Became The Sultan Of The Ottoman Empire [EN]: Chapter 163

I Came to Say Hello (1)

The throne room of Buda Castle.

Seated on the throne that once belonged to Lajos II, now deceased and in his coffin, Yusuf spread out a map.

While the butterfly effect suggests that small changes can create wondrous differences, sometimes, no matter how significant the alteration, the outcome remains stubbornly the same.

This Hungarian war was one of those instances.

Nobles prioritizing their own interests and a king entrusting his country’s safety to the Habsburgs, even when the nation teetered on the brink of disaster.

Despite numerous historical examples of disastrous defeats against the Ottomans on the plains, they persisted in leading with cavalry, demonstrating a severe lack of judgment.

The changes Yusuf implemented proved insufficient to alter this deeply ingrained predicament, and events unfolded along a similar path to the Battle of Mohács, Hungary’s greatest historical catastrophe.

Thanks to that, they achieved a great victory, but what truly mattered was what came next.

“Mehmet, Murat. What decisions must we make immediately?”

Murat hesitated, but Mehmet responded promptly.

“What to gain and what to relinquish.”

“Indeed, Lajos is dead, but we cannot seize all of his territory. How shall we divide it?”

“First, we must abandon the Kingdom of Bohemia.”

The Kingdom of Bohemia corresponds to the modern-day Czech Republic, with Prague as its capital.

Like Hungary, Bohemia suffered from weak royal authority, with powerful nobles who disregarded the king and reintroduced serfdom, which had previously been abolished.

“You are correct; relinquishing Bohemia is the prudent course. Even if we were to seize it, maintaining control would be exceedingly difficult.”

Bohemia shares a more extensive border with Poland and the Holy Roman Empire than with Hungary.

Compared to the land we would gain, the border would become excessively long and difficult to defend, and the Bohemian nobles would be troublesome, making the territory a constant source of unrest.

“Furthermore, expanding our territory too rapidly would inevitably lead to complications. We lack trustworthy allies, do we not?”

“That is also correct. France and Venice could become enemies at any moment.”

The saying that ‘the nail that sticks out gets hammered down’ also applies to international relations.

They may be warring amongst themselves now, but it would not be surprising if they were to unite and attack the Ottomans at any time.

Yusuf, who had been studying the map intently, reached a decision.

“The news of Hungary’s defeat and Lajos II’s death must be spreading rapidly. Dispatch envoys to Bohemia, Poland, and Venice.”

“Are you contemplating allowing them to interfere in the current situation?”

“Precisely.”

As soon as Lajos died, those two countries quickly sought the protection of the Habsburgs.

Was it not galling to witness the Habsburgs, who had not even participated in the fighting, growing stronger?

“Inform Sigismund of Poland that we have no intention of claiming Bohemia, and assure the Bohemian Parliament that we have no intention of invading and that we will sign a peace treaty in exchange for appropriate compensation.”

Originally, the Bohemian Parliament would swiftly pass the throne to Ferdinand, Lajos’s brother-in-law, who was acting as the representative of the Holy Roman Empire.

The sense of crisis regarding the Ottomans has grown in Eastern Europe, but if they sign a peace treaty with the Ottomans, the Bohemian Parliament will carefully decide on a king.

And if Poland also covets Bohemia, Ferdinand’s ascension to the throne will be sluggish.

“Tell the Doge [chief magistrate] of Venice to act if he desires the coast of Croatia.”

Venice, with its covetous eyes on coastal territories, would surely seize the opportunity.

It would be advantageous to cede a portion of the Croatian coast in exchange for fostering discontent among the Habsburgs, who also coveted Croatia.

Of course, we would demand a separate price for relinquishing the coastal land.

“Move swiftly, before the beasts that have been eyeing the opportunity freely devour the prey we have caught.”

“Yes, my Pasha.”

Those who received the orders quickly dispersed, and Yusuf turned his gaze away from the map.

Once this expansion is complete, the Ottoman territory in Europe alone will dwarf most other countries.

‘This measure may only be a temporary fix.’

The growth of the Ottomans has been virtually neglected because they are preoccupied with the Italian Wars, but if the Ottoman growth continues to be evident, there is a high possibility that a great war will break out with Europe.

If such a risk exists, would it not be wiser to refrain from occupying Hungary in the first place?

“War will erupt eventually, even if we remain stationary.”

Even Christian countries, whose kings are intricately connected by blood, perpetually engage in conflict with one another, so there is no reason to believe they will maintain lasting peace with the Ottomans.

If we are destined to fight someday, it is better to maximize our size and widen the gap as quickly as possible.

