Three days after formally making Adyghe a vassal, Manuel specifically convened a meeting in Phanagoria to discuss the system that Adyghe should adopt after becoming a vassal.
This meeting, held in the imperial palace, would also determine the future status of Adyghe.
On the day the meeting was held, Aniza, the old chieftain of the Adyghe Principality, arrived around the imperial palace early, awaiting the start of this meeting that would decide Adyghe's future status.
"After this meeting, I probably won't have to languish in a land like Adyghe, which has no future.
Let me think, at that time, will I be a duke, or a grand duke, or a prince?"
About half an hour later, the meeting, named the "Phanagoria-Circassian Meeting" by Manuel, officially began in the council hall of the Phanagoria Imperial Palace.
The important participants in this meeting, in addition to Manuel and his three cabinet members, also included Aniza from Adyghe and two elders from prominent local families.
Shortly after the meeting began, after a brief exchange of pleasantries and prayers, Manuel had Serenus stand up and declare to everyone present his important arrangements for the Adyghe Principality.
"Firstly, the tribal system is no longer suitable for the current era.
To this end, I intend to transform the system of the Adyghe Principality into a quasi-fiefdom that is conducive to agriculture and commerce; in the words of Western Europe, it is feudalization.
The funds for this aspect will be provided by Mangup," Serenus declared loudly.
The three Circassians, led by Aniza, nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Manuel calmly looked at the three of them, then gestured for Serenus to continue, "Secondly, regarding the obligations of a vassal, I presume you are all mentally prepared."
Aniza and the others nodded, looking solemn.
Manuel then had Serenus respond to them with a smile, "Please rest assured, Caesar will be a good liege lord.
For Adyghe, as a vassal, His Majesty will not be overly harsh.
What Bosporus will collect is merely an annual tribute of 500 ducats, as well as the conscription of manpower from Adyghe to establish a legion of 750 Circassians; furthermore, local currency and foreign affairs will be entirely managed by Mangup; however, you can still organize militia private armies for self-defense, meaning that in terms of defense, apart from the previously stationed garrison, you are still free to act."
In fact, Manuel wanted to control Adyghe's military power as well, but after discussions with his cabinet, he ultimately made some compromises, granting Adyghe what he considered significant autonomy.
Although this level of demand on a vassal was already considered quite high for the medieval era.
Regarding these obligations and corresponding rights proposed by Manuel, one Adyghe elder felt a bit dissatisfied, but seeing the calm expressions of his companions, he did not dare to act out and could only bury this emotion deep in his heart.
However, his small gesture did not escape Manuel's notice.
After observing the subtle changes in his expression, he vaguely sensed the bottom line of these Circassians.
This put his mind at ease regarding the last important arrangement.
"Finally, it is about the arrangements for the people of Adyghe." At this point, Manuel noticed that the expressions of the three Circassian nobles, who had largely remained calm, became somewhat uncertain.
However, he feigned ignorance, handing a document of appointment to Serenus, asking him to proclaim the relevant appointments to these Circassians on his behalf.
After Serenus received it, he straightened up and declared Manuel's decree to them.
The general content was a reward for the Circassian nobles in the Adyghe Principality who firmly stood with Bosporus, and the establishment of various noble titles: Chieftain Aniza was ennobled as the Border Marquis of Adyghe, while the other elders who had previously communicated with Bosporus were ennobled as barons; these titles were all hereditary; and the original name of the Adyghe Principality was changed to the Adyghe Principality, with Manuel himself also serving as the Prince of Adyghe, not only as the suzerain of Adyghe but also its nominal monarch; furthermore, to match their status, Manuel thoughtfully allocated several properties for them in Mangup, inviting them to reside there regularly each year.
When Serenus finished speaking, Aniza felt the gazes of the two people beside him become much more piercing.
Because in the original Adyghe Principality, although the chieftain's status was the highest, his power had not increased much; instead, he was constrained by other large and small families.
But this new appointment gave the former chieftain, Border Marquis Aniza, theoretical power that he did not actually possess.
If so, from where would this power be reclaimed?
The two Circassian nobles present knew very well that it would naturally be from them and other elders, now barons, and their families.
And this almost hostile gaze towards Aniza was exactly what Manuel was happy to see.
Even if there wasn't, it wouldn't matter; it would just be a bit more troublesome later.
He was not satisfied with merely incorporating Adyghe as his vassal; if these brave Circassians could only be partially called upon, it would be too much of a pity for him.
But that is a story for later.
At least, in early February 1433, the Adyghe Principality, a vassal of Bosporus, was reorganized into the Adyghe Principality after formal feudalization, officially accepting the rule of Caesar Manuel.