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3.77% Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince / Chapter 10: Information

Chapter 10: Information

Harsha woke up after a restful sleep, feeling refreshed. It was the first time he had slept comfortably since arriving in this world. Initially, he was unsure of the world around him and constantly wary about his safety. Now, after looking around and meeting the Empress, he had a vague idea of his safety inside the palace, but he still remained cautious due to the incident that happened yesterday.

As he got up and dressed, his mind replayed the previous day's events. 'Her body had some signs of training, though,' he thought, recalling the unsettling encounter with Rukmini. 'Hmm... She might be someone planted to monitor me by one of the princes vying for the throne!'

Harsha paused, his eyes narrowing as he buttoned his tunic. The memory of her struggling beneath his grip was vivid. Her muscles were too toned, her reactions too quick for a mere maid. 'Who sent her? And why make such an obvious move?' he pondered, suspicion growing.

The memory of her amber eyes, filled with fear brought a wry smile to his face as the image lingered in his thoughts. 'Whoever sent her must think I'm easily manipulated. This is going to be quite fun!'

As he walked through the Palace, he noticed that, unlike on the battlefield, there was no direct animosity directed towards him. However, he could still feel the servants' disdainful gazes following him as he toured the halls.

He stopped by a window, looking out at the well-kept gardens below. " it's too peaceful here," he murmured to himself, his thoughts drifting back to the constant vigilance required at the front lines.

After he reached his room after a short walk through the halls of the Huge Royal complex. A young servant approached him timidly, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of tea. "Your Highness, would you like some tea?" the servant asked, her voice shaking slightly.

Harsha glanced at the servant, noting her nervousness. "Oh! yes, I do," he said, taking the cup. "What's your name?"

The servant hesitated for a moment before replying, "It's L- Latha, Your Highness."

Harsha sipped the tea, appreciating its warmth. "Tell me, Latha," he began, his tone casual but with an underlying intensity, "what do the people here think of me?"

Latha's eyes widened, clearly caught off guard by the question. "Well, Your Highness, I... I'm not sure. People talk, but... it's not my place to say," she stammered.

"Speak freely," Harsha insisted, his gaze unwavering. "I value honesty."

Latha swallowed hard before answering, "Some of the servants... they think you're... different, Your Highness. They remember how things were before."

Harsha nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Thank you for your honesty, Latha. You may go."

As Latha bowed and hurried away, Harsha leaned against the plush sofa, contemplating his next move. 'I need to understand this place better,' he thought, 'and find out who I can truly trust.'

'Ah... I need to take a bath and freshen up. I smell disgusting,' Harsha thought to himself. He hadn't bathed in two days during his journey back to the capital city. He stretched his body, feeling the stiffness in his muscles.

He called for a maid, who promptly arrived to prepare his bath. Soon, Harsha immersed himself in the warm water, sighing in relief as the heat seeped into his aching body. The scent of jasmine filled the air, calming his mind. He leaned back, closing his eyes, enjoying the soothing sensation. 'This is exactly what I needed.'

After soaking for a long time, he finally emerged from the bath, feeling rejuvenated. He dressed in a long tunic that reached his thigh, paired with white pyjamas. The soft fabric felt comforting against his clean skin.

Just then, a knock echoed on his door. "Enter," Harsha called out.

A servant entered, carrying a stack of books and maps, fulfilling his request to the Empress. The servant placed them silently on the table, bowing slightly before leaving.

Harsha approached the table, running his fingers over the worn covers of the books and the crisp edges of the maps. 'This should help me understand more about the palace and the political landscape,' he thought, a determined glint in his eye.

"Time to get to work," he muttered to himself, pulling out a chair and sitting down, ready to delve into the information before him.

'Wait, I can understand this language, At least it was something useful from God.' Harsha realized as he started skimming through the book.

Harsha was skimming through a book on the history of the Vijayanagara Empire, his disinterest evident in his gaze. Trained rigorously in the historical evolution of empires and their formations during his time as a test subject, he possessed a fair understanding from his previous life. However, this knowledge focused solely on the evolution of battle tactics and the management of men by commanders during turbulent historical periods.

Vijayanagara was founded by Harihara and his brother Bukka Raja of the Sangama Dynasty in 1393 Vikram Samvat (1336 Gregorian calendar). The current emperor, Krishna Deva Raya, was known as the strongest emperor in the history of Vijayanagar. He was known for his brilliant administrative qualities and military prowess. 

