April had arrived, and the weather in Theodoro was gradually warming. Spring was in full bloom, the wheat sown by the farmers began to grow vigorously, and the plans that had been set in motion in Theodoro began to subtly take effect.
Morning of the first day—
"So, Father, you wish for me to be the head envoy for the tribute mission to the Golden Horde Khanate." Manuel's eyelids twitched slightly in disbelief after Alexius finished speaking.
"Yes, because this time we are seeking help from others, I believe that sending the Crown Prince of the Principality will better demonstrate our sincerity."
"But I'm only 15, and I won't truly be 15 until my birthday later this month! How can that kind of sincerity make sense?"
"Manuel, according to the old records of the Roman Empire, there were quite a few who, at twelve or thirteen, represented the Empire's power at various important occasions; among the muslims, there are even those who, at around ten years old, raised an army and established their own domain. As the heir to the Principality, you must shoulder your responsibilities."
"But I still shouldn't be the head envoy. A mature and reliable person should be the head envoy, and I can be the deputy. As for the head envoy, I recommend, for example… hmm, Chief Secretary Raus? Or those several diplomats?"
"…You'll still go."
Finally, at Alexius's insistence, Manuel had no choice but to agree to be the head envoy for the mission to the Golden Horde Khanate. After convincing him, Alexius contentedly gathered all the important officials and convened another imperial council for the Principality.
After the meeting began, everyone first discussed the progress of the various ongoing plans, then determined the direction of the next step, and only then did Alexius present his mission plan.
There was basically no opposition to the plan, except for Raus and Orophin suggesting the addition of some experienced and trustworthy individuals. At this point, Manuel could only accept this established fact in his heart. He simply proposed to select some personnel himself. He put forward this proposal, firstly, to cultivate the next generation of talent for the Principality, and secondly, Manuel wanted to foster more confidants in the diplomatic field.
This little scheme was quite easy to detect, but the officials, led by Alexius, did not think it was a big deal. After all, Manuel was the Crown Prince of the Principality, and there was nothing wrong with openly or secretly cultivating a new team. After all, when Alexius ascended the throne, he did not rely on those nearly retired old men. Other important officials believed that it would be many years before Manuel fully matured, and there was no need to offend the Prince and his son for something so far in the future. So everyone chuckled and agreed to the matter.
After this minor issue was resolved, everyone began to debate the secondary objectives of this mission. Raus, Orophin, and Pennycook argued that the focus should be on the West: "The West is full of loyal servants of the Lord, and it is rich and powerful. If we can persuade them, then at the very least, we can protect ourselves." Patniko and Hus, however, believed they should seek aid from the East and North: "Kaffa has always been the largest slave trading port on the Black Sea, and Genoa has been selling white slaves for many years. The countries in this area have been displeased with them for more than just a day or two. If they stand with us, then they will certainly be a strong and powerful backing." As for why the main objective was not debated, it was because there was nothing to debate about it. It was simply the same old routine as in previous years: pay homage and tribute to the Golden Horde to show submission. This was a fundamental practice for the founding of Theodoro! The ancestral laws cannot be changed!
Alexius and Manuel, father and son, watched them argue so fiercely and couldn't help but sigh at the same time.
"Why can't we pursue both?" Manuel finally couldn't stand their arguing and interjected. Alexius also began to mediate between the two sides, and eventually, everyone came up with a compromise: after paying tribute to the Golden Horde and completing the main task, they would first go to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the West to see if they could get some help, more or less. On the way back, they would try to persuade the local Tatar princes and Circassian chieftains to strengthen their own military forces, and during this process, they would also try to contact the various Rus' principalities to gauge their attitudes. After the plan was further refined and completed, Alexius waved his hand, dismissing the meeting. All the important officials unanimously agreed and offered a prayer before finally departing to continue their work.
That evening, after the meeting, the father and son met again. This time, they silently reviewed the plan. After a long while, Alexius finally asked:
"My child, how much of this mission plan do you think will ultimately be accomplished?"
"Father, I believe that the completed portion will not exceed 1/2."
"Even you think so, alas."
"After all, we are still too weak. Without strength, no power will look at us seriously."
"Perhaps we really can't do anything."
"Precisely because it's futile. Never mind, let's not talk about such disheartening things, Manuel. Rest well these next few days, after all, you have to depart in the middle of the month."