I Became The King Of Crusaders [EN]: Chapter 100

The Fifth Column (5)

* * *

“The Emperor is heading to Rome.”

“But why would he go to Rome when His Holiness the Pope is here in Verona?”

Guido asked.

Wig didn’t show it, but I could feel his curiosity.

The Pope turned to look at me.

“It seems Duke Baldwin has already noticed.”

“I’m not entirely sure, but I have a rough idea.”

The Holy Roman Empire.

It was a very special empire in many ways.

The protector of the Western Church!

But in reality, there wasn’t a day they didn’t fight with the Roman Pope.

The authority of the Holy Roman Empire came from Italy.

You could become a king in Germany, but not an emperor.

‘To do that, you needed the approval of Italy.’

Frederick I also received his coronation from the previous Pope.

But there was no rule that you had to be approved by the Pope.

“There’s the city of Rome.”

“Decades ago, the Roman Senate claimed they had the right to perform coronations.”

The Pope said, nodding.

Like an old teacher explaining to children.

“They asked the Emperor to establish a new form of empire in Rome. But when the Emperor received his coronation from the Pope, they launched angry protests.”

“Many Roman citizens were killed then. I heard their bodies floated down the Tiber River,” Guido said.

The Pope nodded.

“Romans are proud and will fight for their own interests. Especially the Senate.”

His gaze turned to me again.

“Do you know why the Emperor rejected the Roman Senate’s coronation?”

“If the Roman Senate and citizens crown the Emperor, the capital of the empire would have to be moved to Rome.”

I said.

I had seen it a few times while playing Last Crusaders.

That meant he would have to settle in Rome forever.

Emperor Frederick would never accept that.

No matter how good the title of Roman Emperor was, moving the capital to Rome was another story.

But going to Rome now meant….

“He might be trying to join forces with the Senate. Or he might just be pretending to.”

Our prediction was that the Emperor, running out of food, would come to Verona for a decisive battle.

It seemed the Emperor had noticed that.

Instead of falling into my trap, he was choosing Rome.

He was trying to take the lead.

Then Wig spoke up.

“But the Imperial Army is still short on supplies.”

“They can solve the supply issue while heading to Rome. They’ll raid the surrounding villages as they move.”

I said.

If the army kept moving, there was no need to worry about supplies.

They could just plunder the villages along the way.

That was the way of supplying armies in this era.

“And they’ve probably contacted Rome in advance to secure food.”

“Rome is a constant thorn in our side.”

Wig said.

Then the Pope spoke again.

“Duke Baldwin, we cannot allow the Emperor’s army to reach Rome. If a false Pope is elected… the Western Church will fall into chaos again.”

“….”

The emergence of a rival Pope would affect the Crusades.

This is driving me crazy.

“The Emperor wants to fight the decisive battle on the battlefield of his choice.”

I said.

The plains near Rome were the perfect battlefield for a large army to clash.

“Emperor Frederick isn’t really trying to join forces with the Roman Senate, is he?”

If he did, the German princes would immediately revolt.

Even Frederick, with his powerful imperial authority, would be crossing the line by moving the capital to Rome.

“We need to clarify our goals first. That’s the only way we can win.”

I looked at Guido and the Pope.

They all had similar goals.

To defeat the Emperor, but to compromise at a reasonable level.

The Lombard cities would be guaranteed autonomy, and the Pope would have his rights and honor respected as the head of the Western Church.

Killing the Emperor was not a scenario they wanted either.

‘Otherwise, the next Emperor would immediately invade Italy.’

That situation would be the worst for me too.

Emperor Frederick was a figure who participated in the Third Crusade in the original history.

If all goes well, I might be able to bring him in this time as well.

What if he didn’t drown in the river and safely led the German army to Jerusalem?

A grand coalition of England, France, the Eastern Roman Empire, and the Holy Roman Empire might be formed.

And there was Ethiopia on that side too.

To do that, I would have to get the Emperor to surrender.

‘So, my goal is….’

First, defeat the Imperial Army led by the Emperor in the field.

Then, accept his surrender on the condition of the Third Crusade.

Everything was in my hands.

Then Wig said.

“Staying here in Verona might be the better choice. An army of tens of thousands can’t stay in Rome for weeks. Eventually, they’ll come back north.”

“Waiting for that will take too long. And who knows what variables might arise in the meantime? Now is the time to fight.”

I shook my head.

I was tired of waiting for the Emperor to come.

“I will issue orders to march the army. We will leave Verona the day after tomorrow.”

I stood up from my seat.

“It’s time to show the results of our training.”

* * *

“All troops, advance!”

At the forefront were the knights of Jerusalem and the Comune [self-governing city-states].

The capes of brilliant colors fluttered in the wind.

Behind them were the infantry with long pike spears.

And the supply wagons carrying food and supplies marched at the very rear.

The jars containing Greek fire [an incendiary weapon that burns on water] were directly managed by the knights.

Not only knights and soldiers participated in the march.

Pierre and other priests also followed behind the procession, carrying the Holy Cross.

