Two months had passed since the blockade of Edirne was revealed.
As feared, the blockade was a sign of a coup. Mehmed’s sudden death and the ascension of the new sultan followed. Was it to stabilize the regime?
The usual succession disputes that tend to arise were not even mentioned, suggesting that rivals had likely been eliminated during those two months. The critical task now was to discern the new sultan’s disposition.
This is where Sophia played a crucial role.
As a dispersed community, the Jews often attracted hatred and scorn but rarely suspicion. This was partly because no disaster had yet occurred that required a scapegoat.
This, too, was a stroke of luck. The Jewish spies, already demonstrating remarkable skill, began bringing back even more credible information once provided with a favorable environment and substantial financial support.
They reported that the new sultan had secured the support of the entire Ottoman court, was not so weak as to submit to the Janissaries, and was ready to draw his sword if necessary. Many other rumors circulated, but two key points stood out:
Murad would, when the time came, turn his sword toward the empire.
And that time was not far off.
Since realizing this, not a single day had passed without worry. Anxiety was inevitable. The enemy had a powerful army and a legitimate cause. By granting asylum to a claimant to the throne and refusing to return him, the empire had acted in a way that could be condemned by its allies. The Ottomans could attack as soon as they gathered their strength.
All John could do was secure powerful allies before the invasion began. However, the stories relayed through the Venetian envoy only confirmed the unfavourable situation. Hungary’s previous intervention had been an unusual case.
Sigismund, leading the personal union of Hungary and Bohemia, felt threatened by the Ottoman expansion, which could endanger his power base in Hungary. He had even made a truce with Jan Zizka, the leader of the Hussites, to wage a holy war against the heretics.
Although this short truce allowed the Hussites to regroup their forces for two years, Sigismund had no choice.
If Serbia were to fall, Hungary would find a dagger pressed against its throat by the Ottomans.
It was a strange feeling to think that Morea had survived thanks to this.
Nevertheless, with the Crusade against Bohemia unfinished, it seemed unlikely that reinforcements from Western Europe could be expected. Serbia, now a vassal of Hungary, was unlikely to provide independent support, and having been exhausted by the fight against the Ottomans, it was effectively out of the question. Thus, it was difficult to find forces in the Balkans that could aid the empire and Morea.
“Ultimately, it means relying on Venice…”
How long would the republic, armed with thorough national interest, continue to endure losses to help the empire? They are the kind who would withdraw without hesitation if they feel they’re incurring a loss.
If Murad II begins his southern campaign, they might just stand by and observe without providing significant support. This isn’t a story limited to Venice. Wherever you go, it won’t be easy to find a helping hand.
A desperate entity that must exert influence over the Balkan Peninsula is needed. And there was one place that seemed worthy of consideration as a candidate. Well, it’s a place to approach as a last resort when support from Venice is entirely off the table.
The conclusion was bleak.
There were no longer any formidable forces left to oppose the Ottomans, except for the Anatolian beyliks. The problem is finding a way to unite them and raise the banner of rebellion. Big Mustafa, the leader of the previous rebellion, isn’t a bad option, but would the beyliks support someone who has already been defeated?
The answer lies in why the late Sultan Mehmed responded so passively.
Even with numerous safety measures, the Ottoman regular army could have easily marched south and devastated central Greece. It wouldn’t have been right, but it would have been enough to assert Ottoman prestige. Yet, Mehmed ultimately did not turn his army south.
Was it due to his personal relationship with my father, Manuel? Did he choose to send envoys instead of moving his army simply because of that?
I don’t know. There’s no way to know…
The one who could answer the question now lies in eternal rest. Even if the late Sultan was restrained by something, there’s no reason to think Murad will act the same. Perhaps I’m failing to prepare for reality, blinded by false hope and expectations. But there was an inexplicable conviction that the reason Mehmed didn’t move could be the key to the empire’s survival.
Whether prepared or not…
Time continues to flow. And the era is still testing us. The empire and the Ottomans. It demands proof of which side truly deserves the call of history. The conflict between the Ottomans and the empire—whether this is a trial or a step towards destruction—no one can yet say for certain.
History has not chosen yet.
Therefore, we must move forward.
Destruction or survival. Nothing will be resolved by standing still in fear on this unstable tightrope where everything hangs by a single step. You can’t know if it will be a happy ending or a bad one while standing still on the rope.
I will press forward to the end.
No matter what awaits at the end.
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