---

＃41화. 세력 싸움(1)

The transitory nature of a prince’s death in the Ottoman Empire can be understood by looking at the death of Şehzade Alemsah.

No one expresses sympathy, nor does anyone care about the cause of death.

Those who feel the succession struggle drawing closer openly said that it was fortunate there was one less prince.

“It means there’s no need to get too worked up over the attention we’re receiving right now.”

The return of the prince who had left to become a Sanjakbey at the Sultan’s summons was juicy gossip for the chattering elite.

In fact, Yusuf was a prince shrouded in mystery compared to others. Unlike other heirs, he hadn’t received any formal education, so there were few who had even seen his face.

The least noticeable prince had once caused quite a stir in the capital due to an assassination attempt, but after being appointed Sanjakbey, he began to stand out significantly.

Naturally, those visiting him needed to have emotions—curiosity, fondness, or even aversion.

“Are the last guests about to arrive?”

“Yes, they are.”

Even though only distinguished guests were permitted, he had been busily receiving visitors for days.

The visitors were diverse.

There were scholars who came to evaluate his knowledge, and doctors who visited due to the still-controversial inoculation method.

While he endured sweating questions aimed at finding flaws, those were not the toughest opponents.

“I never expected the Sheikh al-Islam to come directly.”

The Ottomans allowed their subjects of different religions to govern their religious communities, which was called millet.

They collected a tax called the jizya and guaranteed cultural and religious freedoms, but if rebellions or threats against the empire occurred, each religious leader would be held accountable.

The Sheikh al-Islam was the supreme leader of Muslims.

“To be honest, I was startled when he approached with a Quran, but I just hoped he’d leave with a good impression.”

Although he shouted about holy wars and Allah, it was a nerve-wracking time for Yusuf, who had little interest in Islam itself.

Given that the Sheikh al-Islam had no right to attend councils and could be dismissed at the Sultan’s whim, his power wasn’t colossal, but he would surely shape public opinion positively among Muslims.

Anyway, despite the flow of various guests, the one arriving now was someone he had directly invited.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I am Ahmed.”

“Glad to meet you.”

Yusuf welcomed Dukaginzade Ahmed.

Unlike the non-response of Koka Mustafa Pasha, who seemed uninterested in meetings, Ahmed had quickly come in response to the invitation.

He was well-built, evident even through his bulky clothing, with small scars on his face making him appear more rugged.

Although his face had a mix of likability and slight tension, he was just over thirty.

“To be fair, even if you come from a great noble family in Albania, you’re still trying to establish yourself in the Ottoman Empire, so it’s natural to feel tense.”

Originally, the family had split between those who submitted to the Ottomans and converted to Islam and those who fled to Venice.

They would later become a prominent family producing many Pashas within the Ottoman, but for now, they were just as good as outsiders.

Yusuf said with a gentle smile, “There’s no need to be too nervous. I’ve heard you’re a talented individual. Ah, you come from the Dukagin family? A prestigious lineage!”

“Now we’re just a humble family working under the empire.”

“There’s no need to belittle your lineage too much. I have no doubts about your family’s loyalty.”

At these words, Ahmed relaxed his stiff shoulders, and in a comfortable atmosphere, Yusuf was able to take the lead in conversation.

“It seems it’s about time for you to start operating as a Sanjakbey, don’t you think?”

“How could I covet such a position?”

Even though he said that, his face betrayed his desires.

To restore his wavering family, he needed to rise to a higher position.

“If you wish, I could recommend you to the Padishah.”

Ahmed’s eyes widened in surprise as he bowed deeply.

“If you could do that, I’d never forget your kindness.”

Yusuf nodded as if he believed those words.

“I’ll mention it to the Padishah. You’ll soon hear good news.”

“Thank you!”

With grateful words, Ahmed left, and Arda cautiously asked, “Do you really intend to recommend him as Sanjakbey?”

“No.”

The firm answer made Arda look surprised.

“What will you do if it ends up not working out?”

According to the future, he should become the Sanjakbey of Ankara next year.

Of course, as Arda pointed out, things had changed considerably because of him, so it was possible the Dukagin family might find it hard to claim the post.

“Well, then it can’t be helped. If someone isn’t capable enough to become a Sanjakbey on their own, they aren’t needed.”

It might sound cold, but there’s no need to worry about those who won’t be helpful.

“If it works out, they’ll think it’s thanks to me; if not, I’ll be blamed. That’s what you call a good-hearted lie,” Yusuf said brazenly.

*

If Yusuf were to pick the most important officials, he would mention Herzegovinian Ahmed Pasha, who had served as Grand Vizier before, and the current Grand Vizier, Halim Ali Pasha.

The two would take turns holding the Grand Vizier position in the future.

Ali Pasha had died while suppressing the Shakul Rebellion, so he only held the Grand Vizier position twice, while Ahmed Pasha had held it five times in total.

Of those, two times were during Selim’s reign, and he had died of natural causes, which was quite remarkable.

“It means he survived under Selim, who was harsh to his officials.”

Under Selim, even officials had a short lifespan.

