Became The Sultan Of The Ottoman Empire [EN]: Chapter 87

Rising Beacon Fires (1)

Underestimating the enemy is dangerous, but overestimating them is equally risky.

Despite the intelligence suggesting Ismail had allied with the West, Yusuf calmly assessed the situation.

‘Is this alliance truly surprising?’ he mused.

‘Not really. It’s always a possibility.’

The strategy of befriending distant powers to counter nearby ones is age-old. Historically, Venice sought alliances with the Safavids to contain the Ottomans.

Of course, their cooperation never fully materialized as the Ottomans crushed the Safavids before any significant action could be taken.

Recognizing the inherent possibility of such alliances, Yusuf’s mind grew calmer.

“We need to identify Ismail’s allies first. It’s unlikely to be the Hungarians, at least for now.”

“I agree.”

Hungary’s situation was so dire that Şemsi readily agreed with Yusuf’s assessment.

In modern times, standing armies are the norm, but in medieval Europe, mercenaries were often preferred over maintaining costly permanent forces.

Few nations could match the Ottomans’ ability to mobilize vast standing armies like the central Janissary corps and the Sipahi cavalry. Even Hungary’s famed Black Army, once numbering over 20,000, was a shadow of its former self.

But that was twenty years ago.

‘With weak nobles propping up a puppet king, the country is dysfunctional. The glorious Black Army is a distant memory.’

The Kingdom of Hungary, now a mere rubber stamp for noble decrees, was unlikely to be in a state to court the Safavids.

Thus, Hungary could be safely excluded.

“Then it must be one of the powers vying for control of the Italian peninsula.”

The Italian Wars [a series of conflicts from 1494 to 1559 involving various European powers for control of Italy] were raging, drawing in nearly every ambitious European nation except Portugal.

‘The Papal States and Venice, long-established in Italy, along with France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire, all vying for territory.’

It was the era’s true hotspot, a spectacle watched with bated breath.

He never anticipated the conflict would spread this far.

“Şemsi Pasha.”

“Yes, my Padishah.”

“Determine who is behind this foolish scheme.”

Upon the Sultan’s command, information regarding the situation on the Italian peninsula was swiftly gathered.

The Ottomans and the Italian peninsula were separated only by the Adriatic Sea, ensuring rapid intelligence flow to the capital.

“The Papal States and Venice, having previously gathered allies to attack Venice, have now formed an alliance. Their actions are quite peculiar.”

“It must be a reaction to France’s growing power. Venice needs to maintain its position to check our empire’s influence.”

“Anything else particularly noteworthy?”

With the Papal States and Venice united, the Italian peninsula entered a temporary lull.

The two allies consolidated their forces. France, controlling northern Italy including Genoa and Milan, reorganized its occupied territories.

Amidst this calm before the storm, no particularly suspicious activities were immediately apparent.

However, Yusuf, upon receiving the report, immediately identified the culprit.

“It’s the work of Venice and the Papal States.”

While his future knowledge had altered history, his influence as the newly appointed Sultan hadn’t significantly impacted the West.

Julius II, the “Warrior Pope” [Pope Julius II, known for his military campaigns and patronage of the arts], would never tolerate the rise of France as a dominant power.

It wouldn’t be surprising if they had clashed long ago, but their current restraint suggested a different target.

“Investigate Venice and the Papal States immediately.”

Unable to fully explain his reasoning, Yusuf issued orders rather than justifications, and the officials focused their scrutiny on the two states.

Soon, they uncovered unusual activity.

“Venetian ship movements are suspicious. There are also indications that the Papal States are harboring ships from Spain.”

Such details might have gone unnoticed without specific focus, but their discovery was significant.

The officials exchanged knowing glances.

‘Even those with decades of experience missed this.’

‘Is Allah truly with him? How did he discern this?’

This was different from predicting the earthquake.

His prophetic abilities bordered on challenging the Quran, yet the officials knew that prophets weren’t infallible.

Even Muhammad suffered defeats, and some even offered to betray him. [Reference to historical challenges faced by Prophet Muhammad].

To officials who valued situational awareness over prophecy, Yusuf’s insight was profoundly impressive.

“My Padishah, what are our next steps?”

At the Grand Vizier’s question, Yusuf swiftly decided.

“Summon the fleet and have them stand ready in Gelibolu [Gallipoli, a strategic location on the Dardanelles Strait].”

Gelibolu, a sanjak [administrative district] in the Dardanelles Strait, controlled access to the capital, Constantinople, from the West.

It was a key strategic point, allowing the fleet to respond rapidly to any Western movements.

There was no need for alarm while the West hadn’t yet launched a fleet, making Yusuf’s order perfectly reasonable.

“I will obey.”

The officials, including the Grand Vizier, immediately concurred, and orders were dispatched to mobilize ships from various regions.

These Ottoman movements were noted throughout the Black Sea and in the West.

***

The Republic of Venice, a wealthy nation, had amassed vast riches through its shrewd business acumen and naval prowess.

Venice was ruled by the Doge [chief magistrate of Venice], elected from the leading Venetian families. The current Doge was Leonardo Loredan.

“Doge! A decision is needed urgently!”

