Fanfic: The Sun will rise without you
Couple: Zağanos x Mahmut
Written by Valerie
Adapted to English by Valerie

***

They said that Mahmut Pasha had obtained everything, on the day Zağanos Pasha was executed.

Kemal, too, acknowledged that.

It has been 13 years since the day Mahmut Pasha spared the life of former Sultan Fatma - Kemal's mother, and the Great Rumeliana War has also ended for 10 years. After a decade, the Türkiye Stratocracy has changed a lot, the four Sultanates have become four major provinces which are governed not by puppet sultans, but by powerful Vezirs,... Only Mahmut Pasha's image in the hearts of the people has remained unchanged: Still a national hero, a leader they deeply love.

"My sister Ayşe told me to try my best to learn from him..." The 23-year-old Kemal lost in thought. An opportunity to travel to Altın for learning like this is rare, but does a busy person like Mahmut Pasha have time to guide Kemal? After all, now he is...

...The Büyük Pasha - Great General who has supreme authority in this country.

As the second largest contributor in the war, Mahmut Pasha's influence on the country was immense. Not only that, after the war, he greatly contributed to the reconstruction of the country, and was also the one who defeated the corrupted hero who turned into a power-hungry dictator - Zağanos Pasha. When the previous Büyük Pasha retired, of course he would be the one to inherit that position.

"Büyük Pasha, Balta's Kemal Bey has arrived." The soldier standing next to Kemal knocked lightly on the half-open office door.

After the sinner Zehir Zağanos was executed, there was no one left in this country who could stand in the way of Mahmut Pasha. Because, the forces opposing Türkiye such as the Röd Orm cult, the former Balt-Rhein aristocrats, the Balt rebels, etc... were all destroyed by Zaganos Pasha before that, and after Zaganos Pasha himself was overthrown, the remnants of his faction had all turned to Mahmut Pasha's side in exchange for their lives. So everything that once belonged to Zağanos Pasha - such as the spy networks, foreign relations, money, fame, ... - now belongs to....

"Ah, you're here, Kemal Bey?"

... the young man with blond hair in front of me, Kemal thought.

"Leave us." Sitting at his desk, Mahmut Pasha ordered the soldiers who had just guided Kemal to the office to get out. "Please help yourself and wait a moment, I need to finish this document first."

"Yes." Kemal smiled and sat down on the mattress beside the water table, making tea for himself and Pasha. It's true that the head of state is different, busy with thousands of jobs, Kemal thought as he watched the man.

When he first met Mahmut Pasha, the man was only 17-18 years old.  He was a beautiful teenager with a somewhat childish face, small figure and bright blue eyes. He was the person who saved Kemal and his mother. After the civil war, his mother was not only allowed to live, but also regularly saw him and his sister Ayşe. Kemal is grateful for that.

More than a decade has passed, even a hero grows old too. Mahmut Pasha at the age of 30 is obviously taller than then, his facial features are also sharper, his gestures exude mature and dignified poise. Long golden hair neatly tied with a red silk band, the hairtail hanging loosely over his shoulders makes him look even more mature. Even those eyes as blue as the desert sky have lost their youthful glow, people can't help but wonder, was it time, responsibility, or some smoldering pain has dyed those two gems with a shade of sadness.

"I made you wait." Mahmut Pasha smiled and sat down across from Kemal. "The last time we met was 4-5 years ago, right? Since the great parade marking the 5th anniversary of the war's end?"

"Yes, exactly from that time." Kemal replied. "Time flies, indeed."

"The older you get, the more you look like Sultan Beyazit. It's like I'm looking at a younger version of him. He must be proud to see his nephew has grown up into such a fine young man like this."

"Uncle Beyazit is a great man, it is an honor to be compared to him." Kemal smiled. Outside the window, Mahmut Pasha's eagle Iskender flew in from nowhere, perched on the doorstep, looking at the office visitor with eyes as golden as amber.

"...When your sister Vezir Ayşe said she wanted to give up Balta's Vezir position to you so that she can live full-time with her husband and children in Kılıç—" Mahmut Pasha began, after calling Iskender into the room. "——I couldn't help but feel sad. Your sister is an outstanding politician, even though she's my age, sometimes I feel like she's even more mature than me. But she said that she had been in that position for too long, she should have returned the rule of Balta to you when you turned 15 years old as promised."

"About that——"

"However, not everyone in the Divan Council thinks it's the right thing to do." Pasha shook his head slightly. "I know you've been educated properly by your older sister, but 'son of a king becomes a king' is something that should be limited in a meritocracy country like Türkiye. You and your sister are both children of sultan, but your sister has proven her ability. And you... so far have not accomplished any great achievements. There's no way the Divan's Pashas will let you become Balt Province's Vezir smoothly.

"I'm aware..."

"So I made a deal with your sister. For the time being, Vezir Ayşe will remain in power, and you will come to Altın as my assistant. During this time, I and the other Pashas will assess your abilities." Pasha's beautiful blue eyes narrowed slightly. "If you are qualified enough, we'll make you a Vezir. No objection?"

"Of course not!" Kemal couldn't hide his excitement. For so long, he had always wanted to prove himself. He wanted to prove to his sister that he's no longer a weak child who needed her protection, that he's able to support her and lessen her burden. This is his chance to do that.

"Very well. Now you can rest, we'll start tomorrow. I'm glad to have your help." Mahmut Pasha nodded. Kemal understood that his time was up, so he politely resigned and left the office.

From start to finish, Pasha's calm smile did not change.

There was something about that smile that made Kemal feel like...

...the man seems to have practiced smiling like that a thousand times.

____________________

It can't be... there is something wrong.

Mahmut was startled to see hundreds of pieces of evidence and allegations against Zağanos exposed. Evidence that he usurped the Türkiye army to cause war because of his personal hatred, then drove the former nobles of the Baltic region to their death,... That he is also the mastermind who provoked domestic and abroad factions to fight and destroy each other, causing damages to the country and weakening the national power,... Why was it all exposed at this very moment...?

