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Perfect Justification (1)

No matter how exceptional a person may be, there are limits to what they can accomplish alone.

This becomes especially clear when managing a country. Running even a small shop is difficult alone, let alone a nation.

Ultimately, it means you have to trust others to handle things, but sometimes, there are those who betray that trust.

“The Sanjakbey of Selanik has accepted bribes from Jewish merchants,” they said.

Selanik is the Ottoman pronunciation of Thessaloniki in Greece.

Geographically, it was a major harbor into the Balkan Peninsula and has long been considered an important trade hub.

“Were there many Jews in Selanik?”

“Indeed. Over half of the city’s population of more than 30,000 is Jewish.”

There were more Jews than Greeks in Greece because Jews expelled from Spain settled there. This was a policy deliberately enacted by the Empire to reduce Greek influence.

“That’s a lot. I suppose the Sanjakbey took his share then.”

“What will you do?”

“As long as it’s not excessive, I can turn a blind eye to accepting under-the-table payments. Providing convenience in return is also acceptable.”

It’s not that I tolerate it because of some excuse like, “Fish can’t survive in too clear water.”

You can’t completely stop practices that have continued as customs; monitoring corruption, punishing officials caught in corruption, and replacing them with new ones require massive human and material resources.

However, there is a limit to what’s acceptable.

“Going beyond providing convenience and obstructing other merchants is unacceptable.”

Delaying harbor permits and complicating customs procedures can be a significant blow to merchants.

The reporting official, Shomsi, asked, “How will you punish them?”

“Send them for trial. They will be punished according to past precedents.”

They will likely face property confiscation and forced labor. Instead of being tossed into a mine, they’ll be buried under piles of paperwork.

Perhaps anticipating this outcome, Shomsi lowered his head and cautiously opened his mouth.

“Your Majesty, are you just going to leave the Intelligence Agency as it is?”

“Didn’t they verify this incident as well?”

“Yes. I am not unaware of their efforts, but it’s true that the organization has grown too large.”

Though Shomsi was close with Hasan, the head of the Intelligence Agency, and was well aware of how effectively Yusuf utilized it, he voiced his concerns.

“I’m well aware that the members of the Intelligence Agency are completely loyal to you, Your Majesty. However, you may not have much time left. There’s a considerable chance they will become corrupted under a new master.”

“I understand your concerns. I’m aware of the risks as well.”

Even in our own history, there have been times when organizations similar to the CIA caused problems like unbridled colts.

Because they operate in the shadows, it’s easy for them to slip out of control.

“But hasn’t this always been the case? The Janissaries loyal to me could also become corrupted a hundred years from now. It could be even more dangerous than the Intelligence Agency’s corruption. Should we cut them down as well?”

Stagnation leads to decay. It’s a common saying for a reason. It signifies that there are numerous situations where this applies.

Yusuf leaned back slightly.

“If the blade gets dull, it must be sharpened. However, considering what lies ahead, it’s not something we should concern ourselves with now. Sharpening a blade that’s already dull will only weaken the edge. Isn’t that so?”

“…That’s true.”

“You too seem to be getting anxious about when it’s time to step down. Whether to create a counterbalancing group or split the organization is something for those who come after us to handle. It’s natural to worry, but you can’t keep protecting a child who must step out of the cradle forever.”

Of course, today’s decision could become a mistake in the distant future.

Just as Suleiman, known as the Greatest Emperor in history, is criticized for making mistakes that led to the decline of the Empire.

‘But that’s a conclusion reached only after the fact. If the issues are resolved by future generations, they wouldn’t be considered mistakes, would they?’

If problems arise, it’s because incompetent people are sitting in these positions who can’t even manage to sharpen their blades on time.

At the very least, I don’t intend to witness such a scene while I’m alive; as for the distant future, there’s nothing I can do.

Whether I die tangled in a revolution or not, who knows?

“All we can do is trust for now, just like we have with those facing punishment. Don’t worry too much. Unless you’re in a position where you can allow yourself to worry about that?”

“Even in jest, don’t say such things.”

Seeing Shomsi’s serious expression, Yusuf lightly chuckled and waved his finger over his empty coffee cup.

