Became The Sultan Of The Ottoman Empire [EN]: Chapter 25

#25. Fluctuating Situation (1)

A time without epidemics is rare.

Among the ruling princes, some will inevitably succumb to epidemics. Therefore, it was prudent to be prepared for potential deaths at any time.

So, the first question was:

“What kind of epidemic is it?”

Even considering the most common ones, there were quite a few possibilities.

Even excluding diseases like cholera, which remained endemic and didn’t cause widespread alarm.

“Judging from the letter, with rashes and blisters as the primary symptoms, it appears to be smallpox.”

In Europe alone, smallpox claimed tens of thousands of lives annually. In historical dramas, outbreaks often depicted this disease.

Commonality doesn’t diminish its danger.

“What’s the likelihood of it spreading here?”

“They’re undoubtedly taking precautions there. If we carefully monitor those arriving from the Circassian side, we should be safe.”

It’s not that people of this era were unintelligent; medical science simply wasn’t as advanced as it is today.

Having battled numerous epidemics, they understood basic preventative measures like blockades, isolation, and burning infected individuals’ belongings. They even used masks that completely covered the face for those in close contact with patients.

Consequently, unless it was an extraordinary case like the Black Death [bubonic plague], outbreaks rarely spiraled out of control.

‘Is it fortunate that it’s not the Black Death?’

The Black Death of the 14th century was so infamous that it overshadowed other plagues, but even in the 21st century, people still die from it.

In this era without antibiotics, the Black Death was a swift path to the afterlife.

Yusuf, relieved it was smallpox, asked Shemsi.

“What do you believe is the cause of the epidemic, Pasha?”

While it might seem epidemics erupt randomly, large-scale outbreaks usually have underlying environmental factors.

“Could it be due to the chaotic situation in the north?”

“Is that so?”

The north was currently embroiled in a complex conflict involving the Kipchak Khanate, originating from the lands of Jochi, Genghis Khan’s eldest son; the Grand Duchy of Moscow, the precursor to Russia; and the Crimean Khanate, a constant raiding force.

Circassia was caught in the crossfire, like a passerby in a brawl.

With constant raids, there were ruined villages and unburied corpses.

It was hardly surprising that an epidemic would break out in such conditions.

While Yusuf and Shemsi were briefly exchanging information, Sinan arrived, having heard the news.

“You’ve heard about it?”

“I heard it’s smallpox.”

“If you’re already aware, there’s no need to elaborate. What’s the current status?”

Sinan replied with regret.

“We’ve located cowpox [a milder disease that provides immunity to smallpox] and isolated it, but we don’t have enough for widespread use yet.”

“Even if we artificially induce it in cows or horses?”

Sinan, who hadn’t considered this, hesitated before giving a negative answer.

“Even if we secure enough to inoculate that way, the problem is whether they’ll trust us when there aren’t any demonstrable results yet.”

Yusuf nodded, acknowledging Sinan’s valid point.

If they were suddenly presented with an unfamiliar method, they wouldn’t readily accept it.

They’d suspect trickery.

Even Sinan, who was implementing the process, had reservations, so expecting them to believe it was unrealistic.

“If a high-ranking individual vouched for us, perhaps, but that’s practically impossible.”

To inspire trust, Yusuf, Shemsi, or Fatima would have to go.

But that would take months, making it unfeasible for any of them.

Yusuf, after weighing the factors, made a decision.

“It’s unfortunate, but let’s not involve ourselves in this matter. Sinan, please collect as much cowpox as possible in case it spreads to us.”

“Understood.”

Both bowed in agreement with the rational decision.

It was an opportunity to forge a strong connection with Circassia, but there was no point dwelling on the impossible.

The matter, seemingly concluded, took a turn when Aisha visited late in the evening.

In just half a year, Aisha had changed significantly, much like Yusuf had matured.

She was transitioning from a girl to a woman, her beauty blossoming, and rumors circulated that the castle’s men were captivated by her.

If the prince, who firmly controlled Trabzon, wasn’t protecting her, many men would have pursued her.

“What brings you here when I didn’t summon you?”

“I heard about the Aderga’s [Circassian people] situation. Please send me.”

Yusuf frowned at Aisha’s words and waved his hand dismissively.

“It’s already settled. Go back.”

“Your Highness.”

Instead of leaving, Aisha stepped forward and met Yusuf’s gaze.

Her clear, shining green eyes conveyed a resolute will.

There was no time when the emotion detection trait was more bothersome than this.

“Alright, I’ll listen for now. What do you want to say?”

“I heard from Sinan that people who contract the disease from cow’s milk don’t get smallpox, correct? I had it two years ago.”

The discovery of the smallpox vaccination stemmed from the observation that women who milked cows were immune, so it wasn’t surprising that Aisha had immunity.

Before being enslaved, she likely performed such tasks.

“So?”

“That means I won’t get it even if I go.”

Like other vaccines, the effectiveness of the smallpox vaccination diminishes over time, but if it was only two years ago, the protection should be sufficient.

“It’s not something that’s been definitively confirmed yet.”

“I don’t doubt what Your Highness said.”

