I Became the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire

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Dangerous Deal (2)

Even in modern times, with ships much sturdier than the current wooden vessels, maritime accidents are common enough that navigation comes with risks.

Naturally, undertaking long sea voyages with weaker wooden ships requires thorough preparation, and Yusuf ordered a reduction in naval activities and focused on ship maintenance.

Of course, it was uncertain whether the person sent to the Ming Dynasty could obtain the entry permit.

“After all, the permit is merely a formality.”

There’s no way that the conservative Ming court would easily comply just because there’s a permit issued by a local official.

The permit was something nice to have but not essential enough to overturn the decision to send the fleet to the Ming Dynasty.

The voyage was confirmed, so Yusuf had ordered preparations to send the fleet.

“But then, the West misunderstood this? Isn’t this turning into an amusing situation?”

“Indeed, Your Majesty.”

The Grand Vizier, Dukakinzade Ahmed Pasha, agreed.

No matter how much they tried to hide it, it was absurd to think that large-scale fleet maintenance wouldn’t be noticed, and every country that mattered was aware.

The problem wasn’t understanding the situation; it was interpreting it.

“We plan to forge an alliance with France and Venice and burn Italy.”

The delusion that the Ottomans would conquer Europe had a lengthy history of over fifty years.

If delusions lasted this long, they were practically chronic, and this chronic delusion had already penetrated the Papal States, which was now raising its voice to form a Crusade against the Ottomans.

“It’s not strange to be misunderstood.”

“Yes, it’s true that recently relations with both countries haven’t been smooth. Also, the activities of Barbary Pirates have become more active, so one could come to such a conclusion.”

“The plan to send a fleet to the Ming Dynasty is known only among the high-ranking officials within the Empire, which is also part of the answer.”

Spreading rumors that the navy plans to venture far wouldn’t benefit anyone, making it military confidential.

Yusuf coolly continued.

“Rather, if they grasped the exact truth, they would already have blood on the execution grounds.”

That was a daring implication that someone had leaked confidential information.

Of course, such incidents didn’t happen like now. The Ottoman Empire wasn’t soft enough to allow loose-tongued individuals to remain in power.

Yusuf aimed the prepared gun toward the sky.

“How about we actually join the war?”

“Your Majesty.”

At the call of the chamberlain, Ali Pasha, Yusuf chuckled lightly.

“I’m joking. It would be foolish to participate recklessly; the losses might outweigh the gains.”

“That is indeed a wise judgment.”

Even if they won, there was a high probability of reaching a compromise, and it was clear that even if they occupied Italian territories, there would be resistance from the infidel nations.

Since it wasn’t connected by land, acquiring territory that posed a high risk of rebellion would only be a headache.

Moreover, until France and the House of Habsburg sorted out their hierarchy, the Italian Peninsula was a precarious place where war could break out at any time.

Reaching out for something to pick up might just burn one’s hand.

“Hmm, still, having been misunderstood like this, it would be a shame to let it slide.”

Yusuf waved his hand, quickly brainstorming.

He pondered what option would be the most beneficial, and the corners of his mouth lifted.

“Did Carlos say he would send me an envoy?”

“Indeed. He will confirm the authenticity of the rumors and will likely seek to establish a peace treaty if possible.”

Forming a peace treaty isn’t a bad idea.

Given the circumstances, they wouldn’t propose it without compensation, thus also minimizing risks arising from a gap in the navy.

“But it seems a pity to be satisfied with just this.”

While the plan was hastily created, he couldn’t assure its success, but there was no loss to be incurred in case of failure.

“The last time I set out of the palace was after conquering the Mamluks. It’s been quite a while since I have been idle.”

It was rare for someone of the stature of a Padishah to go outside the castle, and this was largely due to the focus of policies being maritime.

With the notorious reputation across Europe in mind, he had spent a long time maintaining a low profile.

The officials who caught the whiff of blood through Yusuf’s words held their breath.

“I think I should send envoys to France and Hungary. I might as well take a trip after such a long time.”

Yusuf leisurely stood up from his seat.

