Good morning, Sultan, Alice said, nodding at Suleiman as she passed by him in a hall. She was wearing a light garnt and baggy pants. Burc was draped over her shoulders, pressing down her ssy hair.
Just call Suleiman, Alice, Suleiman said and shook his head. Your Turkish is getting much better.
Thank you. Alice rubbed Burcs head, causing him to purr. Its all thanks to him. Two months had passed since she arrived in this world, and it took a while, but she managed to learn the local languageparts of it, at least. Luckily, the language was easy to read after learning the alphabet, and with Burc acting as a dictionary, it wasnt so troubleso. If Burc wasnt here, or if she hadnt developed the mysterious ability that involved talking to catswhich she suspected to be from that genie she had once trapped in a jarshed probably still be confused as heck.
Co to my study after breakfast, Suleiman said. Theres sothing Id like to discuss with you.
Alright, Alice said, continuing down the hall. She had never been called into his study before. Was there sothing important? Perhaps one of her companions had been located. Alice sighed. In the two months she was here, she hadnt caused any ruckuses at all; it made sense for her to still be alone. There wasnt any way for Tafel to find her. However, Alice did request Suleiman to keep an eye out for her companions, but despite the enormity of the empire and her companions unique characteristics, there werent any hints of them. She even got the nagging feeling that her companions didnt follow her into the portal after that bumbling dragon threw her into it. What if she was stuck her alone forever?
Alice shook her head and focused on getting her breakfast instead. The Padishah treated her pretty well, housing her in his palace without asking for paynt. Occasionally, shed spar with his soldiers, the Janissaries. Of course, they were too weak, and after finding out there wasnt any magic that could instantly restore a broken bone, Alice had switched to beating them up with a sock filled with stiff cloth instead. The Padishah had even offered her a position as captain of the Janissaries.
After a breakfast of mostly fish, Alice found her way to the Padishahs study. It reminded her of her own office back in the Adventurers Guild. The Padishah was waiting for her and put down his book when she arrived. There were pictures on it that caught Alices eye. They reminded her of a military formation. All it was missing was a few arrows. It was a sha she wasnt literate enough to read the alphabet while it was upside down. You needed ? Alice asked, tearing her gaze away from the image.
Suleiman leaned forward while putting his elbows on his desk. He intertwined his fingers and furrowed his brow while eting Alices gaze. Im going to war, he said. I wish to seek your help.
A war? Alice asked and raised her eyebrows. Who, what, where, when, why?
Suleimans brow furrowed. My kingdom against the world. Upon seeing Alices slightly concerned expression, he chuckled and lowered his arms. That was a joke. I simply wish to expand northwards. Im departing soon. Would you like to join as captain of the Janissaries?
Alice pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest. War wasnt to be made light of. Sure, there was that one ti she had accompanied Nate on a war because she thought it would be interesting, but that was just one ti. Thered be death and turmoil and unrest along with the very real possibility of the people around her dying. Do you have to go to war?
A slight smile appeared on Suleimans face. Yes. Right now, my empire is too weak. To beco strong enough to defend ourselves, we need more resources, more land. This war of expansion is necessary for my empires future survival. Of course, I can choose not to wage war, and eventually my empire will be conquered within four to five generations.
Alice sighed. It seed like the law of the jungle applied to this world too. Alright, Ill help. She needed the Padishahs support to find her companions, and besides, wasnt waging war causing a ruckus too? If she beca famous and acquired a title like guardian of the battlefield, surely Tafel would take notice. As for the deaths and turmoil and unrest? It was going to happen anyway whether she participated or not, so she might as well ensure that the winning side was the one she knew the language of. Shed rather not have to learn a whole new language if Suleiman lost. Alice petted Burcs head before gazing at Suleiman. What do you need to do?
You just need to protect on the battlefield.
Just protection? Alice asked. You dont need to lead the charge?
Suleiman shook his head. My Janissaries are infantry who act as my bodyguards. The sipahis are the horsen in charge of leading the attack.
I know how to ride a horse, Alice said. She snorted. I can run faster than one too.
A bleak smile appeared on Suleimans lips. Yes, I believe you can, he said and sighed, thinking back to all the tis he watched the tiny girl in front of him beat up his greatest Janissaries. However, as a bodyguard, youll be exposed to less combat. Leading the charge is dangerous.
Alice crossed her arms over her chest. Thats why the strongest person should do it.
But youre just a girl, woman! Youre a woman.
And? Whats that supposed to an? Alice asked, raising an eyebrow.
Suleiman leaned back in his seat and averted his gaze. T-think about it, he said. What would my enemies think of if I let you lead the charge?
Alice tilted her head. Does it matter what they think of you? What are they going to do? Declare war on you again?
No, thats. Suleiman lowered his head. The girl in front of him had a point, but still why did it feel so wrong?
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