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# Chapter 13: Two Monsters (2)

When you hear about the Age of Exploration and discovering the New World, you might envision the romance of tall ships crossing the seas.

But, in reality, there was none of that.

The staple diet consisted of meat so tough it could break teeth and a soup made from spoiled beans boiled in bug-infested water after just a short sailing trip.

Even this shabby food and water were severely controlled, and if you dared steal some, the punishment was being nailed to the mast and left to starve to death.

Thanks to the alcohol consumed instead of water, mariners frequently fell victim to alcoholism, with diseases like scurvy and typhoid as added bonuses.

“They say that if we had bean sprouts, it would have been different, but you can’t even grow bean sprouts in that filthy water.”

If you couldn’t get a periodic supply of clean water during coastal voyages, growing bean sprouts was pointless, and if you could access clean water, you might as well buy food.

To overcome scurvy, it would have been better to give lime like the English did.

“To obtain that cheaply for the sailors, we’d need colonies in places like India or Malaysia.”

Perhaps due to spending too much time at sea, Yusuf shook his head as his thoughts wandered too far.

They complained about the difficulties of the sea voyage during the Age of Exploration, but compared to what they were doing now, it was the difference between a deep-sea fishing boat and a cruise ship.

The Black Sea had calm waves, and they sailed close to the coast, often stopping at ports.

Thinking about sailing in this era was akin to leisure travel, and that time was now coming to an end.

“Your Highness, we are almost there at Trabzon.”

At Aishe’s words, Yusuf nodded.

He already knew this from an earlier meeting with a ship that had departed from Trabzon.

Yusuf climbed up to the deck to gaze upon the city coming closer and closer.

“Is that Trabzon?”

Trabzon Sanjak stretched along the coastline, and the farthest western city, Ordu, had been reached ten hours ago, but they had merely passed through.

His desire to set foot first in Trabzon, where he would be staying the longest while serving as Sanjakbey, was strong.

Even though it couldn’t compare to the scale and splendor of the capital he left, thinking of it as his domain gave him a pleasant sense of elevation.

However, as they entered the harbor where the ships docked, something felt off.

“What’s that?”

“Perhaps it’s a welcoming crowd?”

Aishe said this, yet her face reflected uncertainty.

The crowd gathered at the harbor was too numerous and too armed to be considered simply a welcoming party.

“What will you do, Your Highness?”

At Shamsi’s question, Yusuf briefly pondered before making a decision.

“Dock the ship. I’ll check it out myself.”

“Understood.”

Raise a rebellion against the newly appointed Sanjakbey? And against a prince no less?

He didn’t worry too much; the city’s destruction would merely be a consequence of the Sultan’s wrath.

“Selim can’t handle situations that poorly.”

If an incident of great historical significance were to unfold in Ottoman history, the former Selim would not escape unscathed.

With this confidence, he stepped off the ship boldly, but this wasn’t what he had expected to happen.

“Welcome! Brother!!”

…What the hell, why are you here?

Even when there was almost a hole in the ship, the curse almost slipped out.

Surprised as he was, Yusuf grasped the outstretched hand.

‘This man is Selim I.’

A hearty laugh and big, strong hands.

Though he wasn’t particularly tall, his fiery eyes glowed with a heavy presence.

‘He is definitely different from the Sultan.’

The facial differences were glaring, but more than that, the temperament was distinctly dissimilar.

If the Sultan was like a sharp dagger hidden within laughter, Selim appeared to be a flame that would burn anything blocking his way.

He was a monster who had created an empire spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa in merely five years after seizing the throne.

Selim asked with a smile, “So, have you finished your observations?”

“My apologies.”

“No, it’s natural to feel that way when meeting a brother for the first time.”

Selim shrugged it off casually, patting Yusuf on the shoulder.

Though the gesture seemed friendly, Yusuf felt his brow furrow slightly.

‘In the Ottoman dynasty, a good brother is a dead brother; this camaraderie is worthless.’

It was so blatant it was almost laughable.

From titles to attitudes, everything was glaringly condescending.

There was not a single point in age, rank, or power that made him superior; in strict terms, Yusuf was subordinate.

‘But showing that in front of the people who would soon rule is another issue. Well, maybe I’ll go along with it for now.’

After all, anyone who plays along with this trickery needs to be cut off.

Selim, treating him like a rookie, showed no hidden feelings; it was a pretty good chance to evaluate him.

Having reached this conclusion, Yusuf smiled brightly.

“It’s great to see you in person, but why are you still here? I thought you would have already gone to Teke.”

He was genuinely curious.

Teke was a Mediterranean city; to get there by ship, they would have to take a long route via Constantinople, making land routes preferable.

There was no way to meet up along the route, so he hadn’t even considered the chance of running into Selim, yet here he was.

“Going to Teke isn’t really urgent. As long as I left three months ago, I would have made it.”

“That’s true.”

Normally, it would be more normal to rush to Teke excitedly.

Staring intently at Selim’s seemingly incomprehensible explanation, he burst into hearty laughter.

“I’ve been waiting to meet a brother. While the other brothers grew up together during the same time, you didn’t. If not now, when will I get to see you again? Also…”

Trailing off, Selim’s eyes glittered.

“I heard you requested to be assigned to Trabzon in my place, so I was quite curious. Prince Yusuf, that is.”

So that’s what this was about.

Since he was a prince, it wouldn’t be too hard to investigate him given they had some connection to the capital.

Putting aside the importance and scale of Trabzon, to a prince, it seemed more like a countryside town.

As the Sultan aged, he was stuck in a rural area, anxiously biting his nails; rescuing him from this would indeed be worthy of a meeting.

