Became The Sultan Of The Ottoman Empire [EN]: Chapter 55

Became the Sultan of the Ottomans – Episode 55

Luck Again (3)

Aisha quietly turned the page of her book.

She had learned much from Fatima, Yusuf’s mother, and Nene, who had been with her for a long time.

She studied various subjects, from court etiquette to literature, dance, and music, but it was still not enough compared to the comprehensive education available in the harem [the women’s quarters in a Muslim household, often associated with education and refinement].

To bridge this gap, she knew she had to put in extra effort.

‘Because it’s not just my problem anymore.’

Aisha stroked the head of Mehmet, who was sleeping beside her, and looked at him with a tender expression.

Although Hatice had appeared by Yusuf’s side, and she knew more rivals would emerge in the future, she didn’t regret becoming Yusuf’s woman.

She had been prepared for everything from the moment she made that decision.

However, her heart ached when she thought about the difficult path Mehmet would have to navigate in the future.

“…Mother?”

Perhaps sensing her touch, Mehmet woke up and blinked his small eyes.

Even at the age of four, when children are often called ‘terrible fours’ and are known for their strong will, Mehmet possessed a unique calm.

“Are you awake?”

Mehmet nodded and wriggled to get up. Aisha put down her book.

Mehmet yawned slightly and asked Aisha.

“When will Father come home?”

Aisha, as the mother of the heir to the prince, was privy to the ongoing war situation.

She knew that Yusuf, while raiding the area around Diyarbakir, had kidnapped Ismail’s woman, and that 7,000 enemy soldiers had gathered in Erzincan.

Whether it was because of the hostage or because they lacked overwhelming force, there was no direct conflict, and Yusuf was essentially stuck in Erzincan.

‘That won’t last long, though.’

The weather had already turned to winter, and the enemy soldiers, gathered without proper supplies, couldn’t hold out for much longer.

Once the blockade was lifted, Yusuf would likely return to Trabzon.

“He’ll be back before long. Why, do you miss him?”

“Yes, I miss him.”

To be honest, it was surprising how well Mehmet got along with Yusuf.

Yusuf wasn’t particularly affectionate towards Mehmet. He clearly cared for him, but he seemed to maintain a certain distance.

This could be difficult for a child, even with their own parents, but Mehmet seemed to genuinely like Yusuf.

‘Looking back, children often liked the prince.’

Perhaps it wasn’t just children.

Judging by how easily Yusuf’s subordinates were willing to sacrifice their lives for him, he seemed to have a natural charisma.

“He’ll be back before Hatice gives birth.”

At these words, Mehmet frowned slightly. Aisha tickled his soft cheeks and asked.

“Do you not want a younger sibling?”

“I was told that I have to fight if I have a younger sibling.”

Aisha wondered which blabbermouth had told the child that and inwardly gritted her teeth.

Mehmet hugged Aisha, who was momentarily speechless.

“Don’t worry. I won’t lose.”

She stroked the back of the child who was already thinking about fighting from such a young age.

‘Mehmet, I would risk my life for you.’

Aisha was resolute.

***

The looting around Diyarbakir was more about gaining prestige than actual monetary gain.

It was a matter of pride for the Ottomans to have raided Dulkadir, practically their own backyard.

As a retaliatory measure, they were raiding Safavid’s territory, and they were happy to do so.

However, the plan took an unexpected turn when they captured someone more important than they anticipated.

‘We need to stop these raiding parties.’

Since the Safavids were furious after Tazlu was kidnapped, moving small groups of soldiers could be dangerous.

Therefore, Erzincan, which had been used as a base for these raids, was now less valuable.

‘If the troops here retreat, it will be difficult to defend properly.’

Compared to Bayburt and Erzurum, which had their walls reinforced with cement, the defense facilities here were inadequate.

It wasn’t worth the effort to reinforce them.

As winter approached, the enemy soldiers who had been camping outside retreated, and now it was time to return to Trabzon.

Yusuf, after ordering his men to pack up their spoils and prepare to leave, went to see their most valuable prize.

“What brings you here again!”

Looking at Tazlu, who greeted him with an angry outburst, Yusuf stroked his chin.

“I came to see you because I heard you’ve been starving yourself, but you seem full of energy. Let me tell you something: if you’re planning to starve yourself to death, you should give up. I won’t let you die that way.”

She needed to be in good condition until Ismail paid the ransom and she was sent back.

After that, it didn’t matter.

‘She might even give birth to Tahmasp, just like in history.’

Since he had already influenced events, even if she had a son, he wouldn’t be genetically identical to the historical figure.

There was no chance of the same sperm fertilizing the egg on the same day.

Either way, who took over as Shah after Ismail wasn’t a major concern for Yusuf.

‘If he dies young, as in history, it’s already too late even if she gives birth now.’

After being defeated at Chaldiran, Ismail descended into alcoholism and died young at the age of 36, 17 years from now.

Even if he had a son right now, he would be enthroned at a young age and would be swayed by his subordinates, just like in the original timeline.

“You satanic man. When are you going to let me go?”

