Episode 242
The atmosphere in Cairo shifted dramatically after Nasir’s confession.
The talk of Nasir’s execution vanished without a trace, leaving only the message he had delivered to echo endlessly.
Even the imams began to focus less on Nasir as an individual and more on the title of Caliph and the structure of the Almohad regime itself.
“The title of Caliph should no longer exist!”
“Exactly. Even Nasir himself admitted it. The Caliph was nothing more than a deceitful ploy by those in power.”
“So, to what extent should we reject the title of Caliph? Even if we dismiss the Almohads, what about the Abbasid Caliphs?”
“There’s hardly any point in discussing them since their line is practically extinct.”
“Precisely because it’s extinct, we need to reassess it thoroughly.”
If the title of Caliph was indeed a part of a grand deception, then were all the Caliphs up to now no different from Nasir, or did they possess some degree of legitimacy?
What was clear was that the existing power structure of the Almohads had completely collapsed, and no one dared to even mention the word “Caliph.”
Criticism of the former Almohad power elite also increased significantly.
To avoid such sharp criticism, most of the Almohad power holders began to publicly denounce the old order and confess their past sins.
“So, if we bless the new Sultan of the Almohads, everything will be settled?”
“Yes. I must say, thanks to you, Apostle, everything has been resolved so easily.”
Saladin caressed his cup with his wrinkled hand as he continued.
“I’m relieved that you agreed to make my brother the new Sultan.”
“I might have imposed on you unknowingly, so I’m glad to help in any way I can.”
“Thanks to you, I’ve been able to resolve all the issues I needed to in my life. I want to express my gratitude once again.”
In truth, I should be the one thanking him, as I’ve gained the most from this situation.
Saladin might think I orchestrated all of this with foresight, but even I am surprised by the unexpected gains, making it hard to hide my excitement.
“By the way, how does the Sultan plan to handle the Andalusian issue? King Philip II still seems concerned about it.”
“With the Almohads disbanded and being restructured, claiming rights over Andalusia seems a bit off. France can do as it pleases. In fact, if that region must fall into European hands, it might as well be France, which seems the most reasonable.”
“I’ll relay that message. Also, we need to spread the news of recent events throughout the Ayyubid territories, as well as the former Khwarezm and Baghdad areas. I hope the Sultan can assist with that.”
“Of course, that’s my responsibility. In that regard, may I ask a favor of you?”
“If it’s something I can do, anything is fine.”
I was quite curious about what Saladin might request of me.
“I’m getting on in years, and my body doesn’t move as it used to. I think it would be best to entrust the task to my son. What do you think?”
“Is your son the one who will succeed you as the next Sultan?”
“Yes. He’s old enough now to take on such responsibilities. If you don’t mind, could you officially recognize him as your messenger?”
Ah, so that’s what it was.
Even Saladin can’t control what happens after he’s gone, so he wants to solidify his son’s power base.
He’ll send his most threatening uncle to rule a neighboring country and pacify the former Khwarezm with pro-Ayyubid royals, leaving no visible threats.
The remaining issue is domestic recognition, but no matter how much Saladin’s son is his heir, he won’t reach the heights Saladin achieved.
The accomplishments are simply too overwhelming.
“You want to give your son a symbolic endorsement to ensure stability when he succeeds you.”
“Haha… To be honest, yes. My son is a fervent admirer of yours. If you bless him, he’ll be moved to tears and do his utmost to carry out your words.”
“That’s not difficult. I’ll do it.”
By officially endorsing him as the Sultan I appointed, no one in the Ayyubid realm would dare question his qualifications after Saladin’s death.
And having the next Sultan of the overwhelmingly powerful Ayyubid Empire as a devoted follower is certainly advantageous for me.
“Then I’ll officially bless your son as you wish. Let’s discuss the specifics tomorrow.”
After that, the conversation didn’t return to politics.
Saladin mostly talked about recent academic trends within the Ayyubid realm, with me occasionally responding.
