On the morning of January 20, 1441, five days after the coronation of Constantine XI, the newly enthroned Basileus was in his imperial office, dealing with the accumulated official duties from the period of his brother's death, while instructing Lucas Notaras, the Prime Minister, and George Sphrantzes, the Foreign Affairs Director, to prepare.
Because later today, he was to meet his Brother-in-law, Bosporus Caesar Manuel, to discuss future cooperation and the compensation due to him for supporting his ascension to the throne.
During this time, Constantine couldn't help but recall the scene of his own enthronement with a touch of melancholy.
According to custom, after the Senators representing the Romans cast their affirmative votes, he proceeded to Golden Bull Square, surrounded by the Constantinople Guard, and then to the Hagia Sophia for the official coronation.
Although'Senator' had long become a ceremonial, empty title, and the equipment of the Guard's soldiers was uneven.
Especially the latter, it was his Brother-in-law who temporarily lent the armor of his 150-man unit to his Guard, which prevented them from being so embarrassed.
And during the journey from Golden Bull Square to the Hagia Sophia, although Constantine received cheers and support from about a thousand citizens, it was far from the overwhelming acclamation that previous emperors in history had received.
More Constantinople citizens merely stood by numbly, watching everything, because for so many years, no matter which emperor ascended the throne, they had seen no hope for national revival.
The entire Empire was like a beached whale, barely surviving on the sands of extinction.
Therefore, there were naturally no flowers at the coronation ceremony of Constantine XI.
Thinking back to how he had returned to Constantinople through a small gate, Constantine felt a bit down.
Fortunately, at that time, he had borrowed a brand new loros robe made of silk brocade and a sturdy Tatar steed from his Brother-in-law, which helped him maintain the dignity befitting a Basileus.
But these were all expected situations.
What saddened him most was not the embarrassing circumstances he faced, but the scene of his Brother-in-law Manuel receiving cheers from the citizens—
At the time, because he had been supported by the other party, he accepted Manuel's request to participate in the coronation ceremony.
For this, Manuel at that time specifically changed into an exquisite blue-purple dalmatica and a black cloak, riding a white Tatar horse, following behind his soon-to-be-crowned Brother-in-law.
And along the way from Golden Bull Square to the Hagia Sophia, several well-traveled Constantinople citizens unexpectedly recognized Manuel.
After confirming that the blue-purple-clad nobleman riding a steed beside the Basileus was the legendary Bosporus Caesar who had defeated the Ottoman, the citizens actually erupted in cheers for him that were slightly louder than those for Constantine.
This made Constantine's heart tighten at the time, as if he had seen some scenes from Roman history, not uncommon, that he had read about in historical texts.
Fortunately, what made him slightly relieved was that Manuel, apart from politely extending his hand in return, did not make any superfluous gestures, but continued to act as he should at that moment, restraining himself and accompanying his Brother-in-law through this part of the ceremony.
Recalling this, Constantine couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
Just then, a servant from outside the room entered, announcing the arrival of his Brother-in-law to the Basileus.
In response, Constantine, after tidying his attire and expression, stood up and motioned for the servant to let the other party in.
After the door opened, Manuel walked directly into the room.
He was wearing a formal but less elaborate blue-green dalmatica, and his face, with its sparse, short beard, bore a polite and sincere smile.
After greeting his Brother-in-law and praying together, they moved on to the main topic of their conversation.
"So, Brother-in-law, what do you wish to gain?" Constantine was the first to bring up the main topic of the conversation.
"Brother-in-law, our two nations should be in a cooperative relationship," Manuel smiled peacefully, "Is deepening the connection between Constantinople, Trabzon, and Mangup not a win-win situation?"
Constantine nodded in agreement and listened carefully to the other party's brief summary.
Soon, they reached a consensus: Constantinople and Bosporus would increase their trade, and the movement of people would not be overtly restricted.
At the same time, the 150-man defense force sent by Bosporus to Constantinople could now participate in the defense of Constantinople's inner city, and Manuel reiterated that Constantinople also had the right to send its troops to Bosporus.
After discussing these matters, Manuel did not rush to leave or sign, but paused, solemnly stating another intention for his visit,
"Brother-in-law, no, Your Majesty Basileus.
Regarding titles, I hope you will listen to me carefully."
Before Constantine could react, he continued, "I plan to restore Trabzon's old title later, and I hope you will recognize it."
Constantine was mostly surprised by this request.
Nearly two hundred years ago, after Michael VIII Palaiologos restored the Roman Empire, this astute Basileus soon sent a diplomatic dispatch to the Empire of Trebizond, demanding that they remove 'Roman' from their title of 'Basileus of Trabzon and the Romans'.
Under diplomatic pressure and the reality of the situation, Trabzon eventually agreed to Emperor Michael's request, changing the title to 'Basileus of Trabzon'.
It was clear that Manuel, who nominally co-ruled Trabzon, intended to restore that title and wanted Constantinople to acknowledge this change.
The room suddenly became exceptionally quiet, but soon, Constantine agreed to Manuel's request: it was simple, for the pragmatic Constantine, a reliable and trustworthy ally was clearly more important than the empty prestige of a title.
And as long as Constantinople remained in his hands for one day, the legitimacy of the Empire would belong to him for one day.
Thus, the meeting between the two Roman monarchs concluded.
Before parting, Constantine suddenly called out to the other party, asking Manuel,
"Manuel, you had warships shell the Ottoman ships; can this matter be resolved?"
"Brother-in-law, you need not worry," Manuel merely smiled peacefully in response, "The Ottoman will not hold a grudge against us over this."
Is that true or false?
But looking at his Brother-in-law's expression, Constantine finally gave up pressing the matter with a mix of belief and doubt, and instead continued to ask: "How did you feel that day in Golden Bull Square?"
"A secret." As soon as he finished speaking, Manuel slowly departed, offering no further response to his question.