While Constantine was busy dealing with university-related matters, an unexpected person appeared in front of the emperor.

"Your Majesty Constantine, who is blessed by God, it is an honor to meet you." The envoy touched his chest and saluted with a very respectful attitude.

"Your envoy does not need to be polite," Constantine said a few polite words first, and then asked,

"Why did Monsignor Alfonso send you here?"

Yes, the envoy was sent by Alfonso V of Aragon and King of the Two Sicilies. After defeating René I of the Angevin dynasty and inheriting the Kingdom of Naples, Alfonso took full control of the Two Sicilies, which was the most important place in the Mediterranean world.

an extremely powerful force.

"It's nothing important," the messenger responded, "I just came to see His Majesty."

This is normal. Anyone who has a powerful neighbor next to them will inevitably want to find out the details of the other party to avoid being caught off guard.

Constantine thought that this was an opportunity, so he asked with concern,

"How is your Excellency, Alfonso? You are busy with state affairs, so you should pay more attention to your health!"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Your Majesty Alfonso is in good health and will live a long life. This time you come..."

Seeing that the other party was hesitant and embarrassed to say anything, Constantine smiled cheerfully and said,

"Just say what you have to say, don't worry too much."

"Your Majesty founded the university and brought wisdom to the European world. Your brilliance has made the sun lose its light." The messenger first flattered Constantine, but when he saw Constantine just smiled, he then continued sarcastically,

"His Majesty Alfonso loves literature and is especially interested in ancient books. I heard that His Majesty Constantine is willing to lend ancient books to scholars, so he sent me to borrow a few books."

It took me a long time, but this is what happened? In fact, it’s not the envoy’s fault. Back then, a Byzantine emperor gave a copy of Pseudo-Dionysian’s work to the Dharma King, and in exchange for the Dharma King’s support, he expressed his support for these arts, culture and other types of things.

Some kings would value ancient books, but some would just disdain them, and Alfonso was the kind of monarch who loved art and culture.

"It's easy to say. When you go back, take two works of Plato and Aristotle with you, and I will give them to Mr. Alfonso."

Constantine also knew that Alfonso's covetousness for Constantinople had never been eliminated. Several monarchs who occupied the Kingdom of Naples had unique emotions for this city. Of course, at this point,

It's the same throughout the Western world.

"However, there is one thing I would like to ask Your Excellency Alfonso for your opinion on."

The envoy received a positive reply from Constantine and felt relieved. In his opinion, the purpose of this mission had been achieved. Not only did he borrow books, but he also learned about Constantine's character. This was enough.

, even if Constantine puts forward other conditions, it doesn't matter if they are not too excessive.

Seeing that the envoy didn't care, Constantine said playfully while looking at the envoy's face,

"The Kingdom of Cyprus sent an envoy a few days ago, asking me to help the Luchinan family get rid of the control of the Mamluk Sultan. For this reason, the Luchinan family is willing to surrender to me,"

Seeing the envoy's expression change drastically, Constantine continued,

"His Excellency Alfonso is very famous in the Mediterranean world. I heard that he wants to restart the Crusades. I wonder what he thinks of the Kingdom of Cyprus?"

The Kingdom of Cyprus has an advantageous geographical location, a typical Mediterranean climate, and relatively fertile land. It was originally one of the Byzantine grain producing areas. Later, during the Crusades, King Richard the Lionheart occupied the island of Cyprus. After a series of changes of hands, it was finally established.

The Kingdom of Cyprus, dominated by the Luchinan family,

In 1426, instigated by the Venetians, the Mamluk dynasty of Egypt invaded Cyprus. Forced to do so, the Luchinan family surrendered to the Mamluk Sultan. The Kingdom of Cyprus existed as a dependent state of the Mamluk dynasty.

But what makes the Luchinan family angry is that the Mamluk dynasty itself is in deep crisis. Natural and man-made disasters such as plague and drought have left the Egyptian Sultan with no time to take care of himself. The Venetians took the opportunity to immigrate to Cyprus in large numbers. The descendants of the Crusaders were unable to stop it.

They could only ask for help from abroad, and Byzantium, which was recently in the limelight, naturally became their target for help.

If you want to restart the Crusades, you must take into account logistical factors. This is a bloody lesson taught by history. Cyprus can just be used as a logistics transfer base for the Crusades, which is a big temptation for Alfonso, because this

It means that the Crusaders have already won half the battle.

The messenger was stunned. Obviously, such a news shocked him greatly. He stammered,

"These...the...Cypriots...are the people of God, and we...should liberate them...from the hands of the infidels."

"Oh, of course." Constantine first affirmed the envoy's proposal, and then said,

"But the important task of liberating Christendom should not be shouldered by me alone, right?"

"Yes, yes," the messenger came to his senses and nodded repeatedly, "His Majesty Alfonso is willing to help you complete the important task of liberating Christendom."

"That's good," Constantine looked very happy. The envoy breathed a sigh of relief and was secretly excited. This was an unexpected surprise.

"However, as far as I know, Your Excellency Alfonso is already sixty years old, right? Can he complete the important task of rescuing the Christians?" The topic changed, and the emperor asked about Alfonso's physical condition again.

"Your Majesty, don't worry. Even if His Majesty Alfonso cannot come in person, His Majesty Ferdinando will be sent to help His Majesty." The envoy was full of confidence.

This Ferdinando was the illegitimate son of Alfonso V. Historically, he inherited the throne of Naples after Alfonso's death and was called Ferdinando I. What's funny is that Alfonso valued Ferdinando so much.

However, later scholars discovered that Ferdinando was not necessarily Alfonso's biological son, and it was considered a strange story.

Constantine also heard about this family, so he was not surprised.

"If so, God will also be pleased with His Excellency Alfonso's magnanimity."

After the dinner party where Constantine welcomed the envoy, the envoy lay in bed unable to sleep. After a while, he sat up, walked to the desk and started writing furiously.

After writing the letter, sealing it, and ordering the guards to send it immediately to the Palace of Naples in Naples, the messenger silently pondered the pros and cons of this matter.

Alfonso was old and doted on his illegitimate son Ferdinand too much. He was afraid that Ferdinand would be persecuted after his death. If this expedition was really established, it is unlikely that Alfonso himself would come.
Chapter completed!