It was late mid-March when the envoy sent by Genoa, Andrea Merta, arrived in Theodoro, escorted by two galley warships.
Upon reaching Mangup and explaining his purpose, the Principality's officials dared not neglect him and quickly went to inform His Highness the Prince.
Merta was quite pleased with this, and considering the two galley warships that accompanied him to intimidate the Principality, he felt that Theodoro should obediently accept its fate.
Soon, several high-ranking officials of Theodoro appeared before him. When he asked when they could discuss matters in detail, they all lightly brushed him off, saying, "His Highness the Prince is currently touring the territory, comforting the local populace. Please wait a short while, Sir.
If you don't mind, please allow us to show you around Mangup City."
"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you? What a coincidence, the Prince just happens to be out of the capital precisely when I arrive in Theodoro?" Merta almost sneered and questioned them, but he couldn't hit a smiling face.
Facing these fawning Eastern Orthodox officials, he could only put on an indifferent smile and say, "Then please lead the way, gentlemen."
"I want to see what tricks the Principality of Theodoro is playing," Merta muttered to himself.
As a result, this tour lasted five days. At first, Merta still wanted to ask when the Prince would return to Mangup, but he only received evasive answers like "He'll be here soon" and "His Highness is on his way" from the accompanying officials.
To await Theodoro's official response, he had no choice but to continue enduring and secretly stewing.
Later, he began to immerse himself in the delicious food, beautiful scenery, and the charming high-class courtesans they introduced to him.
One night, he even exclaimed, "Ah, the taste of Black Sea cheesecake is truly excellent! Wait, no, I'm here to discuss official business with Theodoro!" Merta was startled, realizing he had almost forgotten his purpose for being there.
On the evening of the fifth day, after he once again requested to meet the Prince, those officials finally stopped placating him with pretty but empty words.
Finally, it was not until noon the next day that he was received by the Prince.
After five days of waiting, Merta couldn't help but suspect that these Eastern Orthodox were playing some kind of trick.
After meeting Alexius, who was formally dressed in a beige dalmatica today, Merta was about to get straight to the point but was interrupted by the other party's apology: "My deepest apologies, Sir Merta.
Due to some urgent matters, I only returned to Mangup today, but it's alright, we have plenty of time to talk, don't we?" Alexius smiled, making it difficult for Merta to discern his true intentions.
"His Highness the Prince, there isn't actually much time, is there?" Merta replied.
"Oh? I don't think so, Sir. I believe we have ample time." Alexius's expression remained unchanged, and he merely stroked his short beard.
"His Highness the Prince, I'll be frank: please return Kaffa to the most esteemed Republic of Genoa. Continuing to drag this out will do you no good.
Have you been unwilling to return to Mangup to meet me these past few days because you want to stall us and buy yourselves time to seek foreign aid?
Let me put it plainly, your efforts are futile. The national strength of the Principality of Theodoro is completely incomparable to ours.
What good does it do you to do this? To curry favor with our enemy, such as Venice?
Are the Venetians instigating your audacity this time? If so, I advise you that the waters here are very deep, too deep for a small Principality like yours to get involved in…"
"Excuse me, Sir Merta," Alexius politely interrupted him, "I generally understand what you mean, but I believe we can talk."
"I think Your Highness may be misunderstanding something." Merta's expression turned serious. "This is not a negotiation, but our ultimatum to the Principality of Theodoro."
The atmosphere instantly solidified, and the relationship between the two sides subtly became somewhat tense.
Both sides were silent for a long while before Alexius spoke first, "What will you do after you reclaim Kaffa?"
Merta smiled coldly to himself, thinking that this so-called Prince of the Principality still dared not offend them at all.
He said with a smile, "It will be as before, but given the lesson learned this time, the garrison in Kaffa will be increased, and citizens will be granted some power.
At the same time, several Catholic monasteries will be established to encourage the local people to convert to the true faith."
"Is that so? Not surprising at all," Alexius said with a smile, then, to Merta's surprise, turned his body and face towards the window.
"Sir Merta, what do you think Kaffa—no, I think it should be called Theodosia now—will ultimately become in your hands?" Alexius asked, resting his left hand on his head, his tone calm.
"That is not something I, as an envoy, can decide."
"I believe that this city, gained by exploiting the muslims, cannot remain in your hands indefinitely under the oppression of infidels."
"Even so, it is not something a small country like yours can obtain," Merta sternly reminded him.
"Ha, indeed. But the main population of Theodosia has always been Romans, from a thousand years ago until now.
What we are doing is merely to save the Romans who are trapped in unjust rule and difficult circumstances," Alexius's tone became serious.
"Nonsense, the emperor of you Greeks is still cowering in Constantinople," Merta said, suppressing his inner anger.
"Perhaps, but no matter what, I will not let go, after all, this time, Theodoro cannot gain nothing," Alexius replied seriously.
"Is this the result of your careful consideration?"
"Yes."
"Then when we meet next time, the Principality of Theodoro will probably no longer exist. If there is a next time," Merta threatened.
"When we meet next time, these cities will revert to the names they should have," Alexius retorted.
"Since that is the case, there is no need to continue talking." Merta flung his sleeves and left, his anger evident.
"By the Holy Mother, Sir Merta, goodbye."
"By the great Saint George, His Highness the Prince, goodbye." Then Merta silently added in his heart, "Or rather, never again."
Alexius then had the Genoese envoy escorted out of the city, no longer holding any meetings with him.
Merta, having understood his true attitude, also embarked on his return journey, escorted by the two galleys.
It was late March when he returned to Genoa. After learning that Theodoro was unwilling to make any concessions, Simon Boccanegra, authorized by the council, officially declared war on the Principality of Theodoro.