In the following meeting, recognizing the urgency of Murtaza's situation, Prince Aditya wasted no time in presenting his proposal for a defence strategy.
Murtaza, impressed by the thoroughness and practicality of the plan, immediately accepted, realizing the gravity of the looming Dutch invasion.
However, the challenge lay in the 'time', as it would take time to train mercenaries for defence and then transporting to sultanate before the Dutch actually invades.
Sensing Murtaza's concern, Aditya offered two solutions, trade and branch setup. He proposed exchanging strategic war materials such as armours, horses, and arms from his company in return for crops and gold in local currency, enabling earlier preparations for defence.
Aditya persuaded Murtaza of the benefits of allowing his company to establish a branch directly within the sultanate's lands. With a convincing argument, he proposed to train only those farmers deemed unnecessary for the army, with the company covering their salaries and needs.
However, the catch lay in the commission of war and grant of land for company operations, which had to be paid in advance regardless of whether conflict ensued. In return for this compensation, the company would provide protection for three years, with the option to renew the security contract thereafter.
Aditya further proposed that once the war concluded, the company would retain permanent rights to its branch within the sultanate's borders. Additionally, citizens who joined the company would become citizens of the empire, rather than the sultanate.
Initially, Murtaza hesitated, wary of the potential consequences of losing his own citizens to the empire.
However, upon reflection, he recognized the opportunity to rid himself of less significant poor lower-caste farmers who burdened his sultanate. Believing it to be a mutually beneficial arrangement, he agreed, unaware of the subtle trap Prince Aditya had slyly laid in stealing away his human resources.
To sweeten the deal, Prince Aditya hinted at the upcoming exhibition of new weapons, piquing Murtaza's interest. The promise of advanced weaponry further solidified their agreement.
In exchange for these provisions, Prince Aditya made a reasonable request—no taxation on war supplies during the conflict. Murtaza, recognizing the fairness of the proposal, readily agreed, understanding the importance of maintaining a strong defence against the impending threat.
However, at the end Prince Aditya stipulated that the company's participation would bear full credit and responsibility, with the empire disclaiming any involvement in the outcomes of the war. Murtaza nodded in agreement.
Thus, a mutually beneficial arrangement was forged, strengthening the bond between the Ahmad Sultanate and the Hindshakti company of Samrajya(empire).
In the aftermath of his meeting with Ahmad Shah Sultanate, Prince Aditya convened with the representatives of the other Hindu kingdoms, each encounter bearing its own nuances and challenges.
As the discussions unfolded in his private chamber, Prince Aditya's diplomatic finesse was put to the test, navigating the diverse interests and aspirations of the gathered dignitaries.
First, the delegation from Mewar Rajputana made their stance clear—they were hesitant to fully commit to the proposed peace alliance, expressing reservations about the establishment of embassies and preferring to adhere to traditional methods of diplomacy.
Despite initial hesitations, Mewar Rajputana reluctantly yielded to the allure of opportunity presented by Prince Aditya's proposal. While they remained steadfast in their reluctance to fully engage in military matters, they saw merit in the potential economic benefits.
Thus, they inked an agreement allowing trade and granting land rights for the establishment of branches of Aditya's company within their borders.
The tantalizing prospect of trade in exotic spices, luxurious textiles, and the famed agate marble proved too enticing to resist. Though tariffs were stipulated, Mewar saw the potential for prosperity through increased commerce.
Prince Aditya's persuasive prowess extended further as he encouraged the migration of skilled artisans from Mewar to contribute to the burgeoning enterprise.
However, their cautious approach was evident in the condition they imposed—strict oversight of military escorts under the guidance of local lords.
This compromise balanced their reservations with the potential benefits, marking a cautious yet significant step towards integration into the possible future alliance.
Next came the encounter with Tejpal Singh, the representative of Amber Rajputana, who expressed unwavering loyalty and eagerness to join the empire. He seemed more dramatic than his last banquet visit in Panipat.
Still, his fervent admiration for Prince Aditya was evident, and he wasted no time in pledging allegiance to the empire, bypassing the need for foreign embassies.
Acknowledging Tejpal's fervour, Prince Aditya assured him of the privileges that awaited Amber upon joining the empire.
With a reassuring smile, he promised Tejpal that his family's esteemed dynasty would retain its rightful position, ensuring their continued prominence and favour within the empire's ranks.
His loyal butler, Hari Singh, was given responsibility, coordinating his rendezvous with Prime Minister Chandrashekhar to advance the merger discussions and affirm Amber's status as a member kingdom within the empire.
As Tejpal nodded in agreement, his demeanor reflected a mix of anticipation and determination.
The promise of a brighter future for Amber under the empire's banner filled him with hope and resolve, setting the stage for a pivotal chapter in the kingdom's history.
In contrast, the representatives from Marwar Rajputana, the Kingdom of Bundelkhand, and the Gajpati Kingdom were quick to embrace the alliance, recognizing the benefits of non-aggression pacts and lucrative trade routes promised by Prince Aditya.
