Khitan Caesar

The Esman soldiers, who had lost their will to fight, were like lambs awaiting slaughter. Under Shu Yichao's relentless pursuit, the army of over ten thousand finally disintegrated, scattering in all directions.

After nearly a month of siege warfare, the battle ended with a resounding victory for the Norman Empire.

The final tally was over forty thousand enemy heads severed, countless foes slain, including the Sultan of Esman, the top warriors, naval commanders, grand viziers, and a large number of Pashas and Emirs.

Due to their proximity to the front lines, Mumoona's personal entourage was almost entirely wiped out by Shu Yichao.

From the Esman camps, a total of over three thousand pounds of gold, nearly ten thousand pounds of silver, and millions of spears, swords, shields, daggers, crossbows, armor, silk, cloth, and clothing were seized—truly a feast for the Normans after the Sultan's downfall.

The abundant spoils of war flowed into Constantinople like water, plunging the entire city into a sea of joy.

When Shu Yichao returned to the city with his reassembled troops, all the residents came out of their houses to welcome this man who had almost single-handedly led them to victory, a "Khitan" who could be said to have done so.

Inside the Sant Sophia Cathedral, built of towering stones and standing unyielding for centuries, candlelight illuminated the heavens and the earth like a myriad of stars.

Deafening horn blasts, accompanied by cheers that soared to the heavens, echoed both inside and outside the cathedral.

Countless residents gathered here, shouting "Hail the Khitan," "Hail the Norman."

And when Constantine XI publicly proclaimed Shu Yichao as the co-ruling Emperor of the Normans, the atmosphere completely lost control.

"Hail Caesar!"

"Caesar!"

"Khitan Caesar!"

"Great Caesar!"

Countless people cheered and rejoiced, offering the highest respect to Shu Yichao.

Of course, Shu Yichao couldn't understand, so he could only respond with a smile.

As a result, his charm overwhelmed hundreds of people on the spot.

But there were also things he could understand.

"Hmm, what's this?"

"Opening the world map?"

Shu Yichao opened his personal interface and found that there were new changes to the world map.

The original map only marked the boundaries and spheres of influence of various countries, but now he seemed to be able to know the attitudes of these countries...

"It's all red."

Shu Yichao sighed.

Throughout the continent of Eurasia, except for Rome with a green face, and a few countries with a distant relationship showing a white face, it seemed that other countries had no good feelings towards him.

Each one was on the verge of turning red.

Belonging to the type that would go to war directly with the slightest conflict.

"Have I joined Rome?"

"These red faces... I can understand, neighbors always have disputes."

"But the attitudes of countries like Gaul and the Faerun, which don't border us, are understandable—"

"But what's with this Baltic country? Still unfriendly even with two countries in between?"

"This Hungary...?"

"Noreland..."

"Is it a combination of Romania and Bulgaria?"

"But wait, there's also a Vania next to it."

"Speaking of which, there are so many powers in the Balkans, a pure color palette."

While the Norman people celebrated having a Khitan Caesar, Shu Yichao was busy browsing the map.

Inside the cathedral, a pair of eyes surveyed everything, pondering slightly.

"This impoverished emperor really knows how to scheme."

A female Venice councillor, pushing her glasses, said, "A Caesar's title, and they've dismissed the greatest hero of this battle."

"I think there's no other choice, Councilor Winell." The Venice Admiral stationed in Constantinople beside the girl spoke up.

This officer, with a quirked mustache, smiled slightly, looking quite relaxed.

"Since the Norman Empire, now reduced to just this city, is so impoverished, all they have left is a title that sounds good."

Constantinople sits at the junction of two continents and two oceans, theoretically earning plenty of money just from collecting tolls.

However, the shortsighted emperors of the empire, in order to obtain the support of city-state fleets like Venice and Genoa, or to obtain emergency military loans—

They actually successively signed a series of treaties that ceded sovereignty, opened markets, granted most-favored-nation treatment, and granted extraterritorial rights to these shrewd merchants.

They threw away such important interests for a song, and even gave Venice and Genoa various privileges, allowing them to establish concessions in the city...

The result was that, although the Norman Empire had a treasure trove, they were as poor as beggars—

These concessions and privileges couldn't even be revoked, as the garrisons of Venice and Genoa in the city were even stronger than the emperor's own guard.

Unless the Norman Augustus gave up, they would have to obediently accept exploitation.

Now, the so-called Norman Empire had almost become a colony and vassal of Venice, spending their days being squeezed dry.

"In the past, they were just a bit poor." Councilor Winell pushed her glasses and a mysterious smile crept onto her lips.

"But now, they seem to be eating quite well."

"I think we need to help that emperor of theirs with his indigestion."

"Admiral, what do you think?"

"Are you planning to demand payment from the Normans at this time?" The Admiral furrowed his brows slightly.

"Councilor, theoretically, that Norman emperor owes us a huge debt."

"But to be honest, he doesn't even have the ability to repay it."

"From what I know, after taking some weapons and armor, Constantine XI has announced the spoils of this battle, of which ninety percent belong to the Khitan."

"He even specially built a warehouse, sealed it up, and is waiting to hand over those things to the Khitan."

"And the remaining things, the Norman Emperor himself may not have enough to use, our chances of getting them are slim..."

"Admiral, you seem to have forgotten something." Councilor Winell didn't mind: "Now that Khitan is the Caesar of Norman."

"As a co-ruling emperor of Norman, shouldn't he also bear Norman's debts together?"

"...Councilor, your idea is very dangerous." The Admiral looked at the councillor girl, speaking slowly.

"I can guess that you want to use this method to force the Khitan to the negotiating table and obtain spices, porcelain, from their hands."

"Even wanting to open up a trade route to the Khitan."

"It's understandable that you're doing this for the city-state's interests."

"But forgive me for speaking frankly as a military person, please don't always embrace a politician's mindset when looking at issues."

"Those Khitan warriors are undoubtedly extremely brave. They probably prefer to speak with swords rather than negotiations."

"Don't forget, the head of that barbarian Sultan, an infidel, is still hanging on the city walls."

"As for the heads of the Esman people, they've been piled up into a mountain outside the city!"

He stared at the girl, speaking each word deliberately.

"I hope you won't, out of impulse, attract a group of terrifying enemies to our city."

"The fine young men of Venice shouldn't have their blood spilled in vain."

"Hey—my esteemed Admiral." The girl blinked playfully. "Don't be so serious."

"Our discussion here is meaningless. The final decision still depends on the Governor-General's response, doesn't it?"

"...I hope that's truly your perspective." The Admiral looked at the councillor girl, speaking slowly.

You see, this councillor's influence within Venice City is much stronger than mine, a mere admiral commanding a few ships.

If Winell were to sugarcoat the situation in her letter, exaggerating things...

Let's hope the Governor-General doesn't make an irrational decision.

The Venice Admiral prayed silently.

Wealth and riches may tempt the heart, but one must also have the fate to enjoy them.