The next day, after the members of the delegation had rested, they took their gifts and went to visit the Rus' delegation.
In fact, given the current situation, Rus' was not that important to Theodoro, but the two sides had a long-standing friendly relationship: a descendant of a certain generation of prince from the Gavras Family once moved to Moscow after failing in a power struggle, settled down there, and his two sons retired to a monastery in their old age, where they compiled local chronicles; and many travelers, poets, and historians from the Rus' region had visited the Principality of Theodoro, leaving behind tales of friendly exchanges between orthodox countries.
In his previous life, when Manuel learned about this history, he had complained internally about why that Swedish game didn't make Theodoro and Moscow historical allies.
Therefore, whether unofficially or officially, out of orthodox faith and friendly historical relations, even if there were no specific demands, it was natural for the envoys of both sides to meet if they had the opportunity.
What's more, this time, Theodoro had a small request for the Rus'.
Upon arriving at the embassy where the Rus' were temporarily staying, Manuel had just sent word that the Theodoro delegation had arrived when the Rus' envoy happily came out to greet his brethren.
Leading them was Count Ivan Semyonovich Danilosky of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, who warmly kissed Manuel on the cheek before inviting the Theodoro delegation inside for a detailed discussion.
The atmosphere of the talks was very friendly, with both sides chatting and laughing, and even much later, Manuel would often recall this relaxed and pleasant conversation.
After some pleasantries, Manuel smiled and brought up the main purpose of this visit, "It's like this, we hope to open a trade route to strengthen communication and friendly exchanges between us." As soon as he finished speaking, Manuel handed over a thick and detailed trade proposal document.
Danilosky took it and read it carefully. It roughly outlined a plan where the territory of the Golden Horde would serve as a transit zone, with merchants from both sides traveling through towns along the route. Theodoro could provide primary agricultural products such as olives and fruits, and also act as one of the end points of the East-West trade route (Silk Road), transshipping goods from the East to the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Moscow, in turn, could provide primary raw materials such as timber and metals, serving as the terminal point of this trade route. Simultaneously, merchants from both sides would enjoy limited tax exemptions on goods traded within the other's territory.
Danilosky rubbed his sore eyes, thinking with a hint of dissatisfaction, why did his brethren write such a thick document for such a small matter?
In fact, this was one of Manuel's bad habits. This diplomatic file was originally only a few pages long, but under his review, directives, and personal writing, it was expanded into a thick volume. While it became much more detailed, it was truly torture for the reader's eyes.
After confirming that there were no strange Attach conditions in the document, Danilosky smiled and expressed acceptance to Theodoro, and signed both their names on the draft treaty.
As for the formal signing of this trade treaty, it would only be truly finalized after he returned to Moscow and reported to the current Grand Duke Vasily II.
"However, there is constant internal strife within the Grand Duchy right now, so I wonder how much of the bilateral trade can proceed normally," Danilosky thought to himself. Afterward, the two sides enthusiastically discussed other trivial matters. Finally, Theodoro bid farewell to Rus'.
"Your Highness, do you think this treaty will really have a practical effect?"
"That's not for you to consider, Regen."
Just as this seasoned foreign affairs officer named Regen thought, the symbolic meaning of this treaty was greater than its practical significance. Theodoro's purpose in proposing the signing was more to quickly warm up relations between the Principality and Moscow, although the temperature was already not low.
"You all need to brace yourselves. On the way back from Sarai, we also need to meet Grand Duke Vytautas in Lithuania, and perhaps even make a trip to Bakhchysarai to visit the future leader of Crimea, Haji Giray."]}