Dukaginzade Ahmed, who had played a significant role in ascending to the Sultan’s seat, was executed by Selim out of suspicion of being involved in the Janissary Rebellion.

This alone showed he was no ordinary political figure.

“Why would such a man invite me?”

Yusuf’s attempt to approach Koka Mustafa Pasha was due to the belief that it would be hard to connect with players of greater power.

Since the Sultan hadn’t made a decision regarding the successor, even Mustafa was avoiding meetings.

In such circumstances, it was odd that Ahmed Pasha directly requested a meeting that could become a future obstacle.

“What will you do?”

“Well, I’m not sure.”

For now, he was someone who had been betrothed to Hundi, the younger brother of Ahmed, who was the most likely candidate for the next Sultan.

“Thinking about it this way makes it seem like he supports Ahmed, but that’s not necessarily important.”

If he had been a fervent supporter of Ahmed, he wouldn’t have survived Selim’s era.

The fact that Mustafa was executed for supporting Ahmed in the past showed that.

“Come to think of it, that’s a bit funny.”

Both Mustafa, who supported Ahmed, and Dukaginzade Ahmed, who supported Selim, were executed from the Grand Vizier position due to Selim’s suspicion.

Anyway, while the reason behind the invitation was unclear…

“Since it’s a direct invitation, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to go.”

One could only know what schemes were afoot by seeing them firsthand.

By Yusuf’s decision, Arda responded to the invitation, and Yusuf scheduled an appointment to move to his mansion.

Upon arriving at the mansion with his escort, Yusuf assessed it with a single word.

“Magnificent.”

It looked even larger than the palace assigned to him, giving an idea of the degree of his authority.

It wasn’t strange for someone to be wealthy.

The name Herzegovinian meant he was the son of a duke from the Kingdom of Bosnia.

As Yusuf dismounted, a servant bowed respectfully.

“Welcome, my lord is waiting for you.”

Just from seeing the servant bow without a hint of disorder, it was clear what kind of place this was.

Following the guide inside, Yusuf discovered that the interior was even more substantial than it appeared on the outside.

The guards were elite, and the slaves moving inside all had thorough etiquette training.

As he passed through the large mansion and approached the big door, the servant announced in a loud voice.

“Prince Yusuf has arrived.”

– Please welcome him.

With a gentle voice, the door opened, and Yusuf was faced with an elderly man sporting a kindly expression.

Though he wielded considerable power, there was not a hint of hesitation in his polite demeanor.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I am Ahmed Pasha.”

“It’s an honor to receive your invitation.”

“Please take a seat here.”

After exchanging casual greetings, Ahmed generously offered the highest seat to Yusuf without hesitation.

Seeing this, Yusuf was slightly surprised.

For someone who had once held the Grand Vizier title, there was no need to maintain such a humble posture towards a prince.

Even if he didn’t sit in the highest place, he would be right to offer a seat of equal standing.

“It’s fine, I’m here as a guest, so I’d like to converse face-to-face.”

“If that’s the case, then so be it.”

At those words, Ahmed chuckled lightly and sat across from Yusuf.

After a brief moment, light refreshments were served, and Ahmed opened the conversation first.

“Though it was a sudden invitation, thank you for accepting. I hope it doesn’t burden you?”

“Fortunately, there was nothing more important than your invitation. But can you enlighten me as to why you invited me?”

With Yusuf proposing not to waste time with idle talk, Ahmed readily agreed.

“Do you remember the conversation I had with Kandali Ibrahim Pasha in the past?”

Of course, he remembered.

He was the former Grand Vizier who had constantly grilled him when he aimed to head to Trabzon.

“Indeed. It was unfortunate to hear that he ventured into Allah’s embrace during the war with Venice.”

“Was it not Allah’s will? To be honest, I have been quite interested in the content of that discussion.”

The sensitive topics discussed, such as the likelihood of a Shiite-led kingdom appearing on White Sheep Dynasty territory and leading the Mamluks and Venice to dig a canal, were not public discussions due to its sensitive nature.

However, the one before him had been the one in the Grand Vizier position before Ibrahim Pasha, so he couldn’t possibly be unaware of that conversation.

“As you mentioned, seeing events unfold reaffirmed to me that Allah is watching over the Empire.”

“That is indeed a blessing.”

It was no wonder such words close to a confession of faith came out.

A prince who showcased miracles by saving his life with a few coins was demonstrating near-prophetic predictions.

Having said that, Ahmed scanned the surroundings before speaking.

“Can we talk privately from here on?”

Yusuf nodded at Arda, who silently asked what to do, and they were left alone in the spacious room.

Once finally alone as he wished, Ahmed continued.

“At my age, one contemplates the day of death. One ponders what Allah’s will may be.”

Even though he was still over a decade away from death, it was an age when one could die at any moment.

“In my humble view, Your Highness seems to be displaying the most fitting demeanor for Allah’s will, so I’d like to ask you a question.”

“Though I may not provide the answer you wish, go ahead.”

Ahmed, whose smile had faded, asked in a calm voice.

“Is your interest in the flint used to make gunpowder also part of Allah’s intention?”

Should I kill him right now?

Yusuf smiled slyly.