595 The Three Conversations

"I will grant you a majestic castle, and a stretch of land vast enough to house your entire kin. You shall still bear the title of a Sultan, exercising autonomy over your daily affairs without my interference. You shall be on par with me. Within your castle's confines, you can enact your own rules, undisturbed by external laws. What say you?" proposed the Caesar.

"Do you suggest a life akin to a pampered bird, confined to a golden cage under the vigilant eyes of your hounds?" the young Sultan responded, his laughter echoing a mix of sorrow and scorn. "You are a wicked man, Antonius, you are indeed a wicked man."

"I rather thought you'd be steaming with fury at this proposition," Caesar replied.