I Became the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire

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Moving Princes (1)

If one is the ruler of a country, they have their own chessboard, and its size is limited by the world they perceive.

Typically, the size correlates with the area of the country they rule. The larger the nation, the wider their field of vision must be.

‘In this regard, the existence of the Chinese emperor is unique.’

Despite establishing a vast empire, the world they perceive is confined to their own land, which they refer to as the “world.”

Whether this is arrogance, believing that the world itself is perfect, or due to the surrounding wolves eyeing the empire, it’s unclear, but the barriers they constructed are thicker than one might think.

Pioneering the New World requires resolute perseverance across generations along with bold investment, but it’s clear such a venture isn’t in their nature.

‘Even if the imperial family wants to push forward, there are countless ways to compel them to give up.’

When each chessboard overlaps, the victor is the one who gazes at a broader world, and in that sense, failure is not an option.

Yusuf unfurled the map he had drawn himself.

“This will surely remain as an OOPArts for future generations.”

OOPArts, a map worthy of being evaluated as an out-of-place artifact.

The map, drawn while sifting through memories, even depicted Antarctica, an area unknown to the people of this era.

It was a map he would never spread unless he was alone, and he had no intention of showing it to anyone.

‘Especially not to Mustafa.’

He was more of a fool than a son, so who knows if he might consider crawling all the way to Antarctica.

Anyway, in the course of real history, the country that viewed the world most expansively during this era would be Spain.

They pioneered the New World, completed a circumnavigation with Magellan’s fleet, and discovered the Pacific route, connecting America and the Philippines.

A nation that encompasses the entire globe was born.

“From now on, that position belongs to the Ottoman Empire. The stage is set; all that’s left is for me to pull the strings as I desire.”

As he folded the map that depicted all the continents, Yusuf’s eyes sparkled.

Seeing the end of the stage he had crafted would become the goal of his life.

*

After several meetings and learning various things, the envoy returned to his homeland.

Having already swept through the pirates and opened trade with the Ming Dynasty, there was no longer any reason to send an Eastern fleet, so they boarded a trade ship bound for Ming Dynasty instead.

Though it was a trade ship, it was an Ottoman vessel that pirates would dare not approach, and with five ships moving together, there was no reason to worry about safety.

After the envoys departed, the specially trained Dragut also left for Algiers with four sailing ships.

On this typical day, a ship docked at Constantinople, bustling with many vessels passing through.

“It’s been a while. I wonder how Hasna and Orhan are doing?”

The sun-tanned Mustafa smiled cheerfully.

There was no need to worry about his father, Yusuf. If there had been even a minor problem with his health, the empire would have been in an uproar.

‘To be urged to become a Padishah by such a person.’

It was almost disqualified talk for a prince, but he had no confidence.

Even if he became a Padishah, he would be crushed under the massive shadow left by his father.

The most pragmatic personality, his brother Kasim, probably harbored similar thoughts.

Since he had not come to the capital due to succession issues anyway, Mustafa let his thoughts out.

“Armen Pashinyan.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Mustafa asked Armen, the Armenian merchant and a key figure running the Eastern trade company.

“I hear there are many soldiers from the Eastern fleet being discharged these days?”

“Well, it seems they made a significant profit, right? Many will probably pay off their remaining service with money.”

“Keep a close eye on those discharging this time. I’m sure there will be those who squander that wealth and have to become sailors again.”

It was common to see people obtaining unbearable wealth only to fall into ruin.

Whether through gambling or fraud, crew members who ended up wasting their money and returned to work were a useful labor force in and of themselves.

Nearly six years of experience living in harsh environments was not something easily obtainable.

At Mustafa’s directive, Armen’s eyes lit up as he nodded.

“I’ll see to it.”

While giving instructions to Armen, the ship arrived in the capital, and Mustafa set foot in the capital after a long time.

While he regretted that the envoy from the East had already left, he was already preoccupied with new places and didn’t give it much thought as he moved along.

