I Became the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire

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#19. Internal Organization (1)

Even though 90% of Trabzon’s population is made up of Christians, the majority of power is held by the 10% of Turks who follow Islam.

The power struggle between Yusuf and the cavalry was a distant tale for them, yet it wasn’t that they were completely ignorant or uninterested in the situation.

They remained vigilant, worried about potential fallout, and amidst their otherwise mundane lives, it became a fascinating piece of gossip.

When the residents started discussing plans to open a store, it caught them by surprise.

They couldn’t hide their confusion upon hearing what would be sold.

“Barely boiled water? Who would buy and drink that?”

“Water is everywhere; why would anyone pay for drinking water?”

In a big city like Constantinople, there would be water carriers fetching water from springs or fountains, and with a system to avoid drinking rainwater collected for household chores or gardens.

But that was something expected only in cities with higher living standards, and those who could afford water delivery in Trabzon likely had slaves or servants.

To these people, the idea of buying drinking water was unfamiliar and hard to grasp, but things changed a bit when word spread about the promotional campaign for Sinan’s name.

When it started circulating that it was especially good for those who often had stomachaches and children, people began to tilt their heads in confusion.

“Boiled barley water is good for health, they say?”

“They say a doctor from the capital guarantees it. If he’s good enough to follow the prince, he should be reliable.”

In truth, doctors of that time weren’t exactly trusted figures.

Due to a lack of hygiene concepts and the frequent worsening of patients’ conditions from poor practices, people avoided consulting doctors until the 19th century.

However, the title of being the doctor accompanying the prince invoked enough authority for their words to be regarded as correct.

It didn’t matter that Sinan was actually a surgeon carrying around gruesome surgical instruments.

As expected, the atmosphere shifted, prompting Yusuf to issue new orders.

“Aishe, until the shop is ready, try giving boiled barley water to the kids around the free cafeteria.”

“Giving it away for free?”

Yusuf nodded at Aishe’s question.

“You have to taste it yourself to find out if it’s good or bad. And we need to see if there will be any issues when we start selling it in larger quantities.”

Since it was his first time in business, he needed publicity and to learn through trial and error.

As they’d use barley for the free cafeteria anyway, the costs would only involve labor and firewood, so there wouldn’t be any financial burden.

In the long run, since clean drinking water had to be improved upon, he wanted to pay extra attention to Aishe, but things were far from easy.

That’s when Shomshi, with a serious face, came to see him.

“The four sobas, who were showing positive reactions, have changed their attitudes.”

Yusuf nodded.

“It looks like Burka has caught on.”

“Yes, it’s confirmed that Burka’s subordinates went to warn the sobas. They probably issued a warning.”

No matter how secretly one moves, it was impossible to conceal everything perfectly.

You could say that half the land outside the castle became Burka’s eyes and ears.

Yusuf knew they would get caught, but he didn’t expect such swift actions.

“He’s smarter than he looks. It won’t be easy.”

“Not being able to bring all four sobas to our side is disappointing, but that’s all.”

The ideal outcome would be to win over all four sobas, but there’s no need to despair over this failure.

This much had already fallen within the realm of expectations.

“If they received a warning, their feelings must be hurt. Once we gather some degree of power, they’ll know to side with us.”

Burka likely knew this too, but he probably never considered that they could gather that kind of power.

He’d think he had the cavalry firmly in his grasp.

“Our policy to support the cavalry hasn’t been discovered, right?”

“Yes, the reason I’m going through the documents is that they probably think it’s due to the investigation I warned about earlier. Even the most brilliant individual would find it hard to imagine someone preparing such a move.”

If one tries to interfere by predicting a policy that has never been implemented before, it’s better to surrender quietly.

That was enough to imply someone was fit to be the Grand Vizier in the capital.

As long as the policy was undiscovered, there wouldn’t be any obstacles to their plans.

“What’s the preparation stage?”

“It seems it will take some time before implementation, but it’s reached a level where it can be announced.”

“That’s good. Given the circumstances, dragging this out wouldn’t benefit us.”

If Burka was given a little more time to hold power over him, they could solidify their current strength.

Then, he would either have to live quietly until he became an adult, or wait for Burka to die.

Agreeing with Yusuf’s judgment, Shomshi asked.

“Shall we announce it then?”

Yusuf pondered for a moment upon Shomshi’s words.

“Exclude Trabzon from that plan and spread the rumor that it’s because I removed livestock from the house that Burka will have.”

“…Are you serious?”

That was essentially declaring a proper clash with Burka.

“Everyone knows that Burka and I have fallen out. Even if Burka tries to threaten me, there’s only a limit to it.”

No matter how much tricks Burka tried to pull, he wouldn’t dare attempt an assassination.

If Yusuf were to die, the castle commander and the one in charge of security, Burka, couldn’t evade responsibility either, having to pay for it with his life and that of his family.

The Sultan’s woman, Fatima, would be in the same situation.

“I’m actually more worried about others. Others with the title of Pasha or high-ranking officials would have less to worry about, but ordinary folks can be touched without hesitation.”

“If you’re that concerned, then stepping back might be an option. Right now, it might sting your pride a bit, but before you become an adult, you can still bring Burka down.”

