calm demeanor I usually maintained. Nevertheless, I was experienced enough to quickly calm the storm within and bring the main issue, sidelined by the surprising announcement, back into focus.
“Can we now prove Plethon’s innocence? Can you tell me that I have chosen the right path as the protector of the church?”
“Your Highness, I can no longer dare to question your decision. How could I oppose the just cause of leading a person astray by false heretical knowledge back to the righteous path as the protector of the church? How could I rebuke a protector who will drive out those Muslims who have defiled the holy cross and invaded this land?”
With Bishop Nikephoros, who had opposed most strongly, now completely reversing his stance, the court’s atmosphere transformed.
No one voiced objection. Everyone bowed their heads, filled with excitement and joy. I turned my head to glance at the gathered retainers.
Tax Collector – Skellarios – Adrianos. A spirited young man who was appointed at a relatively young age, initially working as a tax collector but recently frequently deployed due to the intensifying conflict with the Ottomans.
Imperial Judge Demicleos. Appointed by Manuel’s command, he is considered the most seasoned and has reached the mature stage of his career. He successfully expelled the Latins, established a people’s assembly, and enacted laws suited to Morea’s situation, proving himself an excellent bureaucrat.
Bishop Nikephoros. Though not prominent, he prevented the large-scale suppression of Latins by the public, eliminating the potential for new conflicts, and thus is considered a moderate.
Leading these figures were many vassals gathered in the court of Mistra. They were a diverse group, each unique in their way. While some might be similar, none were identical. Some sought advancement, others were drawn by wealth or honor, but all shared a common mission:
To breathe new life into the decayed thousand-year-old empire.
There was a time when I was so repulsed by the sight of people who had despaired and resigned that I resolved to lift them up by force if necessary. At that time, I didn’t even consider how long it might take. But now, as I stand in this moment, I realize I had the wrong perspective.
Even if they had despaired and resigned, the people had not collapsed. It was now time to meet those who had continued to struggle in their own way.
Georgios Gemistos Plethon.
This great scholar awaited our meeting.
//
The prince who declared the establishment of the archbishopric, signalling his intent to fully engage in the struggle for the throne.
The events at the court of Mistra quickly spread throughout the Balkans. Naturally, upon hearing the news, John slammed his desk in fury. Yet, a far more crucial meeting took place in the Balkans: the encounter between Georgios Gemistos Plethon and Prince Constantine.
As the two exchanged opinions, they realized that their paths aligned.
However, they diverged sharply on the crucial issue of the church.
“The union of the church and empire has lost its efficacy. Every time the church has split over doctrinal doubts, the empire has been torn apart. If Your Highness truly wishes to rebuild the empire on a solid foundation, shouldn’t you ensure such divisions don’t repeat?”
Plethon argued, quoting a thousand years of history, that the empire must find a way to remain intact even if the church fragmented. He recognized the recurring social conflicts that arose from different interpretations of doctrine, notably since the rise of Monophysitism and Iconoclasm.
But the prince was not unaware of this either.
“If a thousand years say the church is unnecessary, they also say that the church has already become one with the empire. People have long accepted the church as part of their lives, and it’s undeniable that some prioritize the church over the empire.”
The prince confronted Plethon with reality.
“One ruler’s forceful change cannot easily alter people’s convictions. For the past thousand years, the church has been the unifying force of the empire, and now it stands as its final symbol. No exceptional ruler could change that.”
Indeed, even someone like him, who merely knew more than others, was no exception. No matter how outstanding or legendary a ruler might be, they couldn’t immediately change people’s perceptions. Aware of his limitations, the prince had come to meet Plethon.
“What a ruler like me can do is provide people like you with the time, place, and opportunity. It is scholars like you who bring about true transformation in an era.
Great scholar, lead the transformation of this age with your own hands.
It is the role of scholars to present and create a new focal point to replace the church and faith that have guided the empire for a thousand years.”
The church won’t leave the people’s side immediately. It will take a very long time for people to stand on their own will alone, without the church.
“…I now understand why people call you the last hope. You truly are the final hope for transforming this country. Please accept my loyalty, Your Highness. I will dedicate the rest of my life entirely to you.”
“It is an honor to have your support.”
The prince began to take that faint but definite first step.
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