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#42. Power Struggle (2)

Armed with gunpowder weapons, the Central Standing Army numbers nearly 20,000, and the Sultan can mobilize over 90,000 cavalry from across the nation whenever he desires.

If another brother becomes the next Sultan, the difference in military strength would be insurmountable, which is why the princes engage in succession battles before one of them can ascend the throne.

“It’s a matter of life and death, so by now, the other brothers will likely be preparing for the succession battle.”

Building up military strength is essential, and it’s obvious that spies will be sent to recognize Yusuf, who has achieved great military success.

The forces utilized in the recent conflict with Ismail are already exposed.

This includes the connection points with the Circassians and Samtskhe, as well as the lightly armored cavalry that played a significant role.

“Having already achieved results with the cavalry, they’ll likely cultivate more light cavalry.”

The biggest issue with raising light cavalry is money, and the other brothers have been accumulating capital from their positions as sanjakbey for nearly 20 years.

This means they could easily raise light cavalry if they wanted to.

With this development, the advantage in military strength would vanish, and the only option left would be to reach for gunpowder weapons.

“But to have that discovered…”

I wanted to kill Ahmed, who casually made a bombshell remark while sipping his drink.

If the other princes found out about the use of gunpowder, it would be a serious problem, not to mention that gunpowder is a strategic resource highly valued by the Ottoman Empire.

“One must use a lot of gunpowder during wars.”

A large cannon pulled by 60 oxen, launching rocks weighing hundreds of kilograms over a distance of more than a kilometer—that’s the Ottoman artillery.

Every time it fires, a lot of gunpowder is consumed, and it’s not just a shot or two during war, so massive stockpiles of gunpowder must always be stored.

If it were found out that I coveted that gunpowder, no matter how much of a prince I was, I couldn’t predict what consequences I would face.

“Well, I haven’t heard anything about securing the foundation stone, so it shouldn’t be a huge problem.”

Yusuf responded nonchalantly.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying, Pasha.”

“Haha, is that so?”

Ahmed chuckled as if he expected that response.

“Then, please consider what I’m about to say as the ramblings of an old man.”

“I will listen.”

If Ahmed intended to deal a significant blow to him, he wouldn’t have given a heads-up like this; thus, Yusuf listened attentively.

The future of Ahmed would be decided by the conversation that followed.

“The prince has made no mistakes. He has attracted many guests and managed to keep those who were secretly trying to secure the foundation stone from being discovered.”

The loud reception of guests had a purpose.

“Please continue.”

“Even I, who pride myself on knowing the capital like the back of my hand, wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t paid attention to you, Prince. Who would care if a few laborers from the ship you arrived on took some time off?”

It was a result of using his power to stalk that he discovered this; Yusuf nodded.

No matter how well-trained the informants are, this couldn’t be helped.

Who would have expected there to be such a fervent fan in the capital?

“That’s an interesting story. But I don’t grasp why you are telling me this.”

It was not that he didn’t want any sudden comments, but rather a request to reveal the reason behind giving up the opportunity to grasp his weakness.

At that, Ahmed brushed his hand over the Qur’an beside him.

“I was forcibly brought to this strange land at a young age and made to believe in Islam.”

“Were you from the Devshirme?”

“Indeed.”

The third son of the Duke of Bosnia couldn’t escape being taken as the Sultan’s slave.

No, being of high nobility, he could rather be seen as taken as a hostage.

“Do you regret believing in Islam?”

“I have lived my life alongside it. The reason I came to believe is not what’s important now. However, there are times I wonder what Allah’s intention truly is.”

It wasn’t something that resonated with Yusuf, who was not a devout Muslim, but considering he held the highest power in this world, it made sense that he thought about what comes after death.

“I merely want to see if Allah’s will genuinely accompanies you, Prince.”

“Those who say they are watching seldom do any good.”

In fact, the foundation stone could be secured by creating a field for it, but even if one knows the basics, trials and errors are unavoidable.

Producing the foundation stone takes years, and any failure could be a significant blow, leading to being unable to produce the required quantities in time.

To minimize the risks, he had planned to secure the foundation stone separately, but now obstacles had arisen, so grievances were to be expected.

“Haha, those who say they are watching should not get in the way. By now, a ship carrying gifts should be on its way to Trabzon.”

There was no need to inquire about the gift’s contents, and Yusuf stiffened his face and asked.