“Soon Ismail will hear that you’ve been kidnapped, and the aftermath will depend on him.”

Yusuf smirked and continued.

“If he really loves you, he’ll get you back, even if it costs a fortune.”

“…What if the Shah abandons me?”

No one knew how Ismail would react.

Even if it wasn’t love, he might try to get her back because of her influence.

Or he might abandon Tazlu to protect his pride and the country’s finances.

“Hmm, that’s a situation I don’t really want to think about.”

It would be best to get paid and end things cleanly, but what if Ismail refused?

Yusuf grabbed Tazlu’s chin, her eyes filled with fear at the thought of being abandoned, and forced her to look at him.

“I’ll have to add you to my harem. That would be the most practical use for you.”

Her bloodline was politically valuable enough.

He could attract those who were loyal to her lineage, and it could be helpful if he became Sultan in the future and conquered Safavid lands.

Simply taking the concubine of Ismail, the enemy, would be a significant achievement.

“Who says so!”

“Isn’t it my decision since you were captured? If you don’t like it, pray that Ismail doesn’t abandon you.”

If he abandoned Tazlu, Ismail would likely block merchants from Safavid from coming to Trabzon.

It wasn’t a devastating blow, but it was an unwelcome development when there were already many expenses.

Yusuf released Tazlu and left the room, speaking to Arda, who approached silently.

“Get rid of the two maids who came with Tazlu. They seem to be one of the reasons she’s still so spirited.”

“How should we deal with them?”

“There’s no need to kill them unnecessarily. Give them to the Sipahi [Ottoman cavalry soldiers] who need wives.”

The two maids had no choice in the matter, but this was better than simply letting them go.

They would likely be brutally killed for failing to protect Tazlu if they returned.

“Anyway, it’s a great haul.”

Since speed was important for raiding, he had to forgo bulky items, but the looted valuables alone brought in a good profit.

The Sipahi, who had made a lot of money, would invest some of their profits in armaments, which was also beneficial.

“It’s about time the news reached Ismail.”

Since the soldiers who had been lingering around Erzincan had withdrawn, the news must have reached Ismail in Dulkadir.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of response we get.”

***

Ismail looked annoyed as he considered the results of the recent battle.

In that battle, 4,000 Kizilbash [a Shia militant group] had died.

Of course, the enemy’s losses were three times greater, so it could be considered a great victory, but the loss of the Kizilbash, his main force, was a heartbreaking blow.

“Was the enemy general Prince Selim?”

“Yes, it was.”

“He’s a dangerous man.”

He had never met him in person, but he could tell from the fact that he boldly used his brother’s army as bait to achieve two goals at once.

“No matter how much I help, I don’t know if Shehinshah [a title for a Persian monarch] can become the master of the Ottomans.”

Compared to Ahmed or Yusuf, Selim was an enemy he didn’t greatly fear.

But after facing him, he definitely felt that he was not ordinary.

“Selim, that guy can be as dangerous as Yusuf.”

It was a brief assessment, but it was the best way Ismail could express it. Yusuf was the only enemy who had inflicted a major defeat on Ismail.

The story of the princes was important, but there was a bigger problem than that.

“In the end, the Ottomans issued a conscription order. How many do you think will gather?”

“At least over 100,000.”

Ismail laughed at the enormous number.

“I’ll have to write a letter of apology in advance.”

The final victor would be himself anyway, so he could easily humble himself for the future.

He didn’t know if they would let it go easily since even the prince had died.

“Send the letter when the enemy troops are all gathered.”

“I understand.”

No matter how powerful the Ottomans were, it was difficult to summon a large number of troops again in a short period of time once they were dismissed.

If they accepted his apology and sent the troops back, he could worry less about the Ottomans for a while.

As Ismail was planning for the future with his closest aide, Mohammad, he heard a knock on the door.

-Shah, Nur Ali Khalifa has come from Diyarbakir.

“Nur Ali?”

Considering the distance, he could come, but it was unusual for him, the ruler of Diyarbakir, to come in person.

Feeling uneasy, Ismail hardened his face and shouted.

“Let him in!”

As permission was granted, the door opened, and Nur Ali prostrated himself before Ismail.

“Shah. Please kill me.”

Ismail snatched the paper that Nur Ali held out as if he were taking it away, begging for death, and his face filled with murderous intent as he read the contents.

“Yusuf took Tazlu? Is what I’m seeing now real?”

“…That’s right.”

Was it because he was so angry? Ismail, his mind strangely calm, crumpled the paper and asked.

“Why did she go to Diyarbakir?”

“I heard that she came to greet the Shah who was returning.”

“So, she ended up coming all the way to Diyarbakir and was caught by Yusuf, who was raiding?”

“That’s right.”

Looking at Nur Ali, who had his head bowed, Ismail burst into laughter.

How could such a coincidence happen if Allah had not intervened?

After laughing like a madman for a while, Ismail drew the sword he was wearing and swung it.

One of Nur Ali’s ears fell to the floor, and Ismail said to Nur Ali, who was dripping with blood but did not move.

“Nur Ali.”