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Tazlu tried hard to hide her expression, but to Yusuf, who was ahead in traits and experience, her emotions were all too clear.

‘Still quite immature in many ways.’

She had so many shortcomings even compared to Aishe, who was the same age and was nowhere near the caliber of Fatima.

It wasn’t surprising. Even if Ismail had become Shah and built a harem, it was nothing compared to the size and history of the Ottoman Empire.

Aishe, who had been educated by Fatima and Nene, was better than most bureaucrats, having survived in the fierce competition of the Ottoman harem.

‘Not to mention Ismail has no time to show interest in the harem.’

Ismail’s eldest son, Tahmasp, was born in 1514.

He was already 26 when he was born, and thinking that he became Shah at 15 by opening the Safavid dynasty seems late by all accounts.

‘It means he was wholly absorbed in the Conquest Wars.’

In 1507, he invaded Dulqadir, then in 1508, he dealt with the remnants of the White Sheep Dynasty, and finally in 1510, he wrapped up the eight-year-long battle with Uzbekistan.

He killed Muhammad Shaybani, the ruler of Uzbekistan, and turned his skull into a drinking cup.

Naturally, the pecking order in the harem was determined not by the Shah’s favor but by how strong one’s relatives were, and someone like Tazlu wouldn’t need to mind anyone’s eyes.

Yusuf chuckled softly and said, “Will sulking alone yield any answers? If you have any questions, I’ll gladly answer them, so go ahead.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

“It can’t have been that hard to understand. I’m saying I’ll help you gain Ismail’s favor and power.”

Upon hearing this, Tazlu scrutinized Yusuf as if she wanted to see through him, but Yusuf wasn’t that naive to be caught that easily.

Staring for a while, Tazlu finally sighed and asked, “For instance?”

“I could get you the information you need, or I could take someone’s life for you. Even if that someone is a woman or, heaven forbid, a child in her womb.”

At his blatant words, Tazlu’s eyes shook violently.

If possible, it would indeed be a significant help.

“Is that really achievable?”

“Right now, it is impossible. Planting someone is no simple task. However, if you lend your assistance, it may be possible.”

Tazlu smirked at Yusuf’s words about using her to plant spies.

“There’s no need to hold your hand.”

“If you trust your clan, I would advise you to stop. There’s a greater possibility of wanting to present you with a new woman rather than helping you, whose position with Ismail is shaky.”

Blood ties mean nothing in the face of power, and even among the same clan, factions can split depending on interests.

Tazlu knew well that many would welcome her fall and, biting her lips, she said, “I can just grow and send someone myself.”

“Is that you?”

Yusuf burst into laughter.

Tazlu sharply retorted as Yusuf was raging with laughter. “What’s so funny?”

“It’s amusing to hear such words from someone who doesn’t know they’re dancing on a stage set by others. Do you really think you won’t be caught for suggesting assassination?”

At Yusuf’s words, Tazlu wore a confused expression.

So she was saying she intentionally leaked the assassination plot to Yusuf.

‘Though it seemed like he was underestimating Tazlu, this is a well-laid plan.’

What Ismail found most threatening right now was Yusuf taking Tazlu.

Leaving aside affection, someone like Ismail could easily find a replacement for Tazlu.

However, if Tazlu fell into the hands of Yusuf, who could become the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, it could lead to a troublesome situation.

“I figured you’d expect that I would hear of your suggestion no matter how secretive it is.”

And it was precisely that way.

Of course, it was merely a suggestion, but no power holder would keep someone close who was plotting assassination.

“Just by conspiring with you for assassination, they would already consider their purpose achieved.”

Whether Yusuf distanced himself from a suspicious Tazlu, or if he felt threatened and killed Tazlu, or even if he sold her off for money to eliminate a risk, none of those outcomes would be bad for Tazlu.

“…I might feel betrayed and try to become your woman.”

Approaching slowly, Tazlu placed her hand on Yusuf’s chest, and Yusuf felt the trembling touch and calmly replied, “If that’s your choice, I won’t stop you.”

It wouldn’t be such a pleasant thing to have dangerous obstacles appear when the path ahead was still fraught with difficulties, even if he were to become Sultan afterward.

However, if Tazlu made a rational choice, he was confident he could derive benefits from it.

‘It would turn into quite a messy fight.’

Incitement and fabrication were his specialties.

With Yusuf’s words, Tazlu sighed and distanced herself.

“Please give me a little more time to think.”

“Of course, after all, this matter ultimately lies in your hands.”

If she chose to commit suicide, it would be the same as a dog chasing a chicken, and he couldn’t help but respect her choice.

Yusuf stepped out of the room, and a faint sound of a sigh filled with worry echoed softly.

*

It’s a time when the preference for sons is strong across the world, not just limited to Islam.

In Islam, if a daughter is born, the woman must return to household duties immediately, but if a son is born, she gets a 40-day period of rest.

Hatice, who had given birth to a healthy Murad, deserved to be treated lavishly, and what she wanted was time with Yusuf.

“Look at this! Isn’t it adorable?”

Looking at Murad, who was nibbling on something, Hatice smiled brightly.

“Look at that! His nose and eyes are just like the Prince!”

“Hatice.”

Yusuf picked up Murad and rubbed his chubby cheek.

“I already know that without you telling me. Murad is definitely my son, just like Mehmet.”

As if her inner thoughts had been caught, Hatice tightly closed her mouth.

