Episode 198
In the original history, Christianity and Islam were like oil and water—utterly incompatible.
One might wonder why they growl at each other when it’s just a matter of differing doctrines, but in this era, those doctrines are everything.
If the doctrines crumble, the foundation of power collapses, the social safety net disintegrates, and the very survival of the system might become impossible.
In other words, Christianity and Islam, by their mere existence, negate each other’s doctrines, making them akin to cancerous cells threatening each other.
For now, a temporary truce has been patched up, but if I were to question the sustainability of this relationship, the answer would be a resounding no.
It’s like merely delaying the progression of cancer without actually curing the disease.
Once my presence, which acts as a temporary chemotherapy, disappears, they will inevitably explode, unable to endure each other’s contradictions.
Both sides might say something like this:
Even without witnessing it firsthand, I can clearly foresee how such disputes will unfold.
“I will establish an investigative committee under my direct supervision. We will objectively analyze the expenditures each nation incurred during this war and proceed with the distribution of spoils and rights.”
“How will you select the committee members?”
“I will ensure a balanced representation to avoid any bias. I will receive candidate recommendations from Your Majesties and make the final selection myself.”
“So, will the distribution of spoils be determined solely by the scale of expenditures?”
“Not at all. Of course, we will also consider the achievements made. However, no nation should walk away with less than what they invested. Everyone risked their lives for the greater cause.”
In matters like these, no matter what criteria are applied, someone is bound to be dissatisfied.
Therefore, it’s crucial to set things straight from the beginning so that no one can raise objections later.
“From what I’ve observed, both sides have valid points. The Crusaders didn’t receive the reparations they were owed from Khwarezm, and the Ayyubids suffered immense losses from the Mongol invasion. The damage wasn’t just material but also inflicted severe psychological trauma. So, I intend to consider both perspectives.”
“I agree that neither side should suffer losses.”
“However, if each side conducts its own investigation, it will be inefficient, and the other side will question the objectivity of the data. That’s why I will handle it directly.”
The approach I proposed was straightforward.
First, the Crusaders will receive the reparations they were originally supposed to get from Khwarezm.
The total amount of these reparations will be determined in proportion to the resources the Crusaders expended in the war.
The remainder will be distributed evenly between the Crusaders and the Ayyubids according to a set standard.
In truth, this was easier said than done, and initially, both Christianity and Islam were not pleased with the idea.
“Prophet, no matter what, the Crusaders were the main contributors to this war. Without us, Islam wouldn’t have even withstood the Mongol forces. Please allow us to take more than the pre-agreed share of the spoils.”
“Apostle, while we acknowledge the Crusaders’ help, we suffered the most in this war. The Sultan had to send his son to the side of God. Moreover, we need to rebuild Baghdad and stabilize the territories of Khwarezm and Western Xia. If the Crusaders are the only ones to benefit, this land will fall into chaos.”
Both sides had valid points, making it impossible to narrow the gap between their opinions.
The Crusader kings’ words might seem selfish, but they had their own desperation.
In an era where royal authority was absolute, a single mistake could shake their foundation to its core.
Even though they won, the resources the Crusaders poured into this war were significant, and they needed something tangible to show the nobles.
It wasn’t mere greed but a necessary process to maintain royal authority.
Of course, the Ayyubids had their own concerns.
They were still debating how to handle the ashes of Baghdad, unable to reach a conclusion.
The Abbasid Caliphate had effectively come to an end, and there were arguments about whether it was necessary to restore Baghdad.
Baghdad was a symbol of Islamic cultural brilliance, and leaving it in ruins after being destroyed by foreign hands seemed unacceptable.
Moreover, the issue wasn’t just Baghdad but also the territories of Khwarezm and Western Xia beyond it.
“The Mongols have declared they will relinquish all the lands they occupied in Khwarezm. While Western Xia remains uncertain, Khwarezm is likely to become a no-man’s land.”
“The local amirs have already begun taking action. Some are reaching out to us, while others are trying to expand their territories.”
It’s a volatile situation where everyone dreams of becoming the next ruler of the Khwarezm Empire, potentially leading to chaos.
There’s no guarantee that this chaos won’t spill over into the Ayyubids.
That’s why Saladin and Al-Adil were eager to stabilize Khwarezm after the Mongols’ departure.
Of course, they had some cards to play.
However, turning those cards into a winning hand would require significant effort, which was the Ayyubids’ concern.
But I could offer a solution to both their problems.
Not only that, but I also had the power to silence the discontented voices in one fell swoop.
“Your Majesty Heinrich VI, as I promised, the Crusaders will return with more spoils than the resources they expended. If, by any chance, it’s insufficient, I will ensure they receive enough rights to turn any losses into gains. Moreover, those present here have achieved the great feat of defeating not only Khwarezm but also the Mongols, the reincarnation of Attila. From now on, you can expect to walk the path of glory.”
“Haha, that’s all thanks to you, Prophet.”
“Indeed, it’s thanks to me.”
Instead of deflecting the credit as usual, I made sure to emphasize it, causing Heinrich VI to widen his eyes in surprise.
Philip II, observing from the side, quickly grasped my intention and nodded in agreement, adding his own comment.
