A Medieval Story: The Italian Rivalry

Chapter II

Some days had passed since that, and Andronikos was on his office, reading some official documents. That is, until a messenger came and spoke further.

"My liege, I come from Sicily. There I was informed that Iberian Catholic kingdoms, Hispania and Aragon, have entered on a war against Andalusia."

"The Iberian kingdoms are at war? Perfect, I must say. This will serve well for us..." Andronikos said, as he had put the documents on the desk.

"It is, my lord. Everyone on Sicily was talking about a possible war against the Catholics now. Perhaps with some help from Akhens." The messenger commented.

"Akhens will not help us; they rather see us as rivals. Though a war is within our possibilities now, yet it still is up to our Most Serene Caesar." Andronikos took a brief pause then added, "Though if the people all across the Empire talks about that, it will most likely be a pressure to our Imperator. He will have no more option than to obey the masses and declare a war of aggression." He then gestured for the messenger to go away; she was dismissed.

At that, she bowed towards Andronikos then turned around and walked away.

He took a brief moment to ponder over all of these things, then later took the documents and began reading these again.

Meanwhile, in the capital, Constantinople, the Caesar had been informed about the situation. He then headed to the war room and observed the map of the Known World.

"The Holy See, who claims to have the right to rule over Rome. This will not be easy yet we can fight against them. We will also destroy the Lombards, as they caused this when they took over the Eternal City and gave it to the Papacy." Arcadius said.

"Your Majesty, is this the right option? I mean, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Lombardy and Bavaria remain as potential allies of the Holy See." An advisor said as he looked at the Caesar.

"Russia will most likely help us with the Eastern kingdoms, while the Central ones are not so important. We can still stand against them; our legions will crush their loathsome armies."

"If we win, it will be time to face against Akhens, though. Would we be prepared to fight against that nation?" The advisor asked.

"Prepared or not, at some point we will have to fight against them, it does not matter when, but we can still put a challenge on them. However, that is not necessary to think for now. There is something else that is our foremost need, which is to take Rome."

"You are right." The advisor said as he looked at the map of the Known World, a plaque was on the upper border of it, it said, "Dominus noster, Caesar, tu est nos imperator et dictator in perpetuum." (Our lord, Caesar, you are our emperor and perpetual dictator) Below it, there was another sentence, "Romae est imperium sine fine." (Rome is an endless empire).

The Caesar then turned around then began walking away to his throne room. He was still meditating about the whole situation, maybe it was just the right time to retake Rome again, or maybe he had to be a little more patient.