Became The Sultan Of The Ottoman Empire [EN]: Chapter 158

Became the Sultan of Osman – Episode 158

Dangerous Deal (2)

Even in modern times, with ships far sturdier than wooden vessels, maritime accidents are common, making navigation inherently risky.

Naturally, undertaking long voyages with weaker wooden ships required thorough preparation, and Yusuf ordered the navy to reduce its activities and focus on ship maintenance.

Of course, there was no guarantee that the envoy sent to the Ming Dynasty would secure an entry permit.

‘In any case, the permit is merely to add legitimacy.’

The conservative Ming court would hardly comply simply because a local official issued a permit.

The permit was a bonus if obtained, but not essential, and it wasn’t a factor that would reverse the decision to send the fleet to the Ming Dynasty.

Since the voyage was confirmed, Yusuf had already ordered preparations for sending the fleet.

“But the West misunderstood this, didn’t they? Things are turning out interestingly.”

“Indeed, Padishah [Sultan],” the Grand Vizier, Dukaginzade Ahmed Pasha, agreed.

No matter how hard they tried to conceal it, it was impossible to hide movements like large-scale fleet maintenance, and all the major countries were aware.

The problem wasn’t the awareness, but the interpretation.

“They think we’re allied with France and Venice and plan to burn Italy to the ground.”

The delusion that the Ottomans would conquer all of Europe had a long history of over half a century.

Having indulged in this delusion for so long, it was akin to a chronic disease, and the Papal States, with this disease deeply rooted, were already raising their voices for a crusade against the Ottomans.

“It’s not surprising they misunderstand.”

“Indeed. Relations with those two countries haven’t been good lately, have they? The activity of the Barbary pirates has also increased, so it’s understandable they would make such a judgment.”

“The fact that only high-ranking officials within the empire know about the plan to send the fleet to the Ming Dynasty is another reason.”

There was no benefit to spreading rumors about the navy’s distant voyage, so it was considered a military secret.

Yusuf continued coldly.

“If someone had accurately grasped the facts, there would have been some blood spilled at the execution ground.”

Because that would mean someone had recklessly leaked the secret.

Of course, such a thing didn’t happen now. The Ottomans weren’t a lenient state where a loose-lipped person could rise to a high position without losing their head.

Yusuf aimed a polished gun at the sky.

“Now that it’s come to this, how about actually participating in a war?”

“Padishah.”

At the call of the chamberlain, Ali Pasha, Yusuf smiled lightly.

“Just kidding. Prematurely participating could lead to more losses than gains.”

“That is a wise decision.”

Even if they won, they would likely only make a treaty within reasonable limits, and even if they occupied Italian territory, it would be a rebellious land full of infidels.

Since it wasn’t connected by land, acquiring land with a high risk of rebellion would only be a burden.

Moreover, until France and the Habsburgs finished sorting out their ranks, the Italian Peninsula was a hotbed where war could break out at any moment.

Reaching out for something to pick up could result in getting burned.

“Hmm, but since we’ve been misunderstood, it’s a shame to let it pass.”

Yusuf snapped his fingers and quickly turned his mind.

Pondering what choice would be most beneficial, Yusuf raised the corners of his mouth.

“Wasn’t Carlos supposed to send an envoy to me?”

“Yes, he is. He will try to confirm the truth of the rumors and, if possible, even conclude a peace treaty.”

Concluding a peace treaty wasn’t bad.

Given the situation, they wouldn’t propose it empty-handed, so they could gain some extra income and minimize the risks arising from the navy’s absence.

‘But it’s a shame to be satisfied with just this.’

It was a plan made on the spot, so he couldn’t be sure of its success, but there was nothing to lose if it failed.

“Was the last time I personally went to war after conquering the Mamluks? I’ve been lazy for too long.”

Since conquering the Mamluks, he had rarely ventured outside the capital.

For a Padishah, even going outside the city walls was a big deal, and it was due to the policy of focusing on the sea.

Considering the widespread infamy in Europe, he had been quietly living for a long time.

