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#26. The Tumultuous Situation (2)

Aishe furrowed her delicate brow.

She showed signs of surprise and rejection at the sudden Ottoman envoy delegation, but her attitude changed when she revealed her origin.

Amidst the warm welcome, representatives from the twelve tribes comprising the Circassians began to gather one by one.

“I thought everything would proceed smoothly until that point.”

She was even looking forward to the day she could return to Yusuf with quick results.

That was a hasty thought.

“If it’s a method that even the Prince of the Empire personally guarantees, it must be implemented starting from areas where the plague hasn’t spread.”

“That’s a valid point, but caution is necessary. It is a plague, after all. How about trying it out on just a few people first and then monitoring the results?”

“The problem is which tribe will step forward to confirm this.”

It had already been over a month of fruitless meetings.

At first, she actively participated in the meetings, striving to ensure things went smoothly, but the same discussions had been repeated dozens of times already.

At this point, even a fool couldn’t miss the underlying meaning.

“It means they have no intention of seeking help from the Empire.”

Aishe looked at the tribal representatives with a chilly gaze.

They were not fools, and this was not just an emotional decision.

Long-standing resentment towards the Empire and the anxiety of what demands might arise from receiving help.

It seemed that since the plague had already been contained through a blockade, there was no urgent need for assistance.

For this complex reason, they were just dragging their feet, which was infuriating for Aishe, who had once been under their rule.

“They’ve always hidden behind the sacrifices of a select few while only considering their own safety.”

The fact that she and her hometown were among those sacrifices left her with no heart to understand them.

The more she witnessed their shamelessness, the more a certain figure came to mind.

“Surely, the Prince wouldn’t have behaved this way.”

This didn’t mean he was kind or exceptionally benevolent. If he were, he wouldn’t have plunged his territory into chaos for the sake of power struggles.

However, he also wasn’t the type to idly watch pointless sacrifices happen repeatedly.

Aishe, having grown tired of the meaningless shouting in the meetings, stood up.

She felt she had watched their play-acting long enough.

As she rose from her seat during the meeting, all eyes turned towards her.

“Rather than continue to watch this spectacle, I’d prefer to pack my bags.”

One representative from the Veslen tribe, one of the twelve tribes, voiced his regret at Aishe’s words.

“It saddens me that you’ve come all the way from the Empire to offer help, only to have us send you back like this.”

“You needn’t concern yourself with that.”

Despite her words, the representatives nearly lit up with excitement upon hearing her, to which Aishe scoffed.

“Because I plan to go directly to the areas affected by the plague.”

“What?!”

“You absolutely cannot go without our permission!”

As expected, fierce objections erupted, and Aishe replied coldly.

“Are you going to use force to stop me?”

They were left utterly speechless.

After all, she was the Prince’s woman.

Given the need to ensure not a strand of hair was harmed, the possibility of oppression according to her words would likely invoke the Empire’s retaliation.

Watching them display such an ineffective stance, Aishe turned away without reluctance, exiting the conference room and speaking to Sinan.

“We need to proceed as planned.”

“So, it ends up like this.”

As they had discussed in advance, there was nothing surprising about it, and Aishe spoke to her escort.

“Tell Asker as well. It’s time to spread the rumors.”

“Understood.”

Having been here for over a month and with representatives from each tribe gathered, those who knew why the Empire had arrived were now aware.

Following Yusuf’s orders, Asker, who arrived first, planned to spread beneficial rumors for the Empire while distributing unfavorable rumors to the tribal leaders.

“First, we shake the board with rumors and create gaps.”

As rumors spread and they achieved results in the plague areas, even tribes that appeared united would begin to show cracks.

With twelve tribes, it was impossible for them all to be on good terms.

Furthermore, if all went well, it might shake the succession lines of each tribe.

“I bet the Prince would have done it this way.”

Creating divisions with rumors and seizing the initiative.

This was the method Yusuf had previously demonstrated, and Aishe would employ it exactly as shown.

Since it was a planned operation, she could finish her preparations to depart before any interference arose.

Aishe looked back at the faces of her party, ready to set off.

As they were about to enter the center of the plague, fear and tension were evident on their faces.

“Once inside, we won’t only have to worry about smallpox.”

Since the security was shaky within the blockade, they could be ambushed at any time, and the hygiene conditions would likely have deteriorated, leading to the possibility of contracting other illnesses beyond just smallpox.

Remembering the tedious explanations she had received from Yusuf before departing, Aishe chuckled softly.

“I’m already looking forward to it.”

Though she wanted to miss them, returning empty-handed was not an option.

With anxiety and anticipation, Aishe and her party entered the center of the plague, becoming the eye of the storm.

*

Mzechabuk Jakeli

Jakeli was the family name, and Mzechabuk was the given name.

This person, with a name difficult to remember in Georgian, was notable enough to leave a mark in history, but compared to Yusuf, whose chances of succession were slim, he was of a much lower caliber.

“Since my brother has become the owner of the principality.”

The brother who had taken the throne two years ago was assessed as a wise and well-educated ruler, maintaining a good relationship with other Georgian kingdoms.

It was a governance without flaws, and it was said that he had no possibility of taking the ruling power.

At least, not as long as his brother remained alive.

“Honestly, it doesn’t matter whether I killed him directly or not. What matters is that he’s the kind of person who could take the ruling power from me.”

If one were to make an analogy, it was like an undervalued blue-chip stock that would skyrocket within a year.

Already, a few ideas had popped into his mind about how to make use of this.

“I don’t intend to lavishly welcome him just because he’s useful.”

There was no point in treating an ambitious person well, as most wouldn’t appreciate the kindness, so the whip had to be wielded first.

