1444, Byzantium Resurrects

Chapter 81 Lavender

In the last few months of 1449, Isaac, who had won the battle, decided not to go out for adventures under the strong persuasion of Prime Minister Iseult, but to stay in the Black Castle and enjoy the hard-earned peace.

The winter in Cyrenaica is very comfortable, with moderate temperatures, dryness and humidity, and everything is flourishing.

Thanks to the efforts of several ministers, the administrative system was gradually improved and the territory was gradually put on the right track. There was nothing major worthy of Isaac's attention.

This year's joint military and political meeting was held as scheduled. Since there would be no war in the short term, Isaac allowed Prime Minister Isult and Minister of Commerce Andre to co-chair the meeting while he attended as an observer.

Generally speaking, the military victory brought political stability, and the ambitious people were intimidated by Isaac's great prestige and dared not act rashly.

In faraway West Africa, Colonial Secretary Earl William discovered several uninhabited islands of little value and hoisted a double-headed eagle flag on them.

Among the four major viceroyalties, the La Palma Viceroyalty controls important waterways and has the best development prospects.

Governor Lothair governed strictly in accordance with the development plan set by Isaac, and turned La Palma into a transit port and maritime fortress.

In addition, he also negotiated with Desenbeco to buy the use rights of several other small islands in the west and settle there.

Currently, there are more than 10,000 residents here, including many black slaves and Muslim slaves.

Due to its superior geographical location, the Bijagos Islands became the preferred colonial base for West African explorers, earning large sums of money through gold trading and slave trade.

With Isaac's deliberate promotion, the exploration of West Africa became increasingly popular, and more and more adventurers began to head to the legendary green land, trying to get rich overnight.

When there are too many people, the drawbacks of extensive rule immediately become apparent.

A few months ago, an epidemic broke out in the Bijagos Islands, and nearly a thousand people died of the disease.

Isaac didn't know what disease they had, so he could only gather medicine and go to provide emergency assistance.

Isaac then severely criticized the Governor of Gosia and sent a central commissioner to assist in the sanitary reform of the Bijagos Islands.

Sugarcane plantations were established one after another on the newly established St. William Islands, and black people from nearby coasts were captured and brought to the islands to engage in heavy work in sugarcane cultivation.

As for the St. Nicholas Islands, which are off the main shipping route, Isaac did not invest a penny. He granted several small islands to nobles and encouraged them to invest on their own, but it was obviously not very effective.

It is too barren, hot and dry here, with only a few places suitable for human habitation.

This golden key to open the new world has been in Isaac's hand and is of no use for the time being.

It was not a good thing for Isaac to start colonizing the New World too early.

Historically, after the fall of Constantinople, trade between the East and the West was cut off. In order to solve this problem, Europeans began to look for sea trade routes.

During this period, they were mainly divided into two factions:

The Spaniards advocated moving westward, continuing westward from the New World to reach the East.

The Portuguese advocated going south, crossing the southern tip of the African continent and reaching the Indian Ocean.

For Isaac, the strategy of moving south, which was less time-consuming and costly, was obviously better, both for military and economic purposes.

So, Isaac has been instigating the exploration of Africa, trying to open the door to the Indian Ocean as soon as possible.

Not long ago, unrest broke out in Portugal, Prince Pedro died in the army, and King Alfonso V took power.

This civil strife did not cause much damage, but its significance was extremely far-reaching.

After the civil strife, Prince Henry became disheartened and no longer cared about state affairs. The emerging forces advocating the exploration of West Africa were greatly weakened, and state affairs were controlled by the land nobles who supported the conquest of North Africa.

After this, the focus of the Kingdom of Portugal was always on the war in North Africa, and Afonso V was nicknamed "the African".

It was not until his later years that Alfonso repented and began to restart the exploration of West Africa.

This long blank period in between was Isaac's opportunity.

If they could cut off the Red Sea trade on which the Mamluks depended for their survival, just like Portugal did in history, then marching into Egypt and taking Cairo would not be a pipe dream.

Of course, if I really opened up a route to the Indian Ocean, Venice, the Ottomans, and the Mamluks would definitely regard me as a thorn in their eyes and would want to get rid of me as soon as possible.

The road is difficult, but the general direction is right.

Outside the territory, the three major trading companies are moving forward steadily. The Greek Guinea Trading Company is engaged in a bloody business with huge profits and is developing the fastest.

Under Isaac's instructions, Forche, the head of the Greek Guinea Trading Company, established a simple bank based on the work of the Knights Templar and the Venetian State Lending House, specifically to provide usury to adventurers heading to West Africa for exploration.

In the short term, the bank's profits are good, and Isaac plans to gradually expand its business into other areas.

Compared with other companies, the Cyrenaica Commercial Association has more important political significance. This commercial association, which was initially funded by Isaac and in which many local businessmen and gentry own shares, is a big network that connects the entire territory tightly.