With a questioning demeanor like it was a test, Shomshi’s words firmed up Yusuf’s face, and he shook his head.

“That would only be fleeing.”

And the Ottoman Empire is a country where a fleeing prince can never become a Sultan.

He had to bear the burden of making decisions that could lead to someone’s death.

No matter how close that person was to him.

“Will you not regret this?”

“I might regret it, but it’s something I have to endure.”

As if he understood, Shomshi nodded and Yusuf added.

“Of course, if anyone touches my people, I won’t take it lightly. If tears fall from my eyes, then blood should flow from theirs.”

This was the only promise he could make to his people.

Feeling the weight of his words, Shomshi quietly stood up after gazing at Yusuf for a moment.

“Then I will move to release the policy. It’s going to get noisy for a while.”

At those words, Yusuf chuckled.

“Has it ever been quiet around me?”

“That’s a fair point.”

With a subtle smile, Shomshi left, and shortly after, the public announcement of the policy shook the castle.

*

Crash

“Damn immature brat!”

Burka shattered the table with his bare hands, trembling from his bleeding fists.

As his subordinate hurriedly bandaged the wounded area, Burka let out a long breath.

“I vowed not to take them lightly, yet I messed up again.”

“That’s not true. It was entirely unpredictable.”

“That’s also true, but it was a mistake to think I could rest easy just because I warned the other sobas.”

If he had thought they would give in so easily, he wouldn’t have raised any conflict.

The result of complacency hit hard.

“What’s the current atmosphere?”

“They’re being cautious with direct remarks, but it seems the discontent is high due to being the only ones excluded from benefits.”

“That discontent is probably directed at me because of the rumors circulating now.”

At Burka’s self-deprecating tone, the subordinate bowed his head in silence.

“Discipline will be difficult. This is all tied to money. Can’t we handle it instead?”

“The prince can mobilize the funds of the castle, so that’s possible.”

“Hahaha, hitting the wallet once hurts badly.”

The cavalry were tasked with more soldiers as their profits increased, so the expenses rose accordingly.

No matter how well off the cavalry were, they wouldn’t just hoard money; it was through their strength and power that they maintained authority.

“Ugh… If time keeps on passing like this, there will be no solution. If the best option isn’t possible, we must choose a second-best.”

The opponent had already grabbed the initiative by making the best moves.

Even with bold steps, they needed to bring back momentum and advantage.

“Arda, summon the ten-man units.”

“Understood.”

After issuing the command, Burka stood up.

He had no intention of making it easy for them.

*

After dropping the bomb of the policy announcement, Yusuf was on guard for Burka’s movements.

In a time when someone holding a knife could make extreme choices, he couldn’t afford to be careless.

Thanks to that, word quickly spread that Burka had left the castle with around forty subordinates.

“I can’t tell what he’s thinking.”

He would understand if Burka had drawn his sword and was rampaging within the castle, but exiting was beyond comprehension.

Even Shomshi found it difficult to grasp the reasoning behind such sudden actions with so little information.

As the unproductive minutes rolled by, Hasan with a grim face entered the office.

“Prince, it seems you need to go outside the castle.”

“What’s happening?”

“Burka’s soba is leading a herd of livestock and searching for you at the castle entrance.”

“Livestock?”

Tilting his head in confusion, Yusuf stood up.

No amount of racking his brain could match simply asking the parties involved once.

If they were searching for him so eagerly, it was only natural to go out and greet them.

As they approached the castle entrance with his guards, they saw crowds gathering, as if everyone with some free time had come.

As Yusuf appeared, the crowd parted to create a path, as if they had been waiting for him.

Only then did Yusuf catch sight of Burka.

‘What is he thinking?’

It was literally a herd of livestock.

There were sheep bleating as if they didn’t understand why they were there, scattered among a few cows.

Just from a glance, the number of livestock looked to be in the hundreds, surrounded by fully armed cavalry.

Dodging the sharp gazes peering out from beneath their helmets, Yusuf stood before Burka.

“Burka, what is the meaning of this?”

In cold tones, Burka replied to Yusuf’s question.

“I called you out to clear up a misunderstanding.”

It wasn’t a voice typical for someone wishing to settle misunderstandings, but since he started this way, Yusuf asked in a relaxed tone.

“What misunderstanding are you talking about?”

“I hear a rumor that I’ve taken livestock that are destined for your house, Yusuf.”

“I’ve heard such rumors circulating. So, that’s what you call a misunderstanding?”

With a mischievous reply, Yusuf watched as Burka nodded with an impassive face.

“I merely bought the livestock at the request of Prince Selim, but I can see how that could lead to misunderstanding. Therefore, I am here to clear it up.”

“And how do you intend to clarify this?”

Thinking he might just return them peacefully, those who had been signaled by Burka then moved.

Slash!

– Baa!!

The sound of a sheep bleeding, its throat half-cut, began, and without hesitation, the cavalry swung their weapons.

It didn’t take long for the herd that had filled the clearing to turn into corpses, and Burka drove his sword into the head of the last remaining sheep beside him.

Wiping the blood that splashed onto his face, Burka asked with a smirk.

“Now, do you see the misunderstanding clearly?”

The stench of blood wafted thickly between them.

As a heavy silence settled around, Yusuf maintained a smile on his face.