Rusnina in Epirus was prosperous, and a large number of refugees came here, making it quickly become the most prosperous place on the west coast.

However, the establishment of Epirus relied on the long mountain barrier to the east of Ipres. Historically, neither the Latin Empire nor the later Nicaea Empire had enough military power to manage the "other side of the mountain"

The Epirus region. Even if Nicaea defeated Epirus, it could only become the suzerain of Epirus in name, but could not actually control this region. In fact, it invaded the capital of Epirus by crossing the sea from Italy.

It is easier than going over the mountains in the Eastern Balkans to get here.

However, Venice had no intention of getting involved here at this time, so the Epirus autocratic state established by Mikhail survived and gradually became stronger.

However, at this time, the despot Mikhail Dukas received a blank letter, which was given to him by his general Simion.

"Golden Seal?" Despot Mikhail of Rusnina soon received a report from Shimeon's Pegasus. However, he fell into doubts. Since the fall of Constantinople, who would

Can you sign the Golden Seal Edict?

"The Despot..." The generals of Epirus were recalled urgently, and they didn't know what happened for a while.

Mikhail then showed them the blank golden edict sent by Shimeon.

When these Mikhail's confidant generals saw the emperor's exclusive seal, they immediately took a breath of air, "Is this the emperor's golden edict?" They all recognized this object. This is the emperor's exclusive power. It is more powerful than the empire.

The decree is more effective. It's just that even the emperor cannot easily sign such a thing. How can such a thing be in the hands of the autocratic Mikhail at this time?

"What's going on?"

"The Bulgars sent an envoy, and one of them gave Shimion this, what do you think?" Mikhail looked at his generals and asked. After repeated inspections, he confirmed that it was indeed not a forgery.

, but this thing is incredible.

"Could it be Emperor Alexius III..." Someone stood up and said. When the Crusaders besieged Constantinople, Alexius III escaped and took away the wealth of the treasury, including the emperor's royal seal. Then

This shows that Alexei III is very likely to be in the Bulgar envoy.

However, Mikhail shook his head and said: "This is impossible. Alexei Angeles cannot be there. Not long ago, he landed in Boniface in Thessaly and asked for ransom from me. Absolutely

It can't be him." Mikhail revealed an astonishing secret that stunned all the generals of Epirus.

"What?!"

"Three days ago, Boniface's envoy came and handed me the purple robe of our emperor who fled in embarrassment. It shouldn't be like making a mystery. It's just why that person among the Bulgars actually had a golden edict.

." Originally, Mikhail was ready to redeem Alexei III, but now he hesitated.

"Then, Your Majesty the Despot, what are you going to do?"

"Let's receive these Bulgars first. We can't offend these barbarians now." Although Mikhail, like the traditional Romans, looked down upon foreigners, especially Bulgaria, which he had surrendered in the past, his biggest enemy was the foreign Latin people.

Man, he doesn't want to make more enemies.

"But -" Some generals were still hesitant. They were still a little afraid of the Bulgars.

However, Mikhail waved down their objections, "Get ready to welcome our guests!"

…

…

…

On the other side, Grand Duke Ivan Asen led his army and finally arrived at Rusnina, which is the capital of the Epirus Despot. Along the way, the Epirus army followed the Bulgars who were wary of them.

Every move made the Bulgars very angry. If Ivan Asen had not exercised restraint, Baron Lovevii would have looted the villages along the way.

"You all have to restrain yourself. This is not a place for you to be arrogant now." Ivan Asen showed a rare stern look. Although he was very young, Lovewei did not dare to violate it at all. He was not only a member of his kingdom.

The most important thing is that the leader of the kingdom's independence is Ivan Asen's father, whose prestige can be imagined.

"Yes, Your Highness." Lovewei said quickly, but he still couldn't help but glance at Justinian, who was standing behind Ivan Asen. If it weren't for this boy, how could he have spent so much effort to get here?

Traveling through mountains and rivers, the Bulgars had already complained.

But Justinian still pretended that he didn't know, looked at Ivan Asen and said: "Thank you for sending me here."

"The premise is that you must complete what you promised to His Majesty the Tsar, otherwise the anger of the Bulgars will not be something you Greeks can bear." Ivan Asen instinctively felt that Justinian seemed to be deceiving him, but

But unable to grasp the opponent's handle, like a cunning fox, even though he is a shrewd hunter, he lets him show his tail.

However, in the face of such a threat, Justinian remained calm and composed. The two instinctively felt each other's enemies almost at the same time, so he was not surprised at all. "Don't worry, Grand Duke Ivan, I will not let you down."

He looked at the towering city walls unconsciously. This could be said to be the center of the western Byzantine Empire, guarding the exit from the Adriatic Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. It could be said that the geographical environment was unique, which also meant that it was coveted by many parties. Historically, no matter what

Whether it was the Italians, the Normans, the Romans or the Catholics, they all invaded here, and Justinian's next journey would also start here.

At this moment, the gate of Rusnina, which was originally closed, suddenly opened.

The heavily armored knights holding battle flags came out of the city gate first and lined up on both sides. The Epirus who took the lead obviously surprised the Bulgars.

The mounted cavalry declined day by day. Although it recovered somewhat during the Emperor Manuel's period, it was no longer the same. However, looking at the elite cavalry of Epirus, one can still feel the majesty of the past.

I saw a middle-aged nobleman wearing purple clothes walking out slowly on horseback, and the heavily armed noble guards behind him followed him out of the city.

"I am the lord of this city, Mikhail Dukas. Welcome to your arrival, Grand Duke Ivan, the most respected guest of Epirus." The middle-aged man got off his horse and saluted. Although Mikhail was very kind to
Chapter completed!