Chapter 426 - Conspiracies Within The Byzantine Court (1/2)

While Strategos Palladius Angelus was dispatched to the Iberian Peninsula as the commander of the Byzantine expeditionary force, two of the Princes of the Empire began to conspire against their rivals as they sought to succeed the father as the next Emperor.

Quintus gazed upon the fields outside of the ancient city of Constantinople as he witnessed the first example of a four-field system being employed alongside advanced fertilizers and new irrigation technology. Since the Alliance between Austria and Byzantium had been established, Austria had given a large amount of agricultural technology as a gift to their newfound allies.

As the Prince most renowned with skill in administration, Quintus was quick to experiment with the technology within the Empire's borders. The fields before him had produced a far larger quantity of crops than years prior. After witnessing this, a gentle smile formed on the young man's face as he nodded his head in agreement with the results.

”Father will be pleased to know that our food stores will be filled to the brim this year!”

Standing by the Prince's side was the Strategos of Syria, who had traveled to the court of the Empire to provide his support to the candidate that he had chosen to succeed the Emperor. At the moment, the political rivalry between Decentius and Quintus was rising to new heights of intensity.

This man was shocked to see the results of the new agricultural technology that Quintus had begun to employ; as such, he smiled heavily as he complimented the young Prince.

”Your highness, I must say that what you have accomplished here in Constantinople is an achievement that overshadows your brother's conquest of Egypt and Lybia. If such improvements can be fielded across the entirety of the Empire, then our people will never have to worry about going hungry!”

Quintus frowned as he thought about Decentius's achievements on the battlefield despite the compliment to his efforts. To many within the ranks of the Imperial Court, combat achievements were far more glamorous than those performed through administration.

If Quintus lacked one thing to solidify his claim to the throne, it was military service. Without it, he would always be seen as a weak and pacifistic leader compared to his hawkish brother. Though Decentius had no mind for anything other than combat, his willingness to fight anyone and everyone was greatly admired by many of the critical members of the Byzantine Aristocracy.

Despite this harsh reality, Quintus had no desire to achieve victory in battle; according to his philosophy, war should only be used as a last resort when diplomacy fails to achieve its objectives. In his eyes, those who supported his brother were mindless fools hellbent on the Empire's destruction through an endless pursuit of meaningless glory. With this in mind, he sighed heavily before speaking about a more pressing concern.

”With Arethas' death, Palladius is now the greatest General of our Empire; tell me, Zeno, what news do you have in regards to his loyalties?”

The Strategos of Syria, known by the name Zeno Glycas shook his head before revealing the latest information he had about this subject.

”As far as I can tell, that old bastard has not shifted his stance from Neutrality. He has never, nor ever will care about court politics. I do not see him supporting either you or your brother for the throne.”

Upon hearing this news, Quintus bit his lip in distress, though his powerbase was currently evenly matched with that of his brothers, if he wanted to tip the scales then he would need the support of such a renowned General like Palladius.

Unfortunately, it looked like the man was still adamant about remaining permanently neutral in court affairs. The Byzantine Prince sighed heavily as he reflected upon this before revealing his thoughts on the matter.

”Very well, leave him be. However, if he shows the first sign of entering Decentius' camp, be sure to eliminate him!”

Zeno nodded his head before responding in affirmation of his Prince's orders.

”I assure you, we will keep an eye on him. If he does make a move for the throne, we will be aware of it. However, the man is currently leading the Expeditionary forces in Granada, so the likelihood of your brother winning him over is slim.”

Quintus nodded his head upon hearing this news with a smile on his face. He had no qualms with Palladius, but if the old general chose to side against him, then he would not be merciful. Little did Quintus and his allies know that Palladius had already created a tertiary faction to place Berengar and Honoria's future son on the throne.

If they were aware of such a scheme, they would do everything in their power to kill the plot in its infancy. However, Palladius had hidden his tracks well, and while Quintus and Decentius focused on each other, this third faction was swelling in numbers.

After all, the prospect of a member of the Imperial Dynasty being raised in Austria and receiving an Austrian education appealed to many of the more humble members of the Imperial Court. They recognized the benefits of such an upbringing.