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Crossing Strategies (1)

With the onset of the Age of Discovery, civilizations previously unknown or limited to restricted trade began to connect, marking the true beginning of world history.

This was the era of great ships sailing the vast seas, and an inseparable element of this time was the pirates.

In particular, privateers, sanctioned by their nations, wielded significant influence that could not be underestimated.

For instance, Francis Drake, who defeated Spain’s Invincible Armada despite being outnumbered, made England rise like the sun as a privateer captain.

‘The two Barbary Corsairs before me are not unlike Drake.’

They were figures active not just as pirates but also as naval admirals.

Mentioning plunder, Yusuf chuckled at the two silent brothers.

“Isn’t it only natural to discuss plunder when pirates are summoned?”

“That is true.”

Taking a deep breath to prepare himself, Uruji stated firmly, “Though my homeland is the Empire, I do not serve as a subject of the Empire.”

“Is it because of the Hafsid dynasty?”

“Indeed.”

The Hafsid dynasty ruled over North Africa and was a primary patron of the Barbary pirates.

As a Barbary pirate, Uruji had struck a deal to give one-third of the spoils to the Sultan of the Hafsid dynasty in exchange for using Tunis strategically.

Yusuf waved his hand dismissively.

“Would I have called you here if I didn’t know that?”

While the Ottomans became the primary benefactor of the Barbary pirates by conquering all Islamic powers surrounding the Mediterranean, they still remained just one of the sponsoring states.

Rather, as the Eastern Roman Empire fell and trade in the Eastern Mediterranean dwindled, pirate activities began shifting toward Spain and Africa, diluting Ottoman influence.

“It doesn’t matter. Do not equate my Ottoman Empire with the incompetent Hafsid dynasty that relies on your income.”

“And if I do?”

“It is enough to gain strategic advantages and abduct useful talents.”

The Hafsid dynasty? It’s merely a place that is turning a blind eye to the Mamluks’ conquest as they get devoured by the Ottomans.

The wealth piled up by the pirates could be seized then, and for now, the Barbary pirates rampaging was sufficient.

“Uruji, you have grown under the support of my brother Korkut, have you not?”

“…That is correct.”

Korkut became the Sanjakbey of the inland Chorum, and fearing that flames from the companionship with him might scorch him, Uruji fled to North Africa.

With Yusuf mentioning his already deceased brother, Uruji gazed at him with a tense expression.

A mere word from the Padishah could send a lowly pirate captain to the embrace of Allah at any moment.

However, immediately following, a conversation emerged that rendered Uruji’s worries trivial.

“Though he left this world innocently, I trust in the vision of my brother Korkut. He must have provided you ample support because your abilities are remarkable.”

“I have received excessive favor.”

“Do not overthink it. Just think of it as a bond with your brother. Consider it a chance to relive the time you spent together.”

Yusuf, speaking lightly as if to play a trick, maintained a soft tone while Uruji, unaware of the truth, lowered his head in gratitude.

“I will act according to the Padishah’s wishes.”

“Well thought out. Uruji, I will lend you ships and harbors. Go wild as you wish.”

“Thank you, Padishah.”

The Barbary pirates could choose any place as a target for plunder.

They could raid Italy, bathing in Papal influence, or predominantly confront Spain, which would become a formidable enemy until the 16th century.

‘Or they could attack Venice, with which they have signed a peace treaty.‘

Isn’t the true reason for outsourcing the ability to pull their leg at any time?

Keeping the West from turning its gaze toward this side until the Safavids and Mamluks were conquered was the goal.

Achieving that would be more than enough to justify the food expenses.

“And Kemal Reis.”

“Yes, my Padishah.”

“Do not feel too put out.”

Budgets and resources are not unlimited.

It meant that the support for the navy diminished as much as support for the pirates increased.

Realizing this thought had shown on his face, Kemal quickly knelt.

“I apologize, my Padishah!”

“No, it’s fine. It’s only natural for someone leading the military to react this way. I do not intend to blame you.”

“Thank you for your mercy.”

“You shall go find Suleiman Pasha and someone named Tahir. They will more than compensate for your grievances.”

Light artillery was more useful at sea than on land, and Kemal Reis would surely understand its value.

Hopeful because of Yusuf’s words, Kemal bowed deeply.

Once Yusuf returned to his room after leaving three behind, he gazed at the map pinned against the wall.

“Two Barbary Corsairs.”

His meddling had twisted the destiny of Baba Uruji.

He was the one who seized Algiers, rose to become the Sultan, and then, fearing the invasion from Spain, became a vassal of Selim while taking on the governorship of Algiers.

Though he fell in battle shortly after becoming governor while fighting the Spanish army, he was the one who laid the groundwork for his brother Hacir’s infamous reputation.

‘Without him, there would have been no Hayreddin, the Grand Admiral of the Ottoman navy.’

While the illustrious reputation of history made Uruji’s brother Hacir seem more compelling, Uruji was also a capable individual.

At a minimum, he should be regarded as a talent on the level of an Ottoman admiral, and it made one curious what kind of results could emerge when receiving bold assistance.

“Then, should I see some skills?”

During the time when the Barbary pirates absorbed the expelled Jews and Muslims from Spain, their notoriety steadily grew.

The activities of the Barbary could lead to the creation of a pirate state in all of North Africa.

Of course, it might be too bitter for those being hunted.

“That’s none of my concern.”

Yusuf chuckled playfully.