It was a valid reason to meet, but he mustn’t fall into the misconception that this was a friendly gesture.

Look at how manipulative he was right from the beginning. If you let your guard down, it will cost you.

“Let’s not talk standing here; let’s go inside. The banquet preparations are already complete. Hatun, would you like to join us?”

Fatima, with her face covered by a hijab, shook her head.

While Yusuf was concerned about whatever trickery was afoot, being present would only convey that he hadn’t yet stepped out from under his mother’s wing to others.

“I don’t want to intrude; I’d like to rest in comfort.”

“Understood. Once we arrive, I’ll guide you to where you will stay.”

Unable to decline the invitation and having no reason to refuse, Yusuf called for Hasan.

“Hasan, you’ll oversee the disembarkation.”

“Understood.”

Someone like Hasan, whose emotions were so visible on his face, wouldn’t be much help; besides, someone needed to monitor the unloading of luggage.

Yusuf and Selim led their party through Trabzon Citadel.

Trabzon Citadel had streams running on both sides, stretching out to the Black Sea.

As they entered the interior, the elevation increased, leading to a castle that once served as the royal castle during the Trapezuntian Empire, standing proudly at the end.

As Selim wandered the city, he spoke in a tone filled with nostalgia.

“Do you see that market over there? I dealt with quite a headache when a fire broke out there shortly after my appointment. Just around that corner, there was a murder three years ago, and we investigated it together.”

At first glance, it seemed he was reflecting on a city he had spent a long time in before leaving.

‘If he were that sentimental, he wouldn’t have earned the nickname Yavuz.’

Yavuz could be interpreted as cold-blooded or resolute.

The reason he ruthlessly executed family members threatening his power was one thing, but it was more because he was strict with rewards and punishments—great achievements were awarded, but severe penalties, including executions, were not uncommon for issues.

For whatever reason, it meant he wasn’t the type to indulge in sentimentality, and naturally, there was intent behind his words.

“Are you referring to that fire that was concluded as an accident?”

“Ah, yes, that did happen. I remember Your Highness had a keen interest in the investigation.”

The following attendees nodded along, and Selim’s words were indeed directed at them.

‘He plans to leave traces of the previous leader till the end, does he?’

The greater the predecessor’s footprint, the harder the successor’s path.

Even if he was aware of this deception, he couldn’t interrupt that conversation.

It was a tricky situation; trying to stop it would only make him appear petty and strange, but Selim had made a mistake.

‘I have no intention of dragging someone who isn’t willing.’

It’s natural for a new king to execute a clean sweep.

The spark in Yusuf’s eyes, distant from the matter, turned cold as they passed through the lower cities in a lowland section, climbing the hills to reach the city walls marking the boundary of the upper city.

As they passed the gate while receiving salutes, they entered the upper city.

In this upper city, there were multiple mosques along with the Fatih Mosque, originally a church built in the 10th century that was converted into a mosque after the Ottomans captured the city, as well as large bathhouses.

Reaching the edge of this upper city, Yusuf finally caught sight of the castle where he would live, which would serve as a refuge during wartime.

It was a striking view of Trabzon Citadel, rich with history dating back to records mentioned in the 5th century BC.

“Let’s take our time looking around before heading in. Even if we leave, I’d still like to enjoy the food here.”

“Sounds good. After all, it will soon be my territory, so I should assess the food quality.”

At Yusuf’s definitive response, Selim raised the corners of his mouth.

During the tense silence that quickly formed, no one spoke as they headed toward the banquet hall.

In the banquet hall, Yusuf and Selim sat side by side at the head table while others seated themselves wisely.

Once everyone was seated, Selim stood up.

“Today’s a bittersweet day. While I’m sad to leave this city that I’ve known for so long, I am truly delighted to meet my brother like this. I will never forget the time shared with you all. Brother, you should say a word as well.”

In response to Selim’s words, Yusuf stood up.

“While touring Trabzon today, I have come to see how much effort you and your brother have put into cultivating this land. Though there are many shortcomings, I believe with your assistance, I can perform my duties admirably. I look forward to working well together.”

Applause erupted at the words of both brothers, signaling the official start of the banquet.

Islam forbids alcohol, but the Turkic nomads were lenient about drinking, and many sultans throughout history had been drinkers.

As long as they didn’t cause a ruckus from overindulgence, alcohol was served alongside the banquet food.

It being a port city, fish dishes that were rarely enjoyed in the capital appeared frequently, and as the alcohol began to flow, joyful laughter erupted all around.

Thanks to the effects of the alcohol, Selim’s face reddened as his gaze landed on Aishe, quietly standing behind Yusuf.

“You have quite a nice slave.”

“I was lucky.”

“How about it? Are you considering selling her to me? I’d pay a generous price for her.”

With his eyes gleaming with desire, Yusuf smiled sweetly.

“I have no intention of doing so, so please don’t concern yourself with it. I absolutely will not let go of something that has come into my hands.”

As Yusuf spoke firmly, his gaze locked with Selim’s, and the noise in the banquet hall gradually quieted.

As the tension both had created settled heavily in the hall, Selim broke into laughter.

“Of course! As a prince, that’s how you should act. How could one who can’t even protect what’s in their hands be called a prince!”

“That’s a reasonable point.”

Yusuf laughed along.

As their laughter began to ease the atmosphere, relieved breaths were heard throughout the place.

Since princes were those who could kill each other at any time.

When the atmosphere of the banquet hall relaxed once again, the door opened, and a small child walked in.

“Father, did you call for me?”

“Oh, Suleiman! Come here.”

At Selim’s bright smile and the call of the name, Yusuf’s eyes glittered.

Two monsters and a hunter who could only survive by killing monsters had gathered.