Romanus Ducas saw this astonishing scene as soon as he stepped into the banquet hall, and other nobles present also had surprised looks on their faces.

No one thought that Count Theodore would actually give Justinian such a reward, and the expressions on everyone's faces were different. A thousand heavy infantrymen were indeed Agrinion's

An elite force, but the income from Ilovan Castle simply cannot support such an army. More importantly, it is really puzzling that Count Theodore actually appointed him as the commander to recover the Moria Military District.

In fact, the call to expel the Latins has always existed, but you must know that the Latins have been operating on this land for hundreds of years since Emperor Alexius I came to rescue the Holy See. Today's Roman Empire is fragmented and simply cannot do what it wants. Not long ago, they attacked the Principality of Athens.

, as evidenced by the fact that the army sent by Theodore returned without success. But now sending a small nobleman to lead an army of thousands of people to try to regain the Moria Military District is really unbelievable to them. Now entrenched in the Peloponnese

It is the Achaean princedom established by the original Latin knight William. There are hundreds of Frank knights loyal to it. They occupy the rich southern region and are as powerful as the Principality of Athens. It is true that Theodore issued such an order.

Aren't you kidding?

They were completely confused as to whether Theodor wanted to promote this young man or take this opportunity to get rid of him. Regardless of the official title of Governor of the Moria Military Region, it was actually just a false name now. The nobles at the banquet

They exchanged glances with each other, but no one said anything. After all, this was the decision of Count Theodore, the Lord of Agrinion, and they naturally could not interfere. In any case, although this man is still only a count,

After His Majesty Mikhail's coronation ceremony is over, he will sooner or later be granted the title of despot or prince. No one wants to cause Theodore's displeasure at this time.

But at this moment, a young voice suddenly sounded among the silent crowd.

"I object!"

Everyone's eyes were immediately attracted, and the guests at the banquet stepped aside. A young nobleman walked out. He was none other than Romanus Ducasse, the son of Count Theodore.

Unable to accept his father's decision, he immediately stood up, not hiding his hostility towards Justinian who was kneeling in the center. Seeing this scene, Count Theodore's face also became unpleasant, and then

He remembered that he had asked his son to attend this dinner before, but he did not expect that Romanus would openly stand up against his appointment on such an occasion.

However, Theodore did not reject his son, but asked coldly: "Why do you object, Romanus? Others do not seem to have any objections to my appointment."

Seeing that his father did not reprimand him, Romanus felt happy, and then he became bolder. He pointed at Justinian in front of him and said: "Because he has colluded with the Latins. Just imagine how such a person can command an army and take on responsibilities."

Such an important task? Please take it back, father!"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole house was in an uproar. In any case, Byzantine nobles would avoid any superficial connection with the Latins, and the accusation of Romanus was not a small crime!

But Theodore didn't mean to be shocked at all, but said in a calm tone: "So where is the evidence?"

"He traded with the Genoese without permission in Ilovan Castle. If the Latins hadn't helped him in the previous encirclement and suppression of the pirates, what could he have done with his few men? Father, you have rejected the Genoese before, and now he is openly defying you.

How could he be given a heavy responsibility according to the order? Not to mention that he had used the Turkic army without permission before." Romanus spoke faster and faster, and other people present also looked at each other. This is indeed a problem, but for

For his part, Justinian was already ready.

But he didn't expect that the person questioning him was not Theodor but Romanus in front of him.

Justinian stood up slowly and asked calmly: "Would Count Theodore be the Genoese or the Venetians who occupy the territory of the empire now?"

"Of course they are Venetians." Although commoners would collectively refer to Christians in the west as Latins, as a nobleman he still had this knowledge. Count Theodore looked at Justinian and answered his question calmly.

"Then why can't I do business with the Genoese? According to the edict of Emperor Manuel, our friendly relations with the Genoese city-state have not been dissolved. What's more, now we have a common enemy, the Venetians, so I don't think I can

There is nothing wrong with what I did. On the contrary, the current xenophobic approach towards the Latin people is harmful to the revival of the empire. Just like today's gladiatorial performance, when I appeared in the uniform of the empire, everyone subconsciously

I hope to win this victory!"

"That's enough! Don't say any more." Count Theodore suddenly raised his voice. He was unwilling to mention that matter more, even if Justinian's implication was not related to it.

But Justinian did not shut up but continued: "If we continue blindly like this, we will lose many friends and incur more enemies. By then, there will be little chance of reviving the empire or even protecting the empire. By then, this country will

A moment of destruction.”

"Presumptuous!" This remark aroused the anger of many people. Justinian's words were simply too audacious.

"Shut up, you impudent guy!" Someone scolded directly, but Count Theodore could not show any emotion at all, and Elena's palms next to him were already clenched with sweat, and the girl couldn't help but

I became worried about Justinian's situation. Justinian's words undoubtedly offended everyone present, and such words should not be said by his status. Although it was a one-sided relationship, the other party finally saved him.

, she looked at her father beside her for fear of severely punishing Justinian.

But Justinian remained calm. What he said was what he thought in his heart. In fact, in the next two hundred years, the Byzantines perished in this kind of bigotry. They would rather accept the scarf of a pagan than a heretic.

The cross of the emperor, but what he got was the collapse of the empire.

Looking at this situation, Romanus couldn't help but feel a little proud. Justinian's words also surprised him. Now it seemed that Justinian had no chance to turn around, which made him feel a sense of revenge.

of pleasure.

But what happened next surprised everyone——

"That's enough, Justinian, you don't have to say any more." Theodore stopped him loudly, and then he closed his eyes and couldn't help but press his temples. This was his habit when he was troubled. "I

I believe in your loyalty. After all, the fact that you escorted His Majesty Muzfius is enough to illustrate the problem. As for your cooperation with the Genoese, that is a matter for your own fiefdom, and I don’t want to interfere. I will give you all the duties and duties promised in advance.

The reward remains the same, but you must also pay attention to the way you speak. Okay, that ends today."

"Father -" Seeing his father's clearly partial approach, Romanus suddenly became anxious. He could not understand Theodor's approach.

But at this moment, Theodore interrupted him with a scold.

"That's enough. Justinian's actions have already been approved by me before. He didn't make many mistakes. Don't use your likes and dislikes to influence my decision."

The meaning of the man's words was very clear. Romanus, who had never expected it to be like this, had no choice but to give up his criticism of Justinian even though he was unwilling to do so. At the same time, seeing Theodore's statement

, the criticism at the banquet also subsided.

Then Theodore took a battle flag from the guards around him, walked to Justinian and said: "This is the battle flag of the fourth company of the Agrinion Army. From now on, you are its owner."

"Theodore put the flag on Justinian's hand and patted Justinian's shoulder, "Use your actions to prove the vision of our respected Majesty Muzphius! Tomorrow,
Chapter completed!