Episode 135

To be honest, I still haven’t fully adjusted to the medieval mindset.

Sure, I’ve known all about it intellectually for a long time.

But knowing something and accepting it without a second thought are two different things.

In games, you can casually plot against your relatives, leading them to untimely deaths to seize power, without a second thought. But doing that in real life? That’s a different story.

Of course, in this era, you have to be willing to do at least that much to be considered a true king.

To exaggerate a bit, the difficulty of ascending to the throne is determined by how cleanly you can eliminate your siblings.

Perhaps that’s why the commander from Hungary who arrived this time was a living embodiment of medieval order.

“Oh! You’ve really come. I never expected the Prophet to grace us with his presence.”

“You’ve traveled all the way from Hungary, so of course, I had to come. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Edward Marshall.”

“Ah! I should have introduced myself first. My apologies. I am András, Duke of Croatia and Dalmatia. I’ve come to lend my strength to the holy war.”

“To think the king’s own brother would come in person shows Hungary’s serious commitment to this war. His Holiness will be pleased.”

I feigned ignorance, but the reason András, the king’s brother, joined this war was far from a noble act of faith.

Hungary, a vassal of the Byzantine Empire, was embroiled in a tense rivalry between the current king, Imre, and his brother, András.

To call it a rivalry is putting it mildly; in reality, it was more of a rebellion and fratricidal conflict.

They had already clashed several times, but András had been defeated by his brother Imre each time.

The Pope intervened to mediate between the two, and the condition set by the Hungarian king was participation in the Crusade.

From the king’s perspective, it was unsettling to leave a brother who openly threatened the throne unchecked, and the Pope’s pressure for Crusade participation was bothersome.

So, a deal was struck: if András joined the Crusade and distinguished himself, his current status would be recognized.

For the king, it was a clever move to solve two troublesome issues at once, and for András, there was no choice.

Though he was all smiles now, inside, he must be anxious to prove himself in battle and secure his position.

Sure enough, as soon as the welcoming ceremony ended, András sidled up to me and discreetly handed over a pouch heavy with gold.

“I heard you’ve been working hard on the battlefield, Prophet, so I prepared a small gift. It’s not much, but…”

“I appreciate the gesture, but there was a revelation that no one should seek personal gain in this war, so I’ll accept your sentiment, Your Grace.”

“Oh, this is not a bribe, not at all. It’s merely a token of appreciation…”

“Your presence here alone is enough to please the Lord. I’ll write to His Holiness about your cooperation. Don’t worry too much.”

In short, I was telling him not to worry, that I’d handle things discreetly.

András seemed to understand, as a grin spread across his face.

“Hahaha! Your consideration is truly touching, Prophet. I’ll do my utmost in the battle. But I’ve heard the standoff has been prolonged. Will the war drag on?”

“There were concerns, but with the Hungarian reinforcements, things should resolve smoothly. Your help is invaluable.”

“Ah, with our forces combined, we’ll have a clear advantage. Even if they lock their gates, we’ll push through, right?”

“We’ve considered that, but the casualties would be too high. We’ll watch the situation for now. But with Hungary joining, they’re bound to make a move soon.”

András nodded, accepting my explanation without knowing the full story.

I was genuinely grateful to Hungary. Without them, it would have been hard to find an excuse to leisurely return to Antioch.

András, unwittingly, was becoming a key player in ending the war.

“Under normal circumstances, we’d have a grander welcome, but given the wartime situation, I hope you’ll understand.”

“Of course, of course. I’m grateful you came all the way here, Prophet.”

“My role is to ensure everyone in the Crusade can perform to their fullest. I’m just doing my job.”

“Not to flatter, but you’re doing an excellent job, Prophet. I’m eager to join the battle myself. Hahaha!”

After seeing off the now-enthusiastic András, I quietly slipped away as planned.

Officially, I was supposed to head to the square to listen to the concerns of anxious citizens and merchants and offer solutions.

I’ve come this far, so I’m almost there.

I ordered a suitable number of guards to follow me, as having too few would arouse suspicion.

I’ve received reports that Nasr has entered Antioch, so he should be in position by now.

Phew, it’s really hard to get a proper fight going.

But I must maintain my composure.

This time, a rare big fish is on the line, so I must give my best performance as the lead actor.

Heh heh heh.

---

“Is it finally time?”

“Imam, if you’re too tense, it might look unnatural.”

“Tense? Me, tense?”

“Your hands are trembling slightly.”

“Damn! You’re right. I’ve been away from the field for so long that it’s showing. Or maybe it’s because we’re targeting such a big fish?”

I’ve experienced countless assassinations, but this target was undoubtedly a top-tier figure.

