Justinian and Antonia traveled to the martial arts competition outside Rusnina in a carriage. In the royal manor, more than a hundred tents have been set up and received special favors. Thousands of middle-class people are also fortunate to come and watch. Of course, the viewing seats they are in are far away from the nobles' seats - and even this spectacular scene of the martial arts competition still opens Justinian's eyes: wearing shining armor, the royal guards, the loud shouts of the masses, and the double-headed eagle flag floating in the wind... all show luxury and grace, and how can we feel that the empire is still facing many crises now.

It was noon, and Epirus' nobles finally gathered in the royal manor of Emperor Mikhail, with a lot of people. Most of the people present were extraordinary. They were all famous families from all over Epirus, and any of them had extremely ancient historical heritage and extraordinary dignity. Such a grand occasion was unprecedented, because most of these nobles guarded one side, and even if Constantinople failed to fall, they remained because they were still

Extreme independence rarely accepts conscripts at the same time. The root of all this is that in the past year, Mikhail Ducas has gained great prestige among the remnants of Byzantine nobles through counterattacks against the Latins, especially the defeat of the Ducas of Athens. Although it was not dominated by Mikhail, it made many swaying centrists more favored by the stormy Nicean government in the east.

"I have to say, Justinian, sometimes, you Greeks' optimism really makes me feel a little amazed." Antonia looked at this extravagant feast quietly, and she couldn't help but say softly, and the cold tone that suddenly changed was a hint of sarcasm.

Faced with such ridicule, Justinian was not angry, but replied lightly: "That's why I chose the most dangerous and difficult path in the eyes of others, not just for honor or power, but for changing all this. Those who prevent me, whether Latin, Italian or Roman, are my enemies." Of course, he understood that it was because too many such nobles in front of him who were indulging in pleasure that the empire is now divided. Even if they are despised as Greeks, there is nothing to argue about. After all, if they succeed, Rome will be defeated and Greece. The prosperity of the empire in the past could make the pope's life and death and death all depend on the emperor's hand. Now that the country's power is in decline, it may also accept such an ending - because people may not only respect the power, but absolutely despise the weak.

Justinian's calm answer made Antonia slightly stunned. She thought Justinian would retort, but the other party said something that made her slightly scared, which made Antonia's eyes look at the man as big as her brother in front of her, a little bit of admiration, and a little bit of fear.

And at this moment, the carriage that Justinian and his friends finally stopped - the next section of the road to entering the noble seat must be walked.

This made Justinian, who was disguised, feel a little nervous when he looked at the Imperial Guards who were fully armed with their invitations. After all, their identities were actually fake, and it would be bad if they were discovered.

However, a calm whisper of a girl sounded in her ears, "Don't worry, as long as you avoid the people you know as much as possible, they will not find us."

As he said that, Antonia, who had put on a veil, pulled Justinian down from the carriage and handed over the two invitation letters that had been prepared to the guard officer who was greeting next to the carriage.

"Is it...Ezesa's Frontier and his wife? Welcome your arrival, please follow here." After a glance at the genuine invitation, there was no doubt. The guards serving on the side immediately led Justinian and Antonia into the noble seat.

"What's going on with this so-called Ezesa Frontier? You can't be fooling yourself!" Seeing that you were so easy to get away with, Justinian couldn't help but look at the girl holding her arm in surprise.

Antonia Doria gently tilted her head to the side, smiled strangely and replied in a low voice: "Of course not, this identity is naturally genuine. However, the moral integrity of the frontier is really uncommon. Although he recently defected to Epirus, he had almost nothing except this title. The property left by his ancestors was almost squandered by his wife. So when I saw me being generous, I naturally lend us their titles 120,000!"

"Okay, this is really something that those people might have done..." Justinian, who was speechless for a while, shook his head and said helplessly.

At this time, the atmosphere suddenly became more lively at the already lively martial arts competition. The civilians suddenly cheered loudly under the tent. The ones that were leaping in front of them were a more powerful and brave contestant. They were wearing various armors, including Persian scales with light gold tones, white armor like snow, and chain mail full of Latin style. It seemed that they came from different places, and the weapons in their hands were also different, from broadswords to nail hammers. It seemed that this martial arts competition was really not something to deal with casually.

"What are you going to do next?" Looking at Justinian beside him, Antonia suddenly asked. "Are you going to find that Prince Theodor now?" According to the plan of the two of them, the key to all success will be to take advantage of the conflict between Prince Theodor and Emperor Mikhail. Since you have successfully sneaked in, it is better to contact Theodor Ducas now to prepare for the next plan.

But then Justinian shook his head and refused the proposal, saying, "Let's wait and see if it changes for the time being. Before Mikhail Ducas makes any moves, any extra actions may only arouse their suspicion."

"Okay then! Let's wait and see!" Seeing Justinian insisting so much, Antonia didn't say anything more. At this moment, the imperial martial arts competition had not begun. The excited people were already cheering, waiting nervously for the emperor on the platform to slowly walk into their sight. With the announcement of Emperor Mikhail, this highly anticipated grand event finally kicked off.

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Chapter completed!