Episode 31

“Count, those people have returned.”

“I expected as much. Let them in.”

The news of the Holy Roman Emperor’s death, who was on a crusade, had just reached us yesterday.

And the very next day, Nasr and Fatima came to see me.

Judging by how quickly they arrived, almost in tandem with the news, they must have been in quite a hurry.

“In that case, shall I call for the guards?”

“No need to go that far.”

“But sir, those people…”

“If they came rushing here like this, they probably haven’t thought things through.”

The guards assigned to me by Richard I were still visibly anxious, but honestly, they were more of a hindrance to me.

If I spoke with Nasr and Fatima in front of them, it was certain that Richard would hear about it.

Since the chance of assassination is practically zero, I need to ensure that our conversation remains private.

“Besides, they already failed at a surprise attack once. What is there to worry about?”

”…Understood. But if we hear any loud noises, we’ll come in.”

“That’s your duty, and I respect that.”

The guards bowed respectfully and exited the room.

After a while, the door opened again, and Nasr and Fatima entered, looking a bit awkward.

They seemed surprised when the door closed behind them, as if they expected the guards to follow.

“Judging by how long it took, I assume the body search was thorough?”

“Yes, well…”

“Considering you once hid weapons in your shoe soles, it’s understandable. I hope you understand.”

”…It’s only fair. But are you sure it’s alright not to have the guards here?”

I smiled warmly at the siblings.

They were much more polite than the last time I saw them.

Fatima looked down, almost like a guilty child, and Nasr seemed unable to meet my eyes.

“So, how did it go? Did my prophecy come true?”

Regardless of their level of faith, Assassins are typically fiercely loyal to their creed.

Whether they use that loyalty for personal gain or live solely for their faith is the only difference.

Nasr was the former, and Fatima the latter, but both shared a deep reverence and fear of God.

Nasr, after clenching and unclenching his fists several times, cautiously asked, “Did you really… know everything?”

“Of course. If I didn’t know, I wouldn’t have said anything. If you kept your promise, you would have seen that great emperor drown in water barely deep enough to cover his waist.”

Both of them gasped simultaneously.

I turned to Fatima, who was coughing nervously.

“Last time, you accused me of conspiring with the Vatican. Do you still think that?”

“Well…”

“Feel free to speak honestly.”

Fatima slowly raised her head.

Her eyes, once filled with defiance even when captured, now showed only confusion and anxiety.

“Your… I mean, Marshal, your prophecies were all true. Every single one came to pass.”

The time when I could predict events like a seer was running out.

If I kept interfering with history, the butterfly effect would inevitably change its course.

Fortunately, I hadn’t meddled with Frederick I’s campaign, so history remained intact.

But in Western Europe, Richard’s ascension year had already changed, and the Crusades would be delayed, making specific prophecies difficult.

Of course, I had plans for the Islamic world for that time.

“So, do you believe now that I received prophecies from God?”

“After witnessing such evidence, denying it would surely bring divine punishment. I believe. But… does that mean the Quran is… false?”

“I never said it was false. Just that it, like the Bible, has been shaped by human hands. Acknowledging that isn’t blasphemy.”

“That may be true, but until now, no Muslim dared to question the Quran. Even a hint of doubt was considered blasphemy… Just as the Church brands any suggestion of errors in the Bible as blasphemy.”

It’s a valid point.

In modern times, Islamic extremism stands out compared to Christian cultures, but back then, both were equally intolerant.

In fact, with rulers like Saladin, Islam sometimes seemed more reasonable.

Though Western countries today are rooted in Christian culture, it’s more about cultural influence than strict adherence.

Back then, both sides were equally unreasonable.

Thinking about how to gradually change their perceptions gives me a headache.

In 700 or 800 years, things might improve, but who knows what shocking events will occur until then.

Even a few years in this environment might erode my faith in humanity.

“Indeed, that’s the current trend. But have you considered that someone like me appeared because we’re on the wrong path?”

“Are you saying a prophet has returned because we’re straying?”

“That’s my belief. Do you think it’s a coincidence that I appeared when the conflict between Christianity and Islam reached its peak?”

