Notaras, what are your thoughts on my proposal?
On the afternoon of January 3rd, inside the Lucas Notaras family mansion in Constantinople, near the northern district, Manuel and Lucas Notaras sat face-to-face, staring intently at each other, their expressions incredibly serious.
Beside them stood members of the Lucas Notaras family and several cabinet members from Bosporus, all silent and solemn, not daring to breathe as they watched the two men.
Manuel, you speak very well.
The empire's Prime Minister cautiously stroked his beard, asking with feigned calmness, But the question is, do you truly wish to defend this city, or do you intend to use this opportunity to claim her for yourself?
To put it plainly, even without your intervention, Constantinople, relying on the Theodosian Walls, can withstand the sudden attacks of these infidels.
The Persians once broke their spears beneath her walls, and the Saracens once fled in defeat.
Holy Father above, I have no reason to believe that a group of Turks, affected by plague and only skillful in their timing, can seize this ancient and never-falling city.
Lucas Notaras's words were the same ones Manuel had used to convince himself to return to Asia Minor earlier.
However, the Caesar had now clarified the situation and was no longer confused; he stared into Notaras's eyes and earnestly stated the reason for his choice:
Notaras, you are right.
Even if I were to flee this city, she would still stand here, relying on the impregnable Theodosian Walls, and the city's citizens would not abandon their homeland and country simply because a monarch born elsewhere left.
But what happens after she is defended?
Will the Empire return to its previous state of having no provinces?
For over a hundred years, ever since John VI Kantakouzenos ignited civil strife, the Empire has been reduced to only the fragmented Peloponnese Peninsula and Constantinople.
It was not until the Battle of Varna last year that the Romans recaptured Thessaly and the Black Sea coast from Bithynia to Armenian Chaldia.
Will they lose them again in less than two months?
Even so, the Empire still has Morea and Thessaly.
Lucas Notaras impatiently interrupted him, realizing that what the Caesar said was true, yet unwilling to acknowledge it, And that narrow coastline from Bithynia to Chaldia is not imperial land, but your personal property!
Manuel Gavras, do not underestimate an old man who has seen much, and do not think that others do not know your true intentions!
Notaras, you may be right.
But sometimes, seeing too clearly can lead to wrong judgments.
Manuel narrowed his eyes, recalling some past events, For example, John VI, he was too clear on certain matters, but he did not know how to weigh their importance, which caused the Empire to lose all its provinces except Morea.
A Roman nation without provinces to generate blood is slowly dying, and this has been proven by the past hundred years.
Although Constantinople will also survive the Turk attack this time, what about the newly recovered provinces?
After a century of vicissitudes, must the Empire return to the past?
Upon hearing Manuel's words, Lucas Notaras's face immediately flushed red, angered that he was being compared to the usurper of the Kantakouzenos family, Enough, Manuel, how can you threaten me with the future of Rome!?
With your prestige, Caesar, and the current crisis, there are Constantinople citizens everywhere who would cooperate with you, so why approach me!?
First, I must correct one point: even Tauris is not merely private property; they are all Roman provinces.
As for the reason for seeking your help, it is because I need Notaras and everyone else on your side.
Manuel stood up, looking steadfastly at all the old man's doubts, then sighed and prepared to turn and leave, Because I do not have the power to decide the fate of Constantinople alone; the power to surrender or steadfastly defend this city does not belong to me, but to all the Romans who live here.
Hearing Manuel's words, Lucas Notaras's eyes softened imperceptibly, and his recently flushed face returned to normal.
He then hesitated for a moment and spoke to the departing Caesar:
Just this once.
Manuel, surprised, turned around, a look of joy appearing on his face.
But this is for Rome, for the Empire.
Lucas Notaras sighed, making this difficult decision, Then, Caesar, for the Holy Father's sake, may I join you to discuss your plan?
Their conversation then lasted for nearly three hours.
It was not until after dark that Manuel and his subordinates, having exchanged opinions, politely took their leave.
After the Caesar and his entourage left Lucas Notaras's family mansion, the Prime Minister's eldest son, John Lucas Notaras, confirmed their departure and asked his father, Father, according to what they said, can it truly save the Empire?
Is there any other way now?
Lucas Notaras smiled helplessly, sat back in his chair, and closed his eyes, Rather than let the Roman Empire lose almost all its provinces again and await death, it is better to take a gamble as this Caesar suggests.
It is a pity; how wonderful it would be if Manuel Gavras were a native of Constantinople, or a member of the Palaiologos imperial family.
Uncle…
Seeing his uncle's regretful expression, his nephew, Avilon, began to speak, wanting to say something, but was interrupted by the Prime Minister's outstretched right hand,
Avilon, you need not worry about these matters.
Do what you must; that is enough.
At the same time, on the way back to Blachernae Palace, Manuel also breathed a sigh of relief.
Before attempting to persuade this stubbornly opinionated imperial Prime Minister, he had already proactively discussed the defense of the city with his subordinates and some other city officials.
However, the latter all told him that if Constantinople was to cooperate with his strategic deployment in the upcoming siege, the assistance of Prime Minister Lucas Notaras was essential.
Therefore, after careful consideration, the Caesar finally approached Lucas Notaras.
What followed was the intense conversation described above.
Fortunately, the matter was ultimately resolved satisfactorily.
But it is not completely resolved.
Thinking of the other person he had to meet earlier tomorrow, Manuel's smile immediately turned considerably bitter.