Yusuf’s thoughts were reflected in a delegation that entered Trabzon, where they were first met by over a hundred cavalrymen.

Naturally, the delegation reacted against this.

“How are you oppressing us?!”

“I’d rather go back!”

Such objections didn’t last long, as the glinting eyes of the cavalrymen observing them put an end to it.

The overwhelmingly threatening presence made Mzechabuk, leading the delegation, pale.

For reasons unknown, he felt that things were off even before they had begun.

Half-dragged, the delegation arrived at Trabzon Castle, surprised by the unexpectedly vibrant scene of Trabzon.

“It hasn’t been long since there was such turmoil; has it truly recovered already?”

It hadn’t been long since the Prince had turned the territory upside down, yet the faces of the people showed no traces of fear.

If the intelligence was not false, it meant that the Prince’s governance was impressive.

“Pleasure to meet you. Welcome to Trabzon.”

Thus, they could only be further astonished upon seeing the Prince welcoming them in an honored position.

“I knew he was young, but he’s really just a child.”

“Does he have competent subordinates? This might be the right approach.”

The sheer surprise on their faces was evident, and Yusuf smirked at them.

“Everyone seems to be feeling a bit flustered?”

At Yusuf’s remark, the delegation jumped in surprise, and only Mzechabuk, who managed to keep his composure, cautiously bowed his head.

“I apologize. I am Mzechabuk Jakeli, leading the delegation.”

Upon the arrival of the awaited figure, Yusuf slowly scrutinized his counterpart.

The appearance was ordinary. He had the vibe of a typical middle-aged man.

That being said, he didn’t exude the suffocating presence like Selim either.

At first glance, he seemed like a normal person, but—

“A snake-like individual.”

His attempts to look around subtly while pretending not to drew comparisons to a snake.

Yusuf smiled broadly.

“Glad to meet you. I am Sheikh Yusuf, the master of Trabzon. It must have been tiring to travel such a long distance.”

“Not at all. Thank you for your hospitality despite the sudden visit.”

Being dragged here threateningly by soldiers could also be considered hospitality in a way.

“Please, take a seat. I have many questions to ask while waiting for you to unwind.”

“Of course.”

Though it might have warranted complaints about Yusuf’s relentless questioning, Mzechabuk accepted it calmly.

It had already been a continuous battle of wills with the cavalry.

“How long will you remain calm? I wonder.”

With a mischievous grin, Yusuf asked.

“What’s the urgent reason for hastily assembling a delegation to come here?”

“Isn’t it only natural to visit the newly installed Prince of Trabzon? I also found your policies in Trabzon intriguing.”

As expected.

Having arrived only recently to find the Prince dancing with swords in his territory, it was understandable that the Circassian Principality, nestled beside the Ottoman Empire, would feel anxious.

Who knew when that sword would turn toward them?

“I have no intention of toiling to acquire such land while having to fight with Ismail.”

That land, which could gush out oil with just a few shovels, was not worth the trouble to acquire.

Well, they might not know this much, so it was only natural for them to be worried.

In that case, wasn’t it only fair to increase their anxiety?

“It’s amusing that Samtskhe is so interested in the affairs of our Empire.”

“I’m merely paying attention to my surroundings to survive.”

Yusuf raised an eyebrow at this response.

“Then you must be particularly interested in the movements of the Sufis who follow Shia, led by Ismail.”

Mzechabuk’s eyes wavered.

If he was startled by that, his heart might stop at the following words.

“What’s there to be surprised about? It’s strange not to know when they’re moving so blatantly. Isn’t that right?”

“That is true.”

“It wouldn’t be unusual if you’re supporting Ismail to break free from the White Sheep Dynasty.”

The piercing green eyes made Mzechabuk feel goosebumps all over.

The plan to aid Ismail was something only the top brass of each kingdom discussed.

Just seeing the bewilderment on the faces of the accompanying delegation members made it evident.

Not knowing how much Yusuf was aware felt terrifying to Mzechabuk, who was already on edge, as Yusuf smiled at him.

“Hahaha, there’s no need to be that surprised. It was just a light jest.”

“Is that so? I was taken aback by the suddenness of the conversation.”

Could he have just been guessing?

Trying to reassure himself, Mzechabuk soon realized he was relieved by Yusuf’s next words.

“Even if I were to provide genuine military support, I have no intention of getting involved in the matter. That would be your judgment to make.”

‘He knows.’

Where that information had leaked from was uncertain, but it was clear he knew something.

Seeing Mzechabuk filled with confusion, Yusuf inwardly chuckled.

‘Under normal circumstances, a person could never be this easily probed.’

Having undergone a long journey, the oppressive presence of the cavalry, and now the tremors of conversation before he could even find relief.

It was something that would test the limits of anyone’s mental fortitude.

It seemed they were finally approaching a point where they could open up, so Yusuf proposed.

“Why don’t we send the subordinates away and have a talk between just the two of us?”

Calculating the pros and cons lightly, Mzechabuk agreed, leaving just the two of them in the spacious room.

“What are you planning to discuss by keeping me here?”

“It’s nothing special; I’m just curious. As you know, our Empire’s princes do not hesitate to kill each other to claim the Empire’s throne, right?”

It was a custom so famous that it was well-known even in foreign countries.

“Thus, I don’t understand how the eldest son can easily inherit power. How does it feel to have your position taken from you simply because you are the eldest child?”

Asking a question that could be seen as insulting, Mzechabuk unwittingly posed something he wouldn’t ordinarily say.

“What would the Prince do?”

Yusuf laughed.

Asking a prince of the Ottoman Empire about brotherly love was amusing in itself.

“What can I say? Of course, if the opportunity arises, I would kill him. Since you’ve heard my answer, it’s only fair to return the question to you.”

How deep is your brotherly love?