It was a decision that left the Mediterranean trembling under the infamous name of Barbary.

*

Stepping into the harem for the first time, Hirem’s eyes widened.

Although Hirem was born the daughter of an Orthodox priest and received many educations, she wasn’t used to a lavish lifestyle.

The women in flowing Turkish dresses were so stunning that it was hard to look away even for another woman, and their flirtatious laughter filled the air.

The fragrant aromas of expensive perfumes and scented candles brushed by, and the jewelry adorning the women was enough that taking just some would free one from worries about living.

It was the first harem scene she had ever seen, and with a slightly dazed face, Hirem had to recognize the hidden aspects behind the glamour.

“These are the new women entering the harem this time.”

The head female attendant guiding the women into the harem had an overbearing posture, and Fatima surveyed the women with a glance.

Disinterested, Fatima turned her head and said, “Assign each of them a caliph.”

“Yes, valide hatun.”

“And have them teach the language first. The education is entirely in your hands.”

“Understood.”

With Fatima’s command, harsh training commenced.

Women who couldn’t even use the Ottoman Turkish properly, let alone etiquette, had to learn the language while being whipped in agony.

Those who stumbled over words as they were perfectly whipped increased, and from then on, they had to learn court etiquette.

Thanks to the education that took root in their bodies, days passed without them noticing how time flowed, and during that time, a strange rumor circulated among the women.

“They say the reason for the grueling training is that it’s because of a rude child before the Padishah?”

“I hear the caliphs are biting their teeth upon hearing that rumor.”

As this rumor spread, the women in the same situation turned their heads toward Hirem.

As Hirem, already mentally and physically drained from the harsh training, tormented and looked down upon by the other harem women, what remained was only poison.

Hirem, spitting venom like a porcupine with her sharp ire, sought revenge on the women.

It didn’t take long for Hirem to be dragged before Fatima due to the daily uproars.

“Valide Hatun, this child is Alexandra, who has continuously caused turmoil in the harem.”

As the Padishah’s green eyes scanned her, Hirem froze up.

Fatima, observing Hirem, turned to the caliphs managing the education.

“What do you wish to do?”

“Since she has caused chaos in the harem, I believe she should be expelled. I fear she might harm the Padishah.”

The harem was a place to train women to obey the Sultan, and rebellious women were not the kind of ladies sought after in the harem.

Acknowledging the reasonable assertion from the caliph, Fatima looked down upon Hirem and said, “Alexandra, do you understand what will happen if you are expelled from the harem?”

“… No.”

“If you’re lucky, you might become a gift for the attendant, or if you’re unfortunate, you could end up in the arms of a different man every day.”

At only ten years old, Hirem trembled at this statement.

Having witnessed her family gruesomely killed before her eyes and dragged into slavery, she didn’t wish to spend the end of her life in such a manner.

While fear enveloped her momentarily, Fatima gazed at her and extended her hand.

“I will grant you one more chance. Serve me.”

“Valide Hatun!”

The caliphs hastily exclaimed, and Fatima waved her hand.

“Enough. Aren’t you still a child? If I grant you one more chance, surely Allah will also be pleased.”

“I understand. Alexandra, quickly express your gratitude!”

“Th-thank you, Valide Hatun.”

Fatima smiled gently at Hirem, who awkwardly displayed the etiquette she had learned, and spoke to the caliphs.

“Take her and teach her the etiquette step by step.”

“Understood.”

As Hirem and the caliphs withdrew, Fatima, left alone, wiped the kind smile off her face.

“Why do you think the Padishah took an interest in you?”

With that one reason alone, Fatima had moved the harem and stopped tapping her fingers on the table.

“I will know if I keep an eye on you since I guided you according to my plans.”

Hirem had taken her first step into the jungle-like life of the harem.

*

Sitting in a lavish bedroom, Ismail stroked the hair of the woman beside him.

“Tazlu.”

“… Yes, Your Highness.”

Tazlu was called into the bedroom for the first time since being kidnapped by Yusuf, who had now become Padishah, and replied softly.

Her heart raced violently.

It wasn’t just because it had been a long time since she had been called by Ismail.

The touch of the hand brushing through her hair carried a coldness more than affection, and his soft voice felt like a serpent coiling around her body.

“My beautiful lady, it has been quite a while, hasn’t it?”

“Yes.”

The hands that started at her hair brazenly began to explore her body, yet Tazlu felt more fear than shame.

The way he had held her then was so different from how he held her now.

“It’s been a long time, so are you too nervous?”

“Not at all.”

“Really?”

As Ismail lifted Tazlu’s chin with his hand and locked eyes with her, he asked, “Then it must be because of the rats you are being helped by?”

At his abrupt voice, Tazlu’s eyes shook violently.

Ismail’s face twisted into a fierce expression as he looked at Tazlu, whose heart seemed to stop in fear.

“Why did you do that? Did you think I wouldn’t know? I, who is favored by Allah!”

“I-I’m sorry!”

Tazlu trembled and immediately lowered herself before Ismail.

Looking down at her with cold eyes, Ismail firmly pressed her head down.

“Do not worry; I will not kill you. However, you will never escape this room while you live.”

“Your Highness!”

Despite Tazlu’s desperate cry, Ismail left the room without hesitation, shutting the door tightly behind him.

Late at night, torches flickered in Tabriz.

They were set to eliminate the rats that had witnessed the envoys from Venice.