Episode 177

Regrettably, my responsibilities extend beyond just dealing with the Crusaders.

Even though the Crusaders and the Islamic forces have formed an alliance, they haven’t fully integrated. This means I have to constantly shuttle between the two sides to ensure smooth communication.

Saladin, in fact, wanted to personally strategize with the Crusader kings, but realistically, that was a bit of a stretch.

It’s not just because the Crusaders and the Islamic forces still don’t fully trust each other.

While that does play a part, the main issue is Saladin’s health.

At nearly seventy, Saladin’s strength has noticeably waned.

According to history, he should have already passed away, so it’s remarkable he’s held on this long.

The deviation from the historical course of the Third Crusade likely played a role, but it also means that if he overexerts himself in this war, it wouldn’t be surprising if he were to pass away at any moment.

If he tries to push himself, it’s my job to stop him.

No matter what, Saladin must hold on until this war is over.

If he were to die during the conflict, I dread to think what would happen to the morale of the Islamic forces.

Unaware of my concerns, Saladin seemed eager to head to the front lines himself, but that was out of the question. Absolutely not.

“You know, sometimes I think you’re more overprotective than my own physician.”

“For the sake of Your Majesty’s health, it’s worth being overprotective.”

“I’m telling you, I’m fine. The Crusader kings are out there on the front lines, and if I stay safe in the capital, what will people think?”

“Well, none of the Crusaders are as advanced in age as Your Majesty. Even the oldest, King Richard, is twenty years your junior.”

“Twenty years is nothing.”

In an era where the average life expectancy barely reached thirty, twenty years is quite significant.

“It’s not just me; many of the Ayyubid emirs are concerned about Your Majesty’s health. Didn’t your physician also advise against going to the battlefield?”

“That was just a precaution, not a strict prohibition like yours.”

“In any case, please stay here for now. I can relay all your strategies to the Crusaders. Haven’t I already conveyed everything from our recent discussions?”

“Hmm… that’s true, but for the sake of our troops’ morale, I feel I should make an appearance at the front at least once.”

I understand what Saladin is worried about.

This war is primarily about driving out the Mongol invaders from Ayyubid territory.

Despite the alliance, the Ayyubid dynasty should be the main force in this fight.

Yet, if the Crusader kings are actively participating on the front lines while the Ayyubid sultan remains in the capital, how would that look to outsiders?

Even if the war ends in victory, it could affect our influence afterward.

I never intended to make such unreasonable demands in the first place.

“I’m not saying you should stay here indefinitely. But since the war might drag on, it’s best not to exhaust yourself from the start. When the decisive moment comes, there’s no issue with Your Majesty taking the lead.”

“Hmm… well, your advice has never been off the mark, so I’ll heed it for now. You must have your reasons. Now, may I change the subject and ask you something? Was King Philip II’s proposal at the last treaty ceremony part of your plan?”

Even though he had asked before, I couldn’t answer immediately.

The truth is, I haven’t fully decided how to handle it yet.

In the long run, there might be a need to adjust doctrines, but I haven’t figured out the exact approach.

There’s still plenty of time until the war ends, and I need to think it over. Saladin seems to believe I already have the answer.

“To be honest, I completely agree with King Philip II’s thoughts. Christianity and Islam have been at odds for far too long. If it were a conflict with an end in sight, I might understand. But the clash between these two religions seems impossible to resolve. It’s a never-ending battle.”

“Exactly. If left unchecked, they’ll still be fighting a thousand years from now.”

This isn’t a matter that will end with one side overpowering the other.

If the balance of power is similar, it leads to all-out war; if it tips, it results in terrorism. That’s the only difference.

Unless one side can completely annihilate the other, the conflict won’t end.

Knowing what the future holds a thousand years from now, I can say this with certainty.

Unless the root causes are addressed, the same tragedies will keep repeating.

“King Philip II did anticipate my intentions and made the first move. Since his proposal aligns with what I want, I have no reason to oppose it.”

“So, it wasn’t you pulling the strings from behind, but rather Philip II guessing your intentions and acting first. That means he is indeed the person I thought he was.”

“Oh, you knew?”

Even among the Crusader kings who share the same table, few truly understand Philip II’s true nature.

If Saladin, having met him only once, could see through him, it’s a testament to his remarkable insight.

Even Richard, who nearly fell victim to Philip’s schemes, only sees him as someone with a different facade, not fully grasping his capabilities.

“Judging by your reaction, it seems I was right. I had a feeling.”

“That’s impressive. Even those who see him daily in Paris can’t fully grasp his true nature.”

“That seems likely. In my case, being on the opposite side of the world from Europe, I could make a more objective judgment based on the information I had. Other nobles and kings, who frequently meet and converse with Philip II, might find it harder to see his true nature.”

