Finally! Alice hopped out of the carriage and stretched her arms towards the sky. She lowered them to her sides and leaned to one side, letting Burc hop onto her shoulder. After he did so, she straightened her back and headed over to Suleiman. He was surrounded by his advisors, and they were speaking quite rapidly. Hey, when are we starting? Alice asked, butting into the conversation. My hands are itchy, and theres so nice-looking walls over there to scratch them with.
I can scratch them for you if youd like, Burc said and extended his claws, sinking them into Alices clothes. Tiny pricks of pain stabbed her shoulder.
No, thats okay, Alice said, glaring at Burc.
Suleiman and his advisors stared at the girl who was having a staring contest with a cat. Theres a little bit of trouble, Suleiman said and sighed. While we were on the road, the Holy Roman Empire was one step ahead of us.
Alice tilted her head. They decided to defend the place were going to attack?
No, Suleiman said and stroked his chin. They conquered the Kingdom of Hungary first. Its their lands now.
Alice blinked. So? Whats the issue?
Were deciding whether or not its worth it to declare war at this ti, Suleiman said. Compared to the Kingdom of Hungary, the Holy Roman Empire is a much tougher opponent.
Werent you planning on attacking them anyway? Alice asked. She lifted her hand up and stroked Burcs chin. What does it matter if its now or later?
One of Suleimans advisors shouted, See! He slapped his thighs. The angel agrees with .
Were not ready for a war against the Holy Roman Empire! another advisor said. The supply chain isnt prepared for this. The original plan was to conquer the Kingdom of Hungary, acquire its territories, and reinforce them over ti, securing a platform to attack the Holy Roman Empire. Now that the empire owns Hungary, if we attack the place, itll be the sa as declaring war against the empire. We simply arent ready for it yet.
Nonsense! the previous advisor said. What did the angel say? We were going to attack the empire! Three years from now, ten years from now, right now, whats the difference between the three? The angel guarantees our victory!
Alices eyes bulged. Ten years? She blinked hard, her hand freezing beneath Burcs neck. You were planning on waiting that long before expanding again?
It takes ti to assimilate a population, the second advisor said. Imagine if we conquered Hungary and launched an attack on the Holy Roman Empire right away. If the people of Hungary rebelled at a crucial mont, wouldnt that land a devastating blow against us? It takes ti to get rid of animosity that cos with warmongering even if we have a righteous cause for war behind us. They dont have to rebel in an open manner either. They could feed intelligence to the Holy Roman Empire. They can misdirect our own troops. Solving these issues takes ti.
Alice rolled her eyes. For so reason, she was reminded of her ti back on the eastern continent where she was the guild master of an adventurers guild, all the paperwork and logistics along with a little bit of politics. You have a point.
The second advisor jabbed a finger towards the first one. You see! The angel agrees with !
Burc rubbed his face against Alices cheek while the two advisors got into a heated argunt. You want to help the Padishah expand his lands to use his influence to help you search for your friends, right?
Alice raised an eyebrow. Yeah, and?
Burc exhaled, sinking down against Alices neck. Have you considered helping the Holy Roman Empire? The Padishah is right here. If you capture him now and turn him in to the Holy Roman Empire, they might acquire everything depending on how well they negotiate.
Alice turned her head towards her empty shoulder.
Where are you looking? Burc asked and pawed at Alices face.
Trying to find the other cat that gives good advice, Alice said with a blank expression. Thats how it works, right? Two cats on either shoulder, one giving moral advice, the other speaking evil.
Well, Burc said. I already peed on you as you slept. By sll alone, any cat will know youve been claid.
You did what?
Im sorry! I was wrong! Burc said and leapt off of Alices shoulder before she could grab him. He landed on Suleimans turban, scrambling to hide behind the Padishahs head.
Suleiman frowned before relaxing his face. What did the cat do this ti, Alice?
Alice narrowed her eyes. You dont have to know the details; you just have to know he committed an unpardonable cri.
I lied! I didnt pee on you as you slept!
I dont believe you anymore! Alice shouted back at the cat. She glared at Suleiman. Hand him over.
A wry smile appeared on Suleimans lips as he grabbed at Burc. However, the majestic cat slipped away, running back towards Alices carriage. He scrambled up the side and onto the roof, staring down at Alice and Suleiman. I couldve peed on your armor too, but I chose not to. Think about that.
Alice snorted and crossed her arms in front of her chest. She turned away, ignoring the cat. The advisors were still bickering, and it seed like the head of logistics and the head of the sipahis were about to get into a fistfight. Suleiman gave Alice a wry smile. No matter where one goes, there will always be a difference in opinion as long as there are people, he said. What do you think of the situation?
Arent you the Sultan? Alice asked in return. Youre supposed to make decisions. However, Id greatly appreciate it if you could cut down the amount of ti itll take you to conquer the world. How big is Hungary compared to the rest of the world? If it takes you ten years to stabilize this land, how long will it take you to stabilize the whole world? Three centuries? Four?
I wasnt planning on conquering the whole world, Suleiman said and furrowed his brow.
Alice slapped her hand down on Suleimans shoulder. She had to stand on her tiptoes to do it. Your ambitions are too small. Think big! Is the Kingdom of Hungary and the Holy Roman Empire really enough to satisfy your appetite?
Suleiman narrowed his eyes. Youre right. He turned towards his advisors. Enough arguing! We go to war!
Excellent! Alice said and expanded her shield. Ill lead the charge.
Wait! Suleiman shouted at Alices rapidly disappearing figure. Thats Belgrade! Thats our fortress! Dont punch the wall down, please!
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