It was a deliberate test, but there wasn’t a trace of doubt in Aisha’s eyes.

It was the first time she had received such unwavering faith, leaving him speechless.

Gratitude was one thing, but granting Aisha’s request was another matter.

“Still, no.”

“Didn’t you make a promise, Your Highness? That I would do anything for Your Highness and the Aderga. I believe it’s time to fulfill that promise.”

I remember.

I even promised to grant her wish if it would be beneficial.

But she was misunderstanding the context.

“That promise isn’t relevant. It means that your presence there wouldn’t be helpful.”

What difference would one slave make?

Aisha smiled slightly at Yusuf’s cold words.

“Doesn’t that depend on the capacity in which I go? I will go as Your Highness’s woman.”

“Ha.”

Yusuf scoffed.

It was far too early for the First Lady to engage in diplomacy. In this era, sending a woman to another country was typically for diplomatic gifts or alliances.

The idea was admirable, but it was anachronistic.

“It’s delusional to think they’ll readily heed your words simply because you’re my concubine. You might even be insulted.”

“Isn’t that up to my capabilities? I will do my best for the future of Your Highness and the Aderga. And there’s no need to fear failure in this endeavor.”

Although he disliked it, there was little to lose even if it failed, as Aisha pointed out.

Unless the Circassians went mad and resorted to violence, it would only cost a bit of time and resources.

Yusuf suppressed his emotions and calculated as objectively as possible.

If this succeeded, he could establish a friendly relationship with Circassia and demonstrate the effectiveness of cowpox in preventing smallpox.

If proven, he could gain renown by publicizing the smallpox vaccination.

Given the importance of gathering support in the impending civil war, building fame quickly was crucial.

Considering everything, it was worth trying, but Yusuf’s words were still blunt.

“I never said I would accept you as my concubine.”

Aisha, sensing his resistance weakening, smiled brightly.

“You can consider it fulfilling the promise in advance. It was my wish.”

“You foolish girl.”

She could have simply said that.

Yusuf clicked his tongue and rose from his seat, stroking Aisha’s face.

“I have no intention of losing what’s in my possession. Don’t blame me if you regret it later.”

“Wouldn’t it be better than regretting it now?”

“It would be best to focus on returning in good health first. To prevent your homeland, Circassia, from becoming a sea of fire.”

“I will definitely return unharmed.”

Aisha carefully retrieved a black hijab [a headscarf] from her arms.

“I would like Your Highness to do it for me first.”

Even if they weren’t Muslims, most women in this era used veils to cover their skin.

The hijab wasn’t unique to this era, but the one she held represented her becoming the prince’s woman.

If she became the prince’s woman, she would have to convert to Islam without exception.

Yusuf clumsily wrapped the hijab around her, and Aisha wore a happy expression.

It was the day their relationship changed.

***

A minor commotion arose in the territory due to Yusuf and Aisha’s decision, but everyone agreed it was an opportunity too good to pass up.

Immediately, Aisha, Sinan, and their entourage of about 50 vaccinated individuals departed for Circassia.

It was a long farewell, expected to last at least six months.

Yusuf, feeling a strange emptiness, asked Arda to teach him swordsmanship to distract himself.

“When you swing the sword, your weight is too far forward. Do it again.”

“I’m going to die!”

He was regretting it.

There was no mercy during training.

His hands were shaking, his legs were numb, and his entire body was drenched in sweat.

Starting the morning with muscle pain was now routine.

Arda nodded, watching Yusuf repeatedly swing his sword.

“Still, it’s better than when the sword controlled the person. If you train diligently for about six months, you might become an average soldier.”

Wow, a soldier.

I’m not thrilled at all.

Yusuf suddenly asked out of curiosity.

“How skilled was Selim?”

“Hmm… He wasn’t bad. He was about as skilled as a Sipahi [Ottoman cavalry soldier] with insufficient training.”

For a prince, that was excellent.

He seemed to be living up to his bandit leader-like appearance.

As Yusuf was about to return to his office, drenched in sweat, a Sipahi moving urgently caught his eye.

“What’s happening?”

“Sanjakbey [governor]! Urgent dispatch.”

For a moment, Aisha crossed his mind, but Yusuf dismissed that possibility.

He knew that harming the envoy he sent would trigger consequences he couldn’t manage.

Yusuf, examining the contents of the urgent dispatch, tilted his head.

“An envoy is coming from Samtskhe [a Georgian principality]?”

It wasn’t unusual, given their proximity, but they weren’t close enough for a visit without a specific reason.

It was a region suffering under the Ottomans, who were constantly seeking an opportunity to annex it.

Yusuf smiled with interest as he read the delegation leader’s name.

“Mze Chabuk is coming himself.”

He was the prince of Samtskhe and the brother of the current ruler.

When his brother died two years after ascending the throne, and his nephew inherited the position, he became Atabeg [regent], wielding considerable power.

He was someone I was personally curious about.

“The brother who died two years after ascending the throne, and the ambitious brother who became regent afterward.”

Was it truly a coincidence?

Somehow, he seemed like he could be a valuable partner.