It is true that Zağanos did all that, Mahmut doesn't deny. But Mahmut understands
Zağanos' ability so well, he knows that there's no way the older man would leave so much evidence against him like this. Things should be the same as before, when Zağanos can control everything, but no one can touch a hair of his, right? Even Büyük Pasha openly supported Zağanos all these years, right? Why is it so easy to overthrow him now...?

...Something is not right.

The Zağanos Pasha that Mahmut knows... is someone who can sacrifice anyone for the greater good. His plans are always perfect, to the point where Mahmut seems to be the only one out of his calculations.

The Zağanos Pasha that Mahmut knows... was very good at hiding his true thoughts under the guise of cold and ruthless. He knew how much the purple-haired man cared about the country of Türkiye, but all the man showed was only one sentence: "I entrust our homeland to you, Mahmut Pasha."

Such a Zağanos would not reveal his weakness to anyone, would not let himself be in danger like he is now.

...No, something in Zağanos has changed since the day the war ended.

"I'll do everything to bring lasting peace to Türkiye. That's for sure."

Mahmut has not yet forgotten the words Zağanos told him that night, under the colorful glass lights of the ceremony. Since that day, Zağanos has repeatedly taken extreme measures as if to back up his words: He applied radical powerism, seizing the wealth and power of the old Baltic aristocrats, and drove a large part of them to despair. Some had committed suicide in desperation, the rest held a slim hope of overthrowing him, overthrowing the Türkiye government for revenge. That's the situation in the Baltic region. In Divan, he openly expressed his autocracy, proposed urgent privileges to Büyük Pasha, becoming the dictator everyone feared. All of that only deepened the contradictions between factions in the country, between the rulers and the ruled, between those who worshiped Imperialism and hated Türkiye,... to the point there's no longer room for reconciliation.

But even so, to really stop Zağanos and build a strong Türkiye, Mahmut's faction still needs at least a few more years.

Surely someone...

...was behind speeding up the flow of history.

_______________

"You did a great job today, Kemal Bey. Capitan Brega has a good impression on you.

Mahmut Pasha praised Kemal after the diplomatic meeting ended, when the two returned to the office.

In recent years, Türkiye and the city-states of Centro - including Venedik have jointly invested in maritime trade. This is also because Türkiye is located in the center of the continent, goods distributed from East to West must pass through the capital Altın, but the country has very few ports. Among the Centro city-states, Venedik is the strongest in maritime trade, of course their role is very important in this economic union.

The last meeting related to trade activities in the second quarter of the year, the right hand of the Doge Lucio - Capitan Brega came to Altın to represent the Venedik side. Attending such a national convention for the first time, and being praised by Büyük Pasha himself, Kemal was both nervous and proud of himself.

"Keep up the good work." Pasha tactfully encouraged. "Because when you become a Vezir, you'll have to take care of more than just the economy. Military, education, health care, roads, bridges, art and culture... you'll have to manage a lot of Balta's affairs."

"Yes, I understand..." Kemal pursed his lips. Big sister Ayşe taught me these too, he thought, but I am not as talented as her and Mahmut Pasha. I still have to work hard——

*Knock knock*

"Padrone, it's me." A warm voice came from behind the door.

"Abiriga!?" Mahmut Pasha's blue eyes suddenly lit up, it was rare for Kemal to see him show such genuine emotion. "Come in!"

A very tall man in a long plaid coat entered, followed by a smaller guy. Kemal knows these two. The first time he met them was at the end of the civil war, at that time they were Mahmut Pasha's closest companions.

"Why didn't you two inform me about your visit to Türkiye? You didn't even attend the meeting." The blonde beau greeted the guests. The skinny black-haired man— his name is Cyrus, isn't it? - very spontaneously sat down at the water table, cheerfully said:

"Because at first I thought I couldn't make it, I was too busy. When I got on the boat, I thought: the Venedik boat is fast, so maybe I will get there before the pigeons, that's why I did send you a letter."

"And I simply wanted to surprise Padrone." The man named Abiriga narrowed his eyes and smiled brightly.

"I see. You two must remember Kemal, the nephew of Sultan Beyazit. The child back then has grown into a fine man, now he's working as my assistant." Mahmut Pasha introduced. Kemal bowed politely. He was no longer the Crown Prince, while the two people in front of him were both high-ranking officials of Phoenicia and Venedik. Maybe they won't mind, but it's still best to behave properly.

"It's been a year since we last met, let's have a kebab party, Pasha." Cyrus initiated. Immediately, the other two nodded in agreement.

"Kemal Bey, you should come with us too." Mahmut Pasha smiled. "Let's have dinner at my house today."

"Oh... yes, thank you." Kemal was surprised to be invited. Then, while he was still confused, his boss was making tea while chatting with the other two. Cyrus teased Iskender, calling him fat, and the eagle's owner defended him to the end, saying it's just because his feathers are getting longer, his weight remains the same.

For a moment, Kemal seemed to be seeing the 17-year-old Mahmut Pasha again, with blue eyes as bright as the sky.

The bond between them...
... must be really deep, Kemal thought.
.
.
.

It's getting dark. On the way back home, the four stopped by the bazaar to buy a lot of food for the party. Mostly lamb kebabs, because that's what Cyrus likes. He didn't even wait to get there, as soon as he bought it, he ate it right away, and he only stopped eating when arrived at Mahmut Pasha's house.

"So this is his mansion..." Kemal said out loud. This was the first time he visited the place where his boss lives. Compared to the Büyük Pasha status, this small villa is really too modest. Behind the house is a garden full of herbs. Inside the house, Pasha has many bottles, medicinal plants, a lot of colored glass containers,... arranged neatly on wooden shelves. Does he collect them...?

"I didn't know he liked herbalism..." Kemal mumbled as he saw many bottles with plant roots soaked up inside, while waiting for Mahmut Pasha to finish dressing to eat together. "What a huge collection..."

"It's not his." Cyrus said as he munched his kebab. "All of these are inherited."