They eagerly signed agreements for trade and land rights, albeit with reservations about the mercenary services offered by Aditya's company.
Aditya's strategic acumen pressed forward unabated. He orchestrated anticipation for an upcoming exhibition of ground-breaking weaponry scheduled for one month hence.
This promise aimed to bolster their military might against neighbouring threats like the sultanates or the Dutch, assuring an augmentation of defences.
Such foresight held the potential to safeguard against unforeseen challenges, including the looming spectre of the Vijay Nagar Empire's possible demise by the ongoing Dutch conflict.
Nevertheless, they welcomed the presence of military escorts under the banner of Hindshakti Company, acknowledging the potential bolstering of their defences against external threats.
Despite his successes, Prince Aditya couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment as each kingdom declined his offer of war materials, their scepticism overshadowing the potential benefits.
However, he found solace in the imposition of tariff-free exports from both sides, a significant concession that would undoubtedly bolster trade relations and stimulate economic growth across the region.
With the meetings concluded, Prince Aditya wasted no time in dispatching messengers to extend invitations to other neighbouring sultanates, including the Vijay Nagar Empire and the Ahom's.
However, he deliberately omitted any mention of his company's services or the forthcoming weapon exhibition, wary of revealing too much too soon.
As Aditya contemplated the moments of romance with Amira, his thoughts wandered amidst the whispers of impending tranquillity. However, a twist of fate disrupted his sweet dreaming.
With a sense of urgency, Hari Singh approached, bearing unexpected news of Portuguese envoys seeking inclusion in the alliance.
Their keen interest extended to participating in the forthcoming weapon exhibition, injecting an unforeseen element into Aditya's carefully orchestrated plans.
The news arrived like an unwelcome gust, stirring the calm waters of anticipation and stirring the prince's strategic resolve once more.
With a mix of curiosity and suspicion, Prince Aditya ordered the summoning of the Portuguese delegates, their sudden interest raising questions about their true intentions.
As he awaited their arrival, he couldn't shake the feeling of impending conflict, a sense of unease settling over him as he prepared to confront the challenges that lay ahead.
With the Dutch looming on the horizon and the Portuguese seeking entry into his realm of influence, Prince Aditya knew that the coming days would test not only his diplomatic prowess but also the strength of his alliances.
Aditya sat in contemplation, his gaze fixed on the horizon, he couldn't help but wonder what other surprises fate had in store for him.
And so, with anticipation building and uncertainty looming, Prince Aditya braced himself for the challenges that lay ahead, his resolve unwavering as he awaited the inevitable clash of powers on the Indian subcontinent.
** Pakistan sultanate, at night in Lahore fort **
In the dimly lit chamber, young Badshah Afzal lay on his mother's bed, surrounded by her belongings, overcome with grief at her untimely demise. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he hugged her possessions tightly, seeking solace in their familiarity.
Suddenly, he sensed a presence in the room, prompting him to sit up and scan his surroundings. At first, he entertained the thought that it might be his mother returning, but upon closer inspection, he recognized the familiar face before him.
As she approached, delicately balancing a tray of "Murgh Musallam," Afzal's favorite dish, she swayed with an entrancing grace. Though relieved to see her alive, he couldn't shake his annoyance at her wearing his mother's clothes improperly.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice laced with frustration.
The woman, undeterred, responded with gentle concern, "This maid is here in service of the Badshah. "
Afzal glanced at her and commanded sternly, "leave me alone. I require no assistance." He turned his gaze away.
The woman regarded him with a sympathetic smile and approached, taking a seat beside him. "You haven't eaten, Badshah," she remarked with concern. "Without nourishment, you'll lack the strength you need."
"I don't need your teachings," Afzal retorted bitterly, burying his face in the pillow to hide his tears.
Undeterred, the maid approached him, soothingly rubbing his head and caressing his back. "Badshah, I care because I want you to take revenge," she whispered, her words carrying a weight of shared grief and determination.
"I had a little cousin brother just like you, Badshah.... Those barbarians.... killed him in the last attack. You must avenge us...."
Moved by her plea, Afzal reached out and grasped her hands, his heart swelling with empathy. "Maid, tell me your name," he implored softly.
With a warm smile, she replied, "It's Nagma."
Afzal's expression softened as he wiped the tears from her eyes. "From now on, you are my cousin sister," he declared, his voice filled with kindness. "You can treat me like you used to treat him. I shall avenge your brother."
Upon hearing her words, Nagma pulled Afzal's face towards her chest tightly. As he leaned into her, Afzal, still in the early stages of puberty, felt a mixture of confusion and warmth. Despite the tumult of emotions, he found solace in her gentle embrace.
As they embraced, a bald man with his shiny dome and pointed bearded, lurking in the shadows observed the scene with a sly grin, silently revealing in the unfolding drama, his plan unfolding before his eyes.