Chapter 60: The Roman Eagle Banner Amusement Park

Swearing allegiance to the Tusculani family?
Though it sounded unrealistic, to Leo’s ears it was so sweet a prospect that he could scarcely believe it. Even the starlit sky beyond the balcony seemed to dissolve into unreality.
Leo lifted his wine glass, savoring the vintage.
The harvest had come too easily.
As the most ancient and illustrious house of Rome, the Tusculani family, now teetering on the edge of ruin, certainly needed a protector.
“Leo, what are you looking at?”
Maria, having just emerged from a passionate bout, came to his side. Like a devoted wife, she draped a cloak over his shoulders, as if afraid he might catch a chill.
“I’m thinking about how to deal with the Count of Capua next,” Leo replied, taking a sip of wine. “They say he’s a difficult man.”
“If he’s difficult, then don’t deal with him at all. There’s no need for you to risk your life for those people in the Curia.”
Maria, well-versed in the art of power, pierced right through Leo’s thoughts.
Yes, why bother?
At worst, he could negotiate with Richard, the Count of Capua, and toss him the Curia’s interests without a second thought. After all, he had no reason to care, and there was no point in fighting.
Richard’s northern march on Rome, in the end, was just a bid for profit.
“I’ll talk with him when the time comes,” Leo said, setting down his wine glass and leaning against the marble balustrade.
“If it comes to it, I could just cede all the lands south of Tusculum to him. The Curia can’t make use of them anyway—better to gift them to Richard.”
But such words were spoken in jest.
If he truly sated Richard’s appetite, then the moment Richard laid down his arms, the Curia would turn on Leo.
To be of value in a united front, one must not be the foremost enemy.
So, Leo’s ideal was for Richard to keep pressing the Curia, forcing them to rely on him. Only in this way could Leo amass enough strength.
How does one nurture a foe to empower oneself?
It was a subtle art.
“Will you regret it?”
Maria suddenly reached out and embraced Leo from behind, pressing her entire body against his back.
“Regret? Regret what?”
“There’s no turning back on this path, Leo,” Maria said. “Is there truly any chance for reconciliation between you and the Curia?”
Was she seeking reassurance?
Or probing his resolve?
Unable to read her intent, Leo gave no answer, gazing still at the distant view.
Sensing that Leo did not wish to respond, Maria let the matter drop. She nuzzled her soft cheek against his back, affectionately changing the subject.
“If you’re not in any hurry for battle, could you take Gregory out for a bit of fun?”
“Fun?”
Leo was surprised, or perhaps amused.
In times like these, she still had not forgotten the leisurely pursuits of the aristocracy. Truly a noblewoman of the old Roman eagle standard.
“I’ll make sure you’re not disappointed.”
Maria said, pulling Leo once more toward the bed.
Until now a little passive, Leo, as they reached the bed, suddenly turned, pushing Maria down onto the soft mattress.
“I won’t disappoint myself, either.”
...
The next morning.
Leo woke bleary-eyed, and as he opened his eyes, Maria was already seated at her dressing table. She wore only a simple camisole, her graceful back a silent invitation.
“Maria,” Leo called softly.
Maria, still brushing her hair, turned to him. Hearing his still-rough morning voice, she immediately summoned a servant.
A maid approached Leo, offering him water.
He took the cup and drank deeply to wet his throat, then threw back the covers and rose from bed.
As he did, he paused in surprise.
Gregory stood by his bedside, hands folded before him, as if waiting for Leo.
“This is...”
“Didn’t we agree last night? I asked you to take Gregory out for some fun. You two might try some men’s pursuits—hunting, perhaps, or a bout of arms.”
“That’s too dangerous.”
Leo, dressing with the maid’s help, protested, but this time it was Gregory who responded, sounding slightly miffed at being underestimated.
“I can do it. I’m not afraid of danger.”
Gregory’s voice was young, but the firmness in his tone gave Leo pause.
“I can even take you to the eastern woods to hunt wolves. I’m not afraid of any animals,” Gregory said. “Just take me along, you’ll see.”
As he finished, Maria turned, a proud smile upon her lips, as if to boast of her son’s courage.
Leo was indifferent.
He shrugged. “If you wish, then let’s go.”
He cast Maria a last glance. The noblewoman seemed to have no intention of joining them; her careful preparations likely meant she had other engagements that afternoon.
Without further hesitation, Leo led Gregory outside.
“I’ll assign a few knights to guard you,” Leo said. “I’ll be with you as well, and I’ll have a chance to see what you can do.”
“Alright.”
Gregory nodded, but seemed unwilling to say more.
“What weapons do you use?” Leo asked.
“I’ve learned all a knight should—sword, spear, axe, mace, bow, and crossbow,” Gregory replied.
Impressive. The boy had received a knight’s training. Just wielding a sword already made him leagues ahead of Leo himself.
Leaving the castle, Leo found his knights.
Enrico and Rossi sat on barrels, chatting idly. Corrado, nearby, wiped his sword with such longing in his eyes that it was as if he were gazing at a beloved wife.
But as soon as Leo appeared, all three stood at attention.
“My lord.”
Corrado was the oddest of the three.
What had transpired the previous night was no secret, but Corrado, the youngest and least experienced of the knights, was at a loss.
What was he supposed to do in such a situation?
Rossi, the most experienced, acted as though nothing had happened, taking up his place at Leo’s side. Corrado followed suit, joining Enrico.
“Gather some men and make preparations. We’ll be heading out for a ride,” Leo ordered.
“For a hunt,” Gregory corrected.
“There’s no difference—it’s all the same.”
With that, Leo strode to the stables. A retainer, seeing him approach, quickly handed over the reins of Grape.
Seeing his horse, Leo’s mood lifted.
Grape nuzzled Leo’s hand, and Leo stroked its mane until the animal settled, then mounted, accepting weapons from Enrico.
Gregory had his own mount—a brown Arabian. Not as imposing as Grape, perhaps, but just as spirited.
“You know these woods. Where shall we go?” Leo asked.
The knights gathered around—fifteen in all, including squires—waiting on Leo.
“To the woods east of here. There’s plenty of game,” Gregory said. “I’ll lead the way.”
With that, he took the lead.
Watching Gregory ride ahead, Enrico sidled up to Leo.
“My lord, this boy is...”
“The Count of Tusculum.”
“So, he’s Maria’s son?”
Leo shot Enrico a look full of exasperation, silence heavy as thunder. If Gregory wasn’t Maria’s son, whose could he be?
Realizing his own foolishness, Enrico fell silent and withdrew.
After a half-day’s ride, they reached the forest Gregory had mentioned. Seeing the woods ahead, Leo suddenly understood why the boy liked it so.
Compared to the Apennine mountains near Corezzola, this was a veritable playground.
No wonder Gregory was so fond of it.
Moreover, there were proper hunting grounds here. Many sites bore the traces of old hunters’ camps—a boon for any outdoorsman.
“This is the place?”
Leo pointed to the woods.
Gregory nodded. “Yes, and there are wolves here, so be careful.”
“Alright, let’s head in.” Leo glanced back at the knights. “Stay close, everyone. Don’t fall behind.”
“Yes, sir!”