By occupying Hungary this time, we have secured the forest-rich Balkans and Carpathian Mountains, resolving the increasingly critical timber shortage to some extent.

‘There is only one path to ensuring the Ottomans’ long-term security.’

To introduce as many actors onto the stage as possible to create a balance of power.

Yusuf gazed at the wider world that lay beyond the confines of the map.

***

The history of Hungary’s conflicts with the Ottomans stretches back to the time of Yusuf’s great-grandfather, Murad II.

The fall of Hungary, which had served as a crucial buffer for the Ottomans for a century, felt all the more sudden.

After confirming the facts and dispelling any rumors, the fear of the Ottomans gripped Europe, and the Ottoman Empire moved with even greater speed.

“Hmm, is a peace treaty truly possible?”

“There are no falsehoods in the Pasha’s words.”

Charles I, Duke of Münsterberg, a feudal principality of Bohemia, regarded the visiting envoy.

The envoy had arrived while they were attempting to elect a new king, following the death of Lajos II, before the Ottomans launched their attack.

The turbaned man stood casually in the parliament, where all the prominent nobles of Bohemia had gathered.

“It is difficult to believe.”

Charles replied tersely, and the envoy’s lips curled into a smile.

“You simply do not wish to believe it.”

“What?!”

“I have heard that the Duke supports Ferdinand of the Holy Roman Empire, claiming that he is the most suitable individual to halt our empire.”

At the envoy’s words, Charles glared and scanned the room.

The fact that the envoy possessed knowledge of the discussions within the parliament implied that someone among those present had divulged information.

Facing Charles, who was attempting to identify the traitor, the envoy spoke softly.

“I fail to comprehend why you wear such a harsh expression. Is it not permissible to hold differing opinions regarding the future of the kingdom?”

“…Who divulged that information?”

Charles took a step backward.

Regardless of the extent of his power, he could not suppress all those gathered there.

“The Empire offers counsel for the peaceful future of the Kingdom of Bohemia. Should someone like Ferdinand ascend to the throne, the situation may deviate significantly from the present.”

“Ahem, that is indeed true.”

Murmurs of agreement arose from various corners of the room.

It would be a stark contrast to the days when the nobles controlled the country as they pleased, with the king serving merely as a figurehead for affixing seals.

As the nobles exchanged tempting glances, Charles frowned, feigning displeasure.

“Who murdered our king, yet we speak of the kingdom’s peace? It is a mockery.”

“Do you truly believe that? Who would slay the envoy of the Empire and ignite a war? Was it not someone who fled alone and drowned?”

The Bohemian nobles were rendered speechless on this point.

They had installed a king who was easy to manipulate, but he failed even to fulfill the role of a scarecrow, and he had the audacity to behead the envoy.

Moreover, he was not murdered but drowned while fleeing, leaving them with nothing to say.

“Do not forget that it is a great act of grace from the Pasha that he did not tear the body apart and sent it here intact.”

“Are you making light of the situation?”

“Does it make sense to kill the envoy of the Empire? If you truly believe so, then kill me as well.”

If they were to kill the envoy of the Ottoman Empire, who had even brought a peace treaty, they knew what would follow without needing to see it firsthand.

The Ottoman envoy, averting his gaze from Charles, who was seething with anger, smiled.

“Then, let us discuss the peace treaty.”

The envoy, having ignited the spark as instructed by Yusuf, smiled.

Contrary to the nobles’ anxieties, the terms of the peace treaty were not severe, focusing on tax benefits for Ottoman merchants and facilitating human and material exchanges.

In fact, the conditions were so lenient that Bohemia, as the defeated party, questioned whether they were genuine, and the peace treaty progressed smoothly.

Unlike Bohemia, which was fortunate enough to alleviate its fears of the Ottomans, Croatia was not so fortunate.

The Ottomans, having conserved manpower and resources during the capture of Belgrade and the Battle of Mohács, concentrated their firepower on Croatia.

Before Ferdinand’s document claiming the right to inherit the throne following Lajos II reached Croatia, the Ottoman army, spearheaded by 500 cannons, advanced rapidly.

They resisted valiantly, but the Venetian navy, which had a secret agreement with the Ottomans, attacked the Croatian coast, leading to a swift collapse.

Yusuf, having received all this news at Buda Castle, turned his attention to the individual he had summoned from the capital.

“Kasim.”

“Yes, my Pasha.”

At Yusuf’s summons, Kasim bowed gracefully.

“Were you disappointed that I have not appointed you as a Sanjakbey [governor of a district] until now?”

It was now 1527, and Kasim was born in 1511, making him 17 years old in Ottoman terms.

For an Ottoman prince, it was unusually late to become a Sanjakbey.

