If it was really as he thought, then the situation before Prince Theodor was clearly clear at this time. No matter which side he was on, what he did would be to win the fire for others. He originally thought that in the process of cooperation with Justinian, he slowly brought this young man to his side. After all, in his opinion, the bloodline of the Ducas royal family was more worthy of loyalty than the emperor Muzfius, who had become a useless person. Even Theodor himself even planned to marry his daughter Elena to Justinian to win him over to serve him. However, Theodor later found out that Justinian had no intention, so he gave up.

But if the Princess Odosia was really in Justinian's hands, then everything would be different. Theodor clearly understood that if she stayed in Justinian's position, she would definitely not be willing to stay under others for a long time, because the princess was the third heir to the Empire. If she had her in hand, it would be impossible to seize the throne in Constantinople.

The Lascaris brothers who fled Constantinople that day to Nicea are proof of this. It is important to know that although they are also imperial nobles, how can they be compared with Komuning and Ducas in terms of their background? However, because they married two daughters of Alexe III, they were qualified to ascend the throne.

Thinking about it now, Theodor finally understood why he went to win over Justinian repeatedly, and the other party's attitude was always ambiguous. Rather than saying that his allegiance to Muzfius was more driven by ambition, after all, no one could reject such temptation.

Once again, the man put on his cloak and left, Theodor was also preparing to go back temporarily. Although he had realized that Justinian might become his stumbling block in the future, his real opponent is still his fellow brother, Mihail Dukas. In name, that man was the co-governor of the empire, and he was more than ten thousand people. Although he was still on the way to Macedonia, with Theodor's understanding of it, Mihail would never let him swallow the fertile land of Macedonia indifferently. Since the other party was back, the most urgent task now is to go back and prepare countermeasures.

Speaking of which, the man has begun to plan for nothing. The man sneered in his heart. Theodor looked at the crescent moon hanging in the sky alone, and there seemed to be no anxiety. In fact, he was also secretly trying to win over the original imperial nobles around the Macedonian Military Region. After all, according to Justinian's words, most of these fence-headed ones would be deprived of their titles and confiscated their private property. Just like the nobles of Moria, the little fox's infamy was not only for the Latins, but also for many Romans.

Prince Theodor is now standing up for protection, which has undoubtedly won the hearts of the nobles. Theodor is confident that no one can take away this piece of fat Macedonia from him. As long as he digests it, he can really compete with Mihail. At this time, although Justinian's departure made him puzzled, it was something Theodor himself was willing to see, and his previous fear of Justinian was slightly reduced - after all, Justinian, who controls the new Moria army and the Grand Duke Guard of Anastahuce, has now become a powerful force that cannot be underestimated.

Then it would be wise not to have any head-on conflicts with Justinian before he was ready. As for the Italian Batista, it was naturally a secret game. Although his attitude was ambiguous, there would always be times to be used in the future. Theodor, who had decided on this, thought it without doubt.

"Justice Justinian, don't blame me. Since you can't be friends, you should be prepared to draw your sword at any time. This should be realized from the moment you decide to serve Muzfeus." I thought silently in my heart, and the sky had become dark at this moment. Theodor himself, who had made up his mind, quickly disappeared into the deep twilight.

At this moment, no one knows that a change that was destined to cause the earth-shaking changes of the Roman Empire had quietly taken root and sprouted, waiting for the moment of sprouting. At that time, all the old exchanges would disappear.

...

...

...

The next morning in Thessalonika, under the reorganization of the city by the Roman army, the capital of Macedonia, which had originally become extremely declining due to the war, now seems to have a sign of recovery. Especially in the past two years, the Latins who had been doing good fortune have been expelled, and the Romans who embraced their homes have all been proud. The land and property that had been taken back were returned to the original owner, and the surrendered faction who had done good fortune have also been obtained.

After severe punishment, the whole city was full of joy. Looking at the red eagle flag flying above the city, not many people praised Emperor Ducas's great achievements or the wise and magical martial arts of His Highness. The streets and alleys were sung by the young Governor Moria, Justinian, who was affectionately called him "the Resurrected One", without any sarcasm or ridicule, and was sincere gratitude and support.

Because of the arrival of this man, the belated justice was not absent. It was precisely because of his arrival that the treacherous and cruelty were severely punished. It was precisely because of Justinian that they could be liberated from the rule of the Latin people's iron hoofs.

Seeing that the old order of Rome is being rebuilt, this should have been a day that makes everyone feel happy, but today there is a hint of sadness in the city of Thessalonica. I saw that many Roman people gathered in front of the city gates that were so heavily guarded in the past. Their things they came here were nothing else, but came to see off Master Justinian who was about to leave here and his new army that had not violated them in the past few days.