And the assassination was to take place in Antioch, practically the enemy’s stronghold.

As the appointed time approached, I couldn’t suppress the pounding of my heart.

I couldn’t understand how the young man beside me could remain so calm.

“Are you immune to nerves?”

“No, to be honest, I’m nervous too. But Antioch is like my backyard, so it’s easier to stay calm.”

“I see. That’s why we could set up here so easily.”

The Assassins’ plan was simple yet clear.

Marshall, who welcomed the Hungarian reinforcements, was also here to listen to the citizens’ grievances and pray for a swift end to the war.

Assassins disguised as merchants would surround the area, and Nasr, posing as a local dignitary, would approach Marshall.

“Will Marshall really allow people to get that close?”

“Not just anyone, but someone like me, who has earned trust here over the years, can. You’ll be with me, so there won’t be any issues.

Marshall is also a renowned knight of the Crusade. He likely believes he can handle any unexpected incidents.”

“The downfall of all giants begins with the arrogance of thinking they’re invincible. That arrogance will hasten Marshall’s end.”

“Yes. The real challenge is how we escape successfully after the assassination. He’ll surely have guards.”

The Sultan of Khwarezm emphasized that the Assassins must bring back proof of Marshall’s death.

From their perspective, it’s only natural.

“Cutting off his head would be ideal, but we probably won’t have time for that, right?”

“To do that, we’d need a sharp scimitar, and there’s no way to hide one and get close. Marshall always carries a seal. Taking that should be proof enough.”

“Yes, that should satisfy the Khwarezm folks. Then, until we make our escape…”

Nur al-Din glanced at his and Nasr’s men stationed across the way with a look of regret.

“Our men will have to hold them off with their lives.”

“It’s a sacrifice for the greater good. They’ll gladly become martyrs. I’ve already explained it to my men.”

“Same here. Anyway, they should be arriving soon…”

Uwooooo!

Before he could finish, a tremendous cheer erupted from the square, drowning out Nur al-Din’s words.

The long-awaited prey was strolling in, oblivious to the fate awaiting him.

‘Is that the false prophet who dares to insult our Islam with his deceitful tongue?’

An enemy of Islam who denies the Quran’s declaration that Muhammad is the final prophet.

If he could eliminate such a person, his reputation would become unassailable.

Nur al-Din Muhammad took a deep breath to calm his racing heart and slowly stepped forward.

“Brothers and sisters in Antioch! I understand your anxiety as the war drags on. But this war will not last much longer.

I, Edward Marshall, assure you that the Lord will not stand idly by in the face of Khwarezm’s atrocities.”

Clad in the armor of faith, the helmet of salvation, and wielding the sword of the Spirit, our brave crusaders will soon sweep away all enemies and establish lasting peace here. I promise you all…

His knack for captivating people is nothing short of masterful, as if he were born to be a charlatan. Every time Marshal spoke, the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers and applause so loud it was almost deafening.

Following the information Nasr had gathered, Marshal met with the local leaders, addressing their concerns and offering solutions.

“Prophet! The ongoing war has blocked many trade routes, causing us significant losses. Please, as you mentioned earlier, end this war swiftly.”

“Rest assured, it will all be over soon. Moreover, His Majesty, the Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, has promised to significantly reduce tolls and taxes for merchants who supplied the Crusaders during this war. You’ll recover your losses in no time, so hang in there.”

“Oh, indeed!”

Those people, bowing repeatedly with tears of joy and relief, have no idea. They don’t know that the object of their worship will soon be lying in a pool of his own blood.

‘Poor, deceived fools. Soon, I’ll expose the truth about the fraud you so blindly follow.’

If he dies by my hand, everything he’s claimed about being God’s agent and apostle will be proven false. But I must maintain my composure until the moment is right, or I risk arousing suspicion.

Calming my murderous intent, I waited until it was my turn. As Nasr had assured, being a trusted merchant from Antioch, I managed to approach Marshal with Nur al-Din without much hindrance.

Now, I just need to engage in some casual conversation to lower his guard…

“You’re a new face. Did you just arrive in Antioch?”

Damn, his eyes are sharp.

But I had anticipated such a question.

“Yes, I came here to explore new trade routes. After all, war can be an opportunity for some to expand their business. It’s the only skill I have…”

“Oh, I’m sure you have many other talents. You’re being too modest.”

“No, if I were skilled in other areas, I’d be doing something else, not trading. Haha.”

“Is that so? But from what I see, there’s at least one thing you’re exceptionally good at.”

“What might that be…?”

Marshal looked Nur al-Din straight in the eye and grinned.

“Killing people.”