Eagle Flag of Epirus

Since the death of Emperor Manuel, the imperial finances have declined, and the once powerful imperial navy has also declined. Only the Royal Navy stationed in Constantinople still maintains its combat effectiveness. However, as the Crusaders captured the capital of the empire, the Royal Navy also followed the Lascaris brothers to Nicaea, which resulted in no Byzantine naval forces to provide support and defense on the vast western coastline of the empire. This is also the reason why Justinian had to get help from the Pizzas. Without the dozen or so armed merchant ships in the hands of Baron Pierre, he and his new army of Moria would be unable to move forward.

　　 But this has also caused another consequence, that is, Justinian’s fate has been virtually in the hands of these foreign Italians. At this time, Neusky worried the most, because the Pizzas were the same as the Venetians at the time. They will help you for profit, but they will also betray you for profit without hesitation. He must remind Justinian to remember the lessons of the Komunin dynasty.

"Although we do still need the help of these pizzas, it is definitely not a long-term solution if we continue like this. It is time for us to form our own navy. His Royal Highness Justinian." Nevsky finally changed his thoughts. Having said that, as the former Varangian Guard and even a pirate for a while, this man has the confidence to volunteer to Justinian.

　　 But at this moment, Justinian has been silent, looking into the distance as if he was thinking about something in his heart, and he seemed to be waiting for something.

　　At this moment, an anxious soldier suddenly boarded the city wall and said out of breath: "Master Justinian, the messenger of the Pizza is here to see you."

　　Pizza? What do they want to do this time!

　　Neusky thought to his heart in amazement, and involuntarily an aversion to these unprofitable Italians would definitely come here!

But Justinian was beaming at the moment, "Finally waited until they came! Bring people over immediately." The smile on his face was slightly cold, and he had been waiting for Pierre's next move, and sure enough , The man proudly showed his fox tail as soon as he took the city of Athens.

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"Your Excellency Justinian, I have conveyed all of Master Pierre's meaning to you. He hopes that you will never get his meaning, as long as you promise our terms and we will return it to you immediately after the completion of the Athens City. The army took over." The Pisa messenger who came from Athens said cautiously, looking at the expression on Justinian’s face, he did not dare to raise his posture.

　　 And all around, Neusky, Salius and others who were waiting by the side were already dull at the moment. Even though the pizza guy in front of me can say all the good things, in fact the promise that the pizza guy promised to fulfill has not been achieved. Pierre did not intend to hand over the city of Athens at all, and even Nafplion was obviously unwilling to hand it back. give them.

　　 But Justinian on the side was still amiable, and faintly replied: "Your Excellency Pierre's meaning has been received, and I understand his concerns. I accept his invitation, and I will go to Athens for a dinner in three days."

　　 "Master Justinian" didn't expect Justinian to agree, but Neusky and the others wanted to stop them with a look of astonishment on their faces.

　　 But when the words came to the lips, Justinian blocked him with his gaze.

　　 "Say hello to Your Excellency Pierre." Justinian looked at the trembling pizza messenger calmly and said.

　　 Seeing the other people around him looking like they were going to devour themselves, the Italian envoy, who dared not stay any longer, quickly got up to say goodbye to Justinian, and fled in the sight of almost knocking his eyes away.

　　 "Lord Justinian, these guys are simply arrogant, we should go to war with the Pizza!" Salius was the first to stand up and object, and as soon as his words fell, other generals also agreed. They were all young nobles who were promoted by Justinian during the Moriah War. They had no doubts about their loyalty to Justinian, and they understood why they reacted so fiercely.

Because the conditions put forward by the Pisas this time have completely exceeded the original bottom line negotiated between the two sides, Pierre actually wants to exchange the city of Athens for the monopoly right of the Modong Fortress and the entire Moria, and at the same time the Piraeus Port in Athens. The same must be loaned to the pizza.

"This is simply taking advantage of the fire. We absolutely can't promise them, let alone go to the so-called banquet. This time these people are absolutely unkind." Nieowski, who has always been very distrustful of Italians, opposes the investigation. Stinney's decision, this time the so-called invitation seemed like a trap, but he didn't expect Justinian to agree without even thinking about it.

But Justinian showed a meaningful smile on his face, and slowly said: "You needn't bother you, I know your concerns, but how can you recover the homeland peacefully if you don't. The soldiers have just experienced a fierce battle. , It still needs to be repaired, and it is not yet at the point where it must go to war. No matter what tricks the Pizzas want to play, they understand that if they turn their faces with us, the entire Moriah or even the entire empire will have no place. So. It’s okay to go to this banquet. See what tricks they want to play."

Ending the final argument with calm words, Justinian glanced deeply at Salius and Neusky, and these two men who had been with Justinian for a long time seemed to realize it. What ~www.ltnovel.com~ finally stopped refuting anything.

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　　 At the same time, north of Argos, in the city of Athens, a feast of guests is also being closely prepared. The Pisa took advantage of the empty space where the Latins were wiped out and defended the city in one fell swoop, and the biggest beneficiary was undoubtedly Baron Pierre. Although his previous assistance to Justinian made him lose half of his crew and militia, this victory made up for all his losses.

The Latin immigrants who had no noble protection in the city were panicked. They immediately chose to provide him with allegiance and soldiers after obtaining Pierre’s assurance. On the other hand, after recruiting a large number of pirates and taking over the warship of the Principality of Athens, Pierre With a stronger navy in his hands, he deliberately chose these foreign pirates for money as his new sailors. Although it cost a lot of money, these desperadoes who stayed out of the matter made him feel more at ease. . But now, the only thing that disturbs him is that Southern Justinian, who has been silent, has always failed to fulfill his promise to him and is indifferent. What is that kid thinking about? The thoughtful man was full of doubts.