"What do you mean? You want the Catholic Church to collect less tithes while also paying taxes? If you want money so badly, why don't you just rob someone?" Radifa Keni almost cursed out loud on the spot.
Manuel looked at his somewhat displeased expression, but felt no surprise in his heart; after all, such an expression from the other party was indeed within his expectations.
"If you have any questions, Your Excellency, you can speak them directly," Manuel said with a smile.
"There are too many problems!" Radifa Keni almost blurted out, but remembering the rumor that the young man in front of him had sent disobedient individuals to hard labor on the Kerch Isthmus, he instantly became rational.
He took a deep breath and asked, "Crown Prince, aren't you being a bit excessive? Our Kaffa Catholic Church has had a large number of churches converted into orthodox ones, so now even collecting the established legal tithes is a problem. You not only want to reduce our income but also demand a regular, not-insignificant tax payment. Isn't this going too far?"
"I am truly sorry. The matter of extensively converting churches was my father's instruction. Due to the lack of orthodox churches in the city at the time, he had no choice but to issue a decree to reorganize the churches. As for your losses during that period, I deeply regret it and allow me to express my apologies on his behalf."
"As for the matter of paying taxes, I personally believe there should be no problem. You know, the Theodosia orthodox Church readily accepted after receiving instructions from the Metropolitan of the Cherson Diocese, didn't they?" Manuel asked back with a gentle smile.
"Nonsense! The orthodox Church is the national religion of Theodoro. The declining orthodox forces immediately revived after your arrival. So many Catholic churches were converted into orthodox churches, and now they even have money to renovate and build new monasteries. Collecting a little less tithe and paying even less tax than before is, of course, more than enough! Our Catholic Church has had trouble surviving lately; some clergy have even defected to the other side. Are you just going to fleece a half-dead sheep?!"
Of course, he still did not say these words directly, but subtly reminded him, "Your Highness, these secular money issues are very difficult for small dioceses like ours to handle. We not only have to maintain our own livelihoods but also submit offerings to the superior archdiocese and support the relevant clergy…"
"And to ensure you can always enjoy life, right?" Manuel asked back with a smile. Radifa Keni's expression immediately turned unpleasant; it seemed he was quite angered. Seeing this, Manuel tactfully watched the other party quietly, rather than adding, "And to keep cute little boys, right?"—the latter half of the sentence that remained unsaid.
Seeing that the other party remained silent, Manuel simply continued to press, "Oh, by the way, I've always wondered why you Catholics always have this misconception," he stood up and continued with a smile, "that secular power should revolve around you. Is it because the Emperor of Constantinople has become so weak in recent decades that he can only beg for your help on the condition of church unity? But other places haven't fallen to such a state, have they?"
"For example, in the Principality of Theodoro," at this point, Manuel paused, "my father, as the Prince, already rules here with divine authority."
"And as his heir, it is only natural that I also have this power, isn't it? I am not only the protector of the Eastern Orthodox, but I will also respect other existing denominations with my divine authority, as long as they are part of the universal church and not heretics in Satan's skin."
Manuel's words left Radifa Keni confused, but he quickly noticed the hidden meaning in Manuel's last sentence. He controlled the excitement and worry in his tone and cautiously asked, "Wait, Your Highness, did what you just said mean that you are willing to allow the Catholic Church to operate normally in Theodosia?"
"What if it's more than just that?" Manuel said with a smile, making the other's eyes gleam with anticipation.
"If Your Highness is willing to allow the Catholic Church to operate normally in this city, pay taxes, and reduce the types of taxes, I, as a bishop, will do my best to persuade my clergy." As he said this, Radifa Keni felt his molars almost shattering, but as long as the Catholic churches could operate normally, everything was worth it.
Manuel shook his head and said seriously, "What I demand is more than that."
"Please speak, Your Highness," Radifa Keni replied nervously.
"I hope that Your Excellency and your clergy, when conducting religious activities, can also promote my benevolence. Of course, I do not enforce this, but it's a pity, I was planning to try and see if I could recognize Catholicism as a legal denomination in Theodosia." Manuel seized the opportunity to propose his other additional condition, just as he had previously subtly pressured the local orthodox church.
"Absolutely, Your Highness." Radifa Keni immediately nodded like a pecking chick, indicating his willingness to agree to Manuel's recent proposal.
"Since that is the case, then I will reluctantly agree to Your Excellency's request. Later, please sign your name on the church tax law, and I, as a notable of Theodosia and Crown Prince of the Principality, will simultaneously order to allow the Catholic Church to conduct normal religious activities in Theodosia. Of course, since our national religion is still orthodox, I cannot temporarily allow the Catholic Church to engage in missionary work, expansion, or recruitment." As he said this, Manuel deliberately adopted a tone of regret.
"No problem, thank you, Crown Prince, for your generosity. The Lord will remember your contributions." Radifa Keni made the sign of the cross, flattering him while subtly adding a personal touch.
"You should thank the Holy Father for his mercy and love." Manuel also mimicked him, making an orthodox cross over his heart, and replied.
Thus, after their conversation today, the tax issues of Theodosia's two major churches were resolved. At the same time, rumors of the Crown Prince's benevolent style began to circulate in the city. What happened? Someone asked Manuel for his thoughts on this, only to receive a vague reply: "Perhaps this is what the people want. But no matter what, it is my duty as a lord to benefit those of true faith."
A few days later, several exaktors, selected from Mangup, finally arrived in Theodosia. Upon their arrival, Manuel quickly gathered the exaktors who had been selected for the investigation team after earlier assessments, and officially launched the land and population survey that very day.