Chapter 3

Operation Coup Prevention (2)

Lunch time passed quickly. Karianitis, who had rushed in when he received the Emperor’s invitation to eat, was told to watch out for a coup. As expected, it was quite frustrating to see him holding his fork blankly.

“So… are you saying that there are people plotting something for tomorrow’s memorial service?”

“There was such a confidential report.”

“Oh my God, why did such a report go directly to Your Majesty without coming to the regents!”

The chubby Karianitis hit the table and blamed the mysterious informant. He never knew that the Emperor in front of him was in fact this informant.

“That’s not what matters, Regent. I’m glad if it’s wrong, but what if it isn’t?”

“But would it be even possible? And even if it is, Regent Mouzalon, who will pledge today in the Senate, would take care of it.”

“You know that my father has taken the eyes out of a few people, don’t you?”

It had been 60 years since Constantinople was lost in the Fourth Crusade and they went into exile. During his grandfather’s later years, and his father’s brief reign, the imperial family began to clash slowly with the aristocrats who had regained power. The source of the trouble had been to accept the exiled nobles and fill the lack of officials.

‘During the last few decades, many aristocrats left the fallen capital and came this way in exile. They took land, made an economic comeback, and even challenged the imperial family.’

His revered grandfather intensively restrained the great nobles, including Mikhael Palaiologos, an exile aristocrat from Europe. Theodoros(1), his father, went one step further and pulled their eyes out or put them in prison for trying to lead the state affairs. Of course he did not kill them.

‘He must have wanted to instill fear so that no one would challenge his authority.’

The problem was that his father, Theodoros, died too soon before he could stabilize the situation. And that was the crucial issue. An eight-year-old child inherited the throne, and had to face the opposition from the aristocracy. Karianitis must have known that too, but he tried to defend his father while wiping his sweat.

“… The late Emperor only wanted to stabilize the country…”

“I’m sure he did. However, because of my father’s rule, the nobles will consider me very stern and intimidating. Because I’m my father’s son. Regent, there’s no way you don’t know it.”

Only then did Karianitis think hard and ask Laskaris as if to confirm something.

“Did you say this to Mouzalon? He’s not a man to quietly go to the Senate after hearing such a story.”

“I did not tell him because things could leak or get crazy. My father on his sickbed advised me to talk to you if there was anything to discuss in detail.”

“I see. Well done.”

His father had never said such a thing. However, the words of the eight-year-old Emperor sounded credible only when he had the authority of his father.

“As expected, the cleverness of Laskaris’ bloodline seems unchanged. If you leave it to me rather than the indecisive Mouzalon, will prepare right away. Like taking control of a legion and preparing for emergencies. That’s what I mean.”

“Look at me.”

Putting his fork and spoon down, Karianitis looked up. Laskaris nodded in agreement with the regent.

“The Lord’s will is my will. Make sure the legion officers are on the lookout and keep an eye on the legion. Keep telling the soldiers I trust them.”

“I will do as you say. Although the name of the officers may not be known, Laskaris and Vatatzes are still symbols of reverence to the families of the civilian soldiers. It will help.”

“All right. If anything happens to the monastery, we will have to move right away. Should we prepare scouts in advance?”

Karianitis, who had been lost in thought for a while, offered a better alternative.

“It would take time, and deploying scouts could reveal that we know about the coup. It would be better to use visual signals than that. If you wave the green eagle flag, the symbol of the Vatatzes imperial family, we will move right away.”

The memorial service would be held in the morning, so the troops near the monastery would be able to gather just by looking at the flag signal

“I’ll leave that to you, Regent. I’m going to show those who think I’m funny that my little finger is bigger than my father’s waist.”

It was an incredible commitment for an eight-year-old child. Karianitis fumbled and answered, slightly embarrassed.

“R-right. You’re right. I didn’t know that Your Majesty would suddenly act as if you had grown up a few years. If you know some of the conspirators, wouldn’t it be better to investigate and imprison them right now? For example, Palaiologos.”

Karianitis wiped his sweat off with a pale face as if he were feeling sick after eating the expensive meal. His reaction was more realistic than Mouzalon, but he still lacked courage. He was sweating just from saying the name Palaiologos.

‘If your health deteriorates due to old age, will your courage weaken that much? Anyway, I made a decision.’

He wondered for a moment if choosing this regent was really the right decision.

‘Even if he is good at his job and at commanding the army, I need someone who can show his ability when he’s told to, but there’s no one determined to do that.’

Perhaps the problem was that Angelos, the second regent, who should balance the two other regents, did not remain in the capital for long. After finishing his meal with a proper smile and putting down his tableware, Laskaris asked Karianitis.

