A Crusader with System in the Middle Ages

"Your Honor, this is against custom. My turn should be after the banquet."

"I believe that for a proposal brought by our Supreme Lord, the illustrious Canossa Clan, we can make a one-time exception out of respect and reverence—just as you said the other day." Soderini merely patted Simone on the shoulder without even looking at him before walking directly toward the high platform of the Hall of Government.

Simone was left speechless. He had used the exact same argument in the council that day to humiliate Rolando when he requested the speaking privilege from Chief Justice Soderini.

All he could do was lower his head in embarrassment and walk back to Matilda.

"Marchioness, my apologies. The situation has changed. I may need to rely on you or your husband, the noble and dauntless Knight."

"If that’s the case, what value are you to me? Canossa has no use for worthless people." Matilda set down her goblet and tapped it against the nearby table with a bit of force.

She moved away from Simone, walking to the other side.

"When proper procedures fail, anyone will be tempted to use violence. It’s a simple deduction, and I doubt they failed to anticipate it. They came prepared." Eric tried to find Belem among the banquet guests. "Did you inform Belem about this banquet?"

"I sent someone to inform him earlier. The Pisans cannot be trusted. When it comes to going back on their word, they are no different from the Greeks," Matilda said in a low voice.

"We can only take it one step at a time."

The vote began shortly after.

Chief Justice Soderini stood on the high platform, a copper cup placed before him.

Attendants approached the fifty-eight members of the Governance Council. There should have been sixty, but Cesare and his eldest son, Giacomo, were absent.

Each was given two coins: one gold, one silver.

Gold coins signified assent; silver coins signified dissent.

"According to intelligence provided by the Marchioness, which we have since confirmed, Milan has fallen into chaos due to the preaching of Elrond. To prevent Milan from siding with the Empire, the Marchioness believes it is necessary to wage war. She insists that we, as vassals of the Tuscan Duchy, must declare war.

This is to secure Tuscany’s advantage over the Emperor, to honor the Canossa Clan’s promise to the Seat of St. Peter, and to ensure the eternal authority and glory of His Holiness the Pope and the Roman Curia.

Members of the Pisan Governance Council, you are the representatives of the Pisan people. In accordance with the laws and traditions of Pisa, I ask you to exercise the rights bestowed upon you by the people of Pisa and the founders of this republic. Cast the coins in your hands and decide Pisa’s fate.

Before you cast your coins, I hope you will use your reason and wisdom to consider how this war benefits Pisa. For we must remember that as we are born of Pisa, so too must we die for Pisa.

As is our custom, allow me to restate the motto of Pisa!"

Chief Justice Soderini held up the Pisa Code from the platform. "Where there is liberty, there is the homeland! (*Ubi libertas, ibi patria*)"

The councilors began their customary debate.

"With this war, we will utterly destroy Genoa! Then all that’s left is to deal with Venice."

"The Western Mediterranean, our sea!"

"Genoa must be destroyed!"

"This violates the treaty we signed with Genoa. We have a fifteen-year truce with them."

"An act of war is a breach of treaty! This will drag Pisa’s reputation through the mud! I oppose this war."

"We are not declaring war on Genoa, but on the Milan Marquisate."

"But Genoa is a vassal of Milan!"

"Genoa’s submission to Milan was forced! Our war against Milan is to liberate them!"

"The Pisans helping the Genoese!"

"You warmongers, you lunatics! We live by trade! War will destroy our wealth! Ships should be used for hauling cargo, not for war, you bastards!"

"We also need ships and rowers to defend against Saracen attacks!"

"Why are we so fixated on Genoa? We are kindred, different brothers in the same family under God. Why not unite and deal with those troublesome Saracen pirates in North Africa! They are the ones disrupting the trade routes!"

"Yes! If we can seize Tunisia, Pisa’s wealth will double! The Western Mediterranean—no, even the Eastern Mediterranean—will be under our control! We will usurp Venice’s position!"

...

The councilors shouted, argued fiercely, and, in their agitation, even started to fight.

Gold and Silver Coins kept falling into the copper cup, making sharp CLINKING sounds.

Soon, everyone had cast their coins. With the help of an assistant, Chief Justice Soderini began to count the gold and silver coins.

The assistant counted the coins under the Chief Justice’s watchful eye. After he finished, the Chief Justice counted them again himself. Then, he looked down at the members of the Governance Council and shouted:

"Twenty-nine gold coins, twenty-nine silver coins. The vote is tied!"

"A tie?"

"It’s actually a tie?"

"It’s been a long time since this has happened."

...

Simone breathed a sigh of relief. This was a good outcome, all things considered.

"It seems God has favored us."

’In any case, he had an explanation for the Marchioness now. It wasn’t his fault anymore.’

Matilda was in no mood to deal with Simone. Her gaze narrowed as she watched Soderini on the platform.

"According to the Code, when the vote is tied, the presider of the meeting shall cast the deciding vote," Soderini announced.

Chief Justice Soderini extended his hand to a nearby attendant, who handed him a gold and a silver coin.

The councilors stared intently at Soderini.

In the end, Soderini tossed the silver coin into the copper cup.