"Including the house." Abiriga continued.

Kemal was about to ask who he inherited these from, but Pasha came back. Abiriga happily opened a bottle of wine he brought from Venedik, and they continued to chat while eating.

A simple mansion with a garden full of herbs, a collection of hundreds of different medicines....

...who did Mahmut Pasha get these from?

In the end, Kemal still received no answer.

____________

In Mahmut's eyes, Zağanos Pasha was someone who, when he sent his subordinates on mission, he would ensure that even if they had to die, they would get what they wanted. The man is someone who never allows power to take away people's pride, and truly cherishes Türkiye from the bottom of his heart.

If he destroys that image, which people always believe in... gradually, even those who are supporting him at the moment will eventually leave him. He would be left alone——If that happened, with his lead, Türkiye would surely crumble——— That was what Mahmut thought, as the blond teenager led his army to Frontiere to stop Zağanos. The boy originally intended to arrest Zağanos for provoking the Baltic people to rebel. The boy wanted the conflict to stand still instead of escalating, and then settle it with his new policy. Following that, Zağanos' power and influence will decrease a bit, the discontent of the factions against him will also decrease accordingly, and no one will die. But what happened in Frontiere was beyond Mahmut's calculations. Davud Pasha almost died, he himself was shooted by Zağanos. The remnants of the Röd Orm cult were annihilated in the melee, the Baltic rebels turned to Mahmut, the Türkiye soldiers started turning against the Poison General they had always trusted... Everything happened so fast, and before Mahmut realized it, he had no choice but to escort Zağanos back to Altın - not for the crime of incitement...

...but treason, autocracy.

"Zağanos Pasha. Your trial will be held tomorrow." Mahmut said, before handing Zağanos to the prison warden. Of course people like him don't have to stay in a dark prison like normal prisoners. He would be locked in Sultan Saray - an old palace that today serves as a prison for high-class prisoners, such as Prime Minister Louis of the Balt-Rhein Empire.

Speaking of Louis, although he was released, he still refused to work for the current Türkiye government. What a waste.

"I understand." Zağanos replied, looking extremely calm.

It was the face of a man who achieved what he wanted——

The face of a man who has no regrets.

Mahmut wanted to ask why he looked so calm and collected, but something stuck in his throat that prevented him from speaking. From the moment he discovered that someone's hand had intervened to hasten the overthrow of Zağanos, he had already felt uncomfortable. It's not that he doesn't want to stop him, but things are going so smoothly that it's out of control.

Was it someone from the Halil faction who had accumulated for years and delivered the decisive blow right now? That's possible, because although there were many people who hated Zağanos, the ones who were capable enough to speed up the course of history by force like this could only be the veteran Vezirs with a solid foundation. And whoever that person is, they are certainly supporting Mahmut, more or less. Zağanos fell, Mahmut's enemies were all annihilated, the boy reluctantly became the hero who stopped and escorted the "dictator" to the capital for trial,... this is just too good of an opportunity for him. Is it okay for him to just accept this help, even though deep down he doesn't want to?

His goal was never to make Zağanos Pasha lose everything, even potentially face the danger of being imprisoned for life. He doesn't want the man to lead Türkiye, but that doesn't mean he hates Zağanos or anything like that. Mahmut had always admired this man, the man who ended the war he couldn't stop, the man who brought Türkiye to its golden age, the genius strategist, who trusted and helped him many times. Why did Zağanos change in such a short time? Is it really okay for me to just keep pushing that person to the bottom of the cliff, so that I can get what I want? - Mahmut wondered.

Calm down, Mahmut - he told himself. Calm down.

Nothing is more important than the lasting peace of Türkiye.

Including my personal feelings.

___________________

As head of state, of course Mahmut Pasha is extremely busy. Handling paperwork at the office, attending Divan meetings, meeting with high-ranking officials, foreign envoys, etc,... such are his daily tasks. Sometimes he will personally inspect the construction works, visit, support poor families, or dine with influential merchants. All are important to the future of the country.

Having been his secretary for more than half a year, even though Kemal was used to the job, sometimes the young guy still felt a little overloaded. When does Pasha rest?

"Kemal Bey, how's my schedule for today?"

"Lunch with the envoy of the Republic of Florence. In the afternoon attend the inauguration of Zeki Pasha's new mosque."

"Can you help me to get ready? It's already 10 a.m." Mahmut Pasha replied, eyes did not leave the document. Kemal immediately called someone to prepare clothes for Pasha to dress for the appointed lunch, then Kemal prepared the papers himself, wrote a speech for Pasha to read in the afternoon, and finally dressed up to accompany Pasha. When it's finished, there's still half an hour left until lunch. The two left the office to the rendezvous point. Kemal recorded what Mahmut Pasha and the Florentine ambassador exchanged during their meal, and by the time they returned, it was already early afternoon.

"Bring hot tea to Büyük Pasha's office, please." Kemal told a servant, then presented the proposal to repair the underground water system of Altın that he had just received to Pasha. The blond man read it carefully, then rolled up the paper, brought the scroll to the mosque.

"I would like to hear Zeki Pasha's opinion before approving it." The blonde beau explained. "This was proposed by Zeki Pasha's disciple after all."

"Yes." Kemal replied, his breath turned into thin smoke, his hands holding the horse's reins trembling. It was cold, the way to the mosque was long, yet Mahmut Pasha did not show any discomfort, even though his white cheeks were already turned red from the cold. Is this the power of a head of state? The ability to keep up the image all the time?

The two arrived a few minutes earlier, enough time for Mahmut Pasha to greet Zeki Pasha.

"You look a little tired." Kemal saw the Architect General worried about his boss. "Should I contact the medic and get you some supplements?"

"There's no need." Mahmut Pasha laughed. "It's the end of the year, so it's just too busy. But I'm okay. When I'm done with all the work, I'll visit the medic myself. I'll definitely get scolded..."

"Haizzz, of course you will." Zeki Pasha shook his head in dismay, then turned away to prepare to speak on the wooden platform.

