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Chapter 99: Diplomacy(1)

May 14, 1267

While journeying on horseback from Pavia to Genoa, a man found himself lost in thought, reminiscing on the remarkable encounters he had recently experienced. He felt an immense sense of gratitude for having had the opportunity to engage in conversation with the esteemed Genoese Senate and to exchange words with the king himself. It was a rare and extraordinary experience for someone of his station to be granted an audience with such esteemed figures, and he felt truly blessed to have been given this chance. He was filled with joy and cherished the memories of this unforgettable event, which would undoubtedly remain etched in his mind for years to come.

The envoy dispatched by Corrado exhibited great success in procuring aid from Conradin for their conflict against the French. In support of this mission, the king graciously dispatched Pietro de Pece back to Genoa, accompanied by an escort of 500 light cavalry to ensure his safe passage. Although unaware of the precise nature of Pietro's mission, Albert was most pleased to enjoy the company of one so closely affiliated with the king.

The man noticed that Pietro kept a scroll in his pouch, and he hoped that it was the royal's response to Corrado's appeal for assistance. The envoy hoped that the scroll contained orders from the king to help Corrado's efforts and that the Genoese would soon put them into action.

Following a grueling and exhausting three-day journey, the convoy transporting King Conradin's envoy finally made it to their destination in Genoa. Upon arrival, the guardians at the city gate meticulously scrutinized the letter, which was sealed with the king's crest, before granting them permission to enter the city. As Albert, the envoy, traversed through the bustling streets, he couldn't help but notice the inquisitive gazes of the local citizens. In fact, one curious child even pointed at them, but was promptly pulled away by their mother, likely to avoid any potential trouble.

Albert, now focused on his task, was not distracted by Genoa's inhabitants' activities. As the caravan approached the city's seat of power, the senate, the guards let Albert in, along with five others bearing sent to defend the carrier of King Conradin's sealed scroll. The small group was allowed to roam freely since the message they were carrying was deemed critical and urgent. Albert and the others were brought through the Senate building's corridors until they arrived at the chamber where the senators were gathered. The chamber was filled with an air of anticipation as the senators awaited the arrival of Albert and his companions. The importance of their message was evident in the hushed conversations and serious expressions that adorned the faces of those present.

The scroll was presented to the senators at the gathering and subsequently read aloud by Pietro the Pece, unveiling its contents.

*Esteemed Genoese,

I, King Conrad III, ruler of Sicily and Heyserolatium, and Swabia's duke, extend my greetings to you. I am humbled to know that you are reading my message, and I thank you for your time.

Allow me to provide you with an update on the situation in Sicily. The revolt has been going on for some time now, and we have made significant progress. Our troops have been successful in their efforts, and we have managed to take control of several key areas. The people of Sicily are fighting for their rights and are determined to be free from the oppressive rule of Charles the Usurper.

As you may know, Charles has been focusing on his kingdom's control, leaving his armies vulnerable. This is an opportunity for us to strike and gain the upper hand. However, we require your support to further solidify our troops' control over Sicily. My men need equipment, and I humbly request that the serene republic provides weapons and armor. I am willing to pay more than their common price.

I understand that this may seem like a risky proposition, but I assure you that this deal is mutually advantageous. Not only will you gain monetary benefits, but it will also increase our chances of success. If we triumph, you will reap greater rewards through trade, with Pisa being the only competition. Furthermore, you will have a valuable ally for the future.

I hope that you will consider my request and support our just cause. Our campaign is not only about gaining control over Sicily, but it is also about fighting for the people's rights. If fortune smiles upon us, we will put forth our best efforts into this campaign, and we will emerge victorious.

Sincerely,

King Conrad III*

Upon completing his perusal of the scroll, Pietro carefully closed it and turned his attention to the senators in the room. In doing so, he couldn't help but take note of their reactions to the king's political prowess. It was apparent to Pietro that the king had shown exceptional skill in his ability to emphasize the inevitable collapse of Charles's defenses in the north and the resulting victory that would come with it. Furthermore, the king's shrewdness in appealing to the senators' economic interests by offering them significantly larger trading opportunities if they supported Conradin in reclaiming his realm was a masterstroke of political maneuvering. The king had expertly managed the issue at hand, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of support from the senators. It was indeed an impressive feat for a 16-year-old to have accomplished.

Pietro carefully observed the senators, taking note of their various private discussions and interactions. He couldn't help but notice that many of them seemed highly interested in the opportunity to potentially sell arms at a higher price or secure valuable future trade if the war were to end in their favor. However, to Pietro's relief, he also observed that a significant number of senators appeared to value long-term benefits over immediate profit. In fact, some even voiced their support for aiding the king's cause, emphasizing that it was the right thing to do and could ultimately benefit all parties involved.

''We should help them,'' said one senator. ''I concur, it is right and just to do so, and it would benefit everyone,'' said another, they were just a few of the voices that resonated in the hall, their voices mixing with the chaos of the other.

As such arguments erupted in the hall, Albert and the others were cordially invited to step outside for a few moments while the senators debated. Pietro de Pece then issued the order to vacate the chamber, and Albert's crew followed suit, leaving the building to allow the senators the solitude they needed to debate. Albert took the time outside to go over the debate's prospective results, wondering if it would benefit Conradin and his cause. The senators' backing was critical, so it was a tense wait rife with speculation and restlessness.

Albert and the rest of the delegation were finally let back into the Senate chamber after what seemed like an age. The senators had reached a resolution and were ready to inform the king's envoys of their choice.

One of the senators, most likely the eldest and most powerful, rose from his seat and addressed the audience:

''Esteemed citizens under the reign of King Conrad III, it brings us great pleasure to receive the news of the successful Sicilian rebellion and the shift in favor towards our cause. It is with great pride and honor that we offer our support to Conradin, in the form of additional weaponry, armor, and men to enhance our defense in the South. With much appreciation for your continued loyalty, we request your esteemed consideration in deciding the appropriate price for the weapons to be purchased.''

This was a welcome outcome for the delegation, which had been anxiously waiting for news of the senators' decision.

And here is where Albert understood what Pietro's role in the group was, for it turned out that he was apparently the best diplomate Conradin could make use of. His role in the delegation was vital, as he had the ability to secure the support of the Senate for Conradin's cause and to strike a deal that was beneficial to both sides. He was a shrewd negotiator, capable of bringing success to the king's plans and efforts to achieve his goals, or at least he hoped he was so.

Albert noticed Pietro leading the group and speaking to the senator, "Noble elder of the republic, it is with me that you shall have to talk for everything concerning the price, for I was tasked with the role of representing his highness in the upcoming talk inside the noble republic." Albert observed Pietro go confidently forward, addressing the senators with the authority accorded to him as the king's emissary. Because of his diplomatic talents and aptitude to negotiate the best possible deal, Pietro was clearly in command of discussions. The two men were directed to a different chamber where they could have their discussions without intervention from the Senate. This would allow Pietro to better utilize his talents and skills to negotiate the finer details of the deal with the elders of the republic. For he was no men of steel but certainly a man of great charm and vocabulary. Pietro's charisma and eloquence were well-known, making him the perfect candidate to represent the king's interests. His ability to sway opinions and find common ground was unmatched, giving him an advantage in the negotiations. With his diplomatic prowess, Pietro was confident that he could secure a favorable outcome for the king and strengthen their alliance with the republic.