Chapter 101: Diplomacy(3)
After hearing Pietro's suggestion, Marco Fieschi took a moment to consider the benefits and drawbacks of sending troops to the south to support Conradin's campaign in south italy. Before joining the Genoese republic's force to the king's cause, the senator should have carefully considered his options given the decision's significant political and military ramifications of it.
'Yes, doing so is also in our best interests; at the very least, the boy king will owe us money as a result, which will open up more trade opportunities for us. It is too late to make a deal with Charles; far too much has been done against him for far too long; the republic's best course of action is to support Conradin. ' Marco Fieschi came to the conclusion that it was indeed best for everyone if the republic supported the king . This would provide the senate with valuable political and economic opportunities, as the king would be in their debt for the support provided.
Additionally, aligning with Conradin would not only secure the republic's interests but also strengthen its position in the region. By supporting a rightful heir to the throne, the republic can establish a more stable and favorable political environment, fostering long-term economic growth and diplomatic alliances with one of the most powerful and rich kingdoms in Europe.
''Well, esteemed envoy, adding troops to the mix is an interesting proposition, but it is unbalanced because we must pay for the equipment for the forces we are sending and the cost of recruiting them. As a result, I believe that 500 troops and 60,000 denarii would be more appropriate'' , Marco Fieschi said, rinsing a little wine down his throat to ease his headache.
The senator's counter-offer was intriguing because he slightly changed the terms to reflect the higher cost associated with equipping and recruiting the troops. His suggestion of 500 troops as opposed to 400 would enable a slightly larger army, and the increased monetary compensation of 60,000 denarii, that in theory would address the logistical issues involved in the mobilization , while instead just hiding an attempt to increase the compensation received by the republic.
'60,000 gold and 500 troops would be a good deal , but I think I can do better; just a little bit more and I will strike an even better deal,' Pietro thought, as there was a little voice in his head that kept pushing him to get a better deal for his king .
''Dear senator, how could you say that it is unbalanced? After all, you would gain three times the price of production. Please do meet me in the middle ground, for I have already gone after the limit posed by the king unto me. How about 55,000 denarii, which is already a big sum that, as I said, went over the budget of the king for the deal, and 600 troops to convince my king that the extra he is paying is worth it? said Pietro with a fake expression of worry, in order, in order to pressure the senators into agreeing to the revised offer.
'Well, he is obviously faking it , but there is no need to push for more; after all, 5,000 gold less is not a big deal for me . Marco thought as he saw the deal as a pretty good one, ''Fine, I think that the deal is good for both parts; we should sign the contract, esteemed envoy. '' ,
''Go take pen and vellum'' said Marco first to Pietro and then to his servant, who after a few minutes brought everything
Despite his internal debate, Marco decided to accept the revised offer from Pietro. He saw the deal as beneficial for both sides and was willing to sign the contract and seal the agreement. After a few minutes, the necessary items were brought to the room, and Pietro and Marco Fieschi signed the contract and sealed it, completing the negotiations and agreeing to the terms of the deal. This marked another success for Pietro, as he had successfully secured crucial supplies and manpower for his king's campaign in the south at a reasonable price and under favorable terms.
The clauses of the deal were:
''Genoa gives King Conrad III, rex Siciliae , rex Heyserolatium, and dux of Swabia, 2500 chainmail, 900 spears, 2000 maces, 2000 shields, 500 crossbows, and 8000 bolts,
''All equipment is to be ready and shipped before Sicily until May 20, 1267.''
''Pietro de Pece swears that his words represent those of his king, and as such, accepting the deal with his signature is the same as that of his king.
''King Conrad III, under the promise of Pietro de Pece, will pay the Genoese for the manufacture of this weaponry and armory 55,000 denarii, which will be given on the same date on which the republic of Genoa swore to ship his products.
'' Furthermore, Genoa, along with 2500 chainmail, 900 spears, 2000 maces, 2000 shields, 500 crossbows, and 8000 bolts will also send 700 soldiers to aid King Conrad's army in the south.
'' In case one of the two sides does not conclude his part of the deal, the side who did not conclude his part will be forced to pay a sum of 120,000 gold as reparation to the wronged side. Additionally, both parties have agreed to a clause stating that any disputes arising from this agreement will be settled through arbitration by a neutral third party. This ensures that any disagreements or breaches of the deal can be resolved fairly and without further conflict.
Signed by
Marco Fieschi Pietro de Pece
The final terms of the deal were set forth in the signed agreement, which outlined the specific items being shipped, the monetary price to be paid, and the soldiers being sent to the South as additional support. It was a comprehensive agreement that covered all the necessary details and provided a solid foundation for the transaction. Both sides were bound by the terms of the deal, and any failure to uphold their obligations would result in a monetary penalty of 120,000 gold, which would serve as a deterrent and ensure accountability. With this document, the agreement was officially sealed, and the transaction was complete. In the end, both sides were content with the deal, and after bidding their goodbyes, the meeting was declared to have ended.
Once the negotiations with Marco Fieschi were complete, Pietro de Pece gathered his escort and began the journey back to Pavia, confident in the success of the mission. The deal that he had secured for his king would provide crucial arms and armor to the campaign in the south, and it was clear that there was no time to waste. Pietro and his escort quickly returned to Pavia, determined to report back to King Conrad about the successful completion of the task he had been delegated. As they rode back, Pietro couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. The weight of responsibility lifted from his shoulders, knowing that he had fulfilled his duty to the best of his abilities. With each passing mile, he couldn't help but envision the triumphant smile on King Conrad's face when he heard the news.
The king was well aware that the rapid acquisition of the requested items would come at a premium, and he had anticipated this in his budget for Pietro's mission. The extra cost would be worth it, however, as it would ensure that the South Sicilian army was properly equipped for the campaign in the south, and King Conrad could rest easy knowing that his general was about to receive the required equipment. Conradin had given Pietro a budget of 80,000 denarii, and Pietro managed to spend 55,000 denarii and also make Genoa commit 700 troops to aid Corrado in the south, so overall it was an extreme success
Pietro, confident in his ability to negotiate and secure the requested supplies for King Conrad, was aware that the results of his efforts would impress the king. In a way, he was using his intellect and diplomatic skills to the benefit of the war's effort , proving beyond doubt that a man of letters could still be of use even in times of war. By utilizing his knowledge and cunning, Pietro had made a name for himself and proved his worth as an envoy for the king. His accomplishments served as a reminder that expertise in literature and academia could be leveraged to serve a greater purpose, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the war effort.
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