Entering the very heart of Topkapi Palace, where only a handful of individuals within the empire could enter, Mustafa stepped into the room where Yusuf awaited.

“I greet His Great Padishah.”

“Welcome, Mustafa.”

Feeling the warmth hidden beneath Yusuf’s indifferent tone, Mustafa offered his greetings and smiled brightly.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen Hasna and Orhan.”

The fair-skinned Hasna smiled gently, and the still young Orhan buried his face in the “lion” of a strange older brother.

Enjoying the reunion with Orhan, who was peeking curiously with a mix of curiosity and unfamiliarity, Mustafa turned to Yusuf.

“I was surprised when father suddenly summoned me to the capital. Was it indeed regarding the letter I sent recently?”

“Is that the only reason I would call you? Prior to that letter, there hadn’t been proper communication from you.”

At Yusuf’s remark, Mustafa awkwardly laughed.

The reason for the communication breakdown was due to a storm, but bringing that up here would only earn him scorn.

“Have you developed an interest in that island?”

“You seem to have a considerable interest too.”

Mustafa agreed with Yusuf, who read his intentions in an instant.

“Yes, on the way back, when I asked the nearby islanders, they only knew it as a desolate and large island.”

“Would those struggling for their daily bread dare to take risks to explore? It’s something only reckless people like you would do.”

Mustafa had no retort for this part.

It was fortunate that they had discovered a land where people could live; if things had gone wrong, it would likely have ended in dying of thirst in a desert.

The sailors had proceeded with exploration several times relying solely on their instincts, and it could not be said that it was commendable.

Seeing Mustafa close his mouth and gauge the atmosphere, Yusuf relaxed his gaze.

“It seems you realize what mistakes have been made, so I won’t press further. Mustafa, don’t put too much trust in your instincts. You only have one life, and a single failure could cost you that life.”

It was a necessary admonition for Mustafa.

There are those who are uncommonly favored by luck, and such people often become overreliant on their fortune, leading to their downfall.

The reason why Yusuf, who had better luck than Mustafa, does not engage in risky behavior relies on that.

Hearing words akin to a prophecy, Mustafa felt a chill and bowed his head.

“I will never forget it.”

“I trust you will. Now, speak properly about the island you discovered.”

“Understood.”

At Yusuf’s command, Mustafa began to convey what he had seen with words.

The story that came forth was vivid as he shared it with good eloquence, and as he finished, Orhan’s eyes sparkled, and he began to wiggle his hands.

After finishing the story and quenching his dry throat with a drink, Mustafa asked Orhan.

“Did you find it interesting?”

“…Yes, so much so that I want to write about it immediately.”

“Is it because you resemble my mother that you have quite the knack for writing?”

If Suleiman, who had transformed the mass of characters written by Hirem into something legible, heard, he would surely want to spit blood, but it was true that Orhan had talent.

Unlike back then, Hirem, who learned writing properly, was the best writer among many concubines.

“More importantly, Mustafa, I have something to order you.”

“Please, speak.”

At the mention of a command, Mustafa straightened up.

For any ordinary command, a letter would suffice, but being summoned all the way to the capital indicated an important mission.

“I wish to claim the island you discovered as part of the empire’s territory, and I intend to entrust that task to you.”

“Is that island worth such value?”

So far, what he knew was just that the northern part of the island was so desolate no one could live there, and that there were natives living in the eastern part.

Aside from the fact that unfamiliar animals he had never seen lived there, it was hardly a place worth much attention.

In response to Mustafa’s question, Yusuf twisted his mouth.

“You, who have enjoyed treasure hunts since childhood, would surely feel its value, wouldn’t you?”

“…It’s only a feeling at this point.”

“I’m saying I will invest to identify the essence of that feeling. Would claiming such an island be burdensome for the empire?”

Given the current strength of the Ottoman Empire, even if things went awry, it would only result in a small blemish.

As Mustafa’s expression darkened, Yusuf dispelled his misunderstanding.