Harsha paused, then sighed with a hint of disappointment, "Though he failed to possess a vision for his empire, as he didn't give importance to military technology, resulting in the gradual decline of the empire."

As Harsha kept reading, he noticed something odd in the book. With every page he turned, his suspicion grew.

'Hmm... Interesting,' he thought. 'Didn't the Yadavas fall apart in the 13th century? Why are they still alive as a small kingdom?'

He flipped another page, his brow furrowing deeper. 'And the Bahmani Sultanate was supposed to be a major power, but here it's depicted as a minor state. What's more confusing is the presence of two different sultanates surrounding the Kingdom of Yadava, called the Qutb Sultanate and the Kasim Sultanate.'

Harsha leaned back, tapping his fingers on the table thoughtfully. 'This doesn't align with what I know. Something's definitely amiss.'

He called for the servant who had brought the tea earlier. "Can you fetch me another book on our history? Something older, if possible."

The servant bowed and quickly left the room, returning moments later with a dusty, leather-bound volume. Harsha accepted it with a nod, opening it eagerly.

'Let's see if this one tells a different story,' he thought, diving into the pages with renewed curiosity.

As Harsha studied the map, he noted the empire's extensive reach, including Bidar, parts of present-day Maharashtra, and Odisha. Another surprising detail caught his eye: Goa was part of the empire, but parts of Sri Lanka were not.

"So weird," he muttered. "No Portuguese influence in Goa? that's pretty weird "

He dove into the history of the empire, focusing on the reign of Krishna Deva Raya. To his shock, the book detailed seven wars fought on different fronts by the current emperor. Krishna Deva Raya had inherited a declining Vijayanagara Empire, under siege by the Bahmani Sultanate, which controlled some of Maharashtra, parts of Odisha, Telangana, and the Hoysala Kingdom, which ruled part of Karnataka.

"Krishna Deva Raya fought six wars against them, winning five," Harsha mumbled to himself "The last war ended just as I reincarnated into this world, with Krishna Deva Raya beheading the Bahmani Sultan and nearly tripling the land controlled by the Vijayanagara Empire from the start of his reign." 

He leaned back in his chair, absorbing the magnitude of these revelations. 'This place is full of historical inaccuracies compared to what I know. But one thing is clear: Krishna Deva Raya was an incredible military leader.'

The Emperor also fought a civil war in the midst of this due to the betrayal of his brother, Achyuta Deva Raya, and weakened the power of the nobles in the Empire as a massive purge of nobles took place due to the civil war.

'Weakening the pesky noble class is always a good thing for faster reforms in the empire,' Harsha thought, a smirk playing on his lips. 'The emperor did the right thing by purging a whole set of nobility. I can only imagine their expressions during the executions.

He decided to take a break so he closed the book. He was partially expecting such a shift in history as God had previously mentioned the "Possible alternate History". The map was so weird. So he decided to take a break and went for a walk around the Palace garden.

Harsha was enjoying his stroll in the lush garden of the Royal Complex. The breeze calmed and soothed his injured body, and the scent of flowers along with the earthy fragrance of the soil felt so soothing to him. He was yet to recover fully from the injuries in battle. It was taking longer due to the shock the body experienced during the battle, though he was mentally sound.

Harsha wandered through rows of colourful blossoms, the petals brushing softly against his fingers. The garden was a haven of calmness, with neatly trimmed hedges and winding pathways that invited exploration. He followed a stone path that led to a secluded area, where a small fountain burbled quietly, adding a gentle melody to the peaceful atmosphere.

The flowers bloomed and glistened with dew drops as they basked in the morning sunlight. He sat down on the soft grass to enjoy the scenery and breeze in peace.

Praveen came running towards him, his face marked with urgency. Skidding to a stop, he bowed deeply, gasping for breath.

"Your Highness," Praveen said between heaving breaths, "I have an urgent message for you."

"The Emperor has returned, Your Highness," Praveen announced, his gaze shifting with unease. "You are summoned to the Northern Complex by the Emperor himself." He paused briefly, then continued, "He wishes for you to join him in the Royal Court as soon as possible."

Harsha clicked his tongue in mild irritation and replied, "Fine, let's go immediately. Just let me get my robe." He ordered a maid to retrieve his robe from the drawer and swiftly put it on. As he adjusted it, he thought to himself, 'Well, I had to meet the Emperor sooner or later anyway. The sooner, the better.

Praveen, sensing his mood, hesitated before speaking, "Your Highness, it's important to attend promptly. The Emperor awaits."