“By the way, I heard Mehmet brought the Duke of Moscow.”

“I’ve heard.”

“That was his choice.”

The current Duke of Moscow, Ivan IV, would later become the first Russian monarch known as Ivan the Terrible.

He was both a capable figure who laid the groundwork for the vast Russian Empire and one who displayed all sorts of madness.

“Do you not feel like it?”

“I do not feel like it. That’s not the point.”

Considering ability alone, he is a rare figure in this era. The issue is whether he can be controlled.

There are generally three reasons cited for the madness that led him to slaughter his own citizens.

Abuse suffered from nobles in his childhood, syphilis that reached his brain, and mercury poisoning.

Any one of these could drive someone insane, but having all three in one body makes it strange that he’s sane.

‘However, the possibility of it being his true nature cannot be excluded, and beyond that, the kidnapping carried more risk than benefit.’

Yusuf tapped the armrest with his fingers.

“I provided information that the young duke is being abused and left the choice up to him. If that were merely to gain a justification, there wouldn’t have been a need for the risk of kidnapping.”

“Just writing a letter asking for help would’ve given a justification for invasion.”

“True. Of course, if Ottomans invaded using that as a pretext, the remaining duke and his brother would face dire straits. They could even end up dead. However, beyond that, it’s not our concern.”

Though it was coldly calculated, it was fortunate that the kidnapping plan was successful; there was a significant chance it would fail.

In that case, Mehmet would have to start a war without justification and take responsibility for taking the difficult route.

“Mehmet surely knows the risks, and this decision doesn’t seem like something that child would normally make. It appears there has been a change of heart, which is interesting.”

Whether this change benefits the Empire remains to be seen.

Yusuf found it amusing that the son he thought he knew so well had changed.

*

Mehmet nonchalantly watched the two children hurriedly eating their meals.

He questioned whether these wash-and-dress-up kids were indeed the same beggar-like children who had come to him.

Perhaps a significant part of their newfound nobility came from their clean table manners despite their rushed eating.

‘It’s hard to believe they rummaged through garbage to eat rotten food.’

From the way they continued to shove food in their mouths, it did not seem to be a lie.

Once the children finished their meals, which had noticeably plumped them up compared to when he first met them, Mehmet turned to Ivan.

“Soon, it will begin, Duke.”

There was no need to explain what would begin.

After staring at Mehmet for a while, Ivan asked, “May I ask one thing?”

“What is it?”

“What’s the reason for treating us so well? Is it just for justification?”

The reason for fleeing with those of uncertain identity was the belief that anywhere would be better than hellish Moscow.

Though this thought was correct, the fact that they were treated better than expected weighed on him.

In response to Ivan’s question, Mehmet stroked his beard.

“Now that you mention it, it’s true that I don’t have to treat you especially well since you’re in my grasp. Whether I torture you or take your brother hostage, you would have to comply with my wishes.”

With his full belly, Yuli would’ve been furious if he heard those uncouth words.

Ivan narrowed his sharp eyes and asked, “But why?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure. Perhaps because you’re around the same age as my son in the capital. I just found myself caring.”

Such a surprisingly trivial reason took the tension off Ivan, allowing him to break into a weak smile.

“That’s the reason?”

“Did you think I had some special desire for you? While having pride is good, overestimating yourself is not.”

Had Yusuf not given any orders, Mehmet wouldn’t have even looked at the Duchy of Moscow; it holds little benefit for the Ottomans.

Hitting the nail on the head with reality, Ivan pouted his lips.

“Huh, I wonder how that kid born under a prince feels.”

“I’ll introduce you later. I think he’ll get along better with your brother than with you.”

At least, there wouldn’t be a chance of his eardrums hurting from continuous questioning.

Suppressing this thought, Mehmet allowed himself a grin, and Ivan looked slightly taken aback.

Though they had spent quite some time together, it was the first time he had seen him smile.

“Anyway, it will soon be time to depart. What will you do?”

“I want to follow, but I’m worried about Yuli.”

While he wished to witness the punishment of those who had insulted him and his brother firsthand, he couldn’t shake the concern of leaving his brother behind.