The councilors who opposed the war immediately erupted in cheers. "For Pisa!" "Our Pisa!" "The freedom of the Pisans!"

The councilors who supported the war all looked toward Simone, and then to the Marchioness.

"They will be held responsible for their actions." Matilda then turned to leave the Hall of Government.

But as she neared the door, she realized Eric hadn’t followed her. He had remained in place.

Eric made a hushing gesture at her.

The next moment, another door was pushed open, and a voice rang out, "Your Honor Soderini, I have not yet voted."

"Rolando, you are not a member of the Governance Council. And Giacomo needs to be here to vote in person," Soderini said with a cold expression, displeased by Rolando’s audacity.

"My brother, Giacomo, was called by the Lord this morning due to gangrene. My nephew, Piero, is only eight years old. I am now the Patriarch of the Lanfranchi Family. According to the Pisa Code, as long as I have the consent of half the members of the Governance Council and meet the property requirements for a councilor, I can become a member." Rolando looked at Simone.

Simone looked to Matilda for guidance, while Eric nodded at her.

Matilda waved a hand at Simone.

"This is truly sorrowful news. The Scalara Clan and the Lanfranchi Family have been friends for generations. I personally held great admiration for Giacomo’s character and ability. Like his father, Cesare, he was one of the most faithful servants and representatives of the Pisan people.

May the merciful God have pity on his honorable soul, and may he find salvation in the embrace of Christ. Rolando, as a dear friend of Giacomo and your father, I place my hopes in you. May you carry the honor of the Lanfranchi family.

The Scalara Clan is willing to offer its help in this. The Patriarch of the Lanfranchi Family deserves a seat on the Governance Council." Simone walked to Rolando’s side and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Your Honor, must I request a vote on this now? Though we all know the members of the Governance Council have a more pressing vote to cast." Rolando suppressed his disgust and looked at Soderini.

"Very well, Lanfranchi. Exercise your right." Soderini frowned and grunted.

"Thank you for your understanding." Rolando bowed to Soderini. A nearby attendant then presented Rolando with a gold and silver coin.

Rolando looked at Eric, standing beside Matilda, then looked at Matilda herself.

Finally, he dropped the gold coin into the copper cup.

"Thirty gold coins, twenty-nine silver coins. The proposal is passed." Soderini announced the result with a stony face and descended from the platform.

He was clearly quite dissatisfied with this outcome.

Rolando then pushed Simone aside, walked before Matilda, and bowed. "The Lanfranchi Family pledges its loyalty to the Marchioness of Canossa. I repent for my father’s transgressions and beg for your forgiveness."

Simone hurried to catch up.

"Your recent actions have earned you forgiveness. But Simone also deserves his reward," Matilda said, looking at Rolando.

"Your mercy and leniency are the greatest reward for me!" Simone was overjoyed and bowed hastily.

"Rolando, if you continue to act as promptly as you just did, then I will continue to have expectations for you." Matilda ignored Simone and continued speaking to Rolando. "I am aware of the Lanfranchi Bank’s predicament. Perhaps it can recover during this war with Milan."

Rolando did not respond, bowing once more to Matilda.

"Enough. This farce is beginning to bore me. I imagine you have things to discuss with my Priest." Matilda shot Eric a look, then turned and left.

Simone also left afterward, eager to celebrate his victory with his allies.

"Sir Cultivator, Mr. Otto promised me that the Norman Knights will lead this war, and the Pisans will play a secondary role."

"Of course. The fighters are responsible for fighting, the clergy for praying, and the producers for producing. It has always been so in the Northern Countries.

Every level and profession in society has its specific role. The fulfillment of these roles contributes to the common good. This is a manifestation of natural and divine law. (Thomas Aquinas, *Summa Theologica*)

The Norman Knights have always excelled at charging. You need only transport them, provide some Archers and Crossbowmen, and blockade Genoa at sea."

"How can you guarantee that? You’re just a confessor Priest."

"And yet you ask me, not the Marchioness," Eric said with a smile.

"I have no choice." Rolando lowered his head. He no longer dared to ask.

"’Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who act faithfully are his delight.’ You will understand soon enough." Eric patted Rolando’s shoulder.

"May I repent to you?"

"About whom? Your brother?"

"I imprisoned him. But in the eyes of my sister-in-law and nephew, I may as well have murdered him."

"Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew. He erred in committing murder, but God had other plans for him. I believe He has other plans for your destiny as well. Besides, you haven’t killed anyone, have you?

You were simply trying to solve a problem, to prevent more death, hunger, and poverty.

Moses won a better land and life for the Hebrews, and you have brought about a positive change in Pisa.

Impoverished Pisans have gained work, more people have been spared from hunger, the Lanfranchi Bank will be saved, a potential rebellion may have been quelled silently and without cost, the Tuscan Duchy has gained stability, and you, Rolando Lanfranchi, have gained greater freedom."

But Eric’s words did not seem to comfort Rolando, and Eric had no intention of wasting any more time.

His objective had been achieved. He bid Rolando farewell.

When he walked out of the Hall of Government, Matilda was waiting for him outside.

"It was the confessor Priest’s turn today," Eric said.

"Care to go hunting?" Matilda said suddenly.

"If it would please you," Eric said with a smile and a shrug.

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