“It would have been nice if we could have used a feint like we did with Count Hartmann,” Aig said.

I replied, climbing onto Bolt.

“The situation is different from when we fought Count Hartmann. In the first place, the Count was leading the vanguard. And the difference in troops wasn’t that great.”

I said.

Bolt snorted and moved forward.

“But now they have far more cavalry. Of course, we have more infantry….”

“You can’t surround cavalry with infantry. I understand what you’re trying to say.”

“No, you can surround cavalry with infantry.”

I said with a smile.

“It just requires a more elaborate plan. Anyway, the most important thing is to keep changing the way you fight. It’s foolish to use the same tactics just because you won once.”

How great would it be if we could win by using the same tactics?

But that was impossible.

Tactics must continue to change depending on the situation and the enemy.

Hannibal did, and so did Napoleon.

Napoleon devised all sorts of bizarre and daring strategies to defeat the Prussian army, which was then called the strongest army in Europe.

Although I am not Napoleon, I could follow what he did.

That’s why I prepared and trained with pike spears.

I looked south.

Rome.

The enemy was there.

“The preparations are complete, so now we have no choice but to do our best.”

* * *

Near Rome

“If it weren’t for the city of Rome, the empire would not exist today. Since Charlemagne, all emperors have respected Rome.”

“You speak as if I owe you something. The glory and honor of Rome passed to Germany long ago.”

Emperor Frederick said.

He looked at the delegation from the Senate.

“But I am aware of the special position Rome holds. So, do not worry.”

He said.

“Rome’s safety will be guaranteed by me and the empire. I have prepared 5,000 pounds of gold as a consolation, so take it with you when you return.”

“Thank you for Your Imperial Majesty’s mercy and consideration. Our Roman Senate and citizens welcome Your Majesty with open arms.”

“In return, I will entrust you with the food-related matters. I believe there will be no problem since I gave you advance notice.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. Also, our Senate has unanimously agreed to the election of a new Pope. All that remains is Your Majesty’s choice.”

“I will consider it positively. For now, this seems sufficient. I will call you again if there is more work to be done.”

After the delegation left, only the Emperor and his princes remained in the tent.

“Those guys still believe they rule the world.”

Emperor Frederick scoffed.

“What remains in that city now? Only ruins and relics. That’s all. Outdated artifacts.”

“The number of pilgrims visiting Rome has also greatly decreased since the Pope left,” Archbishop Siegfried said.

“So, they are trying to join hands with Your Majesty now.”

“Hypocritical bastards. By the way, what is the position of the rebels? Is there still no movement from their camp?”

“According to the scouts’ reports, they are approaching Rome directly.”

“It has turned out as expected. They couldn’t just stand by and watch us join hands with Rome.”

“And we have also confirmed the Jerusalem flag and the Holy Cross. They are openly carrying them around.”

“They can’t hide it, can they.”

Emperor Frederick scoffed.

“How can they come all the way here and say they don’t care? No matter how much they scheme, it’s impossible.”

“Coming to Rome was Your Majesty’s excellent choice.”

“Your flattery skills are improving day by day, Archbishop,” the Emperor replied with a laugh.

“But we have not yet defeated the rebels. It is not too late to celebrate afterwards.”

As he came out of the tent, the surrounding knights bowed and paid their respects.

A sea of tents.

Hundreds of tents unfolded before him.

Servants led horses around, feeding them hay and grass.

The soldiers sat around in tents, cooking soup or eating bird meat caught with bows.

The Emperor raised his hand holding the scabbard to the sky.

That meant only one thing.

“Everyone, form ranks!”

“Take down the tents! Quickly stuff what you were eating into your mouths!”

The officers went around the units, shouting.

The sound of horns echoed.

The knights put on their chainmail with the help of their squires.

The warhorses to be switched to just before the battle were gathered in one place.

“Advance! His Imperial Majesty commands! Everyone, advance!”

The army, aligned in formation, advanced forward.

Emperor Frederick on horseback led the way at the front.

The gold ornaments attached to his armor sparkled in the light.

He led the troops forward.

Scout knights approached him.

“Your Majesty, we have something to report.”

“Why do you look so surprised?”

“All the rebel soldiers….”

The knight stammered.

“Speak quickly.”

“Were holding long spears.”

“Spears? Isn’t it natural for soldiers to use spears? What’s so strange about that?”

“They were almost twice as long as ordinary spears.”

“More than twice as long?”

Emperor Frederick frowned and then burst into laughter.

“Have the Italians finally gone crazy? Have they been possessed by the Greeks from hundreds of years ago?”

He called one of the princes.

“Count Alphonse, lead the knights and try to stab them once. You may retreat if the enemy cavalry comes forward. There is no need to overdo it.”

“I will follow Your Majesty’s command.”

The Count nodded.

Soon, hundreds of cavalrymen rushed forward.

The Emperor watched the scene and muttered.

“If we’re lucky, we can drive them away without a big fight.”

* * *

12th Century Pope (Muchener Bilderbogen – Public Domain)