Thirsty for Talent

In March 1463, after more than a hundred days of siege, the defenders' supplies in the city were finally running out.

Laszlo's patience was also nearing its end. In recent days, he had repeatedly conscripted grain and fodder in Transylvania to supply the besieging army,

which had already aroused public resentment.

If the stalemate continued for another month, he would likely have to order a full-scale assault on the city.

Although tax reform had not yet been truly implemented, there was no doubt that the peasants of Southern Transylvania had the privilege of experiencing this new tax system in advance, collected personally by the Kingdom's soldiers.

Inside the military camp, Laszlo was having lunch with a "rare guest".

Sitting opposite him was Vitez Janos, Archbishop of Alba Iulia.

As an important ecclesiastical lord of the Kingdom, he controlled the county of Transylvania, and his influence radiated throughout the entire eastern part of the Kingdom.

Upon meeting him today, Laszlo was surprised to find that this Archbishop was a rare top talent with an advisor attribute of [+3 Administration].

Moreover, he also had a [Reformer] modifier.

This immediately sparked his desire to recruit talent.

Now that Grand Master Veszter was old and frail, Laszlo was worried about finding a suitable person to succeed him in governing the vast Hungary.

This Archbishop Vitez was the most outstanding candidate he had identified for the position of Regent of Hungary.

Unfortunately, he was a rebel, and his attitude towards him was not very friendly; the panel showed [Neutral].

Not long ago, after a period of siege, the city of Alba Iulia opened its gates and surrendered.

Grand Master Martin did not make things difficult for this Archbishop who supported the Hunyadi rebellion; instead, he sent him to the Emperor for disposal.

Laszlo originally had no other thoughts, but after meeting the extraordinary Vitez, he decided to give this Archbishop a chance.

"Your Grace, why aren't you eating? Is the food in the camp not to your liking?"

Laszlo tasted the stewed beef prepared by the camp's "chef" and noticed that Vitez, sitting opposite him, was sitting upright without making any movement.

Vitez shook his head slightly, his gaze towards the Emperor filled with confusion.

According to the Emperor's violent disposition, he should be suffering beatings from the guards in the most dilapidated tent in the camp right now.

Why did the Emperor not seem to be angry with him?

"Are you thinking about why I am treating you so well with good food and drink?"

Laszlo saw through Vitez's thoughts.

It was normal for him to think this way, as Laszlo had always been merciless towards rebels, but for a great talent like Vitez, he could make an exception.

Vitez confirmed the Emperor's statement: "I supported Hunyadi in rebelling against you, and I had anticipated my fate before this."

"Speaking of which, I want to ask you, why did you support Hunyadi, this treacherous rebel?" Laszlo was also very confused. "Matthias has interceded for you many times, and your nephew also sent me a letter from Budapest, hoping I could spare your life.

As far as I know, you come from a Croatian noble family, studied in Vienna in your youth, and graduated from the Faculty of Theology at Vienna University.

After that, you frequently traveled between Hungary, Croatia, and Austria.

It seems you should be well aware of the situations in these countries. Are you perhaps dissatisfied with my rule?"

Vitez was slightly startled when Laszlo mentioned his nephew, then immediately realized the Emperor was referring to Janus Pannonius.

The new royal secretary was his sister's son; they hadn't had much interaction, yet he unexpectedly interceded for him.

As for Matthias, Vitez had a deep friendship with Janos and had also taught Matthias for a period, so they could be considered master and disciple.

However, Vitez was well aware that the influence of these two was not enough for the Emperor to be so merciful and lenient towards him.

After a brief thought, he replied to the Emperor's question: "I am not dissatisfied with Your Majesty. The Austria-Hungary union is the only way to resist the Ottoman, and in this regard, you have done very well.

But, in recent years, you seem unable to govern this country well."

"Oh?" Laszlo's eyes changed, and his sharp gaze shot directly at Vitez, "Do you think so?"

"You have done very well in maintaining national peace, even comparable to the illustrious Emperor Lajos with his great military achievements.

However, your investment in education and culture is pitifully small, throwing all that meager tax revenue into the military.

Moreover, your control over this country has regressed compared to your father's.

In recent years, the power of the separatist nobles has grown stronger, yet you have been retreating step by step, and your attention to the Kingdom of Hungary is far less than your investment in Austria.

If this continues, I fear this country will return to the chaotic state of sixty years ago."

Hearing Vitez's explanation, Laszlo resumed his gentle demeanor.

Sure enough, the trait was not wrong; this Vitez truly was a reformer.

However, why would a reformer join Hunyadi's rebellion?

"Are you saying you believed Hunyadi could do better than me, which is why you supported his rebellion?"

Facing the Emperor's question, Vitez shook his head and said, "Hunyadi's failure was destined. The reason I supported him was merely to repay his father's great kindness to me.

In recent years, his actions have become increasingly rampant and reckless. I often advised him, but he ultimately did not listen and embarked on this irreversible path."

"His ambition will eventually lead to his demise, but you do not need to perish with him."

Laszlo stared intently at Vitez; he had rarely seen such top talent and was unwilling to let him go easily. Of course, if Vitez was determined to die, then Laszlo could only fulfill his wish.

No matter how useful a talent, if there is no loyalty, then the greater the talent, the greater the harm.

Vitez met the Emperor's gaze with some surprise. Although he vaguely guessed that the Emperor might treat him leniently, he didn't expect it to be stated so directly.

"Your Majesty, I do not understand why you are so lenient with me."

"I am currently planning to implement reforms in Hungary to weaken the power of the nobles.

Therefore, I need talent like you."

Laszlo did not hide his intentions.

"To deter those nobles with ulterior motives, Hunyadi's head is enough... Perhaps a few more fearless ones will jump out, but the outcome will be the same anyway.

And you, as a high-ranking member of the Church, have the right to be judged only by the Church—this is assuming I do not ask the Pope to excommunicate you.

As long as you are willing to swear allegiance to me, I can guarantee that you will not receive a heavy sentence.

But if you remain unrepentant, I will be forced to strip you of everything, including your life."

Vitez did not hesitate this time, immediately rose and bowed deeply to Laszlo, his expression moved, and he respectfully said, "Thank you for your mercy, great Roman Emperor and King of Hungary, I am willing to offer you my loyalty and my life."

"I accept your allegiance, Vitez. No, perhaps I should call you Johannes Sredner."

Vitez was slightly dazed when he heard the Emperor's words. Having lived in Hungary for so long, he had almost forgotten that he was actually a Croatian.

The Emperor was clearly showing him goodwill by calling him by his true name, and he was happy to accept such respect.

Subsequently, the two happily enjoyed a military meal and chatted about past events—mainly about the story of Hunyadi Janos.

Vitez had been good friends with Janos for a long time and had served as his advisor for several years.

Later, Janos promoted Vitez, who rose steadily, first becoming the Bishop of the wealthiest diocese in the eastern Kingdom—the Diocese of Oradea—and then being promoted to Archbishop of the eastern Kingdom, i.e., Archbishop of Alba Iulia.

Vitez even served as a cabinet minister for a period under Janos's recommendation, and later left the court for various reasons.

It was out of such deep friendship that Vitez, upon Hunyadi's request, ultimately decided to provide him with assistance.

This time, Laszlo was willing to spare Vitez's life, but the choice for Archbishop of Alba Iulia would definitely be changed.

Laszlo would support a more obedient Eastern Archbishop to take office, which would conveniently reduce resistance to economic reforms.