xymnovel Chapter 185 Simeon Dukas
Chapter 185 Simeon Dukas
Chapter 185 Simeon Dukas (Part Two)
Lyon's heart sank.
My grandfather's good friend, Joannis Ducas, has been dead for three years?
Moreover, he was transferred away from the core military region during Andronica's administration and died of illness on the frontier.
Lyon was somewhat disappointed.
The loyal former governor was no longer the same person, and although the man before him, Simeon, was polite, he was, after all, a stranger, a young nobleman who had inherited his grandfather's position.
How loyal is he to the emperor? What is his attitude towards Branas? Can he still become a reliable and cooperative ally, as he hopes?
Lyon, barely maintaining his composure, greeted Simeon: "I see—please accept my condolences, Your Excellency. It was my lapse in receiving the news, and I apologize for my abruptness. I am also deeply saddened to learn of this misfortune."
Simeon waved his hand dismissively, "Your Highness need not worry. My grandfather was a soldier; to die for the empire is his destiny. But—is Your Highness going to meet with Grand Commander Branas? Why does it seem you are heading towards Nicaea?"
Lyon felt a chill run down his spine. He knew better than to reveal his conflict with Branagh, especially given his lack of knowledge about the new governor.
He responded vaguely: "The Commander-in-Chief has his own strategic plans. Our army has just finished the previous battle and needs a short rest and replenishment. Therefore, we have decided to go to Nicaea first for some supplies before deciding on our next move."
"An encounter?" Simeon raised an eyebrow, then showed an understanding expression. "Yes, I heard there was a small-scale conflict on the banks of the Sangarios River. Your Highness has already experienced battle on your first visit to Anatolia; you must be tired."
He abruptly changed the subject, lowering his voice and gesturing invitingly: "Your Highness, this is not the place to speak. Military duties prevent me from lingering, but there are some things I wish to say—perhaps they would be of some help to you. May I speak with you in private?"
The suggestion came as abrupt, but Simeon's expression looked sincere and serious.
Lyon and Henry exchanged a glance, and Henry nodded slightly, indicating that he could listen, but should remain vigilant.
Lyon nodded, and then he and Simeon rode away from the main road to a flank, away from both armies, on the back of a hill with a wide view but not easy to be overheard. He took only Henry and Simeon's silent captain of the personal guard.
He stopped his horse, and the smile on Simaion's face faded, replaced by a meaningful expression.
"Your Highness," he said bluntly, his voice low, "instead of going to Dolium to fight alongside Branas, you've returned to Nicaea with your army—I'm afraid this isn't just a simple matter of rest and replenishment. Did our illustrious, and equally fiery, Eastern Front Commander personally—politely—"escort" you back?"
A warning bell rang in Lyon's mind; Simeon's keen insight had exceeded his expectations.
He remained cautiously ambiguous: "Commander-in-Chief Branas is a brilliant strategist and has his own considerations. As the guest army, we should cooperate with the host army."
"Hahaha!" Simaon suddenly laughed, his laughter hearty, but it sounded somewhat grating to Leon.
He shook his head, as if he had heard something naive, "Your Highness, please don't 'cooperate with the commander' in front of me."
I've heard detailed reports from my scouts about your battle on the Sangarios River, including the wagon formations you used. It was a brilliant victory, a fight against overwhelming odds, and you remained calm under pressure. That old bastard Branas definitely saw you as bait to lure the Turks, hiding in the woods waiting to reel you in. After it's over, given his arrogant temper and his usual treatment of you Latin allies, he'll definitely give you a hard time! He wouldn't be "Brahna the Boar" if he didn't humiliate you thoroughly!
His words almost perfectly captured Lyon's experiences and feelings, and he spoke them bluntly and without reservation. Lyon remained silent, neither admitting nor denying, but simply looking at Simeon, waiting for him to continue.
Henry, meanwhile, stood to the side, carefully observing the young governor's every subtle expression and body language.
Seeing that Lyon did not answer, Simeon did not take it to heart and said with a smile, "Your Highness need not be so wary of me. My grandfather was a good friend of your maternal grandfather. He was loyal and diligent throughout his life. Although I am not talented, I always keep my grandfather's teachings in mind and remain loyal to His Majesty Basilius."