*

A diplomatic envoy dispatched to the Ottomans on the orders of Charles V realized how difficult their mission became as they approached their destination.

“I heard the pirates were rampant, but I didn’t expect it to be this severe.”

The stories of serious pirate activities in Southern Italy were well-known, but seeing it firsthand was different.

Turning at the faint sounds of cannon fire in the distance, the envoy saw vessels under attack by pirates.

“What shall we do?”

“We must assist; what else can we do?”

As ordered, they steered towards the fight, but the pirates had noticed them as well.

The pirates halted their looting mid-way, sinking the ship and fleeing, leaving the envoy with only a few floating survivors.

As the envoy worried about the pirates, they realized that it wasn’t the pirates that were the actual concern as they continued sailing.

“Hmm… It does seem like they are preparing a fleet.”

When passing through important ports like Gallipoli, they could see Ottoman ships being serviced with the Ottoman flag.

If not due to damage to their fleet, it meant they were preparing for potential major activities ahead.

Moreover, seeing the carts constantly bringing in lumber at the shipyard indicated that they were busy constructing new ships.

Watching the Empire channel all its energy into preparing the fleet made the future seem even more daunting, and this sentiment peaked when they arrived at the capital only to be met with cold indifference.

“Your Majesty, this is the result after long discussions.”

As the envoy looked at the paper in Yusuf’s hand, they gulped.

In uncertainty with France potentially invading, the envoy had put in great effort to form a peace treaty and had to make significant concessions.

The terms were undoubtedly unfavorable for Charles V, but they were in a position where even that would fall apart if the opposing parties rejected them outright.

“As a price for not participating in this war and establishing a peace treaty, 150,000 ducats.”

It was abnormal that the previous Pope, Leo X, had frivolously squandered over one million ducats each year, yet even 150,000 ducats was a considerable sum.

Venice paid 8,000 ducats annually to the Ottomans for the safety of Cyprus.

Of course, for the Ottomans, who held the golden goose called the canal, having extra income wasn’t a priority.

“Surely you know that Algiers, occupied by the Barbarossa brothers, belongs to the Empire?”

“Of course.”

“The pirates, using Algiers as a base, aren’t subjects of the Empire, so I have no intention of stopping their activities. Are you aware of this as well?”

It was well-known that the Barbary Pirates essentially operated under Ottoman command, yet Yusuf made it clear that the pirates were not to be considered in this peace treaty.

The envoy, in response to Yusuf’s question, weakly replied, “I am aware.”

While the pirates, feeling secure in their base, would become more rampant, that would still pale in comparison to the damages incurred should the Ottomans join the fray.

It was a sacrifice for the greater good, and while Yusuf assessed the remaining matters, he nodded.

“This is sufficient.”

It wouldn’t disrupt the promised piracy activities with France, and it wouldn’t pose problems with trade with France and Venice.

Asking for this price instead of forming peace was an acceptable deal.

Seeing the envoy’s face brighten after waiting with bated breath for a response, Yusuf returned the paper to the Grand Vizier.

“Let’s clarify any ambiguous parts before proceeding.”

“I will carry out your command.”

Watching the envoy take his leave, Yusuf twisted his lips into a smirk.

The first transaction was carried out splendidly.

*

“You had quite the journey.”

The Hungarian king, Ruyos II, in his early twenties, welcomed the envoy from France, who paid polite respects.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I am Jean de La Forêt.”

“Pleasure to meet you.”

Exchanging greetings with Jean, Ruyos, sinking deep into his throne, asked, “So what brings you all the way here? France hasn’t had much connection with us lately, especially during times like these.”

Ruyos had deep ties with the House of Habsburg, which was at odds with France.

Given that the late king had conceived Ruyos when he was fifty-one, Ruyos ascended to the throne at eleven, heavily influenced by the Habsburgs.

His wife was Maria, sister to Charles V, and his sister married Ferdinand, who was Charles’s younger brother.

For Ruyos, the visit from the French envoy in this situation was quite unexpected, and to this inquiry, Jean wore a gentle expression.

