더 멀리(2)

With a complicated expression, Yusuf leaned back in his chair, watching Dragut exit the audience room.

He must be deep in thought.

Although no Ottoman ships have ever set foot in the New World, the discovery of the New World has caught the attention of the Ottomans as well.

This interest has been passed down since the reign of the former Padishah, Bayezid II, and many exploration records created by the West have already accumulated.

“But relying solely on records to navigate would be too risky.”

The conditions of the inland Mediterranean Sea and the outer Atlantic Ocean are completely different.

Unlike the Mediterranean, where supplies can be easily managed and the waters are relatively calm, the Atlantic requires lengthy navigation over vast open sea, and the waters are much harsher.

Moreover, the ships must be sailing ships; for the current Barbary Pirates operating galleys manned by slave rowers, it would not only be unfamiliar but they would also have to build the very foundations for it.

This isn’t something to be tackled with half-hearted determination, so he has no choice but to depart with a heavy heart.

“Padishah, can you share your reasoning for selecting this author?”

“You find that puzzling.”

Shemshy nodded.

“If he promised support with sailing ships, it must be something of great concern, but I wonder if he can play such a role.”

“As you said, it’s an important matter.”

Although the existence of Yusuf has changed many things in history, some things must flow as history has dictated.

For instance, the conquistadors who ventured into America even before he ascended as Padishah.

The conquistadors refer to the Spanish conquerors who invaded the New World.

“By now, it is highly likely that the Incas have been conquered.”

While not a true prophet, like some Osmanlı people hold him in reverence, he cannot be sure about events happening in distant South America.

Considering the Spaniards’ greed and the Incas’ military power, which remains at the bronze age level, conquest is merely a matter of time.

This means that the influx of silver and gold from the New World is increasing.

Signs of it have already begun to show.

“In the recent peace negotiations, Carlos paid a staggering sum of 500,000 ducats right away. He insisted he couldn’t pay in installments, but paying that amount immediately means he has access to that sort of capital.”

“Wouldn’t it be because he feared war with the Empire?”

“That might be true, but considering his financial resources, it’s puzzling.”

Kings and nobles of this era aren’t all that wealthy, and Carlos has been waging frequent wars, which has left the national finances weak.

Considering the events that occurred, such as not being able to properly compensate mercenaries after the plunder of Rome, it’s worth pondering the source of that fortune.

Shemshy understood Yusuf’s implication just from this.

“I’ve heard news that gold and silver are coming in from the New World, but is it in quantities that would concern the Padishah?”

“Yes, the returns on previous investments are starting to come in.”

This indicates that the price revolution is about to kick into full gear.

The price revolution refers to the event where, from the late 15th century to the first half of the 17th century, the prices in Western Europe increased sixfold over 150 years.

It’s a type of inflation, at a rate of about 1-1.5% per year.

‘It’s not a huge figure by modern standards, but in the 16th century, which had never experienced inflation, it was an immense shock.’

This price revolution was driven by the vast amounts of gold and silver flowing in from Spanish colonies, and the inflation resulting from it had already taken considerable effect.

As gold and silver continue to be available, one can’t just sit back and watch, can they?

Yusuf smirked mischievously.

“If only Carlos benefits from it, isn’t that unfair? While we can’t intervene immediately, we should at least charge a toll.”

“Do as the Padishah wishes.”

Shemshy, who was already accustomed to outsourcing to pirates, reacted nonchalantly.

Whether Carlos was bothered by pirates chasing down to the New World or not, it was of no concern to them.

But there’s so much piled up that it’s hard to focus right now.

Seeing Shemshy’s lackluster reaction, Yusuf rested his chin on his hand.

“In the end, whether through the conquistadors or pirates, gold and silver will come from the New World, and that’s the problem.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that prices could rise. Especially concerning us. Don’t you think?”

Shemshy nodded with a serious face.

It wasn’t the time to worry about price revolutions in Western Europe. The signs of rising prices in the Ottoman Empire were concerning enough.