"Today - 1st of the month of Çay, year 88 of the Türkiye calendar, Zeki Pasha Mosque is officially inaugurated. With classical Türkiye-styled dome architecture and new technology, this mosque will surely be——"

Watching Zeki Pasha's speech, Kemal recalled the brief conversation he had just heard. Mahmut Pasha is always polite, gentle with everyone including Kemal, he always maintains the image of an ideal leader, he has the poise of a mature man, his blue eyes exuding a deep, distant look. But sometimes, he caught the blond man  loosening his guard, becoming more relaxed in front of some 'close' people, like with Zeki Pasha earlier. When he met Abiriga and Cyrus, he seemed to take off his mask, reverting back to the adorable teenager he used to be, he even ate a whole lamb leg carefreely and blushed while drinking. When he chats with longtime associates like Zeki Pasha, Nurcan Pasha, Kurt Pasha, he candidly shows personal aspects like his own condition of health - while with Kemal, he showed none of it.

That couldn't help but make Kemal feel like... Pasha seemed to have changed a lot, yet seemed like haven't changed anything at all.

After all, why did a teenager who was once so open like him... became a discreet man who only revealed his true self to a few special ones like this...? Was it because of time? Responsibility...? Or is--

"Kemal Bey?"

"Oh— Yes!!" Kemal jumped.

"We're done here." Mahmut Pasha said. "You look a little distracted, are you tired?"

"N—no. I'm sorry——"

"Well, it's too much work these days." He sighed. "Perhaps I too should clear my mind a bit. I'm going to see a play with Zeki Pasha and Nurcan Pasha, would you like to come along?"

"A- a play...?"

"Yes. It's a new play by the most famous troupe in Altın -  Lir Esnaf."

________________

"Zağanos Pasha, do you admit to the accusation just now?" Büyük Pasha's voice echoed throughout the six domes. Sitting in Vezir's chair, Mahmut pursed his lips and watched the trial.

"Admit." Zağanos calmly replied.

The whole hall was in an uproar. Zağanos Pasha repeatedly admitted to all charges of his crimes, did not defend, did not hide, did not even show remorse. That person held his head high, cold purple eyes looking straight ahead, as if he had been preparing for this day for a long time. That only upset Mahmut more.

I know what you did. I don't want you to lead Türkiye to ruin. But I never wanted to drive you to a corner. Never.

If only you were just an ordinary Pasha, an ordinary soldier. Then we will be able to meet each other in a friendly manner, without conflict, without having to fight one-on-one — Mahmut thought. We could have tea together, we could say bye to each other naturally after work, and who knows.... maybe...

...we could become friends.

After all these years of knowing you... It seems like I still don't understand you even just one bit.

Every time I think I've gotten a little closer to you...you'll immediately push me away.

That day.... was it a goodbye?

Recently, the memory of the ceremony that day kept coming back to Mahmut's mind.

"If you can't drink, don't force yourself."

How did you know I can't drink?

"When I first met you, I thought that a child like you could never fulfill the duty of a Pasha."

In your eyes, am I still the child I was then?

"You protected Türkiye very well."

But what I want to protect is not only this land. I became a Pasha, because I didn't want the people who are important to me to die.

Even though I understand that, I still lost Halil Pasha... still causing Türkiye to shed so much blood.

"Compared to the hundreds of thousands of lives of the people of Türkiye, that's a very low price."

Why you alway have to  phrase things like that? Causing others to misunderstand you?

"Don't think too highly of me."

No... could it be...
...that you are the one who thinks too highly of me?

When Zağanos Pasha admitted the last one among those crimes, the whole hall fell silent. Büyük Pasha lowered his eyes, not even his long beard moving with his breathing. Then, after a moment that felt like an eternity, he spoke:

"Kayıt.
Zehir Zağanos, you are stripped of your Vezir title. Confiscate all assets and investigate all subordinates.
In seven days, you will be executed."

What--!!? Mahmut widened his eyes, unable to believe what he just heard. The entire hall was dumbfounded, and Zağanos just calmly looked Büyük Pasha in the eye, as if expressing his gratitude.

"Accept the verdict." He smiled.

Mahmut felt like the thin layer of ice he had been walking on for so long suddenly crumbled, drowning him to the bottom of a deep, cold lake.

"The person responsible for the execution will be...." Büyük Pasha continued, but Mahmut jumped to his feet.

"Mahmut Pasha...?"

"Please entrust that responsibility—
—to me." He clenched his fist, looking up with determination.

I'm more selfish than you think, Zağanos Pasha.

If I hadn't been able to stop you...

...wasn't able to protect you...

...then at least let me kill you with my own two hands.

"...Granted."

_________________

As expected from the number one troupe in Altın, Kemal marveled as he watched the dancers perform at Zeki Pasha Square. He had heard of this troupe for a long time - a troupe full of women, without a single male actor, but still able to perform romantic love stories that made people cry. And since the patron of this troupe is an extremely high-positioned person, no pervert dares to harass those beautiful dancers.

That powerful patron was sitting right next to Kemal eating döner kebab. That's right, it's Tuğril Mahmut - the Büyük Pasha who rules this country.

Today's play is called "Layla o Majnun" (Layla and the madman), adapted from a poem by the poet Fuzuli. The story follows Layla and Qays, a young lady and a poet who fall in love with her. The two could not get together because Layla's father married her to a noble man; she had to leave her hometown to live at her husband's house. Since then, Qays became a soulless man, wandering in the desert, so people called him "mad person". Suffering from having to marry someone she did not love, Layla died at her husband's house due to mental illness. Too distressed, Qays came to Layla's grave and carved 3 verses of poem on the rock, then died there, forever staying by his lover's side. (Reference source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Layla_and_Majnun)

The actress who played Layla was a gorgeous dancer with tanned brown skin, almond eyes shone like a starry night sky, a sexy body and silky soft hair. When she burst into tears, the audience couldn't help but cry along, clapping loudly as she left the stage. And the person who played Qays was a female dancer in male costumes, with a sharp face and masculine body, beautiful but not as feminine as her co-star. They both convey hopeless love very well, Kemal can understand why they are so popular.

