Chapter 19: Talks with the envoy (1)
Chapter 19: Talks with the envoy (1)
"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."
― Theodore Roosevelt
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Conradin turned to his retainers after Gerwin had left the chamber and discussed the situation with them.
"What do you think this envoy wants from me?" he asked, before being answered by Corrado "Whatever it is, we must be careful not to give away too much information.The Genoese, in my experience, are always looking for an advantage, and we must be vigilant of anyone who seeks to exploit us. We must be cautious in our dealings with this ambassador, but we must also be nice and respectful because we are dealing with a wealthy nation that may be able to assist us in the future or may be our enemy.''''
After Corrado spoke , Galvano offered something that was more significant to his young ruler.
"Probably something to do with money, your highness," he speculated. "Genoa is a maritime republic nation that, like Venice and Pisa, is always looking for trade opportunities, other ways to make money, or simply to expand their influence at the expense of their adversary, and I believe the Genoese see you as an opportunity for all three.We must exercise caution while dealing with him, but he will want us to compensate him for any assistance they may provide. I recommend that your highness listens to what he has to say and then debate it with us before preparing a response together.''
"Do you two agree as well?" Conradin asked Corrado and Maletta prompting them to agree with their fellow's opinion.
"Very well, then, as Galvano suggested, we will proceed," Conradin said before exiting the room.
Conradin entered his room, sat on his bed, and began thinking about why the Genoese ambassador would have been dispatched by his ruler.
He couldn't shake a horrible feeling that was seeping into his heart as he puzzled over the situation, thinking through all of the various repercussions of the Genoese envoy's arrival. After all, they were wealthy and politically astute, and it was entirely possible that they would attempt to influence him in some way. He needed to be cautious and look for evidence of dishonesty or malice.
Conradin was exhausted from the events of the day, so he lay down on his bed and tried to sleep. He was fatigued because the day had been lengthy and emotional. He closed his eyes and tried to relax, but the Genovese envoy's thoughts kept running through his mind. He kept wondering what he may want and what he might be able to supply. As he lay there thinking, his mind began to wander to other aspects of the day, until his head succumbed to exhaustion and he fell into a deep sleep.
Conradin awoke slowly in his bed after a lengthy sleep. He yawned and stretched, feeling slightly disoriented but mostly well-rested. He sat up, rubbed his eyes, and looked about the room, taking in the sights. He felt calm and revived after his night's rest in the accommodation, which was lovely and warm. He felt ready to start the day's activities now that he was awake, and he was ready to tackle what was to come head-on.
The first item of business to begin the day was to eat breakfast, and after refueling, he would meet with the envoy.
He proceeded across the hall after leaving the bedroom, and after a few seconds, he entered the banquet room.
The breakfast was rich and delicious, giving Conradin the energy he needed to start the day.As Conradin walked through the castle, his retainers saluted him and wished him well on this special day. He returned their salutes and continued walking while instructing his servants to summon the ambassador to meet him.
After a few minutes, he reasoned that the envoy should have already entered the allocated room, so he began walking there accompanied by his three retainers.
Given the envoy's standing, this was going to be a delicate negotiation, and Conradin wanted to avoid being overheard or interrupted. He was joined by three of his most experienced retainers, who would serve as his bodyguards and advisors throughout the conference. He trusted these individuals to keep him safe and to guide him through the complexities and nuances of diplomacy. After entering the room, his gaze was drawn to the ostensible envoy, who was flanked by two of his servants. When Conradin arrived, the envoy rose from his seat and bowed deeply to him.
Galvano began the discussion by stating the title of his master before any words could be exchanged.
''His royal majesty Conrad III Hohenstaufen, son of its late emperor of Rome Conrad II, king of Jerusalem, Re del Regno (the Kingdom of Sicily was called 'Il Regno,' which is Italian for the reign), and duke of Swabia, sends his welcomes to the ambassador of the admirable Republic of Genoa." After the envoy determined that Conradin's presention has ended , he began by introducing himself.
''Your highness, this modest Genoese ambassador, Enrico Doria, is overwhelmed by your generosity." He turned to his servants and nodded after introducing himself. The two servants exited the room, accompanied by two guards, and returned with two boxes.
Enrico then got up from his seat and extended his hands while the attendants opened the boxes, bowing.
Conradin was intrigued by the artifacts contained in the two boxes and eagerly awaited Genoa's present.
Conradin opened the first box and noticed several gold pieces placed there; he estimated them to be around 50,000 and thought they would be a good addition to his coffers. The gifts, however, did not stop there, as the second box stunned Conradin for it was a box holding a small cage with a bird.
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