<h4>Chapter 46: To Florence</h4>


    <<"Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.">>


    ― Nolò Machiavelli, The Prince


    Five days have passed since the Pope''s ceremony was concluded and likewise five days have passed since Charles left the eternal city with an army of 6,000 men in order to ally with his Guelph friends. Florence was the most important Guelph city and an integral part of the Guelph power structure in Italy, as the new Sicilian monarch was aware. Charles would establish a firm foothold in Italy and be able to exert his support and influence over the rest of the region if he were to take control of the city. With all the force the army could muster, the French marched swiftly and steadily on Florence.


    The march Charles made toward Florence was significant. He was adamant about bolstering the Guelph government''s position in the city. He was certain that he would be able to destroy any force that opposed him because he had an army of experienced and battle-hardened soldiers with him. He was confident that his army, which was powerful and well-equipped, would be able to hold Florence and keep anymunes from continuing to support the newly baptized sultan (this was an insult directed at the rulers of Sicily since Roger II, and since Frederick II had the characteristics of the Haute-ville dinasty, it was also directed at his descendants).


    Soon Charles was lost in his thoughts, thinking about what he could gain from this travel. He knew that the Pope needed his protection, and as such, he could ask for much more, like, for example, having his loyal men be made podestà of manymunes so that he would be able to create pro-French satellite states in northern Italy. He saw the opportunity to gain even more power and influence through his journey to Florence, and he was determined to take advantage of it to the fullest extent possible. He had his eye on bing the sole power in Italy, and he was willing to do whatever was necessary to attain this goal.


    At the head of his army, Charles marched for nine days until he finally arrived at the nned destination. The march was boring and nothing exciting happened. It was when the army was about to arrive at the gate that a group of 10 well-dressed men left the city.


    The group of well-dressed men that rode out to meet Charles had a presence and an authority about them that were obvious to all who saw them. They were clearly a powerful and influential faction within the city, and their arrival at this moment was clearly nned and coordinated. It was clear to Charles that these men were here to invite him inside the city and offer hospitality to them. He also knew that his rtionship with those men would impact his ability to control and influence the Florentinemune, so he listened carefully and yed the part of the pious liberator and the defender of the faith against the devil.


    ''''May God bless you and your cause. We humble citizens of Florence invite you inside the city as guests of the estimated republic." The leader of the group said this while bowing toward Charles.


    Charles watched with interest the envoy, and then with a smile he greeted them back: '''' May the heavens bless your republic too. I am honored to be hosted by such great people. I suppose you do know why I departed from my kingdom to arrive here." Charles said, he was trying to gauge the attitudes of the republic toward his arrival.


    ''''Do not Worry, Your Majesty, we were the ones to write to the pope asking for help to defeat some political rebels that were inconvenient for both the republic and the Church."The leader of the Florentine oligarchs said


    '''' Very well, than I hope that we will both work together for the well-being of the church. I forgot to ask for your name, can you enlighten me ?"


    Charles inquired, trying to build a base from which he could expand his rtionship with the elitè ss.'''' You honor me, your Majesty; my name is Giovanni Alberti, and we hope that your stay is afortable one."


    Charles was pleased with the way that the Florentine delegation had greeted and addressed him. He was always cautious and careful in these kinds of situations, but he was happy with how the Florentines had been respectful and polite in their approach. Charles knew that it was important to build a base for future cooperation, and he was pleased that this initial meeting had been so positive.


    Charles did not underestimate the ability of his men to cause trouble, and so he instructed them to be on their best behavior while they were in Florence. He also made it clear that anyone who did not abide by his instructions would be harshly punished. His men were well-trained and obedient, and he knew that they would follow his orders without question, but he wanted to make sure that they understood the seriousness of the situation. His visit to Florence was a crucial part of his n to gain control of Italy, and he did not want anything to risk the whole operation.


    After this, Charles entered the city with 1,000 men while the rest were kept outside; after all, nobody would like 6,000 foreign soldiers inside their city. Charles, along with his nobles, was led to the mansion that was used as a guest pce.


    The mansion where Charles and his men were staying was a beautiful and luxurious residence. It was a symbol of the wealth and status of the city of Florence, and it reflected the rich and important history of this great Italian city. Charles was honored to be guests of such a prestigious and storied city, and he was determined to make the most of their visit and to represent his house and his kingdom well during his time there.


    The mansion where Charles and his men were staying was arge and luxurious mansion that was fit for a king. It was an impressive structure with rich ornamentation and fine craftsmanship, and it was clear that it had been specifically designed to house important guests. The rooms wererge and spacious, and they were decorated with expensive and rare paintings and artifacts. Every detail of the mansion''s architecture and decor was clearly thought out and executed with the utmost care, and the entire structure exuded a sense of opulence and grandeur. The mansion was filled with luxurious furniture and decorations that made the mansion afortable and inviting ce to stay


    Charles went into his respective room after greeting his good night to his nobles. While Charles was continuing on with his evening letter to his wife, son, and brother, a knock resounded from outside. Charles slightly adjusted his posture and allowed the man to enter the room; it was Giovanni Alberti. Charles was not in the habit of being disturbed while he was working, but he was ustomed to having people ask for his attention and time. He was willing to hear what Giovanni had to say, and he put down his quill and turned to face the other man.


    ''''Good evening, Your Majesty," Giovanni said, while slightly bowing. Charles carefully watched the man, trying to gauge from his expression any hint of why he was there. However, seeing that Giovanni was keeping a straight face, he decided to directly ask


    ''''Good evening to you too, sir Giovanni. May I ask the reason for your arrival?''''


    ''''I am sorry for having disturbed you during your activity; however, I have a proposition that may interest you."


    Alberti said as he was trying to incite interest in the Sicilian monarch.


    "Speak freely, Giovanni," Charles said, his voice serious and expectant. "I am prepared to hear your proposition and to give it full consideration."


    Charles was intrigued by Giovanni Alberti''s cryptic manner and his request to present a proposition. He was not one to be easily fooled or manipted, but he was also a seasoned diplomat and knew that sometimes patience and perseverance could pay off. He was ready and willing to let Giovanni Alberti speak his piece and then judge the merits of the proposal for himself. As such he nodded for him to continue.


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