"So good!" Nurcan Pasha clapped his hands excitedly, this long-haired handsome man is always so carefree even in public. "Zeki, don't you feel sad?"

"I just find the main couple stupid. If you can't marry each other, then marry someone else. Why torment yourself like that..." Zeki Pasha grumbled.

"Zeki is so insensitive as always." Nurcan Pasha laughed helplessly at his friend's answer. "And what do you think, Mahmut Pasha?"

"The play it's great, Şara's acting skill is as good as ever." Mahmut Pasha replied. "The story is also heartbreakingly sad, the scene where the male character suffers from losing the person he loves is the saddest scene."

Looking down at the glass of water in his hand, he muttered: "It reminds me of myself."

The whisper was drowned out by the cheers of the audience, no one seemed to hear it except Kemal sitting right next to him.

Wh... what does that mean...?

Kemal's thought was cut off when a voice announced all the actresses to come to the stage to greet the audience. Amidst thunderous applause, Mahmut Pasha got up from his seat, picked up a beautiful bouquet of colorful flowers, walked onto the stage, and gifted it to the beautiful lead actress named Şara. No one was surprised or had an opinion about it.

"He gives that girl flowers every time he comes to see their performances." Nurcan Pasha explained to the confused Kemal. "Everybody's used to that."

"Ah... so that's it." Kemal nodded to show he understood. He then excused himself to get more water, brought his cup from his seat to the fountain in the middle of the square, which was much less crowded than the area in front of the stage.

That's right, Mahmut Pasha is the patron of that dance troupe, Kemal thought as he fetched water. That dancer must be Pasha's lover, it's common to see beautiful women be with rich men even in Balta, so it's nothing strange. He said he understood the male character's feelings... It must be because of his status that he couldn't marry her. Kemal nodded to himself as if he was right, even though he couldn't be more wrong. It's a pity, a beau and a beauty like them - Kemal thought. The scene of a beautiful man with blonde hair and blue eyes giving flowers to a gorgeous woman on the stage just now... was so romantic, like coming straight out of Muhibbî's poems. How admirable---

"Lir Esnaf's women attracted all the spectators again today. No one came to see our troupe." Suddenly, a male drunken voice, as if he had smoked a lot of opium, came from the other side of the fountain.

"Yeah, I did stop by to see what they were performing. Mushy boring things again, how could they become so famous with that kind of stories..." Another voice answered. "Besides, they are disgustingly arrogant just because they have a powerful patron backing them. That time when a pretty one joined their troupe, I teased her a little bit, and they immediately called the guards to warn me. Those bitches think they're noble ladies or what?"

"Well, they're Büyük Pasha's tools to brainwash people, after all. They perform whatever he ordered to propagate this and that... It's been like that since forever, do you remember the play that slandered Sultan Balaban when we were young? It's all his work."

Kemal was already on his way to leave, but that sentence made him pause. What did those bastards just say?

It sounded like they chose to sit next to the fountain. The slurred voice continued lamenting:

"It's so unfair... their troupe earns so much money, while we're struggling..."

"As long as they're under the patronage of Büyük Pasha, there's nothing we can do. Damn, he's my age, it's unfair he gets to stand above everyone, eating good food and surrounded by pretty girls—"

Did these bastards smoke so much opium that their brains turned into trash!? Kemal felt his fist tighten. If Mahmut Pasha didn't defeat Uncle Balaban back then, Kemal and his mother would have to live under that man's control forever! Mahmut Pasha is a war hero, do these bastards know thanks to whom they get to live in peace like this!?

"That's because he murdered Zağanos Pasha." The voice replied. "If Zağanos Pasha was still alive, that sly blond could never be as he is today."

"Yes. He must have killed a lot of people to be where he is now——"

*Bam!*

"DON'T YOU DARE SAY ANOTHER WORD!!" Kemal threw a punch and broke the teeth of the guy who was talking. Under the light reflected from the bustling square nearby, the two of them appeared extremely disgusting in Kemal's eyes. The young man lifted the collar of the guy he had just punched, looked him straight in the eyes and growled:

"Do you know thanks to whom you get to live in peace like this? Do you know how many lives that person has saved? Ungrateful bastards like you—-"

*Bam!*

Before Kemal could finish his sentence, the guy next to him hit him in the face to save his friend. But Kemal, having received basic combat training, jumped to his feet, grabbing the guy's head and shoving it into the fountain. Behind Kemal, the one who had just been punched rose up with a bleeding mouth, trying to strangle Kemal from behind, resulting in receiving an elbow in the nose.

Under the starry night of Altın, far from the spotlight, Kemal single-handedly beat up two grown men. He didn't care that he was constantly beaten in the face and body by them, he just knew that he must kill these two bastards who had just insulted his benefactor. The sound of punches, kicks, screams of pain from being punched in the stomach by one of the three, dirt and sand flying into the sky, blood splattered on the stone pedestal of the fountain—all blurred in his eyes, so much so that he didn't realize that the place was already surrounded by the crowd,

"Fighting?"

"Those are members of a circus -- I don't remember the name..."

"Isn't that Büyük Pasha's secretary!?"

"Someone call the guards!!"

"Kemal Bey!? What is this!!!?"

The familiar voice made Kemal pause, his hand that was about to land a punch stopped mid-air. Both of the circus' members were sprawled on the ground, blood running from their mouths and noses, but one still managed to take advantage of Kemal's opening to kick his lower abdomen.

"Ah..." Kemal groaned as the guards pulled him out of the fight. "Pasha...you're here..."

________________

Seven days left.

"Die, dictator!"

"Blinded by power!"

"Instead of killing his enemies with his sword, he cowardly uses poison!"

"Because of him, Davud Pasha almost died!!!"

"When Halil Pasha was alive he always gave him troubles!"

