The morning dock was very lively, with groups of sailors, wandering prostitutes, and fisherwomen hawking their catches everywhere. The fisherwomen did the best business, surrounded by citizens buying fresh fish.
"Move aside! Move aside! Make way for Rurik's Prince!"
The soldiers pushed aside the crowd with their spear shafts, clearing a path through the throng. Rostislav tried his best to ignore the murmurs and curses. The Bodyguard Unit behind him seemed ready to act, but were all stopped by the Prince. It was pointless to argue with the citizens and would only offend people.
Scanning the crowd, Rostislav saw a scene that greatly excited him: a small theater performing miracle plays. Actors from Novgorod were staging biblical dramas.
He was quite familiar with the actors, as he had conceived their scripts himself. In the few months he had been in Kiev, he had already written all the scripts, and then the troupe happened to arrive, so it was natural that such plays appeared on the streets of Kiev.
These actors were all Novgorodians, true Christians chosen by Bishop Luka. In his teacher's view, biblical plays, at the very least, had to be performed by Christians, otherwise it would be a great blasphemy.
Many citizens gathered below the stage. For many, these plays were very novel, distinctly different from the farcical performances of variety artists. Moreover, they said the plays depicted the life of Christian, which piqued the interest of many.
Although seeing the successful development of his work greatly improved Rostislav's mood, the thought of what was to come made the Prince's mood irritable again. His grandfather insisted he go to meet the Greek bride who had traveled a long distance, and he would rather spend his time on training and writing.
After all, this was just an arranged marriage. What was the point of knowing what the bride looked like? Even if the bride was an old, ugly hag, he still had to marry her.
The royal port had been cleared in advance. The Kiev Grand Duke's Bodyguard Unit were everywhere, and fully armed Northern warriors made way for the Prince's entourage.
The Captain of the Guard, Jika, was managing the scene. Seeing the Prince arrive, he nodded to Rostislav, and Rostislav returned the gesture.
"It seems we've arrived just in time."
Rostislav dismounted his red warhorse with a nimble posture. Before him, two oared galleys from the South Empire were slowly docking under the guidance of a pilot.
The Bodyguard Unit formed up neatly behind the Prince, playing the role of an honor guard, while Rostislav simply straightened his clothes, waiting for the Greeks to disembark.
When the galley was securely moored at the pier, servants immediately laid down planks, waiting for the distinguished guests to disembark.
First to descend were dozens of pointed-helmet guards, their faces covered by chainmail veils, giving them a somewhat Eastern flair. These soldiers orderly formed two lines, awaiting the Greek nobles to disembark.
Rostislav couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. These armored guards surprised him. He had expected Greek civil officials to disembark first, just like those in his grandfather's court.
And then, a beautiful figure appeared before everyone. Behind her followed civil officials, soldiers, and attendants.
Disdain for Kiev occasionally showed in their eyes. After all, though Kiev was an unparalleled great city in the North, it could hardly compare to the magnificent capital.
Zoe Kalafatis descended the ship with an extremely dignified posture. She wore a white gown with a purple ribbon, symbolizing the Porphyry Chamber, draped over her shoulders. The hem of her skirt was embroidered with exquisite lace, and gold ornaments adorned the gown. A thin veil covered her beautiful hair, held down by a small golden crown. A belt of various shapes, sparkling with different colored gemstones, was tied at her waist, adding a touch of luxury.
For Zoe's age, this attire was somewhat unsuitable, but although Zoe was young, the mature temperament cultivated by her good upbringing allowed her to carry the clothing without any disharmony.
"Your Highness Zoe, welcome to Kiev. I am Rostislav Vladimirovich. This long voyage must have been arduous. I imagine for someone from the South, this was an Odyssey."
Rostislav's first impression of Zoe was one of stunning beauty. He had initially thought Zoe would be a woman of ordinary appearance and ability, as there were no records of Michael V's daughter. But now, it seemed he was truly mistaken.
"Thank you very much for your welcome, Lord Rostislav, or rather, my fiancé?"
Zoe revealed a sweet smile. She was very pleased with her first impression of Rostislav. Prince Rostislav had groomed himself meticulously, which did not align with Zoe's impression of a crude barbarian.
Most importantly, this Rostislav mentioned the Odyssey immediately, and his choice of words clearly indicated he was well-read. She had always thought her Rostislav husband would be a barbarian who completely lacked an appreciation for the beauty of literature.
Thinking these thoughts, Zoe's smile grew even sweeter. She had always had low expectations for her husband, and now Rostislav's display far exceeded her standards. How could she not be happy?
Facing Zoe's playful words, Rostislav also responded with a smile, then moved aside, revealing a lavishly decorated carriage behind him.
"My lady, why don't we get in and talk? And Great Duke Rostislav is waiting for us."
Zoe smiled charmingly, then boarded the carriage, and Rostislav followed her in. With a command, the carriage set off, heading towards the Kiev Grand Duke's palace. Both the Greeks and the Rostislavs hurriedly followed behind.
"It seems both the newlyweds are very satisfied with their partners."
At the port, Leo said to Jika. They both didn't follow, as there was still tidying up to do here.
Leo's words also carried relief. Although he had adopted Zoe with utilitarian motives back then, raising her for so long had fostered some familial affection. Now, seeing his adopted daughter with a good husband, relief still welled up in his heart.
"This way, I don't have to worry about anything. From now on, things will take their natural course."
"What about you, Leo? Will you return to Constantinople after getting the dowry?"
Jika said, looking at the galley.
"Ha, I wish I could go back, but if I could, why would I bring so many people to the North?"
Leo's words were full of helplessness. If there truly had been no other way, why would he have come to Rostislav?
"It seems those things you did when you were young are still affecting you. That time you almost lost your nose, and after all this time, those people still aren't going to let you off?"
Jika spoke in a familiar tone, as if they had known each other for a long time. Leo just waved his hand, his face full of exhaustion.
"I've been hiding for so long, I really can't hide anymore. My coming to Rostislav is also a compromise with those people. If I choose self-exile, they won't do anything to me."
Jika looked at his old friend with sympathetic eyes. How had that spirited man from back then become like this now? They all thought he would become a high official in the capital, but now, alas, one can only say that life is unpredictable.