บท 26: Meeting the Foreign delegations Part 1

** Purana Qila, capital fort at Delhi, Guest hall **

In a grand hall decorated with luxurious curtains depicting epic battles and landscapes, golden chandeliers cast a warm glow upon the marble floor below.

Stained glass windows lined the walls, filtering the morning sunlight into vibrant hues that danced across the polished surface.

At the heart of the hall, a long table of exquisite craftsmanship stretched majestically, its surface gleaming with a lustrous sheen. Plush chairs surrounded it, each bearing the kingdom's insignia in richly embroidered banners.

As the delegates arrived, their presence filled the air with anticipation and intrigue, mingling with the soft rustle of their garments and polite conversation.

Murtaza Shah, the third son of Hussain Shah, ruler of the Ahmad Sultanate, had been skeptical about this journey at first. However, witnessing the birth of the new empire and the support from other kingdoms, even for the issue of the first woman ruler, changed his perspective.

Moreover, the prospect of joining the prince's company for mercenary work intrigued him. If not for his father's foresight, he might not have come here.

Now, he saw a golden opportunity to earn more credit points over his brothers for the throne.

After a comfortable stay as a guest, they were requested to be present in a certain room by their butler, Yashpal Singh. Murtaza couldn't help but doubt if he could actually meet the prince today.

Seeing the sheer number of delegates present, he felt fear and panic creeping in.

Suddenly, Butler Yashpal Singh entered with a tray of gold coins and instructed each representative to pick one. Yashpal Singh subtly hinted for Murtaza to choose the corner one with a wink, which he did.

Upon examining the coin, he saw the number 1 inscribed on it. Confused but intrigued, Murtaza observed as others made their selections.

It was then declared that the tokens represented the number by which the prince wished to meet them in his personal chamber next door. A murmur arose from the crowd as expected.

Amidst the delegates, some voiced complaints about the lengthy wait, while others expressed satisfaction at being called early.

Murtaza Shah noticed his name first on the list, realizing that he had received a subtle hint suggesting an early meeting with the prince.

Before he could react, Murtaza spotted Prince Aditya, accompanied by a guard and his personal butler, entering the guest hall, signaling the beginning of a significant encounter.

Prince Aditya strode into the grand hall with authority and charisma, drawing the attention of all present. His presence commanded respect, far removed from the skinny soldier he once was.

As the delegates settled, diplomatic pleasantries filled the air, fostering an atmosphere of goodwill.

Prince Aditya graciously welcomed each guest, fostering camaraderie among the diverse representatives.

Taking center stage, Prince Aditya outlined the empire's proposal for establishing embassies to enhance trade and peace among foreign kingdoms. Each kingdom would appoint diplomats, reciprocated by the empire, facilitating communication through embassy channels. He invited fair discussion on the proposed alliance, suggesting private negotiations based on the gold coin token system following the formal proceedings.

In the grand hall's hushed atmosphere, the prince's announcement sparked curiosity among the delegates. The prospect of private negotiations added intrigue to the proceedings, promising confidentiality and discretion.

This invitation set the stage for confidential discussions in his chambers.

With the promise of private negotiations, the atmosphere crackled with the potential for alliances to be forged and agreements to be reached.

Returning to topic, He expanded on the terms of the alliance, outlining a structured framework for ongoing collaboration.

His words carried the weight of imperial decree as he lays out the expectations for member kingdoms and their appointed diplomats. As Prince Aditya explained the terms, the new order begins to take shape. His mention of regular audience for the empire's chosen diplomats at the king's court emphasized diplomatic representation's importance within the alliance.

Delegates nod in approval, signaling their willingness to engage in ongoing dialogue.

The prospect of monthly meetings and an annual summit garners murmurs of approval, signaling a commitment to ongoing cooperation.

The mention of the Samrajya Sangh Dutavash (Empire union embassy-hall), the designated embassy hall for the alliance, drew intrigued whispers and speculative glances as delegates envisioned the possibilities of this shared space.

As the prince outlined voting procedures and diplomatic privileges, clarity and structure of allaince emerged. His commitment to fairness and transparency set the stage for equitable partnership among member kingdoms.

The details unveil a sense of eager anticipation and determination. The atmosphere crackles with the promise of renewed diplomacy.

Following the prince's address, the meeting ended, and individual discussions commence in his private chamber.

As Murtaza enters the prince's chamber, he is struck by the sight of tall yet young prince, seated upon his magnificent princely throne, exuding an aura of confidence.

The whole chamber is adorned with opulent furnishings and bathed in the warm glow of chandeliers, adding to the atmosphere of grandeur.

Prince Aditya's welcoming demeanour puts Murtaza at ease as they engage in conversation, "It's an honour to meet the rising star of the Ahmed Sultanate. Was our hospitality to your liking, Prince?"

Murtaza Shah, flattered by the prince's graciousness, replies with equal respect, "The honour is mine to meet His Highness. I am quite satisfied by the comfort and respect shown to me."

However, the atmosphere shifts abruptly as Murtaza Shah reveals the grave threat looming over his kingdom.

Leaning forward with a sense of urgency, Prince Aditya urges Murtaza Shah to share the details. "Please speak what you must. I will try whatever is in my hand," he offers solemnly.

Murtaza Shah, his expression grave, reveals their fear of the Dutch army's might, citing their formidable weaponry and unmatched formations witnessed in battles against the Vijay Nagar Empire.

Listening intently, Prince Aditya's frown deepens as he ponders the dire situation. Drawing from his own experiences at times of his fabricated seclusion story, he acknowledges the severity of the threat.

"I know their information. You are indeed correct, you are in great trouble," he admits, his voice tinged with concern.

Murtaza Shah, appreciating the prince's understanding, acknowledges his knowledge of the enemy and hopes for solutions.

Confidently, Prince Aditya proposes a strategic approach, emphasizing the Dutch army's vulnerabilities in certain terrains. Murtaza Shah's eyes shine with hope as he recognizes the brilliance of the plan.

However, his optimism is tempered by a realization that he had earlier hoped for direct military intervention from the empire.

A chuckle escaped Aditya's lips, though it carried a hint of regret. "We must remember, Prince Murtaza,"

he began, his tone gentle yet firm, "our alliance is rooted in trade and peace, not security. Unless you are a member of the empire, we lack the authority to intervene in matters of defence."

The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, underscoring the limitations of their diplomatic relationship. Murtaza's expression faltered momentarily, a shadow of disappointment crossing his features.

"But what about our dire situation?" he questioned, his voice laced with concern.

Aditya met his gaze with a solemn nod. "I understand the gravity of your sultanate's predicament," he acknowledged sympathetically, "but our hands are tied in matters of military intervention."

Murtaza Shah, taken aback, cautiously broaches, "Your highness, aren't you considering establishing a company providing mercenary services?"

At his inquiry, Aditya's face lit up with a wide grin as he responded, "Indeed, my friend. You might just be our first customer."

With a renewed sense of optimism, Murtaza nods thoughtfully, contemplating the potential implications of this unexpected turn of events.

"Then, Your Highness," he begins, a note of determination in his tone, "let us discuss the details of this arrangement further."

Their conversation takes on a new urgency as they delve into the logistics of establishing a mercenary company and the potential scope of its operations.

Yet, amidst their deliberations, a lingering question hangs in the air: will this newfound alliance be enough to turn the tide against the looming threat of the Dutch army?