“What do you want?”

“You may consider it simply a gift.”

A gift? There’s nothing more expensive than a gift received for free.

Under the pretense of not being whimsical, as Yusuf kept looking at him, Ahmed chuckled faintly.

“Since you press me so, I have no choice. A few years from now, a beautiful woman will be visiting Trabzon.”

“And what relation does she have with you?”

“By now, it would not be unusual for a man of my stature to have one or two daughters that others don’t know about.”

Having risen to the position of Grand Vizier, a political marriage wouldn’t be bad.

No matter how much he claimed to have Aishe, the one who ascends to the position of Sultan could dream of or even be coerced into polygamy.

However, even if it’s not Aishe, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing at stake.

“It seems Pasha wishes to hide the political marriage?”

Sending out a daughter that others do not know of implied that.

For Yusuf, the more widely known the political marriage with the Grand Vizier became, the more advantageous it would be; yet, Ahmed nodded.

“With age comes increased caution. You may consider it not a political marriage but merely a sign of goodwill.”

Yusuf quickly racked his brain.

Even if the political marriage couldn’t be made public, it wouldn’t be too bad. He was likely to be the Grand Vizier again starting next year, after all.

At the very least, there would be no loss, and the worry would be about it later becoming an external family power.

If I become Sultan, I could kill them whenever I want.

No matter how much the Grand Vizier was the second man of the Empire, in front of the Sultan, he’s mere prey.

“I won’t forget your intentions.”

“Just to be able to watch your path is enough.”

After becoming Sultan, Yusuf, who might develop a forgetful nature, and Ahmed, who could secretly lay a line, smiled at each other.

In a friendly atmosphere, Yusuf, after having some light conversation, stood up when the time was right.

“I pray to Allah that we meet in the capital again.”

“I also pray to Allah for your health until then.”

To visit the capital again, he would need to become the Sultan. Yusuf responded to this farewell and left Ahmed’s mansion.

It was not a long outing, but upon arriving at the villa, Yusuf felt deep fatigue.

Except for Arda, he had sent everyone else outside, slumping deeply into his chair when Arda cautiously asked.

“How was it?”

“He’s quite the impressive individual. No matter which prince becomes the next Padishah, he’ll surely survive.”

Yusuf smirked at the thought of Ahmed.

What is Allah? There’s no way that a daughter, unknown to others, would come to me.

Is it even possible that the Qur’an of a person seeking to understand Allah’s will shows no signs of use?

No matter how well one could recite it all, if someone had the Qur’an with them, there should at least be some wear and tear.

Damn Allah and his nonsense—this is just an attempt to set a connection now that there’s potential for becoming the next Sultan.

I even doubt if the daughter coming in a few years is really his biological daughter.

Having seen through Ahmed’s deceit, there was a reason he played along.

A person who holds his own life dear wouldn’t create future problems.

Just as he supported me with gunpowder, he would help the other princes.

I don’t know how he plans to help, though.

“Arda, they stepped on the tail.”

“Did they step on all of them?”

“No, fortunately, they only stepped on the skin.”

Upon hearing that those moving to secure the foundation stone had been caught, Arda bowed apologetically.

“What will you do now?”

As evaluated earlier, Ahmed wouldn’t take advantage of this, but…

“A wound has occurred; if I don’t treat it because it hurts, it will only worsen. There’s nothing that can be done.”

“Then I will handle it according to regulations.”

“Yes, tell them not to worry as I will keep the promises made.”

Deciding the death of those who followed him is a bitter thing, but it’s an unavoidable choice.

Since Ahmed had caught wind of it, there was no guarantee that others wouldn’t find out.

“So what will happen to those who stepped on the tail?”

While Ahmed had indeed noticed those trying to secure the foundation stone, it seemed he didn’t know that others had come before him to secure gunpowder.

Securing gunpowder was easier than expected, so a considerable amount had already been gathered.

Corruption in arms procurement is unavoidable, now and in the future.

If one wishes, they could throw a thrilling fireworks show with ease.

“It’s fine. Let’s just keep watching how things unfold from here.”

If Ahmed wants to uncover Allah’s intention without wanting to return to Allah’s embrace, he must perform well moving forward.

As Yusuf discussed future plans with Arda, a servant approached him.

“The Padishah has stated he will enter the palace tomorrow.”

Having finished his discussions with the Sultan, it was time to leave the beautiful capital.