** Purana Qi, capital fort at Delhi, Guest hall **

  In a grand hall adorned with luxurious curtains depicting epic battles and sweeping ndscapes, golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished marble floor.

  Stained gss windows lined the walls, filtering the morning sunlight into vibrant hues that danced across the gleaming surface.

  At the heart of the hall, a long, exquisitely crafted table stretched majestically, its polished surface reflecting the soft glow of candlelight. Plush chairs encircled it, each embroidered with the kingdom's insignia, adding to the regal ambiance.

  As the delegates arrived, anticipation and intrigue filled the air, mingling with the soft rustle of garments and hushed conversations.

  Murtaza Shah, the third son of Hussain Shah, ruler of the Ahmad Sultanate, had been skeptical about this journey at first. However, witnessing the rise of the newly established empire and its widespread support—even for the unprecedented rule of a woman—had shifted his perspective.

  The prospect of joining the prince’s company for mercenary work intrigued him. Were it not for his father’s foresight, he might never have set foot here. Now, he saw a golden opportunity to outmaneuver his brothers in the race for the throne.

  After a comfortable stay as a guest, Murtaza and the other delegates were summoned to a designated chamber by their butler, Yashpal Singh. Doubt gnawed at him—would he actually meet the prince today?

  As the room filled, a sense of unease crept in. The sheer number of delegates present made him question his chances.

  Then, Butler Yashpal Singh entered, carrying a tray den with gold coins. With a subtle wink, he hinted at Murtaza to pick a specific coin from the corner. Obediently, Murtaza selected it and turned it over in his palm, his gaze narrowing at the number "1" inscribed on its surface.

  A hushed murmur spread through the hall as Yashpal announced the significance of the coins—they determined the order in which the prince would meet each delegate in his private chamber next door.

  While some grumbled about the long wait, others were pleased with their early pcement. Murtaza, noticing his name at the top of the list, realized the butler’s silent gesture had granted him the first audience with the prince.

  Before he could fully process this, Prince Aditya entered the hall, fnked by a guard and his personal butler. The room fell into an expectant silence.

  Gone was the lean soldier of the past. Now, the prince strode forward with quiet authority, his presence commanding instant respect.

  As the delegates settled, diplomatic pleasantries filled the air, setting the stage for what promised to be a crucial meeting.

  Prince Aditya graciously welcomed each guest, fostering a spirit of camaraderie among the diverse representatives.

  Taking center stage, he outlined the empire’s proposal to establish embassies, aimed at strengthening trade and ensuring sting peace among foreign kingdoms. Under this initiative, each kingdom would appoint diplomats, with the empire reciprocating in kind, fostering seamless communication through dedicated embassy channels. He then invited open discussion on the alliance, suggesting that private negotiations, determined by the gold coin token system, would follow the formal proceedings.

  A hushed anticipation filled the grand hall as the prince’s announcement piqued the delegates’ curiosity. The prospect of confidential negotiations added an air of intrigue, promising discretion and exclusivity.

  With the foundation set, Prince Aditya delved into the specifics of the alliance, ying out a structured framework for ongoing colboration. His words carried the weight of imperial decree as he outlined the expectations for member kingdoms and their appointed diplomats. The proposal included regur audiences for the empire’s chosen diplomats at the royal court, reinforcing the significance of diplomatic representation within the alliance.

  Delegates nodded in approval, signaling their willingness to engage in sustained dialogue.

  The introduction of monthly meetings and an annual summit sparked murmurs of agreement, reinforcing the commitment to long-term cooperation. When Prince Aditya mentioned the establishment of the Samrajya Sangh Dutavash—a grand embassy hall for the alliance—whispers of intrigue spread through the hall as delegates envisioned the potential of this shared diplomatic space.

  As the prince detailed the voting procedures and diplomatic privileges, the structure of the alliance became clear. His emphasis on fairness and transparency underscored his commitment to an equitable partnership among member kingdoms.

