Since the Circassians of the Caucasus came to Egypt, the sultans of the Burgi dynasty were more than happy to call themselves the great sultans of the Circassian state in formal settings. Although the decline of the Mamluks is irreversible, the tradition of the Bulgi dynasty is still adhered to in form.

In order to prevent the Sultan of Zahir from changing his mind again, John did not accept the Sultan's repeated retention, and Starry Night and his retinue embarked on the ship back to Epirus.

Next, several transport ships will be busy traveling between Port Javel and Alexandria, transporting goods, money, and troops.

"Brother, do you think that Sultan Zahir has been a little too generous?" Sophia stood on the deck of the Ebius Radiance, letting the sea breeze of the silent night ruffle her long hair, "From the moment we set foot on the land of the Mamluks, their enthusiasm gave me creeps. The empire has fallen to such a point that even Albania, which depends on us for its survival, will not be respectful to such an extent, and the Mamluks, no matter how weak they are, are a great power, and there is no need for Zahir Sultan to behave like that. ”

"Sophia, don't you see, it's Zahir's bet. The dignified Sultan was overthrown by his ministers. Do you think that Zahir is respecting us for such an important diplomatic occasion without the participation of any other sultan's close ministers? John just lay on the deck, looking up to see the vast stardom, "Zahir's goal is not to defeat the Ottomans and re-emerge the Mamluks, he just wants to use the hand of war to completely reshuffle the Mamluk bureaucracy." It's a pity that the Mamluks, who have completely rotted internally, how much capital do they have to complete this war? Wouldn't Zahir Sultan really think that with the Empire, Hungary and Albania at bay in the Balkans, Anatolia would be able to take what he wanted, right? ”

"Even a lamb waiting to be slaughtered will put up its last resistance...... What's more, the Mamluks are still a behemoth. Sophia's eyes were full of apprehension, and the series of treaties with the Mamluks were indeed uplifting, but they were also based on the fact that the Mamluks could afford it, "and I was afraid that Zahir II would give us only a blank check and not honor it when the war really opened......

John stood up and rubbed Sophia's long hair, then pulled her back into the cabin: "So what? The initiation of the war will not change with the participation of the Mamluks, and sooner or later the Mamluks will tear their faces with each other, and we will have a serious conflict of interests with them, at least in the future, the eastern shore of the Mediterranean will not be so calm. ”

……

"Your Majesty...... The letter of the Mamluks. ”

Constantinople received the news a little later than Gombrigne. As the Mamluk merchant ships slowly drove towards the Constantinople sea wall, some guards even sounded the alarm bell. But the bright coins and commodities soon brought about a earth-shaking change in the attitude of the port officer.

Agrippa the Elder had just returned from Hungary when he learned the slightly strange news.

"What the hell is Zahir doing? Did the Mamluks pick up the soldiers, population, and commodity income on the streets? Just for a wartime alliance with the Empire? Before Agrippa could take a sip of water, he hurried to the purple palace, "Your Majesty, this must be a trap!" ”

"Everyone has guessed all the possible variables, but the Mamluks really want to play real this time. They just need an excuse for a presumptuous invasion, and as for how much to pay, Sultan Zahir doesn't seem to care. Constantine XI said slowly from the Holy See, "With such conditions, I have not yet thought of what the Empire can give as much bargaining chips. ”

"Are those slave cavalry loyal? Is it possible to help the Ottomans fight back in the most critical wars of the Empire? "All in all, this is definitely not a normal diplomatic method, and it is hard to believe that such a huge territory can be ruled by such a person." ”

In fact, Agrippa has some understanding of Mamluk's every move in recent years, and although the two sides are not familiar with foreign affairs, they can be regarded as having common interests. At least Agrippa can assure that when Zahir II first ascended the throne, he was definitely not the stupid and stupid person he is now.

"Actually, we don't have to worry too much, Mr. Agrippa." Publius stared at the map of the peninsula, "The pockets against the Ottomans have been sealed tightly, and after the outbreak of Mehmed II, I am afraid there are only two roads left." Or, like Murad II, die a less honorable death on the battlefield, leaving behind the mess of the Ottomans, waiting for us to slowly recover...... Or roll back to Anatolia as soon as possible, pack up their own rear, and wait for the Empire's army to descend again. ”

"According to you, the Sultan of Zahir is so generous that he just wants a piece of this feast?" Agrippa stroked his beard and flipped through the Mamluk letters several times, "At least His Majesty John should be careful, more than a thousand slave cavalry are enough to threaten his life." ”

"Well, if John can't even handle this little thing, passing on the imperial throne to him really needs to be reconsidered. Today's Imperial Council is here to discuss how to deal with the Ottomans, Agrippa, and not worry about my crown prince. "Constantine XI shifted his gaze to the map of the peninsula," Publius, let's talk about it. ”

"The original plan, we would hand over the Western Balkans to Hungary and the Albanian Eastern Balkans, especially the offensive against Edirne, would be carried out by the Reich himself."

The Empire's Chief Military Minister is currently in a delicate position. Giovanni sat in this position, but followed John away to Epirus, and Constantinople had to have a military governor, so it fell to Publius temporarily.

"Originally, according to the plan, the army of Prince Thomas and Lord Latius would take on the first offensive mission, but now, the situation has changed a little."

"His Majesty John has enough legions in his hands to engage the Ottomans in a head-on battle, and if a protracted siege is not possible, this kind of large-scale field legion battle can minimize the losses of the empire - of course, this is based on the premise of victory," said Publius, pointing to the Epirus region on the map, "if Athens is the axis, Constantinople and Epirus are the two flanks, and Edirne is surrounded, such an offensive is undoubtedly more powerful!" ”