A few days after the order was issued, preparations were well underway. Food grains were restocked in the forts, and cannons from the imperial arsenal were transported to their designated positions. The Janissaries intensified their drills, their shouts echoing through the training grounds as they honed their discipline and readiness.
Meanwhile, life in the payitaht continued with an uneasy rhythm. Merchants bartered in the bazaars, children played in the alleys, and the call to prayer resonated from the minarets. Yet, an air of tension hung over the city, like the stillness before a storm. Dark clouds seemed to gather on the horizon, a silent omen of the trials to come.
~~~~
A month later.
While I was writing the documents to reform the janissary, Aydin came by after his operation. "My shehzade, I heard the news, it seems we are preparing for war eh?"
"Right at you, well we need to be ready for any challenges up ahead." I talked while writing notes for my next army reform plan to be applied. "So how's your work?"
"Well alhamdulillah, I have been promoted to have 5 ships, mostly because of Hefzuddin's network, they gave me 5 ships under my command."
"That's impressive, Aydin-effendim. With those ships under your command, I can plan to add some new inventions to your ships." Yes, the one Howitzer I planned to armed with.
"A new invention, my shehzade? I must admit, the prospect excites me. It would be an honor for my ships to carry the fruits of your innovation."
"By the way, what do you think if I want to secure an army of Janissaries for myself. What do you think?" I wonder.
"Woah, a private army? For yourself? Don't you think it's too much?" Aydin gasped. I set the pen down and leaned back in my chair, meeting his gaze directly. "Perhaps. But think of the advantages—a force loyal only to the throne, untangled from the politics of the Janissaries. In times like these, wouldn't that be a wise precaution?"
Aydin tilted his head, considering my words. "It's bold, I'll give you that. But it could ruffle more feathers than you anticipate, my shehzade. If you proceed, you'll need to tread carefully."
I leaned back "Had Cemil told you about the prototype that I made?" Aydin puzzled "Prototype? You created something during my absence?"
I stood and took the prototype from the wardrobe, it was covered in green cloth. "Why don't you open it?" I handed it to Aydin.
He took and opened the cloth, he was shocked "Is this musket? But it doesn't look like one to me."
"It's a bolt-action rifle, the difference is the reload mechanism. It has its own ammunition, but it's not much, Cemil managed to create the propellant with only a few. While the bullets were created by myself." I showed the bullets to Aydin.
"Hmm it is different from what I expected."
"Let me show you how it reloads."
Aydin gave the weapon back, handling it with a mix of curiosity and reverence. I took the rifle in hand, its weight familiar now. I pulled a single bullet from the pouch at my side—a carefully crafted cartridge, small yet powerful.
Sliding the bolt back, I inspected the chamber. Satisfied that it was clear, I slipped the cartridge into place with deliberate precision. The metallic click echoed faintly in the quiet of the room as the bullet seated itself snugly in the chamber.
Next, I pushed the bolt forward, feeling the smooth resistance as it locked into place. The mechanism was solid, a testament to the meticulous effort that had gone into its design. My fingers lingered on the bolt handle for a moment, appreciating the simplicity and power of the action.
With the rifle now ready, I turned to Aydin, who watched intently. "Wait, that's it? That's fast! Usually, our Janissaries can shoot three or four bullets in a minute."
"I know," I replied with a nod. "But considering our current production methods, it's unlikely we can mass-produce rifles like this anytime soon. For now, though, we could upgrade the muskets."
"Hmm, how so?" Aydin asked, his interest piqued.
"We could use the rifling method for the barrels. It would significantly improve their range and accuracy."
"That's actually a great idea. Wait, what's the rifling method?"
A small smile played on my lips. "It's a technique where grooves are cut into the barrel to make the bullet spin. I'll explain it in detail another time." I glanced at the scattered notes on my desk. "But for now, we need to move forward with more pressing matters."
Before Aydin could respond, a knock echoed through the room. An odalik stepped in gracefully, bowing slightly. "Shehzade, you have a guest. It's Muhtasin Bey, Commander of the 40th Orta Regiment."
"Let him in," I said, standing to greet him.
The doors opened, revealing a tall man clad in the distinct attire of a seasoned commander. He stepped forward with measured strides, his gaze sharp and his presence commanding. "I am Muhtasin Bey, Commander of the 40th Orta Regiment," he announced.
I nodded, offering a faint smile. "Welcome, Muhtasin Bey. It seems my father has entrusted your regiment to me. I trust you are ready for the tasks ahead?"
"It is an honour, my shehzade."
~~~
Selim stood before his father, Mustafa III, in the grand chamber adorned with tapestries of past conquests. Mustafa, seated on the ornate throne, studied his young son with an expression of both curiosity and doubt.
"Father," Selim began, his voice steady despite the gravity of his request. "Can you entrust me with one regiment of Janissaries?"
Mustafa leaned forward slightly, his brow furrowing. "One regiment? For what purpose, Selim? You're only eight years old. Such responsibilities are not to be taken lightly."
Selim took a deep breath, meeting his father's gaze with unwavering determination. "I understand, Hunkarim. But I have ideas—strategies I wish to test. Ideas that could strengthen our forces in the future. All I ask for is a single regiment, no more."
The Sultan leaned back, silent for a moment as he considered the boy's words. "You speak with conviction, Selim, but you must understand the weight of what you're asking. A regiment is not a toy. These are seasoned soldiers, not playthings for an ambitious prince."
Selim clenched his fists, not in frustration but in resolve. "I am aware, Father. I don't seek to misuse them. I seek to learn from them—and to prepare them for what lies ahead. The empire needs innovation to survive the challenges before us."
Mustafa's gaze softened, though his expression remained stern. "And what would you do with them? What experiment do you have in mind?"
Selim hesitated briefly, then spoke with clarity. "I want to test new tactics, improve their discipline, and experiment with formations that could outmaneuver our enemies. But above all, I want to understand the strength and weaknesses of our forces firsthand."
The room fell silent, save for the faint rustle of the Sultan's robes as he shifted in his seat. After a long pause, Mustafa sighed. "You speak boldly for a child, Selim. Perhaps too boldly. Yet, there is wisdom in what you say, and I can see the fire in your eyes."
He gestured to an attendant. "Send word to the 40th Orta Regiment. They will report to the crown prince's service. But hear me, Selim—this is no game. You will treat this command with the respect it deserves, or you will answer to me."
Selim bowed deeply, gratitude etched across his face. "Thank you, Hunkarim. I will not disappoint you."
As Selim left the chamber, a faint smile tugged at Mustafa's lips. "He has the ambition of a ruler," he murmured to himself. "Now we shall see if he has the wisdom to match."
~~~
Back to the present.
"I was wondered why the Sultan suddenly summoned me, but never thought that it was for the shehzade. Just command me, I shall oblige." Muhtasin Bey kneel.
"Thank you for your loyalty." I approved.
"Maybe we can start with visit our base first? To enhance the soldiers' capabilities." Muhtasin Bey suggests.
"Where were you relocated?"
"Edirne" Muhtasin answered.
"Hmm well why not. Aydin, ready the horses.. We will go to Edirne."
"As you command, My shehzade." Aydin rush to the scene.