Despite the Papal envoy’s insistence, the Doge remained deep in thought.

The Doge held a lifetime position unless extraordinary circumstances arose, but he was aware of growing discontent surrounding him.

He had erred by seizing Papal territories, prompting the Holy League’s attack on Venice.

Furthermore, Portugal’s victory against the Mamluk fleet at the Battle of Diu [a naval battle in 1509 that secured Portuguese dominance in the Indian Ocean] threatened Venice’s lucrative spice trade.

‘And now they want me to fight the Ottomans?’

He had, of course, planned to fight as agreed with the Pope.

If the Safavids had joined them as planned.

“The envoy has not returned! We cannot wage war until he does.”

“Has the agreed-upon timeframe not expired already!”

“Can we afford to fight the Ottomans without Safavid support? You underestimate them! You don’t know how formidable they are.”

It had only been a few years since their naval defeat against the Ottomans, resulting in territorial losses and hefty reparations.

The memory of that nightmare lingered, making him hesitant to confront the Ottomans again.

“This is different from fighting alone. The Papal States, guided by God’s will, is assisting us. Victory is assured. Trust the Pope.”

“Trust the Pope, you say?”

The Doge scoffed.

The current Pope, Julius II, was once considered pro-Venetian and even nicknamed “Il Veneziano” [The Venetian].

He formed the Holy League and attacked Venice for occupying Papal lands.

From Venice’s perspective, he was an enemy. Why should they trust him?

The envoy’s eyes flashed with anger at the Doge’s derision.

“Despite past issues, he is the Pope, spreading God’s will. Watch your words.”

“God’s will…”

The Doge paused, then retorted coldly.

“Come to think of it, the pagan emperor predicted the earthquake. Isn’t he upholding God’s will even more?”

“Are you insane?! How can you believe such nonsense!”

At the violent outburst, the Doge waved his hand apologetically.

“Don’t get so worked up. That’s what our sailors have been saying lately. Aren’t they prone to such fanciful notions?”

“…Even so, be mindful of your words.”

“I understand. I will.”

The Doge, readily apologizing, smiled inwardly.

Clearly, the Papal States was reacting strongly to the news of Yusuf’s prediction.

That must be why they were so eager to incite war against the Ottomans.

“In any case, my decision stands. I will only commit to war once the envoy to the Safavids returns and confirms their cooperation.”

“…I understand. Let us hope the envoy returns swiftly.”

The envoy turned sharply and departed at the Doge’s firm declaration.

The Doge, watching him leave, frowned slightly.

“More importantly, what has become of my envoy?”

Even if they were barbaric pagans, they wouldn’t kill an envoy. Even if negotiations failed, his lack of return was concerning.

The Doge was troubled by the missing envoy, and the Papal States was growing increasingly anxious.

***

Mzechabuk, having risen to the position of Atabeg [a title similar to regent, acting on behalf of a young or absent ruler], wielded immense power in Samtskhe.

Like many regents throughout history, he refused to relinquish his position even though his nephew, Prince Kvarkvare III, had come of age.

He was the one who had murdered his brother and seized power after being tempted by Yusuf, making his actions understandable.

Mzechabuk believed his power would last indefinitely.

“Atabeg, it is time for you to step down.”

Mzechabuk, thrown roughly to the floor, glared at his nephew, who sat on the throne looking down at him.

“…Kvarkvare, have you foolishly allied with the Safavids!”

“I don’t want to hear that from you, who was defeated by that fool.”

Mzechabuk gritted his teeth at the mocking words.

Under normal circumstances, he would never have been defeated so easily.

‘I was too complacent before the main event.’

Yusuf had decided to address the issues caused by certain Georgian states during the succession crisis.

He planned to reorganize Georgia, favoring states clearly subservient to the Ottomans, including Samtskhe, and Mzechabuk was focused on that task.

He never imagined that the Safavids and his nephew would conspire to overthrow him during this period.

It was his mistake, and a painful one.

“Kvarkvare, you have made a grave error. Do you realize that?”

“I see nothing wrong with accepting help from those who offer it.”

“You don’t understand the danger of grasping at a rotten rope? That’s why you’re a fool.”

At these words, Kvarkvare roughly descended from the throne, grabbed his uncle’s hair, and growled.

“My choice was right! You’ll see. The Shah will behead that man you value so much.”

“You will witness the country’s downfall due to your foolishness. You have turned a dangerous monster into an enemy!”

“…Get him out of my sight!”

He wanted to execute him immediately, but he couldn’t act rashly due to his still-fragile power base.

An envoy sent by Ismail addressed Kvarkvare, who was suppressing his rage.

“The Ottoman fleet has already moved. They must intercept the fleet coming from the West, so they won’t be able to focus on this region.”

“I know. The Shah is moving as well, correct?”

“Of course.”

Ismail planned to besiege Trabzon to capture Yusuf’s two wives as hostages.

The Kizilbash uprising would prevent any escape by land.

Thus, Samtskhe’s role was crucial.

“Ensure that the sea is completely blockaded.”

“Rest assured. Not a single ship will escape Trabzon.”

This was Kvarkvare’s decision, now that he had finally seized power in Samtskhe.

Soon after, ships departed from the port of Samtskhe.