"Indeed, the armistice was as important as it had been announced, and it was five years. If it weren't for the tight treasury, the celebration of this long-lost victory would have lasted a little longer. ”

After tasting the strong date wine, John chose to stay away from it. On the side, Zahir Sultan's hand-picked and graceful maid thoughtfully replaced John with another drink, a sweet and delicious iced sugar cane juice.

"Be careful, old Agrippa is not here, don't make any promises or agree to any covenants lightly. Regretting it later would also damage the Empire's diplomatic prestige. Sophia leaned over John and whispered, "The friction between the Empire and the Ottomans is most intense right now, and it is possible that this Sultan also wants to use the Empire as a shield." ”

John picked up the sugar cane juice and nodded quietly.

"Of course, the greatness of the Roman Empire does not need to be repeated, the whole world is watching the war in the Balkans, and even because Cairo is so far away from Constantinople, I am still regretting that I did not receive the news of the victory of the Romans in the first place! Murad II, not only the Romans and the Eastern European countries were closely associated with him, but the Mamluks also competed with him for interests in the Near East. After Zahir Sultan finished speaking, he poured another sip of date wine, "The knife under the city gate, the commander on the battlefield at that time was replaced by anyone, I am afraid he would not dare to do it!" ”

The Mamluk Sultan, who was so flattering to himself and the empire on such an important diplomatic occasion, made John even feel a little uncomfortable. Even Albania and Hungary, which had concluded sacred alliances with the Empire, were well established in their diplomatic activities, and the Sultan of Zaire made the Mamluks look like Roman client states.

"Our beliefs are opposed, and with the knife towards Murad, I am respecting my own beliefs, and I am also respecting the countless imperial soldiers who have been buried." John put down his glass and said bluntly to Zahir Sultan, "Lord Sultan, you can just say what you need. As the co-emperor of the empire, I certainly have some power to decide on foreign affairs. ”

Of course, this is John's backhand for himself, if the stumbling block made by the Mamluks John fails to see through, then he can also blame the Imperial Council and Constantinople, after all, at present, the empire has more than one emperor, and there is more than one imperial auxiliary agency.

John could also establish his own Imperial Council as a co-emperor, but he really didn't have a few talents, and Epirus didn't need so many decision-makers in a big place, so he could consider it again if it was necessary in the future.

Zahir Sultan did not see through, or rather did not puncture John's subtext, and although he appeared incompetent in his rule, he was not incapable of understanding the most basic diplomatic nonsense.

"Since His Majesty John is outspoken, then I have also revealed the thoughts and deliberations of the Mamluks."

"Lord Sultan, but it doesn't hurt to say it."

"The whole world knows that the Roman Empire and the Ottoman Sultanate had a five-year armistice. The whole world also knows that there was no five-year armistice between the Roman Empire and the Ottoman Sultanate. The Sultan of Zahir waved his hand, and the attendants immediately came up, took away the desserts and fruits, and replaced them with Haman roast pigeons, pytar bread, and all kinds of hard dishes with a fragrant aroma and the smell of spices.

That's the meal.

"I wonder how long this unpeaceful peace will last?"

"There's no need to shy away from this. Empires need to be conquered, they need to expand, they need to regain their old lands. Even if the country is limited, this peace will not last long......" John cut a slice of pigeon meat for Sophia, "Of course, if you have to have a precise time, this is not within the control of the Empire. ”

Originally, when he came to Cairo, all he wanted was to eat some Red Sea spices, cotton fabrics and other trade dividends to enrich the tax structure of the Epirus region, but he did not expect Zahir Sultan to raise such a sharp question first.

"Your Majesty, don't be so cautious." Sultan Zahir laughed, "We have a lot of respect for the empire, and despite our different beliefs and cultures, we have common enemies. I know that sooner or later a major war will break out in the Balkans, as evidenced by the small siege that the Empire has built around the Balkan Ottomans over the past two years, together with the guarantee of Albanian independence. But Your Majesty, I hope you do not ignore the Ottomans in Anatolia. Even though the Empire and Venice had almost complete control over the Balkan coastline, it was impossible for the Empire to build a wall at sea to prevent Ottoman reinforcements from Anatolia from landing in the Balkans. ”

"What do you mean, Lord Sultan?" At this time, Sultan Zahir's knowledge of the situation in the Balkans had been exposed, and as for why he knew so clearly, John also had the answer in his heart.

Zahir must want to be involved in the relevant interests of the Balkans! The Empire went to war with the Ottomans, and the best time was to do so.

"We want to step in as a war alliance after the Empire declares war. The Mamluk fleet will set out from North Africa to attack the still lingering state of Karamanbey, while our mighty Mamluk corps will attack the Ottomans from Armenia in one fell swoop. When the time comes, we will contain a large number of Ottomans in Anatolia for the Empire, and the rest of our fleet will enter the Aegean Sea to prevent the Ottomans from smuggling! Zahir clenched his fists on his throne as Sultan, "This will be a big victory that will shock the world!" As long as there is enough tacit understanding, the Ottomans will no longer be able to pose a threat to your Roman Empire and to the Mamluks! ”

Sultan Zahir's words, John at first glance sounds really inspiring and makes people's blood boil. But in fact, the intention of the Mamluks is also obvious, which is to take the opportunity to reach into Anatolia.

John didn't know if their fleet would help fortify the sea, but they would certainly take advantage of the Ottomans' lack of air defenses to storm the city with great fanfare. The so-called military alliance is just an excuse for the Mamluks to brazenly send troops for themselves.

"Well, Your Majesty, this is an opportunity for the Empire and for the Mamluks! As long as the Roman Empire controlled the Balkans, it was enough to be called a great power! ”

"Brother!"

Sophia let out a low cough and tugged at the corner of John's coat.

"I know I know ......"

John raised his glass again and saluted Sultan Zahir: "Of course the empire is willing to accept the warm assistance of the Mamluks, but it is ......"