Thus, the Theodoro delegation had to return without achieving any substantial results with Haji Giray.
On their way back, they also paid visits to several Tatar princes, but their attitudes were largely similar to Haji Giray's—either indifferent or perfunctory, with no intention or attempt to win over Theodoro.
However, Manuel considered these to be expected, as Theodoro currently held little influence, and the Tatar princes' ambitions were simply too great.
He felt that even if he spoke more, or given their stubbornness, even a war of words wouldn't convince them.
It was a pity not to have convinced Haji Giray; this was Manuel's only regret.
If he had persuaded him, it might have delayed the emergence of the Crimean Khanate, buying Theodoro more time to develop and avoid directly confronting a new Tatar power.
As Manuel reviewed this diplomatic mission, they finally arrived in early August at the last political entity on their itinerary: the Circassian Principality of Adyghe.
The reason it's called a political entity rather than a state is that the social structure of these Circassians is still that of primitive tribal principalities.
Unlike what is depicted in a certain infamous Swedish game, the Circassians did not have a unified state until the 17th or 18th century, let alone the 15th century.
The term Circassia was merely a general name for their inhabited areas.
Currently, the Circassians are likely composed of numerous competing tribal principalities, engaging in mutual warfare while also being raided by muslims and Genoese slave traders.
The reason for seeking out the Circassians, who are currently only a Principality, is twofold: on one hand, Genoa's long-term slave trade has made the mountain people extremely resentful of these Liguria merchants; on the other hand, Theodoro needs to unite all possible forces, for as the old saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Adhering to this principle, the Theodoro delegation arrived in Adyghe, where a mixed Circassian and Alan coastal tribal Principality resided.
Being coastal, they were more aware of the outside world than other principalities; at least they knew who had been raiding their tribesmen.
Furthermore, they were stronger, at least knowing some medieval military tactics, and the physical quality of the Circassian mountain people was also excellent, otherwise there wouldn't be so many Mamluks of Circassian origin.
The Principality of Theodoro and the Adyghe Principality were not entirely without contact; there had been considerable private trade between them before.
And the Romans, or at least the Theodoro people, had virtually no history of raiding Circassians.
So, upon the Theodoro delegation's arrival in Adyghe, they managed to meet the chief of the Adyghe Circassian Principality, John Abaza, and his council of elders relatively smoothly.
Abaza was an energetic-looking elder, and his noble attire indicated his higher status compared to the others.
The council of elders, led by Abaza, largely accepted the message conveyed by the Theodoro delegation, even expressing willingness to further discuss military cooperation.
The only point of contention was—
"Your Highness Gavras, all other terms are fine, but what does 'stationing troops in Adyghe' mean?"
"Ah, this…"
Regarding the clause about stationing troops, Manuel had actually shot himself in the foot.
According to the original plan, the Adyghe Principality should have been dissatisfied with certain terms, argued strongly, and then Theodoro would concede, canceling some of them, but specifically emphasizing the retention of the two major agreements: joint defense and the anti-Genoa slave trade alliance.
To achieve this, Manuel had deliberately added several terms that he believed they would absolutely not accept.
However, this council of tribal people surprisingly stated that if Theodoro and Genoa went to war, regardless of the circumstances, they would send at least 2,000 men to help them fight.
This was truly generous, just not very rich…
Of course, solving such a minor issue was very simple: just show a sincere smile, pretend to accidentally cross out this outrageous clause, and everything could be treated as if nothing happened.
However, Manuel suddenly had a new idea: the Adyghe Principality, after unanimous discussion, had agreed to most of the terms.
Could this indicate a substantial lack of diplomatic acumen on their part?
If they truly lacked it, could they try to push further, step by step?
Although the Adyghe region is primarily mountainous and difficult to control directly, perhaps it could serve as a usable vassal?
"You all misunderstand," Manuel said with a smile.
"?"
"Don't you already have troops stationed within our borders?" Manuel said, without batting an eye.
"Where?"
"According to our provisional agreement, won't there be 2,000 Circassian mountain people stationed in our country?"
"That's not right; these 2,000 people will be commanded by your country, and their organization will also be decided by your country, won't it?"
"That's true, but this is an army provided by you.
How about this: we'll add another clause to the agreement—the Adyghe side has the right to recall these 2,000 people back to the Principality in an emergency.
This way, it's also very reasonable for our troops to be stationed here in Adyghe, isn't it?"
All members of the Adyghe council of elders looked at each other.
After a long time, a young elder who had traveled the northern Black Sea coast was pushed forward and asked timidly, "But, the stationing of foreign troops in our country will affect our internal affairs."
"You misunderstand our army.
As everyone knows, Theodoro's army is currently primarily defensive.
If our army is stationed in Adyghe, there is only one situation: to protect you from being plundered by those bandits and slave traders.
By the Holy Mother, we do not have the desire to occupy other people's land like the Turks and Tatars.
Moreover, the people you provide to us are paid for by us, and our army here with you is also paid for by us.
Even if there are losses, they will surely be our losses."
After Manuel's explanation, the questioning voices from the Adyghe council of elders diminished, though a few elders who had close ties with the Greeks remained hesitant.
Seeing this, Manuel further declared, "We are all Eastern Orthodox; Eastern Orthodox do not deceive Eastern Orthodox."
At this, the Adyghe elders finally agreed to accept the troop stationing clause.
After about two days of negotiations, the two sides ultimately reached close strategic cooperation.
Abaza even planned to present Manuel with two beautiful Circassian maidens as attendants.
However, not being particularly impressed by these uncultured mountain people and unwilling to let them influence his future decisions, Manuel ultimately politely declined his kind offer.
On the way back, Manuel silently reread the treaty signed with the Adyghe Principality.
After confirming its accuracy, he mentally exclaimed:
"Huge profit!"