"Branas has been stationed in Nicaea for over a month," he continued, his tone laced with undisguised contempt. "His manner, his words, his subtle complaints about Constantinople, his undisguised arrogance towards His Majesty and Marshal Cantostefanos—I've seen it all. He's a highly capable commander, I admit that. But he's also an insatiable beast, impossible to tame. His Majesty and the Marshal are forced to use him; and as the governor, cooperating with him is my duty. But that doesn't mean I don't understand his ambition, nor does it mean I condone his arrogance."
He looked at Lyon, his gaze becoming serious and frank: "You are an ally of Basilius, an aid force formally invited by His Majesty and the Marshal, and a blood relative of my grandfather's old friend. For both public and private reasons, I, Simeon Ducas, should uphold my grandfather's legacy, be loyal to His Majesty, and assist Your Highness."
Leon raised an eyebrow, deep in thought.
His doubts had not completely dissipated, but the other party's words were indeed very persuasive and met his expectations.
He nodded slightly: "I understand Your Excellency's intentions. Thank you very much."
"However," Simeon changed the subject, saying helplessly, "I really can't spare any more help for you right now. Branas's orders are urgent, commanding me to lead my troops to Doliulium to join him. The military situation is critical, and I dare not delay. I'm afraid I won't be able to entertain His Highness in Nicaea and discuss things with you in detail."
That makes sense, Lyon nodded in understanding.
"However—" Simaion took out a small parchment notebook and a charcoal pencil from his pocket, quickly wrote a few lines, and then stamped his seal ring on it.
He carefully tore off the page and handed it to Lyon: "Your Highness may take this edict back to Nicaea. When the governor and officials of all ranks who remain in the city see it, they will surely receive you and your army with the highest honors. Your needs for supplies, rest, and medical care will be given priority and without any neglect."
He thought for a moment, then added, "I see Your Highness seems determined to go. If you wish to return to Constantinople as soon as possible to present the details of the eastern front to His Majesty and the Marshal, traveling by land would be too arduous. I can have the steward arrange a few reliable ships for you to sail directly from the port of Kizicus in Nicaea back to the Golden Horn. This would be both quick and safe, and would also save Your Highness and your soldiers from much travel fatigue. What do you think?"
Such thoughtful consideration.
Lyon accepted the edict and sincerely thanked him: "Your Excellency the Governor is very thoughtful and has provided timely assistance. I am deeply grateful. I will certainly repay you if I have the opportunity in the future."
Simaon laughed heartily and waved his hand, "Your Highness is too kind. Serving His Majesty is my duty. Well then, I shall take my leave now, as military affairs are urgent. I wish Your Highness a safe journey and a good rest in Nicaea. We—until we meet again."
He bowed again, then swiftly turned his horse around and, with his personal guards, galloped towards his legion.
Lyon and Henry stood still, watching the imperial army begin its march again, and Simeon's figure disappear into the ranks.
"What do you think?" Leon asked Henry in a low voice.
Henry remained silent for a moment.
"It went too smoothly, Your Highness," he said slowly. "And it was far too—thoughtful. It's as if it had been prepared for us all along, or rather, as a path he wanted us to take."
"You mean he has ulterior motives?"
"It wasn't necessarily malicious," Henry said, choosing his words carefully. "But this enthusiasm and friendliness went beyond normal etiquette or even the feelings of old friends. He clearly pointed out our conflict with Branas, eagerly showing that he was on the Emperor's side, and then immediately provided all the conveniences we needed, especially—proactively suggesting and arranging for us to leave by sea as soon as possible."
Henry's gaze sharpened: "Why does he so want us to leave Anatolia as soon as possible and return to Constantinople? Is it truly just to help us, to show our loyalty to the Emperor by having us file a complaint? Or—is there some other reason?"
For example, does he not want us to linger in Nicaea, to see or hear anything? Or, does he want to ensure we bring the Branagh matter back to Constantinople in a safe manner, thereby creating some kind of pressure or situation in the central government that he would like to see?
Lyon's heart sank.
“We have no evidence,” Leon finally said, carefully putting away the warrant. “Besides, the help he offered is genuine, and we truly need it. To refuse would be suspicious and foolish. But—”
"Be careful," Henry added, his usual sly smile returning to his face. "Just like dealing with muddy roads, when someone offers you a path, you should also check if it's truly paved. We'll head to Nicaea first. We need supplies and rest, but we must keep our eyes and ears open. As for the ship—getting on board doesn't mean we can't dock, does it?"
Lyon nodded.
This trip really opened his eyes.
The waters of the empire are deep—so deep, unfathomable!