章節 15: Siblings encounters
Selim sighed with a hand on his head. Wondered how he would answer his father.
"So technically, what are you doing here, brother? You know that we should used the royal carriage when it comes to visitings?" Sah asking.
"Well, I know that, its a hassle you know?" I answered.
"Hmph, hassle you say? Well its not like we are rushing through, just use the carriage man" Sah lazily reminding.
"Fine, I'll do it later." I sighed.
"So, why the shipyard?" Sah confused?
"Well, it is because I want to see how the ships were made, how many people usually produce per one ship, like their environment, their works, and…." Selim explained things
Sah cut Selim's "Chop, stop there, you explained and now i became sleepy. Why dont we just go there instead of hiding here?" Sah winked.
"Oh now that Sah sultan mentions it, she does have the point there, shehzade" Aydin also agreed to what Sah said.
"You too?? Aydin.." I felt at a loss hahaha. "Fine, let's go there."
As we entered the gateway, the workers murmured among themselves, their voices a mixture of curiosity and speculation. Some glanced our way, whispering in hushed tones, while others carried on with their tasks, hammering and sawing with steady precision. A few seemed to hesitate, as though contemplating whether to approach us, but ultimately decided against it.
A man in his mid-40s emerged from the bustle, his black Turkish caftan marking him as someone of authority. His stride was purposeful, and his expression was composed, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of curiosity. "It seems we have a distinguished guest," he began, his tone formal but welcoming. "Everyone, welcome to the Istanbul Shipyard. My name is Hamid. While there are several shipyards across the empire, this one is the second largest and most pivotal.
I slightly nodded and offers a small smile. "Thank you for the introduction. Can we take a look at how you do things here?"
Hamid hesitated, a trace of caution flickering across his face. "Well, we don't usually accept visitors, especially from the people that might not fully grasp the intricacies of our work."
"Well, I think you don't have to worry about that." I took a badge of the Ottoman Royal Family from my left pocket and showed it to him.
Hamid's eyes widened in recognition, his demeanor shifting instantly. "The roy.."
"Shh!" I cut him off, raising a finger to my lips. "No need for theatrics. Just a simple tour will suffice. Show us the ropes, and we'll be on our way."
Hamid nodded quickly, composing himself. "Of course, my Shehzade. It will be an honor. This way, please."
Hamid led us deeper into the shipyard, where the heart of the empire's maritime industry revealed itself in full vigor. Artisans clustered in small groups, their voices rising in heated debate over details of the ship designs. Blueprints, worn and smudged, were spread across wooden tables as fingers jabbed at specific lines, their disputes echoing amidst the steady rhythm of hammering. Nearby, the skeleton of a third-rate ship loomed over the workers, its unfinished hull a testament to both ambition and arduous labor. Smaller vessels dotted the yard, some in various stages of completion, their sleek designs hinting at a faster, more agile fleet., and some small vessels around the way. It seems they moved with purpose, their rhythmic hammering blending with the chants of laborers coordinating their efforts. The scent of sawdust and pitch hung in the air, a constant reminder of the tireless work that went into crafting the vessels that carried the empire's aspirations across the seas.
As the visit proceeded, we also took a chance having conversation with some workers of the shipyard, on their respective roles, their daily lives and so on.
~~~
The Sultan, reading documents at his table, were approached. A soft knock on the door broke his focus. Without looking up, he called, "Enter."
An odalık glided into the room, her movements graceful and deliberate. She bowed deeply before speaking. "Hünkârım, it seems Şehzade Selim is at the Ottoman Shipyard."
The Sultan paused, the quill halting mid-word. He glanced up, his expression a mix of curiosity and bemusement. "The shipyard, you say?"
The odalık nodded. "Yes, Hünkârım. He arrived there earlier today, accompanied by a few attendants. The workers have confirmed his presence."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of the Sultan's lips as he set the quill down and leaned back in his chair. "So the boy has gone exploring again," he murmured, more to himself than to her.
The odalık dipped her head in acknowledgment before stepping back. "Shall I inform the palace guard, Hünkârım?"
He raised a hand, waving off the suggestion. "No, that won't be necessary. Let him satisfy his curiosity."
The odalık bowed once more and exited the room, leaving the Sultan alone with his thoughts.
For a moment, he stared at the door through which she had departed, his expression thoughtful. Then, a chuckle escaped him—a rare sound in the heavy atmosphere of his duties. He leaned forward, elbows on the desk, resting his chin on clasped hands.