“Don’t worry. I have no intention of lowering the empire’s prestige to the level of the vile beings on the Iberian Peninsula. My plan is to integrate it into the empire by incorporating the natives.”

“Thank you, Your Padishah.”

Hearing he wouldn’t have to strike a knife to the approaching natives made Mustafa’s face light up.

Of course, many natives would die, but for the Ottoman, it was an approach as indulgent as possible.

At least as long as they didn’t resist by force, there was no intention of oppression.

“Support will be provided adequately, so make sure to do well. Don’t forget the time I’ve given you over the past fifteen years.”

“…Understood.”

If he wanted to live, he needed to create a solid domain before the new Padishah ascended.

Recalling the burdens borne by all princes, Mustafa bowed his head.

Just as the atmosphere grew heavy in an instant, Hasna opened her mouth to lighten it.

“By the way, it’s funny thinking about raising offspring in the pockets of the ship. I wonder what they’d look like.”

-Growl?

The lion, who seemed uneasy about Hasna paying attention to other animals, let out a low growl.

“I’ll make it so that if you can’t go, I’ll bring one back to the capital next time I go to the island.”

At the mention of bringing a kangaroo, Yusuf frowned.

“Enough. The animal smell from that cat is sufficient.”

-Growl?!

“What are you looking at?”

Seeing the lion lowering its head, Yusuf scoffed.

Soon, he would have to drop the name Hasan.

*

Yusuf gazed at the coffee cup.

As people began to drink more, coffee also evolved.

It was coffee brewed using linen fabric called amapor as a filter, eliminating the longstanding issue of coffee grounds clinging to one’s beard that existed in traditional Turkish coffee.

“It’s not bad.”

“Every time such changes occur, I’m reminded of how long I’ve spent in the East.”

“That’s no small amount of time.”

In response to Suleiman’s words, Yusuf asked him.

“Have you grasped the changes in the circumstances during your time away?”

“With the help of the Padishah and other officials, it was not difficult.”

Six years was a long time in the dynamic empire.

Not only territorial and policy changes but also, compared to when he initially left, far too much had changed in the surrounding situations, requiring significant effort to comprehend.

As Suleiman answered, Yusuf smirked mischievously.

“I suppose officials in need of more hands were eager to assist.”

“Having spent a long time in administration, I found it best to help before someone collapses.”

Yusuf redirected the conversation after hearing the wisdom of life reflected in Suleiman’s reply.

“More importantly, are you truly unwilling to consider having children?”

“Even if I were to have children, wouldn’t it be a burden on the princes? I’m fine with it.”

Though Suleiman had been stripped of the title of “Shehzade,” which signifies royal blood, he was still a member of royalty.

Once born, there’s no escaping the bonds of naming, and Yusuf clicked his tongue at Suleiman’s reply.

“If that’s all it takes to feel burdened, I wouldn’t pass this position on to you. Fine, who could persuade you to change your mind?”

As Yusuf leaned back in his chair, a faint smile graced Suleiman’s face.

“Suleiman, it’s time for someone to take over this position.”

“…Is that so?”

Though he responded casually, Suleiman’s voice trembled slightly.

The last image of Selim, who willingly offered his neck to save him, flashed before his eyes.

“No matter what anyone says, succession wars are tragedies for the empire, but human greed is unending, so it’s foolish to think one can completely sever those bonds.”

The bloody conflict over the position of power would surely erupt again someday.

It was a position that sweetly beckoned.

“Nevertheless, I do not wish to witness that scene again.”

“Surely the Padishah’s will shall be fulfilled.”

Having directly experienced the civil war where over one hundred thousand soldiers clashed within the Ottoman Empire,

Having been the one to take the life of a brother merely due to the need to survive, and one who lost a father in that process;

Their thoughts were aligned.

“I have given commands to Mustafa. The remaining ones are Mehmed, Murad, and Kasim.”

Whether they were princes sincerely wanting to be Padishah or secretly ready to give up,

The commands have already been set. The orders given will become the foundation of the empire and the lifeline for the princes.

Yusuf opened his eyes coldly.