The Despot's Palace in Rusnina.

Hundreds of heavily armed soldiers blocked all entrances and exits. Although the Bulgars were very dissatisfied with the way Epirus received them, Ivan Asen still had to obey the arrangements. Muziphius and Justinian were arrested.

Brought to Mikhail.

Although Muziphius' status as emperor was recognized, the soldiers watching him still gave people a feeling of being imprisoned. This was not surprising to Justinian and Muziphius. After all, Muziphius

The status of the emperor of Sri Lanka is not very orthodox. If it were not for the Golden Seal Edict and the Bulgars, Mikhail would not have taken them in at all, provoking the jealousy of the Latins.

This is why Justinian took the risk of using Bulgaria, but everything seems to be going well so far. Judging from Mikhail's reaction, he is indeed tempted.

The door of the palace rumbled open, and the candlelight inside was seen pouring out like a sea tide. Justinian was moved by the splendid decorations. This despot was so luxurious, and every utensil was modeled after the palace expenses.

It is obvious that Mikhail already has the ambition to become emperor, and now what he needs is to be justified.

That’s why this man met Muzphius——

"I'm glad you're alive." Mikhail had already been waiting in the palace for a long time. Sitting on the throne, he watched Muzfius walk in without the respectful look he had outside the city. And he saw it at a glance.

Justinian next to Muzphius, "Who is this -?"

"My escort Justinian, I relied on his protection along the way to reach here safely." Muzfius introduced calmly and sat on the chair prepared for him by Mikhail.

"It's been a long time, Muzfius. It's been almost fifteen years since we said goodbye. But I didn't expect things to change." Mikhail sighed and sighed. The two of them were both in their prime at the time.

, and now the temples are already gray.

But then the man changed the topic, "Instead, I have become the last hope of this country, and you have to ask me for help. I think dear Muzfius, you are not here just to get my protection!"

"He didn't want to waste any more words. He had already guessed the purpose of Muzphius coming here, but bargaining was still needed in the end. He was not willing to share Epirus, which he had managed for more than ten years, with a king who did not deserve the name.

.

"Of course not, Mikhail. To be precise, I should give you and me a chance to return the glory of this country to the Dukas family." Muzfius said calmly, and also set out his own conditions.

"Today's empire is divided into pieces, and I am the only legitimate emperor. With my call, I think it will be a great help to you. As a price, I can give you the title of co-ruling emperor."

However, Mikhail did not seem to be tempted immediately, but sneered slightly, "Is it just you - I'm afraid not, not long ago Boniface, the Marquis of Monferra, captured our old Emperor Alexei

, he asked for ransom from me, and I can bring him back if I want. In a sense, your legitimacy is not much stronger than that old guy."

That old fellow Alexei really didn’t listen to me and fell into the hands of the Latins. He finally suffered a bit. Hearing all this, he was slightly startled at first, and Justinian couldn’t help but snicker.

.He understood the implication of Mikhail's words, that the other party was waiting for a price, and if he wanted to convince him, he must offer a sufficient price.

When Muzphius heard that Alexius III had fallen into the hands of the Latins, he was very surprised even though he did not show it. At this moment, Justinian stood up next to him.

"But with all due respect, Your Majesty the Despot, it is most advantageous for you to recognize the identity of His Majesty Muzphius as emperor. Because he is the legitimate emperor who was established after Alexius III fled. What's more, you really

Do you think Alexios Angeles is willing to share power with you? Accepting an emperor who abandoned his people and fled without a fight would not only be of no benefit to you but would also lead to siege from all sides, but Muziphius

Your Majesty can win you such powerful allies as the Bulgars. Likewise, the Genoese will side with you against the Venetians."

Justinian, who spoke astonishingly, took out the Doria gold coin that Andrea had given him before. He did not expect that this gold coin would actually work at this time.

Sure enough, Mikhail's expression suddenly changed when he saw the Doria gold coin in Justinian's hand. In fact, the most dangerous place in Epirus on the west coast is the sea. He is always afraid of the invasion of the Venetians.

But when the Doria gold coin appeared in Justinian's hand, he was finally tempted. You must know that Genoa, controlled by the Doria family, has always been Venice's mortal enemy, which means that he will have a powerful maritime ally.

In fact, Mikhail knew this when he looked at Muzfius's blinded eyes. Alexius III was famous for his ruthlessness. He could usurp the throne and destroy the military system, but he could not indulge the nobles.

He tolerated challenges to his authority as emperor, as evidenced by his subsequent power struggle with his son-in-law Theodore after he left for Nicaea.

But instead he noticed Justinian. Although he was less than twenty years old, he was surprisingly calm when facing him when he spoke just now. More importantly, at such a young age, he actually had such things as Dorian gold coins. He was sure that the gold coins were real.

After that, Mikhail couldn't help but look at this young man in a different light.

"I didn't expect that you would actually have this thing. I can support you, but you must also agree to a condition!" Mikhail narrowed his eyes, and there was a murderous chill in his voice, and in the palace

The guards looked at this scene with expressionless faces.

Facing Mikhail's aggressiveness, Justinian also felt nervous. This man was more greedy than he thought, and the title of co-ruling emperor could not satisfy him.

"What is it?" Muzfius asked calmly as he knew this former friend well.

"I can accept your title of co-emperor, but you must enter the monastery and of course still retain your status as emperor." A sneer appeared at the corner of Mikhail's mouth, and Justinian did not expect that this man was so big.

Opening his mouth, this was no different from putting Muzphius under house arrest, but the aggressive guards around him made him dare not act rashly. Looking at the silent Muzphius beside him, Justinian understood that this was probably

It is difficult for any emperor to accept it. But it is obvious that Mikhail will probably put them under house arrest regardless of whether Muzfius agrees or not.

However, to everyone's surprise, Muzfius agreed to such a harsh request, "Yes, but I also have a condition."

Unexpectedly, the other party agreed so readily. Mikhail nodded doubtfully: "No problem." What he was afraid of was just Muzfius dove occupying the magpie's nest. Since the other party took the initiative to enter the monastery, he had no worries.

And I saw Muzfius slowly groping and grabbing Justinian's arm, and told Mikhail, who was looking down at him, his conditions, "I promised this child before, and as compensation
Chapter completed!