“I intended to report that very thing. Since the Padishah ascended the throne, prices have risen by over half.”

“What’s the main reason?”

“The Empire is emerging as the center of trade, absorbing the wealth of surrounding nations too quickly.”

As Shemshy said, the trade imbalance was severe.

In Europe, they buy goods coming from the East – including spices – at high prices, whereas the Ottomans had no particular goods to import from Europe.

“Additionally, the rapid population increase is also a problem.”

As the nation grows wealthy, birth rates rise, and with the improvements in hygiene and medicine that Yusuf paid great attention to since his prince days, the death rate has declined.

With more people needing food and shelter, it is only natural that prices would skyrocket.

“We can only hope for fertilization from the Sahara to address the food problem.”

“So far, it looks promising in the regions we’re testing.”

But simply having excess fertilizer doesn’t mean they’re good; they needed to study the effectiveness of phosphorite fertilizer.

Nonetheless, the immediate assessments are good, so an increase in food production can be anticipated.

“Even with improved food production, we can’t prevent price rises. What we need to do is minimize the damage caused by that.”

“Do you have any ideas?”

“When prices rise, the ones who suffer most are the poor. We need to start slowly developing plans to support them.”

Hiring many people to carry out large-scale development or refining systems for relief for the poor would be necessary.

While not everyone could become rich, creating an environment where hardworking people can survive was vital.

Even this alone isn’t easy.

“There’s less than ten years left until you and I retire. We should be anxious, but let’s prepare one step at a time.”

It was aimed at Shemshy, but it was also a reminder to himself.

As the promised fifteen years approached, he felt more pressured, thinking there was too much to do.

“But that can’t happen.”

In the short term, it might be better not to abdicate and to continue ruling the Empire, but in the long run, it wouldn’t benefit the Empire at all.

Quickly shaking off the sudden surge of greed, Yusuf said, “Let’s get back to the beginning. Why did you choose Dragut?”

“That’s right.”

“He has the skills for it. The worry is that he lacks the experience to match.”

There were many shortcomings for trusting him completely, but they had prepared a way to resolve that.

“By now, you must have met him.”

Yusuf wore a playful smile.

*

“Brother.”

“Barbarossa!”

As Uruji approached, his magnificent red beard flowing, Dragut’s face brightened.

Before being assigned to the Eastern Fleet, they had been together, and for Dragut, Uruji was both protector and close friend.

After joyfully shaking hands, Uruji glanced around.

The recently returned sailing ships were docked for repairs, and the sounds of hammering and craftsmen moving materials filled the air.

An unavoidable sight of interest as a crew member, but Dragut didn’t know why Uruji called him here.

“I received word that you arrived in the capital at the Padishah’s summons. What was the reason?”

After casually exchanging pleasantries, Dragut responded with complicated feelings.

“The Padishah was inquiring whether you had any plans to lead the Barbary Pirates to the New World.”

“That’s not an easy issue.”

As a fellow sailor, he understood how difficult the decision was.

“I’m sure it would be my first time operating a sailing ship, so I was unable to give the Padishah an immediate answer.”

“You did well. The Padishah dislikes casual answers. A sailing ship. Follow me.”

Uruji led Dragut to a ship that was docked.

This ship had spent nearly six years alongside him in the East, and as Uruji stepped onto the deck, he smiled slightly.

Since it hadn’t been properly repaired yet, signs of its past wear were still easily seen.

“Operating a sailing ship is vastly different from rowing a galley with slaves as you might think. The priority will be recruiting sailors with sailing ship experience.”

“I think I could ask the Padishah for help.”

“And if we go to the New World, returning home is unlikely, so it’s important to keep the sailors’ complaints under control.”

This was something he felt deeply while with the Eastern Fleet, but going to the much harsher environment of the New World necessitated even more caution.

“We will need to establish new regulations.”

“Indeed. It would be problematic to apply the previous regulations as they were.”

The more he listened to Uruji, the more Dragut felt the weight of the task ahead.

