Episode 212
It’s been about a week since Saladin returned to Damascus.
He was certain that his stature had risen even higher than before.
Not that anyone dared to challenge his authority before, either.
Ever since he captured Jerusalem and reclaimed the Holy Land, his position had been unshakeable.
Even the amirs, who occasionally muttered nonsense, had fallen silent and started listening to him since then.
But now, it was incomparable to those times.
The wisest leader in the history of Islam, past, present, and future.
Such genuine praise was pouring in not only from the common people but also from imams and amirs.
In what he considered the twilight of his life, with only the descent left to contemplate, Saladin felt a strong desire to adorn his final years more brilliantly than anyone else.
And without much effort, things were already moving in that direction.
Where was the Jerusalem Council, which ended in great success, held?
In Jerusalem, under his rule.
And who successfully concluded the council there?
None other than Sultan Salah ad-Din of the Ayyubid dynasty.
Since the day Saladin returned to Damascus, not a single day passed without hearing accolades of his greatness and wisdom.
The imams proclaimed that Saladin’s wisdom and insight were gifts from God, acknowledged by the Prophet, spreading new gospels daily.
In some ways, this might be a more honorable title than reclaiming Jerusalem.
No, not just in some ways—it’s true in every way.
Reclaiming Jerusalem from Christian hands was undoubtedly a great achievement.
However, in the new era ahead, its brilliance might slightly fade.
Christianity and Islam were bound to be united under new religious doctrines, significantly reducing future conflicts.
Realistically, the potential for conflict with neighboring countries was higher than with distant Christian lands across the sea.
But even for this, Saladin had a plan.
“How is the prince of Khwarezm doing? Is his reputation among those around him favorable?”
“Just as we discussed before. Every teacher praises him as an exceptionally talented individual.”
“Of course. After all, the Prophet himself vouched for him.”
The child destined to rebuild Khwarezm was entrusted to his brother, Al-Adil, for special education.
Having the Sultan’s own brother and the second-in-command of the Ayyubid dynasty personally oversee him demonstrated how much they valued the prince.
If the young prince’s abilities fell short of expectations, there was a significant chance of disappointment, but Saladin had ruled out that possibility from the start.
Wasn’t his name Mingburnu?
Marshal confidently declared that the child would live up to the meaning of his name, “Heaven-sent.”
If so, the child had the potential to grow into someone capable.
How he developed would determine the stability of the eastern borders of the Ayyubid dynasty for decades to come.
“The priority is to ensure Mingburnu harbors favorable feelings towards us. How is that going?”
“Of course. In fact, just accepting a fallen royal family without conditions was enough for them to be grateful. With our full support, they can’t help but feel infinite goodwill towards us, both rationally and emotionally. I also spend time with the child at least three times a week to build a bond.”
Though a prince, he was just a child who lost his parents early and grew up in a foreign land with no one to rely on.
Having been raised in the Ayyubid palace since he could barely walk, he was practically more Ayyubid than Khwarezmian.
His entourage, who came with him, were also well-treated and lived without want, naturally integrating into this side.
“We’re also supporting amirs in Khwarezm who are favorable to us, so we’ll see results within a decade. By then, Mingburnu will be an adult, and establishing a new kingdom should proceed smoothly.”
“From the king to his closest aides, they’ll all be aligned with the Ayyubid faction.”
“Exactly. Then there’s nothing more to see. In fact, significant changes are expected in the Almohad Caliphate within a few years, so we should focus on the west.”
“Oh, I’ve heard. The Caliph of the Almohad made a huge blunder in Jerusalem.”
“Considering the impact of the council, the Caliph won’t last long. That will be the perfect opportunity to bring the entire Maghreb under our influence. But since my time may not be long, it might fall to you. Of course, you’re getting on in years too, so we might have to leave it to our children.”
If they could absorb the Maghreb, the Ayyubid dynasty would become the unrivaled power in the Islamic world.
The name “Islam” itself might change in the future, but neighboring countries would inevitably be bound together.
“But wouldn’t absorbing the Maghreb stretch our territory too thin?”
“We don’t necessarily have to incorporate it into the Ayyubid dynasty. Or I might consider entrusting that region to you. You have the ability and the qualifications.”
“Me, in charge of the Maghreb?”
Though overshadowed by his great brother, Al-Adil was also a kingly figure with both ability and ambition.
Saladin had long recognized his brother’s ambition and ability, never granting him more than necessary.
Though a second-in-command, he was content to be one under the control of the first-in-command, and his brother understood that well.
But now, with Saladin’s age, he couldn’t be sure how long he would remain in his position, so he needed to prepare for the future.