”…It doesn’t seem like a coincidence.”

Even I find the timing uncanny.

To those unaware of the circumstances, it must seem like divine intervention.

“Let me clarify: I don’t intend to side solely with the Roman Church. I’m here because they recognized me first. If the Eastern Orthodox or Islam acknowledges me, I’ll gladly share God’s words with them too.”

“I understand, but the Church and Islam can never mix. Never…”

“There’s no such thing as ‘never.’ Can you still say that after witnessing the Holy Roman Emperor’s drowning?”

Fatima flinched and lowered her head.

“So, you… I apologize, I’m not used to this. So, Marshal, if you truly received such words from God… then it must be so.”

Her inability to fully comprehend or accept it, yet being unable to refute it, was both amusing and intriguing.

I looked at Fatima, who was visibly struggling.

“Honestly, I think so too. The two sides are culturally too different to merge. But perhaps they can maintain a respectful distance without fighting to the death.”

”…I don’t know.”

Of course not. I’m just speaking off the cuff, unsure if it will work.

But without fully siding with Islam, this is the only way to draw talent from their side.

A guardian of peace and a great mediator to end this long-standing conflict.

Naturally, both religions might attack me, but I can always use divine words as a shield.

Overcoming such obstacles only elevates my value and status.

Even if I can’t sway all of Islam, it’s fine.

Just shaking the faith of those like Nasr and Fatima is enough for me.

Eventually, the Christian forces will rally around me.

So, handling a divided Islam shouldn’t be too difficult.

And I’ve already laid the groundwork to further their division.

“Nasr, Fatima. You returned because you wanted to hear something from me, right?”

”…Yes. After confirming everything, we’re confused…”

“I’m sorry, but you’ll likely be even more confused, so prepare yourselves.”

As I picked up a pen and pulled a parchment towards me, their eyes filled with anxiety.

They were clearly worried about what strange revelation I might write this time.

When I stopped writing, they hurriedly grabbed the parchment.

“What is it this time… Oh!”

Nasr’s eyes widened as he froze in place.

“What is it? What does it say… Oh!”

Fatima, picking up the parchment from the floor, mirrored his shock.

I kindly read the contents aloud for them.

“Rashid ad-Din Sinan. Your master and the leader of the Syrian Assassins. Unfortunately, his time, as decreed by God, will end next year.”

I remember the death years of significant figures well, so there’s no mistake.

I haven’t meddled with the Islamic side, so there’s no butterfly effect.

Rashid ad-Din Sinan was a notable figure, and his death coincided with the height of the Third Crusade, making it easy to remember.

I informed the siblings, who were still reeling from the shock.

“The Syrian Assassins relied entirely on the authority and skill of their leader, Rashid ad-Din Sinan. Once Rashid is gone, it’s inevitable that their golden age will fade. That’s why I’ve called you here.”

”…Pardon?”

“Nasr, I want you to start preparing to take Rashid’s place. If you need financial support, I’ll provide what I can. In other words, you’ve been chosen as one of the key figures to restore the true essence of Islam. So, are you willing to take on this burden? Feel free to take a moment to think it over.”

I leisurely poured myself a glass of wine, not rushing for an answer. After all, I already knew what they would say.

As expected, Nasr and Fatima looked at me with eyes full of emotion and asked, “Are you saying… we’ve been chosen by Allah? To be warriors alongside the Prophet to restore Islam?”

“Yes. However, if you feel this burden is too heavy, God has said it can be passed to another. Personally, I believe this is fate, and I hope you’ll accept it, but I can’t force you. If it’s too much…”

“No! I’ll do it!”

“Me too! I’m ready to dedicate myself to fulfilling God’s will alongside my brother!”

The two of them shouted as if competing to see who could be louder. This commotion even brought the guards rushing in from outside, but I quickly made an excuse and sent them back.

“Good. If that’s your decision, from now on, you will be my eyes and ears.”

With two of them, it’s perfect—one can be sent back to Syria, and the other can establish an intelligence network here.

A lord in the Christian world, yet the one who pulls the strings in the Islamic underworld.

That’s the future I, Edward Marshall, envision.