  The air crackled with the promise of renewed diplomacy, each detail fueling a sense of eager anticipation.

  With the formal proceedings concluded, individual discussions commenced in Prince Aditya’s private chamber.

  Murtaza Shah, the first to be summoned, entered the chamber and was immediately struck by the sight before him. Seated upon a magnificent princely throne, Prince Aditya exuded an aura of quiet confidence—tall yet youthful, his presence commanding yet welcoming.

  The chamber itself was a testament to regal opulence, its furnishings rich and elegant, bathed in the warm glow of chandeliers. The atmosphere carried both grandeur and intimacy, setting the stage for a pivotal discussion.

  Prince Aditya’s warm demeanor put Murtaza at ease as he spoke.

  "It is an honor to meet the rising star of the Ahmad Sultanate. I trust our hospitality has been to your satisfaction, Prince?"

  Fttered by the prince’s graciousness, Murtaza responded with equal courtesy.

  "The honor is mine, Your Highness. I am greatly satisfied with the comfort and respect shown to me."

  However, the tone of their exchange shifted as Murtaza’s expression darkened. The gravity of his true purpose in coming here could no longer be deyed.

  Leaning forward, his voice tinged with urgency, Prince Aditya urged him on.

  "Please, speak freely. If there is anything within my power, I will see it done."

  Murtaza Shah took a measured breath before revealing the looming threat that cast a shadow over his kingdom. His voice was steady, but the weight of his words was unmistakable.

  "We fear the might of the Dutch army. Their weaponry is formidable, their formations unmatched. We have seen what they are capable of in their battles against the Vijayanagar Empire."

  As the words hung in the air, the chamber grew heavy with the gravity of the situation. A storm was brewing on the horizon, and the choices made in this moment would shape the fate of nations.

  Listening intently, Prince's frown deepened as he pondered the dire situation. Drawing from his own experiences and the fabricated story of his seclusion, he fully grasped the severity of the threat.

  Aditya acknowledged the danger with a measured tone, and addressed his views with concern.

  "I know their information. You are indeed correct—you are in great trouble."

  Murtaza Shah, appreciating the prince's understanding, recognized his knowledge of the enemy and hoped for a viable solution.

  Confidently, Prince Aditya proposed a strategic approach, emphasizing the Dutch army's vulnerabilities in specific terrains. Murtaza Shah's eyes gleamed with hope as he recognized the brilliance of the pn. However, that hope was quickly tempered by the realization that he had initially sought direct military intervention from the empire.

  A quiet chuckle escaped Aditya's lips, though it carried a hint of regret.

  "We must remember, Prince Murtaza," he began, his tone gentle yet firm, "our alliance is rooted in trade and peace, not security. Unless you are a member of the empire, we ck the authority to intervene in matters of defense."

  The weight of his words settled between them, underscoring the limits of their diplomatic retionship. Murtaza's expression faltered momentarily, disappointment flickering across his face.

  "But what about our dire situation?" he questioned, concern cing his voice.

  Aditya met his gaze with a solemn nod.

  "I understand the gravity of your sultanate's predicament," he said sympathetically, "but our hands are tied in matters of military intervention."

  Murtaza Shah, taken aback, hesitated before cautiously broaching the subject.

  "Your Highness, aren't you considering establishing a company providing mercenary services?"

  At his inquiry, Aditya's face lit up with a wide grin.

  "Indeed, my friend. You might just be our first customer."

  A renewed sense of optimism crossed Murtaza's features as he nodded thoughtfully, contempting the implications of this unexpected turn of events.

  "Then, Your Highness," he said, his tone now filled with determination, "let us discuss the details of this arrangement further."

  Their conversation took on a new urgency as they delved into the logistics of establishing a mercenary company and the potential scope of its operations. Yet, despite their careful deliberations, a lingering question remained—would this newfound alliance be enough to turn the tide against the looming Dutch threat?