Seeing his wrinkled hands and how quickly he tired from talking reminded me that his time was limited.
Though he lived much longer than in the original history, witnessing the final days of a giant of the era was inevitably poignant.
After my conversation with Saladin, as I left the palace, Nasir, who oversees the regional intelligence network, hurriedly approached me.
“Apostle! I have urgent news.”
I thought the major issues were mostly resolved, but perhaps I was mistaken.
If Nasir is rushing to find me, it must be something significant. Could it be some subversive movement?
“What is it?”
“Well… there’s something you need to know, so I came to tell you.”
“You, the head of the intelligence network, personally?”
How big is this issue?
His hesitant expression only added to my unease.
“Um… it’s a rather trivial matter, but it’s something I felt you should know first, so I came.”
“Why are you beating around the bush? Just tell me.”
“Well, I was worried it might be inappropriate to bother you with this…”
“It’s not inappropriate, so get to the point. Is someone getting married or something?”
”…Huh!”
I was joking, but why is he reacting like that?
Did I actually guess right?
Nasir’s eyes widened in surprise, and he scratched his head with an awkward smile.
“As expected of you, Apostle. I came straight here without telling anyone else, and you already know.”
“Uh… well. But it’s always best to hear it directly, so go ahead.”
“Yes. Since you already know, I’ll keep it brief. My sister Fatima is getting married, and if it’s not too much trouble, I was hoping you could bless the union.”
”…”
Wait, it’s not Nasir getting married, but his sister?
Fatima’s getting married… to whom, and who has the guts to marry her?
“Who’s the groom? I don’t recall hearing she had someone special.”
“They’ve only known each other for about a year. The groom is a renowned scholar in the region and a huge admirer of yours. They met at a gathering discussing you, hit it off, and after a few more meetings, decided to marry.”
So they met at an Edward Marshall fan club and fell in love.
Just hearing about it makes my head spin.
I inadvertently played matchmaker, but what can I say? It’s oddly embarrassing.
“If Fatima’s getting married, of course, I’ll attend. Let’s set a date.”
”…What? You’re going to attend in person? Just a written blessing would be more than enough.”
“What are you talking about? You and your sister were among my first loyal followers. It wouldn’t make sense not to celebrate in person. I’ll clear my schedule and attend… No, I’ll throw a wedding so grand that no royalty could match it. Tell her to bring her fiancé here.”
“You’re going to personally oversee the wedding? As her brother, I’m truly at a loss for words.”
“If you’re envious, find yourself a good woman. I’ll throw you an equally lavish wedding.”
Nasir’s grin stretched from ear to ear.
Seeing him like that, I couldn’t help but reflect.
When I first met her, she was just a young girl, and now she’s getting married.
“I’ll make sure all the members of the society that venerates you attend the wedding. Since you’re hosting a member’s wedding, they’ll be deeply moved.”
“You were part of that society too…?”
I just learned that the society’s official name was “The Society of Edward Marshall Admirers.”
The name made me cringe and want to hide, but surprisingly, most of the era’s prominent scholars and theologians were members.
Even the royals are honorary members, which only adds to my embarrassment.
This is driving me insane.
“Alright, fine. Let those people from that society… what was it, Esamo? Let them know they’re welcome too. As for the wedding… let’s see… I’ll be heading up soon, so Damascus or Jerusalem should work.”
“Understood! I’ll take care of the venue!”
Watching Nasr dash off after saying that, I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself.
No matter how things turn out, hearing that my first recruits are settling down and starting families brings me a lot of joy.
I have no idea what kind of person her future husband is, but this is Nasr we’re talking about.
She must have already done a thorough background check, probably even using the Assassins.
If there are no issues, all I need to do is oversee the wedding and offer my blessings.
But no matter how much I think about it, there’s just one thing.
“What kind of name is Esamo, anyway?”
I definitely need to change the name of that society.
Thank goodness I found out now. If it had been any later… the thought gives me chills.