The White Tower in Thessaloniki was originally a dedicated office space for the city magistrate. After the arrival of the Genoese, the Macedonian nobles insisted that it became a place to entertain the Doria family.

The bored Andrea Doria was looking at the city that his mother-state had always coveted. Although it was devastated by war, Thessaloniki was still second only to Constantinople along the Aegean Sea.

In the metropolis, looking at the crowds on the street waiting for Moria's army to enter the city, the Genoese man remained silent until the door behind him was pushed open, and the attendants led the person he wanted to see into the room.

Justinian and Antonia once again met the man in front of them. The last time they met at sea, the end was that the other party was kidnapped and kept on the boat. However, at this moment, the man looked at them with a surprisingly calm look.

"I'm here to see you...brother." Antonia, who was naturally uncomfortable with this kind of gaze, only felt a sense of discomfort. She looked at her brother with some evasive eyes.

But Andrea ignored it,

"Long time no see, Your Excellency Justinian." His eyes did not stay on his sister. Andrea greeted Justinian in the tone of an old friend whom she had not seen for a long time. If she didn't know it,

People who see this scene will definitely think that this is such a touching reunion of old friends, but Justinian will not forget the series of unpleasant things that happened when the two met on the Golden Horn.

"Indeed, it has been a long time. In my expectation, I thought that our meeting this time would be much earlier than now." Justinian also replied lightly.

And Andrea also heard the implication, ordered the attendants to step back, looked at Justinian, and explained: "The Doria family will only choose the most worthy investment objects. The reason why I appear here must be you."

You can guess it. But until now, in those people's evaluation, you are not the best candidate."

The gentle words of the Genoese aristocratic young man were as arrogant as possible. The more insipid they were, the more silent contempt they revealed.

Of course, Justinian would not be offended by such words. He knew the temperament of the Genoese people too well. Historically, they did the same thing when they signed the "South African Macro Treaty" with the later Michael VIII.

eagle.

"But you chose me in the end instead of Ducas of Epirus, didn't you?" He saw the clues at a glance and said to the point. Just to take back his sister, Andrea Doria couldn't help but

It is possible to use such a large formation and risk war with Venice to interfere in the battle in Thessaloniki. This can only show that everything has the shadow of interference from Genoa's top leaders. They noticed their sharp edges in Moria and Macedonia.

If you want something special, you can live there.

"Yes, it's a clear fact. Being able to talk so easily and neatly is also the reason why we think you are more suitable for us than other collaborators." Seeing Justinian spreading his words, Andrea stopped beating around the bush.

"We were indeed more optimistic about Mikhail Dukas before. Even after you find the princess and the patriarch, a co-ruling emperor with no legal flaws is more suitable to be the investment target of Genoa. However, you must not

Even if we don’t admit it, we still overestimated the ‘Noah’ of Epirus.”

"Looking at it this way, your sister's vision is much better than yours." Justinian smiled semi-tauntingly, using this method to relieve the inner tension of the Genoese girl next to him. And Antonia stared closely at her brother , also seems to be afraid of something, completely different from before.

But Andrea did not pay attention to Justinian's squeeze, but said: "Our contract with Epirus has been trampled on by the other party, and those who break the contract will be punished."

"Is it because he colluded with the Venetians?" Justinian asked. Genoa and Epirus could finally part ways. Among them, the only ones who became the promoters and benefited were obviously those in Lagoon City.

Andrea did not deny it, "Of course it's more than that, but anyway, the result is that the plans of the big shots in the mother country were completely ruined, and all the previous investments were sunk. Even before that, Genoa's fleet was destroyed by that Mikhail He made a plan to help him capture Corfu, and he used it as a gift to make friends with the Venetians."

"Ha, it's really ironic. If you hadn't done this at that time, maybe Theodore Ducasse would have been your next choice." Pretending to be a Latin, he attacked Corfu to lure Prince Agrinion out to be assassinated. Needless to say, it was probably the handiwork of the Genoese, but they ended up smashing their own feet. Justinian raised a sarcastic smile on his lips.

And Andrea also used meaningful words to retort: ​​"Indeed, but it also allowed you to earn Agrinion and a bride of noble blood. And that finally made us determined to support you in dealing with the capriciousness. Ducasse, Justinian."

"Haha, this may be regarded as a kind of anger."

"Whether it is Genoa or the Doria family, everything will be done according to the rules, not likes and dislikes. This is the thinking of businessmen, and it is also the thinking in our bones. Choosing you has nothing to do with Epirus." Andrea A calm look on his face.

Justinian believed this statement, and it was indeed in line with the other party's style. It was just that the young man in front of him, who was similar to his own age, said such cold words, even though he was a little moved. It was just like what Antonia said. In that way, the city of Genoa is a monster that alienates people.

"That's the best. I'm happy to accept the friendship of my Genoese friends. If there's nothing else, I think Sir Andrea, you can go back and do business." Justinian nodded, wanting to end both parties. dialogue.

