EMPIRE REWRITTEN [Isekai ? Alt-History ? Strategy]

A few more days had passed since I woke in this strange, medieval world, still struggling to balance Constantine's fragmented memories with mine. Every day brought new insights but also new questions. Constantine's life was slowly becoming more apparent, yet the gaps remained frustrating. Today, however, was different —the day of my first meeting with the local lords and advisors. It was a test of leadership, and I couldn't shake the anxiety gnawing at me as I prepared to face them.

I sat at a heavy wooden table in the sunlit dining chamber, a simple but hearty breakfast spread before me—the aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the earthy scent of olive oil and herbs. Across from me, Theodora sipped her herbal infusion, watching me with soft concern. Her presence was gentle, but her gaze told me she could sense my unrest.

"The honey is from our hives," she said, attempting to ease me into conversation. "It's delightful."

I nodded absently, pushing the bread around my plate as my mind spiraled. I had been a Despot in the Morea for a few months, but I had only genuinely settled into this role over the last month. There was still so much I didn't know—so much Constantine's memories couldn't provide in full detail. The weight of that knowledge, the responsibility to act on it, had been bearing down on me for days.

I forced a smile in Theodora's direction. "It's excellent," I replied, though I barely tasted it. My thoughts were miles away, circling around the looming meeting with the local lords and the weight of what they would expect from me.

She reached across the table, her fingers lightly brushing mine. "You seem distant again," she observed softly. "Is something troubling you?"

I took a breath, glancing into her concerned eyes. "It's just the usual matters—affairs of state. Nothing you need to worry about," I said, though my words felt thin. How could I explain that I was still an outsider, drowning in memories not my own?

A knock at the door interrupted us, and George Sphrantzes entered, bowing deeply. "Despot," he greeted me, his voice composed yet subtly probing. "The council has gathered, awaiting your guidance. The lords are eager... perhaps too eager."

I stood, grateful for the distraction, but expectation still pressed heavily on my shoulders. "Duty calls," Theodora said softly, offering me a supportive and knowing smile.

With a nod, I followed George out of the chamber. The stone corridor echoed with our footsteps, and I could sense George's curiosity as we walked. His glances were brief, but I knew he was trying to read me, trying to understand whats wrong with me.

"You seem... preoccupied today, my Despot," George ventured carefully. "Something troubles your mind?"

I nodded, though I wasn't entirely sure. "These are challenging times," I replied carefully. "I've been reflecting on our position—our holdings, our future."

George nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, the lands of Elis and Arcadia offer much, but the Ottomans watch us keenly, and the nobility... well, they remain wary. And your brothers... their eyes are never far."

His words were a reminder of how little time I had truly spent here. Though I had been named Despot a few months ago, I had only recently begun to settle into my position. The lords had yet to see much of me, and today's meeting would be their first real opportunity to gauge me as a leader.

We arrived at the doors of the council chamber, the murmur of voices beyond falling silent as George pushed them open. Inside, the gathered lords and advisors turned to face me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and expectation. Some offered respectful nods, while others merely watched, waiting to see what kind of man I truly was.

I took my seat at the head of the table, my heart pounding as I met their gazes. This is it. They didn't know me, not yet. I would need to tread carefully, to use the knowledge I had from Constantine's memories without revealing my uncertainties.