The courtiers, sensing the scent of blood in Yusuf’s words, held their breath.

“I should send envoys to France and Hungary. It might be nice to go on an outing for the first time in a while.”

Yusuf leisurely rose from his seat.

***

The envoy sent to the Ottomans by order of Charles V realized that the task was becoming increasingly difficult as he approached his destination.

“I’ve heard that piracy is rampant, but I didn’t know it was this bad.”

He had heard stories of severe piracy in southern Italy, but seeing it firsthand was different.

The envoy, turning his head at the faint sound of cannon fire in the distance, could see a ship being attacked by pirates.

“What should we do?”

“We must help. What else can we do?”

Following orders, they turned the ship to assist, but the pirates also spotted them.

The pirates, stopping their looting midway, sank the ship and fled, and the envoy only managed to rescue a few survivors floating on the sea.

The envoy, who had been worried about pirates, realized that pirates weren’t the only problem as he continued his voyage.

“Hmm… They certainly seem to be preparing a fleet.”

Passing by major ports like Gallipoli, he could glimpse ships flying the Ottoman flag being maintained.

Unless the ships had been damaged all at once, it meant they were preparing for a major operation.

Moreover, seeing carts loaded with timber continuously entering the shipyards, he indirectly knew that shipbuilding was in full swing.

Seeing the empire preparing its fleet with all its might made him feel even more hopeless about the future, and this feeling reached its peak when he arrived in the capital and received a cold reception.

“Padishah, these are the conditions that have been agreed upon after long negotiations.”

The envoy swallowed hard as he looked at the paper in Yusuf’s hand.

To conclude a peace treaty in a situation where France might invade at any moment, the envoy had made great efforts and had to concede many points.

It was clearly a disadvantageous condition for Charles V, but even this could be nullified if the other party refused.

“150,000 ducats [historical European currency] as the price for not participating in this war and concluding a peace treaty.”

In the first place, Pope Leo X, who had squandered over 1 million ducats annually, was abnormal, and 150,000 ducats was still a large sum.

Venice paid 8,000 ducats annually to the Ottomans for the safety of the island of Cyprus.

Of course, for the Ottomans, who held the golden goose of the canal, supplementary income wasn’t important.

“You are aware that Algiers, occupied by the Barbarossa brothers, is within the territory of the empire, aren’t you?”

“Of course.”

“The pirates based in Algiers are not affiliated with the empire, so we have no intention of stopping their activities. Are you also aware of this?”

It was a well-known fact that the Barbary pirates were virtually under Ottoman command, but Yusuf made it clear that pirates were not relevant to this peace treaty.

At Yusuf’s question, the envoy answered weakly.

“I am aware.”

The pirates, with their base secured, would become even more rampant, but it was nothing compared to the damage caused by Ottoman participation in the war.

It was a small sacrifice for the greater good, and Yusuf nodded as he examined the remaining items.

“This is enough.”

There would be no disruption to the pirate activities promised to France, and there were no problems with trade with France and Venice.

This level of compensation was acceptable in exchange for making peace.

The envoy’s face, who had been anxiously awaiting the answer, brightened, and Yusuf returned the paper to the Grand Vizier.

“Review the ambiguous parts once more and proceed.”

“I shall carry out your command.”

Watching the envoy take his leave, Yusuf twisted his lips.

The first deal was a great success.

***

“You’ve had a long journey.”

The King of Hungary, Louis II, who was barely twenty years old and still had a youthful air, greeted him warmly, and the French envoy bowed respectfully to Louis.

“It is an honor to meet you. My name is Jean de La Forêt.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

After exchanging greetings with Jean, Louis sank deeply into his throne and asked.

“So, what brings you here? France and Hungary haven’t had much connection until now. Especially in times like these.”

Louis had deep ties with the Habsburg family, which France was hostile to.

His late father had Louis late in life at the age of 51, so he ascended the throne of Hungary at the age of 11 and was strongly influenced by the Habsburg family.

