Incarnation in an Age of Destruction and Chaos

Suleiman Pasha tilted his head and said with a curious tone, "Yes."

Ismail stepped closer, getting a bit too close until he was near Suleiman Pasha's face. Their eyes met, and Suleiman Pasha took precautions by placing his hand inside the folds of his garment, where there was a small knife.

A smile appeared on Ismail's face as he said, "Isn't this an outdated trick, uncle?" Ismail said this in a childish tone, his eyes focused on Suleiman Pasha's hidden hand gripping the knife.

Upon hearing Ismail's words, a smile spread across Suleiman's face as he replied, "Your boy, Niburi, is quick-witted."

Ali felt tense; he didn't know what was going through his young son's mind.

Ismail leaned closer to Suleiman's ear and whispered a few words, which had such a significant impact that cold sweat trickled down Suleiman Pasha's forehead.

He turned immediately and said in a pale voice, "Are you sure?"

Ismail replied, "Yes... but how about we make our conversation more private?"

Suleiman said directly, "Niburi, leave the hall."

Ali flinched and said, "Your Excellency... my son is still..." He wanted to continue, but Suleiman Pasha's hand stopped him, saying, "Don't worry." Suleiman's words were profound.

Ali complied when he saw Ismail giving him a nod that everything was fine, and he began to leave.

Moments later, Suleiman said in a puzzled voice, "So, you are saying that there is something that will make my position vulnerable." There was a deep expression mixed with conflicting emotions on Suleiman Pasha's face.

Ismail, with a smile, asked, "How much will you give me?" He had extended his small hand toward Suleiman Pasha.

Suleiman Pasha said in a threatening voice, "I could whip you until you tell me what you have."

Suleiman, with the same smile, replied, "Do you want the Niburi to become your enemy?"

Suleiman sighed and said in frustration, "What about 50,000 lira?"

Ismail said, "I was thinking of a hundred thousand, but I will buy something from you worth 50,000."

Suleiman Pasha, with a grim expression, replied, "Then you will receive something worth fifty thousand and another fifty thousand in cash." He then continued with a questioning expression, "Do you Niburs suckle on exploiting people instead of milk?"

A smile appeared on Ismail's face as he said, "So, are you in agreement? I don't think the governorship of Baghdad is worth anything compared to tens of thousands of coins."

Ismail sighed and said in frustration, "Fine, but I want to hear what it is that you are requesting." He was completely drained today.

Ismail, with a sad child's expression, said, "I have created some things, and I'm afraid they might be imitated by others, so I want your protection."

A look of astonishment appeared on Suleiman Pasha's face as he asked, "Is there a law for intellectual property? Why do you want my protection?"

Ismail, taking advantage of being a child, complained, "It's all nonsense; I need power to give it an official status, and I don't think anyone will care if there isn't a supporter behind it."

A smile appeared on Suleiman's face as he said, "A smart child, but what have you created, a child like you?" He narrowed his eyes at the last words.

Ismail replied with a smile, "It's something special; let me complete what I want. Fifty thousand for protection is just a scam. I also want a big shop in Baghdad; I think the price of the shop could reach 10,000 lira, so it's good for both parties."

Suleiman's expression darkened further, feeling that today would be a great day until Ali came with this corrupt child.

Suleiman said, "Fine."

A smile appeared on Ismail's face as he said, "Currently, the Sheikh of Sheikhs Khaz'al covets the sheikhdom of Al-Muntafik and is preparing the means for it, and he assures that you will agree to it. Don't ask how, but once he becomes the Sheikh of Al-Muntafik, the governor of Basra will support him to obtain the administration of Diwaniya, Babylon, and Al-Kut."

Suleiman's face darkened, and he said in a majestic voice, "That means there is a revolution on the horizon."

Ismail, with an uninterested expression, replied, "Yes, but do you know what the real danger is? Sheikh Mohsen will see your war with the south as an opportunity, and he will attack Baghdad, so..."

Suleiman gasped and said, "Do you mean...?"

Ismail replied with a serious expression, "Yes."

Suleiman stood up and said, "I will muster an army until I raise the head of this scoundrel on my spear."

Ismail stopped him by holding his hand and said, "No... no, you must legitimize yourself before the capital, otherwise, you will become the subject of suspicion at the Sublime Porte."

Suleiman paused and said in an angry voice, "Do you want me to sit idly by while a sinister plan is being hatched against me?"

Ismail replied with a neutral expression, "And then what if you do that? What is your evidence for the capital? You don't want to tell me that you will end up like the governor of Egypt?"

Suleiman's expression fell upon hearing Ismail's words, and he asked, "So, what is your opinion?"

A look of astonishment appeared on Ismail's face as he tilted his head and said, "I'm just a child."

Suleiman replied with anger and sarcasm in his voice, "A child, but from the Nibur family. I know you have minds that weigh gold, so propose a solution."

A smile appeared on Ismail's face as he said, "I will obtain four letters." His tone was cheerful and delighted.

Suleiman sighed and said, "You have that."

When Ismail heard the response, he immediately said, "Let him obtain the sheikhdom, but you must prepare your forces. It is likely that he will move seven months after assuming office, so defeat him without losing a single man."

Suleiman asked in confusion, "How so?"

Ismail replied, "The most important thing for the people of these tribes is their livestock, so rely on building a dam to block the Euphrates water from them, and make news of your army of tens of thousands approaching them. Their unity will then falter, and this could be a slap that makes Sheikh Khaz'al obedient to you."

A smile appeared on Suleiman's face as he said, "Seriously, you are clever." He then added, "What about Mohsen?"

Ismail replied, "When he sees what happened to Khaz'al, he will back down from his ideas. But in case of his rebellion, let his matter be on you, but I will get everything in return."

Suleiman sighed and said, "You have that."