Rostislav sighed, unable to suppress it, seeing this; it seemed such a task would ultimately fall to him, and he would have to help this young man after all.
"How about this, I will dispatch some priests there. Fortunately, I have a group of people ready for deployment, but don't neglect your work there. You must urge them to convert. These people may become your base in the future. Don't be stingy when making promises. High positions and generous salaries are the most basic. Just promise whatever is needed."
The Moscow Prince spoke to Adam like he was educating a junior, with deep concern in his words. However, he stopped there and did not continue the topic.
Because he knew there was no point in continuing. This matter was ultimately Adam's, and he had to do it himself.
As Rostislav had once said, he was not installing a puppet monarch in Bulgar, but a true monarch. This had never changed.
What Rostislav needed was never a puppet, but friends and monarchs who could provide help.
Facing the Moscow Prince's advice, Adam nodded. He was actually a bit surprised inside. He had thought Rostislav would roughly take over these matters directly.
But now it seemed Rostislav was very gentle, letting him handle everything and even teaching him how to do it like he was a junior.
Adam truly didn't know how to do it, which was why he was so troubled. Although his teacher, Arel, was excellent in battlefield techniques and understood court political struggles well.
But when it came to dealing with interpersonal matters, he was completely at a loss and had nothing to teach Adam.
Adam also didn't dare to mention this to Rostislav because he was afraid Rostislav would take this opportunity to seize control of the troops in his hands.
Although he knew deep down that he wouldn't be able to keep them when the time came, he would drag it out as long as possible. Having troops in hand always provided a sense of security.
All along, although the Moscow Prince and his wife treated him very kindly, deep down, Adam always regarded himself as Rostislav's puppet.
Many of the Moscow Prince's actions, which treated him as an equal monarch, were actually seen by him as mere window dressing, for external display.
After all, the Bulgar court was also full of conspiracies, and Adam could not be unaware of these.
Moreover, he had Arel as his teacher by his side. This loyal minister of the Dulu Family taught Adam many things.
Now, as the time for conquering Bulgar drew near, Adam believed Rostislav would sooner or later reclaim some things from him.
For example, control of the Bulgar troops, to make them cannon fodder and to ensure Adam's controllability as a puppet by exhausting them.
When Rostislav asked about the number and religious status of the Bulgar troops, Adam thought Rostislav was taking the opportunity to seize these powers.
However, Adam didn't mind Rostislav taking these powers, nor did he mind being a puppet of the Slavic people. He was very grateful for the care of the Prince and his wife, and very grateful for the shelter and care they provided.
If the repayment they needed was for him to be set up as a banner, then so be it.
And most importantly, if he didn't want to be a puppet, how could he regain power?
Arel had once warned him not to be afraid of being used. Being used meant you were useful. If no one even used you, then restoring the nation was truly hopeless.
So, he had to become this puppet first before considering actually wielding power.
However, what Rostislav mentioned next made Adam's heart sink.
Upon hearing the subsequent words, this exiled Prince of Bulgar immediately believed that Rostislav's previous words were merely comfort thrown out to appease him.
"Lord Adam, I want to discuss Slavic interests in Bulgar after you return to Volga Bulgaria. It's better to make things clear beforehand to avoid chaos later, don't you agree?"
This was a blatant demand for interests, and Rostislav knew what he wanted with his toes. It was nothing more than various trade concessions and the supply of Bulgar resources to Moscow.
Such matters were unavoidable. After all, isn't war fought for these very things? He had long been mentally prepared for this.
"Everything will be according to your demands, Lord Rostislav. I am truly unable to repay your help. You can take whatever you want."
Adam appeared very submissive. Whatever was wanted, just take it directly. Anyway, these things were not yet his, so he could promise them freely. Once he was secure in his position, he could talk about other things.
"You are truly direct, then I won't be polite either."
Rostislav took the wine from the table beside him and drank it all in one gulp.
"I want Slavic merchants to obtain trading rights within Bulgar territory. All Bulgar towns must not refuse their entry, and commercial transactions must be open. Furthermore, regarding Bulgar artisans, I hope Bulgar can allow us to take away a portion of Bulgar artisans. These are our demands."
"Uh, is that all?"
This again surprised Adam. He had originally thought Rostislav would make exorbitant demands, but now these demands...
To be honest, Adam had read so many history books and had never seen such lenient demands.
Shouldn't these things be the most basic? Not presented as conditions like this.
"Lord Adam, Lord Adam, it seems you still have some prejudice against me deep down."
Rostislav naturally noticed his expression. The Prince raised his wine glass, and a servant immediately refilled it for him.
Then the Prince began to swirl the fine wine from Bulgar, the red liquid staining the inside of the glass with faint blushes.
"What I need are friends, and you are capable of being my friend. We are actually friends. Shouldn't friends help each other? I am not a greedy person. I rather view this military expedition as a gift, a gift of justice to a friend. Akad's beastly act of killing his own kin is a capital offense under any nation and any faith. Everyone should crusade against such a scoundrel. My friend - you - need this justice, and he should personally execute this trash."
Rostislav very frankly revealed his attitude. As he had always emphasized, what he needed were friends who could help each other, not puppets whose lives he could control.
Therefore, his expedition was to allow his friend to obtain "justice," and for this friend to be able to provide help in the future.
The Moscow Prince was perfectly clear about his own capabilities. He absolutely could not control a country like Bulgar.
Instead of turning this place into a resource-devouring quagmire or a neighboring country that could rebel at any time due to exploitation, a true friend would be better, a friend who could send troops to help him.
"I understand, Lord Rostislav. I am certainly your friend."
Adam hesitated slightly, then he said this with determination.
He naturally understood Rostislav's subtext. In fact, he had heard these words many times before, but previously he had more or less regarded them as false.
But now, he finally truly believed Rostislav, believed it from the bottom of his heart.
Rostislav's magnanimity amazed him. He had met many people and heard many things over the years, but never had anyone possessed such foresight and such grandeur as Rostislav.
"I am very pleased you say that, Lord Adam."
Looking at Adam's delicate face, which didn't look like a man's, Rostislav smiled, smiling for gaining trust. He could feel that the last bit of estrangement between him and this young man had also disappeared.
"Then let's enjoy this performance, Lord Adam. When the performance finally ends, I still have some things to announce."
Rostislav said, while pouring himself another glass of wine.
And beneath him, another cheer arose, a cheer for the performance, but in Adam's eyes, it was like a cheer for this monarch, making him appear so majestic.