Chương 55: Volume 6 – Chapter 10 – Once an empire dies, another is created…

At last, I could begin speaking: <<I understand the situation in broad terms. What you are saying is utterly absurd and nonsensical. The reality is this: a group of small states, threatened by the Mongol enemy, asked for help from more powerful kingdoms to defeat this threat. The stronger kingdoms agreed and formed a temporary alliance in a desperate situation. Now that the threat is gone, everyone is counting their money and drawing conclusions. Not only I, but take the Sultan for example—we didn't just help militarily to defeat the enemy and maintain control of the territory, but we also took in your refugees fleeing the war, filling our cities to the brim while still guaranteeing an acceptable standard of living. Who pays for all this? Certainly not us—you will pay for all this. And how? With money, of course, but after the war, it doesn't seem like any of you have much (if any). So how will you pay if you have little or nothing? With your national sovereignty. This doesn't necessarily mean you will be forced into Sultan's kingdom or have to give up territory, but in any case, you owe him a huge favor. But there are other factors to consider, for instance, let me name a few: will all your citizens really want to return to their villages after tasting life in Damascus or Acre? And if not all, how many will? And will those who do be enough to restart the economy of these small towns (and pay off the debt with money)? What guarantees they won't go bankrupt, or that other disasters won't happen? You need to understand that nothing in this world is free, and once you incur a debt, it doesn't simply vanish. I understand that you all want to return to being friends like before, but that's not possible. So, how do we solve this? In my opinion, since you all share a culture, language, and faith close to that of the Sultan's kingdom, I suggest you join it, but negotiate the right to be independent on many political matters. What I mean is that foreign policy would become the central kingdom's priority, while internal or local legislation would remain in your hands. Honestly, you don't have many choices, but this proposal seems to me the most reasonable solution. But I understand that these are not my affairs, so I'll leave you to your discussions. After all, I will speak with whomever I deem necessary. Thanks again for your hospitality, Sultan Al-Kamil. I'm heading back to Acre>>