After the victory in the Battle of Kerkennah, the various forces in the Republic of Genoa finally recognized Isaac's strength and increased their support and investment in the trading company.

Against this backdrop, the Monferrato Trading Company went into full gear and began to monopolize the slave and grain trade in the central Mediterranean, acting as a trade bridge between the West African colonies and Cyrenaica.

In this way, Isaac's years of planning and long-term accumulation finally produced corresponding results.

Isaac, who had free time, lived a comfortable life. From time to time, he would go hunting with the young men of the tribe, drink with his old brothers in the guards, and then go to the city hall to watch his ministers work hard.

"Pooh!"

One afternoon, Isaac sat in the garden of the Black Castle, looking at the turbid black liquid in the cup with a bitter expression.

"Your Majesty, I made it just according to your method!"

Yeer Gubai on the side panicked and quickly waved his hands to distance himself from the matter.

His identity was special. In order to prevent some local forces with ulterior motives from using this child to launch a rebellion, Isaac simply brought him with him as a guard.

Isaac sighed and put the cup down.

This thing can be considered coffee.

A few years ago, Isaac had an idea and sent people to the Ethiopian plateau to explore the secrets of coffee beans.

After the emergence of this drink, it quickly became popular in Europe and was welcomed by aristocrats and wealthy businessmen. Coffee beans were once called "black gold".

If coffee could be introduced to Europe earlier, sparking a coffee craze, they could also make a fortune by taking advantage of the first-mover advantage.

The difficulty is that there are currently few known places in the world suitable for growing coffee, and high-quality varieties of coffee are monopolized by Arab merchants and are prohibited from being spread outside.

The port of Mocha in Oman is the world's largest coffee trading center. Muslims use coffee as a refreshing drink instead of alcohol.

"The coffee seeds were sent to the Colonial Secretary, Earl William, who was asked to try planting them in some places in the African colonies."

Some things cannot be achieved overnight and require a lot of time to settle.

"Your Majesty, your letter."

Iseult walked into the garden and handed Isaac a stack of letters.

As my business grew, I received more and more letters every day.

Since he had no wife, Chancellor Isult and Foreign Minister Anderson took on some of the duties of reading and writing replies to letters.

"What brings you here, my Lord Prime Minister?"

Isaac pointed at the chair, and Yergubai understood, moved the chair away, and asked the prime minister to sit down.

Isurte, with dark circles under his eyes, sat down carelessly, took a look, and drank the black drink on the table that seemed untouched.

"puff--"

"Are you drinking the devil's spit?"

Iseult shouted angrily.

Yergubai quickly poured Isurte a glass of wine to wash away the strange taste in his mouth.

"Well, Prime Minister, you came here in person. Is there any important letter?"

"Your Majesty, all the ministers are so busy right now, can't you hire more people?"

Iseult sighed.

"I really don't have time to read letters."

"I don't believe in you guys..."

Isaac chuckled.

In fact, there are not many administrative officials in Isaac now, and each person has heavy responsibilities and is indeed very busy.

The territory's finances were tight, and Isaac did not want to expand the administrative structure and incur unnecessary expenses in the short term.

When there are fewer people, the power becomes greater. Isaac can keep it under control for a short period of time, but over time, corruption and abuse of power are bound to occur.

At present, all affairs are centered on military affairs. Every silver coin that can be saved goes into the military camp in preparation for the war three years later.

As for administrative reform, we will talk about it later.

"You are of age now. It is time to find a mistress for Castle Black."

"Giving birth to a prince soon can also reassure the big and small forces in the territory."

"You don't have any women around you. This is simply..."

Isurt looked at the well-behaved Yergubai suspiciously, with an expression of disbelief on his face.

"You won't..."

"Of course I want to find a wife! I'm just tied up in the war and don't have the time!"

Isaac immediately jumped up to refute and defend his reputation.

"Now that the war is over, you must find a wife."

"The princess who sprays her letters to you with lavender perfume is good."

Iseult handed a letter to Isaac.

"you will not……"

Isaac looked at Iseult suspiciously.

"of course not!"

The prime minister's veins popped up, "I have enough political affairs to deal with every day, how can I care about your affairs!"

Isaac looked at the envelope. The Portuguese blue shield on the envelope was small and delicate.

When I opened the letter, the scent of lavender wafted over me, as if it could calm my mind.

"Dear Isaac, this is the first time I write to you in Greek. I hope you will not laugh at my grammatical errors."

Isaac looked at the delicate Greek handwriting and felt happy, not knowing why.

“It is an honor to be the first to share the joy of victory with you.”

“Here, I would like to sincerely congratulate you on yet another victory, adding a jewel to your crown.”

"Your achievements are known far and wide, and your power is feared by all."

"As I walked along, priests would pray for you, poets would sing your praises, and mothers would call their newborn children Isaac."