“I’ve heard that the Ottoman Empire is pressing for you to become a vassal state.”

A look of displeasure arose on Ruyos’s face.

“That’s correct. They’ve uttered the nonsensical demand that I should become a vassal and pay tribute! I’ve heard they’ve been mingling well with those infidels lately; are you here to deliver the same message?!”

No matter how powerful the Ottomans were, accepting to become a de facto puppet state was unacceptable.

As Ruyos glared, Jean shook his head slightly.

“Not at all. How could I dare to say such things to the king?”

“Then what brings you here?”

With his anger somewhat subsiding, he asked, and Jean replied with a smile.

“I’ve come to advise against following the Ottomans’ intentions. We are aware of Hungary’s significance. Behind Hungary not only lies the House of Habsburg, but France also stands with it.”

“What exactly do you mean by that?”

“I mean if Hungary is in danger, we too would face difficulties. Should the Ottomans invade Hungary, we would stop the war and offer our help.”

Ruyos appeared taken aback by such statements, his eyes widening.

He had thought that France and Venice were close to an alliance with the Ottomans.

To Ruyos’s silent questioning, Jean leisurely answered.

“We are aligning with the Ottomans as needed, but we are not forgetting their essence as infidels.”

“True. They are truly barbaric!”

“Thus, I came to reassure you that there’s no need to worry excessively.”

At Jean’s words, Ruyos stood up and firmly grasped his hand.

“I am very grateful!”

“There’s no need to thank me. I’ll make a brief stop at the Ottoman Empire to deliver a warning before returning home…”

With Jean trailing off, Ruyos nodded.

“I understand that those infidels are unlikely to heed a warning.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Following that, in a lively atmosphere, Jean engaged in conversation with Ruyos before saying his goodbyes.

“I shall take my leave now. I must hurry back to my homeland via Constantinople.”

“Still, since you’ve come all this way, wouldn’t it be better to stay a few more days?”

“I appreciate the hospitality, but the situation at home isn’t good, so I have no time to spare.”

“Hmmm, then it can’t be helped. Thank you for coming.”

“It was an honor to meet you as well. May you find peace in the Lord.”

With a wide smile, Jean bid farewell.

*

“You did well. I was worried it might be an unreasonable request.”

“Not at all. The offer made by His Majesty was not bad for us either.”

Jean smiled.

While the Ottomans’ lack of participation as allies was disappointing, simply having them attack Hungary was helpful.

Hungary was pro-Habsburg, and since Charles V was also the Duke of the Duchy of Austria next to Hungary, no matter how the peace treaty was formed, it would still be a concern.

If Austria fell, the next target would be the Holy Roman Empire as well.

“However, isn’t it burdensome to manage both sending a fleet to the East and invading Hungary at the same time?”

“Are you worried about the empire?”

“If that sounded presumptuous, I apologize, Your Majesty.”

At Jean’s apology, Yusuf took a sip of coffee and waved his hand.

“It’s fine. It’s natural to worry. Hmm, it won’t be easy, but isn’t it possible to at least capture Nadorpherhervar?”

Nadorpherhervar, meaning ‘the white citadel of the Bulgars’ in Hungarian, is the city known in Serbian as Belgrade.

This city had once been the site of a devastating defeat for Yusuf’s grandfather, Mehmet II, who had attempted to commit suicide after being defeated by the Hungarian general Hunyadi János.

Knowing how much the Ottomans yearned for this city, Jean nodded in agreement.

“You should be able to capture that place.”

“Yes, I should be able to capture that location.”

As Yusuf sipped his coffee, he concealed a smile on his lips.

Not realizing the many meanings behind the smile, he spoke to Jean with a warm face.

“I will reduce the price we should receive for the cannons in line with our agreement. Please convey appreciation to your king for this matter.”

“Is there any question about that?”

Both exchanged smiles as they looked at each other.

The second deal was struck.

After the French envoy returned, Yusuf sent his own envoy to make Hungary a vassal state.

*

“Interesting.”

Watching his envoy, who had only regained his senses, Yusuf smiled.

It was a thick smile smelling of blood.