So much so that rumors circulated that Kasim had fallen out of Yusuf’s favor.

“No, how could I be dissatisfied with the Pasha’s decision?”

“You remain skilled at flattery. That implies you thoroughly enjoyed your time in the capital.”

“Hahaha, I apologize.”

Kasim, assessing the situation, quickly sought forgiveness.

Kasim had a colorful history in the capital, having narrowly avoided significant trouble on more than one occasion after seducing the daughters of high-ranking officials.

“Enough. It is futile to reprimand you now, and you have maintained a semblance of restraint.”

It was fortunate that he had avoided physical contact; otherwise, he would have been the first of his children to be assassinated.

“Kasim, I am considering appointing you as the Sanjakbey of Buda.”

“…That is a significant responsibility.”

Vienna, situated near Buda, was one of the core cities of the Holy Roman Empire.

“You will be required to interact with Western countries here. You may travel to Vienna and engage in the social activities at which you excel. However, you could face death.”

“I am aware.”

“Even if you are taken prisoner, the Empire will not sacrifice itself to secure your release.”

“I am also aware of that.”

Kasim raised his head and met Yusuf’s gaze with sunken eyes.

He did not perceive him as ruthless. If he were a father who prioritized the safety of the empire above all else, he would have acted in that manner.

“Instead, regardless of what befalls you, I will undoubtedly avenge you.”

Kasim, meeting Yusuf’s eyes, which conveyed both warmth and ferocity, lowered his head.

“That is sufficient.”

“Good. From this moment forward, you are the Sanjakbey of Buda.”

At Yusuf’s declaration, Kasim rose from his seat.

He would be stationed on the most perilous front line of the empire, but it was not necessarily a disadvantage.

‘To live, one must take risks.’

Kasim, having been active in social circles frequented by individuals with dark intentions, possessed a thorough understanding of his family.

His father, as well as his brothers, were not the type to eliminate someone who was difficult to replace simply because they posed a threat.

‘They might overwork me to death.’

Kasim pondered this and resolved to persevere.

Just as Yusuf and Kasim’s conversation was drawing to a close, a voice echoed from outside.

“My Pasha, an envoy has arrived from Venice.”

“Admit him.”

Giovanni, a familiar figure, entered at Yusuf’s command.

“It has been some time.”

“It seems more honorable to meet you in a new location.”

“Indeed. Do you find the land you have occupied to your liking?”

Venice, having lent its support and acquired a portion of the Croatian coast, and Giovanni bowed his head.

“The Doge conveyed his gratitude for your consideration of our country.”

“Of course, it is not without cost.”

“I am aware.”

Similar to the island of Cyprus, they would be required to pay a small sum in ducats [gold coins] annually, but it was a worthwhile transaction even if they had to bear the expense.

The ensuing conversation revolved around reaffirming the friendship between the two countries.

Giovanni, speaking in a cordial tone, remarked as if he had just recalled something.

“My Pasha, have you heard the rumor?”

“What are you referring to?”

“They claim to have located the Portuguese Governor of India, whom the Pasha was pursuing, in the New World.”

“…What?”

Yusuf wore a perplexed expression, wondering why he would be there.

“They claim to be uncertain as to how they reached the New World. They say they drifted north along the island and somehow arrived in the New World.”

Is it possible to reach the New World by drifting?

Yusuf wore a dumbfounded expression.

The sea currents that flow back and forth between Malacca and Mexico would soon be discovered based on the original history, but sailing along the Kuril Islands was a much later development.

If they had entered the Bering Sea, it would not be surprising if they had been shipwrecked rather than drifting.

In fact, as Yusuf wondered if the governor’s luck was exceptionally high, he heard more peculiar information.

“And they arrived in Zipangu [Japan], where they exchanged weapons and food with the pirates there.”

Yusuf frowned at the mention of exchanging weapons with the Wokou [Japanese pirates] in Zipangu, which corresponds to Japan.

He had dispatched a fleet to Ming China, but something seemed to be amiss.

***

“D, Dear!”

“What is the matter!”

The official in charge of the port frowned at his subordinate, who was creating a commotion.

“D, Do you not recall the foreign fleet that we permitted to enter the port last time? The one flying the red flag.”

“Um… yes, I remember that.”

He remembered it because he had clearly expressed his sincerity [bribe].

“That fleet appears to be approaching!”

“If they are coming, they are coming. What is all the fuss about?”

The official, who had been scoffing, dropped the fan he was holding upon hearing the following words.

“T, They say there are more than eighty ships! A fleet is heading this way!”

“W, What?! They claimed it was a fleet coming to say hello!”

The official felt his legs buckle beneath him at the prospect of the fiery Ottoman greeting.