Chapter 351 - 251: Little Nikephoros (3)

The young man’s fists tightened, his voice growing sharp. "Do you dare question the Emperor’s command?"

Tatikios chuckled. "I don’t question the Emperor’s command, ’little girl.’ I question whether you can even understand those commands."

"I will not argue with a barbarian like you." The young man flicked his sleeve, produced a seal engraved with the Emperor’s bust, and held it out to the surrounding soldiers. "Soldiers of the Empire, think carefully about who you serve! Is it Emperor Alexios in Constantinople, or this Turkic man before you who defies the Emperor’s authority?

I, Nikiforos Brinos, now command you by the authority of the Emperor to open the city gates! Anyone who refuses to carry out this order will be considered a traitor!"

(Nikiforos Brinos was a Byzantine general, statesman, and historian. The Brinos family was quite influential in Adrianople, possessing local power.)

(His father, also named Nikephoros, was the Governor of the Dilaxion Military Region. He rose up to usurp the throne in rebellion against the weak Emperor Michael VII, but was ultimately defeated by Emperor Alexios I Komnenos.)

(Brinos was renowned for his profound knowledge, handsome features, and charming personality.)

(Due to his outstanding knowledge, charm, and diplomatic skills, he won the favor of Alexios and was granted the titles of ’Caesar’ and ’Supreme and Noble.’ During the First Crusade, Brinos successfully defended the walls of Constantinople against an attack by Godfrey of Bouillon.)

Under the young man’s threat of treason, the soldiers began to move.

The young man followed the soldiers down from the city wall, urging them to open the gate.

"Your esteemed Majesty, the King of England, I am Nikiforos Brinos, the Emperor’s Envoy sent by Emperor Alexios to welcome the Crusaders from England and Normandy. To avoid any future confusion in address, you may simply call me Brinos.

Though I doubt there is any other Nikephoros in the Empire at present who could make a more lasting impression on you.

Oh, by the way, the name ’Nikephoros’—it means ’Bringer of Victory.’ Quite the historical ring to it, doesn’t it?

Perhaps you’d also like to know that it was one of the most favored names among the monarchs of Ancient Rome. Even the Conqueror took pride in it.

Of course, the glory of others belongs to them. Please, don’t be blinded by a name’s splendor. A man doesn’t gain status and dignity from his name; his actions are what ultimately define him. However, I believe my actions will not fail to live up to this lofty..."

This young man named Nikiforos Brinos seemed to be quite the chatterbox, rambling on without end.

Eric interrupted him.

"First, I am not the King. Second, is now really the time for introductions? That Turkic man who defied the Emperor’s authority is still standing brazenly on the city wall, and the thugs who unscrupulously wounded Crusader soldiers have yet to receive their due punishment.

Finally, as the master of this Empire, the Emperor should take full responsibility for this incident. We have not received any of the courtesy he promised my king."

"Of course, of course. Criminals must be punished. The laws of Romania will not spare a single offender. His Majesty the Emperor will certainly not forgive the audacious and reckless Tatikios.

Constantinople is a great distance from England, which makes correspondence difficult. Although His Majesty the King’s letter was sent last year, His Majesty the Emperor only received it last month.

I rushed here, arriving in Vasiliky only yesterday, but who could have known that Tatikios would deceive me to this extent?" Nikiforos Brinos said to Eric, his voice filled with hatred.

"He and those citizens should all be hanged!" Belem said.

"Of course. I will immediately order all citizens involved in this incident to be brought to court. For such a crime, even the most merciful judge would agree they deserve to die.

Furthermore, as this was a collective crime, the punishment should not be limited to these citizens. The entire city should be punished.

Therefore, I propose that this city should provide compensation many times over for the losses of the English Crusaders. His Majesty the Emperor has always been generous and absolutely cannot tolerate his servants insulting his guests in this manner.

He will surely accept my proposal with pleasure. He has always been just. Although mercy is also one of his virtues, a great emperor knows how to strike the perfect balance between mercy and justice.

Our brethren from England have come from afar and made enormous sacrifices to resist the heretics. Any attempt to obstruct their sacred mission is tantamount to an open challenge to the authority of His Majesty the Emperor.

I, too, feel the utmost disgust and contempt for such despicable and vile actions. I am ashamed to be associated with them. I am even more eager than any of you to see these madmen punished. To truly love one’s empire is to condemn such vile behavior, not to turn a deaf ear and blindly cover it up.

Thus, I propose we set out as soon as possible for the imperial capital, Constantinople, to request that His Majesty the Emperor pass judgment on this matter."