He nodded curtly, adjusting his robe, and commanded.

"Lead the way,"


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Indian_Painter Indian_Painter

Creation is hard, cheer me up!

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Chapter 11: Emperor [1]

"So, do you know why was I summoned by the Emperor, Praveen?" Harsha asked, his eyes drifting from the colourful flowers in the garden to the dimly lit hallways they were walking through. He followed Praveen, who was leading him to the Emperor.

Praveen glanced back nervously, his steps quickening. "Your Highness, I don't know the details. The Emperor's orders were just conveyed to me by my father!"

Harsha, stroking his chin in amusement, asked, "Your father? Who is that?"

Praveen took a deep breath before answering, "My father is the Head Butler of the Palace, Your Highness. You must have met him in the Empress's chamber, assisting with the affairs."

Harsha's eyes widened in recognition. "Ah, the old man with the book? That's your father?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Praveen confirmed with a respectful nod. "He's been serving the royal family for many years."

"I see," Harsha mused, the smirk on his face fading into a thoughtful expression. "He seems quite dedicated to be serving in the palace at such an old age,"

Praveen smiled slightly, "Thank you, Your Highness. My father has always been devoted to his duties."

He reached the Royal Court, where a huge gold door, twice his height and adorned with intricate carvings of tigers, stood strong before him. The Empire's crest was prominently displayed in the centre, gleaming dimly. Two armoured guards stood watch, their expressions stern. As Harsha approached, they swiftly moved to open the heavy door, which creaked slightly. At the same time, one of the guards announced his arrival in a loud, echoing voice.

"HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, HARSHA DEVA RAYA, IS ENTERING!"

Harsha took a deep breath and stepped into the Royal Court, his footsteps echoing on the marble floor.

'Quite a welcome! Medieval times are just different, I guess,' he thought, walking towards the Emperor's throne.

Reaching the throne, he stopped and bowed slightly, his eyes meeting the Emperor's. "Greetings, Your Majesty The Sun of the Empire, May the blessings of Shiva always be with you," he greeted, his voice steady.

The Emperor's Throne stood high and mighty in the Huge Chamber adorned with Gold and intricate designs of a tiger etched on the armrests. On top of the throne was a man with a strong, muscular build, showing the wear of many battles. His arms bore numerous scars, each telling a story of past conflicts. His hair was streaked with lines of grey, and fine lines creased his face, hinting at the years he had spent ruling his empire. 

His sharp, piercing eyes conveyed authority. Despite his fine robes and jewellery, it was clear he was a seasoned warrior from the way the powerful presence he commanded.

'Oh, nice! He looks so strong. Damn it! I want to fight the Emperor!' Harsha thought, feeling a surge of excitement as he imagined various battle scenarios. 'But now is not the right time,' he reminded himself, his anticipation tempered by caution.

Beside the Emperor stood a tall young man with sharp features and a muscular build. Light facial hair framed his determined face, and a talwar hung at his waist, its hilt marked with the Royal seal. He bore a striking resemblance to the Empress.

'So this must be one of the princes of the Empire and my "half-brother,"' Harsha thought, his gaze shifting back to the Emperor, a flicker of amusement in his eyes.

Meanwhile, a few minutes earlier in the Royal Court.

"Father, why have you summoned Harsha to the court?" asked Chandra Deva Raya, the eldest son of the Emperor and first in line for the throne.

The Emperor's expression turned serious. "I heard he suffered a head injury and lost his memories," he replied, a hint of concern in his voice. "There have been changes in him, I have received a report from Commander Venkata."

"What?? He lost his memories!!? Isn't that a huge deal, Father" Exclaimed the Prince.

"Yes, it is. Your Mother informed me that he remembers some memories vaguely apparently," stated the Emperor.

Chandra frowned. "And what of his behaviour since his return?"

The Emperor sighed, leaning back on his throne. "There have been unsettling changes. He is not the same as he once was. I need to understand what has happened to him."

"Hmm, and Father, we have an issue," Chandra began, his voice steady but filled with concern. "After the conquest, there are many mouths to feed. Our grain storages can sustain them for only five months."

The Emperor's frown deepened, lines of worry etching into his forehead. "I will take care of it somehow," he replied, though a hint of uncertainty lingered in his voice.

Chandra pressed on, "We need a solution soon, Father. If we don't, we risk a famine. The newly acquired lands from the Bahmani Sultanate need time to become productive."

