The return of the fallen king-Chapter 21: Talks with the envoy (3)

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--Sue Monk Kidd

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Conradin groaned and leaned back in his armchair as the Genoese envoy ended his speech. The offer was intriguing, and he could surely use the assistance, but he was well aware that there was always a cost to be paid. Nonetheless, he was willing to consider further negotiations, especially if it meant more support for his cause. He gave the Genoese ambassador a thoughtful look, unsure how far he could put his trust in them.

The Genoese envoy and Conradin engaged multiple times to discuss the parameters of the agreement and try to reach an agreement that would please both parties. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝐞𝐥.𝐜𝗼𝗺

The ambassador, dissatisfied with Conradin's tax offer, attempted to settle other issues, such as tariffs.

''Well, your Majesty, I believe it would be preferable for both of us to shortly forego the tax privilege and discuss other issues, such as tariffs."

Conradin adjusted his weight on his seat , stepped forward, and began the bargaining by offering a 25% discount on Genoese merchandise.

Hearing the proposition, the Genoese ambassador frowned and said, ''Your Highness, what we are offering is to assist you in reclaiming your kingdom. Wouldn't it be more suitable for you to consider slightly extending your hands? I can't go any lower than a 75% reduction in tariff.''

Conradin's attitude remained same as if he was unimpressed by what the Genoese stated; he knew Charles was currently favoring the Venetian Republic, and as such, he knew that for the Genoese he was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

''I am already extending my hand by a lot; we both know what giving too many privileges would do to my kingdom's economy; it is enough to see the history of the Eastern Roman Empire to understand what giving more would cause to my people; I can only be pushed so far; as a result, I think it would be better for you to accept 40% lower tariffs; this is my final deal''.

Hearing that Enrico Doria didn't seem to be reacting much, Maletta however noticed that instead he was becoming nervous and informed Conradin of that , allowing him to understand he was getting the better of the opponent.

Conradin then tried to put the final nail in the coffin: ''In addition to 40% lower tariffs and 25% cheaper taxes, I will allow you to buy grain from my holdings at a 25% discount for an amount not exceeding 200,000 gold coins every year. This is my final offer, which is non-negotiable."

Enrico paused for a moment, then accepted the offer after deciding it was satisfactory. Next he turned to his servants and told them to bring the required papers with them to close the deal, but Conradin did not forget to ask Enrico was exactly his support consisted of .

''Noble Envoy, we have agreed on what my part will provide but not what it will receive; you have been a little ambiguous on that, and as a result, I believe we should clarify some areas of your support for my cause."

Hearing that, the envoy secretly sighed, apparently realizing that he had failed to fool Conradin by leaving the support section vague enough to allow the ruling family, the Fieschi, to decide how much support to provide.

After much wrangling, the sides agreed on a compromise: Genoa would provide a naval convoy of 30 ships for a one-year and a half period to transport troops to Sicily and to give general naval support , and in addition Genoa would raise an army of 2,000 foot soldiers, of whom at least 1,000 must own lances or swords and shields as well as chainmail, 500 must be crossbowmen, and 200 must be horsemen. The remaining 300 would be free to be decided on by Genoa, and finally the republic would have to pay for the supply of its own men, which would ease Conradin's expenses.

Both parties considered this a fair and reasonable bargain and were relieved to have achieved an agreement. As the negotiations came to a close, the parties shook hands and sealed the deal by signing the Treaty of Schwyz along with a toast to the future friendship between their two countries.

Conradin was able to attain his first ally, Genoa, nevertheless, he realized that while he could now rely on Genoa, he also knew that Charles and the pope could have the support of most of northern Italy, so his side was still heavily outnumbered by the Guelph and the usurper armies.

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