It was understandable to feel anxious. Mehmet, being Murad’s competitor, was already showing off extraordinary talent by quickly picking up Arabic.

Though Murad wasn’t ordinary either, it wasn’t easy to be recognized by Yusuf’s subordinates, including Shamsi.

“There’s no need to fret about the distant future. A mere few years of difference is insignificant.”

For Yusuf, not even twenty years old yet, succession was a far-off issue.

Yusuf returned Murad to Hatice’s arms.

“Of course, feeling jealousy and wariness is good. That can’t be stopped. However, crossing lines will not be forgiven by anyone.”

It was a warning not to threaten Mehmet’s life and a promise to protect Murad’s safety.

Hatice, who could receive help from Ahmed Pasha, who had served twice as Grand Vizier, or Aishe, who had placed her people in various places, was equally a threat to them.

With a heavy expression, Hatice nodded, and Yusuf gently kissed her.

“Now is the time to rejoice in Murad’s birth.”

“Understood.”

Leaving behind Hatice, who cherished Murad, Yusuf called for Arda, who had been quietly waiting.

“Arda.”

“At your command.”

“Take care of the rat that Ahmad Pasha has brought into the castle.”

If it was the greedy Ahmad Pasha, with Murad’s birth, he might try to kill Mehmet.

Considering their relationship, he had just watched over him, but if he became a threat, it was right to eliminate him.

Arda departed to carry out the command, and Yusuf headed to find Tazlu to hear the postponed answer.

Tazlu, sitting upright as if she had expected him, welcomed him with a soft voice, “You’ve come?”

Having likely spent the last three days deep in thought, Tazlu’s face looked slightly haggard.

However, her eyes were bright, and it was evident she had finally reached a decision.

“Alright, what decision have you made?”

“I seriously considered becoming your woman instead.”

To wish to give up her hometown and start a new life in a foreign land indicates she felt a great sense of betrayal.

Who wouldn’t feel that way after treating their life so lightly?

“But I will return to the Shah. This fight here seems harder.”

“Because of my two sons?”

“…It seems Allah favors them.”

Taken as a captive, Tazlu could still hear plenty of rumors.

There were remarkable scholars who were unreservedly praised as geniuses, not to mention Mehmet, who was already attaining notable skill, along with Murad, who was also viewed as exceptional by the cavalry, including Arda.

Even giving birth to a son, it was doubtful whether she could compete effectively.

“Not a bad choice. Since Ismail doesn’t have a son yet, that path seems more viable. In that case, what about my proposal?”

“I’ll take the help.”

“That would mean betraying Ismail.”

“It’s clear who betrayed whom first.”

With a sneer, Tazlu warned Yusuf, “And it would be best not to get the illusion that I’m on your side. If my goal is achieved, I could always kill your hunting dog.”

“As long as you can.”

By the time Tazlu bore Ismail’s son, Yusuf would be well into his reign as Sultan and moving to conquer the Safavid.

This meant he had no need to worry about her threats.

“How will you send the person?”

“After half a year, when you go out, I will have them make contact on their own, so there’s no need to worry about it.”

“Alright. I’ll be waiting.”

A precarious alliance that could turn hostile at any moment as long as their goals were met was thus formed.

“So what will happen to the negotiations happening now?”

Days had passed since the embassy visit, but there was no significant progress in negotiations.

The amount Hodabande could offer for a non-aggression pact was already limited, and Yusuf had already cried out for ten thousand gold pieces like a parrot.

How frustrating it must have been for him to shout that they weren’t even thinking of negotiating.

“I intend to negotiate properly. After I’ve received what is due.”

He was not the kind who would be taken advantage of and just let it slide.

*

Hodabande faced Yusuf with a tired expression.

The five-year non-aggression pact, including Georgia, was already an excessive demand, and the desired amount of gold pieces was just too much.

‘You pig-headed human. It might be better just to kill you.’

Hodabande struggled to suppress his rising killing intent.

This was merely a backup plan, and the right to decide did not belong to him.

“Let me reiterate, we have no intention of paying more than fifteen thousand gold pieces. If not, then you should remove the non-aggression pact.”

The non-aggression pact was more critical than five thousand gold pieces.

It would provide a basis for bringing in troops from Georgia.

In times past, Yusuf would have ignored Hodabande’s words, but today was different.

“Fifteen thousand, huh? If you really won’t pay even five thousand more gold pieces, then we can settle it in other ways.”

“What do you mean?”

At Hodabande’s question, Yusuf drew his sword from his waist.

“With the heads of those who have been messing about on my land. Bring them here.”

As Yusuf commanded, the door opened, and a sickening smell of blood filled the room.

The soldiers who entered threw a dozen heads down in front of Hodabande.

The heads were filled with horror and anguish; they belonged to the men who had come with him.

“W-what is the meaning of this?”

“I hope you’re not going to pretend you don’t know why.”

A cold gaze like a snake tightened around Hodabande, and Yusuf pointed his sword at the sweat-drenched neck of Hodabande.

“Feel free to be glad. Had I needed someone to convey the results of this negotiation, your head would’ve rolled over there.”

“…You will regret this.”

“You’re a worthless pawn speaking like that. Go back and boast to your master that you managed to lower the price by just a dozen lives.”

With a mocking laugh, Yusuf turned to leave but suddenly looked back and said, “Leave your right hand instead of your head.”

A scream erupted.