Standing behind Manuel was his father, Prince Alexius Gavras, the current Prince of the Principality of Theodoro.
He was wearing a grey-blue caftan made of silk, similar to a dalmatica, which was popular among nobles at the time.
This caftan had no intricate patterns or embellishments, but it was comfortable and warm, especially suitable for the season, and his black leather boots complemented the grey-blue caftan, making His Highness the Prince appear simple yet noble.
"Didn't you say you'd finish writing it today, two days ago? So I specially came to see the masterpiece of our future Prince of Theodoro," Alexius teased.
"What masterpiece? It's called a dictionary, but it's just a simple collection of commonly used Gothic words," Manuel chuckled awkwardly.
"Organizing and compiling a language is a difficult task in itself, not to mention you are only 15 years old now.
Thinking that you will succeed to the position of future Prince puts my mind at ease.
However, ruling such a small place, in addition to cultivating both literary and martial skills, requires learning to play both sides," Alexius said.
"Father, I believe that under your rule, Theodoro will sooner or later become the pearl of the Black Sea," Manuel replied.
"You only know how to say such pretty words, you rascal.
But besides visiting you and this finished work, I also have other important matters to tell you," Alexius's tone changed, and joy was evident on his face.
"Could it be that the fortress is complete!?" Manuel exclaimed.
"Precisely.
I plan to name it Calamita Fortress, to defend the port of Avlita, my child, what do you think?" Alexius asked.
Calamita Fortress, in official history, was completed in 1427 and was one of Theodoro's most important defensive works, playing a role multiple times in later wars with Genoa.
Manuel began to recall historical data he had read in his previous life from his mind.
Speaking of which, the opportunity for him to learn about it was truly thanks to a certain Stockholm game that inspired his thirst for knowledge…
Seeing his son lost in thought, Alexius called out to him with some concern: "Manuel, Manuel, my child, what are you thinking about?"
Manuel was jolted awake from the historical data in his past life's memories and quickly replied: "I'm fine, Father, I was just thinking about the fortress's defensive capabilities, for instance, whether firearms, cavalry, and cannons can be effectively defended against? And also naval defense and artillery defense."
Alexius looked at his heir with some confusion: "Our biggest opponent right now should be the Genoese around Kaffa, right?
And, although I don't know much about the west, as far as I know, aren't firearms just toys for those Italian dandies?
Are you talking about the Tatars when you mention cavalry, what problems do we have to worry about?
"Although our region is relatively prosperous, it has always been primarily agricultural, and the Tatars to the north only herd livestock, so we just need to pay tribute on time.
I think those Slavs are definitely more of a headache for the so-called Khan than we are.
"As for cannons, don't worry, although Calamita Fortress is far from comparable to the Theodosian Walls, I have specifically asked the Venetians to help us test them, and at least for now, those from Italy won't pose any threat to us."
At this point, he said confidently: "With Calamita Fortress and the Doros Fortress left by previous Princes, I think even if the elite of the Turks come, Theodoro can hold out for half a year, no, over a year!"
If this cheap father knew that in another timeline, the Ottoman only took less than 3 months to take down Theodoro like crushing an ant, he would probably cry on the spot.
Thinking of this, Manuel looked at his father with a somewhat complex expression.
"So, Manuel, do you want to go see it?" Alexius directly changed the subject and asked him seriously.
"Of course, but it shouldn't just be military and political officials going, right?"
"Hmm, I'm still considering whether to bring the army to test it out again.
My child, do you want to bring that Filaka Legion to practice?" Alexius asked.
"Thank you very much," Manuel replied.
"Alright, if all goes well the day after tomorrow, I will take you there.
You go and drill the Filaka Legion first, after all, you haven't touched military affairs for three months, so you should recover as soon as possible," Alexius instructed.
"Yes, Father," Manuel responded.
The father and son then discussed some miscellaneous matters as they left Manuel's study—at least, that's what Manuel called it.
Afterward, the two separated; Alexius continued to handle state affairs, while Manuel took the manuscript to the Principality's publishing department—this was established at Manuel's request on his 10th birthday to his father and the church, initially used for publishing and managing the Prince's family books.
Later, Alexius, through a combination of soft and hard tactics, expanded it into an official institution managing all books in the Principality.
After arranging the publication of this "Standardized Dictionary of Common Gothic," Manuel did not rush to the legion's barracks but instead had a servant prepare a horse to go to the Principality's workshop.
