Janus Pannonius

Early autumn in Budapest felt like being thrown into a furnace; the weather was scorching, with no hint of coolness.

The mist from the Danube River, carrying the scent of pine resin, permeated the morning fields.

This terrible weather made Laszlo's mood even heavier.

He did not stay long in Belgrade.

Before his appointed Serbia Regent, Sigismund, arrived, he had already led his entourage across the Danube River,

and set foot on Hungarian soil once more.

Looking at the distant, faintly visible mountain city of Budapest, hidden in the mist, Laszlo's thoughts churned.

Three years had passed since the Italian War ended.

In these three years, he had strived to maintain stability in his various territories, restore the populace's strength, and accumulate power.

At the same time, he never forgot to prepare for war, maintaining a large army while increasing investment in the armory.

Now, it was almost time to use this power again.

Before Laszlo returned to Hungary, he had already sent out edicts, recalling the Austro-Hungarian Army stationed in Northern Italy and the Saxon Army stationed in Moravia to the Austrian mainland, to be garrisoned in Vienna New City.

The Bohemia, as the core force for maintaining stability in Bohemia, was not conscripted.

The Independent Army was still besieging Heidelberg, a siege that had lasted for several months.

However, the Elector Palatine still led his troops in defending the city and castle, and the besieging army had launched no fewer than three strong assaults, all ending in failure.

The two sides remained in a stalemate.

The armies commanded by Archbishop Adolf and Gunter failed to implement a complete blockade of Heidelberg, and the Elector Palatine could still receive supplies through the Neckar River waterway.

To be honest, with the war dragging on like this, Laszlo was starting to lose his desire to continue it.

After all, there might be more important conflicts ahead that would require the strength of the Independent Army.

And the Mainz War, which had lasted for over a year, had greatly depleted the Independent Army's military strength.

Especially in the recent few strong assaults on Heidelberg, the Independent Army had suffered considerable losses.

Moreover, the end of the war was still nowhere in sight, and the Elector Palatine looked as if he intended to fight to the bitter end.

However, considering the significant importance of this war, Laszlo still decided to overcome the difficulties.

There was another important reason: the vast majority of the Independent Army's military expenses, as an expeditionary mercenary corps, were borne by Archbishop Adolf.

Archbishop Adolf, through an agreement with the Independent Army, satisfied the warriors' needs by replacing actual military pay with plunder permits, thereby solving the problem of military salaries.

This way, the Austrian government could save a large amount of military expenditure and also gain additional financial income.

Since the Independent Army could not be relied upon for the time being, Laszlo did not think about it further; besides the armies of Austria and Bohemia, he also had the royal army of Hungary at his disposal.

Considering the enemies he would face, these armies were barely sufficient, though there was still a considerable risk.

Even so, the true Hungarian reform could no longer be delayed.

Time waits for no one, and with such an excellent opportunity to avoid interference from the Ottoman and France, he had to seize this window.

"Your Majesty, this is the renowned scholar I wish to introduce to you, Janus Pannonius, who recently returned from Italy and now serves as a deacon under me."

Archbishop Veszter pointed to the young scholar standing beside him, introducing him to Laszlo.

Laszlo looked at the refined young scholar before him, his gaze slightly lost in thought.

However, neither Veszter nor Janus noticed this.

From Laszlo's perspective, a truly magnificent panel appeared before his eyes.

[Character: Janus Pannonius (Kezmarki Janos)]

[Identity: Deacon of the Archbishop of Esztergom, Humanist Scholar]

[Attitude: Friendly]

[Advisor Attributes: Administration +3]

[Trait: Great Scholar (Significantly increases the spread efficiency of Renaissance thought)]

[Trait: Philosopher (Has a chance to trigger events that greatly increase Royal Prestige)]

Very strong, this person is truly very strong, and there are many things about him that intrigue Laszlo, for example....

"Janus Pannonius, that sounds like a name a Roman would use.

Why do you refer to yourself by a Latin name? From 'Pannonius' in your name, it seems you should be Hungarian or Croatian, no?"

Laszlo focused his gaze on Janus, curiously observing him while asking.

Pannonius naturally refers to the Roman Empire's province of Pannonia, roughly covering present-day southwestern Hungary and northern Croatia.

Janus, on the other hand, is the ancient Roman two-faced god; the origin of this name might be because his birth name was Janos, or perhaps there is some deeper metaphor.

Regardless, he looks like a naturalized person living in the Hungarian region during the Roman Empire, but alas, the Roman Empire is long gone...

No, the Roman Empire still exists, otherwise, where would Laszlo's imperial title come from?

It's just that this Rome is not that Rome; it's not the Rome of the Romans, but the Rome of the Germans and many other barbarians.

"Your Majesty, my birth name is Kezmarki Janos, and I am from Croatia.

When I was thirteen, my father sent me to Ferrara to study, and my teacher was Guarino da Verona, who taught me many Latin and Greek classics.

Afterward, I entered the University of Padua to study canon law, and shortly after I graduated, your army conquered Padua.

Thereafter, I served in the Papal Curia in Rome until recently, when I received an invitation from Archbishop Veszter to return to Hungary.

Because I have lived in Italy for many years, I often use my Latin name, and my birth name is used less frequently."

Hearing Janus's explanation, Laszlo nodded slightly.

He had heard of the surname Kezmarki; it belonged to nobility from the northern Croatian region.

Of course, Croatians call him Csesmicki; Kezmarki is a Hungarian surname used to integrate into the Hungarian noble class.

This means that this Janus also comes from a distinguished family, most likely a child without inheritance rights, which is why he was sent to Italy to study at the age of 13.

Now, after many years of study abroad, Janus finally remembered his country and intended to return and serve the Royal House.

For such a great sage, Laszlo naturally wanted to employ him, and moreover, to heavily rely on him.

Because currently, Laszlo sorely lacked a great scholar deeply steeped in Renaissance thought, yet possessing Hungarian identity, to complete a great deal of important work for him.

"I have always admired talents with true knowledge and ability. If you are truly as Archbishop Veszter says, I will certainly not overlook your abilities."

Laszlo observed Janus's expression, finding that he still maintained an unassuming demeanor, with a steady composure, appearing confident.

This made him quite satisfied; he hadn't seen such a refined person in a long time.

If it were an ordinary person, they would have long since eagerly started currying favor with him, the emperor, in hopes of securing an official position.

"I should have examined your abilities in more detail, but since Archbishop Veszter highly recommends you, I will make an exception this once.

Janus, from now on, you are appointed as the new Royal Scribe, responsible for leading the Royal Scribe's Office.

Your job is to be my pen; I want you to write poems for me—no, not hymns, but precepts.

Let the entire Kingdom of Hungary comprehend my will!"

"I am willing to serve you, Your Majesty."

Janus bowed slightly, showing submission to Laszlo, who sat high on the throne.

"Excellent," Laszlo said with a smile, "I now have a very important task for you to complete, and it will serve as a test of your abilities."