Stone. Rotten vegetables. Even dried dates. The people of Altın threw everything within their reach, constantly insulting Zağanos Pasha - who was being escorted in an iron cage. Dark hair fell over his handsome face, covering his purple eyes, making it impossible for anyone to know what expression he was having.

The man who was once a hero has become a millennium sinner.

The man who used to be "king" will be executed after seven days.

The man who used to stand above it all, during the last moment of his life, what did he think?

Mahmut can't stand people booing. Riding a horse at the head of the escorting group of soldiers, he did not have objects thrown at him, but his blue eyes were streaked with blood veins when he saw where Zağanos's rickshaw went, the people attacked and slaughtered him there. What do you think you're doing!? Not long before, when that person returned triumphantly from St. Michael after the surrender of the Balt-Rhein Empire, weren't you cheering for him, calling him the hero of the whole continent!? If it weren't for Zağanos' victory, the entire population of Altın would have been massacred by Duchess Lelederik! How can you change so quickly——

Flowers turned to stones.

Praises turned into curses.

Is there anything that changes faster than people's hearts?

Mahmut waved his hand and ordered the guards to clear the road, preventing the people from continuing to riot. Some extremists even attacked the guards, some climbed onto the balconies of some roadside houses to continue swearing. Like a flock of sheep tearing apart a wolf with all its fangs broken, there is no end, no reasoning, even though the wolf has never once harmed them.

"Mahmut Pasha is the true hero of the continent!"

"The one who defeated the dictator!"

"He will lead us!"

"Türkiye's Star of Hope!!!"

Stop it, Mahmut covered his ears as the crowd yelled at Zağanos and cheered him on. Stop it, I don't want to hear those words.

I know that for you...

...compared to praising a rising "hero"...

...you'd love to see a fallen "hero" even more.
.
.
.
"I leave him to you." Mahmut told the warden upon arrival at the Sultan Saray prison for high-ranking prisoners. Zağanos wasn't tied down or forced to wear a prisoner's uniform, he was only escorted by a group of guards. Büyük Pasha ordered that from now until the day of execution, Zağanos Pasha must still be treated kindly, because he was, after all, a war hero, a famous general that has been written down in history. If such a person were mistreated in the last days of his life, the Türkiye Stratocracy would become the laughing stock of the entire continent.

Mahmut watched as the purple-haired man's back disappeared down the dark corridor. The boy wanted to order the warden to bring Zağanos some books he likes to read or some food he likes to eat, but suddenly realized he didn't know anything about the man's preference. Finally, he simply said to the warden:

"Send someone to Zağanos Pasha's mansion, find some books there and bring them here for him to read. It will be troublesome if he feels so bored he commits suicide before the execution day."

"Yes, sir."

Mahmut left, trying not to look back.

___________________

By the time Kemal was released by the guards, it was already past midnight. Mahmut Pasha was waiting for him down the street, holding an oil lamp. The eagle Iskender dozed off on the blond man's shoulder.

"Your face is all swollen." He said.

"I'm fine. The important thing is... they've only been imprisoned for a few days for disturbing public order?"

"If you weren't my assistant, you'd be imprisoned too." Mahmut Pasha sighed. "Come on, I'll take you home."

"I can go home on my own—"

"Don't be stubborn. You can't see the way back when you have swollen eyes like that." Kemal got a full glare from his boss.

"I- I'm sorry..." Kemal bowed his head in shame. He followed the light of Mahmut Pasha's oil lamp, the cold winter night wind brushing across his face, making the scratch even more painful.

"It's okay. They've been infamous for causing troubles for a long time, the guards have caught them repeatedly harassing girls in broad daylight. Everyone believes they started the fight first, not you, so don't worry."

"Actually... I was the one who started the fight." Kemal explained. "Because they... dare to offend you..."

*Tap*

Mahmut Pasha halted his step. Kemal couldn't see the man's expression, only his straight back and long golden hair shining under the moon reflected in Kemal's eyes. He heard Pasha sighed softly.

"I'm used to people speaking ill of me, so you don't have to—"

"But they went too far! They said that you use the Lir Esnaf dance troupe as a tool to brainwash the people.... they said you got to this position by killing Zağanos Pasha, and said you killed a lot of people!" Kemal's voice echoed across the empty street. "How can I stand still when they offend my benefactor like that——"

"Well...." Mahmut Pasha turned his head to look at him. Blue eyes — blue like the sky — — deep like the bottom of a lake rolling waves under the smooth water surface where the shadow of the moon drifted —— made Kemal shivered. That beautiful face formed a bitter smile:

"...Those things...

...weren't wrong, though."

"...."

Ah...
...how could I forget.... Kemal thought, looking at Pasha blankly.

Mahmut Pasha had obtained everything, on the day Zağanos Pasha was executed.

That's a fact.

___________

Five days left.

Mahmut took the time to rearrange work. The rapid increase in the number of allies is a good thing, but not everyone can be trusted. Many of them just simply changed their object of flattery, or clung to him because they could not live under Zağanos' extreme policies.

"Padrone, please rest a bit." Abiriga brought hot tea and honey-added sheep's milk on the boy's desk. "Cyrus and Süleyman Bey are helping you take over the Göz Kulak spy network, so please don't push yourself too hard."

"Thank you, Abiriga. I'm fine." Mahmut smiled, his eyes had dark circles underneath. Now he just wanted to lie down and sleep. But he couldn't.

He can't miss this critical moment.

The period of power transfer between the two factions is always the most sensitive and dangerous time. Those who switch sides will judge what kind of person you are, how capable you are, how strong your foundation is. If the dog-keeper was found to be incapable of holding a leash, the dogs would tear him to pieces. If that happens, the power will continue to be divided into pieces, they will tear each other down until the last survivor is chosen.

Türkiye will be ruined, if I fall right now - Mahmut drank all the milk. I have to show that person that I am worthy of that person's trust.

I can't let all that person's efforts go to waste.
.
.
.
Two days left.