Upon arrival, he bypassed the busy carpenters, blacksmiths, and artisans, walking directly to an old man who smelled strongly of sulfur and then bowed to apologize: "Mr.
Philippilan, I am very sorry that I haven't come for these past three months, but I still want to ask…"
"Your Highness doesn't need to worry, there's nothing to blame, after all, you can't bury yourself in this kind of work all day like us.
You are destined to lead the entire territory to prosperity, just like His Highness the Prince," the old man, called Philippilan, said, quite flattered.
George Philippilan was the gunpowder master Manuel specifically sought out among these craftsmen.
If Manuel hadn't had knowledge from his original era, then this old man would definitely be the most knowledgeable person about gunpowder in this small Principality.
"Alright, but I want to know about the black powder I asked you to formulate according to my recipe…"
At the mention of gunpowder, Philippilan became completely excited.
If Manuel hadn't stopped him, he would have almost started dancing with joy.
Regardless, Manuel got the result he wanted:
"Your Highness, it's truly astonishing.
Although I knew gunpowder could be so powerful, I never imagined it would reach this extent.
This is the best effect I've seen in my life so far…"
It wasn't until half an hour later that Manuel managed to extricate himself from the old man, who still wanted to create even more powerful gunpowder:
"Your Highness is extraordinarily talented, I believe you can definitely bring about something stronger, fiercer, and better…"
Honestly, Manuel also had this idea in his heart: "Maybe I'll try to see if I can produce nitroglycerin in this era ahead of time."
Then he headed towards the Yangboli (Balaklava in this world) region, where he, or rather, the Gavras Family, had a special elite legion—the Filaka Legion.
The Filaka Legion (Φύλακας, meaning guardian, praetorian guard) was not a legion that existed in official history, but rather a legion that Manuel proposed to Alexius to establish when he was 12 years old.
It was modeled after Basil II's Varangian Guard and the Turkic foreign legions (such as the Ottoman Janissaries and the Armenian Praetorian Guard of Karaman).
It involved gathering a group of young, strong pagan slaves, educating them to embrace the Lord—but converting them to the gentle heretical convert sect.
According to Alexius's summary, these foreign youths were best from Circassian mountaineers, Alans, Cuman Tatar nomads, or Roma people, because they were originally either non-believers or lost sheep of heretical sects.
Thus, because they were like rootless duckweed in Theodoro, relying only on the Prince's family for survival, and due to the almost brainwashing education they received later, they could possess a high degree of loyalty that other legions lacked.
To be honest, when Manuel first proposed this suggestion, he was a bit uneasy and felt a pang of conscience.
After all, he originated from the 21st century and still had some resistance to such inhumane acts.
But when he and his father successfully trained about 30 people, and saw their fierce combat conviction and reliable loyalty, and then thought of the combat power of the Ottoman Janissaries, he ultimately, just like in the games of his previous life, cast his unease aside and began larger-scale reorganization and training.
Now the entire Filaka Legion already has 250 men, with 500 reservists available for replenishment, which can be deployed as the Principality's elite in a small-scale war.
If he can successfully take over all of Crimea in the future, then he even plans to expand this legion to over 3,000 men.
By the time he changed into his uniform and arrived at the barracks, it was already late afternoon.
At this time, the Filaka Legion was training under the leadership of two young officers.
Manuel watched them with a serious expression.
After they completed a round of rigorous training, Manuel took out his credentials and officially entered the barracks.
Amidst the excited gazes and support of the Filaka, he stood at the main position—because Manuel himself was also the commander of the Filaka Legion.
And those two officers, named Aidian and Vladimir by Manuel, also followed and gathered around him.
Manuel began to deliver his routine speech to motivate the Filaka, and of course, also apologized for his three-month absence from the camp.
The soldiers of the Filaka Legion had no complaints whatsoever; instead, they directly rejected his apology, as their upbringing had instilled in them a loyalty that was almost unconditionally obedient to Manuel.
What Manuel mentioned next completely invigorated them.
"In three days, if all goes well, at His Highness the Prince's request, we will go to the newly completed Calamita Fortress to display our military might.
My soldiers, can you uphold the glory of the Filaka Legion?"
"Yes!"
"Can you defend the greatness of the Gavras Family?"
"Yes! Long live Gavras! Long live Prince Alexius! Long live His Highness Manuel!"
"Can you protect this pearl of the Black Sea? And even the sanctity of Rome?"
"Yes! Long live Theodoro! Long live glorious Rome!"
"Good! Very spirited! Now I will conduct tactical training with you, bring me my lance!"