Just getting to the New World was one thing, but he had to build a base in the place where the enemy Spain had already set foot.

“It’s a good opportunity, but honestly, I keep thinking it might be better to give up. The Padishah said not to worry if he gives up, so I can decide comfortably.”

Hearing Dragut, Uruji’s head tilted slightly.

At least the Padishah he knew wouldn’t show that kind of reaction.

If he faced him directly, it meant that he had deemed him a capable talent, and such talents wouldn’t simply be let go.

‘Unless he intended to work him to the bone until he died.’

If he had threatened that he’d regret giving up, then he could understand.

‘But it hasn’t been long since I last saw the Padishah, so he shouldn’t have changed.’

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have seen the appearance of the officials wandering around, looking haggard from too much coffee.

No matter how he thought about it, Uruji found it puzzling and asked Dragut, “Did the Padishah say anything else?”

“Well, I told him that if I give up, I’d leave it to the commanders who came from the Eastern Fleet. Surely, an experienced person could carry out commands better, right?”

After hearing Dragut’s words, Uruji’s eyes widened.

“Brother!”

Grabbing both of Dragut’s shoulders, Uruji said in a firm voice.

“You must report immediately to the Padishah that you will do it!”

“No, but…”

“Right now!”

With an attitude that looked like he might throw him off the ship if he disagreed, Dragut hastily nodded his head.

Relaxing slightly, Uruji patted his shoulder with a bright face.

“You’ve thought well. It would be a shame to let such a great opportunity slip by. Have you heard the rumor? A ship laden with riches is said to be coming from the New World.”

“I have heard that.”

“Even after deducting what the Padishah is owed, the amount you will receive will be tremendous. With that money, building an even larger fleet is no longer just a dream.”

A prospect that every captain dreams of had Dragut’s face brightening.

“Moreover, the Padishah will ensure rewards based on performance. If all goes well, you could be appointed as Sanjakbey, even from Beylerbey.”

“Beylerbey.”

“Equivalent to your brother’s position. I see it as a wholly attainable goal. Plus, the captains of the Eastern Fleet will give their full support to ensure you fulfill your duties excellently.”

“Will it be alright? I understood everyone was on holiday.”

“They’d gladly help you, so don’t worry. It’s work that the Padishah requested.”

Uruji practically pushed Dragut into the Topkapi Palace and rushed about.

An emergency was declared for the captains who returned from the East that day.

If they couldn’t properly groom Dragut, someone would be dragged off to the New World.

*

Telling him to seek advice from Uruji had some effect.

The captains voluntarily began to put their heads together during their vacation for Dragut’s sake.

‘With experienced captains in long-distance sailing, there’s not really much to worry about.’

Thinking this, Yusuf unfolded a thick letter that had arrived for him.

“Mustafa, you’ve been elusive, so what have you been up to? I’m not sure.”

As his actions during that time might be in this letter, Yusuf opened it with curiosity.

Beginning with a simple greeting, the contents of the letter showed just why he had been elusive.

-We encountered great storms while exchanging with countries near Malacca that have become part of the Empire. The waves and winds were so fierce that we couldn’t even turn northward.

At that point, avoiding shipwreck felt like a miracle, but he wasn’t very worried.

The fact that a letter had arrived meant they were now in a safe place.

‘Lucky, indeed.’

With a light laugh, Yusuf continued reading the letter.

-Upon reaching the first island, it was a desolate wasteland of sand. The crew suggested returning, but due to my stubbornness, I pressed on eastward.

-And unlike the desert, land suitable for habitation appeared, and I was able to meet the indigenous people living there. They were folks living by hunting and gathering.

Nothing unusual in that content.

Though Indonesia has prospered through trade with India and China, given the vast number of islands in the area, it wouldn’t be surprising if there were indigenous people making their living through hunting and gathering.

-I built a friendship with the indigenous people, who brought interesting animals. One that is muscular and hops on two legs with a pouch on its belly for carrying its young…

“Wait…?”

Kangaroo…?