EMPIRE REWRITTEN [Isekai ? Alt-History ? Strategy]

Chapter 39: Quills, Gold, and Power

Constantine allowed himself the faintest of smiles. "I pray fervently for that blessed day, Your Holiness. Yet I come before you now with a matter somewhat apart from these grand ecclesiastical aims—something more practical, but which I believe can strengthen the bonds between our churches and aid the faithful."

The Pope's eyes sharpened. "Ah, the Latin Bibles and other printed works," he said, tone measured. "A printing press in the Morea—remarkable indeed."

Constantine inclined his head. "A humble beginning, Your Holiness, but one that I hope will serve a greater purpose. The faithful deserve the truth, accessible and unadulterated."

"A noble sentiment," the Pope remarked, a trace of caution in his voice.

Constantine gestured to an attendant, who stepped forward carrying a richly bound Bible. Its leather cover gleamed, embossed with the papal emblem in gold. "A gift for Your Holiness," Constantine said, "a token of respect."

The Pope accepted the Bible, tracing its embossed emblem. Cardinal Francesco Condulmer, standing nearby, leaned closer, his eyes narrowing in appraisal. "This is remarkable," he said, flipping through the pages. "The script is so clear and legible that even the Holy Father could read it without glasses!"

The Pope chuckled, pausing on a page. "A fine gift, Despot. The papal emblem is a delightful touch. Such work speaks highly of your craftsmen."

"I am glad it pleases you," Constantine replied with a slight bow. "But this is more than a gift. It represents an opportunity—a venture that could benefit the Church greatly."

Condulmer and the Pope both leaned forward, intrigued.

"What sort of opportunity?" asked the Pope.

Constantine straightened. "Your Holiness, I propose creating a special edition of the Bible—exclusively for the Papacy. Ten thousand copies, each bearing the papal emblem and inscribed as a 'Papacy Edition.' These would be distributed to clergy, monasteries, and noble households across Christendom, reinforcing the Church's authority and spreading the Word of God."

The Pope leaned back, contemplative. "A Papacy Edition, you say? Intriguing." He studied the gift in his hands.

Condulmer spoke next, his gaze fixed on Constantine. "Ten thousand copies, you propose. At what price?"

"Eight gold ducats per copy," Constantine said initially, "guaranteed delivery within two years."

Condulmer frowned slightly. "Eight ducats per copy would strain even the Church's coffers. Suppose we proceed—what assurances can you provide of timely, unmarred delivery?"

Constantine nodded, calm and composed. "I will personally oversee production and delivery. We can arrange staged payments, ensuring you hold the final balance until every Bible is in your hands."

Condulmer's lips twitched with approval. "A prudent safeguard," he murmured.

Constantine met his gaze. "Your Eminence, I am certain the Papacy could sell them for twice that amount, if not more. Imagine the prestige if every monastery and church possessed a Papacy Edition Bible."

The Pope glanced at Condulmer, whose frown had softened to thoughtfulness. "It would not only provide the Church with income," Constantine continued, "but also ensure that Scripture spreads more widely, in a form accessible to all. The Papacy would strengthen its spiritual and cultural influence."

The Pope nodded slowly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "An interesting proposition indeed. Francesco, what say you?"

Condulmer's lips curled into a small smile. "It has merit, Your Holiness. With careful management, it could bolster both the Church's treasury and its influence."

"Then let it be so," the Pope declared. "Francesco, you will oversee the details. Despot Constantine, your idea is bold and promising. May it bear fruit for the glory of God."

As Constantine left the Apostolic Palace later that day, a sense of satisfaction settled over him. The deal was finalized: ten thousand Bibles, each marked as a Papacy Edition, to be delivered within two years. The first five thousand would arrive by the end of the next year, and if that initial batch proved successful, another five thousand would follow soon after.

Negotiating the terms had been challenging, with Condulmer driving a hard bargain. Ultimately, Constantine secured a price of five and a half gold ducats per copy—a compromise from his initial eight florins, but still a lucrative figure. The advance payment of five thousand gold ducats was a good motivation too.

However, Condulmer, ever the astute negotiator, had another condition: special privileges for Venetian family traders connected to both himself and the Pope. As influential members of Venetian society, their families sought preferential treatment in any future trade agreements tied to Constantine's burgeoning printing ventures. Constantine, recognizing the necessity of securing the Church's favor while protecting his autonomy, agreed to grant these privileges with careful stipulations that preserved his control over the book trade.

In return, Constantine made a proposal of his own—a request for the rights to establish a bookstore in Rome. This store would sell works other than Bibles to avoid competition with the exclusive Papacy Editions. Philosophical texts, educational treatises, and even poetry could find their way to Rome's scholars and clergy, spreading Byzantine culture and knowledge. The Pope and Condulmer, seeing the potential for cultural enrichment without threatening the sanctity of their agreement, conceded to the idea, provided the venture operated under strict oversight to ensure no conflicts arose with Church interests.

With these terms finalized, the deal became a multifaceted partnership. The Papacy Edition Bibles would serve as a beacon of faith and influence, while the bookstore in Rome promised to weave Byzantium's intellectual contributions into the heart of Christendom. Both sides left the negotiation table with more than they had anticipated—a testament to the delicate balance of compromise and ambition.