Orsini's judgment is not in question, and this is the most difficult thing for the Empire at the moment. Serbia's vast resources could not be absorbed immediately by the Imperial Transformation, so the replenishment rate of each legion was not ideal, and Albania and Hungary still had their own messes to clean up.

Mehmed II could not have lost sight of the predicament of the empire, so the constant creation of border friction would not only force the empire to refocus on Asia Minor and Pontus, and tie its hands while the West reaped its interests, but also gain room for mediation in negotiations with the Liangyang dynasty. After all, although the black and white sheep were protected by an encirclement network dominated by the empire, no one knew whether this encirclement network was enough to support the Ottomans to attack with all their might.

Mehmed II's idea is probably very simple, expansion, who to attack is the least need to consider, the only thing to think about is whether the pay and benefit can get a satisfactory conversion rate. For example, pulling out the nail of Trabzon and leaving the empire completely isolated west of the Aegean Sea once again will undoubtedly make it difficult for the Palaiologos to sleep again.

You know, as long as a slight rebellion in the German Empire is launched, it is possible to plunge the European continent into darkness again, and when the Ottomans cross the Bosphorus again, where can the Empire find "reinforcements from the same brothers"?

"Whether it diverts our attention, whether it is really preparing to attack Trabzon, it is absolutely impossible for such a demonstrative empire to sit idly by. After the resentment of the people of Trabzon, Muhammad was able to overthrow your Komnenos without even having to do it himself. What is the size of Trabzon's army now. ”

Nikephoros shook his head bitterly: "The number of conscripts in wartime should be around three thousand, but the number of people who are really qualified to be called soldiers should not exceed eight hundred. The garrison of the fortress was mostly lightly armoured, and the peasants could not even get armor and plenty of arrows. Trabzon's overland trade had long been controlled by the Ottomans, and it had to rely on the Black Sea route to survive. ”

This situation was actually common in the Palaiologous dynasty, where the empire always had a sizable number of troops on the surface, but in reality, they were all "existential garrisons" that were huddled behind the ramparts. Their presence may protect the borders from attack, but in reality, these armies are not really combative, and if they attack actively, they are likely to be completely annihilated.

This phenomenon changed somewhat after Constantine XI and John reorganized the legions, but it could not be eradicated due to economic factors. The Ottomans, after many raids and short-range firefights, were likely to launch a complete conquest after confirming the military strength of the empire. Ben no longer exists, and the trade of the Black Sea and even the Crimea, if the empire wants to intervene, will become illusory again.

"Your Majesty. For a future offensive against Asia Minor. Even if we need to defend Trabzon head-on, we must not let our main army suffer losses. Ossini suddenly spoke, "The Garrison Legion and the Phoenix Legion are currently the only two legions in the Empire that are equipped with large-caliber artillery and have the ability to attack fortifications and field combat. Their reinforcement is particularly important. ”

"This is well known, General Osini. So now we probably have the same idea. Nikephoros stood up and greeted Constantine XI and said, "Your Majesty Constantine, in order to ensure the security of Trabzon and the integrity of the Empire's interests in the Black Sea, I request that you be seconded to the Fourth Legion of the Empire to garrison Trabzon. And use the troops of Armenia and Pontus to complete the follow-up replenishment. ”

Constantine XI still trusted Nikephoros to some extent, after all, this nobleman was the successor of Komnenos, who was promoted by John and Sophia, and during his reign, Trabzon also entered a healthy development, and in any case, he had no reason to turn his back on his faith and country.

Basilius tapped his scepter in agreement, and Ossini quickly got up and swore an oath to Constantine XI.

For Osini, the friction in Trabzon was undoubtedly an opportunity for him to crush the doubts and oppositions in the army. The attitude of Constantine XI was in his eyes. Even in the worst-case scenario, where the Ottomans launched an all-out war, the Empire would not give up Pontus easily.

With the guarantee of backup, Ossini can easily play to his specialty – defence. This is also the concept that the Admiral of the Fourth Legion's fleet, Livia Scheer, is best at. The empire already had two sharp spears, but then the land that was plowed was more in need of shelter.

"The fleet is being repaired exactly at the Golden Horn. If the battle situation is urgent, you can leave immediately. The countless golden crosses hanging from the robes of Constantine XI made a crisp sound from the violent trembling, "Even if the Ottomans send out 100,000 troops and horses, they will stop the heretics from the Ponyon Mountains!" ”

……

"You are more robust and contained than I thought, and God has undoubtedly kept his devout followers safe in this despicable assassination." John raised his glass to Frederick III as a greeting. Although this point of involvement between the two parties in Serbia has not been tacitly put on the table, it is not something that can be hastily brushed over.

As for who Rome was, Frederick and John knew better.

"Co-emperor of the Greeks, my dear John Valleologo. It is a pleasure to have you in the magnificent Habsburg court. "Frederick III is only in arrears in position, and there is nothing superfluous to do.

At the banquet, except for Agrippa, who was still a little restrained, the rest of the people enjoyed the food without changing their faces, and did not participate in this open and secret battle at all.

As for the courtiers of Austria, they were even more restrained, and from time to time turned their gaze to Frederick III, who was frowning.

"John, as you can see, although there have been some accidents, my body is still reliable. God watches over his people and will bless them from demons. Now, you can explain your intentions, or leave Vienna after your meal. ”

Whoever proposes first suffers first, this is a general rule in diplomatic circles. Especially for a power of the size of the German Empire, it is impossible to easily put itself at a disadvantage at the negotiating table. The seemingly rude and unreasonable expulsion made John think highly of Frederick by two points.

"We, the Roman Empire, will never forget the help of Germany in times of imperial crisis, and this time we have come to visit you. Seeing you like this is naturally the luck of the Austrian and German people. ”

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