[FMMIKA] Chapter 230: Legitimacy

Much like Justinian, Artorius brought with him an entire legion of the Imperial Guard.

This legion consisted not only of warriors but also a multitude of skilled craftsmen, staff officers, mages, and even a small-scale riverine fleet.

The warships of the riverine fleet were the familiar dragon-headed longships favored by the Vikings, built for agility and speed, with a unique capability for amphibious landings. These swift longships required no additional grease or rolling logs; the sturdy Viking warriors simply carried them ashore, allowing for rapid land-based maneuvers.

Therefore, when a formidable force of heavily armored infantry armed with two-handed battle axes suddenly appeared on the flank of the prearranged formations and charged, the Eastern Romans who were completely unaware of these developments felt a mix of astonishment and novelty.

Especially when their enthusiastic charge highlighted what had appeared to be an impenetrable ultra-long spear phalanx, these Greek descendants of the Eastern Roman Empire felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity.

Of course, Artorius was somewhat surprised by the focus of Eastern Romans.

It wasn't the victorious barbarian infantry they favored; it was the ultra-long spear phalanx. Despite their loss in this small-scale exercise, the Eastern Romans appreciated them and didn't seem to mind the defeat.

Artorius pondered this for a moment. It might be because the Westerners, their ancestors, had originally employed the phalanx formation. As for the ferocious barbarians who charged with great force, the Eastern Romans didn't seem to hold them in high regard.

This was not only because this type of shock infantry didn't align with Eastern Roman military doctrine but also because they attributed it to river transport and its suddenness.

In this dry region of Anatolia and the East, in contrast to the wetter, river-rich lands of Northern Europe, the opportunities for inland naval warfare seemed scarce.

'However...' Artorius thought, 'That doesn't mean there's no water to speak of.'

Just because there was less water flow didn't mean there was no water. Besides, many battles took place along rivers or near riverbanks—easy transport and access to water for both drinking and defense. In such scenarios, having a riverine fleet was always advantageous.

'But I don't need to make the Eastern Romans smarter. I'll give them what they want.' Artorius thought.

'If we were to fight the Holy Romans, our chances of victory would be slim.'

Ultimately, even Justinian had to admit that his country's military capabilities had inexplicably fallen behind by several orders of magnitude.

Of course, it wasn't his fault.

In fact, the current Eastern Roman military was more in line with the 'times'.

They possessed spearmen suited to the era, soldiers clad in fitted scale armor, and mounted archers and swordsmen, all in line with the times. The reason they couldn't match Artorius was simply because he was overpowered.

'Maintaining peace with the Holy  Romans is the right course of action.' Justinian couldn't help but think. Eventually, he lowered his noble head to the Dragon Emperor.

At that moment, Justinian felt like something had disappeared from within him.

This sensation made him uncomfortable, but it was fleeting.

'Is it just my imagination?' Justinian wondered. However, this doubt was quickly overwhelmed by immense joy after hearing the next words from Artorius.

"We will export enough military supplies to you. We can even send military advisors and dispatch some legions to assist in your campaigns... Of course, you'll compensate my soldiers generously, won't you?" Artorius said calmly to Justinian who seemed to be daydreaming.

"Of course. I'll make sure they feel right at home." Justinian responded cheerfully.

And so, the two Roman emperors conversed amicably; it was a harmonious meeting. They talked until it grew late, and with reluctance, Justinian finally departed, his weary body dragging him back to rest.

"Hahhh, he's finally gone."

As he watched the departing figure of Justinian, Artorius breathed a sigh of relief.

Dealing and fooling people was a waste of time, especially for someone as shrewd as Justinian. To deal with him, Artorius had to stay alert and on top of his game.

"Does he even know what price he paid?"

Just as Artorius was getting up, planning to leave to talk to the Artorias about matters of the heart, a chilling voice echoed from behind him.

"I don't know. But it's better than the Ottoman Turks getting a deal."

Artorius turned to face the King of the Moon—Brunestud of the Crimson Moon.

Their conversation was precisely what Justinian had vaguely sensed he had lost earlier.

In simpler terms, it was the concept of the 'legitimacy' of Rome.

From today, when Justinian had bowed to Artorius, signifying that Eastern Roman as East Rome needed the help of Holy Roman as West Rome, the legitimacy of Rome now resided in Orleans.

Considering that in the next hundred years, the Eastern Roman Empire would decline under the attacks of the Sasanian Empire and be battered by wave after wave of conquerors, the Eastern Roman Emperor would indeed become nothing more than a 'Caesar', or even just a 'Consul'.

As long as Artorius was willing, the two Roman Empires could unite at any time. This was the most significant 'benefit' Justinian had gained from Artorius.

Compared to that, money, land, or any other miscellaneous matters were insignificant.

Because Justinian was not familiar with the world of magecraft, he was unaware of this fact. But the King of the Moon was different.

Crimson Moon saw through it all. How this detestable human had deceived another human who called himself 'brother'.

Of course, Crimson Moon had no personal relationship with Justinian and wouldn't warn him about being deceived—even if she did, Justinian probably wouldn't care.

His mind was currently filled with the grand delusion of establishing an empire akin to Alexander's, uniting Rome, Greece, Persia, and India. He would deal with the West's troubles after his great achievement.

But both Artorius and Crimson Moon knew he wouldn't get that chance.

"You're not leaving yet?"

Artorius didn't want to discuss that topic with Crimson Moon, so he tried to change the topic.

"Our negotiations, aren't they not yet finished?" She glanced at him and asked in return.

As they spoke, Crimson Moon sat down next to Artorius without asking for permission and casually pulled Artorius's wine glass closer, pouring herself a drink.

"I thought they were finished."

"No, those were just the conditions you imposed unilaterally."

In Crimson Moon's calm gaze, there flickered malice and dissatisfaction.

"If you invite me here just to provoke my anger, then so be it. I can go back now and start a war along with my vampire army. Otherwise... you better take this seriously."