Returning to our young monarch, Conradin had just finished lunch as the guest of Oberto Doria.
He had left Oberto's mansion with a smile on his face, for in his mind he thought that he had managed to establish a positive relationship with the men that would aid him in the next struggle against Charles.
Conradin was a young but mature and capable leader, and he knew the importance of cooperation and unity if they were to defeat the French and retake his kingdom. He was determined to create an environment where everyone who was a part of his cause was working towards the same goal and in concert with each other. His plan was to build a solid support base and a base of power, with everyone working together to achieve a common goal. It was an ambitious plan, but one that Conradin was determined to see through to the end. He was convinced that this was the only way to defeat Charles and regain the crown.
After all, he knew that in order to command and lead his army as efficiently as possible, he needed to create an environment where all the bricks of the house worked together; if they did not, their enemies would peck at their remains like hawks with their prey.
Soon enough, the group exited the mansion and started riding towards the mansion that was given to them as a gift by the Genoese.
While they were riding, Frederick started to make some small talk with Conradin.
''So tell me, 'Your Highness." Frederick said in a tone that always made Conradin laugh, "When do you think we will be able to leave Genoa and depart towards our other allied communes?''
''Well, Frederick, actually, I have written to our other allies and told them that we will meet at the city of Pavia, which is the nearest to us, where we will regroup and march together as one strong and united army." Conradin admitted
"Ah, very good," Frederick replied, his expression betraying a hint of pride and joy. It had taken some time, but their efforts were finally starting to pay off. They were making progress, and they would soon be able to move forward with their plans. "And what of our other allies? Have you heard from them yet?" he asked, curious to know just how many forces they could count on having at their disposal. "Have they agreed to meet us at Pavia? I would feel much more comfortable knowing that they would be joining us as soon as possible in our march against Charles." Frederick admitted to Conradin
When Frederick was not trying to make his friend laugh, he always behaved as a practical man, never one to let his emotions get the better of him, and he was always the first to suggest a course of action. His straightforward nature was something Conradin appreciated, and he knew that he could rely on Frederick to see things clearly and objectively.
'' From their letter, we understand that Verona will support us with 1,500 men, Pisa with 2,000 as previously agreed, and Pavia, like Verona, also with 1,500 men." Conradin replied, listing the total reinforcement each ally will send. ''Also, they all agreed on meeting at Pavia." Conradin finished with
After hearing Conradin , Friedrich then replied, raising an eyebrow at him and saying, "That is excellent news." We will be able to rely on them to fight alongside us when the time comes for us to face Charles on the battlefield, and I am pleased to hear that they are all dedicated to our cause. They will undoubtedly make a difference on the battlefield, and will play a crucial role in our plan to oust Charles as the legitimate leader of our kingdom.
I am worried, however, that each force will only care about their city's interests, causing our armies to be divided. Do you think you can effectively rein them in with your authority?'' Frederick asked with a hint of worry, causing the latter to express his worry.
''I truly don't know, but I will try." Conradin admitted , after all he would be a fool to think that he could just command the Italian auxiliary troops as if they were his own german troops , and he knew that he needed to make a plan that would take into account the lack of uniformity of power in his army.
After a few minutes, the group finally arrived at their gifted mansion; however, Conradin looked at a sight that left him perplexed: two horses were outside the mansion with two men descending from them.
"What is this?" Conradin asked, his expression turning to confusion and surprise. "Who are those men? Why are they at our mansion?" he inquired, a hint of concern in his voice. It was clear that he was not expecting to see strangers outside the mansion and that whatever had brought them here was a surprise. Whatever the case, he wanted to know what was going on, and he was eager to hear whatever explanation the strangers could be able to provide. ''Well, it is not like I know," Frederick responded casually, expressing his lack of knowledge, gaining a bad eye from his friend for his lack of decorum
''Actually, your highness, I recognize them. If you allow me, I will present their identities to you." Galvano offered to his liege.
Conradin turned toward his vassal and nodded at him, allowing him to continue.
''The youngest one, your highness, is my son Enrico, of whom I had previously announced the imminent arrival." Galvano said, while with his hand he made a sign to his dear son to come closer and pay respect to his king, "while the other one would be Pietro de Pece, a man of letters your highness , educated by Pier della Vigna himself''. (look at author's thoughts to know who Pier della Vigna was)
Hearing Galvano's presentation, Conradin made a sign with his hand for them to come closer, an order that they obeyed. When they were close enough, Conradin started speaking.
"Ah, it is good to see you both," Conradin replied with a smile and with genuine fondness. He had been impressed with Galvano ever since their first meeting, and it was clear that he had been a worthy and loyal vassal. Having his son and Galvano's son come and pay their respects was an honor and a great joy for Conradin, and he was more than happy to see them both. He extended a hand towards them both and welcomed them wholeheartedly. "I am glad that you could both make it here. I look forward to spending some time with the both of you." The same fondness was given to Pietro, for Conradin had always been a lover of the art of writing, and he was happy to have someone else who could teach him this art.
Once they were near, they both kneeled to the young monarch, allowing Conradin to see their physical appearances from close.
As a son of the noble house Galvano, it was clear that Enrico had been brought up in a loving home and had been well-educated and well-raised. His status and upbringing made him a confident and capable young man, and he was well-spoken and well-mannered. He was a testament to his father's commitment to making sure his son received nothing but the best, and it showed in the way that Enrico carried himself and in his demeanor and attitude. Despite being young, he carried himself with a level of maturity and responsibility that far surpassed his age, and he carried himself with pride and dignity. Just like his father Enrico had shorth brown hair and blue eyes, nonetheless, he noticed an elegant nose that was probably taken by his mother, for Galvano's nose was crooked and ugly
Pietro de Pece was a learned and distinguished man. He had a wise and experienced manner about him, and he was a well-respected member of the scholarly community. Pietro had lived a long and respectable life, full of experiences and knowledge. He was well-read and well-traveled, and he was clearly an expert in many aspects of human knowledge and history. His red gown was a symbol of his position of status and respect among his peers, and his hat was a sign of his expertise and wisdom. He was a man of great intellect and scholarship, and he was honored and respected for his insight and knowledge.
He was overjoyed by the fact that Conradin was an appreciator of the arts, for he knew too many men who disregarded such a noble act. Pietro saw Conradin's face, and in his mind he noticed similarities with his noble grandfather, which apparently were not only shared in the appearance but also in the interests since Frederick II, "the stupor mundi," has been known throughout Europe as avid of knowledge and accepted every cultured man in his court without regard to origins or religion. He was truly a patron of the arts and one of a kind at that .