novelraw Chapter 734 39: The Situation
Chapter 734 39: The Situation
The cheers coming from Constantinople were like a loud slap on the face of Mahmud II, who had been sleepless outside the city all night, observing the battle situation.
The thoughts of the Ottoman high command varied, but no matter what they thought internally, they dared not show any emotion on their faces.
Last night's battle was virtually an all-out assault; the main force included not only the Janissaries, the elite troops, but also many of the Forbidden Guards whom Mahmud II had trained back when he was a governor in Anatolia.
Despite the ups and downs, the Greeks retreated steadily in the face of an overwhelming power disparity.
Just as the tide seemed to be turning, three ships from Rhodes Island entered the Golden Horn Bay, over a hundred Hospital Knights, and more than three hundred fresh Attendants landed as if divinely ordained, and astonishingly turned the tide of battle.
A Pasha covered in blood retreated to the camp with his defeated troops, entering the tent with a face full of rage, he accused loudly: "We were just one step away from capturing Constantinople for His Majesty. I want to know what our fleet was doing?
It's one thing if you can't break through the Greek-held Golden Horn Bay, but can you not even blockade the Aegean Sea? The Empire spends vast amounts of wealth on you every year, are you just a bunch of bread-eating loafers?"
A navy admiral present couldn't help but curse inwardly, saying it's easy to talk when you're not doing it yourself.
The Black Sea route was cut off by the fortresses of Rumelia and Anatolia, so theoretically, the fleet needed only to blockade reinforcements coming from the south, which to outsiders didn't seem like a difficult task.
But in reality, the Ottoman siege of Constantinople required vast military supplies that couldn't be dispatched solely over land, necessitating a large number of transport ships, keeping the entire Aegean Sea constantly busy.
In principle, every passing ship needed to be inspected, but in practice, it was impossible.
Moreover, the pirate Knight Order of Rhodes Island possessed many Holy Objects and Extraordinary beings; if they were easy to catch, how could they have roamed the Mediterranean so freely, plundering Fire Worship convoy after another?
Even in the original history, without the influence of the Extraordinary,
The maritime blockade on Constantinople was still not very tight. Not only did Constantine XI send out ships to seek help, but also supply ships financed by His Holiness the Pope and three Genoese merchant ships managed to breach the Ottoman naval blockade, entering the Golden Horn Bay.
Yet, no matter how much he cursed in his heart, he dared not show it, only helplessly explaining, "After all, it was a stormy night yesterday; those pirate knights' ships were more agile than ours, and the wind was in their favor..."
Hearing this, the Pasha grew even angrier: "You dare to talk about stormy nights; our soldiers braved the freezing rain to launch a nighttime attack while you were snug in your comfortable beds!"
"Enough!"
Mahmud II said angrily, his dragon-descendant's light golden eyes fixed on the battle-worn, yet still high-flying four B-tower flag.
"Do you think killing each other will bring me this city?"
"This time, I will not hold anyone responsible, but next time, any dereliction will result in a fate worse than death."
Your Majesty won't give up?
The Ottoman high command exchanged looks. Deep down, they had lost hope in capturing the city.
They just couldn't think of a graceful way to retreat, knowing full well that this was the first major campaign initiated by the newly crowned Mahmud II. A setback would be a heavy blow to the already embattled new ruler's prestige.
As for suggesting that Mahmud II personally ride a dragon into battle, even if some had that thought, as ministers, they couldn't voice it. It could only come from Mahmud II himself; otherwise, who could bear the accusation of disregarding the monarch's safety?
"I know what you're thinking. Yes, we suffered huge losses last night. Just as we were about to break through enemy defenses and seize the sweet red apple, a group of pirates reversed the situation. It is a massive blow to anyone's confidence, but while our losses were severe, so too were the enemy's. Can a mere three to four hundred pirate knights really help the enemy hold onto their pathetic city?"
"Your Majesty, we've incurred too much loss. If we weaken, Europeans, Karamanites, even the distant Tamerlane's dogs from the Aries Dynasty might charge in like ravenous wolves, coveting our territory."
The Grand Vizier, Candarli, said cautiously, "Perhaps Your Majesty could send emissaries to negotiate with the Emperor of Greece. As long as they are willing to offer thrice the previous tribute, we'll agree to lift the siege."
"Enough! I want a final battle with this city. Either she defeats me, or I conquer her."
Holding the Scepter, Mahmud II coldly laughed, "I can hold out longer than Constantine XI! Relay my order: the entire army will rest for ten days. In ten days, I will personally lead the troops in a decisive battle against the Greeks."
The expressions of the Ottoman high officials varied, but faced with this intense monarch, they could only comply obediently.
Mahmud II decided to take direct action.
But without resolving the threat of the Dragon Slayer Crossbow, he could not rest easy.
…
Viviana's meditations were not peaceful, waking several times to look out the window at the still-standing four B Imperial Banner before lying back down.
The battlefield requires warriors with hearts as hard as steel, not poets with soft thoughts.
Upon hearing that the first city wall was about to fall, she almost couldn't control herself from going to support, but ultimately chose to trust Losa's judgment.
She was not an excellent decision-maker, and she had that self-awareness.
Otherwise, her father would have...
Viviana's meditations were not peaceful, waking several times to look out the window at the still-standing four B Imperial Banner before lying back down.
The battlefield requires warriors with hearts as hard as steel, not poets with soft thoughts.
Upon hearing that the first city wall was about to fall, she almost couldn't control herself from going to support, but ultimately chose to trust Losa's judgment.
She was not an excellent decision-maker, and she had that self-awareness.
Otherwise, her father would have...
Viviana's meditations were not peaceful, waking several times to look out the window at the still-standing four B Imperial Banner before lying back down.
The battlefield requires warriors with hearts as hard as steel, not poets with soft thoughts.
Upon hearing that the first city wall was about to fall, she almost couldn't control herself from going to support, but ultimately chose to trust Losa's judgment.
She was not an excellent decision-maker, and she had that self-awareness.
Otherwise, her father...
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