But Andrea obviously would not allow Justinian to muddy the waters and get away with it. "Justinian, we cannot tolerate the appearance of a second Mikhail Dukas. We must show our sincerity." At the same time, you also need to do something to make us believe."

Humph, you are indeed waiting for me here!

Justinian sneered in his heart and didn't take it seriously, "Mikhail Dukas's main force has been defeated by me. At this time, he is just a withered bone in the grave. I think I can handle it even without your help. He. In such a matter, I don't think Genoa deserves my sincerity."

"But what about the Venetians, plus Henry of Constantinople? Even a cunning little fox is not a lion. In a situation surrounded by enemies, unnecessary toughness will only get you torn into pieces. Fragments." Andrea warned in a serious tone as she looked at Justinian's figure preparing to leave.

Justinian stopped.

"Do you know why the Bulgarians withdrew their troops and abandoned the Epirus in the battle the day before yesterday, allowing you to easily win?" Andrea Doria told Justinian a shocking news: "Flanders

Henry returned to Constantinople from Nicaea three days ago and once again gathered his troops to attack the Bulgars' rear. You should be glad that he did not regard you as his target this time. But next time, when he does this

A Romanian emperor who claims to be orthodox hears that the princess of the Purple House and the Patriarch of Constantinople are in Thessaloniki. Where do you guess his military front will be directed? And the same goes for the Venetians. The previous small fight

They may not care about the little fuss, but after this time, I think no matter how arrogant the merchant nobles are, they will not allow a behemoth stretching from Macedonia to the Peloponnese to compete with them for the inheritance of Rome. In fact, you have no other choice.

Oh, Justinian. The ocean no longer belongs to the Romans. It takes three days for carriages and horses and one day for ships. The waves are an extension of Italy. If you don’t have the power at sea, you can’t stand on the current moment, let alone regain it.

Constantinople, your only way to survive is to cooperate with us."

"What if I refuse?" Turning around to look at the blond aristocratic young man who was also looking at him, Justinian with a stern expression did not succumb as Doria expected.

"Then we may become enemies. You must know that there are many people in Genoa who are trying their best to win over the Latin Emperor." Specious warnings are always more deterrent, the Genoese man said expressionlessly.

"Then forget it!"

To Andrea Doria's surprise, Justinian still categorically refused. He did not expect that the man in front of him could still say no to him after he had made it so clear. Even Anthony beside him

Ya was also surprised that Justinian would make such a choice. Although Genoa would never be a good person, from Justinian's perspective, this was indeed the most powerful ally.

And Justinian continued calmly: "To be more precise, let me explain it again, Andrea. I never reject any allies, there is no problem with that. But I will not accept any threats.

, we can cooperate, but I will never make any promises. I only accept investment, but no one can make me surrender. An equal relationship brings equal feedback. This is my answer. I will never

I won’t be controlled by others!”

"Is this your answer?" The handsome blond man's handsome face was gloomy and terrifying. He never expected such a result.

Andrea walked away with a puff of sleeves, "It seems that I can only go back and tell the adults of the Senate about this regrettable result. They had high expectations for you." He looked at Justinian.

Antonia's expression next to her was even colder.

"Come back with me, Antonia, Uncle Constance is very disappointed in you."

As he spoke, the Genoese aristocratic young man clapped his hands, and two attendants outside the door came in. They wanted to take Antonia away, but Justinian stretched out his hand to stop him.

“I think it’s up to Antonia to decide whether to stay or go!”

"I am her brother. As long as she is not married, I am certainly qualified to make this decision for her." Andrea said coldly, and the two attendants immediately raised their hands to push Justinian away.

But they forgot about the opponent in front of them. Besides holding the power in their hands, what they were more familiar with was the sword on the battlefield.

I saw Justinian pushing and retreating easily, and then the outstretched hands of Andrea's attendants seemed to have been thrown out of the air, and they stumbled down. The Genoese struggled to get up and were about to

Attack, but they saw the cold light flashing in Justinian's lake-blue eyes at that moment and their hearts trembled.

This was not only the aura of the superior, but also the power condensed after the experience on the battlefield. For a while, no one dared to step forward.

"Antonia is my ally and a guest in Rome. I think she has this qualification. As I said, an equal relationship brings equal rewards." Justinian, who turned a blind eye to the Genoese, pushed away.

Although the attendants waiting outside stood with their swords drawn, they did not dare to move. Because at this time, in addition to the Genoese, there were also Turkic warriors with bows and swords standing outside. They were Als

Lan and his men rushed over in time. In front of these elites who had fought many battles, the Genoese people who were accustomed to fighting at sea naturally found it difficult to deal with them.

"Then farewell, Your Excellency Andrea." Justinian took Antonia out of the room, leaving only her back.

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Chapter completed!