Thus began the final stage of the Council of Florence.
If no other clergy from other denominations responsible for other Christian dioceses were to follow, this would also be the concluding part of this Council.
While these clerics debated theological opinions in an orderly fashion, Manuel, like his Brother-in-law Constantine and other secular lords, sat by, observing everything without direct participation.
Although Manuel was a relatively learned monarch and not entirely ignorant of theology, after listening intently for a while to what these Eastern and Western Church clerics were discussing, he still found himself frowning.
For a moment, he even had the illusion of being transported back to his previous life, listening to someone livestreaming philosophy online.
He couldn't help but feel ashamed, then quietly observed the expressions of the other secular lords and monarchs present.
Fortunately, their expressions were similar to his; even his Brother-in-law Constantine had an expression that suggested he understood, but not entirely.
In contrast, the church officials present displayed an intellectual agility and confident composure they rarely showed in front of their kings and lords.
This made Manuel nod inwardly: indeed, professional matters should be handled by professionals.
And now, his three metropolitans were carefully debating with the Catholic bishops over the matter of unity, citing scriptures.
Watching the intensity of their debate, Caesar even had the illusion that this meeting would reverse the decision on church unity.
However, Manuel knew this was merely a formality.
For both the orthodox and Catholic church hierarchies, the content of this concluding talk was just going through the motions.
After all, during the period when his two Patriarchs were absent, they had actually already discussed the main issues.
Regardless of the final attitude of these two metropolitans, the agreement on church unity, guaranteed by the Roman Emperor and the Ecumenical Patriarch, would certainly be passed, just as in historical accounts.
In other words, as long as the Roman Curia felt Constantinople's sincerity and was not angered by him, then aid from the Catholic nations would most likely arrive as promised.
But this was also good.
At least, as long as he maintained control, he would go all out.
Caesar was now waiting for someone to step forward, so he could take over the conversation and fully present his planned image to the Romans and even all Christians.
After one or two days of talks, the final discussions of this Council also concluded.
During the council, Pope Eugene IV could clearly sense that the two orthodox metropolitans who arrived last did not inwardly approve of church unity led by the Catholic Church.
But no matter how he or the Cardinals probed, the other party did not directly raise any objections.
Never mind, this is good enough; just getting this historic unity agreement passed will suffice.
The Pope inwardly reassured himself not to worry about unlikely contingencies, trying his best to calm down.
In a flash, the final session of the Council of Florence was also about to end.
After Isidore, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus', praised the Coming soon passed church unity, Isidore, Metropolitan of Nicaea and Cardinal Bessarion, also delivered a speech, eulogizing the Council.
Finally, Pope Eugene IV also rose, stating that he would then collect one last round of signatures from the bishops and patriarchs on the flyleaf of "Laetentur Caeli" to formally pass the resolution on church unity.
"For the Lord's sake, does anyone else have any opinions?" Pope Eugene IV scanned the hall, as if prematurely announcing his success.
Just as he was about to invite the last few metropolitans to add their signatures to the document, Mark Eugenikos, Metropolitan of Ephesus, the spiritual leader of the orthodox Hesychasts, defiantly stood up and reiterated his position, "I apologize, but I must object here.
Because church unity is wrong, an usurpation of scripture and even the Holy Father!"
"These Hesychasts…" Manuel, sitting next to Constantine, heard his Brother-in-law's whispered curse.
Mark of Ephesus's actions plunged the hall into an uproar and greatly displeased the Catholic side; some Cardinals even visibly changed their expressions on the spot.
Everything seemed to portend a storm.
And this was one of the situations the Bosporus side had anticipated before arriving.
The first to exchange glances with Manuel on the spot was David III, Metropolitan of Georgia.
After confirming Caesar's potential attitude through eye contact, David III immediately stood up and stated his position, "By the grace of the Lord, everyone, please allow me not to make any presumptuous remarks on this.
Including the Georgia Diocese, everything should be referenced to the final outcome.
Therefore, regarding this Council, please allow my commitments to represent only myself."
Although his words were convoluted, those present quickly understood the meaning: David III and his autonomous orthodox Diocese of Georgia had clearly adopted a neutral stance.
As this Georgian further caused the situation to develop in an unforeseen direction, the subsequent speakers, Orophin and Metropolitan Makarios, Metropolitan of Tauris and Metropolitan of Pontus, added fuel to the fire—
"We also believe that now is not the time for church unity."
As they had completely unexpected the Metropolitans of Chersonese and Pontus to have objections, all the Eastern and Western Church bishops present widened their eyes in astonishment, at a loss for words.
Constantine, who reacted first, understood something and desperately glanced at Manuel, who was sitting by, observing, trying to persuade his Brother-in-law with his eyes to find a way to dissuade these two bishops.
But at this moment, Manuel merely wore an expression of keen interest, watching this scene that brought the meeting to a standstill, with nothing unusual in his eyes except for an occasional flash of schadenfreude.
Because he had made no overt obstructive moves, and given his status as a secular monarch, Constantine found no entry point whatsoever.
He could only pull him aside and question him in secret when the Pope was forced to announce a temporary recess of the talks: "For the Holy Father's sake, my Brother-in-law, please dissuade them."
"This has nothing to do with me," Manuel calmly deflected the accusation from Constantine with suspicious words, "I certainly don't oppose church unity.
Isn't it good to just let them speak freely?"
"This is about whether Rome can survive!" The Moria Despotate stated its significance on the spot with utmost seriousness.
"Believe me, Brother-in-law." Regarding Constantine's words, Manuel finally, uncharacteristically, showed a solemn and extremely serious expression, "My urgency to save Rome will never be less than anyone else's.
This time too, it's just to avoid truly drinking our 'red bean soup' and to prepare a fallback plan.
"Moreover, Brother-in-law, you were left here, surely you received instructions from Constantinople.
If I remember correctly, religious matters, once passed by the Basileus, need not be questioned.
And with the double endorsement of the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Basileus, the opinions of the various Patriarchs are irrelevant, aren't they?"