The invention is a success. For the first prototype, it is not bad for myself. But am I moving too fast? Well, I know I'm still only 8 years old, but it seems almost... too fast.
"My Şehzade, now that we have succeeded in creating this prototype, I assume we can produce it on a large scale, right?" Cemil asked, his voice brimming with excitement and hope.
Aaa...now that he mentions it, I hadn't thought about that. Producing a single item is manageable, but manufacturing many? That's an entirely different matter. This prototype was only possible because the order came from me, the crown prince, and we relied on the royal blacksmiths.
The process itself is incredibly demanding. The metal needed for the weapon parts must be forged at much higher temperatures than typical metallurgy. Without specialized machinery—which simply doesn't exist in the 18th century—it's a painstaking process.
Even if we had the means, there are other issues. The Ottoman Empire's wealth, while still substantial, isn't as robust as it once was. Political tensions and economic strains make large-scale production a daunting task.
Cemil's enthusiasm is admirable, but this is no small challenge. "Cemil-effendim," I began, choosing my words carefully, "scaling up production will be difficult. The resources, the manpower, and the technology needed... it's a monumental effort. But I promise we will find a way, even if it takes time. But for now lets put this..."
"Hmm, it would not be beneficial as the war was near. But its good for the future projects" Cemil added.
"That point, I agreed." I nodded. "By the way lets keep this weapon for now."
"By the way, how's the people under yours?"
"Luckily, we have for almost 20 people, men and women to assist me in the research."
"Does most of it were scholars?"
"Well, I have some friends from the royal library. Plus from commoners with backgrounds like blacksmith, apprentices from other merchants and so on."
"Hmm one cannot be limited to just one source of workforce. Good work Cemil-effendim."
Cemil bowed.
"I think we need to meet my fa-... I mean, the Sultan for the current situation."
~~~
As Selim and Cemil arrived at the Sultan's throne room, the atmosphere was thick with the weight of urgent matters. Several key figures were present: the Grand Vizier, Moldovancı Ali Pasha; the Commander of the Janissaries, Kalafat Mehmed Pasha; the Kapudan Pasha, Mandalzade Hüsameddin Pasha; and several Beylerbeys and Sanjakbeys involved in the region. Maps sprawled across a gilded table bore marks of encroaching enemy positions, and the air was heavy with the smell of incense and tension.
"Hunkarim" I came and paid my respects to the Sultan, followed by Cemil.
The Sultan looked up from the map he was studying, his brows furrowed. "Oh, my son, what brings you here? This is a discussion for adults," he said, his voice carrying a tone of both surprise and gentle reproach.
"However, although I am just a young prince, I believe that I have the right to hear the council as the next heir." I firmly said.
The presence in the room was mixed, some were neutral, others were kind of annoyed with the young prince believing that he was still young though.
The Sultan remained composed, "Well if that's what you want, you can hear, but remain behind, you are just to observe and speak if needed."
"Understood, Hunkarim" Cemil and I rise and back to behind just to observe.
~~~
After hours of deliberation, the Sultan waved his hand, signaling the meeting's adjournment. Ministers bowed and began to disperse, their expressions a mixture of resolve and frustration. Then, Mandalzade Hüsameddin Pasha the Kapudan Pasha came to me.
"My shehzade, my apologies for the situation, it just most of us, were stressing out in finding ideas to tackle the issue."
"There is no need for apologies, Hüsameddin Pasha. by the way, how's Aydin-effendim doing?"
"Oh, for Officer, he did it, perfectly as I heard from Hefzuddin Reis. Most of the successful naval operation was because of his tactics. Although he's not from Enderun School, he possessed quite a great aptitude for naval warfare. You are good at finding diamonds, I might say."
"I thank you for the compliments." I was relieved when I heard of his achievements.
"Just a few successful operations and he can become admiral of several Ottoman Fleet."
That would be a good foothold, since I want to make Aydin's future fleet being the first fleet to be modernized on my project.
"Inshallah, Aydin-effendim might arrived to that position earlier." Cemil gave confidence in his answers.
Hüsameddin Pasha nodded, his expression softening. "It is rare, my shehzade, to see one so young take such an active role. Most royals your age concern themselves with poetry or music, indulging in the comforts of the palace. But you… you are different. Unorthodox, perhaps, but I dare say, a harbinger of hope for our empire's future."
"I just doing my best, and maybe I was lucky to quickly matured haha" I made some small jokes.
"Haha I hope so too, very well, I shall take my leave."
"Eyvallah, Hüsameddin Pasha."
As Hüsameddin Pasha left, he monologue, "That young prince, not bad for the heir." He grinned.
~~~
After that, I met my father along with Cemil by my side.
"Father," I said, bowing respectfully.
"Oh, Selim," Mustafa III said, his voice carrying a note of restrained curiosity. "You've taken your first steps into the affairs of state. But tell me, do you believe an empire can be saved by words alone?"
Selim met his father's gaze, sensing the weight of the question. "No, Hunkarim," he replied carefully. "Words alone mean little without action. But action without thought is no better."
The Sultan leaned back, a faint smile playing at his lips. "Well said, my son. Perhaps there is hope for your generation yet. But remember—what seems simple at your age often proves far more complex in the light of experience."
"I will remember your advice, father."
"Well done attending your first state affairs meeting. I trust you didn't waste my time?"
"Of course not, Hunkarim," I replied, meeting his gaze. "I learned a lot from it, and I can see the situation. As for your decision to quickly mobilize your armies, don't you think it's quite a rash decision?"
Mustafa III raised an eyebrow. "So what are you suggesting, Selim?"
"Rather than hasty mobilization, we should first strengthen our logistics. Stockpile supplies at key forts, especially in the Balkans, and station cavalry nearby to intercept enemy movements. This would allow us to sustain a prolonged campaign and disrupt the enemy's plans."
"You speak wise, son. But what about the navy?." Mustafa III stroked his beard.
"Our navy has lost its edge since 1574," I said. "We should emphasize tactics like attrition, striking at supply lines and harbors rather than risking direct engagements we can't win."
Mustafa III smiled "Good initiative son. I'll inform them to do that."
And so, we continued the discussion for a few hours on warfare and diplomacy.