CHAPTER 324: CHAPTER 17: EMPRESS RAGAYA (PART 2)

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The veteran battalion remained stationed on the east side of Constantinople, in an estate along the coastal avenue, which belonged to Anna. It was here that she personally oversaw the reorganization of the Thrace Imperial Guard.

An old eunuch with a face full of wrinkles introduced himself as the Royal Treasurer and led Losa’s group of five toward Brahna Palace.

The closer they approached Brahna Palace,

the tighter the security became.

The majority of the Varangian Guard was stationed at their barracks outside the city, and the ones here were serving as the Emperor’s personal bodyguard, tasked with protecting the Imperial Palace.

Losa scrutinized these official Varangian Guards, comparing them to those under his command who held the "stereotypical" image with their uniform equipment of two-handed axes.

The genuine ones often wielded long spears and half swords, donned spine helmets, and dressed sumptuously, with many even having silk cloaks.

Noticing Losa’s gaze lingering on the cloaks of the Varangian Guard, the eunuch boasted, "His Majesty never skimps on his men."

They passed through layer upon layer of palace gates and royal gardens.

He stepped onto smooth slabs that seemed to reflect his image.

The elderly eunuch stepped forward respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, the people have been brought."

Losa calmly lifted his head, observing the throne where undoubtedly the most esteemed woman in the secular world sat—though the most esteemed man was still debatable.

She wore a purple fitted robe, intricately adorned with holy images, and on her head was the Triple Crown that represented the Emperor of the Empire.

Upon careful examination of her face, she was indeed remarkably beautiful.

The eunuch beside her immediately scolded sternly, "How dare you look directly at the most esteemed Basilisa, the noble Regent Empress, without Her Majesty’s permission?"

"It’s alright."

The Empress raised her hand.

Her phoenix eyes commanded respect without anger.

"Anna speaks highly of you. You’ve also achieved commendable feats in battles against heretics and rebels. She often tells me in private that you will become my Belisarius."

"Her Highness the Princess overpraises me."

"I think so too, but whether it’s overpraise, you don’t decide. I’ll see it with my own eyes."

Facing the Empress’s evaluative gaze, his expression was calm, without anxiety or apprehension, unaffected by witnessing such splendor.

"Come forward, General Losa."

"I’ve heard that your subordinates can proficiently use ancient tactics even the Empire has lost, unlike the Frankish barbarians or Norman pirates, who only charge blindly? I look forward to seeing them at tomorrow’s grand parade."

This was something already agreed upon with Anna, so Losa naturally wouldn’t refuse.

"Very well, but I must remind you, tomorrow’s parade is extremely ceremonious, with foreign envoys and guests gathering at the Great Arena. You may need to demonstrate at an appropriate time, showcasing the Empire’s military might."

"Your Majesty, are you asking me to participate in the group tournament?"

In the knightly tournaments, group combat events were often more common than knights engaging in lance duels, essentially like small-scale wars led by knights and their attendants.

With life and death not being a concern.

"Indeed, but you may only need to step in, if necessary. If you win this battle, you and your soldiers will each receive a purple silk ribbon for honor and land estates as rewards."

Empress Ragaya’s expression was solemn, showing no excess emotion, as if becoming "Emperor" had eradicated any trace of joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness.

Losa quickly understood the implication in Ragaya’s words.

It was very likely that this group tournament was a competition against foreigners. Losa and his veteran soldiers would serve as a finale or a fallback—if the Empress’s men won, they wouldn’t need to participate.

"I understand."

"Now, you may swear your allegiance to me."

She stretched out her white hand, adorned with a large ruby.

Losa hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward to lightly grasp the tips of her fingers and kissed them softly.

"According to tradition, you must swear before the Heavenly Father and Holy Mother in the Monastery and observe abstinence for a week. But I know you are a devout follower of Public Teaching, so I won’t trouble you with this custom."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Empress Ragaya’s expression finally softened: "All Caster ladies are welcome to visit Brahna Palace as guests. I will prepare to receive you, and Sister Anna would also be delighted to host you."

Furin Jira rolled her eyes, having long been displeased with this old woman who had children. Despite the renovated grandeur of Brahna Palace, she had no interest in residing here.

Chelina stood silently in the shadows behind Losa, always remembering her initial assignment as a "personal assassin" given by Losa, apart from extra tasks.

As Losa departed,

Ragaya exhaled a light breath, reclining on the velvet-cushioned throne.

"Conrad left? And he mentioned divorcing that Komnenos brat?"

A hint of schadenfreude appeared on her face.

Perhaps others saw the Empire as jointly ruled by the Komnenos and Ducas royal families, but she always harbored no goodwill towards the Komnenos Family.

Even—when she ascended as Regent Empress and saw the Empire’s dire situation, it led to resentment towards her own Ducas Family.

The local nobles, led by these two great families, were like parasitic vines clinging to a towering tree, constantly siphoning nutrients from it.

"How is Branas?"

Even General Branas’s schemes had reached Monferrat’s Conrad, and naturally couldn’t escape Ragaya’s notice.

She even welcomed it, hoping to take this opportunity to reclaim large tracts of Komnenos Family land and bring them under royal control.

Even if areas like the Trabzon Military District remained untouched to avoid massive opposition from noble officials, the regions like Thrace, close to the capital, must return to direct royal control.

"Unfortunately, the Varangian Guard cannot be utilized; only Anna’s Thrace Imperial Guard serves as a concealed force that can be deployed."

A hint of worry appeared on Ragaya’s face.

If she hadn’t dispatched the Thrace Imperial Guard, a unit enhanced by magic potion that easily crushed the Bulgarian rebellion, she wouldn’t be worried about a minor tournament.

"Remember to have new garments prepared for General Losa’s subordinates, their clothing is too worn."