"Pasha. These are the Röd Orm who refused to cooperate with the testimony. The rest have already given up." Cyrus reported in a monotone voice. In the filthy prison, Mahmut stood coldly outside the cells, looking down on the group of one-eyed people - led by Eleanor - looking back at him with hateful eyes.

"The first time, in the Yeni Tuğril village, I and Süleyman Bey failed to catch you." Mahmut spoke.

"!!?"

"For the second time, outside Balaban's palace, I deliberately let you live." He continued, hands clasped. "You're right, I'll regret it for the rest of my life because I spared you that day."

Because of you, now... I will lose another important person. His blue eyes burned with wrath, so much so that Cyrus standing next to him jumped back in surprise.

"Hah..!" Eleanor laughed maniacally. "Now that you realize it, it's too late——"

"Kill her." Mahmut ordered. "Hang her up on the castle wall for the people to see. Only take her down when all the blood has run out. I will deal with the rest of them later."

Then he turned and strode out of the prison, leaving behind a dumbfounded Eleanor.

"Why are you so surprised?" Cyrus looked at her scornfully. "Do you think Pasha is still as benevolent as before?"

Turning to the soldiers, he urged: "Didn't you hear what Pasha said? What are you standing there for, do as he said immediately!"

Eleanor's screams and the sound of her minions struggling in their chains reached the corridor, but Mahmut didn't bother to cover his ears. He still had a lot of work to do.

He still had to meet a person too.

____________

"Finally finished the year-end work!" Everyone said happily after the end of the last Divan session of the old year. The older Pashas quickly go home to meet their children and grandchildren, while the younger ones invite each other to drink. Zeki, Nurcan and Kurt Pasha invited their boss to walk around the market to watch the people prepare for the festival, of course Kemal was also invited to come along.

The bruises on Kemal's face had faded, he looked up to the sky and exhaled a puff of smoke. This was the first year he had celebrated the New Year in Altın, he wondered what Ayşe was doing in Balta at the moment? Has she taken a break, or is she still dealing with year-end work piled up?

Suddenly, he heard Zeki Pasha grumbling in front of him:

"You look so pale! You definitely overworked again! Go see the medic and get some supplements!"

"I know..." Mahmut Pasha nodded, almost dropping his big hat. He looks like a walking zombie, Kemal thought. The skin on the face is pale, the eyes are dark circles, results of serious lack of sleep.

"Zeki Pasha is right, please take these New Year's holidays to take care of yourself." Kemal followed.

"Don't worry about me, I'm fine." He smiled again, that fake reassuring smile. "I have to go to this place first."

"Where...?"

"Does Kemal Bey know Carvajal Imaret? The complex in Chielo Province?" Nurcan Pasha asked.

"I know, that place is very famous. Mahmut Pasha started the construction when he was the Beylerbeyi of that province..."

"Yes, I always go there 1-2 times a year if I can." Mahmut Pasha said absentmindedly, looking at a carpet hanging in front of a shop. "The province of Chielo is too far from the main Türkiye territory, and there are always many people flocking. It is very difficult to manage Carvajal Imaret due to that, so I have to personally inspect, and then have to meet with the great sponsors of that place, all of them are big aristocrats. Only after that, I can officially rest."

"Then there's not much time left to rest..." Kemal shook his head. Working so hard even on New Year's Eve, there really is no one more worthy to be Büyük Pasha than him.

"There is also the grave of a very important person that I would like to visit." The blonde handsome man lowered his eyes and showed a sad smile.

Huh....?

Whose grave is that...?

____________

One day left.

"This way, Pasha."

Sultan Saray's warden led Mahmut through the corridors of the old palace, where a short while ago he had also walked through to meet the imprisoned Prime Minister Louis.

But this time he didn't come to play chess. He brought a memento with him.

"There's no need to be on guard. Let me talk to him in private."

"Yes, sir."

Entering the room deep underground, isolated from the outside world, Mahmut couldn't help but feel cold.

As expected of the prison for high-ranking prisoners, the room is fully equipped with tables and chairs, a bed, a bookshelf, a small fountain, and a toilet. Zağanos sat reading a book by the oil lamp, the orange-yellow light casting a weak light on his handsome face and messy hair. Seeing Mahmut, he appeared to be a little surprised, but immediately calmed down, closed the book.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"...Sit here." Zağanos replied, directing him to sit down on a pillow by the low table across.

"I have recruited your subordinates, including Cemil Pasha and Vasco." Mahmut spoke first. "The Göz Kulak spy network has also been officially taken over by me. About the documents signed by you in the past, I will be responsible for storing and applying later."

"Very good." Zağanos smiled, poured water for the guest. "This is a good first step. From now on, be careful with everything you do on the way, because the dogs will not stop watching you."

"I understand."

For a moment, the room was filled with only the sound of glasses and water. Both of them didn't look each other in the eye, just silently lowered their heads.

"Zağanos Pasha, do you remember this?"

Mahmut broke the silence, took out the crystal pyramis used to communicate with the kulak. It had been a long time since he had used it, but he still kept it very carefully.

"I didn't know you still have it." Zağanos simply replied.

"You told me to keep it." Mahmut smiled. "Because of this, kulaks all over the continent will have to protect me when I appear in their areas."

When he first met Cyrus in Phoenicia, it was Cyrus who revealed that to him. To this day, he still can't forget it.

"You have been protecting me ever since, Zağanos Pasha."

That's right. Until now, and even after his death.

The one who gradually planned to destroy Zağanos...

...it was Zağanos himself and no one else.

He was the one who drew all the hatred towards himself.

He was the one  who made himself the only villain on the continent.

He was the one who ceased his own existence.

From the moment the boy realized that, Mahmut's heart felt like it was being squeezed.

"You said you would do everything you could to ensure that Türkiye had a lasting peace." Mahmut tried to stop his voice from becoming shaky. "But why do you have to go this far..."

"In exchange for that, my life is a very cheap price. I have no regrets, Mahmut Pasha." Zağanos raised his head and looked at him with gentle deep purple eyes, as if the madness inside had completely extinguished. Those eyes seemed to say: Zağanos has taken revenge, has guaranteed Türkiye a bright future, he has no regrets, no purpose to live anymore. He welcomes death as a release from this life filled with hatred and sins.

