Recalling the "joyful" times he spent under those crescent worshipers, and then thinking about the bright, book-scented room he was currently in, Bagrat blurted out his thoughts: "How dare those goat-fucking Lucifer's lackeys compare themselves to Your Majesty!?
As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed all the historians, scholars, and their attendants in the room looking at him. Only then did he realize that his spontaneous shout had disturbed the peace, and he stood rooted to the spot, tense.
Finally, Caesar himself came to his rescue. And after receiving Caesar's reply, the scholars, who had initially been somewhat curious, very tactfully turned away. Manuel also turned back to continue his conversation with the teacher and student pair. After discussing his governance with Anagnostes, Manuel, curious about the Armenian's true opinion of him and his rule, turned to Bagrat and asked, "Speaking of which, Bagrat, what do you think of West Armenia under my rule, both now and in the future?"
At this, Bagrat was momentarily stunned, then immediately froze. Although the other person was similar in age to him, Bagrat ultimately found himself at a loss for words in front of this highly prestigious young monarch. In the eyes of this humble, relatively simple Armenian youth, it was already immense good fortune that he, a sinner who had unknowingly violated the "Ten Commandments" ①, could be kept by his mentor's side. And Caesar, who was now speaking to him, was an existence he could barely look up to.
This was also the common view of many lower and middle-class commoners from towns towards their lords in this era. Although the people of the Roman Empire and its former territories did not have the absurd notion, prevalent in Western Europe, that "a king touching one's body can cure diseases," these commoners still held genuine reverence and worship for noble monarchs and church clerics, essentially no different from their counterparts of the same social stratum in Western Europe.
Manuel was also aware of this. However, he himself did not have much desire to change it, besides the fact that he quite liked being worshipped. Firstly, he currently lacked the energy to focus on altering the perceptions of these commoners. Secondly, if he forcefully changed the mindset of the commoners across eras, it might not be a good thing for his rule.
While this was true, if even the officials directly under the monarch were so ingrained in this hierarchical order, then his administrative decrees would likely be difficult to implement effectively. Given this, it was best to set an example here first.
"No need to worry," Manuel said with a gentle smile to Bagrat after quickly finishing his thoughts, "If you think I shouldn't because I am a king, then I can say: at least for now, before God, we are all without distinction."
Bagrat was clearly surprised by Caesar's words, and the look in his eyes as he gazed at the monarch before him, in addition to the previous respect and fear, now held much more admiration and reverence. At the same time, he seemed to have comprehended something, and his entire being fell into a state of near contemplation.
Anagnostes's gaze also changed significantly. Although he sincerely admired and was grateful to this young Caesar before, his impression of him was more that of a military and political talent with slightly inferior literary skills and a dictatorial personality. However, now he felt that this young monarch also seemed to possess many qualities similar to the philosophers of the classical period, and was very likely a true devout believer. Indeed, to be able to lead his troops to defeat the Ottoman, whom the Romans had once found difficult to overcome, even if only regionally and tactically, he must possess a personal charisma that others could hardly have.
However, Manuel did not notice their inner thoughts; from his perspective, he had merely said what needed to be said at the moment. So, after a brief pause, he cleared his throat a few times and then remained silent, signaling for the other party to answer his question promptly.
Responding to Caesar's hint, Bagrat, who had already gained some insight, reacted and immediately spoke his true thoughts, "Reporting to Your Majesty, I believe that under Your Majesty's rule, all Armenia may lose a little of its past autonomy, but it will gain more of the deserved good treatment and liberation. Because no matter what, I believe Your Majesty will always make reasonable decisions and policies."
"Why do you trust me so much?" Manuel narrowed his eyes slightly at this answer, tapping the table gently with his index finger, his attitude quite playful.
"If Your Majesty came to Asia Minor to satisfy your desire for conquest and expansion, then you would have long exploited us mercilessly, just like those White Sheep Turkmens.
"But you did not. You came to West Armenia, and regardless of your purpose or reason, you granted us humble people a stability and freedom we never had before. This is enough to show that you are absolutely the kind of monarch we need."
These words made Manuel himself feel a little embarrassed. However, looking at the light shining in the Armenian youth's eyes, he also realized the various changes his arrival in Asia Minor had brought about locally. And if the common people of Asia Minor all thought like Bagrat in front of him, then perhaps the reforms he intended to implement locally could be even bolder?
But this was not something to consider now in this study filled with historians and scholars. On second thought, he had enjoyed their conversation today, and it was time to return to serious matters. Thinking this, Manuel rose from his chair, deciding to ask one last question before leaving, a question that momentarily interested him.
"Bagrat, what is your name? I mean, your surname." Manuel asked gently.
This question, however, left Bagrat speechless, and then his teacher came to his rescue. "Your Majesty, Bagrat, he, well, because he comes from a humble background, he does not have a surname." Anagnostes answered on his behalf.
"Still no surname?" Manuel stroked his chin. Even in the late Middle Ages, having a surname was still a luxury for commoners.
"Then I shall bestow one upon you here and now, how about that?" After a moment's thought, Manuel cautiously offered this suggestion.
To this, both Bagrat and Anagnostes expressed their great honor and readily accepted.
"Since that is the case," Manuel finally decided to bestow upon Bagrat a surname with historical significance, "'Philaretus,' how about it? Bagrat Philaretus."