The Emperor knew the reality all too well. To avoid famine in the newly expanded territories, They would need to invest a significant amount of money. The freshly acquired arable land from the Bahmani Sultanate wouldn't yield crops immediately; it would take time for cultivation to begin and for the region to become self-sufficient.

"Where do you think we can buy the grain currently in the market?" the Emperor asked, his voice heavy with concern.

Chandra, his eyes scanning the report of the war, replied thoughtfully, "Father, the Gajapathis and the Portuguese can provide grains for us. But both will sell at high rates, so we'll have to pay a premium price."

The Emperor's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "The Portuguese have grains?" he exclaimed

"Father, our reports suggest that they are hoarding grains they bought from the Qutb Sultanate in Daman when the war started. I think they'll charge a premium for these grains if we try to buy them," Chandra mentioned, his frown deepening. He knew the high price would strain the treasury significantly.

The Emperor clicked his tongue in disgust. "Hm... those pesky Mlecchas are always trying to pull something off," he muttered, his frustration evident as he heard the report.

Chandra nodded in agreement, adding, "We might have to consider other options as well, Father. Perhaps reaching out to Gajapathis or even increasing local production, though that would take time."

"Gajapathis, even after hoarding, wouldn't be able to satisfy our demand. We have no choice," the Emperor acknowledged grimly.

The Emperor sighed. "We don't have much choice. We'll send the delegation to the Portuguese and start looking into increasing our grain production in the new lands. We must be prepared for the worst."

"Understood, Father," Chandra said with determination.

Present 

He noticed the sharp gaze of the Emperor and lifted his own to match it. In a calm voice, he asked, "Your Majesty, may I know the reason I have been summoned?"

The Emperor, looking down from the throne with an indifferent expression, stated, "I received reports about your injuries and the loss of your memories. So, how are you feeling right now?"

"Thanks to Your Majesty's Grace and Aditya's expertise, I have managed to recover" answered Harsha.

The Emperor, looking down from the throne with an indifferent expression, asked, "I heard you accomplished a lot in Gulbarga against the Bahmani forces." A wry smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"It's nothing extraordinary compared to His Majesty's charge in Bidar," Harsha said, carefully choosing his words. "This is just a small achievement."

The Emperor's gaze softened slightly, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Humility is a rare trait, Harsha. Your modesty does you credit."

The Emperor was handed a paper by the Prince standing beside him. He glanced at it, a smirk flashing across his face as he read aloud the achievements Harsha had accomplished on the battlefield.

"Harsha Deva Raya," the Emperor began, his voice resonating through the chamber, "Your feats in Gulbarga have reached us. Single-handedly breaching enemy lines, thwarting the ambush of the commander under dire circumstances, and ensuring victory in the battle. Impressive indeed."

"So, for this, I think you deserve an appropriate reward! What do you wish for?" the Emperor asked with an amused smile.

'Hmm... A wish! What do I lack now? Influence,' Harsha pondered carefully.

He knew if he wished for some sort of influence, it would only last temporarily. He had done some research and learned that he was the least influential among the princes. Considering no relatives or parents came to visit him, he concluded that he needed to prove himself to gain lasting influence.

'So, I should wish for a chance to prove myself to tackle issues and Gain influence in the Noble circle,' Harsha made up his mind quickly considering the possibilities.

Harsha paused for a moment before speaking decisively, "Your Majesty, if I may, I wish for an opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities in handling significant challenges,"

The Emperor, taken aback by Harsha's wish, looked at him with furrowed brows and asked, "Why not something else, like gold or land?"

Harsha met the Emperor's surprised gaze with a calm demeanour. "Your Majesty, gold and land can be acquired, but influence is earned through actions and trust."

"I see, So be it! Do you have any particular task in mind you want to do" 

"No, Your Majesty, You can assign me anything I would do it" he replied with confidence.

"Give me the report," the Emperor commanded. He grabbed the document from Chandra and handed it to Harsha with a smug expression.

"Let's hear how you would tackle this situation. If your answer is satisfactory, I'll assign you the task."

"Father, this—"

"Silence!" The Emperor's sharp voice cut through Chandra's interjection, his curiosity piqued about Harsha's response.

Harsha took the report, feeling the weight of the Emperor's expectations. He opened it, scanning the contents quickly. The tension in the room grew palpable as all eyes focused on him.

Harsha took a deep breath and began, "Your Majesty, the solution lies in—"


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Indian_Painter Indian_Painter

Creation is hard, cheer me up!

I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!

Like it ? Add to library!

Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.

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