"Selim... Always wandering, always questioning," he mused aloud. "Perhaps this mischief of yours will serve you well in the future. Or perhaps it will be your undoing. Only Allah knows."
He turned his attention back to the documents, though his mind lingered on his son. The boy's unorthodox ways often strayed far from the traditional mold expected of an Ottoman prince. Yet there was a spark in him—a determination and curiosity that reminded the Sultan of his own youth.
Shaking his head with a faint smile, he muttered, "Let us see what trouble you stir this time, oğlum."
~~~
While at the shipyard with the group. I leaned against the wooden railing of the shipyard, while Sah, Aydin and Hamid were having light conversation. Realising the new invention of the ships, would be perfect for a long period of investment but as of now we need something that can withstand the naval power of the Russians. Then, my monologue was interrupted by Aydin.
"My shehzade? You're lost in mind again huh?" Aydin sighed.
"Oh my apologies, yes I was in deep thought again." I admitted.
"Well, mind to tell, why the deep thought?" Aydin requested.
"Its about the ships, right now, upgrading the ships would not be good enough, because of time consuming, right now, from what I see, the thing that can be upgraded are the cannons." I explained why the monologue.
"The cannons? what do you mean? right now the weapons that armed to the ships, was the standard ones. The 28-pounders which the empire as a good standard for a ship." Aydin explained.
"28-pounders...well okay, but we're talking about Russians. right now they managed to catch up with the British Empire and France. We are quite lacking you know?" I confirmed it.
"Also, you knew that the Russians start doing behind the scenes right?" I whispered to Aydin.
Aydin nodded. "Yea, I'm aware of that."
"Right now we cannot have absolute firepower since it will encumber the ship. yet we cannot armed it with lighter cannons, since it will not heavily affect the heavier ships. Right now we need an upgrade just for cannons on the ship. whether on ammunition or the size of cannon. Imagine, an affordable size and weight yet can fire a powerful shot." I explained the reason.
"Well, only if we know the way to do it. Right now, it sounds a bit fantasy for me. Also, our metallurgy capacity seems to be outdated as well. Can you imagine? We are once dominating the seas and yet we're late to discover the use of copper platings" Aydin with a bit disappointment.
I chuckled. "Well, it will be a lot of work though. But I have some rough ideas on the cannons actually." Yea the one that i mentioned was a howitzer. But maybe a smaller version of it for now.
While trying to find through skills. Yes, I found it. The schematics for the howitzer. Which technically is the 10.5 cm leFH 18. Its a German light field howitzer use in the WW2. Technically, it can shoot to distance with maximum of 10 kilometres. If you asked me, that distance is far and powerful. and for the since the weight is around 3 tonnes, considerable light compared to the other types of field howitzer. And its practical to be fitted to the ship of the line, for now. But to do that, we will need to have access to several technologies advancement.
~~~
Back at the gates of the Istanbul Shipyard, Hamid stood before us, his expression of gratitude. His hands were clasped together as he dipped into a respectful bow.
"Şehzade Selim, Şah Sultan," he began, his voice steady but warm, "it has been an honor to host you today. Your presence is a reminder of the empire's dedication to progress and its people."
"Well, its part of our obligations as royal family to know its people, royals or not we are one in common, ensure the strength and prosperity of the empire" I explained to Hamid.
Hamid straightened, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "The empire is fortunate to have such heirs. If ever you have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to return. This shipyard, its workers, and I will be at your service."
"Inshaallah we will." I nodded.
Beside me, Şah let out a long yawn, her hand lazily covering her mouth. "Uwaahhh~~ Brother, I'm sleepy. Can we go now?"
I chuckled at her lack of decorum, shaking my head. "You'll ride with me, Şah," I said, offering her my hand. She took it with a sleepy smile, allowing me to help her onto the horse.
"May Allah guide your steps, my Şehzade and Sultan," Hamid called out as we turned toward the palace.
With a slight pull on the reins, our horse started forward, the rhythmic clopping of hooves blending with the distant sounds of the shipyard. I glanced back once, seeing Hamid still standing at the gates, watching us depart with a look of quiet pride.
This visit left me with much to think about. That's just one thing to looked into, not calculated the other factors like economy and such.
~~~
In the room, I quickly draw the rough drawings of the howitzers and some ammunition. Just to make sure, and then keep it at the wardrobe.
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