Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One

Purana Qila, Prince chamber, afternoon of 9th April 1557.

After the lunch session, nobles began to gather in the prince’s chamber as visitors. The first to enter was a 54-year-old Muslim nobleman, dressed in an angarkha, a long tunic with a kurta style, paired with tight pajama-style pants. His outfit was completed with a printed coat and a Persian-style turban atop his head. He walked in with a broad smile, and at first glance, Aditya knew this man meant serious business.

With the formal greetings exchanged, Aditya gestured for him to take a seat.

The man revealed his identity, "I am Azhar Ali, cousin of Ali Barid Shah, Sultan of the Bidar Sultanate. I am here to discuss matters of mutual interest with you, Sehzade of the Samrajya."

Aditya’s expression briefly faltered at the mention of the Bidar Sultanate. However, maintaining his facade with a polite smile, he inquired, "What a pleasant surprise to receive a visitor from such distant lands. I trust your journey was comfortable?"

Azhar Ali grinned. "It was, indeed. I was already staying in Agra when your Samrat launched his sudden attack and claimed the head of Agra’s ruler. So, my journey here was quite convenient, thanks to the pigeon post."

Aditya’s smile stiffened momentarily at the mention of Agra, but Azhar Ali quickly added, "Worry not, Prince. I’m also a distant relative of Agra’s first queen and the uncle of the current king, who beheaded his own father for his misdeeds. I’m rather grateful your Samrat showed mercy and chose not to punish the entire family for the previous ruler’s foolishness."

Aditya’s smile returned, though he remained cautious. "I’m glad we share similar sentiments, messenger of Bidar. So, tell me, what does the Bidar Sultanate seek from me?"

Azhar Ali smiled, placing his hands on the table, clasping them together. "I wish to become your second client, much like the Sultanate of Ahmednagar... if the Sehzade has no objections, of course."

Aditya’s worries instantly melted away, and his smile widened in welcome. "Certainly, why would I object? Let’s discuss the details."

Azhar Ali listened carefully as Aditya laid out his strategy to counter the Dutch, focusing on weapons procurement and military training. Intrigued, Azhar expressed a keen interest in these plans.

Seeing an opening, Aditya proposed, "Messenger, as much as I would like to engage with you on the matters we’ve discussed, there’s a pre-condition. You must have heard of our peace alliance, where we sign non-aggression pacts with all existing members, along with specific trade laws applicable to all. If we are to proceed with the plan, we will need you to sign the alliance. Otherwise, it would be meaningless given the distance between our regions, as other kingdoms would need to be involved."