"You are young, but you have accomplished immortal feats. I believe that one day, the whole of Europe will be amazed by you."

Isaac's mouth was stretched into a grin that he couldn't close.

"I was in Prague, a beautiful city, when I received your letter."

"Coming all the way from the wilderness, this city is the only one that brings me some comfort..."

"I'm sure you've heard that something has happened in Portugal."

"As early as a year ago, I advised Uncle Pedro, but unfortunately he didn't seem to take a woman's words to heart."

"King Charles of France and King Henry of England are at war again, which has put an end to my next travel plans."

"Next, I will return the same way and perhaps stop at your territory."

"Yours forever, Leonor."

Isaac looked down and saw a small piece of text.

"Also, my uncle, King Afonso of Aragon, has asked about my marriage."

"Given your vast knowledge, would you choose the noble Vienna or the prosperous Paris?"

"Or do you have a better choice?"

"Please reply to me as soon as possible."

Isaac raised an eyebrow and put the letter away.

"how's it going?"

Iseult came closer, clearly concerned.

"Bring me a pen."

……

Apennine Peninsula, Naples.

After winning the crown of Naples, the King of Aragon, Afonso the Magnificent, liked the atmosphere of southern Italy so much that he even moved the entire Aragonese court here.

Under his tolerant rule, all kinds of people from all over the world came here, making Naples gradually prosperous and becoming a rare literary and artistic capital in southern Italy.

In Afonso's court, Leonor sat in the garden, holding a thick book in her slender hands.

"Leonor, what are you looking at?"

King Afonso came closer and looked at the book in his niece's hands.

“The Republic.”

Leonor smiled and turned the book to the title page.

"Since when did you start liking reading ancient Greek works?"

"recent."

Afonso looked at the exquisite title page, on which was engraved the emblem of a double-headed eagle in gold.

"This is the latest printed book. It's not cheap."

"A gift from a friend."

Leonor smiled.

"By the way, how do you think about what I told you in the letter last time?"

King Afonso sighed again,

"Logically, this isn't my business, but your parents are dead, and your unreliable brother doesn't care about anything except power struggles."

"If I don't find a good home for you, I will let your mother down."

Leonor was silent for a moment.

Regarding marriage, my uncle gave me two suggestions.

Louis, Dauphin of France in Paris and Frederick III, King of Germany in Vienna.

Crown Prince Louis was disrespectful to his superiors and had a bad reputation. It was said that he had forced his ex-wife to death with his own hands. He was the first to be eliminated by Leonor.

Judging from his family background and status alone, Frederick III was actually a good choice.

However, when Leonor was traveling, she saw Frederick III from a distance and had a particularly bad impression of him.

Dull, pedantic, conservative and superstitious, like the damp and stale palace in Vienna.

Do I really want to marry such a person?

"Besides these two, is there no one else?"

Leonor looked at her uncle, but a vague figure appeared in her mind.

As a princess, she knew very well that political marriage was her destiny and she had no intention of escaping it.

However, as the eldest princess of the Kingdom of Portugal and the oldest surviving daughter of the late King Duarte, she has the power to choose.

Afonso shook his head.

"In terms of status, these two are the best match for your identity."

"I don't like Louis either. I suggest you choose King Frederick."

"The posthumous son Laslaudis has lost the support of the nobles, and Frederick's coronation as Holy Roman Emperor is a foregone conclusion."

"Think about it, this is a crown."

King Afonso was somewhat envious.

"Marry him, and you too will wear the queen's crown."

"Even if it's in name only."

crown……

Leonor thought about it.

"Frederick is not the only one who holds the crown."

"Oh?"

Afonso didn't react for a moment.

"Who else?"

Footsteps were heard and the servant came to report.

"Your Majesty, Princess."

Attendant, salute.

"There is a Lord Anderson from Billinge who wants to see the Princess."

King Afonso was somewhat surprised and looked at his niece.

"Let him in."

A short while later, Anderson, the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Cyrenaica, slowly walked into the garden and bowed to King Afonso.

“Welcome, guest from afar, please try the red wine produced in Malta.”

Although Afonso was confused, he still showed the demeanor of an old nobleman.

"Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty,"

Anderson turned to Leonor, who was watching quietly, and handed her a letter.

"Thank God, I was able to deliver the letter from my Lord to you before you left."

"You mean..."

"Dear Princess, His Majesty the Emperor sends you greetings."

Leonor opened the envelope and took out the letter.

The letter was short, just a few lines.

"You once asked me which I would choose, Paris or Vienna."

"I think Notre Dame de Paris is not as ancient as Hagia Sophia, and the Seine River is probably not as prosperous as the Golden Horn."

"I think the Hofburg Palace is not as noble as the Purple Palace, and the ancient city walls of Vienna are not as indestructible as the Theodosian Walls."

"I would choose Constantinople."

(End of this chapter)