“Who am I? Whose descendant am I?”

“…Aren’t you the Emperor? You are the great-grandchild of Theodoros 1111, who raised the country in exile, Bithynia.”

After taking a moment to catch his breath, Karianitis explained.

“You are the grandson of loannes III, who achieved a revival in Nymphaion. You are also the successor of Theodoros II, who prepared for the restoration of Constantinople.”

He had an authority that had been passed down through three generations. It was the last means to keep the nobles from playing with him. Of course, in order to do so, he had to refrain from quickly checking the nobles. His authority would obviously evaporate if he were to move hastily.

“You can see why I’m trying to establish authority, even if it’s in a hurry. Just because I’m young, I don’t mean to compromise with the great people.”

Karianitis listened silently. After a short pause, Laskaris continued.

“If there are people who think of this moment as an opportunity, I will have to take care of them. However, I will not imprison them without any evidence like my father did. If I do that, all those who already care about me will be on the offensive.”

Karianitis held his breath for a while and suggested that one more thing was needed.

“At least you should not cause suspicion or disturbance in the military. Then, it is necessary to avoid suspicions from the elite family members who have the right to lead.”

Laskaris also nodded.

“It is impossible for me to imprison someone just with unproven intelligence or suspicion. Then what do I have to do?”

Karianitis looked at him for a moment, and replied with a whisper.

“Let me guess… Are you waiting for the conspirators to reveal themselves?”

“That’s what I had in mind.”

Laskaris folded his hands on top of his plate after eating and rested his chin on them. For a while, he shared meaningful eyes with Karianitis, or Karian for short.

“So now, what we have to do is clear. Don’t show any gaps, but when we have to move, we have to move boldly.”

*

*

*

10 minutes later.

Karianitis, who could not control his stomach, left the dining room in a cold sweat. How many steps did he take out of the building? He looked back and obsessively stroked his mustache, which he had spent a lot of money on and manicured.

“Huh, huh. It’s a big deal.”

Thanks to his low cardiopulmonary abilities, his breathing was rough and he was sweating a lot. The eunuch leading the way was also surprised by the sound and looked at him strangely. However, he did not dare to question the actions of the regent. Karianitis shook his head with a deep sigh.

“That’s weird. It’s… it’s like the late Emperor were still alive. A few days ago, he innocently went to play polo with children of his age. Ugh, what a sign this is.”

For some time, Karianitis struggled to control his anxiety, watching a sea of clouds flowing over the dining room and settling there.

*

*

*

The conference hall was full of people. Thanks to the announcement that there was a significant agenda for the Senate meeting, it seemed that not only prestigious families but also officials and members of the imperial family attended.

“Oh… there are some elders from the Laskaris family. And the Strategopoulos family came too?”

Mouzalon fiddled with the clasp under his official uniform as if nervous. His beard was not even trimmed, and his hair was ruffled by malignant curly hair.

His raised cheekbones were the only thing correcting his impression. Although he was already tired, he should inspect the army as soon as the speech was over.

“After the inspection, we must go to Magnesia immediately. I’m tired of having this memorial service for the late Emperor. So, are the guys in there quiet?”

loannakis, who had been accompanying him all along, peeked through the curtains that covered the platform and looked across.

“I see. It looks like the ones missing eyes all stand in front of each family. In this way, it’s like the Emperor died only to provoke the nobles. Each family seems to have a cyclops.”

A cyclops was a one-eyed monster. Most of the people who had their eyes pulled out during Emperor Theodoros’ reign had only one eye removed. Mouzalon could not help but laugh at the creepy term.

“Hah… don’t talk about cyclops in front of them. Haha, I can’t stop laughing because I keep thinking about it. Damn it. Anyway! At least today we’re going to have a temporary cease-fire with them and form a great alliance. Even the old men of the Laskaris family said they would help out to some extent. Mikhael Palaiologos, my brother-in-law, will also help.”

What was this? loannakis doubted his ears.

“…You said Palaiologos? The mercenary commander?”

The minister of the Horse Ministry asked again because he could not believe it. Mikhael was the most intact person, without a single eye pulled out. He was of royal descent and many of his ancestors were married to the imperial family. No other aristocrat would be more honorable at this point. The only and biggest problem was that he was the representative of the anti-emperor faction. But Mouzalon did not seem to mind that.

“Yes. What a relief to be able to count on a brother-in-law at times like this. At least the Emperor did not touch Prince Mikhael because he knew he would not break his loyalty.”

‘Crazy!’

Unlike Mouzalon who was relieved, loannakis swore inwardly. After a quick look inside, loannakis put the curtains in place again, and pressured his superior.

