After several secret consultations, the open peace talks between the Bosphorus Despotate and the Black Sheep Dynasty finally began in Hachem on March 2, 1438.
On that day, the monarchs of both nations were present in person, but Manuel also brought Prince George Bagration of Kakheti with him to signify that the ownership of Eastern Georgia would also be formally decided during these peace talks. Additionally, due to the consensus reached earlier between the two sides, Prince Hachem, Duke Beshken II Orbelian of Lori, also participated. Although referred to as a participant, this Armenian lord and his territory were, in fact, more like spoils of war.
To show the importance they placed on these peace talks, the main participating monarchs all wore their ceremonial robes. Manuel, for example, wore a blue-purple silk pallium over his armor and a pure purple sleeveless cloak, with a light dalmatica underneath, and a helmet on his head; his young and handsome face, with a short mustache, radiated a confident smile, while his brown eyes held a high degree of vigilance and caution. Across from him, Black Sheep Sultan Jahan Shah wore an orange-yellow brocade robe embroidered with several saffron flowers over his armor, and a white turban adorned with a blue peacock feather and a ruby on his head. He had a robust physique and a darker complexion; contrary to his decisive style and sharp military tactics, the Sultan's face was quite benevolent compared to other rulers of his lineage, with no undue ferocity in his dark brown pupils, and his beard only lightly encircled his chin, so shallowly that it was barely noticeable unless one looked closely.
Facing his cousin-in-law, who was almost a generation older than him, Manuel adopted a more cautious attitude. After all, Jahan Shah was one of the most outstanding monarchs in the official history of the Black Sheep Dynasty, and even though he had only ascended to the throne two years ago, full vigilance was still necessary.
The one across from him thought even more so, and perhaps he was even more wary of Manuel. One must know that the young Caesar, who had expanded his dominion in just a few years, was now well-known along the Black Sea coast and even around the Caspian Sea.
It was under these circumstances, with both sides harboring their own intentions and at maximum vigilance, that their formal peace talks commenced. However, due to the current situation, both had to make compromises. While the officials under the two monarchs vehemently bickered over the specific terms of the peace treaty, the two monarchs themselves maintained their due composure, avoiding getting entangled in such arguments that would affect them.
As for the other two accompanying monarchs, George of Kakheti and Beshken II of Hachem, their situation was much more awkward. The former fared better; due to Manuel's care and the geographical and legal importance of Kakheti, he could occasionally step in to argue with the Muslims; the latter, however, was tacitly left aside, only able to obediently await the final judgment of both parties concerning him.
Because they had roughly ascertained each other's bottom lines during previous secret contacts, and both sides actually had their own problems to deal with, these peace talks did not drag on for too long. Around noon, they completed the talks in Lori and concluded a treaty, namely the Treaty of Lori.
According to the treaty, the Black Sheep Dynasty would continue to recognize the Kingdom of Georgia's rule over Kakheti and the Bosphorus's de facto control and suzerainty over Georgia, while explicitly renouncing the nominal lands and rights previously encroached upon in Eastern Georgia, and guaranteeing not to invade again in the future; in return, the Bosphorus would not invade the Black Sheep Dynasty, and while guaranteeing the religious autonomy of the Hachem Principality, would transfer its suzerainty to the Black Sheep Dynasty. As for reparations, they were unanimously ignored by all parties present.
Upon learning that he and his territory were being transferred to the Black Sheep Turkmen, Beshken II was utterly stunned: "No, I am also a Christian! Am I just being abandoned!?"
But his objections were completely ignored by all parties. Sacrificing a Hachem, which was not under his control anyway, to make the Black Sheep hesitant without gaining any real benefit, was still considered a worthwhile trade in Manuel's eyes. Moreover, if all went as expected, whether Jahan Shah died peacefully or in battle as in official history, the Black Sheep Dynasty would decline. At that time, if he were still around, wouldn't it be more effortless to reclaim all of Eastern Armenia, including Hachem?
Thus, this clash between the two regional powers, the Bosphorus and the Black Sheep, ended with the Bosphorus slightly gaining the upper hand. Subsequently, Black Sheep Sultan Jahan Shah, having suffered a setback in Georgia, would have to face various pressures from both within and outside his country, which would cause him considerable distress. He would only be able to free up his hands to greatly expand his tribal alliance when the Ajami governor of the Timurid Empire rebelled against his grandfather.
In contrast to his predicament was Manuel, the Bosphorus Caesar. The victory against the Black Sheep effectively brought him closer to the Georgian noble lords and allowed him to cloak himself in the guise of a religious holy war due to their shared Eastern Orthodox faith. Influenced by his immense prestige, in just one week, a large number of Georgian lords who had previously been on the fence eagerly pledged their allegiance to him, peacefully accepting the Roman monarch's rule over them.
Manuel himself was naturally delighted by this. After that week, upon returning to Tbilisi, he began to examine the extent of his rule and control over various parts of Georgia using a map.
It was during this time that he unhappily discovered some dissenting voices.
"The Duchy of Ksani, have they still not declared their stance?" The Caesar narrowed his eyes, asking Vakhtang, the King of Kartli, about this.
"No," Vakhtang shook his head, indicating a negative.
"I see," Manuel stroked his chin, pondering, "Then I'll send someone to ask directly?" He was quite concerned about the stance of such a sizable feudal duchy.