People have not seen such a purged army for almost 20 or 30 years. In fact, the older generation still remembers the grand occasion of the imperial army before His Majesty Manuel passed away. Unfortunately, it was a pity that it became what it is today after only a few decades of effort. When they first witnessed Justinian and the new Moria army he brought, they were all so excited that they burst into tears.

This is what the imperial army should look like. If the imperial soldiers could have been able to use their lives, how could the mere Latins, Venetians, and Turks be able to make trouble?

But what makes the residents of Thessalonika regret now is that they think that the young and excellent general will take his army away from here to the rugged and dangerous mountainous areas of the northern border, a place controlled by the Bulgarians. This made many people worried, and at the same time they could not help but speculate that the young general might be a victim of corrupt internal struggles, and the Ducas royal family's reputation in Thessalonika is not very good. So many people, even some very famous people in the local area, came to the city of Thessalonika to plead with Justinian, who is about to lead the crowd to leave, do not go to the dangerous Bulgaria.

"Master Justinian, Thessalonika is still unstable, and there are still people who are unsure of the chess and move around. At this time, you really need to stay here. What's more, the journey to Bulgaria is too dangerous. Latins are often ready to move during this period. Let's suspend the plan!" The priests of Thessalonika and a group of priests came forward to request in person. It can be said that it has proved the attitude of the whole city of Thessalonika. Even if some people are dissatisfied with Justinian's decisive way of punishing the nobles, they still believe in the ability of this young man. They even advocated the election of Justinian as the governor of Macedonia temporarily, but were rejected by Justinian.

And this time, Justinian refused decisively and left no room for anything. "Thank you and everyone else for your retention, I can understand what you are worried about, but I am sorry that I have to do this this time when I go to Bulgaria, and I cannot continue to delay here. Here Prince Theodor is in charge, and I have left a capable person to help. I believe that there will be no accidents."

However, facing Justinian's promise, the Thessalonika people were still nervous. "Prince Theodor is okay, but..." The priest of Thessalonika and the priests behind him were reluctant to speak, and looked embarrassed.

Their thoughts were soon discovered by Justinian. The young man riding on the horse said lightly: "Since I can make the Turks, Bulgarians, and Ross die for me, why can't the Latins do it? I believe Baptist is capable enough, so please trust my guarantee for this."

He said in an unquestionable tone that Justinian's words seemed to have an invisible power, which made the Thessalonika people, who were already a little hesitant and panic, have to look at each other and smile bitterly. It was not that they were dissatisfied with Justinian or distrustful, but that Justinian's approach really made them unable to agree. But since the young general was so persistent, they knew that it would be impossible to save them, they had to choose to accept it. However, despite being rejected, these Thessalonika people did not feel resentful, but gave a gift before Justinian was about to leave.

It was not a precious gift that Justinian had rejected before, but this time he was given a brand new pair of armor.

It looks like it has just been created. The silver-bright armor pieces strictly protect the vital parts, and the gaps in the joints of the armor are also protected by chain mail. It can be said that the craftsmanship is very good. It takes a lot of price to create such armor. It seems that the people of Thessalonika have also offered enough sincerity to thank Justinian. This has also changed a little bit of Justinian's originally plain face-

"Mr. Justinian, your armor is broken several times. Since you are about to leave so hasty, I think it's better to replace it with it before you can be more thorough. What do you think?" The priest who gave it to the armor looked at Justinian calmly and said, not disgusted with his identity as he held the armor, but with a heavy look on his face:

"The journey north is difficult and dangerous. All we can do is hope that you can get the protection of God. May your empire survive and die and fight without any disadvantages."

Looking at the expression and posture of the old man opposite, Justinian did not refuse this time. He accepted the gift for him, took it off himself, bowed deeply to the people who saw him off and expressed his gratitude. However, Justinian neither promised to do anything else to thank him, but instead stepped on the war horse and ordered the new army under his command to prepare for departure.

But all this was enough for the Thessalonika people who came to see him off. Molia's new army walked out along the four-sided Avenue and left the city gate of Thessalonika. The originally seemingly scattered army soon gathered into a uniform formation. The front was the flag bearer holding a flying flag, and the light infantry following them, who were walking as fast as flying to protect the baggage horses; and behind them was the fierce Turkic mercenary, advancing alongside the Roman soldiers and horses, and then there were heavy armored cavalry on both sides. They were well-equipped and united to protect the safety of the entire army. Although they did not understand the number of people, such an army gradually disappeared from the horizon. In the sight of the Thessalonika people, they were the best guarantee for them.
Chapter completed!