xymnovel Chapter 187 Isaac Angelos
Chapter 187 Isaac Angelos
Chapter 187 Isaac Angelos (Part Two)
Isaac Angelos!
The moment Lyon heard the name, his heart skipped a beat.
It's him?
Is this Isaac II, who, according to the original historical trajectory, would have been proclaimed emperor in the Constantinople riots of 1185, overthrowing Andronica I and beginning the Anglo-Saxon dynasty?!
Now, he is a local governor under the governor of the Opushkin Military District.
Lyon's thoughts raced.
In this timeline disrupted by his arrival, Andronica's conspiracy was thwarted ahead of time, and Alexius II remained firmly on the throne, supported by important ministers such as Cantorstefanos.
Isaac Angelos lacked both a strong legal claim and the immense popularity and savior-like opportunity that had been built up by Andronic's tyranny in the past.
At this moment, he appeared to be just a dutiful, slightly melancholic local official.
He suppressed his shock and curiosity and returned the greeting according to etiquette: "Your Excellency, thank you for your warm welcome. Our army does need to rest and replenish supplies in your territory before returning to Constantinople to report back."
"Your Highness is too kind." Isaac wore a warm and polite smile. "The Governor has given clear instructions to ensure that Your Highness and your army are properly received. Nicaea will provide all necessary supplies, including food, fodder, and medicine, without any hesitation."
He then changed the subject: "However, according to imperial laws and long-standing practice, in order to avoid disturbing the residents of the city and to ensure the city's defenses are secure, Your Highness's army will probably need to be stationed outside the city."
He pointed to the old camp site left by Branas: "The facilities there are still intact, water is readily available, and it can be used with a little tidying up. The location is also convenient for both sides to support each other. What does Your Highness think?"
This request was perfectly reasonable. Lyon had no intention of letting the army into the city anyway, so he immediately nodded in agreement.
Isaac's smile deepened, and he continued, "As for Your Highness, and the one beside you—"
His gaze shifted to Henry, who had been standing quietly behind Lyon, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes: "—You must be one of your trusted knights? According to the Imperial etiquette for distinguished allies and royal relatives, you two should be welcomed into the city with great pomp and circumstance and receive formal hospitality. The Governor's residence has prepared lodgings for you."
Lyon instinctively wanted to decline such a formality, preferring to remain in the camp with his soldiers: "I appreciate your kind offer, Commander-in-Chief. However, my troops are weary from their journey, and as their commander, it would be more appropriate for me to stay outside the city with them—"
“Your Highness,” Isaac interrupted him gently, “it is the Governor’s order to entertain you, and also the courtesy that Nicaea City should show to its valiant allies from afar. If the Kingdom’s esteemed Crown Prince were to be confined to the camp while the official residence in the city were left empty, wouldn’t it make Nicaea appear to be neglecting its guests and lacking in etiquette? I beg Your Highness—please do not put me, the steward who is carrying out the order, in a difficult position.”
Having said all that, it would be impolite to refuse any further.
Lyon and Henry exchanged a glance, and Lyon had no choice but to agree: "In that case—we'll have to trouble you, Steward."
The Jerusalem army began its orderly march toward the old camp, while Lyon and Henry, surrounded by Isaac and his guards, prepared to formally enter the city.
At this moment, perhaps it was the patrolmen who returned to the city ahead of time and the personal welcome from the Isaac governor that dispelled the people's biggest doubts, or perhaps it was the news of "defeating the Turks on the banks of the Sangarios River" that spread rapidly among the crowd as if it had grown wings. The doors and windows that were originally tightly closed were opened one by one tentatively.
Curious citizens gradually gathered along both sides of the street.
As they looked at the small Latin group, accompanied by the chief steward himself, and at the excessively young crown prince on horseback and the distinguished knight beside him, the fear and wariness in their eyes quickly vanished, replaced by surprise and curiosity, which then turned into friendly scrutiny. Some even began to whisper and point.
"Behold, is that the prince of Jerusalem?"
"I heard they only had a thousand men, yet they defeated several thousand Turkic bandits on the riverbank!"
"God help us, finally someone can teach those damned heretics a lesson!"
"Even the head steward came out to greet us personally, so it seems it's true—"
Whispers turned into a buzzing sound, and then, someone started it, and sporadic applause quickly joined in.
Some people took off their hats and waved them, women cast shy but smiling glances from their windows or porches, and children crowded to the front of the crowd, staring wide-eyed at the heroes who had driven away the Turkic villains.
On the city walls, the garrison soldiers who remained gathered at the crenellations, waving their spears or flags and shouting friendly cheers at the Jerusalem army that was encamped outside the city.
Meanwhile, in the camp outside the city, the outgoing Danish warriors and Catalan skirmishers could no longer contain themselves and responded loudly in their respective languages. Although they couldn't understand each other, the joyful atmosphere permeated the city walls.
Even more surprisingly, several small teams that were originally patrolling outside the city simply ran to the vicinity of the Jerusalemite camp. With gestures and guesswork, people soon started exchanging water bags and even putting their arms around each other.
Amidst the spontaneous cheers of the people and the friendly greetings of the garrison, Lyon and Henry passed through the heavy gates of Nicaea.
The city was lined with shops and bustling with people, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Many citizens flocked to the streets to catch a glimpse of the "young hero."
Isaac Angelos rode beside Lyon, a smile on his face, nodding occasionally to the crowds on both sides.
Lyon would occasionally turn his head, keenly noticing that there always seemed to be a lingering, indifferent melancholy between Isaac's brows.
Even during the short journey into the city, when Lyon asked him out of courtesy about the history or current state of Nicaea, Isaac was noticeably distracted twice.
His gaze drifted to an unknown corner in the distance, until Leon raised his voice and repeated the question, at which point he suddenly realized what was happening, hastily forced a smile, and gave some vague answers.
What is this Brazilian Liusi from another timeline worrying about right now?
At the same time, Lyon felt more curious and wary.
They entered the governor's residence, and Isaac led Lyon and Henry to the side wing reserved for distinguished guests.
For a foreign prince of Lyon's esteemed status, who is also a member of the royal family by marriage, staying in the special VIP quarters within the governor's residence is the most appropriate arrangement of etiquette.
After a quick freshening up and settling in, in the evening, Isaac invited Lyon and Henry to a dinner at his private residence.
The banquet wasn't grand, but it was exquisite enough for a private gathering.
As the host, Isaac was impeccable in his manners, offering a proper and enthusiastic toast, constantly praising the bravery of the Jerusalem army and the youthful talent of Lyon.
Lyon continued to observe discreetly, and the more he observed, the deeper his doubts became.
Isaac's gaze would occasionally drift off, lost in a daze, and his fingers holding the wine glass would unconsciously loosen, nearly causing the glass to fall to the ground several times.
When Lyon tried to steer the conversation toward the overall situation on the Empire's eastern front, or subtly inquired if he had any worries, Isaac would always quickly change the subject, asking about the customs and culture of Jerusalem, or praising Henry's chivalry.
"Sir Henry," Isaac said, glancing at Henry beside him, changing the subject once more, "you accompanied His Highness on his long journey to provide aid and personally experienced the battle; your martial arts must be exceptional. I have long heard of the valiant knights of Jerusalem. Although I am merely a civil servant, I have practiced some self-defense techniques since childhood. I wonder—would I have the honor of a brief exchange with you, sir, so that I may broaden my horizons?"