1624 Summer(June– August)

Among all things necessary to solidify Arthur's rule, the first thing I started was the compromise with Persia.

“Basileus, it is said the Persian Shah is currently stationed in Baghdad with his army, for Mesopotamia expedition!”

“Good. Send him my message.”

“Y..yes, Basileus!”

It was an invitation letter to Jerusalem. No, in fact, it’s a one-sided notice&threat.

‘Leave your home ground and come to mine. If not, your newly conquered Mesopotamia area will be crushed by my 120,000 crusaders stationed in Greece and soldiers of the kingdom of France& Jerusalem. What say?’

And just as I expected, he accepted my invitation.

1624 Fall(September-November)

So, we – Me and Abbas I of Persia, met in Jerusalem. We were each accompanied by 1,000 followers and 300 soldiers, which was a limit suggested by the current Shah and I accepted.

Just turned 53 this year, he was full of ambition and eagerness.

‘Sigh’

‘That makes him 15 years younger than me, huh?’

‘If I was 10 years younger, I would have...Forget it.’

(*MC was born in 1556 July and Abbas I was born in 1571 January

“As a Shahanshah of Persia, I wished to meet you!”

Boldly, he proclaimed. It was an excuse that he didn’t come to surrender, but to see the New Augustus who’ve revived the Roman Empire – the fatal enemy of the Persia – in person.

“Welcome, Shahanshah. As a Basileus of the New East Roman Empire, I also awaited to see you in person.”

And so I replied with a warm smile.

However, it was just the beginning. Now it’s time for the main dish – the borderline of the 2 empires.

It was Abbas I who suggested first.

“I wish to retake the entire Mesopotamia. Also, Azerbaijan and Armenia areas will be under Persia’s rule. Instead, we won’t lay a finger to Syria.”

At his words, I replied with a smile

“Of course, of course. In addition, what say I engage my youngest son, Arthur with your daughter and yield you the title - ‘Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques?’”

Well, in fact, both Mecca and Medina were not in my direct rule but within the sphere of influence within the Military Order of Cyprus. But it’s not a big difference. If I ordered the Order to seize both cities, they would conquer them in a blink of an eye.

“W...What?”

At my suggestion, Abbas I gasped.

No wonder. His suggestion was just a recognition of the area he seized till now, not mentioning the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Jordan area, which is currently in dispute.

In short, even he realized that they were the underdog in this situation.

Of course, he might have felt insulted at my suggestion of a marriage union between my son and his daughter. According to Sharia, although it’s possible for a Christian woman to wed a Muslim man, the opposite is strictly forbidden.

But, if that’s the daughter of the ‘Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’? It’s a piece of cake!

Protector of the Two Holy Cities has the claim to rule over entire Muslims, just like Ottoman did in the original history. Considering the Shia has never captured Mecca & Medina, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the Shia to crush the Sunni and claim their legitimacy.

Of course, I did this to throw him into a dilemma.

Why? At this era’s technology and Safavid dynasty’s power, it’s almost impossible to cross the vast deserts or seas to rule over the western coastlines of the Arabian peninsula to grasp Mecca and Medina.

‘So, either way, I’m fine. If he accepts it, it’s like a bottomless pit, which would drag his empire into ruins.’

‘On the other hand, if he refuses, Shia extremists would go bananas on missing the once-in-a-lifetime chance.’

At my words

“Blasphemy! How dare you, non-Muslim, mention the title, ‘Servant of the Two Noble Sanctuaries’ with your lips! It’s not something that you can give away like a birthday gift!”

Abbas I angrily replied, refusing my suggestion.

‘Oh, isn’t he clever?’

Though it’s a bottomless pit, to avoid being attacked by Shia zealots, he blamed me as blasphemy for mentioning the title ‘Protector of the Two Holy Cities’.

“How dare you criticize the...”

‘Shove’

At his words, after calming my aides, I apologized.

“It’s okay. It was my mistake. Please forgive me for my misunderstanding, Shahanshah.”

“Well, if you say so...”

After that, we’ve drawn more detailed borderlines and agreed to the exchange of hostage – which was in fact, a royal wedding between the 2 empires.

“Instead, promise me 2 things!”

“Oh, what might that be?”

“First, don’t let non-Muslims, like you Christians and Jews, set foot on the 2 Holy cities of Mecca and Medina!”

“Second, ‘Protector of the Two Holy Cities’ must be sincere Imam!”

“Sure, no problem. Two cities will continue to be ruled by Hasanids(*Descendants of Hasan ibn Ali, a grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad) and Imam controlling the sanctuaries will be appointed from neutral sect - Ibadis.”

“In addition, I give you my word. Mecca and Medina will be safe, under my name - Eduardo Ivlivs Caesar Avgvstvs. Instead, you Muslims should observe 2 rules.”

“Hmmm?”

“First, Muslims mustn’t bring any edge tools and firearms to Mecca and Medina. Also, all pilgrims must pay tolls when entering the city.”

“Deal! I swear to ‘Muhammad the Messenger of God’, that someday, I’ll reclaim the title ‘Servant of the Two Noble Sanctuaries’!”

Well, since I’m not a Catholic zealot who wishes to burn Mecca and Medina at the cost of my final days, it was okay for me if I were able to earn more pocket money and peace with a little tolerance.

And after 2 weeks of a banquet, my meeting with Abbas I ended. Treaty of Jerusalem, which is almost 800 years, the event which Basileus of the (New East) Roman Empire and the Shahanshah of Persia met and settled border disputes, inspired all artists in Europe.

In fact, most European felt that they were not living in history, but mythical or legendary times. I too egged that trend.

“Long live New East & West Roman Empire!”

“Long live Basileus Edward!”

“Long live Imperator Richard!”

Citizens were always talking about the revived - New East and West - Roman Empire and artists wasted no time in describing this legendary/mystical era with their works.

All churches – Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox alike – praised the revived empire and the glorious Imperator & Basileus, and every noble saluted the Emperors.

Except for one group, the patriciate, and citizens of Northern Italy. Well, it was no wonder. If my plan works, their home will go to the dogs.

“Hell, it’s about time.”