Just as the Tatars were ravaging Kaffa, Pietro Lando, Venice's newly appointed Black Sea Consul, arrived in Theodoro to discuss further matters with their quasi-allies and brought some artifacts that Theodoro had requested.
Upon arriving in Mangup, the Venetian Consul and his entourage were enthusiastically invited into the Prince's palace by the people of Theodoro. Faced with such lavish hospitality, Lando felt quite pleased and had no sense of impropriety.
Because at this time, Venice was riding high: after 1420, the Republic of Venice's rule in Italy extended from the coast into the interior. They conquered large territories from Friuli and Cadore, and Dalmatia, which had been inadvertently lost, returned under the gaze of St. Mark through diplomatic negotiations. After the new Doge Francesco Foscari took office four years prior, Venice further established an expansionist policy, making the expansion of their commercial power their primary goal. It was precisely for this reason that, upon hearing of a potential conflict between Theodoro and Genoa, Venice specifically rushed to fan the flames, wanting to deliver another heavy blow to her mortal enemy on the seas.
To achieve such results, Venice also needed a reliable and stable ally. It was under these circumstances that the Doge of Venice specifically appointed Pietro Lando, a long-unpromoted hawk within the Republic and the Black Sea Consul, to be fully responsible for this cooperation with Theodoro and Venice's future Black Sea colonies.
This is why Lando was currently negotiating with the Prince and his son to strengthen their previously established quasi-alliance.
"Your country wants our trade privileges and a part of Genoa's current Black Sea colonies. This…" Alexius hesitated a bit, because according to the original plan, he only wanted to take Kaffa.
Concerned about his future and political views, Lando was quite invested in this. Therefore, facing Alexius's hesitation, he even somewhat eagerly offered terms they absolutely could not refuse.
"100 sets of armor exquisitely crafted by Milanese artisans, 10 four-masted cogs, and the 75 medium and small trebuchets you previously wanted to purchase from us. As long as you agree, I can deliver them to you at any time. As long as you go to war with Genoa, no matter the circumstances, Venice will certainly send its navy to assist you." Lando, nearing forty, clasped his hands into a diamond shape and placed them in front of him, covering his mouth and nose, his deep blue pupils looking at them with profound meaning.
"Hmm, a very good idea." Manuel unexpectedly interjected into their conversation at this point, but then quickly changed the subject, "But we want to know, what lands does Venice want?"
"If possible, please give us Kaffa," Lando immediately replied, then smiled somewhat relaxedly.
"Your Excellency Lando, if you take Kaffa, what do we get? Theodoro can serve St. Mark, but it cannot betray the will of the Holy Mother." Alexius's words brought the negotiations into a slightly awkward stalemate.
"But Venice's Black Sea consular territory must exist after the war," Lando responded a few seconds later.
"Your Excellency Lando, actually, I don't really recommend that you demand Kaffa," Manuel interjected again.
"Oh?"
"Kaffa has been occupied by Genoa for a long time since they bought it from the Golden Horde. Its foundations are deep and complex. Such a troublesome place should not distract your country; it should be left to a remote city-state like ours." As he said this, Manuel felt his face suddenly thicken by several layers, and then quickly added:
"On the contrary, in my humble opinion, Azov, or Tana, would be an excellent choice for your country. It was originally a city built by Venice, only for these despicable Ligurians to deceitfully take it from St. Mark through nefarious means. If Tana is chosen as Venice's Black Sea consular district, it would not only allow for the rebuilding of the Black Sea consulate to help your country regain control of Black Sea trade, but also facilitate the capture and sale of those infidels for profit, and even exact revenge for past grievances—killing three birds with one stone!"
"Well said!" Under Manuel's eloquent persuasion, Lando was not only led into his intricate reasoning but also had his emotions stirred. He could already foresee the cheers of the crowd when he returned to Venice after his tenure as Consul. If he made any outstanding moves during his term, perhaps he could receive the full support of the Lando family, and then entering the "Council of Ten" or even becoming Doge could happen naturally.
Thus, driven by desire and Theodoro's little trick, Lando, after a rough deliberation, very smoothly signed an agreement with Theodoro to divide Genoa's Black Sea colonies and transferred the military equipment he had prepared to them at a very favorable price.
However, after he reported this matter to his superiors, he was reprimanded by a personal letter from Foscari:
"Utterly foolish! To hand over other cities in the agreement so easily? The population of Kaffa is almost approaching Constantinople, and you would cede it to a city-state like Theodoro? In the name of St. Mark, as Doge, I order you to seize Genoa's cities as much as possible after the war begins and absolutely not to give them to these Goths! As for diplomatic matters, professional individuals will argue with them."
Meanwhile, the Prince's family was still celebrating their major diplomatic achievement, completely unaware of the true attitude of Venice's highest echelon.