Eagle Flag of Epirus

　　 Romanus Dukas saw this amazing scene as soon as he stepped into the banquet hall, and the faces of other nobles present also showed surprise.

　　 No one thought that Earl Theodor would actually give Justinian such a reward, and the expression on each person's face was different. The 1,000-man heavy infantry is indeed the elite force of Agrinion, but it is impossible to support such an army with the income of Ilovan Castle. What is more important is that the Earl of Theodor appointed him. As the commander of the Moria Military District, this is really puzzling.

　　 In fact, the call to expel the Latins has always existed, but it is important to know that the Latins have been operating on this land for a hundred years since Emperor Alexei I rescued the Holy See. The fragmentation of the Roman Empire today is simply powerless. Not long ago, the attack on the Principality of Athens, the army sent by Theodore finally returned without success is proof. But now sending a little nobleman to lead an army of thousands of people to try to regain the Moria Military District is really unbelievable for them. Now entrenched in the Peloponnese is the kingdom of Achaia established by the original Latin knight William. There are hundreds of Frankish knights loyal to it alone, and the prosperous southern region is no less powerful than the Principality of Athens. Isn't Theodor really joking to issue such an order?

　　 They were totally unclear whether Theodor wanted to promote the young man or take this opportunity to get rid of him. Regardless of the official title of the Governor of the Moria Military District, it is actually just a fictitious name now. The nobles at the banquet passed their eyes to each other, but no one said much. After all, this was the decision of Count Theodor, the lord of Agrinon, and it was naturally impossible for them to intervene. In any case, although this man is only an earl now, after the coronation ceremony of His Majesty Mikhail is over, he will sooner or later grant the title of despot or prince. No one wanted to cause Theodor's displeasure at this time.

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

"I object!"

　　 Everyone's gaze was immediately attracted, and the guests at the banquet stepped aside, and out of it was a noble youth who was Romanus Dukas, the son of Count Theodor.

　　 Unable to accept his father's decision, he immediately stood up, making no secret of his hostility to Justinian, who was kneeling in the center. Seeing this scene, the look on Earl Theodor's face also changed to look bad, and then he remembered that he had let his son attend the dinner before, but he did not expect Romanus to stand up against it on such occasions. His appointment.

　　 However, Theodor did not resign his son, but asked coldly: "Why do you object, Romanus? No one else seems to have any objection to my appointment."

Seeing his father didn’t denounce him, Romanus was overjoyed, and immediately became bolder, pointing to Justinian in front of him and saying: “Because he has a collusion with the Latins, just imagine how such a person can command the army. Such an important task? Please father take it back!"

　　 As soon as this remark came out, there was an uproar in the crowd. In any case, any apparent connection between the Latins and the Byzantine nobles could not be avoided, and the accusation of Romanus is not a small one!

　　 But Theodor didn’t mean to be shocked, but he said in an unhurried tone: "So what about the evidence?"

"He traded with the Genoese in Ilovan Castle without authorization, and what could he do with his little people if the pirates were not helped by the Latins? Father, you refused to be a Genoese before, and now he blatantly disobeys you How could he be given a heavy responsibility for his order? Not to mention that he used the Turkic army without authorization." Romanus said faster and faster, and the others present looked at each other. This is indeed a difficult problem, but it is already ready for Justinian.

　　 It's just that he didn't expect that it was not Theodore who questioned him but Romanus in front of him.

　　 I saw Justinian slowly standing up and asking calmly, "Is it a Genoese or a Venetian that Count Theodore now occupies the territory of the empire?"

　　 "Of course they are Venetians." Although commoners would collectively refer to the Christians in the west as Latins, they still have the knowledge of being a nobleman. Earl Theodor looked at Justinian and answered his question indifferently.

"Then why can't I do business with Genoese? According to the edict of Emperor Manuel, our friendly relationship with the Genoese city-state has not been lifted. Besides, now we have a common enemy, the Venetians, so I don’t think I am There is no problem with doing it. Instead, the xenophobic way up and down against the Latins is harmful to the revival of the empire. Just like today’s gladiatorial show, when I appeared in the empire uniform, everyone was subconscious. I hope to win this victory!"

　　 "Enough! Don't go on." Earl Theodor suddenly raised his voice. He was unwilling to mention that matter, even if Justinian's words were not related to it.

But Justinian did not silence but continued: "If we continue blindly like this, we will lose a lot of friends and invite more enemies. At that time, the chances of reviving the empire or even guarding the empire will be slim. At that time, it will be this country. The moment of destruction."

　　 "Presumptuous!" This remark drew the anger of many people, and Justinian's words were simply too bold.

"Shut up, you presumptuous fellow!" someone directly reprimanded, but Earl Theodor couldn't see the joy and anger at all, and the palm of Elena next to him was already sweating, and the girl couldn't help it. Worried about Justinian's situation. Justinian's words undoubtedly offended everyone present, and this kind of words shouldn't be said by his identity. Despite the fate, the other party finally saved herself. She looked at her father beside her for fear of severely punishing Justinian.

But Justinian was still calm. What he said was what he thought. In fact, the Byzantines perished in this kind of paranoia for the next two hundred years. He would rather accept a pagan scarf than heresy. The cross of the empire, but what you get is the collapse of the empire.

Seeing this situation, Romanus couldn’t help but feel a little proud~www.ltnovel.com~ Justinian said that, and it made him feel surprised. Now it seems that Justinian didn’t have a chance to turn over. There was a thrill of revenge in his heart.

　　 But everything that happened next surprised everyone--

　　 "Enough, Justinian, you don't have to say it anymore." Theodor stopped loudly, and then he closed his eyes and couldn't help holding his temples on both sides. This was his habit when he was troubled. "I believe in your loyalty. After all, your **** to His Majesty Muzfius is enough to explain the problem. As for your cooperation with the Genoese, it is your own fiefdom, and I don’t want to interfere. I promise you everything in advance. The duties and rewards remain the same, but you must also pay attention to the way you speak. Okay, that's the end of today's business."

　　 "Father——" Seeing his father's obvious partiality, Romanuston became anxious, and he couldn't understand Theodore's approach.

　　 But at this moment, Theodor interrupted him with a beating.

　　 "Enough, Justinian's behavior has been my acquiescence before, he did not have too many faults, do not use your likes and dislikes to influence my decision."

　　 The meaning of the man's words could not be understood anymore, and he didn't expect it to be like this. Although he was unwilling, Romanus had no choice but to give up his attack on Justinian. At the same time, seeing Theodor's statement, the accusation at the banquet also subsided.

Then Theodor 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 Agrinon Legion, and you will be its master from now on. "Theodore put the flag in Justinian's hand and patted Justinian's shoulder. "Just use your actions to prove the vision of our respected Majesty Muzfius! Tomorrow, You can set off."