The return of the fallen king

Chapter 79: Bloodless conquest (1)

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Hey guys the bartering thing is still on every 3 review one extra chapter, for now only one reviewed (shout of thanks to Gajulo) , I would like to ask for more reviews since it help immensely to let the book have more attention, Thanks for everyone that is going to do it .

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The mayor of the city observed as the general evidently dispatched a knight from the army; he saw him riding slowly towards the gate and stopping a few meters outside of it. As the man approached the gate, he dismounted, pulled a letter off the saddle, and said loudly, ''I am a messenger from Count Corrado. I'm carrying a message written by his highness king Conrad, third of his name. As a result, I present that the gate be lowered. I vow on God and my name that when the gate opens, the army outside will not try anything, for we do not look to spill innocent's blood, for our enemy is one and one only, the Frenchs ''

It was clear that the messenger was a knight, as the horse and armor gave such information to everyone looking at him. Heavy armor adorned the knight , mounting on a black horse with a white armor to protect its front .

Without letting the messenger wait for too long and disrespect him, he ordered the gate to be lowered but to keep an eye out for any movement coming from the army outside. The gates were being opened slowly and carefully, while the garrison kept a close eye on the army outside in case they tried anything. They were wary and cautious, but they also wanted to avoid provoking a hostile response from the adversary forces outside. It was a delicate situation, and they would have wanted to handle it carefully so as not to risk any unnecessary violence or bloodshed.

The envoy entered the city while riding his horse and holding the message in his hand as the gate was lowered. The troops outside did not stir, as he had sworn, and once the kngiht entered the gate as it was opened, it was closed. The ambassador held his message in his palm, evidently ready to deliver it to the city's mayor . He was aware that his movements would be constantly scrutinized by the city, but there was no sign of fear on the envoy's face; presumably, he was certain that he would not be harmed. Despite the fact that the envoy's expression seemed calm, Everyone in the city was on edge, for they did not know what was to come.The mayor couldn't help but look behind himself , directly to the people he lived with for so long , and he realized that they were worried and scarred by the prospect of being besieged. Seeing the plight of the people, the mayor was forced to refocus his efforts in order to prevent an escalation that would result in violence.

When the man entered, he requested the mayor of the city. He advanced when he heard his name called and presented himself to the knight-envoy.

''My name is Talib, the mayor of Reggio; may I inquire as to the objective of your mission, distinguished envoy?'' The knight's expressions did not change as the mayor spoke, and since hiding one's name would have been discouraging,especially when asked , the envoy told the mayor his name and the aristocratic family he was from.As he finished , he took the message he brought with him and delivered it to the mayor.

The mayor took the message and read it carefully, trying to gain an understanding of the army's demands and their intentions. He was anxious to find a way to resolve the conflict peacefully and without violence, but he was aware that there was always a risk that things could quickly spiral out of control. This was a crucial moment for the safety of the city, and he was conscious of the fact that the actions he took now could dictate the course of the coming days and weeks. The message was opened up and read, with the mayor quickly becoming absorbed in reading before returning the message to the knight. As the knight retook the message, he did not store it but began to read it aloud to every person present there.

*To every city and citizen 'Nel Regno' , the well-being of your kingdom is at stake, for war is brewing out between the usurper of the blessed kingdom of Sicily and his legitimate holder. I, King Conrad III, Roi Siciliae, Roi Hierosolymitanum, and Dux Swabiae, hereby declare a pardon to every man, woman, and child who served under the usurper Manfred, my uncle, with the prefix for this absolution being that they open their arms to the arrival of my army. Do not be scared, for no harm will be done to you if it is not requested by your actions, we are not conquerors but liberators , no raiding or sack will be made against the loyal people of my kingdom . I have received news of how Charles the usurper treated my subjects. Know, O' Citizens , that this war is being fought for you to free you from the tyranny of the French, know that every city that opens the gate to my army will do a favor to his legitimate king and will be rewarded with a year of free taxes as a way to also help you financially , especially after you have been forced to pay four times the usual tax from the usurper. Know this citizen, you are not alone. Sleep, eat, and work knowing that your king is doing everything he can to free you. Know that currently, my soldiers are spilling blood to fight in your name. All that is requested from you is to accept my work and allow the army to defend you from the devil of Charles the usurper.*

Conradin's statement was definitely emotional, making a lot of forceful assertions and appealing to the people's patriotism. It was an emotive and powerful message that would have had a profound and long-lasting impact on the people of Reggio. As the message was given, the city became silent, with everyone taking the words to their hearts and pondering their value. The knight had no idea if his goal had been met, so he continued to inflict the fatal blow.

''CITIZENS! Know that this is your last chance to do what is right; know that sometimes God tests you by allowing you to make your choice; do not expect to be saved if you do not first try it yourself.''

As the knight ended his short speech, he mounted his horse and started riding to the gate, while saying to the mayor that he had till tomorrow morning to rely on their response. As the knight rode away, the gate was soon opened, allowing the men to get outside the city without any problems. It was an important moment for every citizen in Reghium; they could either stand by and allow the unjust French occupation to continue, or they could take a stand for what was right and help liberate their country from the French's grasp. It was a crucial moment and one that could have lasting consequences, and it was now time for the people of Reggio to make their choice.

When the knight left town, the mayor turned around and observed the people's reactions, noting how many were moved by the speech. ''Death to the French'' and ''give way to the king'' soon rang out from the crows.Many more in the crowd quickly repeated the same words. It wasn't long before such hymns totally dominated the town's sounds; undoubtedly, the king's message managed to gather support within the city. When the mayor saw this, he knew the people had already decided what to do.' Sure as death, I'm not going against it; I don't want to be disembowed,' the mayor reasoned, as he did not want to be killed by his own people

He was not surprised by their reaction , as it was clear that they wanted to see the end of the unjust and oppressive French occupation of their country. They were ready and willing to fight for what was right and just, and it was clear that they would support Corrado and his army in their bid to free the kingdom from the unpopular French.

As the town did not have any portion of the French garrison, it was completely the choice of the city on who to follow, and with this, the French could not do anything to prevent their control in Reggio to slip out of the city , and sure enough, the whole presence of french control in Calabria would soon dissolve as sand with the wave.

Not even 2 hours later, a messenger left the city to inform the general of the forces of his majesty that the town was willing to surrender, under the condition that no sack or harm be done to the people. Corrado was not a fool, and he knew that how he treated the citizens of Reggio would without a doubt either make easier or harder the subjugation of Calabria. He did not have any doubt, as he accepted the surrender and swore that no punitive action would be taken against the city and its people. (look at comment for visual help)

And just like that Corrado managed to subjugate the first of many cities in the region and strangely enought if was all thanks to the frenchs and their bad reputation among the people .

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