Chapter 88: A letter from the south

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Conradin was currently seated in an elegant crimson velvet chair, a seat tailored to his rank. He was in his room, penning a letter to Gerwin (his butler that he had left in Swabia), whom he greatly missed, when his servant informed him that a man declaring to be an envoy from Corrado had arrived and wanted to relay to him a letter written by the Count .

Conradin was taken aback by the messenger's unexpected presence, as he had not expected any guests or a message. He was even more curious and eager to discover the latest news that there was from Corrado, as he was in the dark about how the campaign was going.

He knew that whatever Corrado wrote was regarding his mission in Sicily, and as such, it needed to be under his knowledge as fast as possible so that he could decide on his next move based on that. With that information, He would be able to consider the current situation and the future implications of his campaign, making him able to make decisions with a clear eye toward achieving his overall goal.

Without losing a moment, Conradin nodded and rose from his seat. As much as it have hurt to delay the letter to his loyal butler, he could wait, but the news of Corrado's mission was too important. 'Sorry Gerwin', Conradin said as he walked towards the hall where he would meet the envoy.

The news of Corrado's mission was simply too important to be postponed or delayed , and he felt compelled to leave in order to receive it, for he knew that it was a necessary sacrifice and that he would have to prioritize his responsibilities in this situation.

Conradin strolled, wondering if the general had sent him good or bad news with his letter. His mind was racing as he considered what he could do if Corrado failed, because he had staked all of his resources and plans on the mission's success. Conradin, after all, required all the cleverness he had , since he would certainly lose on a direct confrontation

Conradin was a strategic thinker even at his early age, and he would have understood the significance of analyzing all conceivable possibilities. He was resolved to make the best decisions and carry out the best strategy possible, knowing that his success hinged on his ability to outmaneuver and outsmart his opponents. He would have been aware of the hazards and the need for prudence, knowing that one slip-up or error that would allow Charles to learn what was going on could be costly, even costing him his mission and his life.

Finally, he arrived in the hall, where he was sat at the head of the long table where the strategic conference would usually take place. The table was a oak wooden table, used both for military meetings and meals, as the length of it allowed many people to sit and do their business.

As he seated, he directed his attendants to summon the others, as this was an event that required everyone's attention. He would have been open and willing to hear diverse points of view and counsel, and he would have been prepared to listen and evaluate all choices.

This is the key to leading well; a king does not need to be perfect, but he does need to have common sense and a profound understanding of what is helpful and what is not. A king must appoint the proper individuals for the right jobs and guarantee that their acts and attitudes are neither counterproductive or harmful to the crown's interests. It is also critical for a king to be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things, as this can help ensure long-term success and growth.

''Let the envoy in. Conradin issued the order to the servant to proceed without waiting for the others, as he decided that he would later on briefly explain the situation to the others, as for now he only needed and wanted to read Corrado's letter.

As the emissary entered, he noticed the solemnity of the room caused by the presence king and he was soon on his knees as a sign of respect.

''Your Majesty, I have been assigned with delivering this message to you by Count Corrado,'' Alphonse remarked this while looking down at the ground. Conradin nodded and signed to his guard to hand him the letter, which he did.

Conradin did not read the letter immediately but instead dismissed the envoy while instructing his attendants to prepare a room in the city for him and to provide him with foods and drinks since he was certain he was fatigued from the long journey. The emissary thanked the king sincerely before leaving the room after bowing once more to Conradin. The king was grateful for the envoy's efforts and the message he was conveying, and he would have treated him with dignity and respect.

The group came just as Conradin was about to open the letter. Conradin could see Pietro, Maletta, Galvano, Enrico, and Frederick in front of him, all of whom, like Conradin, were eager to get started and see the information inside the missive

As Conradin opened the letter, he lightly caressed the rough patch of vellum,as he started reading out loud:

* To his Royal Majesty Conrad III, may the good Lord bless you, your family, and your cause. I hope that this letter finds you in good health and humor. As for me, I am sure that this letter will further improve them. -

Conradin briefly stopped sharing a smile with the group since, from the start of the letter it announced that good things were to come. It was a welcoming and reassuring opening, which helped to put Conrad at ease and make him feel more comfortable and at ease with the message. It was a pleasing and promising way to begin the letter, for it set the tone for the entirety of the communications that would follow.

*In this letter, your majesty, you will find only good things to await you. After my arrival in Sicily, I managed to infiltrate many cities of the island; I myself managed to enter Trapani. Once inside, I acquired many fighters who believed in our cause and were more than happy to fight off the French garrison. I do not know if you are aware of this, but Charles reputation in the kingdom is horrible at best. Without even waiting for a year, he had already doubled the taxes, created many more of that , and even looted the monasteries. All of this helped the people to look at the french like opressors, and thanks to this, many cities on the island revolted, killing the French garrison and declaring for your majesty as the legitimate king of them. I do not believe or remember a time when a king was so much desired by people, apart from your grandfather for he was also deeply beloved by his subjects.

One week after my arrival, all of the island, apart from Messina and Palermo, which were defended by a strong French garrison, which put down our attempt to conquer the cities from the Inside. But please do not worry about that, for the fleet that the Genoese loaned us will be more than useful to stop any French ships from disembarking on the island, for after their defeat near Genoa, all the French can put to use are two woods and a rope at best.*

Conradin and the group lightly laughed amused by how the count liked to narrate the situation in his campaign, something that rose the mood of the group leading them to see the man much more preferably.

*Not satisfied with that, I have decided to go on a campaign in Calabria. I am sure that the situation will be the same there and the cities will be more than happy to serve your cause, as there too the reputation of the French could not have been worse . The plan is to subjugate Calabria so as to stop the French from crossing the strait and as such entering Sicily with their army. I also decided that it would be for the best also to create a line of defense there, as the mountains and the fortresses will stop the French from making great gains, acquiring precious time for your arrival here.

This letter, however, is not only to inform you of the result of the campaign; it is also a request for help from me. During my mission, I have taken notice that my forces are under-equipped and are too small in number. If a fortress where my army resides falls, the entire gain of my mission will be lost as all of my forces will be annihilated. I am here as such to ask your majesty to send me equipment or even better men, for my troops, apart from being low in number and in equipment, are also low on skill, for they are simple citizens taken without clear training since I needed to move fast. After I subjugate Calabria too, I will train them enough to kill the enemies during a defensive siege. Nonetheless, if his Majesty sent me not men but soldiers, I believe that the chances of inflicting even bigger damage on the French army would be even greater.

I hope that your response will be positive and that I will soon receive the requested support, for I am scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Signed your loyal vassal, Count Corrado Capece, ever your faithful servant.*

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