“You had a discussion with him about what you were going to do, not with anyone else? The previous two Emperors couldn’t mess with Mikhael, but they were more wary of him than anyone else! Do you know where the seemingly obedient but rebellious elite gather around?”

This was obviously a mistake. When he proposed a speech to the Senate in the first place, his main purpose was to find out who would openly rebel against the Emperor, who was the center of power, after the late Emperor disappeared. But it was also aimed at temporarily establishing a truce with the aristocrats so that conflicts accumulated over the past four years would not consume the nation’s energy.

‘No, it doesn’t matter if a real civil war breaks out. I’m sure the military is good.’

If a civil war were really to break out, it would mean that the responsibility was not on the ruling power. And the identity of the one who had a high possibility of leading such a rebellion was known. Even now, there was a lot of information stating that those who could not bear the grudge of losing their eyes or having their tongues pulled were often coming and going to Palaiologos’ house. Nevertheless, Mouzalon was talking calmly.

“Don’t worry. If they are that close to Prince Mikhael but don’t forget their loyalty, then we can willingly rely on them.”

“No matter how high the rank of the elders is, you must not forget that Palaiologos is almost equal to the Emperor. Ha, I’d like to get rid of most senators. But if we make a mistake, we may be attacked and deliberately threatened for revealing that we are distrustful.”

Mouzalon blatantly expressed his unwillingness to listen. It was not just because his wife, Theodora, guaranteed that her brother, Palaiologos, would have no intention of treason.

“Isn’t Mikhael getting the best treatment in the country? What would he plot treason for? He has no reason to conspire.”

In that sense, Mouzalon was rather thinking that Mikhael was actually calming down the potential rebels.

“You shouldn’t listen to rumors. There are nobles who talk nonsense to Prince Mikhael, how could I not know this? But at times like this, adults in the country shouldn’t be shaken. We all have different purposes, but our belief that we are serving our country must not waver.”

“Of course, but I think it would better to think about it a little more…”

“You’re noisy!”

Since he was such a good person, his voice was mixed with anger, but his tone was not that high. But that alone was enough to make loannakis flinch.

“Don’t think of a division among the nation’s top leaders! Don’t you know that the more you’re swayed by such words, the more harm will return to the Emperor?”

Mildly angry, Mouzalon waved his hand, flapping his sleeve roughly.

“There’s nothing good about building conflict now. You know what I mean, so let’s stop here and go in. Clerk, open the curtains!”

At this point, there was nothing the Minister could do. loannakis said one last word before leaving.

“I hope you’re right… Good luck.”

“I’m going in.”

As the clerk opened the curtains, the head of the regents entered the place of shining glory under the dazzling light of the lanterns. The members of the Senate, who had been standing by their seats, welcomed him with applause.

Clap clap clap!

He would publicly confirm possible rumors about the imperial family and regents, and receive their opinions. That in itself was a wonderful gesture. He would be able to verify the legitimacy of the current government. However, Mouzalon’s thoughts were very complicated as he considered loannakis’ arguments.

‘Will Mikhael and his colleagues really show their hostility or accept reconciliation? It’s already been 10 years since the Laskaris and Palaiologos families confronted each other. Is the Palaiologos standing now a loyal general?’

He could not find an answer to loannakis’ concerns. He just swore and complained inwardly.

‘Damn it, he’s working in the administration, and talking about politics will only bring disaster to all of us.’

Clicking his tongue, he repeated this false self-comfort, wondering what would happen. Seeing him determined, loannakis naturally stepped back into the shadow behind him and looked forward. Among the seats of the Senate, Mikhael Palaiologos was sitting close to the podium, side by side with senators from prestigious families.

‘Every time I look at him, I get goosebumps.’

It was not a coincidence that he felt a creepy chill on his face, on which no expression could be read. loannakis shuddered with fear that he had never felt since entering the public office.

“It’s not abilities or qualifications that led me to become regent, and to the first position of regent. I’m sure everyone here knows that.”

“We know that, yes. It was possible because the late Emperor put you there.”

Strategopoulos, next to Palaiologos, talked over Mouzalon, expressing a persistent discontent. He did not care at all about Mikhael’s demand to be quiet because he was upset.

“Enough, Alexios.121 The Regent is speaking now.”

“That damned regent, hehe.”

Mouzalon continued.

“I only take care of the tasks entrusted to me and do my best in return for your trust, and I think the same goes for the prestigious people who are present here. Then, it would not be impossible to forget the bad feelings that originated from past faults and harshness and concentrate on national affairs for a while.”

“Bad feelings.”

Mikhael smoothed the rings on his fingers, repeating the significant words. One of his rings had his own Palaiologos family’s seal. The other had the official seal of the mercenary commander. In particular, when he smoothed the second ring, he stroked it with more effort.