His wife was Maria, the sister of Charles V, and his sister was married to Charles’s younger brother, Ferdinand.

For Louis, the visit of the French envoy was very unexpected in the current situation, and Jean had a gentle expression at this question.

“I heard that the Ottoman Empire is pressuring you to become a vassal state.”

Displeasure appeared on Louis’s face.

“That’s right. They uttered the outrageous demand to become a vassal state and pay tribute! I heard you’ve been getting along well with those infidels lately, did you come to say the same thing?!”

No matter how strong the Ottoman’s power was, he couldn’t accept virtually becoming a tributary state.

As Louis glared, Jean shook his head slightly.

“No, I would never say such a thing to Your Majesty.”

“Then what did you come for?”

Asked in a voice that had become less angry, Jean said with a smiling face.

“I came to advise you not to follow the Ottoman’s wishes. We also know the importance of Hungary very well. Behind Hungary, there is not only the Habsburg family, but also France.”

“What exactly does that mean?”

“It means that we would be in trouble if Hungary were in danger. So much so that we would stop the war and be willing to help if the Ottomans invaded Hungary.”

Louis’s eyes widened as if he never expected to hear such words.

Because France and Venice were considered to be close allies of the Ottomans.

As Louis looked at him with a silent question, Jean answered leisurely.

“We are working with the Ottomans as needed, but we have not forgotten that their essence is infidel.”

“That’s right. They are very barbaric people!”

“So, I came to tell you that you don’t have to worry too much.”

At Jean’s words, Louis rose from his seat and grabbed his hand tightly.

“Thank you very much!”

“There is no need to say that. Before returning to my country, I will visit the Ottoman Empire once to warn them, but…”

At Jean’s words, who trailed off, Louis nodded.

“I know that those infidels are unlikely to listen to the warning properly.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Afterwards, Jean, who had been talking with Louis in a friendly atmosphere, said goodbye.

“I will leave now. I think I should hurry on my way to return to my country via Constantinople [modern-day Istanbul].”

“You came all this way, why don’t you stay a few more days?”

“Thank you for your kindness, but the situation in my country is not good, so I don’t have the time.”

“Hmm, then I can’t help it. Thank you for coming.”

“It was an honor to meet you too. May you be at peace in the Lord.”

Jean greeted him with a deep smile.

***

“You did well. I wondered if it was an unreasonable request.”

“No, the proposal given by Padishah was not bad for us either.”

Jean smiled.

It was a pity that the Ottomans were not participating as allies, but it was helpful just to have them attack Hungary.

Hungary was a pro-Habsburg kingdom, and Charles V was also the Archduke of Austria, which was next to Hungary, so no matter how much he made a peace treaty, he would be concerned.

If Austria was breached, the next would be the Holy Roman Empire.

“But, wouldn’t it be burdensome to send the fleet to the East and invade Hungary at the same time?”

“Are you worried about the empire?”

“I apologize if it sounded presumptuous, Padishah.”

Yusuf, who took a sip of coffee at Jean’s apology, waved his hand.

“It’s okay. You can worry. Hmm, it won’t be easy, but I think we can occupy Nándorfehérvár [Belgrade].”

Nándorfehérvár, which means ‘White Fortress of the Bulgarians’ in Hungarian, is a city called Belgrade in Serbian.

It was also a city that inflicted a painful defeat on Yusuf’s grandfather, Mehmed II, who attempted suicide by poisoning himself after being defeated by the Hungarian general, John Hunyadi.

Jean, who knew that the Ottomans had a deep grudge against the city, agreed.

“You will be able to occupy that place.”

“Yes, we will be able to occupy that place.”

Yusuf drank his coffee and hid a smile on his lips.

Yusuf said with a smiling face to Jean, who did not see the smile with many meanings.

“I will write off some of the amount you have to receive for the cannon price as promised. Tell your king that I am grateful for this.”

“Is there any doubt?”

The two smiled at each other.

The second deal was made.

After the French envoy returned, Yusuf sent an envoy to make Hungary a vassal state.

***

“Interesting.”