“That makes sense.”

People who only see scams on TV or the news often wonder how others fall for them, but when it happens to them, they become victims too.

Someone like Philip II, with his exceptional poker face and rhetoric, could easily manipulate someone in real-time conversation.

Even Richard, who almost got deceived, now strangely believes Philip II has had a change of heart.

“Still, it seems the Sultan has an extraordinary eye for reading people. If everyone could discern from mere information, those under your command would have done the same.”

“I don’t like to boast, but it seems my instincts in that area haven’t dulled. Haha. My subordinates thought Philip II was a peaceful type who disliked conflict and would be easy to win over. Easy to win over, my foot. They’re useless.”

“Haha… well, they probably didn’t misjudge on purpose. It’s just that King Philip II is exceptionally skilled, and it’s your insight that’s unusually sharp.”

“Why so serious? I was just joking. Honestly, I guessed half of it, so I don’t blame my subordinates.”

“You guessed?”

I knew Philip II’s true nature from the start, but I’m curious how Saladin figured it out.

Fortunately, it wasn’t a secretive matter, and Saladin casually explained my curiosity.

“It was probably because we were similar. Philip II and I think in similar ways.”

“You two are similar? I thought you were completely different.”

“That’s because you see me in a favorable light. But objectively, Philip II is strengthening his power in the way I consider most ideal.”

“I won’t deny that. I think so too.”

If you look at it, Philip II isn’t the only Crusader king who worked tirelessly to consolidate his power.

Richard openly subdued the nobles early on, and Henry VI used every means to secure the imperial succession, appeasing princes and bishops.

Ironically, Philip II gained far more substantial benefits than those two.

And he did it without any reputation for power-hungry ambition, maintaining a harmonious atmosphere with the nobility while laying the groundwork for absolute monarchy in France.

If, unlike history, the Crusade ends successfully and he plays a mediating role between Islam and Christianity, who knows how far he could extend his influence?

Perhaps during Philip II’s lifetime, France might transform into a true absolute monarchy.

“During the last meeting, I felt a twinge of envy towards Philip II. If I had inherited power in a stable environment, I could have done the same. But in my youth, I had too many enemies.”

“I see. So, you recognized him because, despite different outcomes, you shared similar inner qualities.”

As I nodded quietly, Saladin looked at me thoughtfully.

“What’s more intriguing is you. From what you say, it seems you knew about Philip II’s true nature long before. When did you realize it?”

“Oh, I knew from the first time I saw him.”

“How?”

“Well… I just knew.”

”…”

I told him the absolute truth, but his expression is still skeptical. But really, it’s true!

“Well, if it were anyone else, I might doubt it, but with you, I can believe it. It reminds me of when we first met. Even then, you seemed to know an uncanny amount about me.”

“Yes, it’s a bit like that.”

“And Philip II is aware of this too?”

“Of course he is. That’s why he’s completely changed his approach, trying to maximize benefits without straying from the direction I want.”

“That’s quite something. I can imagine how flustered he must have been. It’s almost enough to make me feel a bit of sympathy. We might end up feeling a strange sense of camaraderie despite having met only once.”

Saladin chuckled, and I continued to share select pieces of information about the Crusaders that I thought would be useful for him.

While no one can match Richard in tactical prowess, Saladin is equally adept at seeing the bigger picture.

If the two of them put their heads together, even the Mongols would find it hard to overcome them… though it might not be easy, they certainly wouldn’t be easily defeated.

“So, to sum it up, Richard has decided to engage the enemy vanguard directly?”

“I believe it’s the best decision. I’ve already worked to unsettle the enemy mentally, so if King Richard can prove himself in battle, even the fearless Mongol army might sense that this time is different.”

“That’s true. In war, nothing is more crucial than gaining the upper hand early on. In that sense, having that butcher… I mean, the Lionheart, take the lead is the best choice. But will the enemy fight on our terms? That’s something we need to consider first.”

“That’s why I’m here, seeking your advice, Your Majesty.”

I’ve prepared the canvas and materials; I just need help with the sketch. I’ll handle the coloring myself.

Saladin seemed to grasp my meaning immediately, closing his eyes in thought.

“Marshal, you mentioned you have detailed information about the Mongol army, correct?”

“At least, I have more information than anyone else in the Crusaders.”

“Then let’s discuss it. We need to see if there’s anything we can use to provoke them.”

Provoke them? It seems he plans to lure them into acting as we wish. If that works, it would solve a lot of problems.

Let’s see the strategic prowess of Saladin, hailed as the greatest commander in Islam. I hope his legendary achievements aren’t exaggerated.