“If the public opinion is that I really don’t have the qualities to be a regent, then I can’t help it. Choose a new regent and prove that such impure regency could not be in the land of the Romans in the first place. That is all.”

Mouzalon quickly descended from the podium. Because it was a heavy speech, people just coughed and did not show much response. Everyone’s eyes were focused on one place.

“Ahem, ahem! Everyone, please focus!”

The clerk of the Senate finally broke the small whispering and proceeded with the procedure.

“…Hmm, next up is the 10th in the protocol hierarchy, Megas Konostaulos 31, who requested the right to speak. Grand Commander, Prince Mikhael Palaiologos, please speak.”

“Commander, why don’t you say something?”

“You have to practice in advance at times like this, hehe.”

After being urged by a few people, Mikhael slowly rose to his feet. A silver belt around his waist and neatly cut clothes with complex patterns revealed his high position.

“…Well, I’m Mikhael Palaiologos. I would like to thank the clerk and the Regent for giving me the opportunity to speak.”

Mikhael, who made a ceremonial greeting, opened the notes he had brought in advance and began to fumble through it.

“I just learned that there are some rumors about the current regency. And I couldn’t help but be surprised. I am deeply concerned that there is some kind of ulterior motive to spread this false rumor, to loosen discipline or to create division.”

After taking a moment to unfold the rest of his notes, Mikhael looked at his brother-in-law, who was watching from the other side. Mouzalon bowed slightly.

“Our great regents have been chosen directly by the Emperor. Who would doubt George Mouzalon’s education or abilities to work?”

Mikhael took a deep breath and entered the last part of his speech.

“If the country does not want to go into anarchy, we should not challenge the regents. Especially in the current situation where we have to assist the young Emperor.”

A short answer was enough. Mikhael slightly smiled as he rolled up the notes and tucked it into his sleeve.

“I hope that the regent will take care of the country as he currently is, unshakable by false rumors. The tragedy of Andronikos Komnenos141 should no longer exist for us.”

“That’s crazy, damn it.”

The Laskaris boy could not resist his curiosity and dragged the eunuch lacobos to listen to the Senate meeting. This was what the Emperor truly thought after hearing the last part of Mikhael’s speech.

However, there were a series of praise coming from the senators, as if they were very impressed. The elders of the Laskaris family were the first to clap their hands.

“This is the virtue of the Romans! Joy in heaven, peace on earth!”

“Long live the Roman Empire!”

“What?”

Contrary to the Emperor’s expectations, Palaiologos and the other senators seemed to be praising the unity of the Empire with no hesitation. Only Laskaris, the Emperor, looked like he was ready to stab someone to death.

“Kill them all and gut them…!”

lacobos grabbed the soon-to-be-nine-year-old monarch by the sleeve.

“Shh, Your Majesty! Your language is too vulgar.”

“If my father were alive, he wouldn’t have been fooled by that pretense, huh.”

What really provoked his anger at the moment was the direct mention of Andronikos Komnenos by Mikhael. Wasn’t he a tyrant who brutally murdered a young monarch and usurped the throne!? The mention of Andronikos here itself was no different from a confession that he already intended to do something similar.

‘But is it really? No, maybe he’s determined to succeed, not end up as miserable as Andronikos. Maybe that’s what he meant.’

His heart started beating like crazy again after a brief relaxing time. He heard that fateful night’s speech once again. With the same content.

‘Tomorrow is Sosandra’s coup.’

Laskaris’ fate might be entangled with Mikhael’s, but the most important thing for him was to survive on his own first.

“Let’s see if the tragic fate of Andronikos komninos will happen this time.”

“Your Majesty?”

As lacobos was looking worriedly at the boy who was swept away by passion and saying to himself things that he could not understand, Laskaris coldly thought that he had to be successful this time, even when he saw the man responsible for the incoming events. He had already given up on kindness.

“I have to be a monarch who can be cool-headed and instill fear.’

He slapped his cheeks a couple of times. There was no reason for him to hesitate anymore as the chill of the stone corridor and the heat of his cheeks made his mind a little clearer.

“Let’s go, lacobos. I have a lot to do tomorrow.”

August 26th ended like that. Now August 27th, the day of the coup, had come.

TL notes

[1] Laskaris’ father. Theodore || Laskaris, grandfather. loannes III Doukas Vatatzes and great-grandfather. Theodore I Laskaris

[2] Alexios Strategopoulos

[3] Konostaulos

[4] Andronikos I Komnenos ordered the assassination of the Emperor Alexios II Komnenos, who was 14 years old, and took the throne for himself.