"You don't have to worry for me, this is the path I have chosen." The older man smiled at him. How long has it been since he last saw that smile and gentle eyes? Mahmut felt the corners of his eyes get wet.

"I entrust our homeland to you, Mahmut Pasha."

Ah....
...that mandate again...
...just this time...will be the last——

Mahmut bit his lip, swallowing his tears. He took a deep breath, before getting up from his position.

"Then please do me one favor." He decisively stepped in front of Zağanos.

"...Mahmut Pasha?"

"You're going to die tomorrow morning anyway." The boy took his hand - who was wide-eyed at his boldness - and pressed it to his cheek. The white cheeks were hot, highlighting the blue eyes filled with despair.

"Spend this last night with me."
.
.
.

Ah... that's right... This is my first kiss... Mahmut thought absently when Zağanos' long, elegant fingers threading through his hair. In contrast to this cold room, Zağanos' body temperature was warm, causing the boy to unconsciously wrap both arms around him to hug him tighter. He never thought that Zağanos could be so gentle like this.

Mahmut's outerwear and scarf were on the floor, allowing Zaganos' poison lips to easily shift from the boy's lips to his chin, down to his throat, down to his collarbone, leaving red kiss marks. Mahmut's face was already as red as a ripe tomato, he could only clumsily help Zağanos to unbutton his shirt, closing his eyes as he felt the man kiss the scars on his chest and shoulders. Like a death row inmate enjoying his last meal, Zağanos slowly savored every moan, every weak, awkward movement of the blond teenager. Mahmut hugged him tightly like a small bird clinging to a broken branch, like a thirsty man in the desert.

Tomorrow he will die.

From tomorrow onwards, I will have to walk alone.

Zağanos raised his head, grabbed the boy's slender wrist, and pressed the small palm to his lips. The look in those purple eyes seemed to be a little unwilling, as if he wanted to engrave Mahmut's beautiful face in his mind, until the fire of his life died out.

"It might hurt a little bit." Zağanos whispered into his red ear.

"It's OK." Mahmut shook his head. He bit into the shoulder of the purple-haired man's turtleneck, the man's hand gripping his waist tightly, holding him firmly on his lap. For a moment, the room was filled with only the gasps of both of them, the sobs of Mahmut, as he tried to reassure himself: Right now, Zağanos is still alive. He was in my arms, and no one else would be able to feel his warmth ever again.

Blue eyes widened as Zağanos suddenly pressed him down on the mattress, bent down to kiss his slender neck, his hand grabbed the boy's silk shirt tightly - the last piece of cloth on his body. Mahmut let out intermittent groans, eyes looking up unfocused, blond hair slicked back, stuck in a strand of sweat on his high forehead. This frail appearance, Mahmut had never shown to anyone, only Zağanos—— now, and perhaps even forever after. Little did he know that his sobs were taking away Zağanos' reason little by little, the older man couldn't restrain anymore. Now he couldn't stop even if Mahmut was in pain, especially when those white legs were gripping his hips, those lips that were kissed until red and swollen keep repeating: "Zağanos, Zağanos—"

It hurts—— vision blurred with tears, Mahmut didn't even know how many times he came. He clung to Zağanos' chest, so hard as if he wanted to pull out the man's heart and run away with it, to own it forever. No, no, why do you have to die? He heard himself asked between sobs. Zağanos just gently kissed the corner of his red eyes, tasted the salty tears that streamed down his cheeks and chin.

Because there's no other way, he heard Zağanos' answer.

"Don't worry, Mahmut." He whispered softly, as Mahmut's eyes slowly blurred from exhaustion.

"This country will be as you wish. There will be no more wars, I promise."

Ah....
...but what does that peace mean...
...when you're no longer here with me?

___________________

"Are you really going?" Kemal asked when he saw his boss had already packed his luggage in the morning. "Why don't you rest for a few days first—"

"The leave is not long, I don't want to waste time." Mahmut Pasha answered him. Several soldiers were helping him saddle up, and the eagle Iskender sat still on his master's shoulder as usual, his eyes shining when he saw his master carrying packages of his favorite dried meat.

"You look so pale, I can't help but worry. Can I come with you?" Kemal offered.

"Eh..."

"You said you'd meet some of Chielo's major sponsors there. All of them are big foreign aristocrats." Kemal looked excited. "I've never been to Carvajal Imaret either, please let me go with you!"

"So that's your goal. If so, then I guess it's fine." Mahmut Pasha laughed helplessly. "You have 15 minutes, get your horse ready."

"Yes, sir!!"

_____________

"Padrone hasn't come back yet." Abiriga looked out the window worriedly. It's midnight already.

"Perhaps Pasha needs to calm down." Cyrus sighed. "Not everyone can stay calm when they are about to kill the person they love with their own hands."

Abiriga looked at Cyrus with surprised eyes. The dark haired boy was still feeding Iskender, ignoring the surprised look on his companion's  face.

"You know that too, Cyrus?" Abiriga asked.

"Of course!!?? I'm not blind!!?" Cyrus spoke loudly, startled Iskender. "Who would have not realized it when seeing him running halfway across the continent to rescue that person!"

"Ah... it's a tough decision for Padrone... but he's very strong, so I guess—" Abiriga heard hooves outside the window. "Is he back?"

The two hurried down to the yard, only to find Mahmut almost collapsing as soon as he got off his horse. Hastily reaching out to catch him, they couldn't help but realize that there was something wrong with the blond teenager. His clothes were in disarray, his hair was disheveled, and tears kept pouring out of his big eyes, one by one, bean-like tears falling to the cold ground.

5 hours left.

Zağanos Pasha will die——

——before the sun rise.

__________

"Now, Kemal Bey, let's go to Chielo." Mahmut Pasha narrowed his eyes and smiled. In the sunlight, his smile shone even brighter.

***
End Part 1
To be continued....