In that sense, sending his brother to the Maghreb to stabilize the west would be beneficial, ensuring a stable succession here, and satisfying his brother—a win-win situation.
“Brother, I never expected Your Majesty to offer me such a great opportunity. I won’t disappoint you!”
“Indeed. We won’t seize that region through war or plunder. That would go against the Prophet’s will. When they fall into chaos, we’ll need to use our influence to draw them in with high-level political finesse, so it would be wise to start preparing now.”
“I’ll start strategizing immediately!”
For the next few years, the world’s attention would be on the Maghreb and Andalusia.
Saladin was certain that Philip II, whom he saw at the council, wouldn’t miss this opportunity.
So they couldn’t afford to fall behind.
The silent battle of nerves was already underway.
Back in Constantinople.
Though it was a stopover on the way back from Jerusalem, it seemed they had no intention of letting me go, having prepared everything.
“Hahaha! Welcome, or rather, I should maintain decorum in public settings. Welcome, Prophet.”
“Your Majesty. With your leg not in the best condition, you didn’t have to come out here personally.”
“How could I sit in the high seat and wait when the Prophet, the heart and spiritual pillar of our Rome, is arriving? Come, come. Thanks to you, this city is regaining its former vitality. Did you notice on your way here?”
Indeed, I was surprised by the noticeably changed atmosphere of the city compared to when I first arrived.
In truth, rather than improving, this was the state Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, should have always been in, as Alexios III mentioned.
Seeing it this way, it was clear how much of a mess the previous incompetent emperor had made.
Raising taxes, stifling commerce, failing to suppress rebellions, and botching diplomacy—if the city functioned properly under such conditions, that would be the real anomaly.
It was as if they were constantly shaking it by the collar, wondering, “Isn’t it collapsing yet? How much more do we have to do to see it fall?”
With the help of the Crusaders, they had suppressed rebellions and stabilized the north, and even reclaimed Anatolia, bringing the city back to its former glory.
Alexios III’s capabilities were enough to be called a wise ruler, so the future of the Eastern Roman Empire looked bright.
In the original history, he would have been at the end of his life, but with the rebellion that ousted him gone, that scenario was no longer a concern.
The only remaining issue was the succession of the next emperor, but that wasn’t a problem either.
With me as the son-in-law, who would dare meddle in the succession and cause trouble?
“Your Majesty. There aren’t many examples of successfully restoring a once-fallen state. Even more so, holding it together after restoring it is several times more difficult.”
“Isn’t it thanks to our Prophet that we’re achieving this difficult task? Hahaha!”
“While everything seems smooth now, unforeseen challenges may continue to arise. Your leadership is more crucial than ever, so don’t let your guard down and continue to strive as you have.”
“Of course. My greatest joy recently is watching this city regain its former glory day by day. The north is stable, the south is stable, and we’re well integrated with both Catholics and Muslims, so everything now depends on my abilities.”
Fortunately, my thoughts weren’t much different.
If Alexios III managed the restored Eastern Roman Empire well, there was no doubt it would regain its former prosperity within a decade.
If we can just keep our wits about us and avoid any missteps, reclaiming the former glory of the Byzantine Empire might not be just a dream.
Such a resurgence would create a balanced power dynamic between Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
“Well then, Your Majesty, I think I’ll stay here a bit longer before returning to my estate. I’ve been away from home for too long and need to attend to my family.”
“Oh, you needn’t worry about that. Your daughter is already on her way here. I sent for her some time ago, so she should arrive within a few days.”
“You summoned Anna to Constantinople? Why?”
“Well, now that the war is over and the council is wrapping up, the prophet is expected to visit soon. I wanted to ensure you could reunite with your daughter as soon as possible. After all, before being an emperor, I am a father. Ha ha ha.”
Something tells me that’s not the whole story. I can smell something fishy.
And sure enough.
Emperor Alexios III, who had been awkwardly smiling, glanced at me and cautiously spoke again.
“By the way, Prophet, given my age, it’s about time I solidify the line of succession, don’t you think? It would provide stability for the people of our recovering empire.”
“Indeed.”
“The next emperor is crucial. The emperor of this nation must also be the head and representative of the Orthodox Church. But if someone unrelated to the church were to ascend the throne while you, the prophet, are present, it would surely cause an uproar.”
“And so?”
“Therefore, if you, my son-in-law, could succeed me as co-emperor, it would be most reassuring.”
Ah… just as I suspected. This is unfolding exactly as I anticipated.
I let out a deep sigh and met Alexios III’s gaze.
I had hoped otherwise, but there was no hint of jest in his words.