“Exactly. If it weren’t for the Prophet, the war with Khwarezm would have dragged on much longer. We wouldn’t have been able to stop the Mongols from attacking from behind, and by now, we might have lost Anatolia and been pushed beyond the Bosporus Strait.”
“Well, that’s true.”
“So, according to the logic of those who argue for distribution based on merit, wouldn’t it be like this? At the very least, the Prophet should take 80 to 90 percent, and we should divide the rest among ourselves.”
“That… makes sense.”
Philip II’s words were spot on.
If we were to distribute based on merit, as the advocates of merit-based distribution suggest, I would end up taking the lion’s share.
Of course, if we were to actually do this, I wouldn’t have any complaints.
Naturally, that’s not going to happen, so that argument is effectively debunked.
“Let’s set aside the argument for strict merit-based distribution and address the Sultan’s concerns.”
“Yes.”
“First, stabilizing the now-empty lands of Khwarezm is a crucial issue. If it becomes chaotic, it will undoubtedly affect the Ayyubids, and Rome, which needs to stabilize Anatolia, will also face difficulties. Therefore, we need to take measures to establish a new dynasty in Khwarezm.”
“Is it impossible for the Ayyubids to rule Khwarezm?”
At Heinrich VI’s question, Saladin shook his head firmly.
“Khwarezm’s territory is too vast. While it’s not entirely impossible with the cooperation of local amirs, we currently lack the administrative capacity to govern such a large area. Overreaching can lead to indigestion.”
“Then we have no choice but to nurture an amir who is favorable to us and capable of stabilizing Khwarezm.”
“However, there are still issues. Due to a lack of legitimacy, there will be constant noise from various regions.”
If someone with overwhelming power and ability were to emerge, it wouldn’t be a problem, but in the Khwarezm ravaged by the Mongols, such a figure is unlikely to exist.
Oh, there is one person. Though no one is paying attention to him now.
“I share the Sultan’s concerns. Therefore, we need to have a plan in place. I agree with the plan to stabilize Khwarezm with amirs who are favorable to us. However, considering the future, we need a central figure to unite them, don’t we?”
“Indeed. Surely, you don’t mean to take on that role yourself, Apostle…”
“No, I can’t intervene directly. But I can offer indirect assistance. Ultimately, we need someone with the legitimacy to govern Khwarezm’s lands. We can establish such a figure.”
“So, who would that be… Ah. Could it be?”
“Yes, I believe you’re thinking of the right person. The bloodline of the last emperor of the Khwarezm Empire is currently with the Ayyubids.”
Jalal ad-Din Mingburnu.
The last Sultan of the Khwarezmian dynasty, who stood against Genghis Khan until the very end, proving his ability and determination as the final hero of Khwarezm.
In the history of Uzbekistan, he is celebrated as a hero among heroes even in modern times.
True to the meaning of his name, “Heaven-sent,” his actual abilities were exceptional.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Khwarezm, which was practically doomed, managed to hold out for over a decade thanks to his personal prowess.
The problem is that during this era, when the Mongols invaded, he was merely a newborn.
Even a lion cub can fall prey to a stray dog when it’s young.
Now, there were hardly any in the Ayyubid realm who paid attention to the last scion of a fallen empire, who was still toddling around.
“Do you believe that child has the potential to stabilize Khwarezm?”
“Absolutely. If he had been grown, Khwarezm wouldn’t have fallen so easily. I see a future where he matures into someone exceptional.”
“If you prophesy it, then it must be true. He’s still very young, but perhaps that’s an advantage. He’ll have at least ten years to learn here.”
Thankfully, no further explanation seemed necessary.
No matter how promising Jalal ad-Din might be, for now, he’s just a child sucking his thumb and playing with toys.
Supporting the local amirs of Khwarezm to stabilize the borders will take years, at the very least.
Khwarezm isn’t exactly a small territory.
In that time, Jalal ad-Din will have plenty of opportunity to grow, and more importantly, he can be molded into a loyal Ayyubid supporter.
Of course, the ultimate goal is for him to become a devout follower of Edward Marshall.
“As the apostle, I grant legitimacy to the Khwarezmian bloodline, and no amir would dare oppose it. His abilities are beyond question, and he will lead Khwarezm well.”
In the end, the future leaders of Islam will all be staunch supporters of Edward Marshall.
This isn’t just for my benefit; it’s to ensure the new order I establish takes root.
“Ladies and gentlemen, as this discussion has shown, the rift between Christianity and Islam is deep. Without me, even these negotiations wouldn’t reach a peaceful agreement.”
“That’s true, but…”
“We have no choice. History is what it is.”
“Indeed. But the problem is, if my time runs out, this brief peace will end in an instant. The backlash could be even more severe.”
No one argued against the possibility of such an outcome.
Perhaps everyone here sensed, however faintly, that this was inevitable.
“So, let’s lay a solid foundation this time.”
“And how do you propose to do that?”
“We must cut out the very seeds of discord that keep both sides at odds.”
The greatest divide between the two, which cannot be reconciled in their current state, is their doctrines.
“Islam and Christianity. It’s time to reassess both positions.”
“A council presided over by the apostle, then. Do you have a location in mind?”
For a place to commemorate the harmony between Islam and Christianity, there could be no better choice.
“Jerusalem.”
Where everything began.
And where everything to come will find its conclusion.