As Ivan hesitated to make a decision, a gentle female voice reached his ear.

“Don’t worry, just go.”

“Mother.”

The once-bright golden hair could not withstand the passage of time and had faded, and wrinkles faintly showed around her eyes revealed beyond the veil.

Yet, time, taking away her youthful beauty, had borne the fruit of dignity.

With her graceful movements that captured the atmosphere, Aishe reached out her hand to Yuli.

“Uwaah!”

Smiling brightly, she affectionately tousled Yuli’s hair as he hugged her legs, and then she waved at Ivan.

Aishe lightly patted Ivan’s back as he approached hesitantly.

Unlike Mehmet, who had learned Russian while governing the Donbas region, there was no communication with Aishe.

However, just as with Yuli, even Ivan relaxed and approached Aishe, who had deeply embedded herself in their hearts.

“Mehmet, I will take good care of Yuli, so don’t worry and go safely.”

Ivan nodded, belatedly catching Aishe’s indirect words.

If she would look after his brother, he could leave without worry.

“Prince, I will go with you.”

The moment the Ottoman Army gained a perfect justification.

*

Though the disappearance of the duke and his brother was a huge event, the subjects of Moscow had no idea of this fact.

The Eastern European noble class, the Boyars, concealed the truth.

Of course, it was not that rumors didn’t spread outside the palace; internally, the incident had completely turned things upside down.

“Is it not you, Andrei Shuisky, who killed the duke?!”

“What nonsense are you spouting?”

“If the duke’s bloodline is cut off, it is the Shuisky family that will inherit the title! I cannot help but suspect!”

“Belsky! Who drove the duke out of the castle to create this situation? Who’s babbling such nonsense?!”

Boyars raised their voices and clashed in the Duma, the council of the duchy.

They were Boyars engaged in a fierce power struggle where a moment’s carelessness could lead to death.

Due to the crisis, coming together was already a distant bridge behind them.

As the duke’s disappearance dragged on, the increasingly anxious Boyars grew so agitated that they nearly caused bloodshed again, and the one holding the most power, Shuisky, shouted.

“Enough! Enough! First, we must find the culprit! We must search for the duke!”

The Boyars, unaware that their loud arguments were mere escapism, fell into heavy silence in the Duma.

“First of all, the soldiers watching the duke are dead, and it is a fact that the duke has vanished. Alive or dead, he is not in Moscow.”

Not wanting to believe that any forces capable of kidnapping the duke could be in Moscow, they had become too complacent, but the force that acted was exceptionally cunning.

While they found traces of the duke sneaking out of Moscow, their skill in evading pursuit was nothing short of impressive.

‘Perhaps it isn’t the duchy’s forces after all.’

Shuisky didn’t let those doubts escape his lips. It felt as if speaking them would turn the worst-case scenario into reality.

“Soon, there will be an official event where we need to present the duke. We must find him by any means necessary, even if we have to seek help from other nobles.”

“That’s…”

“Don’t forget, we’re already in the worst-case scenario.”

Even if the Boyars had to let go of a little power they were clinging to, that was the best option.

While the Duma became tumultuous again as they exchanged opinions, the door burst open.

“We have located the duke!”

“Do you mean you found him?!”

The Boyars’ faces brightened upon hearing that they had found the duke, but it quickly turned dark.

“He is in the Ottoman Empire! And the duke reportedly asked for help, prompting the Ottomans to raise an army!”

“What?!”

For a duchy already struggling with the raids of the Crimean Khanate, the Ottoman attack was pure horror.

Yet, that was not the only bad news.

“Moreover, the Archbishop of Constantinople has sent letters to all the churches of the duchy.”

“Step aside!”

Grabbing the paper from the hurried messenger, Shuisky read it quickly.

-…Thus, the Lord has mercifully guided the hand of the Ottoman Empire, the protector of the Church, to the duke, who has suffered from all manner of Boyar misconduct. Faithful brothers, do not resist. This is an act of punishing the guilty. And the guilty should tremble. The day of justice for the duchy will soon come.

The villain wearing a mask of hypocrisy drove a knife into the heart of the duchy.